Our Family Fundraiser (Shoes for Africa) is finally coming to a close. So far we will be donating over 50 pairs of shoes; with one last bag to go through. We are more than thankful; overwhelmingly grateful is more like it. To every family that participated (friends, coworkers, neighbors, classmates, etc.), from our family to yours, “Thank You”. If we can do it, so can you. All you have to do is make it happen!

Our oldest daughter is all settled in her new apartment and enjoying her new life as a college student. There are 220 students in her World History class. How intimidating is that? She’s getting along with her roommates…yes!!! Prior to heading off to school, she purchased a 2002 Toyota Camry. We are very proud of her and her accomplishments.

Our youngest daughter has also settled nicely in her big sister’s old room. She enjoys having her own bathroom and not having anyone to share with. I’m enjoying the peace and quiet. No more sibling rivalry; at least for now. With a 3.3 grade point average, she’s also off to a great start this school year.

As for Jimmie and I, we’re simply living in the moment. One day at a time.

The apartment is conveniently located in a gated community and comes furnished with living room and bedroom furniture. Each room in the apartment has a bathroom and a separate room key. The girls will share the living room, the kitchen and washer/dryer. They’ll have full access to the computer lab, study/conference rooms and the University Transit; which runs  approximately every 10 minutes to and from campus.

Over the past two months we have been mentally preparing for this next transition in our lives. Since our daughter plans to work part time while in school, she’s already submitted job applications and gone on an interview. We figured this Fall she wouldn’t be the only one seeking employment; therefore, we decided to get a jumpstart on the competition. She’s already made her first major purchase “football season tickets”.

Everyone’s excited; especially our youngest daughter. She’s looking forward to her own bathroom also and possibly relocating to her sister’s old room. We haven’t decided how we’re going to get everything there yet. My sister and brother-in-law are on standby, should we need additional help. We’re done shopping for now. To date our daughter is still receiving graduation gifts and we are truly grateful. Jimmie and I would like to personally thank everyone for all the love and support that has been extended to our family.

WAR EAGLE!!!! It’s an Auburn thing.

Now that we have completed other family commitments, bring on the shoes baby! After careful consideration (venue, cost, labor, time, volunteers, etc.), I decided to make it a total hands-on, cost effective, family fundraiser. For example, instead of planning and organizing the event, we hand out flyers, make phones calls and send emails/text messages to family, friends, co-workers and neighbors for support. It’s definitely better time management for us. Volunteers are welcomed, not mandatory. Most importantly, shipping and handling are our only expenses.

In less than a week, we’ve already collected three bags of shoes. How cool is that? We’ll be collecting shoes for the next two weeks; then spend the last week organizing and packing the shoes for shipping. We’re excited and I can’t wait to share the total number of shoes collected. This fundraiser is the first of many to come. Each year we’ll identify a non-profit organization to support; making it a family tradition.

Do you have a  family tradition that involves helping others? If so, please share it. If not, what are you waiting for? Make it happen!

Halfway through the graduation something happened that I could not have prepared for. Totally caught off guard, internally I became in emotional wreck. Not to mention, it had absolutely nothing to do with our daughter. I had totally forgotten that one of JiMia’s classmates died around Spring Break; after a long battle with cancer. When his parents stood up to receive the first diploma…(pause)… umm… ok this is not an easy article; which is why it took me so long to write about the graduation.

When the parents stood up to receive their son’s diploma, there was in unexplainable hole in my soul for that mother. My spirit immediately began to weep. It was as if someone sucked the air out of me for a few seconds. What was she thinking, feeling, or going through at that exact moment. I was thinking, “That could have been Jimmie and I on that front row, or any other parent in the room”; standing proud, trying to be strong for each other. I can’t imagine the strain on their marriage; as a result of their loss.

Parenting is not easy; for real… it’s not. Learn how to celebrate the good, forgive the bad and move past the ugly. Remember, tomorrow is not promised to any of us or our children. That’s why, when I heard our daughters name called I cried, yelled and cheered like there was no tomorrow.

Where did the time go? I can’t believe it either. Thank you guys so much for supporting my blog. Your feedback is encouraging, motivating, honest and very much appreciated. For those of you who started reading a year ago…THANK YOU! For those of you who just recently joined our awesome group of readers…THANK YOU! For all of you who have shared Family Back Talk with others…THANK YOU! And to all my “silent readers”…THANK YOU TOO!

I’m excited. I’m overwhelmed. I’m elated and it’s all because of you guys. To date, I have published 42 articles (including this one). Family Back Talk was created to share my family with yours. My goal is to bless, encourage, motivate or simply entertain my readers. Prayerfully, I’ve done just that. Speaking of my family, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my husband, Jimmie and our two daughters, JiMia and Jaelyn (yes, they have names) for allowing me to share our family business uncut and unedited.

Once again, from our family to yours…Thank you. We did it!

