Stop Telling Me We Are 'Crisis Schooling'

We enjoyed a 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'
activity after reading the book! Colored paper,
glue, and some old Food Network Magazines
for the win! 

By now, everyone is well aware of the challenges social distancing is posing for families across the country.  We are big advocates for the importance of social distancing during this time, not only to protect ourselves, but to protect the vulnerable people we may come in contact with.  Social distancing is a necessary means in protecting our at-risk population.

With the need for social distancing in our state, came the mandated release of schools state-wide in an attempt to do our best to flatten the curve.  While socially responsible and necessary, the closures have posed some interesting challenges for families. For families like us, it was a little easier! We live a rural life.  We don't run through a drive-thru often or make daily trips to the store.  We are content in our micro-community and are adoring the extra time with our horses and in the sunshine!

With a school-aged child, I felt it was now my responsibility to help my son maintain grade-level education in preparation to enter his next grade in the fall.  So, we set out! Thanks to Pintrest, talks with my homeschool mama friends, lots of great Google searches, free resources for parents like us schooling at home as a result of COVID-19, and a few orders from the 4-H Shop, we were ready to begin our time of home-bound education.  Let me start off by saying- I am NOT a teacher.  A few Sunday School classes somewhat prepared me to find the resources and be able to come up with fun ideas, but I am far from the amazing teacher our son had! His entire school system is truly one of a kind. 

Butcher hog spelling and Lego
building are fun lessons.  Use
what you have, no need to go
out or spend a lot of money.

We have done some fun units! Plant science, George Washington, crafts, color by Sum/Difference math sheets (a HUGE hit in our house), LOTS of reading, gardening, caring for our horses, art, and PE (ok, I call it PE...its extended outdoor playtime lets be honest).  I was really feeling confident in our ability to rock this time.  We play, we learn, we take breaks when someone needs it.  We enjoy our time together.  We enjoy our yard, our horses, and planning our garden.  We enjoy finding treasures outside and having indoor dance parties.  We enjoy making our own snacks, cooking lunch together, building with Legos, and watching documentaries on kid-picked history lessons.  We enjoy using markers, paints, and scissors (ok, scissors still give me anxiety--I'm getting better!).


Then I see it.  The 'you aren't homeschooling, you are crisis schooling' condescending posts.  Well, I can only speak for us an our household, but we are FAR from "crisis schooling."  Just because our world is navigating a new virus full of unique challenges, does not mean that we all must live in a fear-fueled crisis mode.  I can't think of a single one of those activities above that came about because we felt we were in crisis.  We are learning. We are playing. We are thriving.  We are looking at silver linings and finding bright sides while we do our part to protect our community, our friends and family, and ourselves.  But crisis? Now, that is a mindset.  We are not looking at this as a time of extreme crisis.  We are finding the ways to thrive and the ways to control and excel in the areas we can.  We are talking about all of the things we can make to exhibit at the fair! Do we know if there will be a fair? No, we don't.  Should we focus on the "might not be's"? No, we choose not to. 

Stop telling me I'm crisis schooling.  I am not.  I am a mom, teaching her kids the things they want to learn about using the tools and resources I can find.  I am a mom allowing myself to remember my favorite things about grade school.  I am a mom allowing myself to be creative, childish, and fun again.  I am a mom letting my kids wear whatever they want and play outside as long as they want.  I am a mom doing my part to keep our family isolated to protect ourselves and others.  I am not a mom in crisis. 

 

Plant science, George Washington and the Revolutionary War,
daily journaling, reading (always!), a little math, and some handwriting
complete our days.  We break it up. We choose what we want to do first.
We have LOTS of recess. 

Earthing.  The philosophy that the best way to reconnect with the earth and with the self is to walk barefoot, to root your body physically within the soil and the ground below you.  Up until recently, I didn't realize there was a name for being a bare-foot baby.  Mostly because, my cousins and I could have wrote the book on earthing as kids!  That's something my children got from me.  

I can close my eyes, focus in, and remember... remember the river mud between my toes.  Remember the hard, dusty South Dakota ground.  Remember my great-aunt and grandma telling us to "watch out for cactus!" as we set off on another adventure.  Every summer I had a week or so, here and there, with my cousins in central South Dakota. We were wild-haired (ok, ok that was me.. I loathed a hair brush), tanned skinned, freckled, dirty wildlings. We spent hours outside. We spent hours at the river. We spent hours exploring every inch of the place we could. Most of it, we spent exploring barefoot. 

At the time, we had no idea it was beneficial.  We had no idea we were recentering, filling our bodies with the earth's nutrients, or finding our balance in this place.  As an adult looking back, we did all of those things.  We recentered through play. Through make-believe.  Through hours in the tree house my "uncle" Joe built. Through hours in the river, and playing at her shore. We noticed all of her creatures. We loved all of her creatures. Fish, toads, frogs (yes, even the one put on my back!), tadpoles, salamanders, water bugs.  They all had a place in the grand scheme. They all had a purpose, not unlike us. We had a place.  We were meant to be there--barefoot in old play clothes by the water.  We were meant to be free. We were made to be wild. We were meant to be children of the earth under an endless sky.  

When I look at my children running barefoot across our yard (after yelling "EEEKKK!! Watch out for dog poop!!") I am taken back. I miss you, cousins. My first best friends. The boys who dared me to be as wild and free as them.  I let my children be barefoot. Be daring. Be societal rule breakers. Be muddy. Be dirty. Be one with the earth under and endless sky. Be blown by the wind. Be imaginative and adventurous. Be barrier breakers. Be lovers of earth and art and play. Because in watching them play, I am taken back; like an outsider looking in watching us play. Just like me, my daughter begs her brother to hold her hand, just like I did to my cousins so many years ago; and, begrudgingly, he holds her had and pulls her along, just like my cousins did so many years ago.

  Someday, our children will run barefoot through those same open spaces in South Dakota, and I know they will be just fine. We were.  They will feel the ultimate sense of freedom. The ultimate sense of oneness with the earth. With the ground. With the river. And, as children, they will learn and see the intricate and beautiful connection between all of them.  They may be small, but they will be fearless albeit a bit dirtied from hours in river water.    

"Oh! I can help you!" are words eagerly spoken in our house by our six and three-year-old kids multiple times a day.  Sometimes, I dread hearing it and often catch myself sighing and quietly thinking "ugh! I just want to get this DONE!"  I have to take a deep breath and remind myself to let them help.  Let them happily assist in ways they can while they are so eager to do so. 

