You are their Hero

It’s a funny thing, our children are truly the product of our own habits and behaviors.  We are their example to society and how they grow into adulthood.  My children range from the ages of four months to nine years, big difference when it comes to personalities for all of them.  I have noticed some traits that have been picked up that have really made me change how I deal with my children.  Even when I was teaching I noticed how children would respond based on my reaction to the situation that was placed in front of me.

Children are so resilient compared to us adults, thank goodness for that too.  For example children learn and adapt quicker which is why the experts say to intervene now and teach them the right way to act.  Sometimes I have to really catch myself on how to respond to a situation so I can better help my child than give into my frustration, which can really be a challenge when you are already at your breaking point.  We as Parents can have bad habits some we need to break when we have children, like curse words or shutting your child out.  This does your child no good and ends up putting up a wall between you and your child.

When I got pregnant for the first time I was told by many wise ladies to not befriend my children but to parent them.  This is so true, I am not my children’s best friend, I am their mother.  As their mother I love them unconditionally and protect them with all I have.  It is my job to teach them to grow into respectful well-mannered adults.  It’s not the school’s job, the grandparents’ job, or anyone else’s job either.  It’s okay to hurt your child’s feelings by disciplining them or getting on to them when they have done something wrong.  They need that structured environment to thrive, they need boundaries to feel safe and secure.  Always remember you are their superhero, you are their role model in life.

Life is like a Box of Chocolate

It’s funny as an adult to think of the phrase “Life is like a box of chocolate’s you never know what you are going to get.”  That statement was made by Forrest Gump in the movie “Forrest Gump”.  As a child it went over my head and I never really connected with that statement, now that I am an adult I see how true it is.  Life is full of many twists and turns and you never really know where you are going to end up.  Today I was thnking about all the many different routes my life could have taken due to choices that were laid on my lap when I was younger.  Life is like a path with many different directions or a river with many different currents.  It’s interesting to think about all the many different choices and paths that could have been but weren’t because of the path you chose already.

Life is like a box of chocolates, we don’t know what will happen the next day, moment, or year from now.  There are so many different scenarios that can result from one choice that was made and you don’t know which one is going to when the lottery for that day.  To be honest I enjoy not knowing, living life with laughter and joy without knowing what is going to happen next makes life more exciting in my opinion.  Just like in the featured picture for this post, my youngest son is holding an Easter egg full of candy.  Until he opens it he doesn’t know what kind is in it.   Life is amazing and is like a roller coaster that gives you so much of thrill and excitement.  Live life to the fullest, you never know when your journey is going to end.  Live. Laugh. Make Memories.

Goodbye Winter Hello Summer

The seasons have changed, the grass is greener, the sky is brighter, and the kids are out!  Yes, Summer has officially begun!!! Personally I can’t believe how much time has flown by this year.  It seems like it was only Yesterday that we were celebrating Christmas and now here it is almost Memorial Day.

Planning fun outside activities with the family, like picnics and park trips are great ways to connect with your family.  I have been trying to incorporate a lot of water play with the kids to keep them cool as they play outside in the heat.  Having chalk, bubbles, and crafts available for the kids help alleviate boredom and build on their creativity.  On another note though, boredom isn’t a bad hint to have.  When children are bored they are able to use their imagination which I feel is a great way to help your child build character and think outside the box.

Pictures Worth a 1000 Words

Motherhood in a snapshot!

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Love is a Funny Thing

Love is a funny thing, it makes you do insane things. Thinking straight is out of the question, logic becomes cloudy, and you lose yourself in all the bliss it brings.  It is something that can’t be tossed aside so easily.  Love takes effort, understanding, patience, endurance, and humbleness to work.

When I met my husband for the first time I knew something was special about him.  it is so fun when you begin dating, exploring the differences and similarities, along with getting to know the person you really like.  Falling in Love is a process one that takes time.

My husband jokes a lot that I am his distraction.  As I stated before love can make you do crazy things.  Love can make you blind lol, you see life in a whole new way than the reality.  Love is such a beautiful emotion, act among two people. Once you find it, hold onto it because it is such a precious gift once found.  Love hard, laugh always, and make  endless memories.

 

Where to Start off as a Newly Established Freelance Writer?

