Guarding My Heart From Evil

My life as any other life has its ups and downs. But through experiences I have gained many lessons and earned some amazing friends. I had never come across people who are toxic and evil. That was something you saw on TV or read about in the newspaper. They were stories that frightened you as you read the details of which sounded as if came from a horror film. It was the story of evil persons raping and murdering their loved ones or stealing from banks and stores. These were the definitions of “evil people” when I was growing up.


Over the past year I have come across people that have influenced my life dramatically. They are your typical people who mix in easily with a crowd. They are coaches, they are mentors and they are parents of small children. When you come across them you automatically trust them. They are nice. They help you when you need support and they are fun to be around. You never think that they would belong to a new more modern definition of “evil” until you fall victim to their plan. A person who has become evil and passive may show signs in a different manner. They do not physically harm you but they will affect you in a passive aggressive manner.

After completing some deep work over the past year in recognizing my own anxieties and weaknesses I discovered and researched some other illnesses that were affecting my life including people who are unhealthy and were affecting my life in a negative manner. I researched and read many books on what I was up against and found out some information so I could guard myself from them to keep me safe. Overall I learned who they were and how to protect myself from their illness.

A person suffering from this type of disease will create a feeling of insecurity in others so they may disguise their own insecurities. They make and create chaotic situations where ever they can and they use the victimization tool as their responses instead of recognizing their own weaknesses. Some other signs and situations are being chronically late or forgetting things, sulking, procrastination and obstructionism. They complete all of these tasks in a non-confrontational manner that would require a response. These types of people are usually within the workplace but they also can become visible in social settings as well.

As I found myself in a deep well of negative relationships I realized my own weaknesses. Once I understood their behavior I was able to make a healthy detachment from them and regain my sense of being and confidence. How wonderful it is to have that back!

Golfing!

So Fathers Day weekend came around and low and behold Pete was dateless for a much needed golf outing. As any good wife would do I boastfully volunteered to play golf along side him. Now people who really know me understand that sports is not really my cup of tea. I have never much enjoyed them or found a sport that I stayed with or enjoyed very much. Soon the morning came and Pete and I were getting dressed. As I was trying to find the perfect cute golf outfit Pete informed me that I had to wear a collared shirt! WHAT!?! I don't think I even own a collared shirt! He explained to me that golf is a very respectable sport and that we must look presentable and clean while we play. HA! This probably wont work for me I thought. I did find one collared shirt that worked but thought to myself that if I enjoy this sport I am going to have to do some clothes shopping. Golfing turned out to be a fun day with the hubby! We flirted, played, laughed and had a great time. I actually ended up burning a lot of calories too! I enjoyed my experience so much that I can't wait to go again! Yeah for me and finding a sport that I can enjoy!

"Mommy Time" Yes It Can Happen!

This has got to be one of the hardest, challenging yet rewarding time of my life! It's so hard to explain to people who do not have children and sometimes I feel guilty for saying it can be challenging because I have only two children. I have several friends and family members included that have 5 to 6 kids! I am a working mom of two daughters and a wife to a pretty neat guy! I come home each day from an exhausting day of working with kids and find my own children who are begging me for my attention and love. Some days I just don't have it. Some days I want to crawl onto the couch with a glass of wine and just relax like I have no care in the world. Very rarely does this happen. Getting dinner ready, lunches made for the next day, dropping off and picking up from extra-curricular activities, daily cleaning and then also finding time for my hubby. By the time that is all completed I am ZONKED! Soon it's off to bed with a headache and a wiped out 36 year old who has wondered where the day has gone. Where is down time? Where is "me" time? Most days I felt guilty for even sitting down for 10 minutes to read a book. There is always something that needs to be cleaned, a meal made, clothes changed and errands to run.

