Mommin' this Mess

I have debated on whether or not to share this.  I finally landed with the decision that (hopefully) the benefit will outweigh (or at least overshadow) the risk.  I trust that my words will lead you to know that I speak from a place of love and and solidarity.  I pray that when my non-white sisters and brothers read this they do not receive a message that seems to say, "See, it happens to me too."  Because it doesn't. This is only my interpretation of a set of events followed by my connection to the world around me.  This is me fitting a certain set of events into a reality that people of color face regularly and more often to a higher degree. This is my story of empathy.  My family and I live on the outskirts of Baltimore.  This particular part of the country..the DMV...is a beautiful place.  Sure.. there is beautiful history and monuments and architecture and harbors.  But the beauty that I am speaking of is the people. If ever there wa...

Baby Beau, We made it! We survived a year.  Once again, I am surprised at how fast another year has come and gone.  You have delighted our hearts every single day.  This time last year we were preparing our home and hearts for one last baby.  We were anxiously waiting for you to make a boy into a brother and a girl into a sister.  And what a sweet, sweet blessing it has been to watch them care for you with joy. Before you arrived there were so many things we didn't know yet.  We didn't know the color of your eyes, the texture of your hair, the tone of your skin, the shape of your nose or lips or chin. Would you have long fingers like your sister?  Would your belly button be an outie like your brother?  It was all a surprise we couldn't wait to discover.  You also came with your own surprises tucked deep inside. A teeny tiny surprise.... a beautiful extra chromosome.  The doctors suspected it right away because of your almond  sha...

What are you reading this summer?  I would love to know.  I wanted put out a quick post to share my summer reading list.  I only have 3 books on the list, and I will be lucky to get those three finished.  I should also add that I have all 3 books on hold at the library and I am like number 47 on the wait list for each one, so I feel like I have picked good ones! 1.  Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover This memoir details the life of a child raised by religious, overprotective, isolated parents.  Her first exposure to public education was at age 17.  Up until then she was"homeschooled" (but not really).  She describes the grit and determination she possessed to amizingly earn her PhD from Cambridge University.  I have a feeling this book will leave me saying...."I can't even imagine" Click here for the direct link in Amazon. 2.  That Kind of Mother by Rumaan Alam This novel begins with a first-time, overwhelmed mama R...

A year or so ago I discovered the world of podcasts.  I guess as I grow older I crave more words and less noise.  Maybe it's just the fact that I am not working outside of my home so podcasts are a way for me to hear adult conversation throughout my day.  I would like to share some of my favorites with you, and I would love for you to share some of your favorites with me. 1.  "The Happy Hour" with Jamie Ivey. This is where it all began for me.  Somehow (probably social media) I saw a recommendation for this podcast.  I didn't even know how to listen to a podcast, but I quickly learned.  I was hooked after one episode. Jamie and her family live in Texas.  She is so transparent about her love for Jesus and His great love for his people.  Each week she interviews an amazing lady with an amazing story.  Her podcast has somehow led me to almost every other podcast I listen to.  Jamie also published a book recently and I cannot rec...

Perspective 47 A definition of perspective  Might read “point of view” The way we see the world Our angle.... attitude Often grownups wish for days of yesteryear Can we turn back time? Is there a magic gear?  Grownups too often see mundane In daily Tasks that bore.  Oh, but the eyes of a child,  They see so much more! Beauty and adventure  Reasons to giggle and play  And then there is you child  Your perspective is what I crave.  You will live your days with a certain sense of wonder.  You will find joy and goodness in the biggest of blunders You will forgive easy. And You will stand so loyal.  Every person you meet, you will find a way to make each one feel royal. Did you know that is a unique skill, a set of special powers? You will show pride in all accomplishments and remind us to smell the flowers.  Our days together may not always be easy.  This world so full of...

So, as promised this blog is also going to cover food.  Because I love food almost as much as I love my kids.  I'm kidding!!!!...... kind of.  I am going to do my best to share with you what I'm cookin' every now and then.  We always strive to eat at home as much as possible, but we could always improve with that task!  I tried a Pinterest recipe tonight and it was delicious.  I even got brave enough to make HOMEMADE ENCHILADA SAUCE. I am so glad I did!! It was delicious.  Click HERE for the recipe!

What is one thing you said you would NEVER do?   At the time you said never, to do "the thing" would never work. Maybe because you thought it was weird or useless.  Or maybe logistically it could not work in any shape, form, or fashion.  Maybe it was a role you could not imagine filling.  Maybe you said nope and nada to something because you knew it was entirely out of your comfort zone or desires.  Whatever the reasons are, we all have our "Nope, not ever.  NEVERS."  But you know what they say, right?  And then something happens or a series of some things happen and your heart begins to soften to "the thing".  Instead of shaking your head no, you are now nodding and understanding WHY people do the thing.  You have empathy and understanding, but your answer is still NEVER FOR ME.  Some time passes and the next thing you know, you are kinda, sorta, maybe considering "the thing" for yourself (and it makes you very uncomfortable...