tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37832136825154511302012-03-18T07:51:23.172-04:00Life in our home. Join us as we learn to dance.Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.comBlogger3091100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-32423085782832404742012-03-17T12:40:00.000-04:002012-03-17T12:40:52.344-04:00

So, after agonizing all day over HER behavior, Daddy and Mr. Boy met Momma at their favorite Mexican restaurant. Momma needed some yummy grilled fish tacos. Daddy needed a margarita. Mr. Boy needed food. As he does all the time. Momma drove up to find them already there, waiting in the parking lot.  Mr. Boy jumped out of the car, and in the little boy voice he affects at times, yelled out,

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-35608423160722928412012-03-16T14:41:00.001-04:002012-03-17T12:42:04.893-04:00

This morning, I lost it with our son, and my heart is grieving. Oh, I apologized for losing my temper. And I was justified in being angry. But, my heart aches because I long to teach him how to treat others, and this morning’s lesson was not the behavior I want to model. Yes, I know. I’m not perfect. Never will be. And I’m thankful that Jesus’ grace covers even this. But, I do long to be

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-12120502500109855262012-03-08T12:28:00.000-05:002012-03-08T12:28:35.892-05:00

For those of you who follow the Christ-man. Who cling to their Redeemer when there is no one else to hold onto. Who yearn to have a better heart. Who long to be a better Mommy. Who desire to bring restoration and healing to your child's heart. This blog post is for you. Sara is not light reading. She dives deep. Sometimes too deeply for me. This post whammed right into my heart. In a good

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-86006685692675419532012-03-08T08:18:00.000-05:002012-03-08T08:18:21.582-05:00

Re-entry wasn't too bad. While I was gone, Mr. Boy tried to take the west wing (what we lovingly call the bedrooms and bath on the west side of the house) apart with a screwdriver, and punched a few more small holes in walls. He will get more practice at filling, patching and painting, but my boys did pretty well.  And my lovely House Mommy, Integrity Singer, says that he did these things because

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-79750525054195255512012-03-07T20:03:00.000-05:002012-03-07T20:03:00.477-05:00

Sometimes, our son makes me laugh out loud. Enough to pee in my pants, even. Because he is truly so 'middle school' typical at times. He walked in a few minutes ago, with a serious expression on his face. "Momma, when I shower, it feels like it makes me stronger." Momma replies, "Well son, everyone feels better after a shower." "No, Momma, it feels like I have more strength. Like I'm

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-67767127106614883212012-03-07T11:18:00.000-05:002012-03-07T11:18:59.185-05:00

I've often admired tattoos on other people. Some of the ladies in Orlando had beautiful tats done. But, I'm not one for permanency when it comes to body art, and I'm a weenie when it comes to pain. I'm certainly not going to choose pain, unless it's a much needed root canal and I'm told I will die without it. Okay, maybe also because the root canal will make the current pain go away.   You get

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-72999111215491121282012-03-06T14:35:00.003-05:002012-03-07T21:09:59.345-05:00

There is simply too much to share about Orlando. I won't be able to remember all the moments, so I'm going to touch on the highlights not shared so far: Meeting my precious Marty. I can't explain it, but ever since I "met" Marty through her blog, I've felt a kinship with her. Before meeting her in person at Graceland Villa, I knew her in my heart, and it was as if I was going to see a sister

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-48252114502846613852012-03-06T12:44:00.001-05:002012-03-07T21:14:53.067-05:00

Even though the drive from the airport was 30 minutes, it felt like we arrived in no time. And it felt like forever too. When I have these overwhelming moments, I close my eyes and embrace them, feel them, for a few minutes, because my boy feels this way all.the.time. As I absorb the overwhelming feelings, I marvel at the fact that he actually makes it through some of his days successfully.  I

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-21795697346835935292012-03-06T10:39:00.000-05:002012-03-06T10:39:56.531-05:00

There will be more than one post on Orlando.  I can't get all that I feel, all that I think, in one post. Unless of course, you guys like schizophrenia. One post would be all over the place.  Consider this part one. When I awakened last Friday morning, I checked the weather, only to discover the very same ominous forecast we had from the previous April. The forecast that brought an F5 two

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-1914382717436980632012-03-01T08:29:00.000-05:002012-03-01T08:29:32.797-05:00

It’s here.  Orlando,  that is. Tomorrow, I fly out . . . alone for the first time ever . . . to meet not only the women I’ve grown to love, but others who will take up residence in my heart as well. I’m excited, I’m terrified. I feel inadequate and giddy. In the scary places of my heart, I expect no one to like me. And yet, I hunger to be there because these women ‘get’ it. They’ve had

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-80661859650085496642012-02-27T19:32:00.000-05:002012-02-27T19:32:21.588-05:00

Our son is once again trying to return.I can see it in his willingness to make eye contact. In his gentler attitude. In his not wanting to argue every thing you say. Just 50% of what you say. Like the average teen.In his asking for a hug, out of the blue. As if he missed them, even as he refused that comfort before. In his being funny and silly, not in a manic way like he does when he is

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-79739340273780470672012-02-21T07:52:00.000-05:002012-02-21T07:52:01.667-05:00

Our precious boy will be busy while I’m in Orlando. He will be learning life skills, such as spackling, sanding and painting. Those will come in handy later in life when he decides, in his anger, to take a small screwdriver and drill holes in the guest bathroom wall. Again. And, if I know Daddy like I know Daddy, he will also find something for Mr. Boy to do that not only keeps him busy,

