To My Stepdaughter...From Your Stepmom

I have known you since the day I met your father. I fell in love with him that very minute. I think it’s safe to say I have loved you since that day as well.

You see, I never had a daughter of my own. I was blessed to have a son who is the same age as you. God’s plan for me was to have only one biological child but I believe He meant for me to love many children.

You are one of those.

It isn’t hard to do. You are a smart, funny, charming, beautiful 10 year old young lady and the apple of your daddy’s eye. You say the funniest things out of the blue, you forget things easily and you’re a very good student and artist. The look on your father’s face when he gets to see you is like no other. His face literally lights up. The sun rises and sets with you according to him. As his princess, you can do no wrong.

But you do.

When it happens he has to discipline you. He hates that. He feels terrible when it’s happening and like total crap when he sees your sad, puppy dog eyes.

For me, I see the love he has for you and I see the same you have for your daddy. You hug him out of the blue. You draw him silly pictures. You step on his feet and have him walk around with you as you smile up to his face. You know your daddy loves you.

I wonder if you see the love I have for you, too.

I know I’m always telling you to brush your teeth, brush your hair and pick up after yourself. I know it seems like I’m nagging but, if you notice, I tell the same thing to my son. I try to treat you equally. I’m not always successful.

I ask you to help set the table, load and unload the dishwasher and load and unload the dryer. I tell the same thing to my son, too. You’re both 10 and are able to help around the house. That includes feeding the pets, vacuuming and cleaning the bathroom. You are always willing to help. There are even times when you ask to help.

How did I get so lucky?

One of the fun things I get to do with you is bake. I know you love to bake cupcakes and pies. I ask you to help and you put on your special apron and we do it together. I actually think you are better than me.

You also like to sew. Santa brought you the sewing machine at Christmas and we have spent quality time together making a stuffed Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, pillows and a bunch of little things. Soon I hope to teach you how to quilt. Maybe the one you make you’ll take to college with you one day to keep you warm.

Another thing is cooking. When I say “You’re cooking tomorrow” your eyes light up and you automatically plan a menu and what we will need to make it. We head to the store the next day and buy our ingredients and I teach you as much as I know about your choice of dish. To tell you a secret, you always pick things I have never cooked before so I google it during the day so we can make it that night.

See? You are helping me learn things I never knew before.

The hardest part for me is how girly you can be. Growing up, I never learned anything about makeup, ribbons, French braids and the colors pink and purple. I grew up as a tomboy and I still am for the most part. You match your outfits much better than I can. When we go school shopping, your taste in clothes blows me away.  At least we share a love of shoes!

Soon, you’ll be at the age where boys will start to be “interesting” and they will be interested in you. Your father will be on edge with ANY boy that is mentioned, written in a heart on your notebook or calls to talk to you. You’ll be asking me questions. I didn’t date until I was sixteen so I wonder what kind of help I can be to you when you start to ask for advice. I hope you feel comfortable enough to come to me when you do have questions and I hope I will be able to answer them for you. And I won’t tell dad about our conversations unless I’m worried about you. There is such a thing as Girl Code.

I know you have a mom. I know you love her very much and it’s obvious she loves you, too. You are always excited to see her when she picks you up for the weekend. I always try to make sure to send her pics of you when you are with me if you’re doing something silly or if you drew a cool picture. I also send her texts of things coming up in your life that, if she can make it, she is always invited to. I hope she enjoys them. It’s know hard for me when my son spends time with his dad and I don’t get the communication of pictures or texts. I try to make it a little easier on your mom. I hope I’m showing you that, even though divorce happens, if it ever happens to you, you can be the bigger person. It may not always feel good but God will reward you for the good things you do.

Speaking of God, I hope you hear me talk about Him. He is a huge part of my life. I would never push my religion on you. That is for you to decide. But I am glad you have an open heart. You see me and my son say prayers before every meal and before bedtime. You see us at church and when you ask to come along you voluntarily participate with the other kids. I know the young ladies enjoy spending time with you and the ladies of the church think you are bright and talented. You also see us doing God’s work. When we do things like clean up our road in the spring, hold open doors people and use our manners we feel good. When you see your dad helping our neighbors with their yard work or catching their pets that have runaway, that’s also God’s work. I always say that God’s work is doing for others and not expecting anything in return. You’re doing it out of the goodness of your heart. And there is a lot of goodness inside YOU.

