Manipulation

Hey blogger world! I haven't posted in so long...but had a few things on my mind, and really enjoy blogging about them. Most of my time is spent in the "business" blogging world - but I sure miss our personal blog! Just a few thoughts today...

Webster defines manipulation as: to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means especially to one's own advantage: to change by artful or unfair means so as to serve one's purpose.

Have you ever known someone who constantly manipulates a situation to fit his/her own purpose? Whether it be for their own self gain, or to make themselves look better in another person/child's eye?

I've thought a lot about manipulation lately and how hurtful and damaging it can be to those around you. The "manipulator" probably doesn't see the damage they are doing. And at times, I would say manipulation is controlling a situation or others for selfish reasons. But when you really get down to it, manipulation usually involves lying. If you are telling someone something for your "own" good or gain - you are usually twisting the truth to serve your own purpose.

We've all dealt with someone who is a manipulator at some point in our lives. My first reaction is to feel sorry for them. What a terribly painful life that must be to be in constant denial. My second thought is...shame on you for using others or trying to make others look bad to make yourself look better.

I'm not saying I have never been guilty of this myself...we are only human. Just want to be mindful how my actions effect those around me. And hopefully if I really think about my actions before I say or do anything - it will help me in dealing with others.

Our Baby Boy is 7 Today!

I can't believe our baby boy turned 7 today. Where does the time go? I still remember driving to the baseball games - OU, Texas Collegiate, and even New Mexico with Sierra and Pierce. Pierce LOVED going out on the field with the "big boys" and we would find him smack dab in the middle - baseball hat and all!












Over the years, Pierce has grown into such a sweet, smart, funny little boy. His teachers have all told us stories of how Pierce is such the politician. If you tell him he can have one, he asks for three. If you tell him not to step over the line, he runs and jumps - then turns around and comes back over the same way. But always with a smile, and always telling you he loves you along the way.

Pierce is also a "true" friend. He has several close friends (Will and Jack) and Pierce would do anything for them. He is so compassionate and caring...and always thanks God during our evening prayer that he has them in his life. I truly believe Pierce would give them the shirt off his back if it was cold outside. Which brings up another thing about Pierce...if we would let him, he would very rarely wear a shirt or shoes. It can be 30 degrees outside and you will find Pierce in the front yard playing with his friends with only gym shorts on! haha

It's his love for animals that always makes me smile. Many mornings you can find Pierce sitting on the floor petting "his" dog, Pudge. If it is cold outside, Pierce begs us to leave Pudge inside so he won't get cold...even though he has a cozy doghouse up on the patio...Pierce always worries about him.

I've been known to spoil Pierce "just a little" - but I can't imagine my life without him. Whether as a son, brother, uncle, or friend, Pierce always brings a smile to your face.

It has been fun watching Pierce grow - and every day brings a new Pierce(ism). Sometimes there is a little drama involved, but that's what makes Pierce unique. He is a little mini-me of his daddy - looks, actions, and all! It is fun watching them together.

God blessed us when he gave us Pierce...he is one of a kind.

Happy Birthday, Pierce!
We Love You!

Sierra's 10th Birthday

Wow...has it really been since August 21st that I posted? Sorry - you might say we've been a little busy lately. Since August, we have had Megan's 23rd birthday, Brandon's 26th birthday, my grandmother's 93rd birthday, my mother-in-law's (?) birthday, and Sierra's 10th birthday! Now we have our second grand-baby (Corden) who will be delivered c-section this Friday, October 23rd! Busy, busy, busy!!!

Sierra had a great birthday. She went out to eat and shopping with Grams and Papaw, on a dinner date and to Barnes & Noble with dad, AND most important...her DIVA party! She invited 3 girls over for a sleep-over and they had a blast! At 10pm they decided they wanted me to give them facials, fix their hair, put on make-up and paint their nails. I'm not sure who had more fun...them, or me! They were really good and everyone seemed to have a good time.

Thanks to everyone who made Sierra's birthday special. I can't believe our little girl turned 10...and that our other little girl is having her second child this week. They grow up so fast.

A "Moment"

Last night, Pierce had gone to eat with Will, his best friend that lives down the street. So it was just the three of us - me, Brett, and Sierra at home. Sierra was sitting at the table doing homework. She had to make a "me" bag and write a paragraph about herself. In her "me" bag, she had pictures of her animals, a softball, jewelry, and a picture from our wedding of the whole family. As she was writing, Brett started telling her how proud we are of her. She has really grown-up and is becoming such a sweet, beautiful girl. She is kind-hearted, sensitive, and truly cares about others. During the conversation, Sierra looks up - straight at me and says, "I couldn't do it without you." Then she gets out of her chair and comes over to hug me. Of course, I teared up and started to cry. It was a "Moment" that I will never forget. I realize that I have a place in Pierce and Sierra's life as a step-parent. I don't want to take their moms place, or do anything to jeopardize their relationship with her. Luckily, I had a step-mother, and my children have a step-mother, so it prepared me for this time in my life. Sierra then looked at me and said, "sometimes I forget you are my step-mom."

I know we've had some tough "moments" and there will be more to come in the future. But who doesn't? That is part of being a parent..sometimes saying and doing things your children don't agree with, or understand.

But last night, Thursday, August 20, 2009, will be a day I remember for a long time.

First day of school

Today was the first day of school for Sierra and Pierce. Sierra is entering the fourth grade, and Pierce is going into first. They were both so cute, and excited about school. I thought Pierce would be nervous, but Sierra is the one that seemed nervous. I think there is a lot of pressure on kids these days - how they look, how they act, what they wear.
Sierra said over and over

how good she looked. :) She is getting so grown up and really likes dressing up for school. Pierce was more concerned with his watch (probably so he would know when it was lunch time, recess, and time to go home:), but he also was pretty proud of his new clothes.
They both took their lunch today - Sierra PBJ, her fav! And Pierce took his staple

Ramon Noodles. Which I had to make sure and get them just right. Guess I will find out at 3:30 if I passed the test. We actually did a test several days ago and made them in the morning, and he tested them that afternoon. haha Lot of pressure these days being a parent.

Other than a little rain, lightening, and traffic (due to road construction)...this morning was flawless. No stress, no worries, just two happy children. JUST the way we like it!

Happy first day of school Sierra and Pierce!!!