I know its hard.  It takes almost every fiber of patience I have in me to watch their tiny fingers clumsily fold washcloths and match socks or haphazardly place clean silverware into the correct spots in the drawer.  It's even harder not to "fix" the help immediately afterwards! But, in the lives of children, it is so important to let them help you. Please, mama, let them help you! Teach them how to help others as best as they can. 

You see, you, mama, are the first teacher those little ones have.  Teach them certain skills while they are so eager to be helpful.  In learning to help, kids are gaining much more than a basic understanding of the task at hand.  They're building self-confidence in the satisfaction of completing a task.  They're learning empathy by exerting their willingness to be helpful when noticing a task that is being completed or that needs done.  They're learning responsibility in helping care for the communal home they share with you!  They're learning that helping and caring for the home, pets, and their items is being a positive and productive part of a community.  A home, for small ones, is a community, after all!  They're learning the value of teamwork and building the family routine dynamic.

Willingness to be helpful and age-appropriate chores shape happy, well-rounded, loving and responsible little ones who grow to develop a help-oriented mind set.  When helping and chores are embraced and a part of the daily norm for the whole family, clean-up time becomes less of a fight and much more second nature. 

Do my kids always clean their rooms or agree to it happily? Heck no!  But they fight it much less after being allowed to help with other things around the house.  The sense of accomplishment when they finally fold a washcloth correctly, match a pair of socks, or successfully measure an ingredient for baking and cooking is the best thing to witness as their mom!  They're learning. They're building fine motor skills.  They're problem-solving and using practical moments to expand on deeper learning concepts. 

So, dear mama, take that breath.  Roll your eyes to the side a few times, Lord knows I do.... then make another cup of coffee and let them help with whatever they're asking to in the best way that they can.  Relish the moments that your children see you-- see you working hard, and want to help in any way they feel they can. 

Full disclosure- I really don't like food blogs. I love the recipes, but I really don't want to read 9 paragraphs about how someone was inspired by a summer abroad in Italy, or an extensive 15-generation genealogy report about grandma's famous dumplings. Just give me the food! I do, however, love to cook and *finds horn* and *toots horn* most of the time I am not too shabby. Here is one of my favorite budget-friendly dinners. 

Okay, one more and then I will get on with it I promise.  As a military spouse, budget-friendly meals are important to me. I want to share recipes with others that are budget-friendly, picky kid approved,fun and easy to make, and *obviously* taste good! Budget meals do not have to be unflavorful! I love to use locally sourced ingredients as much as possible, and I always try my very best to shop locally.  All of the ingredients for this dinner were purchased from our small, farmtown stores! The bacon and chicken were raised by local farmers and believe me when I say you can taste the difference! 

Without further adieu, here is my chicken-bacon-ranch casserole steps.  This recipe feeds 4 people using just two chicken breasts! The recipe below serves four and can be adjusted accordingly.  The price for a four person serving--just $3.00 for the entire dish! 

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F, unless otherwise stated on your bag of tater tots. Spray a 9x9 baking dish with cooking spray. Cube chicken breasts and bacon into bite-size pieces. Add to pan and cook through. If you are using a fatty bacon, cook this first then drain, set aside, and cook chicken. 

 Season while cooking with either ranch dressing dry seasoning packet to your taste or create your own.  I create my own because I need a gluten-free option, and I appreciate lower sodium. To create your own:
Add dried dill seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper and salt to taste or until fragrant. 

Add a layer of frozen tater tots to the bottom of a 9x9 pan. Top with the seasoned chicken and bacon and 1/2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Repeat layering once more and end by topping with remaining sharp cheddar cheese. 

Bake at 450 degrees F. for 10-13 minutes; until cheese is melted and tater tots have crisped. Remove and serve! 

This one earned the approval of both of our picky-eaters! Kid tested, budget approved. 

Note: This recipe is of my own conception and was not derived from another author, cookbook, or online site.  I am not compensated for the use use of any suggested ingredients and do not endorse any specific brands; this is something I created and wanted to share for other budget-limited cooks and parents. 

Welcome! 
I am so glad you're here.  
Don't worry..it's still me, the same real, mediocre, parent surviving on coffee, enjoying some wine from time to time, and sharing our crazy, fun military family life! But, a lot has changed for us! 

We have moved! We no longer live in Missouri. The army decided it was time to move on, so we now call Kansas home--and we couldn't be happier with this location!  We are returning to our rural, homegrown roots, albeit in a different state.  We purchased a home in a small farming community equipped with an area for our horses.  Our house is the quintessential farmhouse, and turns 100 years old in 2020! Our small, modest, homestead will be the base of our roots and memories for the next few years. 

Country living has always suited me. It suits our entire family. The room to roam and grow is something we have missed and craved. I am excited to share our day-to-day raising organic, free-range, and quite frankly, feral children in a high-and-tight world. There can be balance in the military life and the rural one. Rurally raised, homegrown, dandelion babies live here with their caffeine-fueled, horse-loving, kinda crunchy, country lovin' mama, and their strong,loving,hardworking military dad.   

Welcome to our homestead. 

Study like a Motha! 5 Tips to Maximize Learning for Moms

Gone are the days of pulling an all-nighter cram sesh fueled by energy drinks and mediocre cafeteria pizza.  I have said it before, and I will say it again; college is hard.  It's harder when small people are counting on you for basic survival needs.  With increased online learning opportunities in more and more career fields, the possibility for mothers to continue their education or complete a new degree program are greater than ever!  If you are thinking of returning to school, or already have, check out my tried and true study tips to help maximize learning for busy moms like me!

1) Make it Part of the Routine
This one might be a little challenging at first, but once everyone gets used to it, it really is a God send!  Plan in your study and/or class time throughout the week.  This way everyone can anticipate when its coming, and plan accordingly.  Work it into your existing routine to make life less stressful on everyone.  Whether this means planning some reading during naps, designating homework time for kids and mom, or taking some time out of the house to work independently while the kids stay with a spouse, family member, or sitter find the times that work best for you.  Try to avoid working "after the kids are in bed" as much as possible.  Believe me, I have spent many late nights doing this because life happens, but it definitely added some stress.