Things have just recently changed for the better. I still live the same crazy life of cleaner, caretaker, grocery shopper, bill payer, wife and mother but I have also fit in what I call, "Mommy Time."  This "Mommy Time" consists of any time away from the house for a minimum of 1 hour, away from family obligations and fulfilling no body's expectations but my own. It's perfect. My goal for "Mommy Time" is 3 days a week. The only way I have allowed myself to fit this in is having such a supportive husband. If that was not the case..."Mommy Time" would be non-existent.

"Mommy Time" can be a range of a variety of activities including working out, reading at Barnes and Noble, GNO (Girls Night Out), shopping, pedi's, and writing. The list can go on....as most of your mothers know.

The best thing about fitting in my "Mommy Time" is there is absolutely no guilt. It is like it has been erased from my mind. I have come to an understanding that in order for my family to function in a happy "state" I need to have some kind of down time. Just fitting this time in has made our little family even more healthier than it was before. It is really amazing how fitting in three hours a week for myself can change your whole family's dynamic and well being. It has actually been mandatory in my recovery.

I love coming home from work everyday now, I have the energy for my children, my husband and myself!

"Just Living is Not Enough, One Must Have Sunshine, Freedom and a Little Flower."

It has been along time since I have written in my blog. I guess life had just really taken over there for awhile. In November of 2010 my life really came to a hault when my family and I  went through what some people would call a "life changing experience." I don't want to get into the details of the experience but it really affected everything around me. When something like this happens you really have to sit back and let God take the wheel and trust in him that everything will work out. For the first time I really had to let him control everything. Strangely enough...it was not that hard to do and in the end there was success. I guess I felt as though whatever I was going through at the time wasn't working so somebody had to take the reins. I was at one of the lowest times of my life and I was trying to maintain a somewhat normal schedule for the girls. It was very hard, but I did it. I also had to go to work everyday and put a fake smile on my face, which come to find out, I did that often. Depression, stress, guilt, resentment was a front row seat in my life. I almost lost my teaching job and broke up my family. Hard times for me, Pete and the girls. I began seeing a therapist, which was one of the best decisions in my life. I have learned so much about myself and the healing process has begun. My school was unbelievably supportive and through all of the hard times I really established some great friendships with people whom I never thought I would be close to. So now here I am, 6 months later....and I feel like a new person! I have set up some very healthy boundaries with my family and with people I work with. I have released the negative people in my life who have affected me and it feels so tremendous! This whole process has really opened the doors to who my TRUE friends are.
Today, I am still working hard on this sole searching adventure but I feel I am getting better and better everyday. Things are falling into place so perfectly. I still have low days of course but I know how to handle them better. Above all I have distinguished the guilt and resentment that once harbored me and I am now moving on with my life. I wish my family and friends the same kind of peace that I am sitting with today. I am enjoying life, depending on God for everything and have fallen in love with Pete in a way I thought was never possible. I will leave you with this quote which I find so true. "What happens to a man is less significant than what happens within him." Louis L. Mann

Jill

First Day of School!

Ok I know I am a bit late on this...but better late than never is how the saying goes. Olivia is enjoying Kindergarten tremendously. I especially love taking her to work with me everyday. I see her in the hallways and with her friends out at recess and I can see how happy she really is. What an amazing experience this has been. We are officially on our fall break from school and relaxing. :) Olivia loves school and her teacher. Pete was the official Dad the first day of school as he was the parent that took her since I was upstairs teaching my kiddos.

Olivia and her teacher Mrs. Candalaria

Waiting patiently....or impatiently???

Olivia's class also made the local Florence Newspaper...they won a paper donating contest at our school! She was thrilled and they all got an ice-cream party. Can you find Olivia?

And as for Emma, she is still growing fast and keeping Mommy and Daddy very busy. She is into everything and she is a very independent little girl. AKA....Our challenge! Enjoy the Fall Season and we will see you soon!