You are officially my stepdaughter. That’s what the world gives you as a title. No matter what they call you, I will treat you like you are my own daughter. I will love you like you are my own daughter. When you’re hurt, I’m hurt. When you’re happy, I’m happy. There will be times when you’re older that you’ll be mad at me for disciplining you or having you pick up your room and you’ll scream “You’re not my mother!” and slam your door. I’ll expect that and it will hurt me. I’ll let it go because that’s all I can do.  I know that won’t be the reason you’re mad at me. Just know that I will be there for you in every way possible as long as you’ll have me. 

I love your father. You are a part of him. I love you, too. I am so glad he brought you into my life. I have enjoyed watching you grow into the wonderful young woman you are and I can’t wait to see what your life brings you. We will always be there for you and will always try to do our best to do what’s right for you. 

A Baseball Mom's Story

"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference."-Winston Churchill

He was stuffing his mouth with the last two popcorn chicken Chad had made for lunch. We had been rushing around trying to finish our errands for the day. Sundays are busy for us. I pick up Anderson after church and try and visit my parents. Anderson loves to see them. Since they are housebound we travel to see them. They love his visits. Today my mom had him giggling about something. When we're there, he likes to help out. He changes the cat's water and brings them things they need from other rooms. He loves to talk with them. When we get ready to leave, he gives his Grammie a kiss and his Papa a firm handshake. And then a hug. He hasn't reached the age where hugs are not cool anymore. I hope he never does.

He grabbed his hat and I stuffed his glove in his bag and we piled into the car. For the next fifteen minutes it takes to get to practice, Anderson and I  discussed what it was he liked about baseball. Automatically he said "It's fun."

That's what it should be. It's what it starts out as for every child that picks up a ball and glove. If they're lucky, their coach will teach them the same thing.

At the beginning of practice, the kids were throwing to one another. There were new kids, seasoned pros and those in between. There were heated balls, rainbows and wild throws. After a few minutes the kids gather around Coach Dee who told them that "winning is great but it's not everything. The game should be fun."

They practiced grounders making sure they were "down and ready". Then it was pop flies Shouting "Mine!" & "I got it!", the kids were shagging them, stepping and throwing.

They practiced hitting plastic and rubber golf balls one child at a time while the others were in the outfield sliding across the gym floor to gather them up. The first one to hit the back wall would get a dollar. They were all swinging for the fences. After one batter finished they all scrambled to pick up as many as they could. There were seven boys at practice so they made quick work of  it.

On Anderson's turn, it became apparent he had approved from last year. His confidence had grown. He was more focused. His swing was more powerful.

He even tried pitching. He had a few nice pitches right over the plate.

Where did this kid come from?  He's growing not only as a player but as a young man. He's making choices, trying new things, finding himself and, for the most part, doing it without me. I am his driver to practice, his home catch practice partner and his cheerleader at his games.

Whatever he may lack in height he more than makes up for in his attitude. He's always smiling, always excited for practice and games. He amazes me every day. This game is something he loves, something he strives to be good at. I'm proud of the player he has become and the person he's become.

                              

3 Fire Starters For Your Wood Stove

You’ve worked all day and all you can think about is coming home and starting a fire in the wood stove and curling up next to it with a cup of hot chocolate.

You bring in wood from the wood box only to find you ran out of newspaper to help start the fire. You forgot to buy fire starters at Home Depot last week and the last thing you want is to head out to the store.

If you have any of these things hanging around your house, you won’t have to venture out into the cold until the next day.

Believe it or not, dryer lint is an excellent fire starter. In my laundry room, I keep a plastic bag to collect it as I clean out the lint tray for the next load. When I’ve run out of newspaper, I’ve set it at the bottom of the stove (minus the bag), piled the wood like I taught my son in Cub Scouts and lit it. The only drawback to using dryer lint is the smell. I have dogs and cats and I wash their blankets once a week. The smell of burning animal hair isn’t exactly pleasant but it gets the job done. Light your favorite candle and the scent won’t stay around for long.

Do you make big meals on the weekend for your family? Well, save that bacon grease! When I’ve been in a bind for a fire starter, I take a paper towel and rub the grease that has gelled over a few days on the wood itself. Put a few paper towels along with the one covered in grease and light it up! There’s no creosote buildup in your chimney and the fire will be roaring in no time.

Speaking of greasy things, get out that bag of chips. Cut the calories! Your waistline will thank you for emptying a bag of potato or corn chips into the stove. Try it. If you set fire to corn chip, it acts just like a match. Now think of a bag of little matches going up in flames all at once.  It’s a cheap and easy way to start a fire when you need to.

