Made

Back again!  Never left really...Just  a bit of slow motion.  Been thinking lately about how our lives evolve.  We are people constantly in motion even when idle.  We shed cells and hair even when standing still.  What does it mean to be made?  We are people beautifully created, even with all our flaws, bad habits, and mess ups. 

 

2017 has been a challenging, yet exciting year because I decided to return to school to finish my degree.  I'm on the long stretch and will be working hardto cross the finish line soon.   If anything the theme has been all things are possible because we are still here...still standing.  As a wife, mother of five, and entrepreneur, there were many days this year when I thought to myself, "I'm not sure about this."  Landing on my feet, I am grateful.   I was reading my devotional yesterday morning in Isaiah 43.  Verse 19 really stood out.  It says, "Listen, I am about to do a new thing. Now it will spring up, will you not be aware of it?  I will even put a road in the wilderness, rivers in the desert." (Amplified Version, Bible Gateway)  I found myself catching my breath suddenly at the part at God mentioning doing a new thing.  My exhale was one of excitement.  I thought, really something new?  Awe and anticipatory wonder suddenly filled my heart.  Life can be quite mucky at times.  When the cares and woes of this life stick, there's nothing like a good word to wash the murkiness away.  We need to be aware of our shine because we have light to pass on.  If just a hello with a smile, pass it on.  Happy New Year everyone!  Have a wonderful day!

Wade in the Water

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.

                                                                                  Romans 12:12

Recent events have made me unusually still...frozen...My thoughts have been in the deep freeze, yet sloshing a watery middle like a piece of ice in a tray; that is not yet done.  Formerly Orlando, presently, Baton Rouge, Minnesota, Dallas, tomorrow what's next?  It's getting more and more difficult to explain the atrocities of people being murdered for no reason.  It is cold in the middle of all this and their hearts are so warm.  All ten of their big brown eyes wait for me to give an explanation in which words have been difficult.  One of my daughters asked me if we have to be afraid now?  My response was a sudden no, but inside I was nervous,  I told her and the rest of our children that God is with us.  That we have to be aware, but not to fear because He is with us.  This was our conversation before heading to the pool.  

We were waiting for my husband to come home.  I hadn't shared with them the many prayers sent up through the day as we anticipated him coming home from work.  I wanted to shield him in some way.  Cover him, but there was nothing I could or can do, but pray for his protection.  Pray that before his skin tone gets to where he's going, his upbeat personality, his optimism, and bright smile will get there first.  Earlier that morning I had talked to him.  I told him of our plans to go to the pool and how we couldn't wait for him to come home.   "Not sure if that's such a good idea right now," he said.  I had never heard this type of hesitation in his voice.  He continued, "The atmosphere has changed out here...If we go out we definitely need to be more aware of our surroundings."  I held my breath and then let out a long, silent, sigh after hanging up the phone.  My mind kept returning to the fact that we have two sons.  Wonderful, bright, curious, beautiful boys.  I thought to myself, how are we going to continue training them in all of this muck.  

Upon entering the building to go to the pool, peculiarity was in the air.  The person waiting on us at the front desk seemed nervous.  I don't think he was nervous because he thought we were a threat; it was more like he was waiting for us to judge him in some way.  We were all in bubbly anticipation to get in the water.  My husband smiled and told the young man to have a nice day.  I could almost hear him exhale as we walked away.  Had he been dealing with that all day?  More breathing out.  The life guards were were wearing rainbow colored tye-dyed shirts.  The shirts they wore reflected their very presence.  This group of life protectors were from various races.  There was a white women teaching teaching two non-white children how to swim.  There was a light skinned black man with special needs that people were wary of until they realized he had special needs.  Note, he was the friendliest person out of everyone there.  Kids were being kids, there were shrills of laughter, splashing, and the occasional person who was freaked out by sucking up too much water in their nose.  I.m not trying to paint an idyllic picture here, but, the ball of nerves, the sick feeling in the pit of my gut, the setting aside of apprehension it took persist despite our emotions was needed.  Placing one foot in front of the other, that is what we all must do, persist.  We must keep standing up to move forward.  

