Stop The Insanity!!!

Do you remember the feeling of being stuck in the house for a week because it was winter time in Oklahoma and the roads were all FrOzEn? Cabin Fever!!!! And, if you have a sibling...do you remember what happened between the two of you? Fight and bicker, fight and bicker, nag, nag, nag, until your parents separated you. Oh, yes, and remember that your parents couldn't go anywhere either. So ALL of you were STUCK in the house ALL the time!!! It always resulted in INSANITY!!!

That is what home schooling was like for us. Insanity. We wanted to see if we could be successful. We tried it. It didn't work. First we started with unschooling. The children don't seem to have that inner desire to learn. They would rather sit and stare at a wall all day long instead of learn. Yes, they did just that. For days. With no signs of discontent at all. We tried providing learning material and schedules and still allowing them the freedom of choosing what they would learn and when they would sit down and do it. They could use their MP3 players. They could study outside. They could learn at the park. They could sit in the huge spa like bathtub surrounded by pillows and dolls. They. Didn't. Want. To. Learn.

We decided to try OKVA. The idea was that we would just be coaches. The responsibility of assignments and workload would rest on the relationship between the kids and the teachers they were assigned. Within the first two weeks, both children. Were. Failing. Their. Classes. 

Really.

So Tommy and I were spending all of our time chasing Logan, redirecting the kids to their school work, and diffusing attitude problems and temper tantrums. I wasn't able to get any of my college studying done until after the kids went to sleep. I would stay up until around 1:30 a.m. and then get back up around 4:30 a.m. just so I could spend some amount of time on my own school work. 

 And this was always the result. 

So we figured something needed to change. We tried to reason with them. We tried to explain to them that their behavior was a HUGE problem. We pleaded with them. They would rather sit within the confines of a brick and mortar school. 

They have been back in school since Monday. One week almost finished and we are back to the same issues that led us to home school in the first place. Chris is coming home every day claiming he is homework free. Kayla is begging us for help with her homework yet fighting us tooth and nail about it. I feel like I have failed them. I know that everyone will give me kudos for the attempt and admiration for sticking with it as long as we did. I. Will. Always. Feel. Like. I. Failed. Them. Nothing will change that.

This is what has changed:

6 hours a day I can relax and concentrate on my school work.

I am at peace with that. I know that I will receive criticism from the people on the other side of the fence. I can deal with that. The fact is, my kids want to be "normal", and they will go to great lengths to be considered such. It doesn't make any sense to me. The old saying "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" comes into play. 

I hope that this is where God wants us to be. I hope that my kiddos thrive and blossom into the outstanding and superb people that I know they are. I hope that we will continue to grow and develop as a family and change as we see the need. I hope that you are willing to do the same.

Attitude of Gratitude "N"

Netflix...whoa...I love that we can watch in with our Wii. I have watched so many wonderful shows!!!

New Testament...if life was to be lived according to the Old Testament...eek! 

Nap...or plural as well. If you can/need to take multiple naps...I say go for it! I should take more of them. Maybe then my eyes wouldn't look so dreary! Thank you Tiffany for suggesting this! I actually took one today and it was NICE!!!

Niceness...I think it is far to often overlooked. Apparently there are those in my life that feel that I am just not a nice person. I am not sure what planet they are from. If my friends and family were polled I think the results would be a landslide!

Niece's!!! I have the best ones! Naomi, Nicole, Megan, Ashley and Miranda. They are all very beautiful girls. It is sad for me to see that they are turning into women, but at the same time I am SO PROUD of ALL of them! (Even if I am the dorky Aunt!)

Nikki Herren...She is THE BEST sister-in-law! My kids love to chat with her throughout the day. She is so supportive of all of us and so excited about life. If only distance was easier to travel! I think we would be best friends if we lived closer together!

Night...It is time for me to go Night Night!!!!

Attitude of Gratitude "M"

Madonna...man has her music been popping up a lot lately!!! My fave is "Hey Mr. DeeJay". I wasn't allowed to act like her in any way when she was really popular. I do hope that I can look as good as she does when I am her age!!!

 

Magnolia...my absolute favorite flower!!!