It also never hurts to visit the neighbors. You can always go next door and ask them for their old newspapers or cardboard boxes that they would be recycling. I wouldn’t try just anything you have hanging around the house to start a fire however, these ways are proven to work. Always remember to stay safe when playing with fire. Stay warm, my chilly friends!

Baseball Is Still America's Game

I like football. The Super Bowl is happening tomorrow and America is pretty excited. Even my son wants to have a party. I love to watch it but nothing makes me happier or more nostalgic than an old-fashioned baseball game.

I was scrolling through Facebook and read the post on how the supermarkets are packed with shoppers stocking up on chicken wings, premade cheese and cracker trays, mini-wrapped hot dogs and ingredients for the best tasting chili that should have won at the last cook-off challenge.

Then one post stopped me.

A picture of a high school friend with his girlfriend and one of their friends smiling for the camera at Tropicana Field during a game.

Baseball.

I've always had a love for baseball. Growing up in Connecticut, my family followed the NY Mets. My father even took my brother to a game at Shea Stadium. I didn't hear about that until I was older and, let me tell you, I was some jealous.

We moved to Maine when I was 8 and we kept our love for the Mets quiet in the beginning. It's hard to make friends when you ask the first kid you see if they like the Mets.

It wasn't long before we transitioned to the Red Sox. It was just a natural progression to make. Hearing my mom years later tell me the lineup for the night's game as if she was Terry Francona opened my eyes on what big fans my parents really were. I think the most significant moment was the retiring of David Ortiz. I can still quote my mom as her eyes started to water: "Now THAT was a nice man."

What is it about baseball that digs so deep into me, into us all that, if you could, you would be Jimmy Fallon in 'Fever Pitch'?

Maybe it's from hearing my father tell stories of how growing up, dozens of children would flock to the ball fields after school. Teams would be made of 20 kids or more there were so many. Parents would know where their children were every second of the day because if you would ask them "Where's Raymond?" they would answer nonchalantly "Oh, he's at the field with the kids playing baseball. He'll be home at dark."

And he was...and so were all the other kids.

Maybe it's because we watched it on television as a family when I was young. The excitement that filled our living room from my parents as they followed every pitch was passed down to us.

Maybe it's all the movies about baseball like Angels in the Outfield, The Bad New Bears, The Rookie, Field of Dreams, Pride of the Yankees, The Sandlot, A League of Their Own...there was always a happy ending whether the main character's team won or lost. Who am I kidding? They always won.

Maybe it's because I watch the Little League World Series each year and see the hard work, sacrifice and dedication these kids make to make it that far. It breaks my heart when the other team loses but that's another lesson children learn with playing baseball: you WILL lose at something sometime in your life. Get up, brush yourself off and try again.

Maybe it's from watching my husband's family home movies of him playing ball and hearing them talk to each other like the camera was never rolling. Some words were not sufficient for children's ears and they have banned smoking in the stands since then. It was a family outing where aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, grammie and grampies all gathered to watch the local kids on a hot summer afternoon.

Maybe it's from watching my stepson grow into a teenager and seeing the changes that come with moving up a level from Little League to the bigger league of junior high school. Faster pitches, faster runners, farther hits, better players.

Maybe it's from watching my own son try so hard and finally get his very first hit and hearing the cheering of the people in the stands from our team AND the away team because another little boy got his first hit.

And so many more will after him.

Baseball has always been the same. Very few things have changed since its inception. Equipment has improved, the science of hitting and pitching has been studied and implemented.

But nothing has changed the way your heart pounds when you hear the crack of the bat and you watch in anticipation on whether it's foul or fair, a single or a home run, if it sneaks past the player's glove or it's snagged and a double play dowses the chances of an advanced runner to tie the game.

Baseball. America's game. My game.

8 days until pitchers report to Florida.

But who's counting?

Why Miranda Lambert Inspries Me

In 2003, I was competing in Florida to advance to the television show, Nashville Star. The reality show featured the top twelve contestants from around the United States vying for the opportunity of a country music recording contract.


I almost made it. I was in the finals in Tampa, Florida, and, had I won, I would have had a spot in Nashville to audition for the top 12. I nearly had the chance to know Miranda Lambert before the world would get to know her.


I watched every episode that first season. I voted for Miranda Lambert each week. I was devastated when she didn't win. Even though she didn't take home the big prize, I KNEW she was going to do something. Something big. You know when they say that a person has "it"? I KNEW she had "it".