By the way, the tepidity of the pool water seemed to melt away the frigid.  I was prepared for it to be cold, but it was like that cold drink that sweats down the sides of the glass because it had been sitting on the counter unattended to.  The ice melts for some time but the beverage is still drinkable.  We can do this.  Enjoy your day.

The Closer

There is a certain excitement in the air when a father shows up on the scene.  I have witnessed this anticipation in my own life.   In the 9^th grade I had decided to join the track team.  My dad lived about 400 miles away and was experiencing some financial difficulties which made it hard for him to see me.  One day he called and said he was coming to town.  I was elated.  On the day he was to arrive, I had a track meet.  I remember looking up in the stands  to see if he had arrived yet.  I had to get ready to run the hundred yard dash.  I remember feeling a confidence that I hadn’t felt in prior months.  I hadn’t won any races.  Stepping into the blocks that day, I remember hearing his voice.  Some words of encouragement that I don’t remember, but the mere sound of his voice gave me an unbelievable focus.  When the gun fired, I was off.  I remember him yelling my name.  I ran like I never ran before and won the race.  I think I placed in most of my events that day.  I remember Coach telling my Dad that he had never seen me run like that before.   After that day, I won even more races.  I had gained a certain confidence.

I see the same thing in my husband.  Whenever he shows up to a school event or soccer game the atmosphere seems to change.  It is beautiful to watch.  That same elation hovers over our kids.  They all seem to perk up when he arrives home from a long days work.  Sometimes chanting Daddy over and over again.  Our youngest leads the pack, usually getting to the door first.  I know that gets to his heart to see the littlest cutie face and then more cutie faces smiling back at him after a grueling days work.  It’s as if in his smile he’s saying “it is all worth it”.  Thanks to all the wonderful Dads who keep showing up.  We know you work hard.  Thank you for all you do!  Have a wonderful day! 

(The title of this today's post is not related to the TV series "The Closer" or the TNT Network)

About Women

Yes, yes, I'm back.  Can't get rid of me that easily.   Can I say that I SO miss the melody of tapping on computer keys!  I know it's been a long while since my last post.  What more is there to say?  Life is full.  I know we are into June.  The Papas will get there acknowledgements, I promise.  There just have been a few post that have been brewing for sometime and they have bubbled out.  

As you know, I started working a regular job to support my habit of natural body product endeavors (tee-hee!).  I was so blessed to be a stay-at-home mom with my kiddos since 2004.  Upon returning to the workforce, outside of my business, I found that we women are a trip and I'm not talking about to the Bahamas either.  I remember when I decided to start Salve'.  There were the people who asked me if I was bored, with phrases like..."Taking up a hobby, eh?"  It was almost like I was being pitied or something.  Oh you poor dear, some would say.  There were others who gave unsolicited advice on motherhood, those who absolutely loathed the word mom and it seemed to them as if I were an alien from another planet.  Why would I want to mess up my life with kids...REALLY!?!  Then there were the people who thought I stayed home and ate bonbons all day and couldn't identify with real work.  Upon getting a job, there were still more people to put up with...The mom shamers.  Questions like, What about the children or how are you going to handle that?  The list goes on and on.

What I found most interesting is in my experience of both being at home and working outside the home, there was not much encouragement either way.  People always had something to say.  I wondered why there was so little encouragement and so much criticism.  This past year has really taught me to empathize with others; especial with women.  Society has put us at war with one another.  It's like we're slamming into each other to prove something to the world...What that consists of, I'm not sure.  What I can say for both positions, inside or outside of the home, is that I have been utterly rip, worn tired.  In these moments I've thought to myself  will the work ever be done, what am I doing, is it worth it, and maybe they were right (darn naysayers!).  I remember all the negativity and sometimes panic sets in, but as I lay there in exhaustion the words of those who had encouraged me along the way rose to the surface like water from the ground in the morning.  It's not over.  God has made women resilient.  From our bodies stretching lengths during pregnancy and birth, to daily problem solving and multi-tasking.  Out of us flows life and without us life would be dull.  Have a wonderful day!