2) Don't Overload on Classes
I know its hard.  Its hard not to max out at every possible credit hour each semester in order to accomplish goals earlier.  For parents, this isn't always the best approach.  While we focus on our education, our little people still want to do fun things and still want us to be present in those times!  Make sure you aren't taking so many classes that you forget to live in the moment with those sweet babies. 

3) Find a Note-Taking System 
Moms are already experts at multitasking.  Chances are, you might be attending class, reading, or taking notes when someone in your life needs a snack, poops, throws up, wants the TV changed, starts fighting, wants to play outside...the list is endless.  Finding a system for notes that works for you is key to college success!  For me, the old fashioned pen and paper is the best.  For others, typing on a document on the computer works best.  Others find recording a class to play again later works best.  Try many options until you find your perfect fit.  Use many if you need to!  I have often recorded classes and taken notes.  Don't be afraid to highlight your purchased textbooks (don't do it in rentals, folks!) and print off lecture slides and notes to make marginalia and highlight as well.

4) Don't Procrastinate! 
Ok, college 101 right?  I think this was probably on every single syllabus I read since 2010.  Prior to kids, it kind of went in one ear and out the other.  I worked well under pressure in those days.  Some of my best essays and best work was done the day (let's be real, 4 hours) before it was due. That doesn't work when others dictate your time.  Life with kids is always a toss up.  It's better to have that assignment done ahead of time and ready to submit, or submitted before hand.  Murphy's Law will dictate that if you wait, someone will vomit and your whole plan is now tossed to the wind.  Don't expect all of your professors to be understanding if a child is sick and you miss a deadline--it is not really their issue that your carpet is now covered in nasty and you are tired; just get that paper done!  Stay on top of reviewing your notes to help you be successful on quizzes and tests as well. 

5) Be Flexible
Be ready for things to change in your routine.  Kids get sick.  Kids want to do things.  On that one sunny day after a long winter of indoors, kids want to go to the park--go!  Sometimes, kids just need you.  They want to cuddle and you might be reading textbooks to a teething baby at 1 a.m.  You might be typing a paper while kids play in the backyard in the sprinkler.  You might be taking a quiz while in labor because baby number two decides to come early.  Know that you CAN do it, mama.  You absolutely CAN do it.  There are times when you will just feel done and ready to quit. Believe me, its not easy; but finishing it is the absolute best feeling!  Remember you are doing it not only for you, but for those sweet (and sometimes sour!) kiddos too.  Give yourself some grace and be flexible. 

Now, stop reading this and go study like a motha!  Remember, when all else fails, pour a glass of wine and hit the books, mama. 

The Perfect Educational Fit for the Busy Milspo Mom

Picture this: it's 2010.  Side bangs were definitely a thing.  Everyone wore Etnies and DC shoes even if they couldn't skate (me), Rihanna wanted to be the only girl in the world, and we were first introduced to the yellow, annoying oblong being known as a "minion" (I didn't realize how big of a deal these guys would become in my life a few years later), and it was time to begin my freshman year in college.

Foundry College gives me the ability to further my education
from the comfort of my own home--even surrounded by the
tasks of motherhood; unfolded laundry for example.

I like to think I was a fairly typical college kid; loved my major, spent tons of energy drink-fueled late nights studying, participated in clubs on campus, and survived on copious amounts of pizza and lattes.  That is, until I fell in love.  Sure, lots of people find their soul mate in college, but I didn't find mine in college, I just happened to be a student when I married this hunk in a schmedium who caught my eye the first time I saw him (because he scared my horse and I needed to drop a very well placed F bomb). My true love was a soldier in the US Army, which changed my course of education from the time we said our "I do's."  

I spent more time than normal completing a bachelor's degree from my alma mater, just to find it really wasn't as useful as a transitioning military spouse as I thought it would be.  For three years, I felt lost.  I felt like all the sleepless nights cramming in studying between feeding a new born, reading babies the theories of Freud, Skinner, and Pavlov, caffeine-frenzied writing sessions at Panera Bread, and even reading textbooks in my children's first few hours of life just weren't adding up.  The stress of looking into other programs, costs, knowing the demands of a mother of a 2 and 5 year old, and the ever lingering possibility of a PCS (thanks, army) made returning to school seem impossible. I was on the verge of giving up returning to school when I read about Foundry College.

Visit Foundry College on Facebook!
Graphic credit: Foundry College  

Foundry College was the exact thing I needed!  This start-up college was offering a different type of post-secondary education.  While researching the college, I learned that all of their classes are completed in real-time, interactive lecture format and did not require any outside reading, outside homework, or the purchase of textbooks.  No way! Was it too good to be true?  I decided I might as well apply and decide for myself.  After interviewing with Foundry, I knew their new approach to learning was the perfect fit for me.  

The program takes a different approach to post-secondary education.  They believe that the focus should be on providing students with real-world knowledge and skills that employers are seeking right now.  Their associate's level programs ensure that students are prepared to enter the workforce with an applicable and relevant education that fits smoothly into the current employment atmosphere.  The courses are refreshing, educational, and perfect for those with transient lifestyles; especially military spouses like me.  Each student is provided with an educational coach to help guide student's on their collegiate path, tutors, and a very competitive cost without any excess like textbooks, access codes, or meal cards.  Students have the ability to attend class from anywhere there is a WiFi connection--from a Starbucks before household goods arrive....from the motel during PCS...from the Starbucks parking lot because the power is down...

For those who may be searching for the right college fit, check out Foundry.  As a means to better the educational experience they offer, those who apply for the Foundry College second class will receive free tuition!  This is an exciting and limited offer, so if this sounds like something that would be a good fit, make sure to visit them at Foundry College to learn more and apply before the March 31st deadline for the limited-time, tuition-free program.  

Photo Credit: Foundry College

Bougie on the Bottom Shelf

It's probably no secret by now that I enjoy relaxing after a chaotic day with the kids with a nice, refreshing, glass of Mommy Juice.  As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of the bottom shelf, I have found some nice wine options that taste good and don't break the bank!  I am definitely no sommelier, but there are plenty of great reviews about the best wines, pairings, etc. You know what there isn't a lot of? Reviews of the bottom shelf.  Reviews for the budgeted moms scanning the bottom shelf while some one screams in the cart about candy and another child watches some other kids playing with toys on YouTube as you frantically get the shopping done praying your daughter doesn't lick the cart this trip, then you, my friend, have found the review for you.

