Raising Teenagers

Three things that I have learned while raising teenagers:

1. Listen to them without lecturing. They just want to be heard.
2. Ask how they feel; let them tell you without you interrupting them. Just listen.
3. Have quality time with them. This is so important. With boys, put talking with them in with an activity...like basketball.

Exposing Kids to Variety

While raising the boys, Michael and I always made it a point to expose the boys to all sorts of things. We did not want them to just grow up in a small town with no life experiences.

Here are the many things that we have exposed them to from the time they were just babies:

• Fine Dining
• Libraries all over our area
• Large cities
• Small towns 
• Small town cafe's
• Historic sites
• Country drives
• Camping
• Motels
• Beaches/oceans
• Travelling
• Museums
• Vacations
• Boating
• Cabins
• Mountains
• ski-trams
• Zoos
• Children's Museums
• City subways
• Concerts
• Travel
• Rental Houses
• Coffee shops in every town
• Beach towns
• New restaurants
• Diners restaurants
• Hiking
• Four-wheeling
• Biking
• 5K races
• Theater plays
• Church activities
• City parks in every city 
• State landmarks
• Sporting events
• Family get-togethers
• Play dates when little

What my boys have taught me

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What my boys have taught me:

• belly laughs are good for your core muscles
• playing is exercise
• adventures are worthwhile
• exploring always leads to good things
• work should feel like playtime
• don't worry, be happy
• who cares what other people think
• hugs are important
• be real...be yourself (everyone else is already taken)
• patience
• life is short...live it fully
• perfectly clean houses are not "lived in" houses
• road trips are fun
• you learn by example
• food is more delicious when it looks pretty
• you always have room for ice cream

Quote of the Day

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Pinterest Finds

I came across a beautiful place in Holland...I want to visit this place. It is like what fairy tales are made of...cute as can be.

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The other thing that I found is something I want to try for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I bet this smells so good.

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College Concert

Cam went to a concert with the college class at church. The band was King's Kaleidoscope. He had a great time out with all of his friends, and he really enjoyed the concert...and the cone at McDonald's afterward.

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The Kelly File

One of my favorite news shows to watch is The Kelly File. I love that show and have become much more interested in politics since I began watching her show.

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You Tube Find

I love super creative ideas for getting engaged. This is a great one...