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Saturday, August 8, 2009
The Pool
We joined my sister's local pool for the summer. The kids love swimming! But this is the first year that the two older boys (Jonathan and Jake H.) would get bored here after about an hour or two. Jayden LOVES the baby pool and got more daring in the water by the day- even putting her face in the water a little bit (while plugging her nose) by the end of the summer. She would kick her feet and want me to watch her new "moves"! It was cute. Jacob was trying to learn how to dive and how to swim w/o plugging his nose. He worked so hard... but hasn't perfected either yet. The kids continued to enjoy the snack bar inside (and usually chose Sour Straws). This year there was a little toddler (2 or younger) that would jump off the diving board and swim to his mom or dad. This was FASCINATING to watch- and oh so cute, too! The first few times I saw this, I wanted to dive right in and save him... but he didn't need it! Oh- I bought a new raft chair this year, but only got to use it a couple times because I bought it so late. Next year! The pictures that are not in the pool were taken in the nearby (attached) park that the kids rarely walked over to.
Hangin' Out around my Sister's House
One thing I love about my sister's neighborhood is that the kids can just ride their bikes and/ or play out on the streets. Living on a busy road- and in a much cooler climate, we don't get to do that up here in Washington.
Friday, August 7, 2009
4th of July
I didn't arrive in Charlotte until the 4th of July, so didn't get to attend the neighborhood parade this year. But I did get to go to the pool's celebration and then fireworks in Katie's neighborhood that night. The kids did sparklers and caps in the yard. Happy Birthday America!
Jonathan Gets Braces!
Finally all of his baby teeth have fallen out and the new ones have grown in... meaning that he is ready for "phase 2" of his orthodontic treatment. He was determined to get them put on before we left for Carolina, so we set up the appointment for June 29th. He was excited- especially to pick out the rubberband colors. He chose Duke colors- blue and black. He was in pain for about 2 days, but then adjusted quickly. I've been surprised at how many foods he can still eat... and his teeth seem to be moving already! He should be done in 18-24 months.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Cruel World
Here is a life lesson I have learned this year- this is a cruel world. People who are aggressive, who lie, cheat, manipulate, use, cunnive, steal, and did I mention lie?? get ahead in this world.
I am so disgusted with our legal system. Jon went into court and lied and/ or COMPLETELY exaggerated (to the point where it still counts as a lie) REPEATEDLY about EVERYTHING. He and his attorney tried to make ME out to be the liar- which didn't work, but was still frustrating because I had to waste a lot of energy and time defending myself about nothing. They are both unethical and have NO moral values or class. Zero integrity. ZERO. Scum of the Earth? Why yes. They even tried to blackmail me. Nice.
It is sad to say that this "man" used me 100%- and to think that I actually loved him at one time. He didn't deserve that love. He was a 32 year old drifter with no friends, job or income when I married him (despite all the red flags). When I inherited money, he agreed to marry me. And then did not want to give me back the money I put down on the house that I bought before we were married... and even - gasp- tried to collect half the value of my wedding ring- that I INHERITED!!!!! How low can you go!! Just ask Jon- he wrote the book.
He has used the kids to get himself more money. They are devastated. Especially my 13 year old. He cries and physically shakes and does NOT want to see or talk to his dad. It is heart breaking. But Jon has NO emotions (didn't even shed a tear when his mom died- and then has been angry with his sister for years because she "stole" any money involved with her estate). He doesn't care about ANYone- period.
Even I am shocked at the extent of the mean, disgusting person that he is... He is truly a mean-spirited and down right evil person. I believe he has some deep psychological issues. DEEP.
I have worked hard in my life. I have been honest and trustworthy- and am a person of integrity. I am nice to others and help whenever I can- I have never done anything awful or even remotely mean to Jon. He simply just used me. I followed all the rules throughout this process and... and it got me nowhere- on paper.
BUT... the other thing I have learned is this- friends and family are precious. Jon may have gotten what he wanted in court through all his lies and BS, but he doesn't have a SINGLE friend in this world- (except maybe his poor dad who is stuck with a complete underachieving, self absorbed, lying, cheating, controlling. money-hungry, emotionally abusive scuz-bag of a son). And... his children have ZERO respect for him. NONE. They know he is a selfish liar who never follows through. They dread going to his house and can't wait to come home.
And when it comes down to it, I would rather have the love and respect of my friends and family- and especially my precious children, than to have "won" like Jon thinks he has.
I pray for these kids- who are stuck seeing him over 50 times more than ever before. I want them to be strong and stand up for themselves. I pray that he doesn't continue to be emotionally abusive to them. I won't be there to be the buffer or to take the brunt of his mind-games and crap anymore. I pray that his "poor me" guilt trips don't crush their beautiful spirits. I pray that he doesn't continue to stifle their growth with their peers. I pray that he actually starts doing homework with Jake (he claimed in court that he is teaching him to multiply- despite the fact that Jake can hardly add). And I just pray for their safety- while Jon holes up in his bedroom when he can't deal with them anymore.
