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Update: His teacher knew all of my concerns, and Update:

His teacher knew all of my concerns, and said he did absolutely amazing. There’s actually another child in the class with sensory processing disorder, and she said they stuck together! 

He was really quiet but he’ll warm up. He didn’t really eat breakfast or lunch, but he said he can’t wait to have more chips so there’s that. He’s already talking about going back tomorrow. 

We celebrated when he came home with party favors from the dollar store and Dunkin Donuts. The kids told him how proud they were of him. And I’m so proud of my brave boy too. 

As parents we are faced with so many choices daily. We go to bed wondering if we’ve made the right or wrong choice. We see the posts and articles telling us this choice is better, and you’re shamed if you don’t choose that way. It’s never ending really. But at the end of the day YOUR choice for YOUR family is what matters. So in case no one has told you lately, you’re an amazing mother and you’re doing what’s best for you kids don’t ever doubt that. You’re the mother God chose for your kids. 

So many days I feel like I get it all wrong. Yet when I look at them and how much they love each other, I’m reminded that it’s the love that carries us through. It’s the love that pours into the cracks, and holds us together when the days are long and hard. 

So out of all the constant daily choices, may we all remember to simply choose love.
As most know Liam was in therapy for sensory proce As most know Liam was in therapy for sensory processing disorder. I watched him thrive in early intervention, and therapy with sensory play.

Towards the middle of last year he didn’t need to go to therapy anymore. But with everything going on with Sariyah he’s regressed in so many ways, and I get it. 

Back in November I entertained the idea of getting him into a learning academy, but I let mom guilt get the best of me.

I thought before sharing this. I’ve seen the mom shamers, shaming moms for sending their kids outside of the home during a pandemic. But honestly I no longer care what anyone thinks.

Jeff filled out the application and was excited, but I couldn’t bring myself to turn it in for two months. Yet everything literally fell into place for him to go. 

It’s a Montessori style Christian based academy. There’s only a small amount of kids allowed. They have to have temp checks, masks, and there’s cleaners that come in. I’m confident in this decision, and I’m so proud of my boy. 

Today I sent him off for his first day. 

I hope his teacher knows he’s not trying to be a problem, sometimes he just gets overstimulated. He’s not being defiant, but he’s a sensory seeker and it may be hard for him to be still on the mat. Things may be too noisy at times for him, or the newness of everything may cause him to cry. So he just needs a lot of grace, and patience. 

When he walked back I thought he’d cry. But he proudly held the teacher’s hand and walked off. I felt that feeling deep in my chest...those firsts sure do sting.
A guy made some racist remarks in a group and peop A guy made some racist remarks in a group and people called him out. I told him he needed to read a book called White Fragility, and he actually listened and ordered it. That’s all it took. Not everyone will be that receptive I know, but it’s a start. 

It’s no longer enough to just post a MLK Jr. quote today. Post the quote, but do the work. Get the books, have the hard conversations with your kids even if it’s uncomfortable. Because you know what’s hard is having a child come home in tears because a classmate made a racist comment about them. So show love, and compassion. But most of all CALL people out for racism. Call that coworker out making racist comments. Call that family member out at the table making racist jokes. Stop turning a blind eye! 

Speak up, and stand up, it’s no longer enough to stay seated and silent. People will get mad, but the ones that actually want to change will do the work necessary. 
#isaidwhatisaid
My heart is full again. Welcome home baby girl❤️#sariyahstrong
Chemo course 7 is done!!!!! If she does well with Chemo course 7 is done!!!!! If she does well with the chemo over the next day, then they will be flying home Friday morning!
As for the tumor they are thinking it’s dead at this point, I still have chills! Next course they will do another 5 day chemo(this course was only one day). Plus they will do another chemo eye injection next round as planned just to be sure.

You guys I think I’m finally starting to allow myself to push past the what if’s and feel the joy in the now. And right now this is GOOD NEWS!!!!! I’m really starting to have hope that we are truly in the right direction. Sariyah Rose is such a fighter and I’m so proud of her. Thank you so much to everyone for continuing to pray for her, we are so very grateful for you all!!!!! #sariyahstrong
The girls let Sariyah brush their hair every night The girls let Sariyah brush their hair every night. Tonight out of nowhere Amara said,”I wish I could give you some of my hair.” 🥺 Oh the things kids say. There’s so many parts of this journey I want to forget, but there’s also moments like this that I always want to remember so I took a picture. Cancer steals so much, but one thing it can’t steal is their love for one another❤️
Everyday she puts this hat on and usually the oven Everyday she puts this hat on and usually the oven mitt. Today she handed me the apron to put on her and then she runs off to grab the pots. It’s pretty much the cutest thing ever.
Sharing my top 9 from this year. This year has be Sharing my top 9 from this year.

This year has been the hardest year of my life, and I know it’s been hard for many others too. 

I’ve learned that when you’re stripped of everything you thought life was supposed to look like, you’re left with what truly matters. When devastation hits, your perspective shifts. And in the depths of grief somehow gratitude is still there, buried in the pain. I believe that now more than ever. 

I never in a million years thought I’d be a mother of a cancer baby. Somedays it still doesn’t feel real, it’s like a nightmare I wish I could wake up from. It’s like I’m on the outside looking in on someone else’s life. It absolutely breaks my heart seeing her go through this. 