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-83408568857725054592012-02-20T11:23:00.000-05:002012-02-20T11:23:52.058-05:00

Our son continues to be stuck. He’s a bit better, but his anger still controls him.  Of course, hormones come into play too, and make the whole situation a real barrel of laughs. Or not. He begins to ‘return’. I can see it in his behavior, in his actions. Then he remembers that he isn’t supposed to be getting along with us, and runs back off to TraumaLand, where he tells himself that

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-81740042297749459892012-02-17T07:33:00.000-05:002012-02-17T07:33:22.547-05:00

It's been a while since I posted a Friday Freebie, so here's a link to $5 savings at Bath and Body Works for a free travel size item. Might be useful for you lovely ladies going to Orlando. Or for anyone who enjoys a deal!

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-10020796828961154922012-02-15T07:41:00.000-05:002012-02-15T07:41:36.809-05:00

Last night, despite the behavior over the last couple of weeks . . . maybe even because of it, we gave our son the small Valentine with candy that we had planned on. He was surprised, even subdued, when I gently told him that no matter what he did or said, we would still love him. That no matter how hard he tried to push us away, we would stand strong with him. Did it help? It did, for me.

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-86884003991079823572012-02-14T12:29:00.000-05:002012-02-14T12:29:30.979-05:00

Stuck (adj.) - caught or fixed; "stuck in the mud" Our son is stuck. Not sure how long he will be stuck, but stuck he is. If he was standing in mud, he’d be about chest deep. He continues to reel from my sister’s death and two other deaths close to our family. He didn’t know the others who died, but we did, so in his mind, we can die too. I can’t reassure him enough. Oh, I can (and do) tell

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-35701567089108772412012-02-09T07:52:00.000-05:002012-02-09T07:52:52.635-05:00

Most days, Daddy enjoys being married to a spunky, honest, articulate woman. Most days, with my words, I can either make him laugh out loud, or feel like a million bucks. Usually within moments of one another. There are exceptions, though. Like last night. We are relaxing, me with the iPad, Daddy with the Kindle, chatting and sharing news articles. Mr. Boy is tucked safely in bed, and

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-90980926016009630172012-02-08T12:42:00.000-05:002012-02-08T12:42:49.152-05:00

I haven't written much about it lately, but Orlando is 23 days away. I'm excited. I'm nervous. And I'm having trouble going to sleep at night. Because, as I lie in bed, with my thoughts swirling around . . . like I usually do . . . yes, I'm like my son that way . . . I think about the amazing women I will finally be able to hug. I will finally be able to look in their eyes and tell them how

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-41010007809997113842012-02-08T08:01:00.000-05:002012-02-08T08:01:07.131-05:00

Every Friday, our family goes out to dinner. Except for those times when Mr. Boy is pretending he can’t remember his table manners (to tweak Daddy), I really enjoy and look forward to Friday night out with my family. This past Friday, we decided to go ahead with dinner, and tell George, at home after dinner, about Aunt Ida. Our son was amazing at dinner that night. My friend Kathleen had

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-23769439388979613032012-02-07T11:36:00.001-05:002012-02-07T13:25:34.659-05:00

Snurfle*snort*snurfle Snurfle*snort*snurfle Snurfle*snort*snurfle After Mr. Boy went to bed, for about 15 minutes last night we listened to our son suck the snot far into the back of his head. Repeatedly. At least once every 10 seconds. No exaggeration. We were waiting for him to get up and blow his nose. He was desperately trying to get attention, any attention, as he always does when

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-51153841021436351252012-02-06T09:16:00.000-05:002012-02-06T09:16:54.006-05:00

The bus came.   The school bus, that is. Three hours ago. I've never been so glad to see it. Well, okay, maybe I've been this glad before.  But this is the 'gladest' I've been. We made it through the weekend.  Momma only had to raise her voice once.  At both her men.  While finally dismantling the Christmas tree.  Maybe not a good weekend to do it, but when I'm grieving or sad, I waver

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-2257557211755120142012-02-04T15:13:00.000-05:002012-02-04T15:13:35.390-05:00

My brain is scattered right now.  Dropping little things.  Making mistakes.  Messing up food preparation.  A perfectly natural response to grief.  Annoying to a type A like myself, but one of the ways God uses to teach me to be merciful to myself.  So, instead of a coherent post, I'm going to give you snapshots of grace and mercy that have been woven into my life the last few days . . . . . .

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-9539944936856472242012-02-02T17:12:00.000-05:002012-02-02T17:12:56.232-05:00

My sister passed away this morning. It wasn't a surprise, but she has been doing well lately, so it was unexpected.   As a matter of fact, this morning, when I got to work, I had two messages on voice mail.  The first was from late yesterday afternoon.  It was my sister, Ida, with her usual line, "Hi, it's your crazy sister, Ida, just checking on you.  I will call you later."  I deleted the

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-42991745322148811082012-01-31T15:46:00.000-05:002012-01-31T15:46:46.917-05:00

I haven’t blogged much lately. As I have mentioned, it’s been a tough January. Work-wise and health-wise. Both are looking up, though. In case you think I have just been avoiding the blog, I want you to know that our Christmas tree is still waiting to be taken down. Yes, we have turned into one of ‘those’ families this year. The tree is bothering me more than the work schedule. I’m sure