Here's the thing about wine.  It doesn't have to be expensive to taste good, to get you a little happy buzz, or to be enjoyed.  If you need a wine that pairs with tantrums and Goldfish, welcome.  If you need a wine that pairs with "I should be vacuuming, but meh" welcome.  If you need a wine that goes with "the dog shit on the floor again," welcome.  If you are simply looking to try some different wines to find your taste, while keeping it under $10 a bottle check it out! Some may be amazing...some might be down right nasty...what will the weekly Bougie on the Bottom Shelf reveal?  So, without further ado, what am I drinking tonight?!

This week's selection: Barefoot Rose.

Barefoot cellars describes this wine as "a refreshing wine with aromas of ripe raspberries and juicy watermelon.  Flavors of cherries and sweet citrus compliment the smooth, crisp finish."  It is delightfully sweet according to the label, and is a California rose sporting 10% alcohol per volume (winner, winner, chicken dinner!).

That's great and all, but here's my mediocre review of this under $10 wine.  It definitely fits in that sweet category, without being overpoweringly sweet or super "sugary."  It was a nice, smooth rose.  I definitely got the raspberry notes the maker talked about as well as the citrus and cherry finish.  I didn't really pick up on anything watermelon-y, but that may have helped cut some bitterness that can sometimes be associated with raspberry anything.  I chose to drink it room temperature tonight, and it was nice that way, but is also a good chilled wine as well.  The mom pairing recommendation is that this wine pairs very well with "my kid needed 10 snacks and 30 gallons of water before bed" and leftover, cold nuggets remnants that looked too good to waste, and "can Sandra Bullock come teach my kids how to be quiet for longer than 2 seconds?"  While drinking this wine, I feel happy, calmed from a hectic day, and relaxed for bedtime!

Bottom Shelf Steal or Cheapo fail? Bottom Shelf Steal!  This is a lovely Rose for those who enjoy a lighter, fruitier, sweet wine without the overpowering sweetness.  A great wine to buy in the large bottle and share with friends, or, ya know, enjoy during a Netflix binge.. Try it out and let me know your thoughts!

Disclaimer: I am by no means a professional sommelier, just a mom who likes to try new wines and is frugal while doing it.  I did not receive any compensation for this review; it is my real, fun, take on a product I purchased and tried at my own discretion for no compensation.

Always drink responsibly.    

Eat MO!

We are food people.  Now that our kids are self proclaimed chicken nugget connoisseurs, we have so much more freedom to go try all of the family owned restaurants we have been eyeing since moving to South-Central Missouri!  It's not that we don't like chain restaurants, but Applebee's is Applebee's pretty much across the board.  Sure, a good chef makes a big difference, but the menu is the same no matter which one you visit.  Trust us on this one, our son is probably Applebee's biggest fan and we frequent the ones in our area way more than I would like to admit.  Thank God there are cocktails.

As our time here winds down to just one more year (give or take, let's be honest it's the army so...), we have challenged our family to take our "Selfie Sunday" (what my husband aptly named the day I don't cook and we fend for ourselves in the food department) up a notch and knock a TON of local eats off the bucket list! The truth is, we get stuck in what's familiar.  Chains are familiar.  But where is the excitement in that?  Discovering the flavor of any place is part of the fun!  There are so many one-of-a-kind eateries in Missouri and they are all so worth it.  Follow us every Sunday as I highlight where we will be dining as a family!

Feel good, family food is what we are all about.  Be sure to watch for our restaurant reviews each week!  This isn't your run of the mill review--of course it will have a Mediocre Mommy spin!  We will give you the skinny (or....maybe not so skinny? yea, I'm going to need to hit the gym a lot more) on the food, price, and atmosphere of each location we chose to Eat MO this year!  There will also be a "nugget report" from our resident picky eater, who will give me some kids menu insights.  He's a pretty cut throat critic--Gordon Ramsey doesn't have anything on him! Have a suggestion? Tell us! Where is the "place to go" in your MO hometown? We want to go there! We want to try ALL OF THE FOODS!  I am so excited to Eat MO, Eat sooooo much MO this year!

Verizon Makes Homecoming a Little Sweeter

Fort Leonard Wood, MO- One of the best moments in the life of a military family is the feeling felt during homecoming.  Its like the calm after the storm.  Deployments separate thousands of army families every year.  Service members miss many major life events from band concerts and first days of school to the birth of their babies.  Thanks to advances in technology, these moments are experienced by more service members than ever before.  Video chatting, instant messaging, live videos, and social media have helped service members to be there "in the moment" even when they are oceans away from their families.  

Verizon Wireless has helped make homecoming for one military family just a little bit sweeter by gifting them a $1000.00 tech makeover!  Staff Sgt. Hamilton and his family were surprised to receive their tech makeover at their homecoming ceremony on Fort Leonard Wood presented by The Mediocre Mommy.  After returning from a six month deployment to Afghanistan, Hamilton was ready to see his wife and daughters; none of who knew what was about to happen!  The Hamilton family was selected out of a group of candidate families across the Midwest to receive the makeover.  Verizon Wireless's #WelcomeHome campaign focuses on giving back to service members returning from deployment to thank them for their selfless dedication to service, and to the family members who support them.  Upon receiving their tech makeover, Mrs. Christina Hamilton said to her husband, "now you can finally get a new phone!" 

Homecomings always hold special memories and emotions for service members, their spouses, and their children.  Thanks to Verizon, this first homecoming for the Hamilton family was even more memorable.       

What's in the Woods? Nicole's Thirty-One!

As many of my readers know, I really love to support small mom-owned businesses!  However, it takes something memorable for me to chose to shop with any business, be it brick and mortar or home-based.  I know many people have a "bag-lady," but I wanted to share why Nicole is mine!  I am all about a unique, fun, and special take on any direct sales business and let me be the first to tell you, that shopping with Nicole Forguson of Thirty-One Gifts is a complete and total blast!


Nicole is a former military spouse turned over-the-road truck driver wife upon her husband's separation from the military.  Together they have 3 kiddos who definitely keep Nicole on her toes!  She wanted to help contribute to their income and do something for herself and decided to join Thirty-One Gifts; a direct sales company offering organizational items, bags, thermals, totes, home decor, and even a line of jewelry and accessories!  Nicole fell in love with the quality, style, and morals of the company and has been hooked ever since.