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There are many different opportunities here on the sites listed below, many freelancing jobs that are available range from writing, translation, data entry, blogging, web design…etc.  On some of these sights after you sign up you will first place bids on the jobs you are qualified and interested in.  You will then wait to see if you get selected for the job you put in for or if another freelancer was selected.  Some writers do really well and others not so much, it really depends on what you want to do with your freelancing career and the skill set you have to offer.  The more you do it the easier it becomes, practice makes perfect.  These three sites are very popular among many freelancers and are highly recommended by lots of successful people that freelance on the side.
www.freelancer.com

www.upwork.com

www.guru.com

www.iwriter.com
For Iwriter you will have to make an account by signing up on their homepage.  It is a very easy process and FREE! Once you have made an account you are given a rating that normally will start with a one star.  That will limit your job opportunities at first but as you advance by taking on the smaller jobs you will soon be promoted to the more higher paying jobs that are offered.

www.blogmutt.com
Blogmutt is a site you get paid to take on blogging assignments from different clients.  It is very easy you just have to sign-up and take a grammar test and sometimes a small writing test.  Different sites have their own requirements because they are trying to see if this is the writing niche for you.

www.scripted.com
Scripted is a lot harder to get into but pays really well!  First you have to sign-up and take a grammar quiz.  If you pass the quiz you are automatically taken to a screen where you can choose between three topics to write a small blog post about.  MAKE SURE YOU READ THE DIRECTIONS!  that is key to being successful on this site. Once you have completed the first blog assignment then you will have to do a small descriptive writing assignment on an item of their choice.  If you manage to get through all those hoops you will hear back from them by email letting you know that you have been accepted as a qualified writer for Scripted!!!

www.writersaccess.com
Writeraccess is another great website that pays really well if you become accepted to be a writer for them.  You can choose from four different categories which include: Writing, Editing, Translation, and Content Strategy.  Choose the job that fits your freelancing style and they will email you back if you fit their needs in that area of expertise.

www.writerbay.com
Writersbay is very similar to Writeraccess.  You have to apply but it is more for general freelancing so you don’t have to really choose a niche.  They will also email you if you match what they are looking for in a writer.

www.articledocument.com
Article Document is a wonderful website if you want to get some sample articles and experience behind you.  You start off with creating an account with them and writing three articles of your choice (they have a list you can choose from and it is very extensive).  Once you are done with the articles you are rated.  If you are rated an “8” or above  as a total from your three unpaid articles then you are able to take on paid assignments.  You also get royalties for all articles you write for them including the three you wrote prior to the paid assignments.

www.fiverr.com
Fiverr is a more relaxed writing environment and is very popular among a lot of people who need a freelancer because the pricing is extremely reasonable for clients.  The base charge that you start your services at is $5.  You can have add-on bonuses for extra money but the base usually starts at the five dollar mark.   All you have to do is sign-up  on their homepage and get started.  It is a good way to get you and your services out in the lime-light in the world of freelance writing.

www.freelancewriting.com
This is one of my favorite websites.  It offers a lot of freelancing positions by promoting them from other sites that are looking for writers, editors, and other popular niches of the world of freelancing.  There are jobs for web design, editing, proofreading, writing, etc.   You can go there for extra information about applying for gigs and contests as well.

Managing the Chaos

 

Managing stress can be a difficult task, especially if you have a lot of factors contributing it!  Finding ways to help alleviate the anxiety and overwhelming feeling of stress can be a great way of overcoming it.   Recently baking has been my stress outlet, I have been making a lot of different kinds of muffins.  It seems like they are a hit considering when I do bake them they vanish.  Baking cookies also has been a delight to try.  It’s fun to experiment in the kitchen, I just love making new creations.  It is also a good way to connect with your little ones as well.

There are so many ways to bring on stress and so many ways to counteract it also.  Sitting down and playing games, coloring pictures, and silly songs with your little ones can really help you zone into a more calming attitude.  Find a hobby, go out and see friends, take chances, and embrace life to the fullest.  No matter how much stress is on your plate your situation is only temporary.

Building a Foundation

Building a foundation in a relationship can be a process, one that needs to be taken with care and patience. Love prevails always especially when two people are devoted to each other unconditionally. I have been married for nine years and through those years I have had many ups and a lot of downs but every moment was and is worth it. Divorce has become rampant among our generation and it is heartbreaking to see, too many young people are not experiencing the true joy of love and marriage like they should because of Divorce.

Marriage should never be just an experience or a new fad to try out. It is a gift between two individuals that want to face the good and the bad together. When I met my husband I did not realize he was the one…no… but I knew he was special and boy God threw me a curve ball when he placed Billy, my husband in my life. Billy gave me unconditional love, he was, is, and will always be my soul-mate. No person is perfect and there will always be flaws in every relationship even if you are not married. You should never set unattainable goals that you two can not meet, try to balance out each others differences and work together as a unit to solve solutions that arise.

Love is a choice. You hear that many say ‘oh well I fell out of love with that person…blah blah blah’. Well that is not how it works, love is taken for granted most of the time and forgotten. There are days I struggle but no matter how bad it gets it still doesn’t warrant me to escape the bond me and my husband share. My marriage is tested daily but everyday me and my husband grow stronger together through the good and the bad. We lean on each other and build each other up to fight our battles together.

