Encouragement

True Life Mom Confession :: “I’m A Member Of The Beyhive” It all started back in 1998 when I first saw the music video for Destiny Child’s “No, No, No (Part 2).” The catchy hip hop beat, the lyrics and the four young sirens singing them had teenage me hooked from that point on. While the group line up changed over the years going from four girls to “DC-3,” the standout star was always Beyoncé. She was beautiful but also down to earth with a cute country accent that was relatable to Southern girls like me. Before I knew it, I was a member of the Beyhive! Not in the obsessive Swarm kind of way, but I've followed her career from her...

Navigating My New World Right now, as I write this, I’m taking a break from grading papers. I’m so proud of all of my students’ hard work. It’s an unending pile of the masterpieces my students have worked so hard to complete. I must go through each one and with 26-28 students this year, I’m overwhelmed to say the least. Despite my work, I make sure my boys know they are my priority. Everything in my life could be on fire and I’d be playing hide-and-seek or reading a book with them. I never want them to think they aren’t wonderful and the reason I try so hard with everything. I wanted to be a mom so bad and I was blessed...

The Importance Of Your Girl Friends Once You Become A Mother When I was younger, my mother used to read those “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books or grocery shop late at night for her “me time.” She had her girl friends, but she never did prioritize her friendships. Her priority was my father and me, which should be on the most important list. My mom was a stay-at-home mom mostly my whole life so my mother raised me different than how I am raising my boys. The cost of living was cheaper, food was less expensive and some homes only had one working parent. In our home, my boys have both parents working multiple jobs. According to the labor force...

Hey Barbie Moms: Celebrating Motherhood In All Its Glory! If you went to the movies over the past two weeks, undoubtedly you’ve seen prissy pink outfits, glamorous heels, and perfectly styled hair as “Barbie” hit theaters. Since its release on July 21st, it has grossed over $700 million, positioning it to be one of the top-producing movies of 2023. I admit I gave in to the hype and took my 15-year-old daughter to see the film, dressed in our pink of course. I opted out of bringing my 6-year-old because I wanted to see it first due to the PG-13 rating. As I watched, I couldn’t help but reflect on my upbringing, my obsession with Barbie as a little girl, and...

New Beginnings After being at home for years, I’m officially back at work. The transition from SAHM to Working Mom isn’t the smoothest. I have mixed emotions. I wish I could firmly say I have a definite opinion on it but that would certainly depend on when and where I am during the day. First, I have massive amounts of guilt. Oh my mommy heart hurts for my babies. I miss my kids more than anything I’ve ever missed in my life. I wonder what they’re doing at school. Are they happy? Do they feel safe? Are they being loved? It's hard for me. When I leave to go to work and I have to say goodbye to my littles, I...