She loves that the company has something to offer everyone.  Nicole offers both online and in home parties--and I must say partying with Nicole is such a unique experience!  She puts so much time and effort into each party and it shows.  I have been invited to a TON of Thirty-One parties and they pretty much go exactly the same.  Then I was invited to a party hosted by Nicole, and wow!  Talk about a memorable experience.  She takes the time to interact with each guest and make a true connection.  It's obvious that Nicole values a connection and friendship over just a "sale" and I absolutely love that about her!  She is so much fun.  Her energy, positivity, and fun is so obvious in all of her posts in her VIP Group!

Nicole is always expanding her business and finding great niche markets perfect for Thirty-One.  She is available to do fundraisers for a charity of your choice, school programs, etc., and also offers personal shopper and registry services for expecting mamas and brides.  Thirty-One is such a great giftable company for those times; I use my Thirty-One stuff daily; it is definitely durable with two toddlers doing their best to destroy ALL THE THINGS that belong to their mother.

Shopping with Nicole, whether at a party or a vendor show, is like shopping with a friend.  She engages you.  She talks about things aside from Thirty-One.  She values you.  She always remembers you--Nicole will say hello to you no matter where she sees you, and I value that in a sales representative!  Nicole is very active as a vendor at local community events and has participated in events to support local charities such as Kitten Division and the Fort Leonard Wood Navy Detachment fundraiser event.  Giving back to the community also helps set her aside from others.  Supporting Nicole is not just buying another bag, its supporting a mom, a former military spouse, a woman owned business, a community member, and most importantly, a friend.

If you would like to connect with Nicole, the official Bag Lady of the Woods, check out her page, shoot her an email at nicoleforguson@yahoo.com, or send her a text to (573)-433-6574; tell her the Mediocre Mommy sent you to earn 10% off your order of $35 or more; an offer valid only for Mediocre Mommy readers!

Disclaimer: The Mediocre Mommy received no compensation of any form for this publication.  All views are all unbiased opinions of the writer.  This publication is meant for informational purposes and not as a form of advertisement for monetary gain.  All photos used are property of Nicole Forguson. 

What's in the Woods?: Sugar Rush Essentials

As a mom, I have come to realize the importance of self-care.  Whether it's doing a face mask in an attempt to mask the years of no sleep and crow's feet, or relaxing in a nice bubble bath with a beautifully scented bath bomb, finding a few moments for self-care is so important.  So naturally when I heard of a great local business with all hand-made products to help make me feel refreshed and relaxed, I had to check it out!  When asked "where in the Woods can I find pampering goodies without driving for hours or waiting on a Lush order?" I always respond with "Sugar Rush Essentials!"

If you are looking to pamper yourself or a loved one, Jayce Williams, owner of Sugar Rush Essentials has something for you.  Jayce is a mother and military spouse local to the Fort Leonard Wood area!  Her product offerings include handmade bathbombs, sugar scrubs, essential oil rollers, bath salts, shower jellies, shower soothers, artisan soap dipped loofahs, foot spa tablets, charcoal masks, coffee exfoliator, hydrating honey oat exfoliator, shaving cream, Origami Owl Charm Bombs, and Pokebombs.  She works on new creations all the time, so there is always something exciting happening.

Sugar Rush Essentials is such a great addition to our area!  Jayce uses a variety of essential oils and is able to cater to individual's needs as necessary for allergies, sensitivities, or personal preference.  Her items are produced in small quantities with excellent quality control standards--and each item is handmade by Jayce!  With the holidays approaching, be sure to check out Sugar Rush Essentials for your holiday gifting.  These items would make perfect stocking stuffers, and Jayce is offering a $10 discount on all basket orders placed before Christmas! Be sure to contact her for further details.  She also offers discounts on bulk orders.  To learn more about Sugar Rush Essentials, check out the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SugarRushEssentials/ and be sure to join her VIP Group! 

Pictured are (top) bath bombs, (center) charcoal peel off mask, and (bottom) artisan dipped loofahs.  How great do these products look?

Disclaimer: The Mediocre Mommy received no compensation for writing this business showcase. The opinions shared are based on an interview with the business owner and are an unbiased publication of the owner's response.

Photos are property of Jayce Williams and Sugar Rush Essentials.

New Traditions; Old Roots

It's been five years since my husband and I were back "home" for Thanksgiving.  As a military family, traveling a long ways away (and any army base is a LONG ways away from Wyoming!) just isn't always that doable.  Plus, spending 17 hours in the car with two toddlers is frankly quite nauseating.  Like most military families, we have learned to bend and change to make holidays special for our children, and ourselves so we spend them among our new found family wherever we are. 

As I was explaining the history of Thanksgiving to my son, who was convinced there would be presents involved of some sort, I was thinking about how our new tradition these past few years of spending this particular holiday with friends is not unlike the roots from which it sprouted.  In a
nutshell, Thanksgiving was a time when people from different backgrounds who have shared different cultures, customs, and ideas with each other came together to celebrate that.  They were thankful for the differences that made them a community; they were thankful for friendship; not unlike military families.  The ultimate traditional Thanksgiving is among friends.  There's kids playing and laughing, tons of food, plenty of wine, more than plenty desserts, warmth, love, and memories.  The kinds that can really only be made among friends. 

Military families are especially unique.  It doesn't take us long to form very strong bonds.  Finding "your kind of people" in a field of less than two percent isn't always that easy but somehow we don't let that stop us.  We just jump right in and find them.  We find the people who like coffee and wine.  The people who are in our same or similar life stages; newlyweds, parents, people who live life in leggings, people whose big kids love our little kids tagging along with them, empty nesters...the list goes on and on.  Bonus points if the husbands' get along, too!  Seriously, though. That can be the toughest part sometimes.  I am so thankful that our thanksgiving was spent with delicious foods, lots of laughs, some tasty wine because mommy's kind of need that to be nice sometimes, and pies.  There may have been 16 pies...who's counting, right?  Holidays are best spent in the company of those friends that feel just like family.  For those friends who will always be like family, I am thankful.  Our new traditions in this life have grown from the old roots planted so many years ago. 

Why All Moms can Love 'Sing!"

