Category Archives: parenting

March 22, 2023 · 5:00 am

A Teenager.

“When you write my birthday blog, make sure you say I’m the easiest child.”

I don’t know why my children have always wanted to lay claim to this title, but they all have. They all have been a lot of work and a lot of fun and a lot of WHAT WERE YOU THINKING and also sometimes pretty easy. But, I have to say that Jett Takle has been an easy kid. He has been for sure my easiest middle schooler.

And today, my middle school baby is 13.

THIRTEEN. This kid who dressed up like a super hero every single day of the first 5 years of his life.

Whatever he has loved, he has loved with his whole heart. Whatever he has been into, he’s been fully in and committed to it. Whether it’s Star Wars, Marvel or Harry Potter.

Elvis Presley, guitar, or teaching himself piano.

Art, science, or learning a foreign language.

Legos, legos and LEGOS.

We have an entire room dedicated to his Legos. We have another room slowly turning into another Lego room. He goes in full force. And as a parent, you can’t help but go all in with him. Because, his passion for life is so dang contagious.

And, his love for us is honestly incredible.

Jett, you love us so so well. You love people so very well. You somehow have the gift to understand so much of what love is and what love does.

You are careful with your words. You are gentle in how they fall on people’s ears. You use them to encourage. To build up. To help. But, you are also quick to say you’re sorry and take ownership when you hurt someone.

You live out “love believes all things.” You believe the best about everyone. It is rare you allow your mind to think anything else.

You are genuinely the most grateful person I know. A couple of weeks ago, you were talking about some things you would like to have. When I went to tell you goodnight, you said, “I’m sorry, mom, for being ungrateful tonight.” I told you it’s not ungrateful to want things. God made us to desire things. He wants us to have and enjoy things. He just doesn’t want those things to have us. They don’t have you, bud. You say thank you to us every single day for every single thing.

A couple of months ago, you were missing Mike Thompson and said you forgot what his voice sounded like. So, I played you a video of him talking, and we both just sobbed. Afterwards you said, “Thank you for crying with me.” These real, raw moments with you are some of my most treasured.

How incredibly special and wonderful you are, Jett Takle.

You tell us you love us over and over every single day. You cannot help but to express your love to the people in your life.

You are FUNNY! You are so much fun to tell jokes to, because you get them and laugh with us. We probably shouldn’t have let you watch some of the tv shows we did with adult humor when you were younger, but you laughed so hard. And we as parents were apparently so tired….And, your brother and sister think it’s all really unfair. (So, being the third kid has it perks, right?)

You are SO fun to buy gifts for, because you get so excited.

You are SO smart! It’s amazing what you know and what you remember. It’s amazing how curious you are about EVERYTHING. I hope you never lose your wonder for life and for how things work. I hope you never stop being fascinated by it ALL. But, please know, I do not know the answer to most of your questions, okay?

I love how free you feel to tell me anything. I will always be a safe place for you to ask questions and share your heart. So, don’t stop. Even when you’re 16 and dating. TELL ME.

I love being with you, Jett. You once told me, “Mom, being with you is so comfortable.” Jett, being with YOU is so comfortable. You are full of ease and goodness and love and PEACE. Thirteen years of being your mom, and you still remind me to slow down and be in the moment.

You are my bud. You are all of our bud. You’re such a good and kind brother. You’re a good and kind friend. You’re an incredible son and human.

Don’t ever stop being you. Please, don’t.

YOU are everything good and the BEST dance partner.

Happy 13th Birthday, Jett Man. You are loved so very much.

Love,
Mom

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November 7, 2022 · 5:30 am

Forever My Girl.

My girl is 18. A fully grown, beautiful, smart, capable adult. I knew it would get here quickly. My friends who were ahead of me in parenting warned me so. I only half-way grasped it until we reached those high school years. Then, I knew it was certain….time was closing in.

I have enjoyed every season of life with you, Anna. Were their challenges with my strong-willed, force to be reckoned with little girl? Most certainly. But, the days were filled with more than just those challenges. They were filled with hilarious and precious moments, too. And, I miss those days so very much. If I could pick a day to experience again, it wouldn’t be some glamorous, life-altering kind of day. It would be a very ordinary day. One when it was just you and me and little baby Jenny that went everywhere with you.

