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My Spring Renewal for 2011 is Family

By Jeff Belonger

Mortgage and Lending with Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc

March 21, 2011 05:21 PM

(Please click on this song while you read this) - Steppin Out by Joe Jackson

What is your energy source? What makes you want to get up early, to strive for that great day. What is your motivation at times? That spark plug.. that flame... overall, what helps you produce your energy to be successful in your life and for your business.

Well, Sally Cheeseman started a group over 3 years ago called POSITIVE ATTITUDE for the Weary Soul. It's the kind of group that can bring you a 'pick me up' just like caffeine does when drinking coffee or an energy drink. Filled with so much powerful energy from so many good blog posts. And Sally, with the help Anna Bananna, has created a contest :

SPRING RENEWAL CONTEST | Positive Attitude for the Weary Soul

Here is the basic premise behind the contest.....

Think for a moment. What have you missed because you were too busy or stuck inside ‘self' to see clearly? Stop for a moment and smell the flowers. Take this time to revive yourself and plant new ideas into your life and business to go forward with an awesome sense of renewal.

Sally basically wants to create a positive atmosphere within this contest..... and here is my story, my energy, my source.

For many of you that know me, I just have not found that person as of yet, to share my life with. In a way, I have always wanted a family of my own, at least 2 kids. As I get older, I sometimes become sad because of this, because I know that I would be a good an awesome father. One who would be loving, caring, and would love to teach my kids, if I had some, all about life. The good, the bad, the ugly... to introduce them to sports and so much more.

the Twins - Ava & Joey

So what have I missed? That unconditional love that seems to come from young kids that don't have a worry in the world. For those that haven't gotten to know me, I have one sister who has been married for 15+ years to a great guy and they have three boys and three girls. Three of the kids are adopted. And you want to talk about a lot of love and joy in this household? Sure, kids argue and fight with each other. But as I watch them all grow up, through the good times and the bad times, at the end of the day, they are still a loving family. Each one willing to do anything for each other. These two in the picture, the twins, Ava and Joey. One would think that Joey is loving his sister in this picture. From what I found out, he was a little upset with his sisters affection.. lol

(The twins will be 3 next month - Joey being the youngest of the bunch)

Katerina after Nutcracker

Katerina is the oldest and loves dance. Here she is after performing in the NutCracker. She is so mature for her age, soon to be 12 years of age, and wants to be independent at times already.

Johnny going into Boy Scouts

Johnny, the 2nd oldest, just went from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. Likes to play sports, but is very creative when it comes to drawing. Just a very creative mind with a good heart.

Andrew with football picture

Andrew... the 3rd oldest, is just a great kid. Afraid of spiders, bugs, and not a big fan of camping outside without the comforts of home. But really got into playing field hockey in the summer and football in the fall. He really enjoyed hitting people. Maybe having 5 other brothers and sisters made him tough. As my brother-in-law tells him during football games, just take out the frustrations from your brothers and sisters out on the other kids playing football. (lol)

Alisha

Alisha...the 4th oldest and just a very hard one to get a picture of. She can be very outgoing with a great smile of joy, and the next day, very shy and hard to find. Alisha just likes playing with her brothers and sisters. I guess she hasn't found that one thing she likes to do. But she does love to play video games with her two older brothers. And others times, playing with the twins as their older sister.

Ava & Joey at the lake

The end result.... thinking of these kids is my Spring Renewal, wanting me to be a bigger part of their lives, while at the same time, keeping my focus on my work, my job.... but not losing sight of these awesome kids, with so much love between all six of them. Just being with them gives you enough energy and love to truly appreciate all that life has to offer. And just being with them at times gives me the excuse to be a kid sometimes.

(I know I listed many links below, but if you get time, I truly love my vacation posts, so please read these)

Vacation Time with Family

Family is important - The Belonger Family Reunion of 2010 - August 14th - Part 1 of 2 - August 2010

Family is Important- Next up, the Quinn reunion -Part 2 of 2- August 2010

A Vacation in Ocean City New Jersey - Hanging with the Family 2009

My Family's Favorite Hang Out is Ocean City, New Jersey...... July 2007

A vacation after your vacation?

Holidays with Family

A Very Special Thanksgiving... Family

Merry Christmas - Family time is so important

The Tricks or Treats of Halloween 2010

Celebrating with family.... Birthdays -

Fun Times

Speechless Sundays - Super Bowl Sunday - Cheese Heads vs Steel Pin Heads

Speechless Sundays - Green Bay Packers win the Super Bowl

Wordless Wednesdays - Can one say affection & love on Valentine's Day?

Speechless Sundays - Kids having fun in the snow & a Newbie Contest

Speechless Sundays - Kids just being kids....

Speechless Sundays - Just some memories of my nieces & nephews

Speechless Sundays - Hanging with my niece & nephew

Speechless Sundays - Kids just having fun

Halloween is around the corner

If anything, I have created an online scrapbook for the kids.