It's rare that I find a movie that my children love that I don't get sick of hearing play at least twice daily for days on end.  I have seen enough 'Cars', 'Home', and 'Planes' to last 1 million people a lifetime, and if I ever see or hear another freakin' minion again, I may vomit.  I really, really can't stand those yellow gibberish-speaking, hyper, assholes.  Lightning McQueen is okay, he learns some good lessons and let's be honest--we all get a kick out of Mater!  Oh is also alright.  His voice drives me crazy, but the music in 'Home' is spot on (I mean the movie only, not the crappy spin-off show Netflix made; stick to 'Stranger Things' guys).  However, there is one kids movie I can totally get behind and that's 'Sing!'. 

 It's not the super hip soundtrack.  It's not that the gorilla has a dreamy voice.  It's not the amazing love of music and art that the film portrays to kids.  It's not even the lesson in chasing dreams and those from many backgrounds banding together to accomplish a common goal.  It's Rosita.  It's ALL Rosita (voiced by Reese Witherspoon). 

Because Rosita is my spirit animal.  Literally--the movie is all animals.  But it's more than that.  Rosita embodies all of the things that I feel about myself as a stay-at-home mother.  Rosita personifies (pigsonifies? whatever) all of it.  For those unfamiliar with the film, Rosita is a stay-at-home mother of like 45 kids (she's a pig, they have had a few litters by this point!) with a husband who works long hours out of the home.  She has a beautiful talent, singing, that is so often lost in the daily rigmarole of motherhood and housework. She is seen early on in the movie singing 'Firework' by Katy Perry which is such a fitting song.  Hands up if you have ever felt like a plastic bag floating through the wind, wanting to start again; am I right?  I know that in the heat of the chores, and the kids, and the cooking, and the dog, and the chaos that is my everyday life I feel like this used up, old, crinkly, plastic bag who just wants to be recognized as worth something again!  In those moments, I am sure we all have felt that way.  Back to Rosita!  As the movie goes on, she finds the flyer for an "American Idol" esque singing competition and decides to try out while her 6 million kids are in school and husband is at work.

So she goes and is finally recognized for having a great voice, even though her moves are something to be desired.  She is partnered with the amazing Gunter, a fellow swine who may not be the best singer but damn, that pig has got some moves!  As the contest rehearsals continue, Rosita battles with the struggles of still having her motherly and home duties while wanting to focus also on something for herself.  Her children don't listen to her (I feel her on that), her husband falls asleep when she is trying to tell him her big news about making it into the competition (I feel her on that), and she struggles with finding herself in a life full of giving to others with no gratitude returned.  There's even a scene where she has to take her "sick" child to a rehearsal with her and in a hyper whirlwind he messes up the whole room--basically me every single time I have to tote my two hyper heathens anywhere important with me.  Like meetings. 

As the film continues, Rosita is finally able to recenter and find herself again through her singing.  She even finds a little sexy mama in there, too, thanks to the sweet dance moves Gunter teaches her.  Gunter is definitely Zumba certified. Has to be. I recognized those moves for sure.  Rosita deals with a lot of crap during the movie--not just the whole taking care of the family bit, but also feeling unsure of herself.  She often wonders if the "spark" just can't be relit anymore.  She finds herself in the grocery store, just busting a move while shopping alone in the produce aisle.  I love shopping alone for basically the same reason.  Only alone can I bust a move next to the gauc in peace.   At the end of the movie, they get to perform their big duet to "Shake it Off" by Taylor Swift, which, seriously is such a good mama mantra.  I need to get better at just shaking it off--like Rosita learns not so obviously through the duration of the movie.  Her family finally sits and focuses their attention on her and they are literally blown away by what their mama can do.  None of the kids or her husband had any clue she had such a great voice; because they took for granted what they heard everyday in the trenches of life.  But when the focus was on her (and Gunter dressed as a washing machine, the best) on stage doing the thing she was passionate about for her, they saw how awesome she was.  They realized she was a person (a pig? whatever) all her own--not just a wife; not just a mama. 

What I love most about Rosita's character is that she shows the whole 'can't pour from an empty cup' thing.  I think for most mom's watching her is literally like looking in on our own lives in animal cartoon form.  It's so true.  If we can't refuel, eventually we will burn out and the stresses of daily life will begin to slowly break us down into a routine based on going through motions we know, without the passion we had.  No matter your passion, be like Rosita and fuel it!  We as moms are all Rosita in some way. 

If you are a stay-at-home parent like me, and you have yet to see 'Sing!' go watch it.  You will totally relate to Rosita as well.  So much love for her.  I want her to be my friend. Rosita can be in my tribe anytime!     

What's in the Woods?: Party Time? I'm There!

Everyday I notice one thing on local Facebook groups in the Fort Leonard Wood area; people posting "there's nothing to do here!"  I keep scrolling usually thinking to myself. "there are so many cool things here, I wish people knew about them all!"  Then, it dawned on me; why not create a weekly post highlighting some unique business or service offered in our area.  Since my daughter can't make it 10 minutes in the car without screaming like a banshee, I am a huge supporter of local businesses and through this have discovered so many great offerings in our area.  This week I am excited to highlight "Party Time? I'm There!" as my first of many 'What's in the Woods?' Wednesday posts!

If you have a superhero fan in your house, no matter what age, then Party Time? I'm There! may be exactly what you are looking for.  Steven Williamson, owner and actor, currently offers two characters; Spider-Man and Deadpool.  He uses movie-quality costumes and hopes to add more characters to his lineup soon.  Steven is able to book parties for kids and adults, which I think is really cool!  He stays in character the full time and customizes character actions for the age group attending.  I mean, I know my husband would be little-girl giddy if Deadpool showed up at our house on his birthday, and let's face it; so would my son.

Steven is not only a business owner, but also an artist creating high-quality horror costumes.  His attention to detail in his work is impeccable, and it is evident he is passionate about his art.  He is also able to cosplay the horror characters Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees P7, and Freddy Krueger.  These characters are geared for an older/adult audience.  If you choose to support Steven by booking a party with his business, you are also supporting an artist, small business owner, and a United States Marine--all great reasons to support his small business.  The best part? He's right here in the 'Wood!


If you would like to check out Party Time? I'm There! or contact Steven here is a link to his business Facebook as well as a good email;

E-mail: stevenusmc161@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FLWcosplay/ 

Disclaimer: The Mediocre Mommy received no compensation for writing this business showcase.  Not even a chimichanga.  The opinions shared are based on interview with the business owner, and are an unbiased publication of owner response.

 Photos are property of Party Time? I'm There!

Mask an original work created by Steven Williamson.

