Category: Blog Spot

Today, Thing 1 woke up complaining that her head hurt, her throat was sore, and her eyes hurt. I knew she wasn’t going to be able to go to school, so I went ahead and took her in to get her negative COVID test. She was overdue for a cold, so let’s get COVID out of the way and tend to this cold.

We head to urgent care as soon as they opened. There was a line outside the door, so we patiently waited to get checked in. When we finally checked in, we were seen pretty quickly. Thing 1 got swabbed, and we were told it will take 15 minutes for the results.

Meanwhile, at the ranch, I told the hubby he could get Thing 2 ready like normal. Once we get the negative, Thing 2 can go to school like normal. We also had the guys coming to paint and install the trim. They could get started too. Well, those guys showed up early and so did the nurse for this 15 minute test. I told the hubby, go ahead and let them get started.

The NP came in and said, Yep, it’s COVID! #HoleUp #HoleUp #HOOOOOLEUP

I immediately texted the hubby to tell the guys to leave. The NP gave us our marching orders, said this was traveling rapidly in the schools (her own son just got over it), and it was assumed the Delta variant (however, we won’t know for sure). It was like we were being sent home with the common cold instructions. I didn’t think she realized the magnitude of what she said to me. I was ill prepared. I knew this was going to be another negative test situation and life was going to return to what it was, plus some added germs.

I got my kiddo home, in a mask, and to her room. I washed my hands and masked up. At this point, this was still not real. I think I walked around the house doing random ish because I was still not in the mindset of what I just heard. Deep down…I WAS DEVASTATED!

I made all of the notifications, I sat in my office chair, and I CRIED! I did all the things to keep us safe, except race to get a vaccine. When I did get appointments, the pharmacy cancelled both appointments because they ran out. The new ETA was 12/20. I signed them up for 2 appointments, one on 12/22 with one pharmacy and another on 12/26 with another pharmacy. Joke was on them if they cancelled on me again. I was ready this time! BUT one problem, it was too late for Thing 1. #Shaken #Rattled #Undone

I worried about my mom too. We saw her the day before and Cadence gave her a hug. They were both masked, but still…elbows, not hugs! I missed this too. I am usually on it when it comes to these things. Now, I had that on my conscience. I will be watching her like a hawk too!

I proceeded to have an emotional roller coaster of a day. I cried on a call when a coworker asked how my child was doing (he only knew she was sick). He found out quickly she wasn’t just sick…she was sick sick! I felt all the feels, but mainly, I felt like I failed her. I wasn’t the parent racing to get a vaccine appointment, and nor was I the parent driving 30+ miles away for it. I was the cautious parent, who wanted to see enough kids fair well with the vaccine before I offered it up to my kids. #DidIMakeTheRightChoice #TheLordWasMyGuide #LeaningOnHim

At some point I took Thing 2 and I to get our tests. The hubby went to get tested too. Now, we have to wait for those results. Urgent care had too long of a wait to go back there, so we will make due with the alternatives. #Praying

I finished my work day, but don’t know how I managed. Thing 1 settled into her new isolation space. She started to have some body aches, and couldn’t get comfortable for a nap, but she was doing ok, considering.

Ten days is the magic number for this virus taking its course. This will be the longest 10 days of my life…and even longer if Thing 2 is next!

#CoverUsLord

Today didn’t go as I would have liked, but I must say, we were still able to accomplish what we set out to accomplish.

A little backstory, the girls (mainly Thing 1) have been begging for a dog. The answer was NO for so long, I got sick of saying it. One day, Thing 1 caught me slippin’ and I said, you need to show us you can care for a dog before one can set foot in this house. So, I enlisted in some help from my in-laws, and we arranged for the girls to feed and walk their dogs on the weekends. This is a far cry from having a pet full time, but it was at least a glimpse into what it takes.

