Dying to Fall In Love

By: Ayana Bryant-Weekes

Falling in love is an amazing feeling; thinking about a certain someone and smiling uncontrollably, the flutter of butterfly wings in your stomach when you see that person, the way the stress of life just seems to fade into the background when you hear their voice…. whether we want to admit it or not, the adrenaline rush that consumes us as we fall deeper in love, is something that we all daydream about in a lonely hour. As a single woman I find my thoughts sometimes drifting off, wondering where I’ll be when my next love story begins or what my next Beau is doing at this very moment and I can’t help but daydream about how our relationship dynamic will be, but most of all, I get excited about the thrill of falling in love again.  

A lot of us are longing to fall in love, to be swept off our feet and experience the feeling of being head-over-hills in love with the man or woman of our dreams but how far are we really willing to go to find that love? Are we willing to die for it? If I’m honest with myself, I really haven’t gone far enough; I haven’t gone to far enough lengths for the magnitude of love that I’m searching for and while I’m being honest, there’s only one way to find it.

            In today’s society it’s easy to feel loveless and paranoid. The feeling of “no one loves me” crept into my spirit. I was yearning to fall in love with something whether it was myself, my career, my family and friends, or my man (wherever he may be lol), but I was so jaded, I felt like no one deserved my love in return. With so much love to give, being stingy with it was doing more harm to me then good. God began to deal with me and show me that my idea of love was so wrong. At this present time, I am unlearning everything I thought I knew about love and working towards Christ’s definition of love, which requires me to fall in love with Him all over again: God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. 1 John 4:17 [MSG] At times it feels like I’m dying…and I am: Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified. Galatians 5:24  [MSG]

            So I’m dying to fall in love with my Savior all over again and by faith, I know I’ll find a love like no other.

Being A Mother Doesn't Stop Your Dreams

By: Jessica Byrd

So many times I hear people say that being a mother caused them to put their dreams on hold. My heart drops when I hear this comment. Yes, I know being a mother causes us to not go full speed but to completely stop dreaming just makes me want to cry. I truly believe God is setting me up for a great blessing, and my life will become a testimony to many. So here’s my story.. While I was pregnant with my first child, I worked full time at Chase bank as a personal banker, I hated every minute and moment of my life at the time. Banking is a great career for some, but not for me! This was the first real job I knew I had to keep because I needed good insurance for my child, and a steady income. Everyday I went dressed to work dreading my purpose. I worked until I 9 months with child, I was tired, miserable, and wore out! But at the moment, I sacrificed my happiness for my soon to be daughter. Fast forward my daughter is born, and going back to work full time was not an option for me, I opted to work part time at Chase and it worked out perfect for my schedule.

A year later, I am pregnant with my son, still a personal banker, this time I was able to take some time off sooner than 9 months, due to my bedrest my doctor assigned for me. I was at risk for my pregnancy and my doctor felt my stress from work was having a negative impact on the proper growth of my son. Instead of actually going on bedrest, I used this time to intern two days a week. I was determined when I was pregnant with my son that I was not going back to doing something full time that I literally hated. I was determined to go after my goals, and I was determined it would work out in the end. I interned for no pay, and through the grace of God, he fulfilled all my needs. At the time, I had high hopes of being in the publishing career, and nothing was going to stop me. After my son was born, I left Chase, took another low paying part time job, and still interned for the Michigan Chronicle two days a week. All while having two children under two, I was determined. Yes, I had a huge support system! I let everyone know around me this was my decision and I had to do this for me. I was working events for my internship without pay, eight months pregnant. Yes, there was nights when I felt like I should be home with my children, mommy guilt had the best of me, however having a brighter future was important to me. I knew I had to do this for myself and better yet for my children. I am a strong believer of living a life on purpose!! When my internship ended, I wrote a proposal to my job to hire me, they told me they didn’t have any openings at the time. Therefore, I continued to work my low paying part time job. Exactly two weeks later, my internship called me and hired me as an contractor account executive. During my time as a contractor, I expressed my interest in event planning, and a year later I became a full time employee as the event coordinator for the Michigan Chronicle. My first big event was this month, The Men of Excellence!

This is an abbreviated story, but it shows my determination to succeed. There were many of hopeless nights, especially when I’m struggling, working hard, and my finances were based off of a part time gig.

I know I have a long way to go, and while I am still growing, still learning, and still developing my niche in my career path and surely not rich. I am wealthy by the grace of God, I know he is guiding my steps, and I know my future is bright!