Ninja Warrior

A few months ago, I was doing the laundry and out popped a ninja warrior.  It was one of those cheap plastic toys that children get when they cash in their tickets at a game room.  I think hellos in some situations are like that.  They are the ones that are available at the last minute.  That nervous moment when you ask yourself, "are you going to do this or not" and then close your eyes, jump right in, and hope you land on your feet.  we've all shared those moments when we're in a situation that seems over our heads.  It's that deep breath before you make THAT call, or the pause before knocking on the door.  Hellos require courage. 

Google defines courage as the ability to do something that frightens one and strength in the face of pain or grief.  Because I LOVE words so much I had to include some cool synonyms of this word:  pluck, pluckiness, valor, intrepidity, audacity, boldness, grit, gallantry, guts, spunk, and moxie.  Whatever circumstances you might be facing this week, YOU CAN DO IT!  Have a wonderful day!

Pic is courtesy of karatemart.com (LOL...the original pic my kiddos took got deleted from my phone :(   It was cute too!)

All About Love

The month of LUV!  There's nothing like seeing two people in love.  Unless of course you've had a bitter breakup or something...awkward pause...No worries, even for those of you who have been heartbroken, this hello is sure to warm your heart and give you hope.  All you single ladies and gents out there listen up!  Love is not dead!  It it truly like fine wine.  Ms. Jeje and Mr. Mike as their students lovingly call them have been married for 36 years.  Together, they run All About Learning Center a preschool in Montbello, a suburb of Denver, Colorado.  There marriage is really amazing granted our drive-thru culture these days.  True love is work.  Through ups and downs, twists and turns, love is the hardest and greatest thing there is.  When I see couples like these it makes my heart swell.  Does hope disappoint?  I think not.

These two lovebirds met when they were kids through family.  Later when they were teenagers Mike knew Jeje was the one for him.  It was an ideal setting, she was a cheerleader and he a football player. Jeje however wouldn't give him the time of day but that didn't stop his pursuits. Although she thought he was handsome and had nice qualities, she kept him guessing.  Mike recalls, there was a Sadie Hawkins dance where the girl invites the guy to the dance.  He asked, "so are you going to ask me?" His now bride declined with a flat no.  He gave her his phone number and the rest was history...after she called of course.  Jeje says of her husband that he was persistent without being disrespectful.

Mike says what he loves about his wife the most is her passion about life, people, and everything she does.  Her passion makes him more passionate about the same things as well.  Jeje says what she loves about Mike the most is that he is committed to her and their family whatever the circumstances. "He takes care of everything and he is a man of God."

They both agree that their best moment together was on their 26th wedding anniversary.  They got married all over again.  Jeje says of her 2nd wedding to her hubbie that it was," awesome their kids were there to witness their marriage."

A golden nugget they both can offer us rookies, is to realize your differences, "but both people need to be on the same page" says, Jeje.  Her husband says it's important to embrace fun, joy, and laughter because life is short.  True indeed.  Upon meeting these two for the first time, it was amazing to witness.  After 36 years of marriage their love for each other is still electric.  It's in the atmosphere, and you can tell by looking at the sheer happiness of the children they serve everyday.  Such a breath of fresh air.  Have a wonderful day!

Riding the Wave

Hello there.  I know it has been a long while since I've posted.  In all honesty I've been wondering how to go about confronting the silence.  So, I decided just to be honest.  I have been busy.  That probably sounds bad, but, it is true.  Salve is a small business, but the bills still need to get paid.  I took a job at a school in administration.  As you know, we have quite the family (in more marvelous ways than one), but I am referring to the size of our brood.  We are a family of seven.  Salve is in transition, a shift of hellos, so to speak.  Though this is not a farewell post, I have been thinking a lot about the wonderful people who buy our products, the beautiful people who I have blogged about, and the many unique experiences of this awesome journey.  All of it has restored a confidence in me that had been lost for some time.  With the coming new year, changes are bound to appear.  I have many ideas for the future but would love to be able at some time to use the 100% of sales to help others in some way.  You might ask, why is she saying all of this and she's not even making enough in sales?  That is a valid point, but somehow I like to leave a door open to see what God wants and can  do.  He is the one who gave me the idea to start this thing in the first place.  Prayerfully, until that happens, we will continue serving the customers we do have with joy and satisfaction.  Everyday the sun rises it is a special greeting   So is the same with Salve.  We'll see where the wave takes us.  Have a wonderful day!