We had to buckle in her in the car every trip. HAD TO. All hell would break loose if Jenny wasn’t buckled in.

I think your dad was more afraid of your demands than me. Which is really funny to me now knowing the kind of teenage parent he’s been. He’s never been afraid of his teenage children. But he was definitely a little afraid of 4 year old Anna. I’m not sure he’d admit it though.

But, I would go back to an ordinary day with you. Where I would take you to gymnastics and then we would go eat lunch together with baby Jenny in tow. I would sit across from your sweet and proud face. And, I would stare at you a little longer. I would ask you more questions. I would linger at that table for as long as I possibly could.

I would soak in so much more than I did back then.

I would soak in as much as I soak in now.

What a joy it is to know you, Anna Takle. What an absolute honor it is to call you my girl. My daughter. My amazing, kind and beautiful daughter. I told you yesterday that I don’t know another person who allows the Holy Spirit to lead them the way you do. As intentionally and passionately as you do. And, the fruit of that is so very real and good. You hear things and see things that can only come from your willingness to listen to Him. And, those things are always, ALWAYS, to make the lives around you better. I know He speaks directly to you for you. But, most of the time you open yourself up to hear for someone else. So you can encourage them and make THEIR life better.

It’s your 18 year old, final birthday blog. (Don’t worry. I’ll still you write you letters every once in a while.) So, here are 18 things I absolutely adore about you.

I love how you honor people. You are so gracious with people and intentional to give them your full attention.

I love how you love good food and recognize it as a delight that brings people together.

I love how you can literally put your phone down for hours and not pick it up. You’ll spend that time watching How I Met Your Mother or drinking tea and journaling or taking a long shower and just relaxing or you’ll spend it catching up with your dad and me.

I love how you create space and time to read, to pray, and to listen.

I love how you get in the floor with Paxton and let him be the big baby he is. And, how you let him minister to your soul when you’re tired.

I love how you love and admire your piano teacher, Mrs. Kitty. I love how she’s always one of the people you’re most thankful for. I love this not only because, I love her, too. But because, you recognize the gift she’s given you in music. A place to go to where you can heal, release stress, and just simply be.

I love how you are able to see through people when they are hurtful or mean or angry. You always see them as hurting. I’ll never forget you telling me about one situation where you had been hurt but still insisted on being kind: “Mom, everyone deserves to know how much Jesus loves them.” And, you took it upon yourself to be the one who showed them.

I love how determined you are to give up gluten until you see the most magnificent, gluten-filled dessert. Or ballpark hotdog.

I love how whatever you set your mind to accomplish, you do it. This also scares me to death sometimes.

I love how committed you are to school and how much you really love to learn.

I love how you love and respect your teachers. I especially love how truly thankful you are for them. This is not always the norm.

I love how the same things spiritually get to us. Whether we are listening to GaGa preach and we are both like, “Wowwww.” Or how when we watch The Chosen together and the same moment brings us to tears. You don’t know what it means to be able have those revelations WITH you.

I love how you see all sides to a situation. You never write off someone, because they believe differently than you. You allow people the space to be who they are while still loving who they are. This is a gift.

I love how you laugh at me and think I’m funny. You know I need that kind of validation in my life.

I love how supportive you are of John, and how you pray for him and want the very best for him.

I love how proud you are that Jett is your little brother. I love that you appreciate his humor and how you cry when you think about leaving him next year.

I love how your best friends range in age from 15 to 85.

I love how you adore your father. You always seem to know when needs encouragement and give it to him so perfectly.

I love YOU, Anna Takle. I would relive every single day with you over and over again. I was born to be your mom. I couldn’t have dreamed a better life than the one I have been given with you.

Your words are always a salve to the soul.

Your presence brings peace to every moment.

Your humility reminds me of why we are here….to love well. To serve as many as we can. And, to give all we have.

Happy 18th Birthday, Anna Marie. I will never not be amazed by you.

I love you. You are forever my girl.

Mom.

