I'll Stop the World...

 

    I took my crew on a movie and dinner date, a couple of days ago. By the way, in the event that you were wondering, the new minions movie is brilliantly hilarious. My progeny and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Two enthusiastic thumbs up!

    I couldn't have been with better company. My favorite part about this date night, though, wasn't the relaxing leather movie recliners or the yummy food (although, ya'll, Chic-fil-la's grilled chicken nuggs are pretty slammin). It was laughing carelessly with one another. Talking, for quite a long while, without checking our phones. Simply enjoying the tribe we were put in. What a gift time can be. 

    Toward the end of the dinner date, we began talking about where we are with our grief and I couldn't help but to be so insanely proud of the four precious humans, whom I gave birth to, as I listened to each of them speak fluently and with insight about such a heavy topic. I can't imagine having ever been put into their shoes and losing a parent at their young ages. They handle themselves so well, considering, and I'm in awe of each of them.

     If there is one thing that I want my babies to always know of me...it's that their mom values nothing more in this world than time, like that, spent with them. It's such an honor and privilege being their mother. I've learned just as much from them as I've probably taught them; if not more. 

Relishing in His goodness...

Christy

IstndAmzd79@gmail.com

It Takes A Village

 This post is dedicated to the people who were a tremendous part of my village, this school season. Thank you, Empower team. You've blessed our family so, so well. 

 He always laughed at me, in a sweet way, before pulling me into a warm embrace and saying, "You do this every year, baby." This year is no exception. I've been an emotional mess all morning. The only difference is...he's not here to pull me into his loving embrace. 

 My emotional state is comprised of sheer gratitude to the one man and many women whom have helped me to raise Ella and Jacob, this past year. I'm always so very appreciative of the teachers whom have come into our lives. But you guys...I can't even finish the sentence without shaky hands and tears of gratitude. So much gratitude. 

 We got sick at the beginning of the school year, last August. You all were there for my babies as we were being hospitalized. I have no idea what that time looked like for my kids but I do know that you all were there with sympathetic and understanding hearts. And then, we lost him, and my children were given so much time to grieve and heal and just be quiet for as long as they needed. I can't thank our principal, enough, for giving our family that time to process. 

 Some of you have shared the most precious words and prayers with us. You've sent cards to the kids specifically. One of you sent flowers for Veteran's Day to honor our favorite Veteran despite the fact that he was no longer with us. Some of you have come to our home just to offer a hug, encouragement, and food. Prayers, condolences, emails...so much love. My babies are quiet, by nature, and have had a difficult time expressing their gratitude, but you all have touched their hearts so completely. They are never going to forget the love and kindness bestowed upon them by each of you. 

This has, inexplicably, been the toughest year of our family's life. I truly cannot imagine having made it through this school year without you all. Despite all that they have endured, early on in the school year, Ella and Jacob have thrived academically. It's the love and dedication that you all have shown to not just my two children, but to all of your students, that have made for such a successful school year. Some of you have gone far above and beyond your job descriptions. You all are absolute superheroes!!!

 I thank you, with every bit of my Mama heart, for helping me to raise Ella and Jacob. You each were a blessing and a God-send to our family. I pray many blessings upon you, just as you've been a blessing to us. 

I have not stopped giving thanks for you; remembering you in my prayers.            

                                   -Ephesians 1:16

Relishing in His goodness...

Christy

IStndAmzd79@gmail.com