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  • November 30, 1999

Archives For November 30, 1999

Comedy Central Presents: Cousin Jen

May 4, 2012

A few people have asked me why I created maternalmedia.com. They ask if everything is still going ok with momaha.com. This post will sum up why I still love writing for momaha (and always will), but why I needed another outlet to publish information that isn’t exactly appropriate to run on a website that is funded by our city’s major newspaper.

You see, my family can pretty much be summed up as overly competitive dysfunction junction. Not my family as in me,  my husband, and our three children (although we have issues like everyone else). I mean MY family, like the people who raised me and their extended clan before my husband proposed to me.

I received an unbelievable award yesterday. I wrote about the Leader for Life honor back in February. Momaha.com’s editor wrote a nice event recap too.

So I was basically on top of the world yesterday. Then, come Friday morning, I receive arguably one of the funniest e-mails ever from my cousin Jen. She consistently complains (rightfully so) that I do everything in my power to steal the limelight every chance I get from her and the rest of my cousins.

Sit back and enjoy…

My dearest cousin:

You are probably unaware that you have affected my day already and it is only 9:20, and let me tell you why. I was eating my breakfast when I decided to log on to Facebook and check out the usual Friday morning smattering of TGIF’s when I see an article posted about my pretty princess of a cousin accomplishing yet another feat that many other women could only hope to achieve.

Jen’s breakfast.

I pose one question, who’s ass do I have to kiss to log on to Facebook one time, and not see you being inducted into the world’s greatest HUMAN BEING EVER Hall of Fame?!  Geez Louise, I mean I can really only compare how I feel to what it would probably be like to be Jesus’ younger, slightly more awkward, red-headed step brother.  This is ridiculous.  The one bit of satisfaction I did get out of the article was the other attached photo of you sitting at a table, clearly not crossing your legs in a dress.

My offensive act is caught on film.

But that’s it!  Congratulations, you have done it again.  You have somehow managed to make the shadow we all live in colder than the shady side of an iceberg, you are heartless.

Good day to you,

Jen

In Crazy, Family, Memories, Support , ,
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Poetic reflection: making life stand still

April 16, 2012

In the blurry days of summer, when light takes hold of dark

When kids grow faster than flowers, and memories make their mark

When you spend time treading water to keep your head afloat

And reflect on putting pen to paper or making mental note

The older you get the more you sit and watch your days unfold

It’s the same story from parent to child no greater truth will ever be told

You yearn to rewind and freeze time but know you never will

For humankind is simply powerless at making life stand still

Far too often we fail to recognize when all is good and right

When troubles are fairly minimal and we sleep peacefully at night

Our perceived hardships are quite trivial in the grand scheme of things

Surrounded by those who love us, true contentment family brings

Moments are like bubbles of time floating carelessly in the breeze

Both beautiful and fragile they move on as they please

You try relentlessly to catch them knowing in your heart you never will

For humankind is simply powerless at making life stand still

In Awareness, Belonging, Family, Inspiration, Kids, Love, Memories, Passion, Reflection, Support , ,
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Before I was who I am now

March 19, 2012

Before I was a mom of three, I never knew what it was like to raise a little girl. I never had to guess what mood any member of my family was in because, before I was a mom of three, we all pretty much knew how to read one another. I never realized how fun it was to paint little toe nails. It’s an experience far more enjoyable than painting my own.

Before I was a mom of two, I never thought it was possible to give my love and devotion to anyone other than my precious first-born son. Before I laid eyes on my second son, I never knew what it was like to have a cuddly boy whose sole existence, it seems, is to make sure his mom is happy. I never realized my heart could swell to the point of bursting until he showed me what it means to give without expecting anything in return.

Before I was a mom of one, I didn’t know it was possible to actually be in awe of a child. I knew parents could be proud, but to feel a sense of awe is different. Before my oldest even took in his first breath, I never knew that God could intentionally give us our children in the exact order we need them. To bless us with a confident kid who helps us along the way and serves as a role model during times when we fall short.

Before having three children, I had two dogs. One passed and left me wondering why on earth we allow ourselves to own pets only to see them die before us. The other reminds me daily why we make that choice and never regret doing so.

Before I was a mom, I was a wife. I loved my husband and took the time to show him. I soaked in his strength and felt protected. I told him I would stand by him even if we led each other astray. I put my faith in him and not once has he let me down. I’ve seen him positively guide and discipline not only our own kids, but other youth as well. I know he loves me and would do anything to make me happy.

Before my husband stole my heart, I was a student and an athlete. The minute I knew what it felt like to be recognized for being good, I never felt pressured to be bad. I was complimented for being a leader and I never took that responsibility for granted. If I can leave this earth knowing I’ve impacted someone’s life for the better, I will feel fulfilled at the end of my days.

Before I was a student and an athlete, I was a girl who was loved and supported by her family. I did not need to be surrounded by material things to know my life was rich. What I didn’t recognize then was that the collective sacrifices of so many would help shape the person I am today.

Who were you before the person you are now?

In Awareness, Background, Beginning, Belonging, Family, Inspiration, Kids, Love, Memories, Pets, Support , , , , , , , , , , ,
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