Also, a throwback to the pic I posted on your first ever birthday blog:

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March 22, 2022 · 5:00 am

Almost A Teenager.

My gratitude for this kid cannot be measured. He has been nothing but pure joy his entire life. Today, he is 12, and I am so very thankful he is here and well and healthy and back to his talkative and expressive self. When he had his head injury last July, he kept telling us he was sorry. We would hold him and tell him it was okay. I remember the day he was able to leave the hospital, he grabbed me and just sobbed tears of gratitude and relief. I tell this story to show that Jett has never been afraid to express his feelings or share his heart. I tell this story, because Jett has always been the most grateful person I know. And, for sure one of the funniest….

It took almost 6 months for Jett’s full recovery. For so long, he didn’t talk a lot and wasn’t nearly as engaging and expressive. Then one day, it all came back. And, I mean REALLY came back. He started talking and telling us about all of the things, seemingly determined to catch up. And, he took his humor to another level with some little splashes of profanity from time to time. This past Christmas, we were with a few friends and going around the room sharing things we were grateful for that year. Jett says, “I’m thankful I survived my head injury and that people paused their life for mine. And, I know I could really be an asshole sometimes, so thank you, guys.”

We lost it. And, basically decided we were so thankful to have our boy back that “asshole” was now acceptable for 11 year olds to say. It’s a third kid thing. And, don’t even get John Henry started on all the things a third kid gets away with.

Jett Takle, we are so proud of who you are.

I love how passionate you are about whatever it is you’re into.

I love how you will research and learn every single thing about that thing.

I love how when you commit to something, you really commit to it.

I love how you appreciate what makes your friends different from you.

I love how you are an encourager and help people.

I love how you want EVERYONE to succeed.

I love how you get excited when you learn a new song on guitar and can’t wait to show John Henry.

I love how you look up to John and think he’s the coolest.

I love how you go to Anna of advice.

I love how you think she’s the wisest and listen to her even when she tries to momma you too much.

I love how you know every single thing about Harry Potter and want the rest of us to know every single thing about Harry Potter.

I love how artistic and creative you are.

I love how you don’t try to be anyone else but YOU.

I love how you are not afraid to try new things.

I love how you love your family and friends.

And, I love how you love sweet Paxy!

You make all of our lives so so good, Jett. You make this world such a better place. Keep staying true to who YOU are. Follow YOUR dreams and chase after the things that matter most to you. Because those very dreams are the ones God put inside of you. Who you are is exactly who He made you to be. And, man, am I ever so thankful.

Happy 12th Birthday, Jett Man. I can’t wait to see what God has for you this year. It’s going to be so good.

I love you so very much,

Mom

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March 22, 2021 · 8:57 am

11 Years Old!

We always say Jett is a different kid. But, I am realizing that what we should be saying is Jett is the kind of human everyone should be. He is the most compassionate, considerate and thankful person I know. And, he is 100 percent unapologetically himself. He doesn’t try to be who he thinks someone else wants him to be. I don’t even think he knows to try to do that. I think it’s because he so accepts and loves everyone else as they are, so he believes they also accept and love him, too. Last night, he came into my room with his birthday gifts from his friends. He said, “Mom, I have a lot of friends. That’s a good thing.” It’s a very good thing, Jett Man.

He loves the planet and wants to take care of it.

He thinks it’s time for a woman to be president.

He loves talking politics and science.

He loves researching obscure light sabers, and he saves his money to buy them.

He knows more about animals than anyone I know.

He loves reading Greek Mythology and Harry Potter, and he loves trips to the library.

He loves Legos, and he’s certainly a master builder.

You never know if he’s going to request to listen to J Cole, Def Leopard, or Jim Croce. But, he almost always requests Abba when he’s with his sister. I suppose it’s the Swedish in him.

He LOVES his brother and sister, and they love him. I’ve never seen a kid look up to and be more proud of his siblings than Jett. And, I’ve never seen a brother or sister protect their little brother the way John and Anna do. I think we all desperately want to protect who he is, because we never want him to lose his sense of wonder and his sweet disposition.

Jett Takle, don’t ever stop being you. You are exactly who God created you to be, and this world needs exactly who you are.