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-88250265220307518302012-01-24T20:26:00.000-05:002012-01-24T20:26:27.333-05:00

Right now, I'm operating on adrenaline.  I'm working 10 hours a day, six days a week, and I have to kick that up a notch for the next week.  So, if I seem abrupt or a bit brusque, please forgive me. I'm tired.  Really tired.  But, there is something I wanted to share.  Something I've noticed with our son.  Something that may or may not be useful to anyone else.   When our son moved into our

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-14358402430515114662012-01-14T20:13:00.000-05:002012-01-14T20:13:04.608-05:00

Sigh. I seem to be doing this a lot lately. Sighing.   It's been a tough month.  Since mid-December, I've worked every day except Christmas and New Years days.  We've had software changes, tax changes, organizational changes, and other odds and ends of changes at the office.  It feels as if I've been in the midst of a raging avalanche. Let's call it uncontrolled chaos. This chaos was

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-39068885011655193772012-01-14T08:44:00.000-05:002012-01-14T08:44:01.131-05:00

I remember one day, long ago, when my Aunt Lucille told me about the teenage years. She has lived not only through her own three children growing up, but has had the pleasure of observing her grandchildren as they journeyed through their own teenage angst.  She's now awaiting this blissful time with her great-grandchildren. I recall her describing that terrible, dark day, when her sweet, caring

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-73817060660251388102012-01-08T17:19:00.000-05:002012-01-08T17:19:19.983-05:00

No, this is not some big revelation for my housemates in Orlando. Nor something that should have been on my list of 7 things yesterday. It's actually what came close to happening today. My husband is the quiet one in the family.  So, when he speaks, it is worth listening to . . .unlike the rest of us in the family.   And today, he was in rare form. George, as we drove by an assisted

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-53328504608189152182012-01-07T21:01:00.000-05:002012-01-07T21:01:51.829-05:00

I know. The title doesn't represent what this post is going to be about. Because, most of us would jump to a bad conclusion when we see a title like that. Instead, it's a reference to what my friend who blogs at Last Mom did for me. It wasn't anything bad. Actually, it was very sweet.  And it was the kick in the pants I needed to get back to blogging.  Thank you, my sweet friend, for the

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-15301810532960631752011-12-17T15:41:00.000-05:002011-12-17T15:41:11.774-05:00

This holiday season has been tough.  Our son struggles, and our hope and prayer is that he doesn't go too far and make terrible life-changing choices. This morning, I had breakfast with the most amazing women I know in real life. (You know, as opposed to you guys . . . many of whom will be 'in real life' after March ... yay!) We planned a baby shower for my sweet friend K. And yes, you remember

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-61419984552843301272011-12-15T21:34:00.000-05:002011-12-15T21:34:45.854-05:00

Some days, I wonder if our son will make it to adulthood without spending time in juvie. Seriously. Like today. He rolls along for a while, with some minor to medium bumps and potholes in his life, then he reaches a cliff and simply strolls off of it. Like it's not a major mistake to do so.   And when he does saunter off his cliffs, Mom and Dad are left wondering if there will be major

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-91194677426384329132011-12-14T12:04:00.000-05:002011-12-14T12:04:09.972-05:00

We are smack-dab in the middle of the over the top crazies slap them around emotionally holiday season. If there was any way I could go into our son’s mind and gently wipe away the trauma, I’d do it. In a heartbeat. But I can’t. It’s our fourth Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year together, and he struggles mightily. Oh, how he struggles! He zooms back and forth between flinging the filth from his

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-4482064945786711272011-12-12T16:25:00.001-05:002011-12-12T16:27:41.762-05:00

Today, we are playing the teen version of the family game Cause and Effect! You know, the game where parents try desperately to teach their children that for every action . . . there is a reaction. For every bad choice . . . there is a natural consequence. And in our family, for every act of angry destructiveness . . . there is a price to pay. Which brings us to this past weekend . . . Our

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-23514952835259653072011-12-10T11:13:00.000-05:002011-12-10T11:13:31.249-05:00

Or does it? In our son's mind, money grows on trees.  Or maybe it's just hanging there on the rose bushes out front, and we pick some on our way to the store. There will be a second part to this post (and maybe a third), but we have to make a purchase first. You know, with the money we pick off the rose bush. Many of you out there probably already do something similar to this, but for the

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-21207692021584555052011-12-07T12:10:00.000-05:002011-12-07T12:10:27.775-05:00

So, yesterday wasn’t the best of birthdays. Our boy struggled. Let me rephrase that. He was already struggling, I just discovered it yesterday. I went searching because he was exhibiting extremely manic behavior. That’s what he does when he has done something wrong and believes he will be caught. So I tossed his room. Yes, we are those parents. You know, the ones who foolishly believe

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-8617378807378296562011-12-05T20:56:00.000-05:002011-12-05T20:56:56.254-05:00

My birthday has always been a mixed bag.  Most of the time, if I'm going to be honest, I've dreaded it.  It falls smack-dab in the middle of a season that was pretty horrific for me as a child.  For our son too, before he came to us. And as we wrestle with the demons of his past, the holiday season continues to be a mixed bag in our home.    Oh, we have our moments. And we thank God for those

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-32564391480081880002011-12-02T12:42:00.000-05:002011-12-02T12:42:15.681-05:00

