DEFINITIONS, CHRISTMAS AND NEW MEMORIES

One of the things most all of us do while growing up is learn how to deal with peer pressure.

But is this just something we cope with in our early years?

Not a chance.

By definition, 'peer pressure' refers to the influence exerted by a peer group in encouraging a person to change his/her attitudes, values or behavior in order to conform to group norms.

So...note the name of this blog. NEW KIND of Normal.

Get used to it. Because this is my life.

We all have our way of doing things. Thankfully, I have come to terms and peace with that little factoid of life. Unsolicited advice and opinions of others no longer sting as much as they used to.

I haven't been dealt a 'normal' deck of cards folks (who has?!), so I've decided to make the best of the cards in my hands right now. Lemonade out of lemons, as Ang says.

This Christmas, I really wanted to be happy and just have a peaceful home so my kids and I could have a calm Christmas and really celebrate it with the Spirit by which it's really intended.  God so graciously blessed me with them and my prayer is always for Him to help me make the best decisions concerning them. As well as for me to have the best attitude so they grow up happy and loved.

I know I'm not a perfect mom. In fact, I'm confident there's no such thing. Just as I do things differently, so do you. I think we can agree on that.

That being said, I'm sure this picture will blow some out of the water. I've actually started to love the shock-value my life sometimes brings to others. I do have to admit I'm still taken back at the things people actually feel comfortable asking me. I don't ask people such personal things! Let's put it this way...if you haven't told me, I assume it's none of my business.

Everyone has some kind of business happening inside the walls of their own homes, believe it or not. If you don't think you do...you're wrong. Burying your nose in someone elses personal business is never a good thing.

Think a friend has something going on and you want to help? Pray. It's just that easy. Don't know exactly what to pray about or for? That's okay...HE knows. Believe me.

I have learned you can plan and plan and plan the way you expect your life should all play out. However, every once and awhile we get thrown curve balls. You can either learn to hit the curve balls or you can go back to the bench and pout.

As for me, I'm practicing on knocking those suckers out of the park.

Knowing all too well just as soon as I get used to hitting curve balls, I'll be tossed a knuckle ball or a slider. No problem...I'll learn how to hit those, too.

I hope and pray my kids learn how to do that also. You choose your attitude and the attitude you carry around makes a huge difference in the decisions you make in life. Make as good of choices as you can at the given time and whatever you do...don't do anything you know will purposefully hurt someone else. Again...simple. And if someone judges you for taking a path they wouldn't have taken, remember that's why God made us different. Oftentimes, there is more than one 'right' choice. Only you know all the facts concerning your options. Just make sure you weigh them all thoughtfully and prayerfully.

Here's to a Merry Christmas in 2011, that beat the heck out of my Christmas last year. No one should ever be alone on Christmas. Ever. I'm so thankful for those who support me and my kids and our New Kind of Normal life. It's both surprised me who has, as well as who hasn't been supportive. Careful...you never know when YOU may be thrown a curve ball.

And yes, Shelby is the one behind the camera as the photo was her idea. :) Good job, Belle. You make me proud.

Always remember and never forget: Judging someone doesn't define who they are...but it certainly defines who YOU are.