Cold Turkey

It's November.  The year is ending and the holidays are just warming up.  Usually at this time of the year I am rather burned out.  Thinking about mustering any energy for cooking large amounts of food and having large amounts of people over is draining at first.  I literally have to talk myself into taking up the mantle to get things done.  During the whole process there's a motivational speech in my brain on auto repeat.  Once the food is cooked, and family and friends start arriving for the day's festivities I'm fine and very grateful.  This year I am purposely setting the whining and complaining in my head aside.

From the inspiration of a dear neighbor I received last year, I've decided to have a go at purposely thinking about what I am thankful for everyday this month. This life we live is only lived once and I am quite tired of finishing the year with no gas.  When a fire is smoldering it's time to add more heat to make it roar.  This is not the typical post to anticipate the coming days but it is a real one!  For anyone who finds that they feel the same during this time of year let's get back to basics and commemorate life...one day at a time.  With all of its complexities and nuisances, this life we have been given is rich.    As I type this I can hear the chattering of my kiddos, the tapping of my fingernails on the computer, and a plane going by outside.  I am thankful for the life I have been given.  It has been a wild ride...spectacular indeed!  YOUR life is like NO other!  Happy Monday, have a wonderful day!

Presence

As cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far away country. 
                                                                                        -Proverbs 25:25

Hellos require presence.  It is not merely a showing up but a being present in the moment at hand. Recently, our family had the rare pleasure of enjoying a soccer game together.  The Colorado Rapids versus the Montreal Impact was a game we were anticipating for at least two months.  On any occasion I would welcome the chance to route for my home team but this time, that, would have to wait.  The Montreal Impact are also apart of Major League Soccer.  I was watching a documentary piece about the change that came to their team earlier this year.  His name is Diedier Drogba.  A 37 year old soccer veteran who was Chelsea league's major weapon for many years is now on North American soil.  The deal was sealed earlier this year.

I knew nothing about Drogba until I married an Ivorian.  I remember my husband would talk about him constantly.  Not just the typical convo about his technique in football, (I'm sorry, it IS the real title of the sport.) but a major list of his accomplishments from uniting the country of Cote d'Ivoire to building five hospitals there.  With one foot step onto the field the Ivory Coast scored twice in the 2014 World Cup.  The teams' confidence level rose to the occasion to try again.  I had the chance to witness this same dynamism this past Saturday.  He had a free kick and punched it into the goal the 15 minutes into the first half. There was no other score for the day but an energy that remained in the stadium.  After the game, a group of Ivorians and fellow Americans clustered to the bottom of their section waving and cheering this amazing man. Some wore the colors of their home country; others waved the Ivorian flag, still others wanted their soccer balls signed.  He walked over, waved, hopped the fence, and climbed to where they were.  He shook many hands and took pictures, and returned to the locker room without his jersey.  He had given it to a fan.

My husband, and kiddos were absolutely beaming.  My youngest son who had played that day still dressed in his uniform informed me that it had been the best day ever.  I couldn't help thinking about the impact of a simple kind word or gesture...five letters in lower case...h-e-l-l-o.  Your hello carries presence.  It can cause a squashed soul to feel uplifted.  It can turn away an angry word,  It can cause a change wherever you go.  Hello Monday!  Have a wonderful day!

At the Checkout...