I love that you dream big. You believe anything is possible.

I love that you are passionate about the planet and want to protect every single animal, big or small.

I love how you light up when you see Paxton.

I love how grateful you are for every single thing someone does for you.

I love how you aren’t afraid to try something new. You are so very brave.

I love how you share your heart and tell people why you love them. You are such a great encourager.

I love how aware you are if you think someone might feel left out. You leave wherever you are and go be with them.

You don’t complain when something doesn’t go your way. You accept things as they are. You accept it when we say no, and you say thank you one-hundred times when we say yes.

You have a hard time telling Ga-Ga no when he wants you to go fishing with him. And, you run into Nan’s arms every time you see her. You also think she cooks better than I do, and that is very fair.

You think Far-Far is hilarious, and you love him dearly. You think Cathy is the coolest, because she loves animals like you do.

You think Farmor can make anything.

And, you know your dad can make any dream come true.

You love the people in your life so hard and so well. Your quick wit makes us laugh. Your tender words melt our hearts.

Your presence makes us catch our breath.

You are everything good in this world, Jett Takle. Thank you for helping us soak in the present moment a little bit more.

I hope this year is your best year ever. I believe it will be.

Happy 11th Birthday, bud. I love you so very much.

Love,

Mom

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March 22, 2020 · 5:00 am

Jett Man Is Double Digits!

jett hat

He has been waiting for this day for so long. He starts thinking about his birthday, his cake, his gift ideas, his festivities months in advance. When I told him we couldn’t celebrate his birthday in the way we had planned this year, I watched his eyes well up with tears, and this momma heart could hardly stand it. He didn’t let a single tear fall. He lifted his head and said, “It’s okay, Mom.” And, followed it with, “I still get a gift, right?” You better believe he does.

What a crazy time for him to turn ten. I can find myself getting overwhelmed by it all, but then I look at him and I see him creating. I see him building. I see him lighting up when he discovers something new. I don’t know anyone who loves learning more than he does.

And, I honestly do not know a kinder, more thoughtful soul. I really don’t.

Earlier last week, he looks at me and says, “Mom, what if we take the money you and dad were spending for my party and give it to someone who needs it right now?” I said, “Jett, that is a great idea and so thoughtful of you.” Then, in true Jett Takle “let’s think bigger” fashion, he says, “Mom. I want to start a fundraiser and call it ‘Jett’s Cure.’ We can raise a lot of money to help people!”

“Why do you want to call it Jett’s Cure?”

“Because, we don’t have a cure for the Coronavirus. But we can cure some things.”

So, today, we are launching “Jett’s Cure.” If you would like to help us help others in our community during this time, you can give to Eagles Way Church online at Eagles Way Church. Select “offering” or “event” and type “Jett’s Cure” in the memo. Every single penny will go to help someone in need during this very hard season. If you wish to send a check, you can do so by mailing it to Eagles Way Church, 100 Hudson Road, Griffin, GA 30224. Just write “Jett’s Cure” in the memo. This is what he wants most for his birthday.

And, it’s this kind of hope and love the world really needs.

Jett Takle emanates exactly the kind of hope I need right now.

Jett Man, I think it would be impossible for me to love you more. Your heart is just gold. You never hesitate to let people know that you love them. You take time with people and listen to them. You are gentle. You are so very smart and curious. You are creative and always dreaming so very big. You believe you will do big things, and I know you will.

I love how you love to fish with your Ga-GA.

I love how you love to listen to music and throw the baseball with your brother.

jett - john

I love how you indulge your sister in making videos with her.

Jett Anna

I love how you run straight to Nan the moment you see her. I love how you just love hanging on the farm with your dad. I love how you love your family and want to know every single thing about your family history. I love how you love Far-Far and Cathy and enjoy your explorations with them. I love how you hold your Farmor so close to your heart. I love how you always say, “I love you, Mom.”

I love how you love and care for your friends. I really loved watching you light up when you were finally able to see them online the other day.