Medusa...I know...it sounds crazy...but my ex must have told ALL of his girlfriends since we split up that I am Medusa because they are all terrified of me. I know...I am such a HEINOUS person!!! At least they have a point of reference since Medusa is so well known. I am grateful that I don't have work hard to put fear in them!!! Bwahahahahahaha!

Mondays...I always get to go enjoy awesome company at Zumba with Ann =) I love Mondays!

Music!!! Of most all kinds! If I were denied music I would be a sad, sad, scary person.

Attitude of Gratitude "L"

Lasagna...Mmmm!!!! I am a pasta loving fool! Lasagna is so delicious...especially when my Momma makes it. We don't bother with the frozen stuff. That is right...from scratch baby! 

Laptops...I am so thankful that my parents gave me a laptop as a gift. I think my desktop is feeling pretty neglected now.

Leaves...especially this time of the year. Used to be a family tradition for the kids to all get forced to go outside on Thanksgiving Day and rake the leaves. We would get them in a HUGE pile and then take turns running and jumping into the middle of them. 

Lacy Reed...phenomenal woman. I think that if we were to work out together it would be very interesting. I have the dialog in my mind already. 

L...c'mon Sabrina...you can do it!

S...Eek! It is TOO HARD!!!

L...Oh, quit your whining and just do it already!!!

S...Hag!

L...Butt munch!

Yes, it is strange that I have it all played out...but it is what it is!!!

Lifesavers candy...Every Christmas my mom would make sure that we got the little book with the life savers in it. I have made sure that my children get them every year as well. I don't think they eat all of them...but they get them regardless!!!

Lip gloss...I won't ever leave home without it. I hate the feeling of dry lips! My fave is the fruity flave Blistex. The orange and purple are AWESOME!!!!

Love notes...I have a suggestion (it is a re-applied one). Write your hunny a love note and stick it in their work stuff. Put the letters SHMILY on it. See How Much I Love You. I did it and it was a ton of fun. I went to great measures to make sure that he knew...

Leisure time...I've heard it is something that is very enjoyable. I hope to find it some day!

Laundry...it makes for some serious job security...right? Is that convincing? 'Cause it would be so much easier to add this to the "I hate you" list!

Lyrics...they are VERY therapeutic. It is amazing to me how some artists seem to just pluck the thoughts right out of my mind!

Lata...the "in way" to say Later...as in "I will see you later"!!!

Attitude of Gratitude "K"

Kaleidoscopes...the word means "beautiful to see". My diversity team used to go to elementary schools and teach 5th grade children how to have respect for themselves and others. Part of the program included us making kaleidoscopes out of Pringles cans and marbles. It was a very enlightening experience. I want a tattoo with an image from a kaleidoscope with my kiddos names hidden in it. I think it is amazing that something so simple can be so interesting and beautiful!

Karma...I've seen the "comes around"...and I like it! It is always rewarding to know that your good deeds will be rewarded!

Kesha...I can bust out some serious Zumba to "Take It Off".

Kit Kat...as a kid I used to go watch movies with my sister all the time. I would always get nacho's and Kit Kats. Once I was finished with the chips, I would dip my Kit Kats in the cheese sauce...don't hate...try it.

Kim Lovvorn...she is just so...KIMMIE!!! Your just jealous that you don't have a Kimmie of your own!

Kind regards...a very polite and friendly way to say the end!!!

Attitude of Gratitude "J"

Jack O'Lanterns...this time of year, how could I not mention these! I don't particularly care for them, but my kiddo's sure do enjoy carving them. They are messy, slimy, stinky, and attract gnats...of course the kids love them!!!

Jawbreakers...the ginormous ones!!! I remember going for rides on my dad's motorcycle in California. We would always stop at the roadside travel stops and I would get one of the HUGE jawbreakers and GIANT pickles.

Jelly Belly jelly beans...the kids and Carl and I used to sit on our bed with the gourmet jelly beans and make different concoctions after dumping the entire bag out. I still get them for the kids every couple of months. They have fond memories =)

 Joshua Elementary School...I went there for a couple of years in Lancaster. I met a very wonderful friend there...Brandy Freeman. She is, to this day, still one of the most supportive, kind, and loving friends I have. Years and miles have not come between us. I am so incredibly grateful for her!

