JoyAnn Elizabeth

 A few weeks ago, I had the absolute privilege of watch my husband, Brandon, speak on the TEDx stage.  He is a public speaker by trade and speaks all over the country, I usually have the honor of watching him, but this time it was different.  I was able to witness his intense passion for speaking and helping others, this time it was in the red circle of the TEDx stage.  I am beyond proud of him and all that he has accomplished.  He works so hard for us that it was nice to see him succeed at something that he really wanted. We were able to take our oldest, Avery, with us as well.  And letting her see her dad's gifting and talent was incredible to witness. We spent the whole day at  TEDx, there were 15 speakers in total, and they asked Brandon to go last, because they knew he would be one of the strongest speakers and wanted to end the day on a high note.  And that they did.  Brandon blew everyone away with his communication, comedy, practical ...

Recently, we were having a conversation about being responsible and communicating with parents. It was brought up how the kids don't really think about the other house/other parent when they are not with them.  They sort of compartmentalize their two lives. At dad's house we do XYZ...  It was also brought up how hard it is having two homes, two sets of rules, two sets of expectations, three parents etc. These kids and every other kid in their situation have it hard.  Probably much harder than we adults think.  It made me think. We need to give these kids a little more grace and appreciation for the life they deal with on a daily basis. They have to remember to tell three parents all the details we want to know, they have three differing opinions about life and what they should do in any given situation.  Life isn't easy for kids in split homes.  Let's try to extend a bit more grace when they forget something or are having a hard day.