The last time I posted was one year ago today. I penned an open letter to my first born on her first day of "real school." Since then, I've birthed a new gift (Raeford Barry) and been extremely busy adjusting to life as a mom of two. I haven't had much time for anything else (save showering and drinking lots of wine). There have been lots of tears, hugs, mistakes (mostly my own), and make-ups. All the things that make life, and parenting, so very interesting. I've recently been bitten by the writing bug, so I hope to post much more frequently in the coming months...
Today is my little lady's first day of first grade. Time flies when you're having fun! I didn't write her a letter this year; last night, before she went to bed, I laid in bed with her and prayed for her. I prayed so fervently that I felt her eyes open mid prayer...probably because she had never heard me talk to God like that before. While I often pray FOR her, I rarely pray WITH her. That's going to change.
I began by thanking God for allowing me to borrow these precious little people from Him. I asked Him to cover Sage from the very top of her braided head all the way down to her little painted toes. I thanked God for providing her with the opportunity to receive a world-class education. I asked Him to fill her heart with compassion for others and to embolden her with a spirit of fearlessness. I asked Him to help her to be the very best she can be, today and every day. When I finished, she looked at me and asked, "you really love me, huh?"
In the long run, our kids don't care about the extravagant birthday celebrations we plan or the countless toys and electronics we buy. They know we love them when we thank God for them. You probably do it privately EVERY SINGLE DAY, but let your little people hear you. It's guaranteed to make them smile. And if they are able, they'll probably ask, "you really love me , huh?"
Good Luck, Sage!
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
First Day of School
Tomorrow is Sage's first official first day of school. She begins Kindergarten at good ole RPCS and I couldn't be more excited. With my excitement, however, comes a bit of apprehension. She's entering a world where very few people look like she does. I know what it feels like to be the only little brown girl in the room. It can be scary. It can make you question your ability. I wonder if I've done enough to convince her of how beautiful and brilliant she is. I think her dad and I have done a decent job of giving her a healthy sense of self confidence but I wrote her this letter as a little reminder:
Dear Sage,
Happy 1st day of Kindergarten! I'm so very proud of you. You are so smart, funny, and kind. You are a super star and are sure to shine bright wherever you go. I want you to know that you are a very special young lady. You're only five and it's already evident. God has blessed you with many talents and abilities. Those blessings come with lots of responsibility. Always remember to use your gifts to help others. You may not understand all of this right now, but you will someday soon.
School is such an exciting place! Make the most of every moment. Ask lots of questions. Listen to your teacher. Try new things. Raise your hand and offer an answer, even if you're not sure it's the correct one. Don't ever be afraid of failing. Failing teaches you how to enjoy your success.
Please always be kind to others, although they may not always be kind to you. You're a leader. That means other kids are always watching to see what you're going to do. Make sure you do what's right. Always hold your head up high. Look people in the eyes when you speak to them. Introduce yourself with confidence. Be proud of who you are. You are fearfully and wonderfully made! God says you're awesome and I think so, too.
I love you more than I could ever say.
Love always,
Your Mama.
I hope you'll all join me in wishing......Good Luck, Sage!!!!
Dear Sage,
Happy 1st day of Kindergarten! I'm so very proud of you. You are so smart, funny, and kind. You are a super star and are sure to shine bright wherever you go. I want you to know that you are a very special young lady. You're only five and it's already evident. God has blessed you with many talents and abilities. Those blessings come with lots of responsibility. Always remember to use your gifts to help others. You may not understand all of this right now, but you will someday soon.
School is such an exciting place! Make the most of every moment. Ask lots of questions. Listen to your teacher. Try new things. Raise your hand and offer an answer, even if you're not sure it's the correct one. Don't ever be afraid of failing. Failing teaches you how to enjoy your success.
Please always be kind to others, although they may not always be kind to you. You're a leader. That means other kids are always watching to see what you're going to do. Make sure you do what's right. Always hold your head up high. Look people in the eyes when you speak to them. Introduce yourself with confidence. Be proud of who you are. You are fearfully and wonderfully made! God says you're awesome and I think so, too.
I love you more than I could ever say.
Love always,
Your Mama.
I hope you'll all join me in wishing......Good Luck, Sage!!!!
Friday, June 21, 2013
Follow Your Heart
Yesterday was Sage Marie's 5th birthday. I'm simply amazed by how quickly time has flown by. It seems like just yesterday that she was barely big enough to fit into a newborn onesie and in September she'll be headed to Kindergarten in her blue RPCS jumper. She's an outstanding little person. She lights up the room wherever she goes. She's smart, kind (most of the time), talented, and witty. I know God has big things planned for her life.
Six years ago, you couldn't have convinced me that I was ready to be someone's mother because I wasn't. I was a wild child. I was an out of control college student who lived to party. I selfishly indulged in whatever I fancied at the moment. I was definitely living in the fast lane. I think God decided I needed to s l o w d o w n. Cue theme music for "Teen Mom." Ok, so I wasn't a teenager, but 21 is close enough...
When I found out I was pregnant, however, I didn't initially freak out. I was a senior in college, just months away from getting my degree. I knew I was capable of being a good mother because of the example I had in my own parents, particularly my mom. Then I began to disclose my pregnancy to those closest to me. Some expressed total elation, offering suggestions for my little one's name. Others asked if I needed a ride to the clinic and a hand to hold through an abortion. That's when doubt and fear began to creep in.