Jamaica...for the origination of RUM!!!! I love several drinks with Rum. Plain ole Rum and Coke, Captain Morgan mixed with most any soda pop. Mmm!

Jetta...my '05 has been a great lil' grocery getter! It is extremely functional, gets good gas mileage, AND it's pretty stylish too!

Jen Murray...we've only been friends for a couple of months. She has been amazingly supportive! She is a wonderful person and I am looking forward to many more years of being able to call her friend!

Jugs...big ones, small ones, they are all beautiful!

Jaunt...all of the places with all of the possibilities...speaking of, I think I will Jaunt my way complete for the day!!! God bless and have a happy day!

Attitude of Gratitude "I"

iPod!!! Where would we be without one now! Mine is totally underutilized and it makes me sad. I can store 20,000 songs on my iPod! I only have around 750 in all of my iTunes. I'm hopeful that some amazing person will feel sad for me and donate a bunch of their music. Maybe?

Ibizan Hounds...not all of them, just one. Her name is Dakota. She is a phenomenal dog. My sister Shannon adopted Dakota from the pound. She has the most personality that I have EVER seen in a dog. She really enjoys coming home to Oklahoma because she gets spoiled every time she is here. I miss her a lot.

Ice cream...I have fallen in love with cold marble slab ice cream. I am showing my sad face because Maggie Moo's is closing all of their stores. What is your favorite kind of ice cream?

Inner strength...my circumstances would be in an entirely different world if I hadn't found my inner strength. I surprise myself with just how much I have. I have the ability to see it in others, just not in myself until I am pushed beyond reason.

Ink...in many forms. Without it, our attempts at expressing ourselves in every way would only be temporary. I would like to get a tattoo, I'm just a big chicken!

Intermission...the perfect time to take a break from the whirlwind and get some things done. Hope you have an amazing weekend!!!! 

Attitude of Gratitude "H"

H has always been in my life. (That sounds sorta ridiculous, but it has.) My maiden name is Herren. My married name until recently was Harding. I have been SH for 33 years!!! It is now a part of my past. I no longer have an H in my name. It is still very unnatural for me to sign my name "Sabrina Lemons". 

Haggard!!! I can't choose a fave from his enormous list of music...Branded Man, Daddy Frank, FIGHTIN SIDE OF ME!!!!, Folsom Prison Blues...there are just too many to choose from!

Hair...I know...it sounds silly...but really, if you have ever been in a situation like I have...you appreciate even the silly things! I have a "disorder" that causes me to have bald spots when I am extremely stressed out. Which is annoying, because once I realize that I have one, I get MORE STRESSED OUT!!!!

Harmony...I like it as a name...I could totally run with that...Harmony, Melody, etc. I also enjoy harmony in life. This "No Drama Momma" is not a pleasant person unless there is some magnitude of harmony lingering around. I am not above being completely ridiculous to make people laugh and change a mood.

Headphones...I am a music lover...but only MY music...my kids know...if they're gonna listen to THEIR music, headphones are a requirement! I also use them when I am being naughty and watching shows like Weeds on my laptop. That way the kids never know!

Hell...Bare with me...without it, (Let's be honest here) We would not have such an appreciation for Heaven on Earth or anywhere else. If we don't have a zero, we can't know if we have gone up or not!

Hiding...If I wasn't able to accomplish hiding, y'all would think I was a nut case. I am grateful for the ability to hide the thoughts that run through my mind, the feelings that I feel in my heart, and the emotions that come along with me every single day.

Hoarding...because it gives my bestie something to be passionate about! She CRACKS me up with her comments regarding the show Hoarders on TLC!

Horseshoe's ...fond memories of childhood...wish we could create some as adults as well.

Attitude of Gratitude "G"

GAH!!!! This is harder than it appears. Sometimes...especially lately...I don't want to be grateful...I want to be childish...and cross my arms...and stomp my feet...and scream "NO! I DON'T WANT TOO!!!" or something like that.

This would be an entire week of it so far! I have no idea what is going on...but maybe (at least I am hoping) it is just something in the air that all mom's are feeling? Please? Humor me? Just a little?

