I think Lily is just testing her limits and you are doing everything right. Stand firm she'll be fine. Try not to worry to much about her being a girl teenager, but just a teenager. They all have struggles during this time. My #1 son was more emotional during his teen years then the other two put together. Good luck dad, the bikes are cool ...is that to keep them from wanting to drive your car?
Great advice from your other family Mike. And I was kidding about trading the girl. Our daughter calls or writes almost everyday. We wouldn't trade her for 100 boys. By the way, I've always wanted to live in Texas. Will you buy me a bike if I move in? Or just let me drive one of your spare cars!
You did see my wife's picture, right?? Hahaha. And thanks again all for the tips and comments. Misty is helping out with Lily too, but I'm trying to do most of the work!
I'm catching up on threads that I missed out on while I was AWOL, and this one really touches me. Mike, what you and Misty are doing for these three obviously wonderful kids is truly heroic. David
Yes, it is a truly selfless thing they have done taking the kids in But IMO I really don't think Mike is the main player in all of the discipline, I'll bet it was just like my growing up....... When Mom talks, everyone listens....... Mom's rule!
Oh sure, thanks Tedy. You brought back memories of MY dear sweet Mom when we were bad with that repost of the picture Now I'm not going to sleep tonight remembering those times when I was on the receiving end of her "you did WHAT?" Mike and his new family addition have been a delight to follow. He and Misty have done a tremendous thing and deserve huge pats on the back. These kids are turning out just fine with good parenting and being shown by example. And they were good kids to start with which has made this transition so much more do-able, they just needed a loving home and some guidance and they got that in spades.
There would not even need to be a vote! Mike and Misty would win by acclamation, I have no doubt at all! They are a true inspiration to all of us, and absolutely embody the very best of humanity. With people like that around, I have renewed faith in this tired old world.
Just an update for ya'll. Made it through the school year and getting ready for summer. I have to brag on Lily. She made the A-B Honor Roll for English, Math, Science and Social Studies!! She also got a Perfect Attendance award for the entire 2012-2013 school year. She did not miss one school day since joining our family. I'm really proud of her! The boys are doing well too. Took them all to the Bull Creek waterfalls last weekend, along with our big dog Cache, and we had a ball. It's been an interesting 8-months but I think they feel they are part of our family now. Oh and as for Johnathan's face in the below pic...that's his "Walter" face, from the Jeff Dunham puppet. He thinks it's funny to make that face for pictures. I may beat him soon. Ha! Eddie and Tuck are doing good too...I just can't get them to stand for pics! Here's Eddie in the green shorts below the waterfalls and little Tuck with his ball above the falls. Fun Day! We're all taking it day-by-day! -Mike
That looks like a fun place...... nothing like that around here. All the streams in Southern Calif. are lined with concrete........as least it seems that way.
that Evil DWP There are some places "they" haven't capped off yet, but I'm sure they're working on it. Nearby, where I live is The Big Tujunga Canyon. Me and most of my friends, and damn near every old timer in town, used to go there for just this sort of thing. About fifteen years ago, the Dept, of Water and Power went thru Big Tujunga and damned up every little tributary stream and creek they could. The only water that gets into the river down stream from the Big Tujunga Dam, comes from the dam. And any rain that manages to fall in drought ridden SoCal. Nothing like this out there now. Big meanies.
Thanks for taking us swimming Mike. That place reminds me of several rock lined streams in Mizzuri we used to camp near and play in. Also in the Smokeys were a lot of them. I'd bet all are fenced off now. People are protecting us from ourselves so we will be happy!:confused: It happened in southern Illinois in the early 80's, maybe sooner. I felt so much better that we couldn't swim between large flat rocks and sunbath on them like Walrusus. We could only look thru the 8' chain link fences and remember.
Why,,, isn't that Mizzur-a ?.. Mussippi, Albamma, Loozianna/or Low-Weezianna, depending. Like Atlanta, Etlanna and Lanta. And par has nuthin to do with golf. It has to do with Mopar and the par of a woman.:2_thumbs_up_-_anima