I just knew picking up poop was going to be the deal breaker! These girls are like me, squeamish. But weekend after weekend, they kept showing up. Now, Thing 2 would show up, hit the trampoline in the backyard, and holler at Thing 1 when she returned from dog walking…BUT, she was ready to wear the dogs out. So, while Thing 1 is the caregiver and nurturer, Thing 2’s purpose is to make sure the dogs are worn out by bedtime. I guess they each played to their strengths. #SeparateTheyCanDo #ButTogetherTheyCanDoMore

Since my girls did all that I asked, and I am a woman of my word (no matter what), there was only one thing left to do…we researched and found a dog. A little bit more backstory here…I am scared of dogs and allergic! #ButILoveMyGirls

So, the hubby set out to pick up the new puppy. We asked to pick up puppers closer to Christmas, but a new litter was coming and the breeder hoped to send puppers off by the 13th. The hubby prepared himself to make the 3.5 hour trip each way to pick up the new puppy. I would have much rather someone go with him (or even me), but we didn’t have a sitter (and with COVID it’s hard to welcome an outsider in), and masking up for such a long trip with an outsider didn’t sound like a lot of fun. Sooooo…off he went. #BlessTheJourney

My plan was to get the house cleaned up to pass the time, but I just couldn’t. I spent so much time worried about the long trip that I only did laundry and a little tidying up. I checked in with the hubby on and off, and on the last check-in, I got to see the package. #GuessWeDoinThis #NoTurningBackNow #TheseGirlsAreGoingToFreakOut

The hubby made the journey safely. He dropped off the puppers at my brother and sister-in-law’s. They graciously agreed to house her until Christmas. I cannot even tell you how grateful I am for that. They are helping us make the magic happen for our girls! #LoveMyFamily #Grateful #Thankful #Blessed

Until Christmas girls…

Today was an ordinary day! I got up, got myself together, took Thing 1 to school, worked, and made my way to pick up Thing 1 from school. I sat in my usual spot in the pickup line. I typically work from my car, or catch a show since I treat pickup as my lunch hour. Today, my mom asked me to FaceTime her when I got a chance, so I did. We chatted a while. At a certain point, we don’t hang up, just so she can say “Hi” to Thing 1 when she gets in the car. It’s just about time for pickup and I hear someone yell, “Hey!” I look in my review mirror and see the back of the Assistant Principal’s head. I assume he was yelling at a kid. #WhatTheyDoneDidNow

Soon after, though, two gentlemen get out of a car and start talking with walkie-talkies. Then, the dismissal bell rings…NO KIDS! After a minute or two, I tell my mother I am going to let her go so I can figure out what is going on. I call the hubby to see if he can call a neighbor in the line to see what is going on. I didn’t have his number, and I just knew I should not get out of the car. At this point, there were several staff members communicating via walkie-talkie. Then…it happened!

One Sherriff’s vehicle races in, lights on, and parks sideways, blocking traffic…then another…then a police vehicle…then an unmarked vehicle. No sooner than I could process what could be happening, 3 cops in a single-file line make their way on the side of the school. Their big guns were out and the officer in front had the body shield up. In my mind, I am thinking about how I have only seen scenes like this in the movies! #ThisCantBeHappening

At this point, I’m frozen. I’m still trying to take everything in, while trying not to let my mind go “there.” At some point, two officers were posted up in the grass with their big guns out. I never got emotional. I felt like there wasn’t time for it. I just wanted my kid to run out, hop in the car, and we get the hell outta dodge! #LordJustLetMeHaveHerBack

While I didn’t cry, I was shaking uncontrollably. Eventually, my neighbor in line video chatted me the details he got from his daughter. Her story was, there was a suspicious person trying to get in, but didn’t gain access. On social media, I read everything from someone had a gun in the parking lot to it was a false alarm. Whatever was happening, I was 2 seconds away from having a panic attack! Oh, and let me mention…I tried to call Thing 1 on the cell phone she DOESN’T pay for and it kept ringing. Her daddy tells me she left it at home. #DontBeMadMom #DontBeMadMom!

It took 41 minutes, but the lockdown was cleared and I laid eyes on my child. She was anxious, adrenaline was still high, and she was emotional. I heard a few more stories about what happened, but at that point, it didn’t matter. All I knew was, she was in my care, she was whole, and she was back to being mine! Oh…I knew she wasn’t going to school the following Monday too! #TheDevilIsALie

It took some time for me to stop shaking, but eventually, I stopped. I quickly got through the rest of my work day because all I wanted to do was hug my baby as much as possible. Later on, we found out that a bus driver saw a boy brandish a gun while in a car. When they caught up with the culprit, it was 2 teenage boys and a BB gun. One of the boys did hold the gun outside of the car window. He was charged with a misdemeanor and released to his parents. #CanIGetTwoSecondsWithHimPlease

While I am grateful this ended favorably, I still want a crack at the teenage boy. He needs to know the magnitude of his actions. He needs to hear what he put our kiddos through. He needs to know how many police officers were ready to risk it all to serve and protect. And he needs to know the agony he put the parents through while all they could do was sit, watch, and wait. That time will never come, so I will just have to pray his parents shared all of those things, and he will never pull a stunt like that again!

