It's the little things..,,,

There is a picture of a father and son, dressed as super heroes, walking through a store, that I repinned on Pinterest. Then I wrote a few words about how awesome I think this is. I was raised by my father, and have a different take on life and the way I interact with my kids. My father was always completely honest and direct with my brothers and I. He didn't sugarcoat things, but considering what we had seen from our mom, before they divorced, her being schizophrenic, and chemically enhanced most of the time,was the best thing, we wouldnt have been as close if he wasnt the way he was. He was one of the few REAL people that i have known, just like the song, I did it my way! that was my Dad. He never let anyone change or interfere, with the way he loved us, he taught me about the real world,that life is never fair and when you love your kids, you listen to them, you are loyal and you are their shelter from the storm,but you teach them how to survive and thrive. My Dad was no saint by any means, but when i look back on my life, and think of him, my heart still hurts knowing that this man has left this earth. He was one of the best friends i ever had, he loved me unconditionally, and right this moment, as i think of him, tears are in my eyes because i miss him so deeply. He was always my biggest fan and his easy going way,kind heart, along with his love, i have given to my kids. I have to say,now that my kids are grown, they are two of the best,loyal, loving and kind hearted people I know,and as I light up when my Dad walked in a room, they, and I do the same. We talk all the time, we listen to each other.To me, they are sun and moon,and they love me right back.Theynare the first to let anyone in their lives know that, we are close, and that will never change because, just like my dad, I have always been their home & heart, their biggest fan , their truth, and their strength. I used to tell my Dad that I prayed my kids loved me as much as I loved him, and they are proof that prayers are answered. As the Maya Angelou poem says; People will forget what you said, they will forget what you did , but they will never forget how they made you feel. That is a real truth, remember that when dealing with the people you care about. Make things better than they were when you leave.Life  throws you around, kicks you when your down, and gives you tests when you have no eraser, and laughs... That's when you need love the most, that's when you need the baseball bat wielding ,smiling and determined love that, hands you a bat, shows you how to hold it, and a brand new eraser, as they tell you, as long as I breathe, I'll have your back ,your never alone, and right, wrong or in between, you've got my love & you've got me,always!! Queenersmom 

Lqueener

Close your eyes and I'm there...

The safe place, where home is where you are loved for who you are,

The place where you are not alone for one moment, because you share your life with the ones you love.

The place you go to when you feel that the world is full of strangers, and you can close your eyes, and see a face that is home and love, and you are renewed in the knowledge that,  when the ones you love close their eyes- they see your face- you are their home and love- and that little moment-

makes  you stronger, happier, and unafraid to face the world.

Knowing that, in this world of broken promises and unkind words, there is a place,

 there is a face, that holds your promises dear and true, and always has kind words for you, just because you are you. 

The face the lights ,just to see your face or speak your name.

The place that,not one other could ever take ,

because it is uniquely yours, 

in your heart and theirs.

To have that place, 

and have that face is a gift.

Knowing that you make the sunshine sweeter, the rainy days happier, the best days  better, the future brighter.

 It's  the smile that touches your face every time you close your eyes, and you know that you are blessed with love that is yours,unending and unbreakable.

You carry it in your heart and soul, it's always there,

through the hard times and bad days. 

In this world that tries to hold you back, slow you down,  and break you,

you are blessed with that place and that face,  that  are there, to give you strength, to take that step, dream that dream and do your best. 

Its there when life feels too hard and others are trying to lead you from your path.

Hold it close, treasure it,

and know that, its yours and no one can take it,or change it.

You take it with you wherever you go, 

and when you need it, 

when you are feeling sad, unsure, alone,or just need a little hope or love,  

close your eyes for a moment, and there, in a world of strangers, you have that place, that face, that holds you near and dear, loves you unconditionally, wants you happy, feels your pain, and wants to make that moment, when you think of that place, that face,

 the moment that you know,

without the shadow of a doubt,that your irreplaceable,

and loved more than life. 

And know, you are that place, that face, that moment ,

to the ones that you love, that keeps them strong, loved, unafraid and able to face all that this world has to offer.

No matter the distance or passage of time,  you are never alone,

 just close your eyes for a moment,

 I'm there, that place, that face, your love and your home, always.....

The BEST online shopping sites!