I know you must think this time in history is strange. And, I don’t know how long it will be strange. But I do know this…..He that began this good, good work in you will be faithful to complete it. We will get through this together. We will keep exploring. We will keep creating. We will keep learning. Keep loving. Keep dreaming. And, keep fishing. We will keep telling each other how much we love them. And, we will look towards the future with immense hope and joy.

Happy 10th Birthday, Jett Takle. Thank you for keeping hope alive.

I love you more than you will ever know,

Mom

Jett OU

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November 7, 2019 · 5:00 am

Jesus, Take the Wheel.

anna 15.jpg

No, seriously. Take it. Help us, Jesus. Anna is 15 today. This ain’t my first rodeo with a student driver. Y’all didn’t tell me how close those mailboxes are, but I sure know now. I asked Kris if it was possible for him to take a year leave from work to do nothing but teach Anna how to drive. He was like “bills, food, Amazon.” So, that’s actually not possible. But, we will get through it. We will not yell at the driver. We will not stress out. We will remain calm under all circumstances. Amen and Selah.

Except I probably will yell at the driver.

And, she knows it. Because, she knows me.

Probably no one knows me better than Anna Takle except maybe my momma. And, she still loves me. Lord knows I love her.

anna tenacity

I love her tenacity. I love how she knows what she wants and how she always finds a way to get it. Once when she was in the 2nd grade, she kept asking for money to buy supplies from the supply cart at Crescent Elementary. That girl loved a new pencil and eraser more than anyone I’ve ever known. Kris and I felt like it was getting out of control. “You have plenty of supplies, Anna!” So, we quit giving her money for the supply cart. Until one day she asked, “Can I have money for ice-cream?” “Of course, you can!” She would ask for ice-cream money every single day. Eventually, we learned she was using the money to buy supplies instead. Kris and I felt lied to. We were deceived. We also began questioning our own parenting….like….YES YOU CAN HAVE ICE-CREAM. NO, YOU CANNOT BUY A NEW ERASER. What? Nevertheless, Anna has always found a way to get what she wanted. New pair of shoes? She’ll find a way. Always. It’s pretty remarkable.

And, don’t challenge her. Don’t. When she wanted to be able to enter the youth group two months early, Pastor Will told her that if she typed up the entire New Testament she could go ahead and join the youth. She did. This didn’t look good for Pastor Will. How could he send Anna up without the rest of the soon to be 6th graders? Will said, “How could I know she would actually do this?” We just looked at him. “You don’t know this child.”

She’s not afraid of any challenge. She’s not afraid to share her heart. She’s not afraid to love people, no matter how different they may seem. And, she’s never afraid to speak up for what’s right.

Anna Takle, you are constantly raising the moral conscience in this house. You are constantly making us aware of people who are marginalized and left out. You are constantly using your voice to champion equality. You are constantly using your life to champion love.

You are fun. You are hilarious. You are so incredibly bright. You think deeply. You feel strongly. You are passionate. You are COMPASSIONATE. (I prayed hard for that one, by the way.) You love to be with your family and friends, but you are also very comfortable alone. You prefer small groups like your Far-Far. You are determined like your Farmor. You care deeply for all living things like Cathy. You are quick witted like your Ga-Ga. You are affectionate like your Nan. (I’m glad you didn’t get the side-hug from your Ga-Ga and me.) You are motivated and generous like your dad. You love deep conversations like your momma. And, you love people like Jesus.

You are John Henry’s greatest advocate.

anna-jh-1.jpg

You are Jett’s greatest teacher.

anna - jett

You are your dad’s spontaneous travel partner.

anna-kris-.jpg

You are my best friend.

anna - me

And, I am so proud of who you are. Keep being a voice for those who have no voice. Keep reminding me to calm down. And, I’ll keep reminding you to calm down, too. Stay brave, and be bold. This world is already brighter with you in it. I can’t wait to see how you continue to light it up.

I love you, Anna Takle. There’s not a girl on earth that I love more.

Happy 15th Birthday.