Standing in the crowd in Portland, Maine in 2007, I was just one of thousands watching the person I knew was going to be the next big artist in country music. I couldn't wait for her to come out to the stage. After the Randy Rogers Band had performed I could barely contain my excitement knowing Miranda was next.


She didn't disappoint me. I'll always remember the one moment she was playing her pink guitar. She finished the song and immediately threw it across the stage into the waiting arms of a roadie. As I watched that guitar sail from one side to another I thought to myself "I want to be her."


She was everything I was trying to be: talented, a rebel, beautiful, a show-woman. She was amazing. She commanded the stage and the audience went crazy...including me. I lost my voice I screamed so loud.


I have every album. I know every song. I sing six of her songs in my band. Each time we do, the crowd asks for more. I have seen every performance on the ACMs, the CMAs and the Grammys. I bought the US Magazine that had her wedding pictures in it.


I'm not obsessed. I'm just a huge fan.


I have been performing in bands for 25 years. Those years included shows in bars and restaurants before the smoking ban was in place. Weddings, funerals and birthday parties, sometimes for free. Radio, television and newspaper interviews informing the public of my dreams and where I was playing. Attending concerts and hoping for a chance to meet the performer. Singing on stage with country band, Alabama, when I held up a sign asking to sing with them.


In the last few years I have been trying to open for acts here in the state of Maine but have been unsuccessful. I have paid plenty of dues but nothing has panned out and I was getting pretty discouraged.


Then, two years ago I put my hat in the ring to open for a concert stadium at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook. When I got the email I thought "This is the break I have been waiting for!" They told me we would be opening for the reigning ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year, Luke Bryan. The BIGGEST opportunity I had ever had. We played the Ultimate Tailgate Stage and were part of Meadowbrook history. That weekend, the concerts featuring Luke Bryan, Randy Houser and Dustin Lynch set the record for the largest attendance at the Pavilion in its 20 year history.


Last year, we got the call asking us to open on the Magic Hat Stage for Florida Georgia Line but I had to decline due to playing a wedding that had already made their deposit. I could NEVER disappoint a bride and groom. I had just said no to a bigger stage and, potentially, even bigger concert. Thankfully, we were then offered the Keith Urban show in July. It was electric! We were even able to bring one of our biggest fans along who had never been to a concert in life. To be 10 feet from Keith Urban and his guitar was simply amazing.
In June of this year, a dream I have had for the past 10 years is finally coming true.


I saw that Miranda was coming and I emailed my contact at Meadowbrook immediately and told them how much of a fan I was of her and that we didn't have that weekend booked. I said how much it would mean to me to open for the woman that, for me, changed country music in my eyes.


She inspired me to write my own music, to share my music with others, put myself out there. She inspired me to be a better artist.


And they said yes.


I literally cried.


I get to see her in concert again. I get to be on the Magic Hat Stage singing my heart out in hopes she'll be in her bus listening to what we do. I get to watch and learn from the woman I have come to admire.


I've worked so hard to be where I am today. 100 shows a year for the past 3 years keeps me not only busy but away from my family. I'm lucky to have a family that loves and understands that music is my passion. I'm fortunate enough to have 4 band members that work their magic at each and every show that I can also call my friends. I am blessed to have fans that come to our shows, follow us from place to place and buy our music, our tshirts and support us.


Miranda has inspired me to write music and record my songs in hopes that someday she might be one of the artists that records one. At my age, it's unlikely I'll ever make the big time singing but I still have the hopes of hearing one of my songs on the radio. She's inspired me to take chances. She has inspired me to put my heart in my songs and wear it on my sleeve.


And that's exactly what I'm doing.


If you'd like to take a listen to my songs you can find them on Reverbnation or at our Facebook page.

Paid To Shop At Walmart

You have to admit it: Walmart DOES have good deals and families with little money to spend are more apt to shop at one of its many locations that seem to be within a short distance from their home. While filling my cart in central Maine a year ago, I proceeded to the checkout and started making conversation with the cashier. She noticed I was buying a national brand cat food and she asked me 

“Did you know they have this brand cheaper at another store?”

That’s right. The employee had told me that I basically should have been shopping at the store down the street to get a lower price and save myself money. Sort of.

