It's Destiny

I don't know about you, but I'm so glad February is nearing an end.  It was the shortest month, but it felt like the longest month ever, thanks to the bitter cold and all those snow days!  I'm not quite sure if I would have survived (or at least kept my sanity) without Netflix!

This month, the Netflix StreamTeam is focusing on destiny.  The new original special Ever After High: Spring Unsprung, which focuses on the fact that you have the power to create your own destiny, premiered this month.  Lexie and Lily LOVE Ever After High, and they are super excited about their upcoming Ever After High: Spring Unsprung viewing party! It has been difficult keeping them from watching it until the party!  Keep an eye out for our upcoming party post!



As a parent, I fully believe in allowing my children to create their own destinies.  With gentle guidance, of course.  My parents allowed me to create my own destiny.  If they hadn't, I would have never met Grant, and I would never have my four beautiful children.  I'm sure it was very difficult for them to watch me go down a path they hadn't expected, but they are very happy with the end result! I am thrilled with the destiny I created for myself!



Grant and I definitely have hopes and dreams for all of our children.  Grant and I try to guide them in the right direction, but we know we have to let them be themselves and make some choices, too.  We believe in follow through once a commitment is made, but we understand that the things they like to do can change.

Dylan is a 10 year old boy, and he is starting to express his own ideas and opinions.  We let him do so, within reason.  We had our hearts set on him playing baseball all through his school years.  He played for 4 years, then decided to take a break for a year.  Instead of returning to baseball, like we hoped, he really wants to play basketball.  So we're going to let him.  We don't believe in forcing him to do something that he really doesn't enjoy as much anymore. Obviously, playing baseball was not the path he was meant to be on, and it's time for him to start a new journey.



Lexie had a similar choice.  She wanted to try gymnastics, so we signed her up.  She completed the year, but we could tell it really wasn't her thing.  She liked it, but didn't love it.  So now she's focusing on art and music.  She loves to draw and paint, and loves musical theater.  In the Fall, she wants to take hip-hop. She has a very pretty voice, so I really hope she joins chorus and performs in musicals and plays, too!

Even though we'll allow her to make choices, I will honestly be surprised if she doesn't work with children and have a family of her own one day.  My mom always said that even though I didn't take the path she expected, she always knew I would end up with a big family.  She was right.  It was my destiny!  I can't wait to see what the future holds for my girl!



Lily is still so young, but we are going to allow her to make choices, too. Lily has a huge personality and is so charismatic.  We are allowing her to choose an activity in the Fall. We gave her two choices: Gymnastics or Dance.  She changes her mind often, but right now, ballet seems to be the winner!  No matter the choice, she will shine, because she puts her all into everything she does!



Finally, my sweet Liam.  Liam has Down Syndrome, which will present some challenges as he grows, but we have the same expectations for him, too! These days, people who have Down Syndrome are doing so much more than ever before. (Want proof?  Check out American Horror Story or Glee on Netflix. Both feature actresses who are blessed with that extra chromosome!)  I have so much hope for him, and know he's going to make us so proud.  He already does.  He is going to do great things with that smile of his!



The future is bright for all four of my children.  We will love them, nurture them, and set expectations, but we will also allow them the freedom to make some choices.  I can't wait to see the destinies that they create for themselves!

Speaking of destiny, Frank Underwood is certainly one character who created his own destiny! This month, I am most excited about the return of House of Cards!   Season 3 is on Netflix.  Today.  If you haven't watched it yet, please do yourself a favor and watch it!  It is easily one of my favorite shows.  As my husband puts it, "President Underwood is a diabolical evil genius."  I'm currently trying to plot out my plan of action.  Binge watching it is unlikely.  Hello?  I have 4 kids!  I think the best method is to s-t-r-e-t-c-h out the viewing process as long as possible so the one year wait between seasons won't seem as long! Either way, I can't wait to see what this season holds!!!


 {source}

Here are a few more things to watch on Netflix that revolve around the "Create Your Own Destiny" theme:

Create Your Own Destiny

1. Ever After High (2/6) 2. Mako Mermaids (2/13) 3. Richie Rich (2/20)

Someday, I will... For your little kids:

1. Build and fix things: Handy Manny 2. Make a discovery: Sid the Science Kid 3. Walk on the moon: Justin Time: Blast off!: S1E13 4. Explore the ocean: Octonauts

For your big kids:

1. Make sweet treats: Cupcake Wars 2. Get into show biz: Fame High 3. Represent Team USA: The Gabby Douglas Story 4. Master the kitchen: Chopped

And for teens and parents:

1. Get the corner office: Undercover Boss
2. Travel the world: Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
3. Walk the red carpet: Liz & Dick
4. Run my own restaurant: Wahlburgers


Happy viewing!!!  

What is your favorite show to watch on Netflix?


*I'm a member of the Netflix StreamTeam.  I was given a free year of Netflix Streaming and promotional items in exchange for my monthly review.