Let me go hug my baby one more time…

I try to make sure I give thanks each and every day, but let’s be real, life gets in the way of that. I am not proud, but this is one of those moments where God knows my heart. Thanksgiving is the perfect time for me to refocus, and think about the many things I have to be thankful for. #Thankful #Grateful #Blessed

I spent last night and this morning prepping and cooking. Last year, we didn’t have a traditional Thanksgiving…you know why. This year, we were all looking forward to the traditions. Sooooooo…yo girl hooked it up. The menu: collard greens, baked macaroni and cheese, dressing, ham, chicken tenderloins, cornbread, banana pudding, and pound cake! The apple pie from the orchard was on the menu, but we didn’t have time nor the space for that! #ThereIsAlwaysChristmas

The bro and his family came over, and all that was missing was my mom (and GG, but that story is for another day). We waited…but then found out my mom wasn’t feeling well. I told her to take it easy and relax. She was beyond hurt. As much as the rest of us were looking forward to today, she was looking forward to it the most. Because last year wasn’t a traditional Thanksgiving, and the year she has had with chemo and radiation, it was extra special for her to gather together with her children and grandchildren. She teared up when we FaceTimed her, but I told her we will find another day to celebrate…one where she is feeling well enough to enjoy it.

We ended up bringing my mom and my dad some food. She at least got a chance to lay eyes on us, and enjoy the meal I put in WORK to prepare! While it wasn’t the image of the day for any of us, it was enough! #EvenWhatIsLittleIsOftenENOUGH

So, today, I am all of the things…thankful, grateful, and blessed! I am thankful for the journey that has gotten us this far, and for all that God has given and not given me (let’s not forget, what God doesn’t give us, is just as much a blessing as what He does give us…remember that). I am grateful for my family, and our health (even if there are challenges in both). And I am blessed…just because He woke us up this morning! He saw to it that we got to spend another Thanksgiving together, even if not in the same place. He saw to it that things would happen just as they did, according to His purpose and His plan! Let the church say Amen!

#Amen

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well folks…it’s been another year! I am beyond thankful and grateful to see this new day, let alone new chapter. I would be lying if I said it was an easy year, but it was a worth it year! #Thankful #Grateful #Blessed

As I reflect on this year, I am quickly reminded of God’s grace and mercy. He made so many ways out of no ways, and continues to show up and show out. Since Chapter 38, my mom has had all clean scans, her body has rebounded every month after a treacherous cycle of chemo, my children adjusted well when returning to in person (and are thriving), my husband and I are mostly done with our basement remodel, and my family is in tact. This isn’t to say Chapter 38 wasn’t shaken, rattled, battered, and bruised…but I am living proof that no weapon formed against me shall prosper! #LetTheChurchSayAmen

Today, my THREE babies went out of their way for me. They planned a scavenger hunt for me to get to their gifts, and the hubby did his thing with a gift that I did not expect. I got breakfast and my tea in bed, and a delicious Olive Garden dinner to round out the day.

About this gift, though…

Sooooooooo…if y’all don’t already know, MTV Cribs is back! I was watching an episode…I think with Michael Blackson. Anyway, he was showing his kitchen off and stop the press, there was this beautiful, shiny object on his counter. It kept winking at me! While it wasn’t contributing to world peace, it was feeding my inner geek! Ladies and gentlemen, meet the newest member of my family…#Toasty

To y’all, it’s just a toaster. To me…well, it’s still a toaster…BUT, she is a beautiful representation of how far technology has advanced. And baby…I’m here for it! #HeyBoo #ItsTheLittleThings

But in all seriousness, I am blessed to see another day, that just so happens to be my birthday. I will not take for granted the opportunity I was given to continue in my purpose for another chapter. I don’t know what the future holds, and that’s ok. I know that I am more equipped in Chapter 39 than I was in Chapter 38, and for that, I am ready to embark on this new journey.

