Because I am MOM and I said So!

One of the greatest joys in life is being a parent, one of the hardest things in life is being a parent.
Not one day goes by that I ever doubt how much I love my 4 children. But I will admit many days I struggle with if I am doing a good job. If I am letting them down, or failing them miserably.
Had a convo with a couple of ladies about dealing with strong willed children. And I said the key word was consistency. And even though there were days that I swear I felt like all I was doing was spanking my kids all day long, or had them in time out corner most of the day, I knew that if I stuck with it, that they would learn that I meant business.
Having 4 kids that were the ages of 12, 4, 4 and 6 months at that time, tested my patience. But because I stood my ground and did lots of praying for patience and wisdom, those kids are now 24, 16, 16 and 12.

And I look at them and think, “I made it” or shall I say “They made it”


But I am noticing some of the concerns and worry never goes away. I spend so much time protecting them and teaching them right from wrong, and just hoping and praying they listen, but what about when they are not under my roof anymore, and this momma has no say or control anymore. ? You see just this last week, we got a phone call from our oldest at 2am, she was hit by a drunk driver. Of course that phone ringing was enough to make this momma’s heart stop. And hearing her voice crying and saying “daddy” made a knot in my tummy form. Thank God he was protecting her, and she was not injured. I know it could have been way worse. Her car needs a pretty good size band aid, but again so thankful she is ok..
Again all I can do is continue to pray…

Than one of my handsome fellas asked to drive me to the store since he knew I could not drive the other day due to meds I was on. And he decided that would be the perfect time to let me know he has pretty much made up his mind to join the Air Force. Now before anyone goes off on me. I know I should be proud, I have very much high respect and honor for anyone who serves our country. I pray for them and the families that are left at home. It’s never been a life style I desired to ever be part of. So pardon me for wanting to be selfish and not share my son with the lovely government and country. But it seems that this momma has to put her big girl panties on and show my son that I will support whatever decision he makes. As long as he promised me, to pray hard and non-stop for guidance and wisdom, and peace. Nothing has been set in stone, nothing signed just yet. But I know, that no matter what I will still always be his biggest and #1 fan..
But, ugh gosh I know that this is an opportunity to grow in many areas for him and me.

Again I say that being a parent is the greatest joy in my life, and being a parent is the hardest thing to do in life.
If only we could rewind time,..

My Aunt Lucinda

A couple of years ago in November, I did this “I am thankful for..” and each day I wrote about people in my life that I was thankful for. It got a lot of attention and reads, and I know the people I wrote about truly enjoyed it. Well, this month was one of my favorite people’s b-day. And I told her, that I was going to blog about her, and actually wrote a blog, and than it got too long and wordy, so I saved it and figured I would edit it the next day. Well a couple of weeks have gone by, and between me getting sick and my kiddos getting sick or injured it has been a tough couple of weeks. So here I am, and going to sit here and make myself finish what I promised..

Today, I am thankful for a lovely woman that was and is part of my life. My Aunt Lucinda. You see I grew up with uncles and brothers. I was the only girl for a long time, until my Uncle Junior married my aunt. I was about 5 years old when she came around. And was thrilled when she got pg and gave me girl cousins.. My family was weird during that time; I think there was like 200 of us living in a 3 bedroom house, so we being close is an understatement. Heehee

But when my uncle moved his family back to Denver City, I had the privilege of spending my summers with them. Even though the first time I went, I ended up crying and making my momma come get me, I eventually got used to staying longer each time. (Hey don’t judge, I am a momma’s and daddy’s girl)..

My Aunt was just fun to be around. She was always very loving, and she taught me how to cook certain meals that I make for my family today. She taught me how to put make up on, so that I did not look like a tramp, and she taught me that even when family hurt you, you should always forgive and love them anyways. Each summer I got more and more privileges as I got older, to go to the youth center, and hang out with her cute little neighbor next door. (shh don’t tell my mom)

One of the things that I admire her for though is the kind of mom and wife she is. First of all she is married to my Uncle Junior, even though he is extremely good looking, I know he has not been easy to live with for over 20 something years.. lol She also has two girls who are grown up now. And no matter what her girls have done or do, my Aunt is always right there standing beside them cheering them on and ready to rescue them.
She shows unconditional love.

Recently she was given a precious baby boy as a grandbaby, and I think it is a sweet reminder to momma’s out there, on how not to hurt your children on those tough days, because they will give you grandbabies one day.. =0)

So… Aunt Lucinda, I know I don’t get to see you as much anymore. And our lives are just busy as can be. But, I wanted to take the time to say “Thank You” for being a great Aunt to me while I was growing up. It meant more than you will ever know, and I love you and Uncle Junior to the moon and back. I only hope I can be as good an aunt as you were and have been to me. Happy Birthday! I hope it is the best one yet..

P.S. In case Junior, Brenda, and Crystal are reading this, yall know how blessed yall are, so don’t let a day go by without showing your wife and momma how much she is loved and appreciated..

When My Kids Grow Up..