She went on to tell me that she had been saving money with the Walmart Savings Catcher App for about six months and had already saved $30. She said I should consider downloading the app to my phone and start saving that day. The app compares the prices on the items I purchased to the same ones in the different stores in my local area to see if they are being offered for a lower price. When they find a lower price, they notify you and give you the amount on a reloadable gift card on the app that you can access on your phone.

No traveling necessary. And, it’s FREE!

It sounded too good to be true but I told her I would look into it. After putting away the groceries and, with the kids help, this mom was able to download the app onto my phone. They also showed me how to scan the receipt, too.

Here’s what you do:

Go to Playstore on your device.

Search Walmart and you’ll see its pretty blue and yellow symbol.

Install it on your smartphone.

Scan your Walmart receipt.

It’s THAT easy!

Three days after doing this I received a notification on my phone saying a lower price had been caught.

The first shopping trip I saved $3.17.

Now, each time I shop at Walmart I scan the receipt into my phone and in a few days it lets me know if they have found a lower price. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t.

To date I have saved over $120!

When you are checking out, you can bring up the app on your phone and use your savings to pay for your groceries. There were a few weeks where money had become extremely tight. When I needed bread and milk and just couldn’t count enough change from the car console, I was lucky enough to have that money sitting in the account to pay.

You can also use the money on the gift card to buy things from their website. I used some of mine this year to buy a few Christmas presents on Black Friday. The deals were so good but I didn’t want to have to wait in line at 10:30pm Thanksgiving night in order to save money. Because I had the app, I didn’t have to get up early or set foot in the store on that crazy day.

If you don't have a smartphone, you can go to their website and make an account there as well!

It’s simple and easy to use. My son likes to scan the receipts into my phone as we are leaving the parking lot. It makes him feel like he is helping. When you get the notification on your phone that you saved money, it’s a good feeling.

For a busy mom like myself, it is a time and money saver and it can be for you, too! Take the first step now and download it to your phone today.

An Open Letter to Thompson Square

Dear Keifer and Shawna,

Oh, how my husband and I love your music. We love the way you look at each other when you sing, the way the words you’ve written seem to mirror our lives and the way your love is growing through your family. Cooper is a sweet little boy. Just look at the video you made with him for “You Make It Look So Good”. We all fell in love with that little boy right away. It’s obvious you put him first.

And that’s what my husband, Chad, and I are doing tonight…putting our kids first.

You see, tonight you play a free concert in Lewiston. When we heard about it we were so excited! We were going to go and sing our hearts out to ever song loudly. Ok, maybe I would be singing loudly. Chad would be quietly appreciating the concert and my efforts. Our song is ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?” and I walked down the aisle to it. We sing the song together at our gigs. When the song comes on the radio, the listeners here in Maine instantly think of us and it warms our hearts when they tell us so.

We first met you 2 years ago the day after we were married thanks to my good friend Bob (who was actually my boss at the time). He had won meet and greet passes for you at the Taste of Country Music Festival and he gave them to us as a wedding present. Our honeymoon was in Nashville so we took the scenic route and was able to make your concert and the meet and greet.

You remembered us that day. We had tweeted you a video of us singing two months earlier and when you saw us Shawna said “Oh, you’re the two from the video! You just got married!”

We were stunned.

How could two such popular and busy entertainers remember a couple like that?

After we had our picture taken with you and you signed our wedding invitation we thought life couldn’t get any better than that.

But it has.

You see, when we married, we came home and blended two families. Chad has his son, Bradley, and his daughter, Jayden. I have my son, Anderson. And they all get along. ALMOST everyday. Every family has a few hiccups, right?

Because we’re a family it means putting yourself second and the kids first. And tonight is one of those times.

Tonight, Chad has to go in early for work so he needs to be asleep around 7pm. He drives truck and works an hour away from home. We’re lucky, though, because he’s home every night. Not many truck drivers can say that.

Tonight, Anderson has his very first soccer practice from 5-6. After that, I get home and make a quick dinner for the family before Chad heads to bed.

Tonight, we miss your concert.

And that’s ok. We know you’ll be back to Maine again. You have many fans here and two of your biggest will be at home making sure homework is done, library books are up to date, spelling words are memorized, showers are taken, ice cream is consumed, teeth are brushed and 3 children are tucked into bed.

Children come first with us, too.

So thank you for entertaining the thousands (and there will be thousands there) tonight with your wonderful music.  And the next time you sing your first #1 single, we hope you’ll think of a couple in Clinton, Maine, that follow you, your family and your music and wish you all the best.

Here’s To Being Here…in Maine.

Sincerely,

Sharon R. Hood