Love,

Mom

 

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October 23, 2019 · 7:36 am

What Are Your Children Hearing?

me anna

It can be easy out of frustration to say things to our children that tear them down. “You never listen” or “you are so lazy” or any negative words that directly tell them who they are or who they aren’t. Sometimes, parents can also use negative words thinking they are manipulating their child’s behavior to change. We can say things like, “You don’t care about your room,” or “You don’t care about me and what you are putting on me.” We think we can manipulate or guilt them into changing a behavior. These kinds of speech and motives are never beneficial. And, while guilt may work for a while, it’s not sustainable and affects their self-esteem and how they feel about themselves.

It’s not that you ignore behavior or pretend it’s not there. But when we address it, address the actual behavior. Not the person. Don’t say “you are selfish” or “you are being” this or that. Start your conversations with “let’s talk about what happened” or “can you share with me what’s going on or how you’re feeling.” This creates trust that you as their parent really care about them as a person and not their performance. It’s what builds your relationship with them.

Recently, one of of Jett’s teachers told me he was struggling to pay attention and focus in class. I asked her if he was talking to his friends beside him, and she said “Some, but it’s really just kind of like…..” I finished her sentence, “he’s in his own little world?” She responded with a resounding YES.

One of the things I know about Jett is that he is always thinking and imagining and coming up with ideas in his head. It’s one thing I don’t want to squelch. But, I do need to help him channel and navigate it. So, when I talked to him I asked him, “Are you having a hard time listening and staying focused on what your teacher is saying?” He told me yes. I didn’t say, “If you don’t start paying attention, there are going to be serious repercussions for you.” Instead, we talked about our imagination and how God gave it to us to create and how important it is. But, we also talked about how important it is to focus on our tasks at hand. Since I was driving, I asked him if he thought it would be okay if I stopped paying attention to the other cars around me and just started imagining sitting on a beach somewhere. He said, “No, mom!” I told him sometimes, I have to pause my imagination and focus, too. Then, we talked about ways that might help him stay focused. He bought into the discussion. As a matter of fact, when we were going through TSA security at the airport a few weeks ago, I wasn’t paying attention to the agent ask us to remove anything larger than a cell phone from our bag. Jett said, “Mom, take out my iPad. It’s larger than a cell phone. See how I’m paying attention and staying focused?”

Had I just told Jett “You don’t pay attention in class” or “You are going to get in trouble if you don’t get your act together” then all I would have addressed is who I think he is. And, that’s all he would have heard. And, I guarantee you the conversation would not have been effective, at least long term, nor would I have been building a relationship with him where we can continue to talk about it and navigate through it like we did at the airport.

Whenever I am asked for my most crucial parenting advice, I always encourage parents to build a relationship with your children. Relationship is everything. EVERYTHING. In a relationship, you allow the person to be who they are. You allow them to have differences of opinion or beliefs. You don’t force who YOU are onto them. Instead, you ARE the very things you want to see in that relationship. And, you speak them. Whether it’s with your spouse, your friend, or your child. These are the keys to any successful relationship.

And when you do tell them who they are, make sure it’s always positive. Tell them the wonderful things you see in them. And, for those things you don’t see but want to see, don’t tell them they don’t have that trait or it’s not in them. It is, because the Creator of the universe is in them. Instead, talk about the behaviors in a way that’s not threatening or demeaning. And, when you pray for them, thank God for that thing in them that you want to see manifesting outside of them. When my children were little and I would put them to bed, I would always say the same prayer. But, then I would pray thanking God for all of the things I saw in them (who they are), and I would also thank God for all of the things I wanted to see. Anna heard me thank God for her sensitivity and compassion for a long time before I started seeing it manifested. But she heard me say who she already was….not who I wanted her to be. And, she became it. And, now, you won’t find a more compassionate, accepting human being than Anna.

Your children will become who you tell them they are. Make sure you are telling them good things. And, when in doubt, ask yourself, “Is this conversation building our relationship or is it hurting it?” Teen years are coming if you’re not already there. And, I can assure you that relationship is going to mean everything.

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September 24, 2019 · 5:20 am

Why Does 17 Seem So Much Older?

