Kindness: Kindness in the form of a simple gift can encourage better relationships with your spouse, your kids, your friends and even with yourself.

Kindness Can be as Simple as Chocolate Chip Cookie

Kindness doesn’t always come easy. That is to say, it doesn’t come easy for me. On the other hand, sometimes you gotta just buckle down and do the kind thing even when you don’t feel like it.. That’s what yesterday’s Love Dare task was for me. My task was to do a kind thing and ask the kids to do a kind thing in return. So because Ciena is my main focus through this journey, I decided not to over think it. First, I grabbed purple cardstock and held it out to her.“Would you like to color on the ...

 Read More
Down syndrome: Being a step-parent to a child with down syndrome is difficult. There is always hope, and The Love Dare For Parents ia book towards that hope.

Down Syndrome: The Love Dare Awaits

I began The Love Dare journey for my daughter who has Down Syndrome. It’s something I know I needed to start, and also something I really didn’t want to do. So I asked for prayer to help me out in this vulnerable area of my life. I spoke with all the sassy sarcasm I could muster in effort to hide my discomfort. Therefore my friend responded with, “Girl, you better check your attitude!” While that stung to hear, I understand it’s true. Probably. Maybe. The thing is…. being a parent to a child with Down syndrome is really hard. ...

 Read More
Step-parenting is a hard job and not meant for the faint of heart. Add special needs to the mix and the work to love unonditionally is never over.

Step-Parenting: A Journey of Learning to Love

I have been step-parenting for almost 9 years to my daughter who is half black and has Down syndrome. So, if I’m being honest, becoming Ciena’s mom is one of the hardest things I have ever done – or at least, it’s in the top two. You see, my relationship with her has been strenuous, turbulent, indifferent and hard. There also have been moments of love, compassion and joy. Unfortunately, those moments are few and far between. The hard times of step-parenting seem to stick with me the most. I am beginning a journey called The Love Dare For ...

 Read More

A Black Heart

This was the title of a blog post written about me and my family by an internet troll. It might have been called “An Ugly Heart.” Thankfully, my google searches no longer pop up with this post. This mania resulted in a major shift of my work. By mania, I mean harassments, threats and cops. And I let it break me. Years ago I was an avid blogger in effort to accomplish two things: First, to express my feelings and thoughts about being a new step-mom to my daughter who has Down syndrome. Secondly, to reach other moms who ...

 Read More