Stop It

Yesterday morning, I took the kids to Starbucks before school.

I swear to you that whenever I take the kids somewhere, no matter where... some ignorant person asks me if they are all mine.

The answer every single time is "yes."

Then I get a weird look... every single time.

Sometimes I even get, "Well, they're not the same color."

It's 2019.

Unfortunately, after this picture was taken a bigger incident happened at the kids' school.

Je'Mari was asked to drink his drink outside. Colton was not asked to drink his drink outside.

Lila showed up at the school.

You do NOT want this to happen.

Colton was in tears because he is starting to recognize racism, but just cannot quite grasp it because my children do not see color.

He was broken-hearted.

Je'Mari was broken-hearted.

Lila was heated.

I was at a loss for words.

People.

STOP IT.

Keep your mouths shut.

Don't be ignorant.

Don't act like anything is any of your damn business... 

If you see me with any of my children, do NOT ask me if they are mine.

The answer is none of your business.

But, it is YES.

They are ALL MINE.

Lila would give you the very same answer.

Stop it.

Our Family

Last night, I left work early and went straight home.

Jackson went to the store to get me some medicine for my overly bloated belly.

I laid in bed at 5:15 and stayed there for the next 12 hours.

I ordered pizza for the children.

I was in my room when I heard a knock at the door.

Then I heard Je'Mari:

"Oh, hi. My brother will sign that for you."

The pizza guy said, "Your brother??"

Je'Mari and Colton said in unison, "YUP!"

Like, duh!!

Mari said, "My mom and other brother are upstairs, but my mom is sick so my brother will sign it."

The guy said, "Huh. Well, ok."

My heart about burst. 

These seven kiddos see no differences.

None.

Zero.

Zip.

I mean, they know Amia and Sassy are girls and the five are boys.

They know that Jackson works a lot and Braxton is the "helpful one." 

They know Kaydon can be grumpy pants and Colton is extra special.

But, that's it. 

We are family.

I woke up to this picture from Braxton.

He took Mari to get church clothes. With his (Braxton's) own money. 

Mari told Braxton that he wants to be a deacon.

Braxton talked to Dalila and asked her for permission to teach him.

She agreed.

The missionaries called this week and they are setting up times to teach him... and the girls if they want.

Mari comes to church with us almost every single week. 

He comes in his track pants and whatever t-shirt he is wearing.

Now, he looks all kinds of dapper.

Again, heart burst moment.

Best Buds

These two, though.

Ja'Mari will be starting seventh grade this year. Colton will be going into ninth. Amia will be in eighth. Ja'Mari is an AMAZING buddy to Colton. He gets him and he understands him and he is super patient with him. They love to hang out and have sleepovers. Ja'Mari is definitely my fifth son. Lila has been taking them to fun parks and splash pads since the summer break started. I am so grateful for the village that has been created around us... where my boys are looked after and looked over, loved and included. I am also so grateful for the time that I get with this extra littles.

Sweet Amia came over to our house Sunday night as I was getting ready to put myself in bed. She had gone to get me a birthday gift and wanted to give it to me before she left to go back up the mountain for the week. Oh, how I love that girl. And every single day when I get home from work, Sassy is right there to hug me and just holds on. Our village kind of rocks!

Friday Favorites / Autism / Friends / Joy

Last night, I got home from work. I told Jamari to go ask his mom if he could go to Fizz with us and if he could ride in the back of the matchbox with Kaydon and Colton. He was VERY excited. His mom said, "yes." So, the three boys loaded up and we went to Fizz. Mari had never been there and was a bit overwhelmed with the choices. He selected a vanilla italian ice with whipped cream and sprinkles.

Jamari is quite a bit younger than Colton, but he is oh, so patient with Colton. They love to play video games, play outside, and just be boys. Wednesday, the three boys went swimming. Mari has slept over at our house the last two nights... boys asleep on the family room floor each morning I leave for work. I love that Mari is so good with Colton and sees him as just one of the boys. I love that Colton has a friend who sees him for him and accepts him. I love that Kaydon is an unbelievable brother who helps him along. I love that summer time is a time to relax and do things that we don't normally get to do. I love joy.