Garters...the ones the put around the Margarita glasses...MMM....Mar-Gah-Rita!!!!

Giving...I am thankful and grateful for the ability to give to others. I can't imagine what life would be like if I was not a giving person. I have been told that I am an extremist in this category and that I cause harm to myself. I don't see that at all. I believe that the people in my life deserve to receive all that I can give!

Gloomy days...it gives me the opportunity to self reflect and relax. I usually quote Eeyore all day on days like that. Yup...I am a huge DORK!!!

Goats!!!! Did you know that to dream of a Billie Goat butting you indicates a forewarning of deceit, underhandedness, and lies?!?!

Gunpowder...and lead...I'm going home...gonna load my shot gun...wait by the door...light a cigarette...You Rock Miranda!!!

Gypsy's...someday...it's an aspiration to be one...oh the possibilities..HAHA!!!

GOODNIGHT!!!! Since I was falling asleep typing the last line...I think I shall go now!!!

Attitude of Gratitude "F"

Not very difficult to figure out where to start with the letter "F".

I tell ya...I had a serious "dislike" for FB when I first started using it. Now it is like crack! I read on a website that to dream of Facebook (y'all know you do sometimes...don't lie) means that you have inner desires to expand your social circle. You have a need to reach out to others in a more personal way. Oh, that explains so much!

Fat...bare with me!!! Without it, I would not have been fortunate enough to have met all of the amazing people that I can now call friends. While I want it to be all gone, like yesterday, I am grateful that I have it. My squishy has enhanced my friend list beyond measure.

Father-in-laws...Not all of them. I feel that some of them are far too narcissistic and need to go find a cave to dwell in. My Father-in-law, Art Lemons, is simply indescribable. He has had so many trials in his life, so many negative things. He lost his first wife and two children, has been violently attacked and stabbed on the side of the road, really has no pot to pee in or window to throw it out of...yet he is honestly the happiest man I have ever met. Even my parents are amazed by his happiness. I always try to keep that in mind when I am facing life. If Art can be so happy after everything he has been through, I should find little or no difficulty in being happy with my life.

Food...I am such a foodie. I love to prepare food for people. I love to see that look on someone's face when they take the first bite and savor the moment. I love to think that I am helping create fond memories for people. I am helping people enjoy their lives because they have good food to eat.

Attitude of Gratitude "E"

Eagles...too envision them represents self-renewal and your connection with your spirituality.

Earrings...decorative lil' gems and jewels to show off a persons personality. I love them, wish my ears could tolerate them for long periods of time!

Elevators...especially the one at the Hard Rock Cafe. We literally crammed all 23 members of my family into one and jumped up and down as it went up to the top of the Cafe. Priceless.

Eleventh hour...signifies that time is running out...this is when my best work is always done.

Elf hats...crocheted ones to be exact...for helping me get one step closer to a new friend.

Embarrassment...something that I can offer to most, but few can cause for me =)

Emotions...There are so many...and I try to just feel them as they come by. Acceptance is not always an easy thing.

Emptiness...an emotion that I feel often. I embrace it. I allow it. Then I kick it's little booty to the curb and enjoy all of my wonderful friends and family.

Enemy...although I don't feel as though I have any...I am viewed that way by some. I have made my sincere apologies. Not an easy thing to do. I have to let God handle the rest of it.

Energy...what a drug! I enjoy the amount that I have...but I am ALWAYS WANTING MORE!!!!

Exclamation points...yeah, I use a ton of them. Deal with it. I like to be HAPPY!!!

Exercise...I could write an entire blog on this one...actually, I have...but I could write a couple more! Bringing great people into my life and making me feel great about myself. What more could a person want?

Evanescence...lyrics from my soul. Amy Lee is a beautiful person!

Enigma...a very descriptive word that falls into my personality.

Exits...it is always important to to store in your mind where they are...See ya!!!

Attitude of Gratitude "D"

Dandelions...brings me back to my childhood and simpler times. When I was excited to pick them and just poof their seeds away...never understanding the science in all of it, the nature involved. Just being a kid.

Dance...an excellent way to enjoy music, get your heartbeat up, and help you burn those calories!

