Worrying about worrying: What it's like to grow up with OCD

If you have ever wondered what it is like to have OCD, have OCD or suspect someone you love has it, the below article is for you. Having suffered from this condition my whole life I can identify. I can't wait to read this book. OCD is often misunderstood and is usually takes a back seat to other, more common mental illnesses. I have heard more times than I can count "Just don't worry", it is hard to explain to someone who doesn't suffer from this disease just how impossible that is. To a person with OCD worrying even about completely absurd things is uncontrollable and the fear and anxiety associated with these fears is very real and often cause physical ailments as well. I hope more people will step forward and tell their stories, especially about childhood onset. Many children suffer in silence, or are simply unable or too ashamed to explain what they are feeling. I hope more parents and physicians can begin to recognize the signs of OCD in children and help these children get the help they need.

Worrying about worrying: What it's like to grow up with OCD

Mommy's little skater boy

semi formal

We mede it through our first high school formal! And I actually did her hair,well with help from my friend Heather. Those of you who know me know I don't do hair...I think that is why God gave me all boys after her because he knew I couldn't handle any more hair!! But I managed to make the bow in her hair with the help of Pinterest and Heather helped me curl it! Her date was super handsome too! And M looked amazing too! Let me tell you it is hard to find dress clothes for guys who are short!

They had a great time and I must say I enjoyed helping them shop, get ready and I loved hearing all about their fun time !

As for Buttercup's date well..let me say that is one of the hardest parts of being a mom to a teen. When she started liking boys, I hated the idea, I never wanted her to date, I thought I would never like anyone who tried to date her..but since never dating is not exactly practical, I decided to just try and force my opinions on who is the best choice on her...bad idea! Now, she never picks anyone i just can't stand and they are always required to ask my husbands approval before she can "date " (she can't actually date), She doesn't always pick the person I want her to pick. I have to remind myself I am not her and she had to learn.

Her date in case you are wondering... happens to be the cutest, most well mannered, sweetest little thing ever is just her friend... and I suppose that's ok;)

M is very picky when it comes to girls, he is not into "regular" girls he likes smart, funny, girls with substance! He also likes them to be pretty! I don't have to direct him much!

Why I am not ashamed that I watch Teen Mom

I am 32 years old and I watch Teen Mom, on MTV and I am not ashamed. I started watching the show because since I was a teen mom myself I was interested in how realistic the show would be.

I can assure you that for the most part it is very real.

They show the girls struggle, the baby's dads leave, the struggle with custody, as well as the few who have chosen adoption, or actually gone on to marry.

I have heard people say that this show will only encourge young girls to have babies. I thought the opposite and I was right. I have read many studies that show that since this show aired the teen birth rate across America had dropped by at least 30%.

I actually watch this show with my 15 year old daughter and it has helped open the door for many discussions on dating, sex and parenthood. I actually think this show is wonderful and educational. These girls share the real picture of teen parented and not the textbook view most girls received before.

I have heard people say well you are rewarding these girls for their behavior and I disagree, I believe you are giving these girls a platform to share their mistakes with others so they aren't repeated.

I think teen age girls have this fantasy that they will have a baby and the boy will love them and stay with them and they will live happily ever after. That is seldom the case. Girls need to know that in most cases they will be raising this child alone. They also need to know how having a baby at a young age will affect their relationships with friends, relatives and future partners forever.

I think MTV has done a great thing with this show. I am sure others will disagree but I love love the fact that this show is getting this subject out there and helping to prevent more teenage pregnancies.

I'm going back to college...

Yes, ten years and five kids after my last class, I am heading back to school this summer. Ok, well at least I am headed there online but it is still a big step. I have a lot of things still to figure out, I am interested in several career options but I am not getting any younger and our finances are not getting any better so I am pushing ahead with some basic stuff I still have to finish.

It is scary, and exciting and I am sure it will be difficult but it is time. Please pray that God will guide my journey, that I have the courage and strength to get through this. And please pray that my husband survives!

Teenagers

My daughter started high school this year (scary), sunday she turned 15 (even scarier) and this saturday she goes to her first high school dance (most scary!). I know it's cliche but time really does FLY by.

My high school career was anything but enjoyable for many reasons (mostly bad choices on my part), so needless to say I was nervous about her starting this period in her life. But so far, it has been mostly good and I am thrilled that she seems to be much better equipped to handle the "drama" of high school than I was.

I had zero self esteem and she has an abundance, she marches to the beat of her own drummer and doesn't care what anyone thinks. I wish I could have been that way.

I have always dreaded having a teenager, I am a baby person. But now that I have two teenagers I have to say I actually enjoy most of it! Sure there is drama, tempers, lessons to be learned, tears, slammed doors and the occasional "your the worst mom ever, you don't know what I am going through" talks but for most, I can honestly say I enjoy having teenagers.

I am sure it would be much easier if I didn't have teenagers and toddlers but this is my life and I wouldn't change it for the world.

I'll post pictures of my baby girl all dressed up for her first high school dance!

Twins?

There are several funny things about this picture. People see these two together and ask are they twins? I laugh and say no. Actually they are three years apart and they are not even related! Most people would't believe that explanation if I told them but it's true! She is my best friends little girl, she has an older sister and a little brother who both have brown hair...So when we are all out in public everyone automatically assumes she is mine! I would take her:)