There are moments that simply have to be shared. Because laughter should always be shared with friends. In our home, moments like these usually arise from Mr. Boy just opening his mouth. I will always believe God gave our child a great sense of humor and a silliness that is endearing, because He knew how tough it would be, at times, to parent him. His baggage is not his fault, but that doesn

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-5744690799941552962011-11-24T16:17:00.000-05:002011-11-24T16:17:17.350-05:00

Thanksgiving. thanks·giv·ing/ˌTHaNGksˈgiviNG/An act of giving thanks; an expression of gratitude, especially to God: a hymn of thanksgiving Today, we celebrate the blessings we have. This celebration started with our forefathers, and their thanksgiving for survival through the brutal winters they endured in the first few years at Plymouth. I'm grateful they survived, and our family is blessed

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-78645971686795992102011-11-21T15:08:00.000-05:002011-11-21T15:08:55.852-05:00

Deceit. That's what hurts the most. Deceitfulness. Directed toward us. Directed toward his teachers. Directed toward everyone. As if tricking or fooling people gives our son power. Puts him in the control booth of life. I just got a telephone call from my son. Who is supposed to be in class. Who doesn't have a cell phone. He was calling on his history teacher's cell phone. Because Mr.

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-42357658995246073832011-11-18T20:46:00.000-05:002011-11-18T20:46:43.933-05:00

Ever miss out on a great deal at Gr*upon or LivingS*cial? If so, you can always check CoupRecoup, to see if someone is willing to sell theirs.  Think of it as a Cr@igsList for Gr*upons. Want to begin couponing and don't know where to start?  Have coupons you'd like to trade for some you actually want to use? Then C*uponForum is the place for you.  Everything couponing and more. Enjoy!

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-69872235760487557512011-11-18T20:45:00.001-05:002011-11-18T20:47:30.428-05:00

I remember a time when we had loftier goals for our son. Goals like college, success in life, a family who loves him, etc. Today our goal is making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Oh, we haven't given up on the other goals. They are just in their proper place now. If our son learns to love and serve God, we know he will be successful without measure. If he learns to have relationships

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-60287993321885585152011-11-17T19:54:00.000-05:002011-11-17T19:54:53.350-05:00

Things have been wild around here, and I'm hoping that this week they will finally settle down a bit.   We've been doing the porcupine dance a lot. The traumaversary blues have been playing, and they aren't very much fun to dance to.  We are hoping, as time passes, the pain of traumaversaries won't be so severe, but for now that doesn't seem like it will happen any time soon.     We can always

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-58963312942712107852011-11-01T15:27:00.000-04:002011-11-01T15:27:58.517-04:00

It’s been a few tough weeks. First, I was sick, then Daddy was sick, then we were both sick. (I can 'see' a country music song somewhere in there.) And since he is 13, in puberty, and a child of trauma, Mr. Boy has been unusually snarly, defiant, whiny, and extremely devious. At times, heartbreakingly so. I have been busy at work, meeting quarter-end deadlines. We are in the process of refin@

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-89622903029119018192011-10-22T19:36:00.000-04:002011-10-22T19:36:46.852-04:00

The winner of Kisses from Katie is Dorothy. Looks like she will be able to revise that Christmas list.  :-) For those who wonder, Daddy pulled Dorothy's name out of the bowl.  Dorothy, email your snail-mail address to barbeyg@gmail.com when you get a chance, and I will have the book shipped directly to you. Hope you are all having a great weekend!

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-33612360366685764572011-10-21T12:58:00.000-04:002011-10-21T12:58:09.298-04:00

Note to self: Consider changing the cell phone ringtone designated for the school. Assigning The Twilight Zone theme was quite funny at the time . . . and fit my dry wit perfectly. But hearing it 'live' is heart-skipping and nauseating. After all, on very, very, very rare occasions (think satan wearing a heavy winter coat) the reason for the call is not bad. Not only that, I don't know if

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-45498940474445545792011-10-21T06:24:00.000-04:002011-10-21T06:24:37.945-04:00

I bought a new computer back in January. At that time, Microsoft Office seemed a bit pricey, and I thought I wouldn't need Word.  But I did. Not often, but on occasion. The sporadic usage didn't justify the cost. And then I found Open Office, which is compatible with Microsoft Office. What's the cost? It's free. Can't beat the price. And it's a complete office software suite.

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-82252262573797479342011-10-21T06:23:00.000-04:002011-10-21T06:23:29.086-04:00

Three days. Three days. That shows the anger, the ugliness, the bitterness in our child's heart. Because it took him three days to apologize. Not that he's sorry for what he did.  He's sorry he got caught, and when he gets caught, his first response is anger at the person who caught him. That would be me . . . and the lady that works in the lunchroom at school. No, I'm saying it took three

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-13835733674207030742011-10-19T13:51:00.001-04:002011-10-19T15:14:23.043-04:00

I have a love/hate relationship with the Peer Counseling course. Really.  And today? I hate it.  Hate it, hate it, hate it.  Because the articles we have to contemplate seem to be too very timely in our family. Since I'm on a roll with this whining, I would like to say that sometimes God's timing isn't amusing.  Not at all.  Sometimes, it sets me off instead.  Sometimes, it makes me throw a

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-54731093093753646152011-10-16T14:39:00.000-04:002011-10-16T14:39:13.747-04:00

Sometimes, others write it better than you ever could. So you share their words of wisdom, with everyone you know. Dorothy talked about whether love is enough on her blog. There's nothing else I can add to this.