Hello!  It has been a long while since I've posted.  There is always movement behind the silence and so I begin.  I've been thinking about this experience I had at the checkout a couple of weeks ago.     The line for the self checkout was ridiculous so I decided to go through the express line which only had two people.  I sat my items (under fifteen, thank you very much) on the conveyor belt and waited for my turn.  As the woman ahead of me was paying for her order, a tall, well dressed, clean cut boy about 10 or 11 walked up to the check out.  He had a discounted bouquet of flowers in his hand.  There was a happy eagerness under his eyelashes that made his dark eyes glisten with delight.  This kid was on a mission.  He handed the cashier his discount card.  The checkout lady looked at me as to say apologize because the boy had cut in line.  I didn't mind letting him go on with his endeavor.  It was refreshing to see a child on a mission for something good.  As I stood there, I wondered who the flowers were for, a mom, a grandma, or a teacher perhaps.  Maybe they were for a crush at his school or in his neighborhood.  My wandering thoughts came to a sudden stop as I continued to observe what came next.  The child had an accent and didn't speak any English.  There seemed to be fumes coming off the top of the cashiers head.  Her lips were tightened together and she wore a pruney expression on her face. "Do you want the flowers or not?!", she exclaimed.  "You can't pay with that!"  He kept handing her the store discount card.   He was trying to communicate but didn't understand why the cashier wouldn't take his card.  It did resemble a credit card, especially with the thin black strip in the back.  I told the cashier that it was okay, that I would pay for his flowers.  She seemed to boil even more, shaking her head.  I smiled as he took the flowers and made his exit.  By that time a small group of onlookers had gathered around the checkout.  Some wore smug looks on their faces, Others blew off their bubbled up thoughts or emotions by dismissing what they witnessed and walking away.  As the woman swiped my items and placed them in the bag I said, "You never know the circumstance of what someone is going through."  She dismissed me as well.  I am not the hero in this story.  The hero is the boy who naively withstood disapproval for the purpose of bringing something special to another.  That, is the hello.  Sometimes hellos require courage...Have a wonderful day!

Hide and Seek

Sometimes saying Hello is like taking a deep breath and going underwater.  It requires confidence and getting comfortable with yourself.  Recently our family attended our church picnic.  I kept finding my oldest daughter off in a corner of the park almost under a huge pine tree.  Looking around the park I saw a large group of girls were having fun sitting at a big table together.  Oh in that moment how I wanted to take over so one of my precious kiddos wouldn't feel so awkward.   Instead, I went over and gave her a big squeeze.  She smiled at me as I walked away.  Usually it was my oldest son who stands sheepishly away from the group.  I looked to the other side of the park and he was squealing with glee playing with his brother and a group of kids.  I smiled and walked on.  During lunch I sat perched at a picnic table looking out for my brood.  Every so often I would do a count to check where they were.  As I looked to my right a pleasant surprise awaited.  After about 45 minutes of being solo my oldest decided to step out and say hi to an old classmate whom she hadn't seen in a while.  One Hi was all that was needed to spark possibilty.  On my second round to the BBQ she was running, laughing, and playing with everyone.  I exhaled and took a big bite of baked beans.  Happy Monday all, a fresh start to a new week.  Have a wonderful day!

Assembly Required

In order to be more than skin we have to look for more, be more, and try more.  According to worlometers.com there are 7.3 billion people on the planet and counting.  It should be automatic to be fascinated by the sheer number alone.  All those people, breathing, thinking, and moving in some way.  All of them are different and unique.  What would it look like if 7.3 billion people were exactly the same?  It would be rather static don’t you think?  7.3 billion people with the same skin tone, eye and hair color, same height, same thoughts, etc.  How exciting is that?  When I think of being fearfully and wonderfully made, I think of excitement!   I think of being in awe of my neighbor and how he or she was created differently than I am.  I think of great conversations, great food, and different experiences.  I realize it is not a perfect world, but if we put forth more effort the possibilities are infinite.

Recently on a shopping trip to a major department store I had a peculiar experience.  After completing our purchase my kiddos and I headed for the exit.  It had been an exhausting day to say the least.   Ever went shopping for school clothes solo with four children?   It is no easy feat.  My oldest was shopping with her grandma.  Upon going through the exit the alarm went off.  The sale person came over and said he needed to check our bag.  I was like great, but what can you do.  As I turned to follow him another man walked by and said, “That’s what they all do.”  I abruptly stopped and asked him if he was referring to me.  I then told him I was no thief and called him a few choice words.  Yeah, I know that part wasn’t good, but it’ll be all right.    In those moments in front of my children, my mind was reeling.  I was livid.  I could no longer shield them from ignorance.  I remember exiting and a man carrying a baby came up to me and said not to listen to that man because he was jerk.  He seemed just as irritated as I was. The front of the store was quiet.  I think people were thinking.  Maybe some dismissed what they had witnessed.  Outside the store a woman came up to us and said she was sorry for the ignorance we experienced and that all white people were not the same. 