One ingredient that makes a marriage successful is usually thrown to the side though and that is GOD. If you do not have God in your marriage then you are in for a rough road but not an impossible one. It is important to build a strong foundation and a good way to do that is through prayer and Christ. God will give you the strength to overcome the hurdles you both will face in your relationship during your marriage. Even if you aren’t married and just engaged or together having God in your relationship will help you two grow closer and stronger together. Always remember never just throw in the towel, try to fight through the rough times, build on each other, and embrace life to the fullest.

Growing Together

There are going to be times where you think you know a woman and times where it seems like you are back at square one. Women can be very complex and should be treated as such. There are many factors that can contribute to a woman’s mood that day. Everyone has their bad days and their good days but we all express how we feel differently. As a male you have your outlets and so do women.
Women have a need for comfort and a need for love. It is what drives us, it gives us security when we have both, especially when it comes from our special man in our lives. There are many different love languages that can be attributed to helping you and the woman you care about connect. You have to be able to get to know your lover, spouse, or partner.
There are five love languages that can help you and your spouse grow in your relationship. Even if you aren’t in a relationship yet some of these languages can still apply. There is the love language of touch. Physical touch is very important. Most men and women have a sexual relationship, which is a good foundation to establish. This is an important aspect of a relationship that should be maintained. It is important that communication is just as strong as your physical relationship. Both of you need to communicate each others needs to one another. A woman is more interested in the bond and the connection she has with you, not just the physical contact. That is crucial and really helps build her trust in you.
There is also the love language of giving gifts. Can’t deny every woman loves receiving gifts from their sweetheart. It comes with the territory when in a relationship. It also helps keep the spontaneity in the relationship. Surprising her once in a while will give her a boost of confidence and self-worth. This is an act of love that you could show when she is having a bad day. Knowing your partner is important in all of the love languages, applying all of them can help you build upon and create a good foundation for your relationship. Figuring out which love language is hers is really important. It is also good if she connects with yours as well. That will help you both learn each other and will help you two grow together.
Spending quality time together is a big love language. It is one that I would apply to any relationship. You want to grow together and not apart. In your relationship it is important that you learn to apply some of your partner’s hobbies into your life as she does some of yours. Share time together even if it is to take a walk in the park or a boat ride on the lake. Finding time for each other helps you build and connect in the relationship. You will learn new and amazing things about your partner as you try new things her.
There is the acts of service. This is where you offer to do something for your spouse like cleaning the kitchen or cooking dinner. Offering her to rest while you take over shows her in action of how you feel of her well-being. That gives her a warm-safe feeling that makes her feel secure. She knows you care for her and that you are there for her. This one is also important even if it isn’t your love language or hers it still helps you build in the relationship and teaches you both to work together.
The last one is words of affirmation. This is where you use words like “I love you”, “you are so beautiful”, and “You are amazing.” Words like that are encouraging or uplifting and gives her a confidence boost and makes her feel good about herself and the relationship. It is important to a woman to know what her partner is feeling. It is really hard when men don’t express themselves or talk about how they feel to us women. Communication is crucial to a relationship. It can’t survive without both partners communicating between each other.
In conclusion all of these love languages should be applied to your relationship even if they aren’t your love language. It is important to use them to help you both grow together. This will help you two build and learn to listen to each other. Every woman and man is different. You want to make sure you make the best of the relationship. Applying these to your relationship helps you grow and learn new things about your partner you didn’t know before. Give them a try and see for yourself.

What’s Your Name?

I am reminded everyday how special it was when my little ones first started to say and I quote ‘Ma Ma’ or ‘Da Da’! Yep such adorable times, a milestone every mom and dad want their sweet bundle of joy to reach! It melts our hearts when we hear them babble our names at such young ages.

Fast forward just a bit, maybe just a few years on it seems like my name has become legendary lol! The constant ‘Mom, Mommy, Mother’ or ‘Dad, Daddy, and even Father’ from your child can be one a little too bearing at times. But even through the nagging, tattling, whiny muttering, yelling, and screaming there is a purpose behind your name. As a parent the title Mother and Father should be sacred. It is one that should give you a sense of satisfaction. Those sweet children also say your name because they love you, trust you, and look up to you. You are their beacon that will guide and lead them to the person they will grow up to be.

Enjoy the crazy moments, the embarrassing ones, and the silly moments because you only get one shot to be the person they call Mom and Dad! Be joyous and enjoy h memories you make with you little ones because as I noted in my previous post ‘Time Flies’, it really does.