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-267529148006249052011-10-16T09:50:00.000-04:002011-10-16T09:50:04.527-04:00

Fifteen years ago, when Christ took up residence in my heart, I struggled so much with forgiveness. Who am I fooling? I continue to struggle with forgiveness . . . just not to the same degree. Back then, I had a heart filled with bitterness over the abuse I suffered as a child. Today, I still know it to be an injustice, but now I see more clearly. In my mind's eye, I visualize a Carpenter, One

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-87009562132307865852011-10-14T07:47:00.000-04:002011-10-14T07:47:36.853-04:00

Because Kisses from Katie is such a heart-changing book . . . Because I love you guys more than you can know . . . Today's Friday Freebie is a copy of Kisses from Katie, shipped directly from Am@zon to whoever wins it. To win the book, simply respond on this post, on my personal FB wall (if you are a friend there), or send me an email at barbeyg@gmail.com .  Just say you would like the book.

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-34894856046111569662011-10-13T13:51:00.000-04:002011-10-13T13:51:58.985-04:00

While I've been 'away' from the blog, I've been thinking about empathy. empathy [ˈɛmpəθɪ] the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner I've been told I'm

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-88364004524010970322011-10-10T12:20:00.001-04:002011-10-10T12:21:08.013-04:00

How He loves us ... You, me, our kids ... Praying I never forget that ... Hoping you rest in the knowledge of His great love for you today. Love you all.

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-59091942411139919202011-10-07T14:18:00.000-04:002011-10-07T14:18:01.563-04:00

My schedule has been nonstop, but I promise to post sometime soon.  Lots of stuff mulling around in my mind. However, here's the Friday Freebie. Before ordering through the internet, hop over to FreeShipping to see if you can get that item shipped for free! Because we love free!! Enjoy.

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-82461276919221907662011-09-30T12:35:00.000-04:002011-09-30T12:35:44.538-04:00

Free Cookie, anyone? Head into Gre@t Americ@n Cooki*es this Saturday for one.  Click on the link above for details. How about a free slow cooker recipe book? Head on over to F@mily Circl*es fb page, like them, and get a printable booklet with 15 favorites from the magazine. Enjoy!

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-66629373463076354992011-09-29T12:48:00.000-04:002011-09-29T12:48:21.931-04:00

Before we move on, let's look at Secure attachment. Remember how we described Ambivalent style? That person believes she is not worthy of love and unable to 'get it' for herself. She also believes others are capable of meeting her needs, but because she isn't worthy, they may not. Avoidants believe they are worthy of love, and capable of getting it for themselves, but dont' believe others will

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-79070291696634250342011-09-27T12:51:00.000-04:002011-09-27T12:51:54.494-04:00

This morning was not a shining moment. In fact, it was deeply disappointing for me. I do my best to prepare for the onslaught. I remind myself that our son will strike back, after his heart has been vulnerable. Most of the time, I have (at least) minimal success with being therapeutic through the storm. This morning I didn't. It wasn't my worst moment, but I'm very disappointed in me today. I

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-5005693764955364622011-09-26T21:15:00.000-04:002011-09-26T21:15:47.227-04:00

Our son's Secti*n 5O4 meeting was today. It went well, and we all agreed that one binder would probably work best for our son, with dividers for each class.  It took 20 minutes to empty his locker, and 2.5 hours tonight to straighten out his mess tonight ... after only 8 weeks of school. I am exhausted. But that's not what I want to share. His Social Studies teacher, who we will call Mr. Man,

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-74958282202752897282011-09-26T13:49:00.000-04:002011-09-26T13:49:31.276-04:00

The past two months have been difficult, since our son returned to intensive therapy. He is angry with us, and by Sunday evening of each weekend, makes sure we know it, since therapy is Mondays and Wednesdays. But, despite the challenges, we still have our moments. And, at our best, Daddy and Momma can shine. Daddy shined this past weekend.  We were talking with Mr. Boy about how he

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-81243386937588283792011-09-25T19:34:00.000-04:002011-09-25T19:34:26.711-04:00

I've been told I am frank. Not the man, but the word: (adj) frank:  blunt, candid, forthright, frank, free-spoken, outspoken, plainspoken, point-blank, straight-from-the-shoulder; characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion  Yep. Words of affirmation are my love language. Which means I am gifted with words. And sometimes, instead of speaking words of

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-34777224497532296292011-09-23T09:42:00.000-04:002011-09-23T09:42:04.117-04:00

I've been working on the info for our son's Section 504 plan at his school. I have a written biography, detailing the basics on his past, the trauma he endured, and how it is reflected in his life today. I don't go into much detail on the trauma, but instead make sure his teachers know it was horrific. I list his strengths, weaknesses, what he needs, what works for him, and I explain about the

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-3462801660470983742011-09-22T12:30:00.000-04:002011-09-22T12:30:08.183-04:00

If you haven't read the other posts in this series, here you go: Part 1 Part 2 There was a question from the last post that introduces this post, so I'm beginning with it:  Kathleen asked: Curious... have you studied adult attachment styles and how these relate? Kathleen, I'm still plowing through the book (and doing research on my own -- call me anal).  I am hoping for even more

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-71943842062947405052011-09-21T08:34:00.000-04:002011-09-21T08:34:12.317-04:00

Go to Wendy's F@cebook P@ge, click Like, and scroll down to the "Free Dave's Hot and Juicy Single". Click on that for up to two free singles at Wendy's with the purchase of a small fry and a small drink. Not sure how long this will last, so hurry over. Enjoy!