For about two hours after that occurrence I wanted to stay mad and irritated.  The more I tried to stay in that place, the more I could not.  My mind automatically recalled all the beautiful people in my life.  Wonderful people I am blessed to know.  People from all over the world, each one different and uniquely made.  The hellos I experienced in that store stepped out to be more.  We have to go beyond to be more than the shell we are encased in.  We must assemble in our uniqueness and be willing to receive others even if a risk is involved.  Have a wonderful day!

As a Child

The amazing thing about children is they are so adaptable.  We have new neighbors that just moved in across the street.  My husband and I introduced ourselves and went along with the business that awaits parents.  Our brood of five were energetically entertaining themselves with a game called zombie tag.  It was a take on freeze tag except you play with your arms out like a zombie and your eyes squinted.  I guess there’s nothing new under the sun is there?  While peering out the window and trying to keep up with the work on my laptop I could hear them squealing with delight.  Our new neighbors have children.  One of them wanted to play.  As his mom crossed the street and gave him the ok to begin there was barely a moments’ hesitation and then he was off playing with our kids.  They ran up and down the sidewalk and lawn; laughing, yelling.  The exclusive sound of summer filled the air.  Especially after another neighbor kid busted out the super-soaker and splashed some who were not interested in a refreshing shower.  Of those splashed was our youngest daughter.  She came in the house full of emotion and brought her high pitched shrieks inside for comfort.  After reassuring her she would not melt it was time to go outside and regulate.  It was a 10 year old who was the perpetrator.  I didn’t have to say too much.  His demeanor was a non-verbal, “Aw man!” as he slumped his shoulders, dropped his head, and walked toward his house in embarrassment.  Kids are unabashedly themselves and their hellos are as genuine as some newly found tresure that had been lost in the dirt.  Have a wonderful day!

Hellos 14 and 15...Dynamic Duo

Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labor.  For if they fall then one will lift up his companion.  But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.

                                                                                      Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
                                                                                      NKJV

Ahhhh, a breath of fresh air.  How can one describe?  Perhaps it is like the kicking off of your shoes and stepping onto a carpet of soft green grass.  Maybe it’s something you think of that spreads a smile on your face.  Freshness is what comes to mind when watching Antwan & Teaya in action. They are a continuation of the many wonderful Hellos I meant at the 2015 AMTC Shine Conference. These two multi-talented siblings found they share a passion for music and dance.   The bond they share is not impaired, but, blooming.  They are on the right track.  I had the pleasant opportunity to chat with them.  Of course I had to start with Mama Bear, Yvonne.  When asked if they always got along so well, the answer was a flat no.  There was a lot of irritation with one another.  Sharing a bedroom for 9 years requires installed due diligence.  She recalled how they would blame each other if their room was dirty.   As siblings are, it sounded as if they were always at each other.   When their exasperations became too much their mom would literally make them face each other until they worked it out.  To get them to take responsibility for their behavior in their dealings with each other she would have them complete the sentence, “I was wrong when I…”  It's true any relationship takes two.  Now that we know  how they settle their differences, let’s get down to how these two became the dynamic duo of dance and sound.

At a fairly young age Teaya and older brother Antwan discovered they wanted to take dance and music more seriously.  The 1980s movie Breakin sparked their love of dance and rap.  They would watch and mimic the characters.  They seemed to be attracted to Hip Hop and so the love affair began.  They found themselves in the midst of dance battles and Hip Hop culture.  But these two are well rounded when it came to their endeavors.  Diversifying themselves they watched Cats and Lord of the Dance.  (Can I say that is really cool!)  Teaya had taken every kind of dance one can think of.   From ballet to Irish dancing she does it all.  Her brother Antwon, whose stage name is King Twan, is an avid superhero fan who specializes in beats.  He has even released released a few tracks.  They are both becoming YouTube sensations only letting their light grow brighter while shaking the mountaintop.

Their relationship has inspired me in a fresh approach to my own siblings.  As with any relationship, it is one day at a time, one foot in front of the other.  High five and congratulations Antwan and Teaya!  All your hard work is paying off in more ways than one.  Shine on!  Have a wonderful day!