Jimmie came home last Tuesday; after being away for five weeks. Were the girls and I excited to see him? Most definitely! Although we talk to him everyday on the phone, (several times a day) it doesn’t compare to talking to him in person. So much happened while he was away; like our 19th Wedding Anniversary, Mother’s Day, the big argument the girls had recently, our youngest daughter’s eye injury-twice in one week, two dance competitions, two out-of-town trips in one weekend, etc. Likewise, there were so many things to show him; like our oldest daughters cap and gown, her diploma plaque, my new blackberry he ordered online, mail, you name it.

The next morning I woke up and decided that I was going to have a great day all because my husband was home. Surely, I could breathe a little easier having him home and not have to worry about him being in harms way when he’s away at work. Speaking of work, shortly after I got there, I found myself watching the clock. Just the thought of him waiting to see me after work made me smile throughout the day. That’s when it happened…my moment.

That inner voice said, “Why haven’t I seen you this excited to see me? I know being with your husband makes you happy, but what about the joy I bring? When was the last time you watched the clock, anticipating when you would spend time with me again?”

Now, I don’t have to tell you all what was going through my mind. I’m thinking “Oh my gosh…it was true.” I’m always talking about Christ and sharing my relationship with Him with others; like you all. I’ve been slacking on showing Him how much I love and appreciate Him. Let me just say this and I’m done. Don’t allow yourself to get so caught up in your daily routine that you minimize your quality time with the one who makes your existence possible. Make sure everyday you celebrate life, you celebrate Christ. Don’t get caught like I did. Check yourself…because if you don’t, He will.

Now maybe it’s just Jimmie and I, but we often notice the girls tend to treat their friends better than they treat each other. They seem to share more and disagree less with people who do not live with us. At first I use to think we should have allowed them to share the same bedroom longer to establish a relationship and closer bond at an earlier age. People use to tell me not to worry; they’ll get along better once they get older. Apparently 18 and 15 is not old enough. They just had another “blowout” earlier this week. The younger daughter did apologize the next day; which I thought was nice of her.

Nonetheless, what I’ve noticed over the years is that every time one of them reaches out and does something nice for the other, they soon regret it. The sister on the receiving end takes the gesture for granted and often shows very little appreciation. Needless to say, it usually fuels the next argument.  They don’t spend time together (unless they have to) or even allowed in each others room. They have never been physical with each other; however, that doesn’t mean they haven’t thought about it. Maybe because we do almost everything as a family they’re just in need of their own space. I don’t know. We can’t be the only parents experiencing this type of “love” among our daughters. We’ve talked and talked…and talked about the importance of love and sisterhood.  It can be so frustrating sometimes; especially when Jimmie’s away at work.

No two kids are exactly the same. We understand that. We just didn’t think their differences would cause so much conflict between them. I don’t know about Jimmie, but I’m growing tired. As a mother, it’s definitely taking its toll on me. I’m open for suggestions…

It was nice having him home for the girls’ spring break. Our youngest daughter reminded us that it would be the last one we spend together; since our oldest daughter will be graduating in a few weeks and headed to Auburn University in the fall. Even though it’s been 18 years, I’m not sure if Jimmie and I are really ready for this new chapter in our lives. We’re all a little excited as we slowly turn the pages towards the unknown.

As I sit here and reflect over the past 20 years of my life, I realize life is not complicated until we try to perfect it. Live, love, laugh…why is that so hard? I’m learning that it is only when we acknowledge life’s imperfections and began to embrace them, that we then open the doors to appreciate and enjoy the life we have.

Yesterday, Jimmie was so quiet I could hear his thoughts. His eyes said what his mouth wouldn’t. We both know when he leaves for work, a piece of him will stay and a piece of me will leave with him. He’s the part of me that worries. I’m the part that reminds him that we’re okay. Last night we danced in the middle of our living room, to “Love of My Life” by Brian McKnight. Live, love, laugh…it’s just that simple.

Yes, I am the straw that stirs the spiritual drink in our home, the glue that holds us all together, the one who knows where everything is around the house, the multi – tasker, thinker and communicator. Wait…I’ve just described you too, didn’t I? Trust me ladies, I know I’m not the only “Queen” taking care of the King’s business! Some of you missed that.

Question: What do you do when you don’t feel like being that strong, intelligent woman all the time?

Maybe it’s just me, but every now and then I don’t want to be the responsible one. Every now and then I don’t want to know what I know. Every now and then I want to erase the “S” for super tattooed above my breast. Every now and then I want to … But I can’t, because every now and then I’m reminded that I was not created to please me. Determined to please my Maker is where my strength overrides my weakness to please myself. Jimmie and the girls simply reap the benefits.

Sometimes we find ourselves in an uncomfortable place, often without answers. While in the mist of our long days and some sleepless nights (yes, Jimmie and I have those too), I always try to find the lesson in our unpleasant situation. It’s during these times God really has my undivided attention. Usually, you’ll find me in a quiet place, listening and/or reading words of encouragement.

When you find yourself in the middle of a storm in your life, and you will, don’t turn back and runaway. Don’t allow fear and doubt to consume you and convince you that you are being punished for something you said or did in the past. Think about the many, many blessings on the other side waiting for you. Rely on your confidence in God to help you endure your temporary situation. Revisit previous blessings in your life and how they made you feel. Think about how you will greet your new blessings. And remember…life happens.