The Real Independance Day

My favorite holiday is Independence Day! Between the hot dogs, swimming and beer drinking that happens on this holiday I believe many people forget why we celebrate this holiday. Along with the consumption of hot dogs, a full day of swimming and beer drinking, the Gammill’s celebrate and remember why we have this holiday. Every year I have explained to my daughters why we celebrate in hopes that they will understand why our country is so great and how God has blessed our land. One of the most patriotic families in American history has made a huge impression as to how and why we should celebrate Americas triumph. The Adams family surrounded themselves with a magnitude of Independence Day events from 1776-1892. In fact, John Adams was instrumental in the favor of Independence at the Continental Congress. In a letter to his wife Abigail, John stated his thoughts on how to celebrate this monumental occasion. “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to GOD ALMIGHTY. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more” (John Adams, 1776). While many have forgotten Gods hand in the birth of our country, it will forever be in my heart!

May God Bless America!

What a fun summer!

In Florence, AZ, summer is quickly coming to a halt. Mommy has to go back to school next week and all of the Gammill birthdays are over, as well as the vacations. :( We had a great summer break and although Mommy almost lost her mind a few times with her challenging 2 year old daughter Emma....she has survived and is ready for Susie to come back. :) The summer started off with the school trip to DC, which was a blast. One week later the whole family rented a mini van and went out to Carlsbad, CA to stay in a condo on the beach. What a great time we had. We visited Legoland, Disneyland and of course the beach. It was so relaxing and needed. Upon our return we quickly had to get ready for the celebration of the girls birthday parties. As most of you know, Olivia and Emma are born a few weeks apart...so we did a combined party for both of them at the Anthem Water Park. It was a blast and well needed because of the high temperatures outside. As always we end the summer with Independance Day. Mommy's favorite holiday. Hope everyone is enjoying their summer but for Mommy the summer is over and now, it is back to work!

A view from the FDR Monument

Lego Land...what a great place for little ones. :)

We also visited the largest mission in California...I love this picture of Olivia trying to hold Jesus and Mary's hand. Priceless.

Emma making sandcastles and eating the sand as well. :(

Olivia got to dance in the parade at Disneyland!

Our view from the patio of our beach condo...perfect!

The birthday party!
Waterpark fun!
Freedom!

Touring our Nations Capital

Well for the first time ever, I was able to go to the one place I always wanted to see and that is Washington D.C. And to top it off I was able to take 8 of the best kids at Florence K-8 School with me! They are the honors kids and we had a blast! We saw everthing! And I mean everything! We ran down the National Mall in the pouring rain, viewed the whole city from the top of Washington Monument, saw the changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and we even got to see George Washingtons House at Mount Vernon. Being able to see all of that history up close really brought tears to my eyes. If you truly know me you know that I am a huge American History fan so this trip was an amazing experience for me and the kids! Enjoy!

Me an my kids getting ready to leave at the airport!

The Declaration of Independance....it is almost faded away. You can barely see the signatures anymore. I am glad I got to see it before it is gone. :(

Right after this picture was taken...it started pouring down rain and me and the kids were running down the National Mall it was a moment I will never forget!

A somber moment that made the hair on my arm stand straight up! Amazing!

Fords Theater where Lincoln was shot. An amazing place to visit.

Arguing with Obama at Union Square. My kids put me up to it! He never even listened to me! Typical Left Winger I guess!

Me in front of the U.S Capital! Inside of the capital was amazing too!

My favorite President.....Thomas Jefferson!

Ahhh the White House picture spot!

Check out the sniper on the roof!

We also saw all of the war memorials...this one was my favorite because it was the war my Dad fought in. I should be a photographer!

Mount Vernon was the most beautiful place I have ever seen. George and Martha were burried there inside this tomb. Once again...a very beautiful place!

George Washington's back porch over looking The Potomac River....I can see why he always wanted to be here!

I cannot wait for next years trip!