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-14515005226937452282011-09-20T16:41:00.000-04:002011-09-20T16:41:26.397-04:00

If you are arriving here before reading the first post in this series, here is a link to the other one: Post 1 I've been mulling over how to handle this one.  I didn't know if I should go into detail on the attachment styles, which could take several posts to cover, but would never really do them justice. Or to simply link some of my favorite web info. I've decided to give you links. But

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-63975519532147572012011-09-20T15:47:00.000-04:002011-09-20T16:42:13.854-04:00

For some, the link in the last post will seem very bleak. Since I'm a 'glass half full' kinda gal, I was able to browse through it, looking for information that can educate me about this boy who 'chooses' drama and tries to lead us all to traumatic experiences regularly. For me, it is enlightening to know that our kid isn't mostly whacked, but instead is acting out of the trauma he experienced.

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-34817913128587708912011-09-20T09:57:00.002-04:002011-09-20T16:42:13.856-04:00

Edited to add: The article attached to this post helped me understand why our child chooses drama/revisiting trauma. If you are faint of heart, or prone to a glass 'half empty' perspective, you might not want to read it. It is difficult to read. I apologize to anyone it might upset. Like me, you probably already knew this in your heart. But reading it in detail can be quite sobering.

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-37885337729630827972011-09-16T07:56:00.000-04:002011-09-20T12:39:50.615-04:00

This freebie IS guaranteed, and anyone (including our Canadian friends) should be able to use it. Want to update your resume? Haven't ever created one, but need it now? Desperately have to find a job, but can't afford to pay someone to help you with that resume? How about some help with it ... for free? Click on Resume Companion. This website will walk you through creating a resume, without

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-26086546785091581792011-09-16T07:52:00.000-04:002011-09-20T12:39:50.617-04:00

This freebie isn't guaranteed because it's a contest.  Papa Johns is giving away a free pizza each week to 60,000 people. Yes, that is 60,000 a week, during football season. Don't like football? Don't have to! Just go to this link, click on the "Don't have an Online Account" link and follow the instructions.  You will be in the drawing for a pizza this week and every week through football

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-6715171281205056882011-09-14T13:22:00.000-04:002011-09-20T12:41:48.003-04:00

If you are like us, struggling to be the best parents you can be, there are some great resources I can recommend. Back in 2005, we bought this Sermon series because my husband and I were thinking about facilitating it in the home Bible study group we led at the time. That was back in Mississippi, before the doors were flung open for us to move to Tennessee. (Notice how we are drawn to those

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-38843751637452613742011-09-13T12:34:00.000-04:002011-09-20T12:41:13.979-04:00

Remember this song, this dance? That's sorta how the Porcupine Dance went this past weekend. Not in a funny way like the video, but the monsters. They came, they roared, they seemed to conquer . . . and then when all appeared lost, they were defeated in this round. For those of you waiting on the tally, drum roll please . . . $7.80. That's how much our precious son owed Momma by Sunday

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-74931698008455166102011-09-09T10:47:00.001-04:002011-09-20T12:41:20.748-04:00

There is language in this post that I don't use. Ask my friends. I am describing our son's attitude, and I apologize for anyone I might offend.  Frankly I find this very offensive myself. And edited to clarify, I say the word like I write it below.  I can't bring myself to say the 'real' one. Our boy has melted down. All over us finding out he's not participating in several of his classes. 

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-86692158464097016562011-09-09T09:48:00.000-04:002011-09-20T12:39:50.618-04:00

Like to listen to your iPod (or your mp3 player, if you aren't an @pple fan)?  Enjoy Broadway show tunes? Then head to this site and key this code in the popup box:  ILOVENYCGO You need an iTunes account, but that's a cinch.  Grab up to 15 free songs on the Broadway Music Collection list, and enjoy! And, while you are at it, head to Joe Knows Coffee and get your free coffee sample there.

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-9882004641273927682011-09-07T19:57:00.000-04:002011-09-20T12:40:48.650-04:00

After a flurry of calls/e-mails today to the guidance counselor and Science teacher, our son now has an assignment binder (that will keep us informed, and remind him of his work), extra Science work for study hall, parents have a meeting with the teachers in 2 weeks, and Mom has online access to his student records. Did I say I love this guidance counselor? That I wish I could take her to high

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-45613597809574073672011-09-07T13:41:00.000-04:002011-09-20T12:40:33.096-04:00

 This made me think of you. And me. I thank God for each of us, that HE is strong enough. Love you all.  So much.