Daphne...The character on Frasier always cracked me up. I love the name, its a shame that Tommy doesn't. Daphne Lemons has a nice ring to it.

Decimals...They help with accuracy. I WILL refigure my checking account until the last two numbers are correct. OCD? Maybe.

Decoder rings...every member of my secret clubs ALWAYS had one.

Dixie Chicks...I'm still not ready to make nice.

Dessert...so many wonderful memories people have are centered around them.

Disposable diapers...Sorry Mother Earth. I already have enough to do. I'd just assume throw that mess away.

Divorce...Thank heavens for second chances at happiness.

Dugouts...I never spent much time in them because I was always on the field, but, the times I spent in there are fantastic memories.

Donuts...Grotesquely bad for us, but, oh so comforting and delicious!

Dreams...Far away places where life can be bliss...I think I'll go there now.


Hope you all achieve all of your dreams!

Attitude of Gratitude "C"

My best friend has been updating her blog a lot lately. She and I were discussing that I should update mine since it has been two months since I last blogged. She suggested that I just say something random. That's funny because that is mostly what goes on in my head...random thoughts. Makes for some easy little blurps on Facebook or Twitter. But it doesn't really make for a great blog.

Another high school friend has been posting about an Attitude of Gratitude. I decided I would start posting this as well. After two days, I have decided that Facebook is not the place for that. They limit the posts to only 420 characters and well, quite frankly...I have A LOT MORE THAN THAT to be grateful for. That led me to go to my blog. So here ya go.

Attitude of Gratitude "C"

Christ...that is all I need to say about that one.



Chicago...Hard To Say I'm Sorry, Stay The Night, Your The Inspiration, Hard Habit To Break...who could choose a favorite? Certainly not me! I love them all!




Cake...it has so many places in our lives. It can bring a smile to just about anyone's face. One of the reasons I love to bake them.




Calves...they always let me know when I have pushed myself in my Zumba classes. Love the Burn!!!

Camera's...memories can never be lost with them around. I love to share pictures with people!

Cards...the greeting kind...even with all of our instant technology, nothing beats getting one in the mail.




Cell phones...I have had one for so long, I feel wrong without mine!




Chocolate...I hope to one day have a chocolate party like my sister-in-law had. I'm sure I would have a ton of guests then!







Clothing...cause lets just face it...we should all appreciate that others wear it!






Coffee...it has become a part of my "me" time. I am getting addicted.



Compliments...I am working on accepting them graciously.

Congrats...they are always a happy time.



Conclusions...I think it is a virtue to know when enough is enough. Hope you have an amazingly happy day!

Building MY own healthy network

Who do you surround yourself with? What type of people are they? Supportive? Understanding? Compassionate? Motivating? If your answer is no, then why are you around them?


I've made it a point to pay attention to my surroundings. I choose to remain positive. I choose to look at the bright side of most everything. In the past, I have chosen to be friends (or at least try to be) with a lot of negative people. I couldn't understand why my life was so unsatisfying. I was married to a VERY unhappy person. His unhappiness led to the rest of us living in misery as well. We were lacking love, understanding, compassion, and companionship.


The past is...what it is. The past. I now have surrounded myself with happy, healthy, loving people. It is amazing what a difference the people around us can make in our lives. Most of the time, said people don't even realize the impact they have on others. I read an article online by Jillian Michaels about building your own healthy network. I was excited and encouraged while reading the advice. I have already chosen that path.


Where are you in your life? Are you on the path to a healthy life? Would you like to join me on my journey? I will welcome all the supportive, understanding, compassionate, and motivating people that come my way! If you don't fall into that category, then take your cookies and ho-ho's to the next table please. OH, and have a nice day =D

ZUMBA!!!

Hello, My name is Sabrina Lemons. I am a Zumba addict.




I invite you to join me in my addiction.




I know that a lot of my social networking friends are tired of hearing "Zumba" this and "Zumba" that. Bare with me while I explain my fascination with the new craze. I have always had esteem issues. I have never been a "skinny" girl. I have never been truly physically fit. I have always been uncomfortable with my appearance and my body. I, like many, many other people, have a desire to be active and positive in my life. I've tried a couple of diets here and there. I've tried all sorts of workout DVD's (even VHS! For the younger readers, google it...it is real), exercise routines, and methods of weight loss. They have all made me feel more miserable than when I was sedentary.