An Interview

Mommy: “Olivia, you have had a lot going on in your life lately. Do you agree with that?”
Olivia: “No.”
Mommy: “You don’t.”
Olivia: “No, I mean. Yah I did I did.”
Mommy: “So what has Olivia been up to lately? Have you been a busy girl?”
Olivia: “Umm Yes.”
Mommy: “What do you want be when you grow up?”
Olivia: “I want to be a police officer like Daddy, I want to be an officer when I grow up.”
Mommy: “How come?”
Olivia: “Because I love my daddy, because he is the best daddy in the world.”
Mommy: “What about mommy?”
Olivia: “Ummmm yes you too mommy.”
Mommy: “Do you love your dog?”
Olivia: “Yes you are correct.”
Mommy: “Why?”
Olivia: “Because he loves his stick and he always wants to play with me.”
Mommy: “What picture is this?”
Olivia: “This a picture of me at school.”
Mommy: “Do you know the name of your school?”
Olivia: “No, oh yah, Umm …preschool.”

Mommy: "Here is a picture of you at school painting. What are you painting?

Olivia: “Ummm everything.”

Mommy: “What is your favorite part of the day at school?”
Olivia: “Go outside and play and you get to swing.”
Mommy: “Who is your teacher?”
Olivia: “Um Miss Tanya.”
Momy: “Why do you like Miss Tanya?”
Olivia: “Because she has pretty hair and a pretty face.”

Mommy: “Do you like playing kickball?”
Olivia: “YESSSS.”
Mommy: “What is your favorite part of kickball?”
Olivia: “Ummm kicking the ball.”
Mommy: “Why is that?”
Olivia: “Because…you get to run really fast. Fast fast fast!”
Mommy: “Do you know the name of your kickball team?”
Olivia: “I don’t know.”
Mommy: “Do you want me to give you a hint?”
Olivia: “Yes…oh wait…My name is “little dogs.”
Mommy: “What are you doing in this picture?”
Olivia: “Playing kickball. I am kicking the ball."
Mommy: “And then what do you do?”
Olivia: “I run to the white things really fast.”

Mommy: “What does this picture show?”
Olivia: “Me and Emma running to the white thing.”

Mommy: “Where did Mommy just take you?”
Olivia: “To Seaworld with Nobella and Grandma.”
Mommy: “What else did you do there?”
Olivia: “I went on a scary ride.”
Mommy: “What about that ride scared you the most?”
Olivia: “Umm going down.”
Mommy: “What else did you do on our trip?”
Olivia: “Um you got me toys at the gift shop.”
Mommy: “Olivia do you remember the beach?”
Olivia: “Um no!”
Mommy: “You don’t remember playing in the waves?”
Olivia: “Oh yeah I am just kidding.”
Mommy: “Did you like playing in the waves?”
Olivia: “Umm yes.”
Mommy: “Why?”
Olivia: “Because it was fun.”
Mommy: “Why was it fun?”
Olivia: “Because I get to run to the waves and then run away.”

Mommy: “Did you go on a boat?”
Olivia: “U hum.”
Mommy: “Did you see anything interesting on the boat?”
Olivia: "No."
Mommy: “Nothing?”
Olivia: “Yes crabs, starfish, fish, and the crabs and they were ugly not pretty.”

Mommy: “What do you like about Shamu?”
Olivia: “He got everyone wet.”
Mommy: “Is there anything else you want to say Olivia?”
Olivia: “No I just want to pick my ear.”
Mommy: “Olivia, I just have one more question for you. Would you consider yourself a conservative or a liberal?”
Olivia: “Conservative”
Mommy: “Good Girl!”
Olivia: “Why mommy? Why do I have to be that.”
Mommy: “Because it is important to keep your values that are taught to you and that are passed down form your ancestors. They are the people who we learn from.
Olivia: “Ummm I will Mommy.”
Mommy: “Ok good. I love you!”
Olivia: “I love you too.”
Mommy: “Do you have any questions?”
Olivia: “No I just want to pick my ear.”

Hiking to the Butte!

