Just Breathe...

Well another Monday under the belt

I don't know about you but mine was overwhelming and hectic and I allowed myself to be filled with anxiety in trying to get a ton of things done and couple that with not one but two desks moves
taking my total to 14 since working in the building and well yes I felt frazzled

Between the extra responsibilities and the shortage of employees and the influx of new employees who require a little extra instructions and transition time....I felt like I was just spinning and spinning

I was grateful for my time at the gym although before I even began my workout I was sweaty due to the high temps in DC today

So amidst all of the things going on today I forgot to do the ONE thing that I know I ought to and the ONE thing one of my current Christian songs tells you to do and that is to ...JUST BREATHE

Had I taken the time to BREATHE

Had I slowed down

Had I closed my eyes and asked for a little PEACE & PATIENCE

I think my day would have felt more manageable

But alas at 4pm...well I stopped and talked so more so at 424 pm I left the door and amazingly I left all those feelings and all the stress behind...

It melted off of me just like sweat in the 100 degree heat and humidity and I entered back into the zone

the zone filled with purpose and understanding and calm

the zone where what makes me happy is the love of family

what makes me happy are texts from my Bestie from her day at the zoo

what makes me happy is hearing my Mom tell me about her "generation good luck" students

what makes me happy is pulling up and seeing my Punky Brewster child coming to the door and running to my arms

what makes me happy is coming home to my princess palace and having A/C and feeling so blessed

what makes me happy is knowing where true love and joy comes from and what it looks like

so if you have had a crazy Monday or whether it was fabulous...dont forget to take a moment to

Just BREATHE :)

Just don't become a Buckeyes Fan!!!

Well Kellee this blog has been in the works or at least in the back of my head for a few weeks and of course with your delayed departure I have been afforded extra days


I know you have anxiety and excitement about going into the unknown and this experience for you is  unknown
but a few things I wanted to share with you as someone who lives 500 miles away from her "HOME"


#1-View this move as an adventure...its an adventure to live somewhere new and different..you have always lived in Detroit and this is your chance to see other parts of the US AND Ohio is just our next state over..who knows you may become like Josh and never want to move back lol


#2-living somewhere away from your family can make your either truly appreciate the love and support you have at home or it can make you truly appreciate your independence and space :)


#3-you are able, capable, and amazing and this move will be your chance to see those things...when you have to be strong you discover just how STRONG you are and can be...


#4-This is move is about YOU and YOUR immediate family...while its not the popular thing to say and no one wants to hear..when you get married you and your husband cleave and become one and the priority goes to the 4 of you first and foremost. Think about all the military wives who move countless times and move countless miles away..they do it for their Country yes but they do it because that is what they married in to. While slightly different in some ways it is not, Biblically speaking Dereje is the head of the house and your role is to support him and if this job means him being better for you and the girls...well you know what the path is.... Others may disagree BUT at the end of the day...YOUR house ...YOUR decisions...we all can determine how we want our own house to be.


#5-This move will be what you make it, if you are excited and open minded about it...that is the experience you will have ...yes you will always miss the comforts of home but there is so much more out there and there are experiences to be had in Ohio that you and your family will share and the girls will share and it will give them a much richer childhood


#6-Do I miss home yes? But would I trade the friends/family and experiences I have had living away ...ABSOLUTELY not! There are plenty of times and things that I think man if only my Mom were right around the corner, but then I look around at the makeup here and my support system here and its quite rare what you have had with having your nuclear family so close to you and readily accessible...at times I have been envious BUT I look at the example I have set for Jordan and what a strong woman looks like and that she and I are not only SMART but KIND and HUMBLE and STRONG and RESILIENT and CAPABLE and we have realized that family is not always defined by blood ties but by those who you connect with and you can rely on...


#7 -so I say all this to say..I'm proud of you..I am SO excited for you..I am only a phone call away...no tears Kelz..just put on your crown and chin up buttercup..You GOT this!!!

4th of July Freedom and Hair

Well today is the ever popular 4th of July

As a kid this invokes memories of staying up late and playing in the street and of course FIREWORKS

At 34 the 4th of July while the meaning is not lost on me I can't but help think that man I must be failing as a fun adult and as a fun parent because all ive done today is

*insert dramatic music*

wash and restyle my hair...EASY PEASY

but then I had to tackle the hair bear's hair...

*moment of pause and cringes for anyone who has seen the mass of hair my child's head possesses and even more of a moment of respect for anyone who has had to wash or style it

i began this project yesterday and in fairness mentally i have been in basic human survival mode all weekend...you know Netflix binging HARD and fundamental human functions..eating, drinking, and a few well coordinate bathroom breaks

besides that its been COUCH love

yesterday in the back of my mind was a plan to take out Jord's hair the wash and restyle

over the course of 14+ hours all i managed to do was remove her twists and braids from the other week ..and it was a struggle...between my lack of ambition and her intense desire for "breaks" and "i just want to escape" it took me all day to get to 98% completion .


i took the last 5 twists out this morning

and being as though i painted myself into this last minute corner..today i was forced to dig in deep to find some gumption or maybe just to quit being lazy (probably more of the latter) and do her hair


so being as though in VA its raining and dreary on this ever so patriotic day i mustered up my strength and 2 hours later Jordan looks presentable again and less like Animal from the Muppet Babies lol

now we are home and she's drinking coffee (thanks Gigi) and yes she even sounded like my Mother in her "i just need some coffee" when we came in the door and watching a little Bubble Guppies while I ensure that the Monday blog reaches a certain demanding person (KSN) lol

here's to another week..i am anticipating a wonderful week full of wonderful surprises and marvelous things....
and hey its only a 4 day work week :)