Dear Shelly,

Kimberly from Kimberly's korner asked "how did you meet your husband?"

I met the hubster at work, we worked together for about a year or so and we were both going through a divorce. The company party came up so we decided to go together. The rest as they say is history! Actually, we were friends first so it has always been a very grown-up relationship which is why it works so great. I really do feel lucky to be married to someone I like as much as love!

Emilie from dolce Divine asked "how did you raise 8 amazing kids? Were you a stay at home mom? What's your secret to a happy family?

For the first part we are a blended family, the hubster and I raised 5 of them, the three oldest girls were already 17, 19, and 20 when we married. Together we started with a twelve-year-old, 2 ten-year-olds and 2 eight-year-olds. Honestly it wasn't always easy and it was a lot of work but we did it by having fun and playing together. We all treated each other with respect. There were times that were tough as in all families but I am a fighter and all my kids are worth fighting for.
The answer to the second question is that I was a stay- at-home mom until my youngest was 4. Then I worked full time until I remarried and one of my bonus boys was struggling with school so I went part-time to help him catch up. By necessity I have been full time since.
Third question, my secret to a happy family is, that like i said above, my family is worth everything it takes to make them happy and healthy. Now that they are all grown, our doors are always open to them, my ears are always open to them, my arms are always open to them and most important my heart is always open to them. We have dinner at our house every Sunday and
everyone is invited and we play together as much as possible!
I want to be real here so I will tell you that there have been times when I have had to fight tooth and nail to help my kiddos grow up to be healthy contributing adults, I have been in the principles office, the emergency room and during one of the toughest times I have been known to pound on drug dealers doors (don't mess with this mom's kids!) The most important thing I want to say is this- my family is amazing and everything we have been through, good and bad has been worth it! I am the luckiest mom in the world!

Until later,
Hugs,
Shelly