Below Sea Level to Higher Elevations

This past week I went from Sea Level to Higher Elevations!! 

Pensacola FL to Tao's NM

Leaving on Wednesday and back on the next Monday. 

My sweet baby sister married her true best friend. 

Such an amazing place Tao's is --- if you have never been you should really try to plan a trip. I did not met a stranger. The things I saw made me think of how fast life is. In Tao's it doesn't seem that anyone lives in the fast lane. Everyone is almost in slow mode. But not really if that makes sense. My new friends in Tao's taught me something very important this past weekend --- too slow down, think of who and what is the most important, make you happy, and love everyone. (Not that I did not already know this) Just by watching I realized I have been living in the fast lane for SO long that you forget to live for who or what you love, too slow down, make me happy, and to love everyone no matter who or what is happening, Not for what you don't have, for someone else, money, stress, etc ... 

After seeing herds of Elk, a coyote running across the road, beautiful mountains, and the most beautiful outside wedding ever I need more outside time. Whether it be here or there --- lol 

To sum it up --- we all should take time to think about how we live. Do we rush around, stress, stay depressed, let anxiety win --- Ask yourself WHY? 

Slow down and remember to slow down, think of who and what is the most important, make you happy, and love everyone. 

Positive Changes

Have you ever felt depressed or anxious?  Things to help you stay positive. These are ideas that I feel will help someone who feels anxious and depressed.  I have seen these ideas work with my own eyes.  

 

1. Become more aware of the causes of the anxiety situation. 

Such as where you are. Who's around. How loud it is.  Is it hot or cold. etc ... 

2. Keep  occupied: Don't spend a lot of time laying or sitting around doing nothing. If you do its more likely that it will result in thinking about what upsets you. Consider spending your time doing something such as cleaning your bedroom, reading a book or going for a walk. 

3. Exercise: Working out on a regular basis is able to help reduce your anxiety level. Simple things such as walking or doing yoga.

4. Help others as a way of helping yourself: If you spend your time doing positive things it will have a positive effect on how you feel about yourself. Spending time helping others is an effective way of directing your anxiety into something constructive. 

5. Think positively: If you spend time thinking positively about things and how you feel they will turn out, it will have a positive effective on your overall condition. Positive thinking is one of the most effective ways of reducing your anxiety level.

6. Spend time talking: It can be a rather pleasurable experience, talking with a friend or family member. Take some time to meet up with friends or family members so that you can have your ideal discussions. This way you will focus your energy and thoughts on something constructive and not on your feelings of anxiety.

7. Spend time laughing: You should never be too afraid to unwind. The reality is that laughter is highly effective at reducing your anxiety level, as it prevents you from worrying and feeling too miserable. So spend some time watching a funny movie or TV show. Do things which make you happy, regardless of how silly it may be.

Always Thankful

#Truth

You know sometimes we forget this.  I know I do.  And sometimes we have to have bad days to make us remember to always be thankful. 

#thankfulforbaddays

Heavy On My Heart

Where I work we have a few regular customers who come in almost once a week. They are best friends! Sweetest ladies ever!! They normally come in with different children each time as well as a few of the same ones. A couple of weeks ago I decided to ask --- Where they all there children/grand children? NO, they are both foster parents!   Who are best friends and are helping each other take care of these kids who have been through physical, mental and sexual abuse. 

This past week one of the ladies came in by herself. So I asked where her friend was. Her response. You remember the little girl she had a few weeks ago and went home? My response with a gasp I said yes.  Well, turns out the friend was on the way to pick up the little girl from Child Services again!!! I was almost in tears when she said and the mother who was found passed out on drugs left her with the new boy friend. The new boy friend raped the little girl. 

I just stood there in awe trying not to break down. All I could say is what is wrong with the system. I started thinking about my past. After the physical abuse of being thrown down a flight of stairs, beat with a weight belt, locked in my bedroom for hours, told I was nothing and never would be, sexual abused and lots more that will blow you away --- all by a man my mother married. Who threatened if I told he would kill the 2 most important women in my life --- my grandmother and mother. Who had everyone fooled that he was a good church going man who believed in the word of God.  Took us to church every single Sunday. We "lived" the perfect life in everyone eyes we were around. And I wonder what is wrong with the system!!! That's why!! Because you can't tell who the good and the bad are anymore! This lady who came into the shop said the mother had to attend a program and she fooled everyone so this little girl was given back --- and now because her mother is ok this little girl will live the rest of her life in and out of foster homes, looking at every in a different light, fearing what is next until she finds out who she is --- SO MUCH MORE!!! One day she will be thankful for the ones who took her in and loved her. 

This is one of the reasons I started this blog and this conversation with this customer made me think -- this is why you need to tell your story. There is someone out there going through how you have felt for years. How on some days you think you see this person in the rear view mirror and your heart starts racing from fear. How you try to say I forgive you but I never will forget! How you protect your very own children. Why you shut down on harder days. These are real feelings that when you have been through these struggles that build that strength! Having faith, family, friends and not in my case but in the little girls case a loving foster parent who takes you in an shows you what love really is!!! Helps you find find you!! Gives you the space to grow! Supports you!! Tells you that you are a person who is of worth! Hugs you!! 

Remember EVERYONE is SO MUCH MORE then a mother, father, husband, wife, brother, sister, friend, aunt, uncle, friend, niece, nephew, boss, employee, child, adult!!! We ALL have feelings and hurt in different ways. 

