Oil Life, Happy Wife

I met Jason when I was 22. He had three kids ages 6, 8, and 10. I remember being so nervous to meet them. What if they didn't like me? As we rode back to Florida from Louisiana listening to the kids belt out all the lyrics to Quiet Riot Metal Health, I fell in love with them instantly.  I tried my best to be friendly and loving without overstepping. I reflected a lot on all the things my stepmom had done wrong and how I could do better. I wanted to be a support for their relationship with their dad, not an interference. I cherished the time we got to spend with them and thought about them all the time while they were away.  Sharing kids is stressful though. Divorce is messy. If I'm being completely honest, there was a time when the adults couldn't stand to look at each other. Those days weren't enjoyable for anyone. They weren't healthy for us or for the kids. Letting go of all our bullshit not only made us better parents, it made us better people.  We aren't ju

  I really struggle this time of year with traditions. For all of my parents' faults, they did manage to make this time of year magical. Thanksgiving was one of my favorite holidays. I looked forward to a table full of yummy food we only had in November. I enjoyed listening to my mom, aunt, and Granny in the kitchen preparing food and telling stories. I never learned how to make the dishes because they were supposed to be around forever.  As I got older the holidays got really hectic. We were going to five different places for Thanksgiving and Christmas just to see everyone. I started dreading the festive months because they were so busy and stressful. The kids didn't have any time to spend with their gifts before we had to rush off. It just wasn't fun anymore.  Later, our family broke apart and there were a lot less of us meeting for holidays. I was fine with that. I made my own choices. But, that warm holiday feeling I grew up with was gone. There were no more family stor

When Jordan was little he had the most magical elementary school experience. One that I took for granted at first. I thought he lucked up with a string of great teachers, but it was so much more than that.  As the years go by and I interact more with other schools I realize that what we have at Suter is not common. Don't get me wrong, there are amazing teachers everywhere. Leland had some of kindest, most patient women I've ever met for pre-k. That school as a whole was just not the same.  We've been through a lot during our time at Suter. Jordan started kindergarten in the old building and then moved to the new one. I enjoyed being a parent volunteer in his classroom until I had Leland. We were always at school for different events and extra-curriculars. We have watched amazing teachers and staff come and go. Then when Jordan moved on to middle school Leland started there. We went through all the covid chaos and survived. And now I work at the very place I have loved all t