So I thought I was anal!

As you know or if you didn't already. we are now a family of almost 4 more in one house. Now that was a lot easier in some ways when they (except for Keith and I) were under 18. But now all but 1 and 7/8s are over 20. I used to, and frequently did, yell and everyone hopped to it even if they were cussing me under their breaths. Our moto, how unfair, was moms always right! Really there were only 3 ways to answer the mom. Yes I will, yes I would love to do it and yes mommy dearest I would be honored to. And I utilized this as much as possible. 

Years went on and with each kid I lost more and more of my control. Now today I am just talking about the cleanliness of my house. The clutter, the dishes, the bathroom, making dinner, you name it and I obsess over it. 

Having a new family move in has been a challenge for me. As a mom I feel the need to make sure everyone is fed and everything is cleaned up afterward. But this means I think everyone should do it in MY time , not theirs. And a I forget that they are all adults that I love and want to have a relationship long after everyone moves out. I was talking to a dear friend of mine and she told me at her house her husband got them each their own color plate so they knew who wasn't doing their own dishes. Now at first I thought he is crazy anal! Then I realized that was me. I told a few of my girls I was going to make a chore chart and I felt the daggers from the other room , it was like crickets. So..... As anal as I am, and that is an understatement! I have to let go a little or make myself crazy over a dish. Now with that said I relaxed a little and thought I'm not going to do those dishes and left for a while and guess what? When I came home,  the kitchen was clean. Oh how I appreciated it. I did teach them right, and it was me all along just being crazy and ANAL! Yes I'm the one who loves to fall asleep to the sound of the dishwasher. 

Looking back, 5 years goes by fast

Today had a been an exciting day for a special little man in my life. 1st day of kindergarten. Now you wouldn't think this should be such an emotional day for a grandma but really it has been.  

A little back ground is required to understand. 

When Bronson was born his mom had to step up as a single mom to be the financial provider for this little guy and in return this gave me a wonderful opportunity to be not only his baby sitter but also his mom away from mom. I have been so proud of my daughter for the sacrifice she made to leave him with me while she made sure he had food, clothes and a roof over his head. But boy when she was gone did we have a blast! This had caused us to have a different relationship then I have had with my other wonderful grandchildren. Not better just different. For 3 years I considered him mine! Lol, now his mom im sure thought he was hers but let's just say I'm so glad me and her had a great relationship because she pretty much let me think I was the one who loved him the most. Now speed up a little. When she found a wonderful husband who not only loves her but loves my Bronson it was a huge adjustment for me. They left my house , if only a mile away, but she made sure I could have him any time I needed him or he needed me. Preschool was coming to my house afterwards and us playing xbox, making cookies, or just buying flushies (slushies) and turning our mouths blue! Now another adjustment for this grandma. Bronson now lives an hour away and we see each other less but we are still very close. Gliding is wonderful btw. Today he went to school. How I wanted to be there hugging him and wishing him off in person, but he has like I said, a mom and a dad who love him as much as me and it's their turn. So, thank you Jess for sharing him with me in those precious early years and from now on. But also for letting me remember my own children when they went off to school for the first time. How excited they were and how I wish I had a moment back with them to hold, hug and make sure they knew mom believed in them and loved them with all her heart. And so after a few tears I'm off to do this silly ALS ice bucket challenge , I need to feel young and silly and donate to a good cause! I love you little guy grandma believes in you! 

Mines better then yours!

Coming from a family of networkers, we have seen multiple companies. Actually we have been in about 15 combined. The more training I have listened to, this is a very common thing. I guess it's cause the grass is (or looks) greener on the other side.

The one problem that has happened in our family is that networking is also a very emotional business, and so is my family. 

We grow close reaching out for our goals and dreams. We become vulnerable proclaiming our success and failures for the whole world to see. And with that, when one member leaves the company it's like a divorce for a period. That's where I feel like a mom, I have to work harder to keep us all together. I will tell you it's sometimes HARD!

I hear the good bad and the ugly of my business vs your business. I see the best come out and the worst come out in the people I care about.

 See we as network marketers are very passionate people. We care so much about people and what they can achieve that sometimes when others don't see or feel or experience or react like we think they should, we get hurt. Then the "my company is better then yours" comes barreling out. It's human. 

We all do it , (including me) it's a defense mechanism. It helps us get through the times when you doubt what and who you are. The saying "you can cut your own job but never cut someone else's job" is so true. Remember there are enough people in this world for everyone. But you only have one family, so wether they choose to get in your business, someone else's , or work traditionally , they are family! After all the money is made, lost, and made again , family is still here FOREVER! 

By the way mine is better then anyone's ! (And I bet you would beg to differ) 

Go! Fight! Win! Baby!

Changing family

This weekend was pretty amazing. We went to our daughters wedding in Vegas. There is a little explanation that comes along with this story, here it is.

I started dating the love of my life when I was 16 even though I new I would ever since I was 12 . Different story! Anyway, I knew he had been married before. During his brief 3 month marriage his exwife got pregnant and because of nature and how many times she disappeared during this marriage, my hubby in all honesty didn't think the baby was his. They decided to place the baby up for adoption. We talked and said if in 18 years,a girl showed up on our doorstep saying she was his, we would love her as our own. But in reality he knew she was going to a couple that could not have children and she would be well taken care of. I knew sometimes as our family grew his thoughts would be "I wonder". Anyway at 18 years nothing.... Then at 32 years he got a message on Facebook that would change our lives. After meeting her and seeing her and my hubby together There was NO doubt she was his. It's been fun getting to know her and her 2 kids and fiancé.  And last weekend we were asked to attend her wedding. A weekend getting to see her interact with her family, and the love they have for each other. My hubby got to know she was loved and taken care of. And to top it all off she asked him to walk her down the isle with her own father. It was very touching and we are blessed to have an ever growing, changing and loving family.