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-28735615831816759752011-09-07T08:35:00.000-04:002011-09-20T12:38:45.375-04:00

Our son is flunking Science. And I am so very proud of him. You don't have to go back and read that again. I am proud of my boy. Seriously proud. 'Tears in my eyes' proud. No, I haven't gone off the deep end. I haven't done an about-face over school issues. But, I am looking at the bigger picture. That bigger picture includes intensive therapy twice a week...during the time he should be

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-1104557152627710752011-09-03T10:25:00.000-04:002011-09-20T12:38:08.937-04:00

In the past Wednesday night class, I arrived, chose a seat (yep, I sit in the same place most of the time...I'm one of those people), and looked at the board. There was a four quadrant drawing, with the following words in the quadrants: Secure, Avoidant, Ambivalent, Disorganized. Some of you know what my very next thought was: "Why do we have the types of attachment on the board? How on earth

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-61068984876014362972011-09-02T09:41:00.000-04:002011-09-02T09:41:21.553-04:00

Did you know that you can save money (read: discount) from many websites, if you do a simple search before clicking the order button? Excepting @pple and @mazon, of course. I don't think those two would give discounts to their own mothers. But, I digress. Yes, there is a simple G00gle search you can perform, before clicking the "buy" button, pull up another window and type in the name of the

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-81406845010234410192011-08-28T19:19:00.000-04:002011-09-20T12:39:19.155-04:00

Remember the 'exercise' I hinted about in this post? Well, we did it. Momma's still trying to get the last of the camo off. The what? The camouflage. The war paint.  Yep, we talked about warfare, about struggling with our demons, about the spiritual battle going on around us. The one we can't see, but is still there.  Then we dressed for battle. So our son can pick a photo to print and

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-26779318895205014182011-08-26T07:36:00.000-04:002011-08-26T07:37:21.571-04:00

This Friday's deal is a 'frugal'.  This is one where, if you live near a metropolitan area, you can get some great half-off deals. About a year ago, a friend mentioned a website was selling half-off coupons for a favorite restaurant of ours. Being sorta OCD when it comes to savings, I pulled out my trusty old Search Queen hat, and found all the "half off" sites that featured deals in the

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-58471102101047365482011-08-25T06:30:00.000-04:002011-08-26T07:39:45.537-04:00

George is back in school. So far, unless he's completely snowing us (which is always possible), he is doing his homework for the first time ever without threat to life and limb! Each year, we begin by extending our trust when it comes to school, and when we have our Sect 504 meeting, if he has been sabotaging himself, we work with his teachers on boundaries. I'm hoping he is maturing and has

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-39515908985669464752011-08-23T21:07:00.001-04:002011-08-26T07:37:55.485-04:00

These days, George is making his own breakfast. I figure since he will be 18 before we know it, he needs to learn to butter toast, pour cereal and use the microwave. After all, he's going to eat all other meals at Momma's house. He tells me this most days. I'm beginning to think that marriage at a young age might not be wrong for him.   So, Son is preparing his own breakfast, to take a tiny bit

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-31035517827968176992011-08-23T12:45:00.000-04:002011-08-26T07:39:24.062-04:00

This won't be a cohesive post...just some rambling ideas I need to get out. I know, I know...this isn't anything new for me. Lack of cohesion and rambling thoughts, that is. lol Sunday, I sent our pastor an email looking for resources to help someone I know. Her struggle is an area I've battled, and since she has turned to me with her struggle, I was hoping to find a book or study we could

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-21498087248199976602011-08-22T17:14:00.000-04:002011-08-26T07:38:48.605-04:00

It's perfect timing for me to have today off from work. I would have been useless anyway. :-) Now to the reason for writing: This week's article for the Peer Counseling class was about addiction. All kinds of addictions. Looking at addiction through the lens of Scripture, and eyes of faith. God help me, I saw myself in those pages. And it grieved my heart so. Still does. Because I'm an

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-50619504847611477252011-08-22T09:17:00.000-04:002011-08-26T07:38:48.607-04:00

Isn't it ironic that someone who has struggled for control...and had it wrestled from her by a loving God, time and again . . . would struggle so greatly against self-control? As a wise friend said today, it is so much easier to control others than it is to control ourselves. *ouch* Life is a battle. A cosmic battle of good and evil, going on around us...and in our hearts...all the time. Some 

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-8200361821738164852011-08-21T21:02:00.001-04:002011-08-26T07:38:48.609-04:00

Right now, I'm struggling with a heart issue. A really tough one. One I've battled against and lost to for years. One I've convinced myself I'm doing all I can about, yet have been unable to find the courage to truly walk away from. One that, thanks to the Peer Counselling course, I suddenly have an overwhelming amount of clarity on. I'm heartsick. Not only is my heart sick in this area of

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-559020429954153472011-08-19T08:37:00.000-04:002011-08-26T07:37:21.575-04:00

Today's Friday freebie is all about coupons again. This time, we are talking free coupons you can print from home. At one time, printable coupons weren't a good idea because so many stores wouldn't accept them. Today, they have bar codes, are scannable, and numbered. These can't be duplicated, but most of the time, you can print more than one at a time, for multiple purchases. Almost all grocery

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-46397102566037077022011-08-18T20:05:00.000-04:002011-08-26T07:37:21.576-04:00

No, this isn't the Friday Freebie, but this won't last long. Get The W@ll Street Journal free for half a year, using the info in the link at SlickDeals. We get it delivered free to our newpaper box. Ken loves it, and just handed me an article in it, rating keyboard cases for the iP@d 2.  I'm saving all my pennies for that or an Am@zon tablet, if one ever comes out. Grab it if you can!