Possible

It was in the air.  A buzzing of sorts, the kind where you know great things are about to take place.  There were people everywhere.  Some were practicing their monologues, others their dance moves, still others were singing.  The movie Fame had nothing on this (whew, showing my age...uh-oh).  I remember standing in the registration line for my husband because he had to attend another function.  Two is better than one, right?  As I was standing there, three women were singing opera.  There voices were amazing.  A teenage girl in front of me was preparing a short video documentary.  Others were cracking jokes and still others seemed to be in quiet contemplation.  The air was one friendliness as passersby greeted each other with a smile or a cheery hello (no pun intended).  My dad always said people are people and I do agree, but, I think we are able to be more and expect more from each other.  Watching all of these folks made me think of this blog and how important it is for people to interact with one another.  You never know how the person standing next to you or passing you by got to where they are.  Things to ponder.  It is possible.  Have a wonderful rest of your day!

Hello #13...More Than Skin

The sequence of current events in America seemed to have thrown me off for a bit.  From the stories of police brutality, the massacre at the Church in South Carolina, to America’s constant immigration issues, I almost considered nixing the blog altogether.  I asked myself,” What am I doing this for?”  I questioned whether basing a whole business concept of everyone having skin and needing to take care of it with the optimism of people taking a moment to consider the vast beauty of the human race to be crazy.  The Fatherhood campaign I was so enthused about became blurry.  All of the sudden I wanted to stop and sit in a room with the curtains closed.  Ugh! I thought to myself, REALLY!?!  Writer’s block had really set in.  I had not been able to concentrate.  This morning as my husband dragged his weary body out of bed to get ready for work I felt a steady rise of determination.  I could stall no longer. 

He kissed me goodbye and headed downstairs.  His work boots were waiting.  Thinking about him as I heard the mechanics of the garage door closing I started thinking about skin; His skin in particular.  I had always loved his skin.  It was a cloak of blackness that reminded me of the night sky away from city lights.  His skin tone always seemed to baffle people.  Some thought it was a beautiful others questioned why he was so dark.  Our kids even curiously took notice upon coming to the conclusion, “Daddy, is dark chocolate.”  They seem satisfied with their conclusions as thinking about him always seems to make them smile.  They then wanted to talk about what beautiful shade of brown they were.  One says she’s milk chocolate.  Another says he is cinnamon.  Others wanted to know what kind of brown they were.  Their questions veer a different course as they were concerned with what the other shades of people in their lives were.  “Mom, what kind of chocolate is Pastor?”  “Oh she’s white chocolate”, one says in a matter-a-fact kind of way.

Thomas is comfortable with his own skin.  On one occasion I remember a rosy colored lad with freckles.  He was sheepishly peering around his mother’s legs at the checkout.  He then looked up and asked her, “Why is he so dark?”  The look on his mother’s face was priceless.  She almost looked terrified as she looked our direction.  Her face seemed to communicate, “I don’t know how to answer this,’ along with many apologies.  Thomas looked at the lady to reassure her everything was ok.  He then proceeded to explain to the little boy how everyone was made different.  The little boy started to regard his own differences.  I’ll never forget the mood of the people around us.  It was as if everyone was holding their breath.

The sound of the garage door opening causes the adrenaline to rush in our house.  Our youngest squeals with delight, “Daddy’s home!,” she chants as she opens the door grinning ear to ear.  Her hero is home and she knows she is about to fly through the air.  “Uppy, uppy, daddy!  She raises her hands up and down while following him.  His day has been exhausting.  How exhausting?  We probably will never understand.  Still, a smile of gladness appears on his face.  The five smiling faces are the period on his sentence.  Daddy is home from work.  Watching this sequence of events everyday always makes my heart swell.  It is a special glimpse into my husband’s world as a father.

  

My Dad

Father’s day is always an interesting time of year.  Remembering my Dad is bittersweet.  Our relationship was interesting to say the least but without him I would not be who I am today.  He was a man who could cause you to dream big and look beyond the stars.  He taught me to always keep a little money in my pocket, never leave the house without a sweater or a jacket, and to always wait for a man to open the door for me even if that meant standing outside or sitting in the car for a moment.  He always said, “You have to make a man come correct.  If he can’t do that, then keep on walking.”  I didn’t go on too many dates.  The ones I did go on, there were a couple of times where I waited in the car as the light bulb clicked on in my date’s head. He would almost fumble as hurried back to the car to open my door.  After something like that would happen our minds seemed to communicate.  Oh, you’re that kind of woman.  I would smile back.  Yes, I’m that kind of lady.  Thanks Dad.  