JH - 17 1

Today, my firstborn is SEVENTEEN YEARS OLD, AND I CAN HARDLY BELIEVE THAT I AM THE MOTHER OF A SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD. LIKE HOW DID THIS HAPPEN SO FAST? But, here I sit typing his birthday blog the night before his birthday ever so grateful for every single day of these past 17 years. I can remember when he was little and the sweetest, kindest little boy you have ever seen.

jh young 17

People, while well-meaning (I guess), would say, “Just wait until he’s a teenager!” I decided then to never buy into that gloom and doom prediction of the teenage years being hellacious. Buying into that would have been a terrible investment and waste of dread. Because, this teenager has become one of my greatest supporters, encouragers, do anything for me (and you) sons, and it just always blows my mind and makes me so proud.

John Henry, you are one of my very best friends. I love laughing with you. And, you know I love it when I make YOU laugh. I love talking to you, and I promise I try to really understand everything you say about cars. I do not, however, try to understand everything you say about math and weird things like that. But, it’s cool you like it.  Spending time with you is one of my greatest life treasures. And, I LOVE that you love spending time with us. I love that you always want to know what we are doing, because you want to be doing it with us. It’s okay that you have FOMO. It alway makes me laugh. I love that my friends are your friends. And, that you can hang out with and enjoy anyone of any age.

I love what kind of friend you are to people. Good grief, you are a good one and someone your friends can always depend on.

John, you can pursue anything in life you set your mind to. You can achieve anything you desire to achieve. I believe in you, and I am so proud of your commitment to success. BUT, your greatest success is your commitment to be a good human. A good friend. Just a good, good man. I don’t care what you set out to DO in life. My greatest joy is just watching you BE. I love who you are and what you add to every space and every life.

You add peace to our home.

You add calm to situations that should be stressful.

You add dignity to every room you enter.

You add love to conversations that tear others down.

You add forgiveness to unmet expectations.

You add humor to unexpected moments.

You add the best music to every dance party….whether in our kitchen or on the deck.

You always add everything good to every situation, every room, and every person simply by being there. Your presence carries a weight that is so beautiful and so honest and real. And, because of that, you will find favor all of your days. I really believe that.

Thank you for always looking out for your sister. Even when she has no clue that’s what you are doing.

Jh anna - 17

Thank you for taking time with your little brother. One day, he will be your best friend.

jh jett - 17

Thank you for honoring us the way you do.

Keep being you. Keep doing you. Because, this world needs you. It needs your calm. It needs your humor. It needs your honesty. It needs your love. I pray you get back so much more than you give out. Because, you deserve it, bud.

May today be filled with all of your favorite things: good food, good conversation, and a little Sinatra. And, may you see all of the coolest cars on the road today.

I love you, John Henry Landreth. I couldn’t ask for a better son or a better friend.

Love,

Mom

JH - me 17

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August 23, 2019 · 7:37 am

Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing.

main thing 2.JPG

We’ve been in a series called “Battles” at church. It has really had me thinking about battles I have fought that should have never been a battle at all. And, fighting those battles have led to some of my biggest hurts (usually me hurting someone) which ended up being something I regretted. As a matter of fact, the majority of my regrets in life are making a bigger deal out of something than I should have….turning a minor issue into a major one. Making the insignificant significant.

We should always know better. Most, if not all, of us have experienced really hard things that were significant. Something that puts life into perspective where we see what truly matters in life. Back in April when both of my oldest ended up in the hospital with concussions, life dramatically slowed down. Nothing else mattered during that season but making sure my children were okay. Perspective was clear and right. Yet, it’s so easy to forget once that season passes. And, suddenly we are back to letting little things become big things.

That little thing your child failed to do or did becomes a big thing. And, their little souls suffer from our lack of perspective.

That little inconvenience a friend caused becomes a big inconvenience. And, her heart is hurt from our lack of perspective.

That little oversight from your spouse becomes a big oversight. And, he is stripped down and goes to sleep feeling like he let you down from our lack of perspective.

Every time we make that little thing big, someone gets hurt. A relationship suffers. And, it’s never, ever worth it.

Ever.