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-43368693625746341322011-08-18T11:22:00.000-04:002011-08-26T07:38:21.267-04:00

“When the mask of self-righteousness has been torn from us and we stand stripped of all our accustomed defenses, we are candidates for God's generous grace.” ~Erwin W. Lutzer "Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace." ~Jerry Bridges "Our Savior kneels down and gazes upon the

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-22364098553827297362011-08-18T08:14:00.000-04:002011-08-26T07:37:55.487-04:00

Life can be so serious, so draining, when we parent special needs children. That's why I wrote this post. To bring a little humor into today's journey.  My silliest of circumstances usually are born through an adversity, through the drama of life. Somehow, these end up being the funniest stories I tell. Hope this one give you a good laugh. Do you have friends that always seem to fall into the

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-20457159234599937672011-08-17T08:26:00.003-04:002011-08-17T12:29:51.894-04:00

My friend, and comrade Warrior, provided something to meditate on yesterday. I appreciate her heart of gratitude. I mused over her post, and very quickly came up with a handful of things I'm thankful for. Maybe it's because I have been forgiven much, but whatever the reason, I've been blessed with a thankful heart. Day before yesterday, though, my heart wasn't grateful when the latest adversity

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-63855803189899534122011-08-16T08:00:00.000-04:002011-08-17T12:28:54.155-04:00

The drive to work can be stressful at times. Knoxville is a small-big city, and people drive like they are 'qualifying' for Bristol. This morning was no exception.  At one point, I looked in my rearview mirror to see a woman behind me driving a Ford F350 pickup. We were in the right lane, not the passing lane. Our speed was 60 mph, and she was not only within 20 feet of my bumper, but she was so

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-3475437758052556592011-08-14T18:42:00.000-04:002011-08-17T12:28:27.869-04:00

I am SO EXCITED!! Dr. Karyn Purvis is coming to Knoxville. She will be the instructor at the annual Cycles of Healing conference.  Cycles of Healing is a training event, hosted by Harmony Adoptions and ASAP, that focuses on teaching therapeutic parenting to adoptive moms and dads. It also helps professionals understand better about trauma and the effects of that trauma on families. I've met

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-6697677127009075642011-08-13T09:55:00.000-04:002011-08-17T12:28:37.792-04:00

The Orlando auction is here! And what on earth is the Orlando auction? Funny you should ask, I was going to tell you just that! There's a retreat in Orlando, mostly for moms who  parent traumatized children. For moms of kids who struggle with attachment, from one end of the spectrum to the other. Some moms desperately need to build relationships and make connections with others, with

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-50825689394516307452011-08-12T15:29:00.000-04:002011-08-17T12:28:37.793-04:00

Since Coupon Clippers can't be used by our friends to the north, I did some snooping searching for Canadian grocery deals, trying to separate the good from the bad and ugly.  Here is a very informative site I found that appears to be legit: Grocery Alerts pulls together deals from all over the internet, for Canadians trying to save money on groceries. It's been featured on some websites I trust,

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-77066477987257386452011-08-12T07:50:00.000-04:002011-08-12T07:53:44.804-04:00

This Friday’s freebie isn’t really a freebie. Instead, it’s a Friday frugal. Okay, so maybe the grammar usage isn’t the best, but this website can save you money. I admire women who spend 84 10 5 hours a week, finding coupons that reduce their grocery bill from $763.22 to $10.17. I really do. But, I would go stark raving mad don’t have the time to do this. Instead, I get most of my

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-88498274171460091012011-08-11T09:23:00.000-04:002011-08-12T07:54:39.087-04:00

Eight weeks. That's how long it took. I thought he wouldn't be able to hold out that long. I believed he would give in long before that. Because our boy has the patience of a puppy.  Because he torments me if I have a secret and he doesn't know about it. But, surprisingly to Momma, it took eight weeks. Seven weeks of pretending he was asleep when Momma came home from class on Wednesdays.

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-37575142727779650202011-08-09T20:22:00.000-04:002011-08-12T07:54:29.246-04:00

On good days, my heart is filled with gratitude. A few things I'm grateful for: temps in the low 90s. It's amazing how appreciative we become of the low 90s when the high 90s have been around for so long. where our family is right now in the bonding experience. Oh, yes, our son is in the terrible teens.  He wavers from surly to happy, from argumentative to cuddly. But this is a HUGE

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-71690803605632019122011-08-09T08:58:00.000-04:002011-08-12T07:54:29.247-04:00

This post will be about me. And about our children who have been hurt by sexual abuse. Because I could be one of your kids, just all grown up. Because so many of us who were sexually abused, like RAD children, exhibit the same struggles. I still battle very much against a negative self-image.  A distorted one.  Based on the feelings that occurred as a result of the trauma I suffered.   Much of

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-86428630227571239422011-08-05T10:52:00.000-04:002011-08-05T10:52:28.811-04:00

Our son is now grown up enough to walk down our driveway and wait for the bus by himself. After 3 years of wanting Mommy to drive him down there and stay with him, he wants to be a big boy and go by himself. But, taking the time to drive him down, and stay with him, filled up his love tank many times. Now he's 13, though, and the other kids will think he's a big baby, so he's waiting for the

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783213682515451130.post-14534941337940127532011-08-05T06:05:00.000-04:002011-08-05T06:05:02.719-04:00

Today, I want to share my favorite online sweepsing (is that a word?) site. I love to do sweepstakes, when I get a chance. Online-Sweepstakes has several levels of membership. The first is FREE, or it wouldn't be listed here today. I'm a member of the second level, which is known as the Premium Subscription.  This opens up a whole lot more sweepstakes. But know that I've won from both the free

Barb Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160363075076811996noreply@blogger.com0