Diamonds in the Rough

We, (the fiance & I), have made it as finalists in the Diamonds in the Rough contest in the Abbotsford News. Each week the paper will release some photos they took of us, (here's hoping for 1 chin), and answers to some of the questions we answered.

The public can vote online and through the form in the paper to determine who stays in the competition, and yes I am asking you to help out! Each day you can vote for the couple you would like to eliminate, (please don't choose us -- Meghann & Alvaro). The winning couple is awarded 20,000$ in uncut diamonds which we would then sell to pay for a small wedding and a van with fewer than 265KM on it...

Usually I am not the sort who would publicly beg for money, but 20K would SO help us out right now. The good news for you voters is that a) Voting is worldwide and b) voters can win prizes by voting and commenting.

We promise to pay it forward, but win or lose we are still quite lucky to have each other.

A Quick Note

From this point on, all of my entry titles will link to a little mood music. More often than not, it will be related to what I am talking about. However, you may want to right click and open in a new window, we both know you wouldn't want to miss anything.

-M

"Footstands Are Easy"

A few months back, my youngest son, K, was extremely excited to present to me his newest realisation. His sister had been doing some hand stands over the last few days and he had been trying to imitate her, to no avail. Rather than feeling jealous or inadequate because he couldn't do it, he said to me, "Mom, I can't do handstands, but I can do footstands! Footstands are easy."

At 5 years old, my son had learned how to appreciate the things he can do and not obsess over those he cannot. He wasn't comparing himself to anyone who could do the things he could not, nor was he allowing it to affect his self-esteem. He was just happy with the things he could do well.

At this point I also realised two things: I need to learn how to do that and I have to use all of my power and energy to ensure that he never loses it.

A Letter to my Children Part 1

D,

I am so incredibly proud of you. In your 10 years on this planet, you've begun to question and examine things that most people my age are afraid to touch upon. Unfortunately, your desire to please those important to you is making it difficult for you to express yourself. Trust me when I tell you that you only need to worry pleasing yourself. Regardless of who you are today and who you may become I will always support you because you've got a great head on your shoulders. It isn't necessary to figure things out right away - you've got your whole life ahead of you so please enjoy the journey. Study, read, ask questions, try new things, - jump in head first if you have to. If you fall, stand up and brush yourself off, content with the knowledge that you are not afraid to explore and learn from things that might not have turned out the way you wanted them to. Yesterday you told me that you want to be like me, it was incredibly sweet but please don't. Be better. You can be so much better.

I was young when I had you and I am sorry for some of the decisions I have made since. Being the first child, we are learning together.... you how to be who you want to be and me - how to be the mother you deserve. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to grow with you. I truly love you more than, I am sure, you realise and I am so excited to see the amazingly brilliant adult you will become.

Please take your time with that.

N,

You have a very sweet soul... the kind of soul I wish I was born with. Sensitivity like yours is rare in men, sadly. Realise that this is a strength and not a weakness. Always the first with a compliment and a hug, your ability to read people's emotions is a gift. Your passion and sensitivity are greatly needed in the world today. If at 8 you are mindful of those less fortunate, at 18 you will be well on your way to doing amazing things. Sometimes bad things happen to good people.... don't let them change your heart. Your smile is contagious and your charisma enormous, use it to change the world.

It's ok to be angry and hurt, don't beat yourself up over it. It is how you conduct yourself while experiencing these emotions that matters. I fear that you may let biology define you. Who he is is not who you will be. I worry that you have learned how to feel insecure, worried and rejected from watching me feel the same...

I am so thankful that you are learning how to be proud of yourself because you absolutely should be. I know that you will grow to be a wonderful man: caring, respectful and loving. People may hurt you, but don't let them break you. You have far, far, FAR too much to offer.