Hello Faithful Readers! Yes, I know it has been a long while since I have blogged. I promise I have started many, and just did not finish them, or felt it was best not to share them at that time. And now this site did something new, to where I can’t post pics like I used to, so I gotta figure out what is up with that. Soooo.. School has started; all my kiddos are finding their groove, after a long and lazy summer. No Summer Vacation for us, just could not pull it off financially. Which leads me to my topic for today.. The Things I will do when my kids grow up and move out.. Sleep.. Yes, I will be able to sleep in, instead of getting up at 5am each day for cross country practice, basketball practice, meets, etc… And not worrying what time the kids are coming home, and if they are safe, and no more 1 am talks when the teen decides that is the best time to share.. Laundry.. (the real laundry people) with it just going be me and the hubby, I could actually get away with doing laundry once a wk, and maybe even just 3 loads, verses the laundry every other day, and about 14 loads a week. Clean House.. Yes I do make my kids help with cleaning, I am one of THOSE MOMS, and proud that my kids will move out knowing how to cook, clean, do laundry, sew, and iron. But I look forward to cleaning house and it staying that way. No reminders being yelled across the house to pick up shoes, socks, t-shirts, dog poo each day.. Mommy Mobile… Ohh I am dreaming of the day I get to buy me a cute little car, and not spend over 100 on gas each week. Vacations.. Trav and I want to do so much!! See the world, and we will finally be able to do just that, and it just be us.. Good Employee.. I will be able to go to work each day, and not have to go in late or call in because I have a sick kiddo tossing his or her cookies. I will finally be able to be the good employee that my hubby has been all these years.. Bathroom.. I will get to go pee, and shower, and get dressed, and put my make up on, and not be disturbed. And find things the way I left them, instead of asking my girls if they took my brush or tweezers etc.. Apparently we have an open door policy in my bathroom..lol Food.. I will be able to know there is always water and my cokes in the fridge, and that the box of popcorn is not empty, and that cereal box is full,.. Peace and Quiet.. No more name calling, and playing referee, and hearing shot gun and them running to the car, and no more watching these weird shows with horrible acting. Or the fighting over who got more Xbox time, or computer time, and who took the trash out last..I am thinking LMN channel all day long. Life sounds quite lovely, right?! But who am I kidding,. I am trying to convince myself that this is something to look forward to, but this year when I dropped my baby boys off for their Junior year, and my sugar bear for 7th grade. I realized my mommy days are going by way too fast, yes I will always be there mommy, but they wont need me so much when they move out and I am gonna miss my little people so very much. And life like it is right now, with laundry and messy house, empty food boxes, and playing referee and driving the big SUV that gulps up my gas, is what I love, and I am so blessed that God chose me to be their mommy.. And I would not change any of it for all the money and sleep in the world. So parents.. Treasure each day, even the rough ones.. They are more precious than you will ever know..

Facebook Diet...

So you may have not noticed, but I deactivated my FB acct for a while..
My goal was to make it two weeks. And now I am almost into week 4, and pretty proud of such a minor thing.
You see we were celebrating Trav’s 45th b-day at the end of February. When certain people made comments about me being the FB queen. And how they know everything we do, because I put it all on FB. And I have no idea why, but this really embarrassed me. I thought to myself “Well, I will just defriend them if my post annoy them”.. But than the more I thought about it, I had to admit that I have a serious habit. I literally set my alarm for 20 minutes before I get out of bed so I can look thru my FB, and like all my friends post and pictures. I was in “love” with Facebook, because I enjoyed keeping up with family and friends and what they were doing. It made for great conversations, or to be told yeah I know I saw it on FB. Lol


But, I also let FB control my emotions and moods. I would get my feelings hurt when I did not get many “likes” or comments on my post. Or when I did not get tagged in some people’s friendship post. Or when I would see my friends get together and know that I was not invited. So the more I thought about it, the more determined I was to try to go two weeks without it. I took it off my phone so I was not tempted to take a peek. The first week was tough. Lol

I had my phone in my hand and went to look for the app, and remembered I was on a FB Diet. And I was pretty moody about it too.. But what hurt my pride the most, is I had told my hubby that everyone would notice and wonder if I defriended them ,and I would prob get lots of text asking where I went.. Do you know by the 1st week not one person noticed.. OUCH!! Yep, big blow to my ego. But it is also what made me realize that I was not as important on FB as I thought I was..
And after some time away, I am ok with that. I have learned It’s a big distraction, and just gives us ammo to snoop and gossip about what we see. There are lots of negative post, and inappropriate pictures. And it enables people to be ok with staying to themselves and not leaving the house, but still know what everyone else is doing. I have realized, I hear from my family and friends personally more since I have not been on fb, because I actually take the initiative to make personal contact. I get to hear the latest from their mouth,.

Now I admit I still have Instagram, and a Twitter, but it is not nearly as addictive as FB has been for me.

So, I don’t know how much longer I will go without my FB acct. But when I do get back on, I am cleaning up house, and making sure I don’t let FB control my mood and actions. I suggest yall take a bit of break too. It has been oh so good for my mind and soul..