Olivia is beginning to show signs of boredom. The tedious day to day activities have taken a toll on our precious child. Lately, Olivia has been a bit defiant with everyone around her. She has not been the best role model for her sister. Pete and I thought about what could be causing these outbursts and came to the conclusion that she is bored. She is so ready for school and thrives when she is in the learning environment. So next week Olivia will be starting pre-school. Today, however, I decided I would take Olivia out for a hike. It was a beautiful day in the southwest, a mere 60 degrees as the high temperature. I thought what great way for Olivia to enjoy the nature God created and to have some fantastic mommy and daughter time! We decided to hike at a butte near our home called Poston Butte. We drive by it everyday and Olivia always asks, “Mommy what is that "triangle" at the top of that mountain?” I did not know the answer to her question so I never knew how to respond to her. So today we decided to find out. The butte is named after Charles Poston who was considered, “The Father of Arizona.” He was a politician and he lobbied for the creation of the Arizona territory. He was also the first Arizona delegate for The U.S House of Representatives. We found out that the triangle at the top of the mountain was actually the final resting place for Mr. Poston! The “triangle” is actually a project that Mr. Poston started many years ago called, “Temple of the Sun.” He is buried right beneath the temple. Olivia had a great time hiking up the butte and never complained once. I was so proud of her!

Olivia at the base of Poston Butte. The "F" of course stands for FLORENCE!

Olivia's "triangle" and the burial place of Charles Poston

Posing at the "triangle" with Buhner

A view from the top

Holiday Bones By Buhner Gammill

Ruff Ruff! Hello friends and family! For those of you who do not know me I am Buhner and I have been living with mom and dad Gammill for almost six long years! Mom has been very busy with the girls over the Christmas break and asked me to do the Holiday blog. I hope I will make her proud. We started the Chrismtas season off with Olivia's Christmas Pageant at church. I could not attend because I am dog and dogs are really not supposed go to church I guess, but oh well I have learned to live with that. So anyway...Olivia was an angel and she also played a city car. She ran all over the auditorium as a car! She was great! I have added a photo, mom couldnt get a good picture of her as a car because she was driving way to fast! I think I could take her though...but that is another blog!

Next, we have a wedding in Vegas! I have always wanted to go to Vegas! But again....dogs are not allowed! My uncle Brett got married to a really nice woman named Janice! Janice is a great gal and whenever she comes to the house she always pets my head and says hello! I love that. Anyway, they got married at the Wynn in Vegas and mom was able to make it while Dad stayed home with the girls! He couldnt get out of work. I am glad though because I dont like staying home alone! Here are some pictures from the City of Lights among other things. :)



My parents and the girls also went to numerous Christmas parties without me. It is okay though like I said...I am used to it. We had a great Chrismas eve because mom cooked a killer prime rib, homemade apple pie and lots of cheezy potatoes. It was yummy. I got in trouble from Dad though for begging and then my tummy started hurting from all those table scraps!

Dad giving me the begging lecture. That was rough!

Not feeling well at all....but it was so worth it!

Christmas morning was wonderful. Of course the girls got to open all the presents first and then finally I got to have my "Christmas Bones!" They always know just what to get me every year! The girls got these baby dolls that I am not allowed to chew on and then they chase me around the backyard with the strollers. It is fun! I wish I could chew on them, but I would not like to get another one of dad's lectures.

To wrap up the holiday season my family once again left me to go up to Flagstaff and ring in the New Year! That is ok though because I got to go to Papa's house and eat some more "Christmas Bones" and have some cuddle time! They got to go sledding in the snow and they also got dressed up like people from the 80's. I am not sure what that is about but they had a fabulous time.

Mom and my Aunt Beth dressed up as people from the 80's!

Our family had a wonderful Christmas and New Years! I am grateful to my family and my new "Christmas Bones!" Until next year...Ruff Ruff!

Lots of Licks

Love, Buhner