Flex!

let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

                                                                                                        Galatians 6:9 (KJV)

Parenthood ain't for punks!  My running joke is that being a mom is the toughest job you’ll ever love.  (That’s right, the Peace Corps doesn’t have anything on motherhood.)  Sure, at the end of the day it is all worth it, but what about when the peaches and cream goes sour.  In our house, we have outspoken, strong willed, explorers who sometimes push my husband and I to the very limits.  The occasional what were we thinking enters my mind on the days like this week when Monday is gone, it’s the last week of school, and there is literally nothing left to give.  Burnout has been hovering over our shoulders for at least three weeks.  It finally decides to show itself and abruptly stomp on our egos.  There is no wind behind our capes.  (Aw, MAN!)    

Having children seems to work muscles you never knew you had.  When you don’t want to get up in the morning and you do anyway, flex!  When the kiddos are demanding waffles but cold cereal is on the table, flex!  When you fire up the family mobile and drive your kids to school amid their bickering and fighting, flex!  When you’re tired of doing what you’re doing and somehow it got done anyway, flex!  To all my parental peeps, summer has arrived, you made it!  When your see your fellow parent today, slap him or her high five and say hello!  You have officially made it to Summer Break!  When you recharge your batteries a bit the adventure begins.  (Superhero anthem begins to play)  Have a wonderful day!

Hello #12...Brains?

Mom!  Guess what?  We got to look at brains today in class! The gears in my head started moving almost instantly.  I thought to myself.  Brains?  What?  (gears speeding up)  Ok, maybe they dissected a frog or something.  Then my son chimed in, “Yeah, a human one!”  (record scratches)   Wait, WHAT!  My mind then kicked into overdrive and I started to think of all the CSI episodes I had watched in college.  My oldest proceeded to tell me more.   I listened further.  “Mom, did you know there is a protective coating around the human brain and a sheep’s brain is really small."  The wheels in my head were still moving.  I had always heard sheep were dumb.  Turns out the all grade levels had a chance to view and touch the specimens. The fourth grade all the way down to the preschoolers had their chance to learn about the brain and got to experience them hands on.  I say this tongue-in-cheek, they were all grossly fascinated.  I was too.  “Tell me more, I said.”  I thought to myself, I have got to meet this woman!

Dr. Brenda Houck-Wolff is a research neuro-scientist and professor who specializes in the brain.  At the time of this interview she worked in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Colorado Anchutz Medical Campus.  She has since moved and has accepted a position at the University of Wyoming.  Brenda is a mother of two.  Thankfully she says her schedule is flexible and she is able to tend to them if they need anything extra.  She says balance without a doubt is the most difficult thing about motherhood.   The balance between doing her career and enjoying it, time for kids, and taking time for herself is difficult at times.  Aside from those things, she says “you also have to make sure your marriage is working.”  Sometimes guilt sets in.  She loves to work out because it helps her stay sane but often thinks of her kids when she’s away.   

Through all of it, Brenda really likes being with her kiddos and hanging out with them.  She likes to see them grow and learn new things.  As a scientist she finds she is constantly analyzing their behavior.   A couple of things people may not know about her is one, she bought a baby-sitting business to pay her way through college; and two, she accomplished four Iron-Man triathlons.   How awesome is that!  Have a wonderful day!

Switch!

Hello all!  Just checking in to say we will be winding up the rest of our Mommy Hellos tomorrow.  I had the greatest time chatting with all of you wonderful ladies.  Moms and Dads hang in there Summer Break is almost here!  We're on the long stretch over here! The last 50 yards has never been so hard to run, BUT it has been fun.  On another note, I am currently interviewing some awesome fellas to celebrate fatherhood next month. Yay!  If you know any awesome Daddys please take a minute and say something nice to them.  I know it would be encouraging.  When a man steps up to the plate and decides to be a father apart from conception amazing things happen to the children they raise.  Have an awesome night!