Zumba is different. It is completely enjoyable. I am a girl that LOVES to dance. My husband claims he can't and won't dance. Back in my younger, stupider days, you would find me on the dance floor at the Caravan every night it was open. I wasn't there to pick up guys or to be picked up by guys (I was married to Carl during those days). I was there to dance, and dance, and dance. From the minute they opened to the minute they ushered us out of the door I loved to dance. I get that enjoyment from Zumba. For an hour, twice a week, I get to do nothing but dance and laugh and enjoy myself. Getting all hot and sweaty doesn't deter me any at all.


The friends that go with me enjoy it just as much as I do. Not one of them has made a single complaint about any of it. The only thing they say is they want to do it more. They want to do it better. They want it.


The other Zumba addicts are quickly befriending me. I love it. I am expanding my list of friends. And the awesome part about it is, these ladies actually care about me. They are interested in my happiness. They are there to uplift me.


Ann, Lacy, and Alicia (all of my Zumba leaders) are all extremely supportive in all aspects of my life. They aren't just being friendly with me to get my money. They encourage me to be a better person. They uplift me.


I am starting to feel great about myself. I am starting to feel healthy. I'm excited to count my calories. I'm excited to go Zumba for an hour and feel the muscle ache and burn for days. I would love for all of my friends to accomplish the same thing. It is a very rewarding feeling.


Positive.
Motivating.
Encouraging.
Stimulating.
Energizing.


ZUMBA!!!

Lemons Crochet's beginning

I have been successful at crocheting since I was around seven or eight years old. I have always enjoyed creating things for other people to enjoy. I never really thought I could do much else with the things I made outside of give them as gifts. I rarely see crocheted items at peoples houses. When I do, it is always something that someone's grandma gave them. People always seem to like them. Some really great friends have given me many words of encouragement and convinced me to sell my work. I will give it a try. I can make just about anything if I can understand the pattern. If you are interested in buying something or know someone that would be interested I am willing to custom make things. I hope to get some input soon!

This is a hooded baby blanket.
I couldn't put it on Logan as a model because it's purple and his dad would kill me!!! $35


$15 for scarf's




Single bed blanket $75

I also have made a hobo bag...but it has been spoken for...if you are interested in one I can make it with a decent turn around time just let me know. $25

Time goes by...

When I was in kindergarden my mom would make me take a nap after school every day. I would wait until she got absorbed in watching Days Of Our Lives and sneak down the hallway. I would hide behind the couch and watch the soap opera with her. Most of the time I would fall asleep behind the couch. I would stay awake as long as I could because I thought the show was SO GREAT!!! I know, sad that a five year old would get wrapped up in soap opera's. Two of the characters were Patch (Steve) and Kayla. I thought that Kayla was such a beautiful name. I decided then that when I had a little girl of my own I would name her Kayla.

Twelve years ago today I was fortunate enough to be blessed with a wonderful little girl. Kayla Elizabeth Harding. Her father wasn't given an option about her name. I had dreamed of having my own girl since I was five years old so the Kayla was a given. In our family all of the first born girls in Kayla's generation were given the middle name Elizabeth. It started with my neice Nicole Elizabeth, then went to Naomi Elizabeth and Megan Elizabeth. I was the last one in the line of first born girls so of course I had to follow suit. None of the other girls were given that middle name for that purpose. It was just coincindence.

I am so proud of Kayla. She is the most wonderful daughter. She is caring beyond belief. She is very fun to have in my life. I am so thankful that she is considerate, affectionate, hilarious, outgoing, independent, and unique. She is loyal to her family. She is strong.

Most parents get all sad and mushy when their children become teenagers. Especially when their girls become teenagers. I am not sad. I don't feel compelled to be mushy. I am proud. I walk with my head held very high and my shoulders very broad. I am able to do this because my little tween girl is the person that she is. It doesn't make me sad to see her growing up. I am looking forward to our relationship getting stronger.

I hope that all of our family and friends make it a point to tell her how special she is today. If you don't know her, well, then you truly are missing out!