Update...

First wanted to thank each of you who said a little prayer for my baby girl on Friday..
I would like to let everyone know that this precious little girl...

Is officially a 7th grade cheerleader..
Her daddy and I are super proud of her accomplishment, and we look forward to watching her cheer at those football games.. Go Jackets..

We love you Jazzy Girl..

My Baby Girl...

It has been a long while since I have felt like blogging.
We have been quite busy in the Casa De Los Hammetts....

But I think now is the perfect time to blog..

I know you all know my Jazzy girl.
She turned 12 in January, and it makes me feel all kinds of emotions, from being super sad to being super excited at the young lady she is becoming.
 She has been working her bottom off the last couple of months, as she is preparing to try out for a basketball league this summer, and 7th grade cheerleading, and this stupid Starr Test that is coming. She is usually pretty easy going, but this has been a lot of stress on her. And it is tough as a mom to watch your children want something so bad, and not be able to help or guarantee anything.

Well, she tried out this week for the basketball, and she did not make the team. Her daddy had to come home and tell her the news, she is an alternate player. She was devastated. I literally saw her heart break. And I will admit, my heart broke for her. It is crazy that something so small can cause so much heartache. She was embarrassed, and just felt defeated. She had the choice to say forget it I don’t want to play period or to say she would take the alternate spot, go to every practice and game and know that she will not get to play at the games unless someone is sick.

Now, if it was me, I would have said “Screw it”! Yes, I am not proud of that attitude..

But after licking her wounds and crying she told us she is going to play, and show them she is as good player as the rest. And that she will get better for 7th grade basketball.

Gosh I admire this little girl of mine. Her precious little spirit lights up a room. Her smile is contagious. And when I grow up, I want to be just like her..

Now pray bloggers, that this cheerleading thing works out for her.
She is a natural cheerleader.. And she will always be my baby girl..

The Lovely Life...

Life has been crazy busy, but we are loving every minute of it.

Just a little this and that for my loving blogger followers..

I was denied approval to post a picture of this incident. But my sweet Cameron was with some friends, and playing hide and go seek in the dark. He said he was an assassin ninja because no one could see him. And when someone spotted him, he jumped up and went full blast ninja style into a big ole tree. I got that phone call at 3am, that said Cameron is ok, but he is going to need stitches. So I meet them at the ER and watch my Cam limp into the hospital and have a towel to his face, and his handsome face was jacked up. They cleaned it up, gave him shots to numb it and 4 stitches later he was all good. He is my tough little fella, not one single tear or flinch. Now about that bubble wrap and helmet..

My hard drive at work crashed on me, so after crying and whining for a couple of days. I have spent the last 2 weeks re entering 2012 invoices. I am up to the letter D! Whoohoo. I lost all my pictures, all my pre made documents. And no one felt sorry for me. Yeah tough crowd when you work with nothing but men.

I may have mentioned this little fella a couple of times.. Hee Hee But my sweet baby G celebrated his 1st birthday over the wkend. This little boy melts my heart. I am helping my little brother and sis out by keeping him overnight to help wean him off his mommy. He did so good. And Jazzy and I loved having him to spoil and just love like crazy.. I am thankful my sis trust me with her sweet baby boy.

Last year around this time is when my family was going thru a really tough time with my Grandpa. And if you followed my blog, it was all so bitter sweet when he passed away at the same time my sweet baby G was born. Well, guess what.. He did it again.. We have a new edition to our family. My cousin Brenda gave birth to a baby boy, and she named him Elijah Ovidio. He is named after his grandpa and great grandpa. Two wonderful men, and I am sure he is going to live up to his name for sure. I know my Grandpa must be proud. Congratulations Brenda, we are so proud of you! I know you will be an amazing mommy..

My Boys Sophmore Class is putting together a Live Nativity Scene. If you are in our area please stop by and help support them. I personally have never seen one, but I am super excited as this is coming together so wonderfully. We have a great group of dedicated parents and students who step up and help. My fellas are going to be one of the Wise Men and Joseph, and Jazz is going to be an Angel. Awe…

We want to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas! I pray that you are surrounded by people who you love and who love you back. I know sometimes Life can knock you flat on your face. And some days you wonder if there is ever any reason to keep on trying. I know this year has been one of the hardest years of my life. I got a wake up call, and the only reason I have made it this far is because I finally quit living life selfishly my way, and gave it all to God. We live, we make mistakes, but we learn and we move on, we Forgive ourselves!! That is a huge part And we choose to Love like Crazy.. And just thank God for the memories, and for 2nd chances.

When you hit rock bottom there is only one way to go and that is UP..

P.S. I wrote this blog on Friday morning, but could not post till tonight. I just want to say the horrible incident that happened yesterday has really rocked my world. My heart aches for those precious children and most of all those parents who lost their babies. Just agree in prayer that God surrounds them with his precious Love and Comfort and Peace.. A parent should never have to experience such tragedy..