And if any of Jon's family is reading this... my advice to you is WATCH YOUR BACK. You have all been wonderful to me and the kids. I have enjoyed getting to know each one of you. But this person is scary sick in the head. Please don't let the "I'm Mr. Nice-Guy", over-the-top, insincere facade he puts forth to the public fool you. He is only out for himself. ONLY.
You wouldn't believe how mad he was when the Spores' farm was given to the state- or whatever that deal was so you didn't have to pay taxes on the property. He thought it was his "due"- and also does not think that any of the Spores' girls should eventually get any of this property because they don't have the Spores' name anymore (not to mention that all women are idiots and are inferior to him).
It is going to be difficult to even see his face around town- and I know he will be at EVERY event acting like super-dad temporarily. It will be hard not to vomit. But, I am going to be strong. I am not going to let my anger eat me alive. It will be hard, but I am determined. He is NOT worth my time. He has taken enough of my life from me.
I have to believe that what goes around comes around. He will ultimately be judged by God- and he can't "pull a fast one" on Him.
I am so disgusted with our legal system. Jon went into court and lied and/ or COMPLETELY exaggerated (to the point where it still counts as a lie) REPEATEDLY about EVERYTHING. He and his attorney tried to make ME out to be the liar- which didn't work, but was still frustrating because I had to waste a lot of energy and time defending myself about nothing. They are both unethical and have NO moral values or class. Zero integrity. ZERO. Scum of the Earth? Why yes. They even tried to blackmail me. Nice.
It is sad to say that this "man" used me 100%- and to think that I actually loved him at one time. He didn't deserve that love. He was a 32 year old drifter with no friends, job or income when I married him (despite all the red flags). When I inherited money, he agreed to marry me. And then did not want to give me back the money I put down on the house that I bought before we were married... and even - gasp- tried to collect half the value of my wedding ring- that I INHERITED!!!!! How low can you go!! Just ask Jon- he wrote the book.
He has used the kids to get himself more money. They are devastated. Especially my 13 year old. He cries and physically shakes and does NOT want to see or talk to his dad. It is heart breaking. But Jon has NO emotions (didn't even shed a tear when his mom died- and then has been angry with his sister for years because she "stole" any money involved with her estate). He doesn't care about ANYone- period.
Even I am shocked at the extent of the mean, disgusting person that he is... He is truly a mean-spirited and down right evil person. I believe he has some deep psychological issues. DEEP.
I have worked hard in my life. I have been honest and trustworthy- and am a person of integrity. I am nice to others and help whenever I can- I have never done anything awful or even remotely mean to Jon. He simply just used me. I followed all the rules throughout this process and... and it got me nowhere- on paper.
BUT... the other thing I have learned is this- friends and family are precious. Jon may have gotten what he wanted in court through all his lies and BS, but he doesn't have a SINGLE friend in this world- (except maybe his poor dad who is stuck with a complete underachieving, self absorbed, lying, cheating, controlling. money-hungry, emotionally abusive scuz-bag of a son). And... his children have ZERO respect for him. NONE. They know he is a selfish liar who never follows through. They dread going to his house and can't wait to come home.
And when it comes down to it, I would rather have the love and respect of my friends and family- and especially my precious children, than to have "won" like Jon thinks he has.
I pray for these kids- who are stuck seeing him over 50 times more than ever before. I want them to be strong and stand up for themselves. I pray that he doesn't continue to be emotionally abusive to them. I won't be there to be the buffer or to take the brunt of his mind-games and crap anymore. I pray that his "poor me" guilt trips don't crush their beautiful spirits. I pray that he doesn't continue to stifle their growth with their peers. I pray that he actually starts doing homework with Jake (he claimed in court that he is teaching him to multiply- despite the fact that Jake can hardly add). And I just pray for their safety- while Jon holes up in his bedroom when he can't deal with them anymore.
And if any of Jon's family is reading this... my advice to you is WATCH YOUR BACK. You have all been wonderful to me and the kids. I have enjoyed getting to know each one of you. But this person is scary sick in the head. Please don't let the "I'm Mr. Nice-Guy", over-the-top, insincere facade he puts forth to the public fool you. He is only out for himself. ONLY.
You wouldn't believe how mad he was when the Spores' farm was given to the state- or whatever that deal was so you didn't have to pay taxes on the property. He thought it was his "due"- and also does not think that any of the Spores' girls should eventually get any of this property because they don't have the Spores' name anymore (not to mention that all women are idiots and are inferior to him).
It is going to be difficult to even see his face around town- and I know he will be at EVERY event acting like super-dad temporarily. It will be hard not to vomit. But, I am going to be strong. I am not going to let my anger eat me alive. It will be hard, but I am determined. He is NOT worth my time. He has taken enough of my life from me.
I have to believe that what goes around comes around. He will ultimately be judged by God- and he can't "pull a fast one" on Him.
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