NeonAftershock

Let me just brag a little. This is my girl after only 2 months of guitar. She figured out how to play "Blackbird" by the Beatles completely on her own. Not an easy song to play. She hasn't even shown her guitar teacher because she's shy that way (so i decided to show the world). She recently joined the Portland School of Rock, and also started a band called "NeonAftershock." You may ask, "in a band so soon?" And I reply, how can you play the electric guitar, be a teenager and NOT start a band? Doesn't it just go along with the territory? Enjoy the music and check out that pile of dirty clothes in the background!

Dog names

Cast your vote for your favorite dog name. I have my favorite but ultimately the kids will win out...unless of course I have a little viewer help! Shyla, Lucy, Thirty, Sharnay, Milly, Daisy, Mila, mugsy, Clover, Joy.

A New Puppy

We've lived in our house for nearly 14 years now. We've had all kinds of rodents for pets and several guinea pigs. We've even fostered kittens and a bunny once. My kids have begged for a dog for years. I was a little hesitant and my husband was adamant not to get one. This past weekend we caved - but only under the condition that they agree to my terms - share in picking up the poop, agree to take their turn going on walks, feeding the dog before they eat themselves...and so on. Now you may be thinking that's unrealistic and it will really end up being my responsibility. Yes I know and I can hear your collective laughter. But...I'm going to do my darnedest to hold them accountable too. So, before I laid any money down for a puppy, I had my kids sign a contract. It basically says that if they fail to the terms, or if Mom has to remind them constantly to help, they will forfeit a privilege or item of Mom's choice (something like cel phone usage, or screen time) until they are back on track. I also noted that the puppy we want costs money - a lot of money! There's the cost of the puppy itself, we need to build a fence, and of course routine vet visits and grooming. It will require some financial sacrifice on all of our parts - so I asked the kids what they would be willing to give up in order to help us afford the dog? I was thinking something along the lines of a couple months allowance. To my astonishment, they offered to give up a trip to Hawaii we have planned for this summer. Wow. That was a real indicator of how much they want a dog. So, we cancelled the trip and picked out a new puppy. Wish me luck. We'll bring her home next week and I for one CAN'T WAIT!

Teenagers

My little girl used to be the apple of her dads eye. She could do no wrong. He would throw her in the air, laugh when she pulled the books off the bookshelves, go for long adventures around the swamp together getting shoes and clothes completely soaked. Life was always so much fun with dad around. It was always me who would enforce the bedtime rules, the table manners, remind her to do her chores and be the main disciplinarian. It was hard, and sometimes I felt alone and sad doing it.

Today, my little girl is a teenager. 15 to be exact. She is so much like her dad in the way she thinks, processes, and argues - just like a lawyer. Today, they had a big fight about homework, grades and loss of priviledges. She stormed out of the house. He slung a little mud at me and then withdrew. I felt sick.

My husband is having a hard time seeing his little girl grow up, gain her independance and yes, talk back. It is hard for him to discipline with any effect now that she's a teenager. I'm witnessing in action what they always taught at parenting classes - You can't be your child's friend and expect to have authority when they get older. There needs to be fun, but a good measure of discipline along the way too. He's learning this the hard way.

I know the teen years are supposed to be challenging. Some days I want to completely give up. My daughter is used to me disciplining her...I've done it all along. We get mad, I dole out the consequences. We yell, we cry. She says how she hates living with our family and can't wait to move out in 3 more years. Sometimes she says she hates me, tells me I'm "mean." I know she's just venting, and I'm usually able to let her venom roll off me. Somedays I'm not as strong and it really hurts. I go to my bedroom and cry – wondering if I'm doing the right thing. Wishing there was a parenting manual like the one they give out prior to obtaining a drivers license. Something that has concrete directions for what is right and what is wrong, "do this but don't do that."

Within 24 hours we usually make up and my girl is right back sitting next to me telling me about her music, or important issues in her life. My heart melts and I feel bad for giving consequences. I waiver a bit, wondering in my head if I should let the consequences slide - I dread enforcing them and my baby girl is only here for "3 more years." But, I follow through, knowing I have to be consistent and hoping I'm helping her in the long run.

Now...if I could just remember where I hid her cel phone...

Java Tiger

My daughter completed this amazing work of art using recycled aluminum soda cans. It was for her final project in her high school art class and the assignment was to think "outside of the box." She pounded over 100 tiny brass nails to attach the aluminum pieces to a thick board. She had a lot of fun, got a little jittery from the energy drinks (she needed the cans!) and ultimately recieved an A grade.

We are excited that the local college of Arts and Crafts has selected it for one of their upcoming shows. Yippy!

My Valentine

Valentine's day is around the corner. My husband and I don't really do much on that day anymore after being married for 25 years! But every now and again I'll whip up a handmade card. Here is my latest using shrink plastic. I love that stuff. Hope you and your's have a great day and thank you for visiting The Craft Junkie Blog.


1) I used an opaque white shrink plastic for the hand. I drew the design on my computer, then printed it directly onto the plastic.


2) After I removed the plastic hand from my oven, and while it was still warm, I bent two of the fingers forward - around a pencil. I believe this is the universal symbol for "I love you."


3) Next, I applied a glittery red heart, using basic glitter glue.


4) I attached a pin back in case someone ever wanted to wear it on their lapel - never my husband tho, he's just not the cutsy type. Maybe I'll borrow it! :)

For other crafts, visit The Craft Junkie Blog.