Spanks a lot

Can I just say I have the most amazing kids?  Sure they can be whiny, have smart mouths, throw fits, make messes, and all kinds of other stuff, but at the end of the day, here is what matters: They are kind, loyal, loving, smart, forgiving, funny, and happy.  They are always happy and smiling. 
And they crack me up with the stuff they say.  Dakota told me he should have his own 30 minute show on TV, all about his life, and that there would be a lot of laugh tracks.
Then he said "Mom,. why don't I have my own show?  It is not hard to do. Snookie has a show.  Then I could move to Hollywood with Justin Beiber and Selena Gomez."
He is so funny.  And my other boys are too.  And they are mischievous.  And adventurous.  And so loving on their mom.  They LOVE their mom.  I truly am blessed.  With all of the crap that has been flung my way recently, I really have no room to complain because I still have what some people can only dream of.  The other stuff, it will pass.  We will move on.  We will adjust.  It will be hard.  There are still some more tears left to shed, but at the end of the day, I have an amazing life.
It is hectic.  And it is hard being a single mom with the exception of 96 hours a month (in theory).  But it is also empowering.  I love the feeling of responsibility (and I am horrified by it at the same time).  I love knowing that everything around me is mine, and my responsibility.  That my life is in my hands.  It can be overwhelming but also liberating.  I control my future.  I can right the wrongs, make the changes, and be the person I should have been. The person I am meant to be.  I may not be where I thought I was, or have the future I thought I would have, but that is OK.  I am doing much better than some people in my life, and I am grateful for that.  While some other's decisions still baffle me and break my heart, they also make me drop to my knees and thank God it is not me.  And thank God for the people He has put in my life that would not allow that to become me.  The friends and family who believe in tough love and being held accountable. The people who have morals, believe in God, and most importantly, believe in me.
So thank you to all of my friends and family who have been there.  For those who have prayed with/for me, cried with/for me, spied with/for me, comforted me, loved me, put me in my place, loved my children, supported me, encouraged me, helped me out when I needed a hand, and refused to help when they knew that the lesson was in me learning to do it on my own.  To all of you, God has a great reward in store for you, I just know it.  And thank you for your patience.  Between my normal demeanor, stress, and hormones, I don't always act like the most rational person, but you understand and love me anyways!
And we (my children and I) love you too. 
And thank you to those who read my blog.  It really means a lot to me.  Do not be afraid to leave comments and let me know what you think.  It makes me feel special :)