Staying on the Meal Train

The meal train.  As a military spouse, I am sure I speak for many when I say that this is something we all know too well.  Don't get me wrong; I am so thankful for them in times of need like after a new baby is born, during a medical procedure or hospitalization for a family member or self, right before a PCS, or when a spouse deploys.  But I also know how easy it can be to fall off the train!  Let's face it; life can be so busy as wives and mothers that sometimes adding another thing to our plates can completely overfill the plate and collapse it.  Thankfully, there are ways to make sure that you don't fall off.  I am all about helping others because I know that if I were in their shoes I would really appreciate it--and have when we have been there; so I do my very best to give back and actually do an okay job of it.  Make the meal train easy on yourself to succeed in getting a nice meal to a friend or fellow spouse!

Pictured is one of my favorite meal-train crowd pleasing meals to take, pierogi casserole.  Recipe included at the end of this post!

Don't Break the Bank
Choosing to participate in a meal train is such a great service for a friend or spouse in need, but you do not have to break the bank with your choice!  Choosing a casserole that is filling yet inexpensive is a great choice; especially for a large family.  Some of my favorites are baked spaghetti, pierogi casserole, and taco bake just to name a few.  All of these meals are inexpensive to make while still filling up tummies.

KISS (Keep it Simple, Silly!) 
No one is expecting a four course dinner complete with beef wellington.  If they are then, well, that's on them.  Truly, the majority of families, if not all of them, are thankful to have one less thing on their plate during a life-changing time.  Choose something that you know how to make, that is easy to make, and you can make successfully.  Something easy is not only helpful for you, but it ensures you can provide a yummy, filling meal to a family.  Making something you are familiar with not only makes it easier for you, but it also helps you ensure safe food is prepped and served. Always remember to cook to the correct temperatures!  If you are taking on the task of creating the meal train, make it easy on yourself and on the recipients and participants by using an easy system.  My favorite is mealtrain.com because it is free and so easy to use.  I also love that it sends out reminders the day of so no one forgets.  Life can get so busy and those reminders are so helpful! 

Don't Create More Work 
When a meal train is put in place, it's usually because some life changing event has recently occurred.  Whether a positive change like a new baby or something more somber like the beginning of a deployment, it is important that your contribution doesn't create a lot of work for the recipient.  One way to reduce the work load is by delivering the meal in a disposable pan.  This way no one feels the need to do dishes, and the plus side for you is that you don't have to worry about whether your favorite baking dish will be returned or not.  Plus, we all know that tupperware lids disappear to a realm unknown to human eyes upon washing.  If the meal needs heated or reheated include cooking temperature, time, etc. on the meal itself.  Just write that information on top of the foil with a permanent marker.  If you can't find one, check in your husband's uniform; there's bound to be about 7,000 in there--especially if it's already in the washing machine.  Hurry!  When contributing a meal for a person whose spouse has recently deployed, I like to split the meal in half in two pans and include freezing and reheating instructions so there is a meal provided for one of those tough or busy days down the road. 

Overwhelmed? Don't be!  The most important thing is that you provided a warm meal for a family in need.  Believe me when I say that the look of gratitude on a new mom's face while her newborn cries and toddler runs wild is the best form of thanks.  As moms, we know that sometimes new mamas just need a full tummy and a warmed soul; because Hamburger Helper and 30 lbs of plain rice from chef ala daddy can get old fast--it's the thought that counts, remember that! 

If all else fails, order a pizza for them!  And remember, wine and a box of chocolates is, in fact, an acceptable meal too. 

Disclaimer: I received no compensation for mentioning mealtrain.com in this post.  I shared their name because it is a site that has been very beneficial to me and I would honestly recommend it to others for use. 

Pierogi Casserole

Retrieved from Pillsbury.com via Pinterest 

Ingredients

1 pkg frozen pierogies (I use cheese, but any filling will do) 

1 tbsp water 

7 oz. kielbasa sausage, cut. 

4 oz. cream cheese (from 8 oz block) very softened

1/2 cup sour cream (can substitute plain Greek yogurt if desired)

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/8 tsp course ground black pepper

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 

1/2 cup thinly, diagonally sliced green onions 

Steps 

1) Heat oven to 375 F. Spray 12x8 in. dish with cooking spray.

2) Place frozen pierogies and water in a microwave safe bowl and cover with plastic.  Microwave for 2 min. on high; stir.  Continue microwaving on high for 1 1/2-2 min until thawed. Place evenly in the casserole dish and top with sausage. 

3) In medium bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, and pepper with whisk.  Stir in 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese and 1/3 cup onions.  Reserve remaining onions for topping.  

4) Pour cream cheese mixture evenly over pierogies.  Cover with foil; bake 22-27 minutes or until center is heated through and internal temperature reaches 165 F. 

5) Uncover and top with remaining cheese ank bake 3-5 additional minutes until cheese is melted.  Top with remaining onions. Enjoy! 

What Moms' Can Do to Stop the "Me, Too"

Like me, many others have probably seen the post for sexual abuse and harassment circulating on various social media sites.  Also like me, many women may have chose to repost it to raise awareness due to their own personal experiences with sexual abuse or harassment; but what does this really do?  Of course, raising awareness is key in helping understanding, and in this case, helping stop something that is too often over-looked in our society.  But, I am a doer.  I always have to ask myself when recirculating these things 'okay, but what will you do for the cause?' Because by tomorrow most will forget who reposted and it will get lost in a sea of algorithms and advertisements.  Thoughts for action came and went, and then I realized I, in and of myself, am one of the most power tools in reducing these acts; many of you reading this are, too. 

Being a mother, I am the first teacher my children will ever know; and in many ways the most important source for socially and morally acceptable behaviors. Myself, along with their dad, are the two figures who will make the biggest mark on their sponge-like brains as we shape them to become decent adults.  At least that is the ultimate goal, and I think for most parents out there it is.  As a mother specifically, there are things that I can put into place during my children's youth, specifically

Photo from 'Know Your Meme' retrieved from
http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/metoo

for my son, to do my part in creating a generation that can reduce the numbers of harassment and crimes of sexual nature.  These crimes have been around essentially since the dawn of humanity, and it would be completely off kilter for me to say that we can fully end crimes of this nature--but there are absolutely things we can do as parents to leave a mark in hopes of reduction in the generation we are raising.

I am a mother to a boy.  