You’ll read this today and maybe think to yourself, “Keep the main thing the main thing.” And, perhaps, you will today. Maybe even tomorrow. But time will pass, and you’ll forget. I’ll forget. Some little thing will happen and we will lose perspective and blow it out of proportion. Someone will get hurt, and we will regret it. We will struggle to take back those words. But, maybe if we can all start being accountable to one another by reminding each other to keep the main thing the main thing, we will stop fighting battles that should never be.

Souls will stay on fire with life.

Hearts will stay mended.

Relationships will stay in tact.

Because, we won’t make insignificant things significant. And, we won’t let significant things become insignificant. Because, what’s significant…..what really matters…..are the people in your life.

They are the main thing.

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January 11, 2019 · 2:02 pm

Welcome To Each Other’s World.

jett world

I love being a mom. It’s honestly my favorite thing I do/am. I think most moms feel this way. My views on parenting are constantly evolving and expanding. And, I LOVE this, too. One of the things that’s been expanding in how I view parenting is the fact that we are all eternal beings.

I’ve said for years that there is no little God in my children and big God in me. Same big God in all of us. This has always helped me in trusting the God in my children to do and work all that needs to be done and worked within each of them. The only difference between Jett and me might be our awareness of God within us at times.

One of the ways I’ve expanded this truth, is that I used to think I was more aware of God in me than one of my children simply because I’ve been practicing awareness longer. Not always true. Sometimes, Jett will be aware of something I have been missing. How is this possible? Because, his spirit is just as old as mine is. We are eternal beings, remember? I allow my own children’s awareness to expand my own.

Another way I’ve expanded the truth that we are all eternal beings is to not dismiss something one of my children feel strongly about. Don’t say things like, “You’re too young to feel that,” “You don’t understand love yet,” or “You are too young to know what you really want to do yet.” We may have been living this earthly experience longer, but our spirits are the same age. Don’t dismiss their feelings. Don’t doubt that their feelings are real. Listen to them. Engage their passions. Hear their cries and respond. They NEED you to do this.

And, probably the greatest revelation I’ve had lately in parenting is that we are in each other’s world. Years ago, I always said when each child was born, “They entered my world. I didn’t enter theirs.” I was so wrong, friends. And, if I told you this, I am so sorry. No, no, no, no. As eternal beings, we are walking this earthly journey TOGETHER. The spirit behind “They entered MY world” wasn’t necessarily wrong. But, in theory, it was very wrong. My thoughts behind it were that he or she will adapt to MY environment. He will adapt to my schedule. She will have to adapt to my life and what I have already set in motion. That’s like me saying, “Kris, brother, you need to adapt to my life, what I want, what I think, k?” Sure. That would go over great. We adapt to each other’s worlds. We embrace each other’s worlds. The same goes for my children.

I started getting this revelation 3 years ago when Anna was in the play, To Kill A Mockingbird, and I was taking her to and from rehearsals every single day. There were no nights out for me. There was no me having time for me. Friends, I was in her world. However, it was her world that I got to be a part of and also benefit from. But, it wasn’t until now that I have been able to flip the switch on what it means: We are in each other’s worlds instead of “you entered my world when you were born.”

Sometimes, my world is all about Anna’s world. Sometimes, it’s all about Jett and sometimes, it’s all about John Henry.

john world

Sometimes, it’s all about Kris’ world.

And, guess what, sometimes, it’s all about YOURS.

Moms, if you can get the revelation now that you are sharing this earthly journey together, and you are in each other’s worlds, then this will happen:

You will thrive in gratitude that you GET to be in their world. You GET to see the world through their eyes. You GET to take them here and there and everywhere and get a front row seat to their world.

anna world

You will see so much more than you thought possible and expand in so much more than you thought possible because their lives and worlds add to yours. And, your world becomes so enlightened and so much more fun.

You will honor who they are as eternal, spiritual beings and treat them as such.

And, here’s what will NOT happen: resentment. You won’t resent giving up “your world” for “their world.” Because, all of the sudden, your worlds collide. Your world becomes theirs. And, their world becomes yours.

And, that, my mom friends, is magic.

Stay open. Stay aware. Remember who you are, and, don’t ever forget who they are. And, I promise you: being mom will only get better.

Keep expanding. Keep evolving. Welcome to each other’s worlds.

kids world

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