#Leggo

It’s been a while since I posted about the shenanigans of Thing 2. Either I am now immune to her shenanigans OR she was laying low. That all ended today. Look at this…

Soooooo, it didn’t take me long to know what happened. A couple of days ago, Thing 2 turned on 6 glow sticks and was having herself a field day. Because she is curious, one of them magically opened and … here we are!

I asked Thing 2 for the story behind the neon artwork. She said, the glow stick cracked, opened, and spilled on her bed. She then said, she covered the area up so that I wouldn’t see it and get mad. Well…guess I gotta appreciate the girl’s honesty…sort of. The glow stick didn’t crack open without help, but I really wasn’t in the mood for further questioning and getting the famous I don’t know.

I couldn’t even give this any more energy. I just threw the mattress cover in the wash and moved on. I didn’t even trip when I noticed the stain did not come out in the wash. This is one of those It is what it is moments! And lucky for her, no one will ever see just how lit her bed is.

I will have to keep my eyes peeled from here on out. Shenanigans seem to flock to Thing 2! #EyesWideOpen

#LookingForwardToWhatsNext

Every month, I look forward to a Conscious Culture meeting with Lola Wright. She is this amazing human being that has been helping me become the best version of myself. She is helping me realize when I am operating above the line and below the line. These sessions are truly a gift and I will be sad when we have the last one in December.

Today’s meeting was about appreciation. We started off with an exercise to tell our mini-group what we appreciate about ourselves. It wasn’t an easy task for everyone. I immediately appreciated my willingness to always help others. One lady in my mini-group was extremely shy and identifying what she appreciated about herself didn’t come easy for her. It made me realize just how far I have come. There was a time when I was just like her. It took a lot of growth for me to get honest with myself about just how amazing I am. I have never been one to toot my own horn, but I have come to realize, if I don’t…who will? Sooooo…TOOT TOOT!

I also acknowledged the kind of person I am when faced with certain circumstances. The options were fight, freeze, faint, and flee. I…am a FIGHTER! #EverybodyWasKungFooFighting None of these options are good or bad, they just are. It is just what we do by nature. What we have experienced in our past often dictates how we respond. Knowing this about myself is easy…but realizing that as strongly as I am ready to fight, other people may be ready to flee, faint, or freeze, means I have to be ready to accommodate the different response. This is HARD! This will be my internal goal…recognizing and accepting how others are wired to respond and meeting them where they.

My biggest takeaway from the session was learning how I motivate others. I learned that I motivate by fear. Do this…or else! Again, I’m not wrong, I just am the way I am. The hard part here, is knowing that not everyone is receptive to that type of motivation. My eye opening moment, was admitting out loud that my mom motivated by fear, therefore, I do the same with my girls. In addition, I don’t know how to be motivated any other way. If someone motivates me another way, it’s foreign to me, and I almost don’t comprehend it. #ThisIsHUGE

I took Thing 1 to McD’s after school just to share what I learned. She and I were not BFF’s this morning because I made her change clothes. We have been going back and forth with what she chooses to wear to school. She liked her new school clothes up until she saw what others were wearing in Junior High and now does not see her new clothes as being fit for school. I, on the other hand, was not for her changing who she is for anyone. AND, she was not about to throw the clothes to the side that she LOVED at the beginning of the school year to DESPISE now that she sees what others wear. So, needless to say, most morning’s have been a fight. #Exhausting

Now, I have been motivating her by fear because I made her change. I have tried to take things away, all in the name of getting her to wear all of the clothes I worked super hard to bless her with. But it wasn’t working and it wasn’t fun to be at odds first thing in the morning…EVERY…MORNING!

As we journeyed to McD’s, I explained to her what I learned about myself. I asked her if she felt I motivated by fear and she said, “Sometimes!” I asked her how she is motivated and she said, “Rewards!” Of course! This is the same child who we paid to potty train. We went on to have a great conversation. My takeaway, meet her where she is. There may be circumstances that warrant a motivation by fear (because there are always consequences for your actions), but for our daily peace, I can choose to motivate her the way she best receives it. #WinWin

Just a side note, my session with Lola Wright ended with a round robin where we each picked a person and told them what we appreciated about them. Two people, one I don’t work with, had some very positive things to say about how they appreciate me and what I offer at these meetings. I was in awe! You never know who’s watching or the effect you are having on other people! Truly a humbling experience!

