Category Archives: Just for Fun

Dogs Have The Right Idea

I saw a bumper sticker a couple of years ago that left me laughing out loud, in the car, by myself. It imagesaid, “Wag more, bark less.” My dogs are happy dogs. Their joy is quite visible, they wag their tails more times a day than I can count. We all enjoy a dog’s expression of joy–that whirl of wags and wiggles. But, we become easily annoyed when the barking begins. It’s obvious that barking is also stressful for the barking dog. Though funny at first, the true meaning of that quote sunk in, and hit too close to home.

When I was a single mother, I did too much barking and not enough wagging at home. I struggled so much with the my financial situation. I was often anxious, frustrated, and mentally and physically exhausted. My ex-husband didn’t pay child support. Living in a community property state, meant I was also responsible for the unpaid debts he left when he disappeared. I had no family to turn to, and three teenage kids to support. The paychecks I received from multiple part time jobs, only covered three-fourths of the bills. Paying bills became a recurring, juggling act. I grew weary of the threatening, red-letter notices in the mail.

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Filed under Awed by His Love and Grace, Everydayliving, Following Christ Has Changed My Life, Inner Sruggles and Heartache, Just for Fun, Life Lessons, Seeds of Inspirations, Single Parent Struggles, Writing and Author Stuff

ALDD – Adolescent Logic Deficit Disorder

imageHave you heard of ALDD?  It stands for Adolescent Logic Deficit Disorder.  It is a name I came up with to keep my sanity when I had no other way to explain my teenager’s complete lack of logic. Somewhere out there in a medical journal, I know there exists the scientific name for this adolescent condition.  You may even recognize your teenager in this post.

When my son was about 16 years old, he got his first vehicle.  It wasn’t much to speak of and certainly not a chick-magnet, but then since when did Jonathan need a magnet.  He came out of the womb magnetized.  The ladies at our church nursery called him, “The Flirt.” His friendly nature and dimply smile attracted many people. Continue reading

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Filed under Everydayliving, Gottalaugh, In a Kids World, Just for Fun

Out Of The Mouth Of Babes

imageKayli, a petite and curious seven year old, was our first foster child. She had been with us for nearly a year. It was quite a struggle at first. But, we finally came to understand each other. I grew very fond of that little girl.

One afternoon, she watched intently while I put on lipstick as we were getting ready to leave the house. I decided to try a bolder, reddish color I seldom wore. After carefully applying it, I examined my reflection in the bathroom mirror. Hmm, not bad. I thought. Continue reading

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Filed under Gottalaugh, In a Kids World, Just for Fun

But, I’m Just A Baby!

Just A BabyOnce a month I worked in my church nursery. This particular day
we had a full nursery. The children’s ages ranged from infant to three years old.
Tiffani, a three year old, was an adorable little girl with a pixie kind of face. She was
normally very well behaved, but this Sunday she had a very hard time keeping
her hands to herself. She’d walk up to a child and swipe a toy right out of
their hands and run off or push another child and make off with their toy.
When I corrected her and asked her why she was behaving that way she’d say,
“But, I’m just a baby!” I was perplexed by her comments. I told her if she
continued to not play nicely she would have to stand in the corner, the usual
nursery discipline for this age.

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Filed under Gottalaugh, In a Kids World, Just for Fun, Writing and Author Stuff

Giggles and Grins at the Zoo

While standing in a long line at a San Diego Zoo snack bar, I noticed a slight commotion coming from the picnic table area my friend Karen and our combined six kids sat. I didn’t think much of it as the outside lunch area was pretty busy. To stay within our budgets, we both brought our packed lunches planning on only buying drinks.

I walked towards the picnic table careful not to drop the full tray of drinks, only to find Karen and the kids bursting with giggles and grins. Continue reading

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Filed under Everythingelse, Gottalaugh, In a Kids World, Just for Fun, Life Lessons, Writing and Author Stuff