L@:] There are many, many, online shopping sites. That is an understatement, but, 
I have found quite a few that go above and beyond the others. Not only with their 
quality products, but with excellent service ,and outstanding deals. With much 
time, trail and error, I am giving you some that will amaze you. 
My favorite, by far, is
 (1)www.1saleaday.com. The deals change every day, 
there is a flash deals page, that offers free shipping on all the deals 
on that page.
(2)www.bensoutlet.com , they have free shipping every day and 
great deals. 
(3) www.bradsdeals.com , there are lots of deals, and 
a wide selection for everyone. 
(4)www.zulily.com , there are tons of great 
deals for baby clothes, kids clothes, adults and
moms and dads. 
(5)ideeli.com , there are great name brand
deals for everyone,and for the home.
(6) www.zappos.com , I have to say that if you love name brand,
you will love zappos, there is alot more than just shoes ,
and the free return policy is outstanding, 
you never have to worry about getting the wrong size, 
or fit, or if your not happy, free return, there you go!
Get two sizes in the same shoe, keep the ones that fit,
and return the ones that don't, on their dime. 
Those are just a few, I have lots more, but for now,
check these out, and I will add more sites.
I also know lots of coupon sites that are 
worth checking out, great coupons, sales and 
coupon codes that actually work. 
www.retailmenot.com, is one of them. 
I always go there before I buy anything
online to see if there are sales, coupons to
print or coupon codes, for free shipping, discounts,
and lots more. 
Happy shopping!!!!

The Best Job I Ever Had Is Being A Mom!

L@:]There are alot of things in this life that I have
 done. A lot of things that I have seen. The most rewarding,
heart swelling, happiest moments that are my life,
have been from my two children. Now I know what
my father meant  when would tell me that he loved
me more than life. Because,
that is how I feel about my son and daughter.
It's in the way  that you have a genuine love and
caring for each other, their happiness, interest in
their daily life, the small things and the monumental.
Wanting to know when things happen, sharing
experiences and advice.
Being there when they need you, and sometimes when
they think they don't. The times we are all together,
when we laugh until we cry, and even the smallest
moments mean so much,because,
we are all together and content with each other.
Knowing that when one has to leave, that it creates
a void in our family that can't be fixed until they
return.
We have lived with that void, when my son joined
the Marines. While he was gone to boot camp for
three months, it felt like a piece of my
heart was missing. And it was the same for his wife,
sister and his dad but, it brought us closer as a
family and when he came home for the short time
he was here,we spent every day together
and cherished each other. It has helped all of us
to become closer and be thankful for every single day
that we have together. Personally, I have known a lot
of heart breaking, life changing moments in my life
from a young age.
But, I have to say, as a mother, watching my only
son walk away, twice so far, into the unknown,
but chosen path of his life, I have never felt so
heartsick at his leaving. Even though I have the
utmost faith in him and his decisions,because he
is one of the best, brightest and most
capable people I know,
his absence leaves a void for me and our family.
Saying that, I have never been more proud and
honored to be his mother, and not just because he
is now a marine, but because I know the person he is.
I have always been his biggest fan,
even when no one else knew, and I always will be,
no matter what life brings, because I love both my
children unconditionally.
I am so happy every day that they have grown to
be the  outstanding, beautiful people I knew that
they would be.
There are not words that could describe how
happy they make me. That is the best mothers
day gift I could ever get because I get it every day
of my life.

A mothers love for her child is like nothing else in the world.
It knows no laws, no pity, it dares all things and crushes
down remorselessly all that stands in its path.
Agatha Christie

L@:]Life is so crazy, I have people tell me that they are never
 surprised by others, well, I am here to tell you, I am surprised
 all the time. Sometimes it's good and sometimes, not so good. But, I believe that we all grow and change everyday. How you choose to
use that knowledge, makes us who we are. But what I want us all to
think about for one minute is, just because no one is there to
see you, or you are having a bad day and don't give a crap about the
other guy because you are pissed at the world, well, guess what? you
 are not the only ONE that has bad days. Life is not fair, I have heard      that for years, and I have been telling my son and daughter that for years. It's true, the world is a cruel place,
but that does not mean you have to be. You can be one of the kinder souls.
I know it's hard sometimes, we all struggle, but by at least trying to do
better than you  normally would, will make you and the people around
you so much happier. Start out small, one day at time. Before you know it
you are the person you were meant to be, the person that makes others
smile when you walk in the room. You be the difference in your own day
and the people that are around you, you never know it may rub off. Before
you know it, you are having a good day, meeting new people, smiling and
laughing. Life is short, enjoy the ride.....

This moment is your life....

L@:]There are few things in this life that are yours alone. 
This moment, inside you, as you are reading this is 
yours alone, this moment, right now, is your life.
Live and love every moment as it may be your last,
yesterdays gone and tomorrow is not guaranteed.
But this very moment is yours! Hold your moments
close to your heart, smile, laugh, love and be kind to 
yourself and others when you can. Be the solution
in your life, not the problem, and in the lives of those 
you care about. You may be the bright spot in 
someones' day without even knowing. Don't be the
dark cloud that covers others' around you. You 
may not have tomorrow to make it better, start 
now. When you do this, you may be the difference
in others lives that would not be there otherwise.
Just a thought..... LQ

Awesome art site.

L@:]Last week I was looking around and found an artist site, www.cghub.com , it is filled with beautiful art. I have spent the last few days looking and there is so much to see. Take a look, you will love it.