Today was a growth day for me. I came, I saw, I conquered, I learned. I ended the day a much better person than I was when the day started. It doesn’t get any better than that!

So, in case no one told you yet…I appreciate you for the unique being that you are. The way God created you is perfect because he doesn’t make mistakes. So, while you go on this journey called life, be open to being all that He has called you to be! And be open to change…because with it comes growth.

#IGrewUpToday #HowWillIGrowUpTomorrow #ICannotWaitToSee

Well, it’s been another year. These days, birthdays are a lot more special. I am more grateful for another turn around the sun because it means my mom gets to see another year! For that, I am grateful! #Humbled&Blessed

This time last year, we did an in-house scavenger hunt and had my brother and his family over for cake. The first COVID Halloween was super low key, and for good reason. This year, I figured we could safely trick-or-treat, and my mom could enjoy the job she loves on her special day…driving the warm car just in case a kid gets too cold or wants some warm apple cider. This is the ritual we all missed out on last year. In 2019, the adults got to partake too…them warm apple ciders were SPIKED!!! #LordBlessMyMomForHerThoughtfulness

I wanted to make it easier on everyone. We would typically go trick-or-treating in our neighborhood, but since my brother just moved and they planned to hit up our in-laws and then go back to their neighborhood after, we tagged along. It is much more important that I make things easier on my mom. The last thing I wanted was for her to have to choose which grandkid got the Nana special.

It was quite the eventful day! While the kiddos finished trick-or-treating at my bro’s, I grabbed our Olive Garden dinner. We ate, had good conversation, my mom and niece danced, and then we sang HBD to my mom. The cake this year was a strawberry shortcake. I don’t know that we have ever had it as a birthday cake before, but it was THA BOMB! #NumNumNum

As I reflect on the year, I have much more of an appreciation for the things that truly matter. God saw to it that my mom reach Chapter 63. He blessed us with the gift of her life and more chances to enjoy life alongside her. May Chapter 63 be her best year yet!

Happy Birthday, Mommy! You are loved, admired, and appreciated!

#Chapter63 #Leggo

We have a long history of doing big things, but Halloween…OOOOH WEEEEE! WE DO IT BIG!

Halloween is my mom’s birthday and as the years pass it becomes more and more important to make sure they are special. Most years, we throw a party and find new and creative ways to scare my mom (the possibilities here are endless because she is sooooo easily startled). This year, since the world has changed since the introduction of COVID, I decided to plan a smaller birthday shindig. Here lately, I have been getting my creativity in at Board & Brush. At my last visit, my sister-in-law and I discussed the possibility of having a private party for my mom there. The party sizes are usually 10 folks minimum, but the owner made an exception so that it could be just our families. #ThankYouBoard&Brush

The gathering was amazing! The My Sister’s Lil Donut Shoppe donuts set it off just right too! #ShamelessPlug The hostess and owner were so kind and helpful. They reduced their staff to ensure my mom was around as few people as possible. They also kept their distance as much as possible. I couldn’t have imagined a better way to celebrate my mom than to watch her do something outside of her box and enjoy every bit of it. The kids and the rest of us adults had a great time too! Here are our creations…

I am so blessed to have been in the presence of such phenomenal family! #LoveThem

My company just rebranded from Centro to Basis Technologies. I led that effort, but of course, with a strong team beside me. As part of the rebrand, us employees got swag. Now, the first time I heard swag at work I had no clue what it was. I know the term differently outside of work. But, swag are those company branded items (e.g. pens, t-shirts, bags, etc.). I received my swag yesterday and was super excited to show it off…

When I looked at myself in this picture, I finally saw someone I had not seen in a LONG time…ME!

The ME from yesterday is GONE! I look at myself with a sense of the 4 Ps: Pride, Passion, Power, and Purpose! I am a believer in the impossible, even when it didn’t look good. I am built for what’s next. My story has bubbled up some strength in me that I couldn’t quite find most days…a clarity that I have been searching for, for a long time! #NowICanSee

I … SEE … ME! And for the ME that I SEE, that young woman is about to take the world by storm. She has some stuff in store that even she can’t begin to articulate. She’s got plans…and I can truly say now, I’m ready to be the ME that I was called to be!

#NewBeginnings #WelcomeHome #StayTuned #Pride #Passion #Power #Purpose

Leggo!