Re-Blog

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Marilyn Boudreaux

Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty - Lake Charles, LA

Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor

Jeff this is a very heart warming post and I am kind of relective about kids today because it is my son's birthday and as a parent you recall all the wonderful memories you have had over the years. We are blessed to get to pour our spirit into their little lives and watch them grow up into young adults. I think its great that your nieces and nephews are an extended family to you. Hey you get to experience it then leave and not listen to the crying, arguing or drama LOL

Mar 21, 2011 05:38 PM

Praful Thakkar

LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA

Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Jeff, when we talk about renewal, we almost forget about the family - the nucleus of our life, for which we work! And I surely LOVE your renewal idea - more time with family - most of us just take it for granted!

Mar 21, 2011 05:59 PM

Myrl Jeffcoat

Sacramento, CA

Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Jeff - First let me say that I love the picture of the twins, which is black and white, with some color being preserved. It provides a delightful phto. Family is paramount in my life too. It's often why we do everything else we do.

Mar 21, 2011 06:06 PM

Andrea Swiedler

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties - New Milford, CT

Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT

Jeff, well, maybe after THIS post you will find her.... wow! The kids are blessed that you are such a big part of their lives, and I know you feel you are blessed. A match made in heaven.

Mar 21, 2011 11:19 PM

David O'Doherty

Clayton, NC

Clayton NC Homes, Raleigh, NC

Jeff, what a great family and treasured memories .We took our boys to Ireland in 2007 first time, and every second was a thrill for them, I hope they remember it!

Mar 21, 2011 11:42 PM

Susan Mangigian

RE/MAX Preferred - West Chester, PA

Chester & Delaware County Homes, Delaware and Ches

This is beautiful Jeff. I love my nieces and nephews as well. And don't give up the search. My husband wasn't a father until 46 with our first son and 53 with our second. Happy spring.

Mar 22, 2011 12:48 AM

Karen Baker

Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty - Sunset Beach, NC

Professional Help with Rapid Responses...

Jeff ~ These are wonderful moments to share ~ family should always be first in your life ~ We truly wish for you to find the right person to share your life with ~

Mar 22, 2011 01:28 AM

Irene Kennedy Realtor® in Northwestern NJ

Weichert - Lopatcong, NJ

Uncle Jeff,

Not having been blessed with children, I too enjoy my nieces and nephews. It isn't the same but it is wonderful!

Mar 22, 2011 01:29 AM

Donna Paul

Keller Williams Realty Gold Coast - Dix Hills, NY

Long Island Home Specialist,All About Real Estate

I really love looking at your photos.... I know these times must be priceless for you and your family....

Mar 22, 2011 01:38 AM

Jeff Belonger

Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ

The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

MARILYN... . thank you very much. Did you sone get my huge gift? lol Teasing... But yes, it is great to watch little ones grow up and to be a part of their lives. thanks again for the kind words.

PRAYFUL... . I think family is very easy to forget about when we are so busy with work. And you can't turn around and get that time back. thanks and thanks for the compliment.

MYRL... . thank you... I soooo love that same picture, which is why I led off with it and for another reason. And that is good that family is important in your life also..

ANDREA... . well, if it happens, it happens. And yes, I am very blessed to be a part of their lives. thanks

DAVID... . yes, these will be treasured memories. that sounds like an awesome family trip.. How come I wasn't invited? lol I haven't been to Ireland yet. How old were the boys? thanks for sharing.

SUSAN... . thanks for the hope... but life will go on. And thank you for the kind & thoughtful words.

FRANK & KAREN... . yes, family should be first & not forgotten...and I love sharing these moments. thanks

IRENE.. . maybe not the same, but it is fun and wonderful.... especially when the kids are just so good. It helps having good parents and grand parents that care also.. thanks

DONNA... . thanks... just bringing up the photos again made me smile. And yes, these times are priceless.

Mar 22, 2011 02:19 AM

Lottie Kendall

Compass - San Francisco, CA

Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

What a great family -- I can just imagine the busyness of life in their household--great that you take an active role with them. I'm sure there's enouh love to go around, and nice to have a 3rd adult to even out the numbers a bit. Enjoy!

Mar 22, 2011 03:29 AM

Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA

Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Family, it is what so much of what we do is all about. Thanks for sharing Jeff, and one day hopefully not too long in the future we will see your own personal family posts if you know what I mean. Great kids.

Mar 22, 2011 06:59 AM

Steve Scheer

Realty Oasis - Metro Brokers - Highlands Ranch, CO

Highlands Ranch Real Estate - Denver Real Estate

Jeff, sometimes we all get so busy it is easy to remember to put our families first, we just think that we do it automatically - but it is important to make it a written or verbal goal and I applaud you for doing so.

Mar 22, 2011 04:02 PM

Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman

Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI

(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Jeff: You clearly love your nieces and nephews and over the years I've read many of your posts about them. One day that special someone will come into your life. They say when you stop looking is when it comes...... That happened to me :)

Mar 22, 2011 06:03 PM