Struggles vs Strength

Strength

I am thankful for my struggle because without it I would not have stumbled across my strength. 

For some reason this has been super hard for me to grasp. But I know without the struggles I have faced in life I would not be who I am today. I am still growing and have a lot of work but I am STRONG!!! For every struggle I have managed to gain strength and press forward. I may have not made the right decisions but I have learned from my mistakes and ALWAYS keep going!!! Some days are super harder then others but I remember who I am!!! A MOM of 4 boys, a wife, a friend, a daughter, a sister, and SO much MORE!!! #lesequalsmore 

My First Best Friends

Sister -- [sis-ter] 

a female offspring having both parents in common with another offspring; female 

sibling.

Friend -- [frend] 

a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.

There are 2 girls who will always be my best friends!! From the day they were both born they became my sisters - my friends!! Even though I know we gave our parents heck.  

The things the 3 of us have been through the bond is BIG!!!  

I watch my boys everyday and pray they have the same type of bond with each other as my sisters and I do. 

Keep these in your face!!!

A few of my favorite quotes that have helped me everyday --- and still help me!!! 

What does this mean?!?!?! Les Equals More

Les Equals More 

What does it mean? 

Les is my nickname. 

Les Equals More because I am more then just Leslie, Les, a mother, wife, friend, sister, business owner, daughter --- I am SO much more!!! 

I am ME!!! 

I have been through hell and back and back to hell and back again. That is me being honest. Don't like it close this blog and don't come back. I am a woman who has been a child who went through a divorce, grandparents passing away, child abuse, a divorce of my own, someone I love dearly going through depression, loss of jobs and more!! ON a positive note  I am alive, healthy, have 4 amazing boys, a husband, a job, parents who love me and my children, a grandmother who is just a phone call away and SO MUCH MORE!!! 

I will share how each negative and positive experience has helped me be so much more!!! How I have become the woman I am today. 

When you believe in YOUself Anything is Possible!!

Say What!?!?! A Mom of 4 Boys!!!

Say What!?!?! A Mom of 4 Boys!!! 

Yep, that's me!!! 

I can hardly believe it myself. 

I have been a mom for almost 20 years. And boy has it been an amazing ride. 

Has it been easy --- lol NO --- Have I made mistakes YES lots of them. 

Being the oldest of 3 girls I had no idea of how or what boys were like. Different that is for sure. Would I change it for the world - NO WAY!! 

These boys are my <3 heart and soul. 

Austin was born in 1996 and I was barely 19 years old. I was just married and all I wanted was a baby. Thinking back all I can tell myself is you were just a baby yourself. I look at Austin and pray everyday he does not make me a grandmother anytime soon. WHY, because he is not old enough to care for a baby.  Then I think how cool would it be if he did!! Is that wrong?  I did it and he has turned out to be an amazing young man. Austin has graduated from High School and is trying to find himself. He works 5 days a week and helps SO much with his little brothers and around the house. I really don't know what I would do without him. 

A year and a half later Cody came along and even though he or Austin won't say it they are Best Friends. And have been since the day Cody was born. Cody is a senior in high school this year. He excels in everything academic.  Keeps everyone laughing. Cody plans to attend college and will excel at what ever he does. He will be the one to go big!!! 

After Cody was born there father and I divorced and I swore I would never marry again or have any other children. Well --- I remarried and ---

In 2004 Brandon made his big entrance!!! With the first labor pain I had with him I am glad I did not hesitate. Went to the hospital and less then an hour he came!!! Mid wife did not even have time to put her scrubs completely on!! I should have know then what life was going to be like with him.  Starting at 3 months old he had ear infection after infection. From busted ear drums to 3 sets of tubes. At age 3 he we were told he had Asperger's Syndrome. (a form of austim) Brandon is homeschooled. Yes I homeschool him and work full time. Best thing for him. 

Just a few months after Brandon was born SURPRISE!!!! 

Derek was born in November 2005!! This boy!!! He is so much like Austin and Cody (i guess like me) but so much like his father. He wears his heart on the outside. His feelings get hurt so easy (just like i use to) but can get mad at the drop of a dime. He watches after Brandon even if Brandon doesn't want him too) He worries and loves his big brothers like he is the big brother. 

I miss them being little but love that they are older and independent. There are times when they just walk up and give me a hug or say love you mom! Times like that makes me think ---

Even though there have been lots of meltdowns theirs and mine I would do it all over again and again.  

Staying Positive and Keep Smiling

Love this quote --- You were given this life because you were strong enough to live it. 

Life can bring lots of ups and downs! I am still learning that keeping a smile on your face, staying positive and having faith will get you through. And lots of wine. lol 

YOU are Amazing! Did you know it takes over 40 muscles to make a frown? Smiling, on there other hand is easy~ requiring only about 17 muscles. Take the path of least resistance and SMILE~ It will do more and save your muscles.

Les Equals More

Les Equals More!!! 

My name is Leslie --- I am a mom of 4 boys, a wife, a business owner, a daughter, a friend, a sister, an aunt,  and SO much more!!! 

I decided to start this blog for several reasons. One because of the things I have been through in my life. Hoping it will help someone get through life knowing that there is always good in any situation. Two because putting something in writing helps you overcome and grow. Three because I feel that memories good or bad should be written down so when you can not remember your past or for your children or grand children.