Blessings from a Step Mom

[ShutterbugMama]

So, about that 4 bucks...

I gave each of my 4 boys one dollar each and gave them the OPTION on whether or not to give it away.

They were THRILLED.  : )

Anthony, my 9 year old step son, offered his dollar to the Animal Shelter, and asked if Id drive him there to give it to them so that he can visit the animals at the same time.  I freakin' love it.

Vincent, my 7 year old step son, offered his Dollar Bill to "Hamster Rescue".

Hamster Rescue?  Is there such a thing??

We're researching, and he wins for originality.  : )

Aiden, Age 3, wanted to give his Dollar to "the Trains".  (He's a HUGE Thomas the Train fan).

We'll go to Hart Park in Newhall, and donate a dollar to the train museum, then check out the trains.  He's quite excited. 

 Andrew is still not home from his Dad's house (he'll be home tonight though, IM SO EXCITED!!!), so I'll update you later where he donates his dollar.  I doubt he'll opt to keep it.

I love my job...

No, not being a writer, although, for a second job, I wouldn't want to do anything else BUT write.  I mean, my first, and full time job...the one with all the benefits, perks, and naps from 1-3.  The one at offers a flexible lunch schedule, excellent co-workers (who are ADORABLE by the way) , and its SO REWARDING!

Motherhood, guided with LOVE, is the most rewarding experience in the entire world.  I love my job.

 Blessings

Thank you, God for the generous Spirit of my children, and for the connection, and common ground that we all found in giving.

To see them light up, hold up their dollar and explain their love for animals, love for hamsters, love for trains....the individuality of each soul, professing their passions.  They felt empowered...I watched it. 

Giving will empower you.  Just ask my children.

Thank you God for this.

2. AND, thank you God for my pink pan...isn't it so pretty hanging on the pot rack???

When I saw it, I HAD to have it...come to think of it, Im not sure how much it cost me.  I never found out...

But, its MINE NOW!!!!!!!!!  LMAO!!!!!!!!!  DH hasn't noticed it yet...cross your fingers for me.

I also hope he doesn't ask, "What did you pay for Barbies Pink Pot"?

"Dunno, Babe", Id have to say..."I just loved it".

The pink skillet was a MUST HAVE....worth whatever argument is headed my way.  WELL worth it.  First chance I get, I'll post a pic of DH cooking with it...lol!!!  Poor guy...

3. Thank you God for the zoo.

At my house this week, we have ALL our pets, PLUS, my step sons pets. 

I feel like Noah...Im about to start marching them onto a boat, two by two, and calling them out as they go through...

I told the kids we're going to open a petting zoo this week and charge admission...Anthony pipes in, "Yeah, we can donate the money to the animals!"

I pictured a feed dispenser at my front door...

Here are:

2 Hermit Crabs, 1 Moth, 1 Cocoon, 1 hamster, and a grass hopper.

Here is the cat (WHY does she LAY LIKE THIS!?!?  I've asked her...)

I get no answers....

And the DOGS, of course...these Baboons...

Admission is FREE...come over anytime.

: )

4.Thank you God for another AWESOME day with my step sons.  I feel the shift...my heart is open, my guard is down, I moved forward with EMPATHY, and LOVE.

The two boys are with me during the day all week this week, however, they go to their Mom's house to sleep at night.  I'm "daycare" this week...yeah.  I love it.  : )  

Anthony called me last night after he got home to his Moms house...he called to tell me that while he was with me yesterday, his crab died.

We went today to Petco, and got two crabs...one probably died of loneliness.

Everyone needs love...

Even, and ESPECIALLY, step kids. 

5. And thank you for the blending (finally) of my blended family...it hasn't been easy, but its been abundant in its blessings.

Count YOUR blessings, Sisters!  And remember to laugh.

: )

xo

Elle

[tally79]

Apr. 8, 2008 at 10:50 PM OMG  I WANT THAT PINK PAN!!

[earthmama65]

Apr. 8, 2008 at 11:06 PM I love your cat! And great post...:)

[Ginny19]

Apr. 8, 2008 at 11:07 PM

Love the animals, love the pink pan and LOVE your kids!!!  They are all awesome! 

P.S.  I just thought of somewhere else we need to go (and take Aiden) - Griffith Park to the trains!  I'm sure he's been there, but not with grandma (me).

[tally79]

Apr. 8, 2008 at 11:08 PM oh Abby (our dog) lays on the back of the couch looking out the window..it's pretty funny

[busybea]

Apr. 8, 2008 at 11:16 PM Just tell your dh the pink pan is for Breast cancer awarness!  10 bucks he buys it!

[HendrixandMama]

Apr. 8, 2008 at 11:19 PM Aaaaaand now im crying. I LOVE this post Elle, and i love that you have those open, caring, TEACHING arms for these boys who may not be biologically yours, but are yours none the less! you are FABULOUS my friend!!! xoxo

[conjuredUp]

Apr. 9, 2008 at 12:22 AM She lays like that for you to worship her, silly!

[bast]

Apr. 9, 2008 at 12:39 AM i love this post, too- the way you let the boys be themselves, and the way you love critters. i just love that. you cat is awesome ;-)

[kirstenjoy]

Apr. 9, 2008 at 2:25 AM

elle, reading your posts at the end of the day do two things to me:

1.  L M A O 

2.  smile really big

REALLY B I G 

oh, and, there IS such thing as a Hamster Rescue.  Um, so do you have time for a drive to England? muahahahahaha !!!!!!!!

[kirstenjoy]

Apr. 9, 2008 at 2:35 AM South Lincolnshire to be exact.