I sat on the floor of my dorm room one afternoon balling my eyes out when the phone rang. I'm forever grateful for a very dear friend who provided me the words of comfort and encouragement I needed during that challenging time in my life. She reminded me that God doesn't make mistakes and that His timing is never anything but perfect. When we said our goodbyes, I was once again at peace with the decision I had made.
Fast forward to June 2008. There I was with the most beautiful creature I'd ever laid eyes on. And she belonged to me. I was somebody's mama. Don't get me wrong...the road isn't always easy. There have been moments when I wanted to give up....days I didn't even want to get up. But God. He is indeed the ultimate caretaker and supplier of needs.
As I prepared to celebrate this milestone in our lives, I began to think about all the sacrifices I've made for Sage. I'm not complaining because that's what being a parent is all about. I think I've made a lot of choices that other people probably wouldn't have....choices guided by what was in my heart. In the end, it has been beneficial for both of us. She's gotten the best parts of me and I'm living my life according to my own standards of happiness and success. In the next few months, I'll be embarking on a new journey. I'm sure some eyebrows will raise and some eyes will roll, but I'm confident that following my heart will set me up for the win every time. You should follow suit.
Good luck, Sage!
Six years ago, you couldn't have convinced me that I was ready to be someone's mother because I wasn't. I was a wild child. I was an out of control college student who lived to party. I selfishly indulged in whatever I fancied at the moment. I was definitely living in the fast lane. I think God decided I needed to s l o w d o w n. Cue theme music for "Teen Mom." Ok, so I wasn't a teenager, but 21 is close enough...
When I found out I was pregnant, however, I didn't initially freak out. I was a senior in college, just months away from getting my degree. I knew I was capable of being a good mother because of the example I had in my own parents, particularly my mom. Then I began to disclose my pregnancy to those closest to me. Some expressed total elation, offering suggestions for my little one's name. Others asked if I needed a ride to the clinic and a hand to hold through an abortion. That's when doubt and fear began to creep in.
I sat on the floor of my dorm room one afternoon balling my eyes out when the phone rang. I'm forever grateful for a very dear friend who provided me the words of comfort and encouragement I needed during that challenging time in my life. She reminded me that God doesn't make mistakes and that His timing is never anything but perfect. When we said our goodbyes, I was once again at peace with the decision I had made.
Fast forward to June 2008. There I was with the most beautiful creature I'd ever laid eyes on. And she belonged to me. I was somebody's mama. Don't get me wrong...the road isn't always easy. There have been moments when I wanted to give up....days I didn't even want to get up. But God. He is indeed the ultimate caretaker and supplier of needs.
As I prepared to celebrate this milestone in our lives, I began to think about all the sacrifices I've made for Sage. I'm not complaining because that's what being a parent is all about. I think I've made a lot of choices that other people probably wouldn't have....choices guided by what was in my heart. In the end, it has been beneficial for both of us. She's gotten the best parts of me and I'm living my life according to my own standards of happiness and success. In the next few months, I'll be embarking on a new journey. I'm sure some eyebrows will raise and some eyes will roll, but I'm confident that following my heart will set me up for the win every time. You should follow suit.
Good luck, Sage!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Good Luck, Sage
I've started like a million blogs in the past nine years. No, really. A million. I write one or two posts and then become totally consumed by the mayhem of my made-for -tv life that I forget all about them. It's a shame because I have so much humor and encouragement to share with the world. So I've decided to recommit myself and begin again. It's never too late to start anew, right?
I've decided to title this blog "Good Luck, Sage." For those of you who have children old enough to appreciate (and understand) something other than Sesame Street or Caillou, you've probably watched an episode or two of "Good Luck, Charlie" on the Disney Channel. The show revolves around a family trying to adjust to the birth of forth child, Charlotte (Charlie). In each episode, older sister, Teddy, creates a video diary entry containing advice for Charlie about their family and life as a teenager. Each episode ends with a member of the family exclaiming, "Good luck, Charlie!"
I thought it would be totally awesome to do something similar for my darling daughter...in print. So, like most things in my life, this blog is dedicated to Sage. I'll write about my own experiences in an effort to inform and enhance hers. Maybe she'll read this blog one day and realize that I'm much more than an evil troll who makes her do homework and go to bed before it's dark outside. Maybe she'll read about my life and see that I'm good at things other than reading bedtime stories really, really fast and baking stellar sweets. Hopefully, she'll read it and be reminded that of all the things I have to be proud of, she tops the list.
Good Luck, Sage!
I've decided to title this blog "Good Luck, Sage." For those of you who have children old enough to appreciate (and understand) something other than Sesame Street or Caillou, you've probably watched an episode or two of "Good Luck, Charlie" on the Disney Channel. The show revolves around a family trying to adjust to the birth of forth child, Charlotte (Charlie). In each episode, older sister, Teddy, creates a video diary entry containing advice for Charlie about their family and life as a teenager. Each episode ends with a member of the family exclaiming, "Good luck, Charlie!"
I thought it would be totally awesome to do something similar for my darling daughter...in print. So, like most things in my life, this blog is dedicated to Sage. I'll write about my own experiences in an effort to inform and enhance hers. Maybe she'll read this blog one day and realize that I'm much more than an evil troll who makes her do homework and go to bed before it's dark outside. Maybe she'll read about my life and see that I'm good at things other than reading bedtime stories really, really fast and baking stellar sweets. Hopefully, she'll read it and be reminded that of all the things I have to be proud of, she tops the list.
Good Luck, Sage!
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