But through her story she’s helping raise more awareness. She’s given me a newfound strength I never knew I had. I stepped out of my comfort zone and spoke on news stations, her story has been shared on so many news stations, and websites. Her story helped save a little boys life. There are many miracles in her story. She inspires me and makes me brave.

Yet somedays the pain of it all has felt almost unbearable. I’ve learned to put my my pride aside and accept help.

It’s like a journey I never wanted to walk, but I’ve crossed paths with people (including so many cancer moms), that I probably never ever would’ve crossed paths with. 

So many have helped us financially, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Strangers and friends alike have stood together helping us in so many ways. I’ve never in my life felt the true meaning and power of community until now. I’ve never felt God move through so many until now. I’ll never ever be able to thank each person individually but none of it goes unnoticed. 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. The prayers, comments, shares, and messages. I may never be able to read through every message and comment. I still have messages dating back to August but please know how much my entire family appreciates you all. Even if I can’t let each person know it, I want everyone to know your kindness is what helps push us through along with God’s unwavering love. {continued in comments}
'Is sissy going to die mama?” It’s no questio 'Is sissy going to die mama?” 
It’s no question any child should have to ask, and yet I will still never ever forget the day the kids asked me.

These four have been so strong throughout all of this.

Everyone tells me Sariyah is so resilient, but so are her siblings.

Their whole word has changed too. 

Their summer completely changed in the blink of an eye. I’ll never forget the tears shed as we had to pack and leave them.

We had to be separated for an entire month while she started treatment. 
Yet they adapted to all the changes so well. 

People from work and church (some I’ve never even met yet) showered them with so much love while we were away. They brought them boxes and bags full of toys, books, snacks, and an abundance of activities. I’ll never be able to express my gratitude.

We talked everyday and they’d tell us how much they missed us, it was so hard.

They’ve cried when Sariyah has to go back, and rejoiced when they reunite.

The day she had her first eye injection leaving her eye extremely swollen, we 
FaceTime’d the kids. The first thing they told her was how cute she was and asked if she was hurting. 

Their love is so innocent and pure. 

They remind me to live in the present moment, because that’s all that truly matters in the end. 

I love them so much and I’m really just so proud of them. We’ve been through so much these past few months, but we are going to get through it TOGETHER.
Riyah’s first snow ❄️ She was not a fan. It’s okay baby girl I’m not either. What about y’all?

Life-Faith-& Raising A Family Through The Lens of Grace

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Anakeesta and the Longest Treetop Skybridge in North America

August 4, 2019      Jasmine M.      Leave a Comment

(Special YouTube video of our trip is included. Trust me you don't want to miss it!)  I had an exciting opportunity to be one of the firsts to ride the all new Ridge Rambler that launches at Anakeesta later this month. My husband had to work, so I only brought my three older kids with me, ages 4, 6, & 8). My mother in law graciously kept my younger two. This was the perfect trip before they go back to school! Firstly, you would never know it ...

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My Son Asked Why His Skin is Different

January 18, 2019      Jasmine M.      3 Comments

  It happened again. My oldest asked why his skin is darker than his siblings. This time I wanted a better response that would stick with him in a way he’d understand. It hit me when I noticed all his crayons spilled out on the table. He was making another comic, his new favorite thing to do. His artwork is impressive and a way he expresses himself. So I told him to look at all the crayons he had out on the table. I asked him what would ...

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27 Weeks & Life as A Working Mom

January 14, 2019      Jasmine M.      Leave a Comment

  I just thought I’d check in with a bump date. I’m 27 weeks. I’ve finally given up on wearing scrub tops at work, and resorted to stretchy long-sleeved shirts, and loose fitted tops. I also caved and bought a belly band, for the back pain. The baby moves nonstop and that’s my favorite part. At night in bed  when everyone is sound asleep I like to keep my hand on my belly and just feel the movement. It has become our special time that I ...

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Kudo Banz: Kudos To Positive Reinforcement

April 15, 2018      Jasmine M.      Leave a Comment

This post is brought to you by Kudo Banz. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own. With having girls so close in age, there's no short supply of tantrums, and bickering. My youngest daughter also loves copying big sister, and sometimes it's negative behavior. I've also noticed since my eldest daughter has been in preschool she comes home rolling her eyes, and mumbling under her breath when I tell her to do something. I'm working on being ...

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About

I just want to start by saying I am so grateful that you are here. I was born and raised in the south, and sweet tea is my jam. I’m married to my best friend. We recently welcomed baby number 5 in April! I never saw myself having a big family but, I couldn’t be more grateful for this life. They are all around 2 years apart, plus we have hyperactive weimaraner! So my days are loud, and chaotic in the best way possible. I do photography occasionally, work part time seasonal in an E.R, consume way too much iced coffee, and I’m a huge grace enthusiast!
Did I mention that I love writing? I believe in sharing our stories, because that’s where the connection and healing starts. It is my biggest passion to encourage others through my own stories. I don’t have all the answers, fashion or beauty tips. But what I do have is a deep burning passion in my soul. I want to; encourage, uplift, and inspire others to see and live life through the lens of grace. And laugh a little, because sometimes you just need either a good laugh or cry. I hope you will pull up a chair, kick back, and join me. There’s always a seat at the table for you here! For more encouragement and daily posts you can find me here. -With Love, Jasmine

For collabs or just to chat you can contact me here.

 

 

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