One of the most important things in my overall parenting plan is to raise a son who has morals and values and treats all people the way he would want to be treated.  The 'boys will be boys' mentality just doesn't work for me.  At this stage in his life, I don't want him to think that just because he is a boy every single place we go is a playground.  As he enters adulthood later on I do not want him to feel that actions are excusable solely because he is a boy and 'that's what boys do.'  Frankly speaking, 'boys will be boys' just can't apply to groping, cat-calling, or rape.  No one, boy or girl, gets to call each other some of the horrible names I have heard women and girls called because they won't comply to a man or boy's wishes.  He will in time know that the "walk of shame" concept for girls, while boys are high-fived for a great performance is cruel and wrong.  Women are not animals.  Sex is not something that should be rewarded by peers or used as weapon for the girls who may no longer be interested. 

 Secondly, he needs to understand that no means no.  Right now we are really working on this in terms of number of doughnuts consumed in a week.  He just doesn't understand why mommy says no to Dunkin Donuts for breakfast on a daily basis.  Secretly, I really wish that was our life, but it is not. He must understand that when a person says no, that is 100% what that word means.  No means stop. No means 'I do not want this'. No means no.  This concept also relates to his play among his friends.  If he asks a child to stop doing something, I fully expect them to stop and vice versa.  I only ever want someone to say 'no' to him once before he stops the behavior--whether it is throwing a stick at someone (now) or asking a girl to dance (later).   

In these teaches of love and respect, I am not alone.  Children want to see love in others; such as their parents.  The way my husband speaks to and treats me is something that I can only pray our son will take through his life.  We are a team in that there are no "man and woman" tasks in our household; everyone helps each other with things.  His dad has no problem doing the dishes or laundry if needed and often does those tasks without being asked because he sees it needs done.  He also helps cook (I will just add he is a DAMN good cook, too!).  I also know how to do many things that society still looks at as a "manly" task; like fishing and hunting though I haven't been in a while.  These are things we can do together.  Most importantly is he hears daily how his dad speaks to me.  He hears words of affirmation, real conversations, laughter, 'I love you's', and compliments. He hears constructive criticism given in an appropriate way.  He does not hear name calling or inappropriate comments (I am not saying we don't make any, because we are basically the king and queen of inappropriate comments, however, children at his age cannot distinguish between a joke and truth and do not understand the content).  He sees acts of appropriate affection in front of him; hugs, nice kisses, hand holding, and help.  He sees consoling when I am feeling down.  He sees that his dad and I are a team that stands beside each other.

Even as a child, it is important he understands there are areas of both boys and girls that are never okay to touch.  Kids play and toddlers are inherently curious especially about their bodies (read Freud's work on anal retentiveness; not necessarily accurate other than toddlers are always touching their damn butt).  Right now, we discuss the places that are never to be touched by anyone while playing or not.  He understands that each person has their "no-no zone" (thanks, 7th grade P.E. for that term).  This is a basic foundation for later talks that thankfully we have some time yet to prepare for.

As life carries on there are more lessons we will have to teach our son as his maturity level increases.  I am thankful we do not have to cross that bridge yet, but realize that even at four teaching basic equality of all people is important.  How we treat each other is everything in this world.  Later on we will have to discuss the tougher topics.  One day, he will need to learn that just because he is a boy doesn't mean his ultimate goal is to have sex with as many women as possible.  He will need to learn to respect his body and others.  He will need to learn how everything "works" (tagging dad in on that one!).  My goal is to build up his self-esteem so much that those who try to pressure him into something cannot, and that he can be a voice to stand up and say no to anyone pressuring him to treat others wrongly or wanting him to do something that may hurt another person. 

I am a mother to a girl.

Ohhh sweet baby girl.  How  I wish you could stay so sweet and innocent forever.  How I wish you could never be hurt by this world.  But, I also know how tough things may be later on--like college campuses and high school.  I know what pressures you may feel, and I pray everyday that you will not experience what so many of us have.  I also know that is not the current societal norm. 

Isn't is sad I had to use "societal norm" when speaking about how girls are treated on college campuses and in high schools in today's world?  Why is this a norm? It sure as hell doesn't have to be.  This, too, can begin with me as a mom.  My daughter must know many of the things we are and will instill in our son; like "no-no zones" and when no means no (wish she'd learn that about climbing on the dining table like yesterday).  There are also so, so many things I want her to know to understand her value as a woman and realize her worth in that she won't be blind to a bad situation (like her mama was so long ago). 

There are things I want my daughter to know.  I want her to know that she doesn't have to find her friends and her worth in bed.  Thinking back to my college days, I can think of so many times when girls were pressured into sex because they felt that it was some sort of right of passage.  Whether this was by one boy, a group of boys, her friends, peers at a party, older students, or her good buddy Jose Cuervo, I can think of far too many friends and girls who felt that was the key to self-validation in college.  I can tell you, it's not.  I want her to know that if she does meet her good friend Jose Cuervo, he can be tamed.  Drinking does not by any means give a man the right to say or treat her any differently and she does not have to do anything with said person just because Jose was involved.  I want her to know that just because she is a girl, doesn't mean she can't defend herself either verbally or physically if needed in the event a bad situation arises.  I mean, I watched her slap a kid with her shoe at the park one day for teasing her so Lord have mercy if so...  I hope that she looks in the mirror and sees how beautifully and wonderfully made our God made her.  I hope she knows that the way she dresses does not give a man the right to touch or verbally harass her.  I hope she exudes so much self confidence no one can ever bring her down. 

I hope when the time comes for her and I to sit down and have these conversations, that she realizes it is from a place of love.  I hope that she will come to me with her questions and know that she can tell me anything and seek her mama as a source of advice always.  I hope she will use that sweet little self of hers to tell some jerk to you-know-what off when she needs to, but speak kindly otherwise.  I hope no one calls her "honey," "sweetheart," or anything else in a derogatory way.  I hope if (and when) someone calls her a dirty name, she lets it roll off her shoulder like rain. 

Ultimately, I as a mother, and on a bigger scale, we as parents have the power to do whatever we can to instill the ideas and morals in our children that can work towards reducing sexual abuse and harassment in our schools, colleges, and world.  Though these things will continue to happen, we can do our best to raise good little people, to become good big people, to use their morals and voices to continue to facilitate change in our world. For our daughters, our granddaughters, our sisters, our nieces, our friends, and ourselves.