Therefore as a mother never sell yourself short, go after your dreams, make it work for you, and  follow your heart. Yes our children are priority but live your best life possible!!!! Now In my current role, I still have time to spend with my children, I make sure I am at all my children’s activities, and I utilize my weekends for my children. My children are still my priority but I am not giving on myself in the process.

**Mom’s Club summer playdate was this weekend at Heritage Park and we had so much fun!!!!!

Make sure to like our facebook page!! https://www.facebook.com/mdmomsclub?ref=bookmarks

If you’re interested in joining the Moms Club our next meet and greet will be in September so make sure to send me an email.









Jessica M. Byrd is the parent of a two and one year old. 

She is the founder of Metro Detroit Mom's Club and believes 
every mother should live a life on purpose!

    

How Ambrea Styles: A Sunday Summer Look

Hello Guys! I know its been a while since I've done a post but I'm back!! For this post I wanted to let you guys in on my personal style. I've always received compliments on my sense of style so I figured why not incorporate more style pieces into our blog. Below are pictures and deets of an outfit from this past weekend. I just may start a "How Ambrea Styles" segment so tell me what you think and what you would like to see.

So this look was a very simple but cute look, I was actually on my way to church. When shopping, with each piece I pick up I ask myself  "Is this cute, comfortable AND practical for the weather?" and this looks definitely met the criteria for being cute, comfy and practical for Michigan's mid 80 degree weather. 

Black & White Checker Clutch

Where: Target
Price. $16.99
I seen this cute thing and I HAD to have it.
For some reason anything black and white
with stripes stick out to me and it was a great price!





Green Pleated Semi-Maxi

Where: Don't shoot me but I have
a really bad habit of letting pieces sit in my
closet and wearing them years later. I've only
worn it twice LOL.. am I the only one?
Anywho.. this skirt is perfect for hot
weather because its light and the material (mesh) is
really breathable and also has a built in slip.
You can find skirts like this at stores like, Target, Forever 21 or  HERE

OGAMBLE By Olsenboyle

Where: JC Penny (Believe it or not)
Retail Price: $44.99
I paid half price because I caught 
them on sale!
I love an open toe and chunky heel because it
provides comfort but is still very sexy. 
Sometimes a chunky heel is the way to 
go instead of flats that could break the look. 
If you're not the heel type you
 can swap out the heels for some
cute jeweled sandals. 

Kenneth Cole Floral Lace Blouse

Where: Lord & Taylor
Retail Price: $39.99 
I GOT IT ON SALE FOR LIKE $15!!!
Who doesn't love a great sale! 
Imagine this look with just a 
regular black blouse, it may be a little boring right? Lace automatically adds 
sexiness to any outfit if worn right. It adds the right amount of sexy yet keeps the look classy. Underneath my top I wore a regular black tank. 

My hair was pulled back in a bun because it was so hot and plus I love buns :). Also the cutest studs from Marshals (My favorite store ever LOL)  for only $19.99 and Candy Yum Yum Matte Lipstick by MAC.

And that completes my look! I really hope you guys enjoyed this and again, tell
me what you think and what you would like to see if I were to continue the 'How Ambrea Styles" Segment! 
Follow me on IG: ambrea_c


XOXO 

A Mommy Minute: Holding it all together…..For your children's sake!!

By Jessica Byrd

I promised myself when I started this blog, that it wouldn’t be filled of fluff stories. As a Christian I get asked plenty of times, and sometimes ask myself, Why does God allow terrible things to happen? The answer is far fetched and God unfortunately is not the God of this world Satin is. I must admit I have witnessed some strong mothers!!! I have witnessed and experienced mothers tearing down inside, but smiling around their children. Crying while their children are sleep, but make it their business to read a bedtime story every night. I will never forget the first time my two year old saw me cry, I just couldn’t hold it in any longer, and the tears came rolling down. “Mommy what’s wrong”, my daughter said in deep concern, “Mommy is sad Lailah” I responded. At first, I was so embarrassed, and I questioned what effect this may have on my child, seeing her MOMMY cry, because as a mother, the world wants us to suppress our feelings. We are the one person in the house who is supposed to have it all together..NEWSFLASH we don’t.  It really bothers me when people say you’re too emotional. Yes, not knowing how to control your emotions can have a negative effect, but I have realized having emotions is one of the greatest things about me. I hurt, I cry, I get sad, and yes I am emotional!! When my daughter saw me cry, it could've been one of the best bonding moments we’ve ever had. Right there in that moment I had to explain to a toddler what being sad means, and why she shouldn’t waste her tears just to get her way.

“Lailah people cry sometimes when they’re sad, sad means they can be hurt, and being hurt can cause pain, and that’s why some people may cry” I explained

“So mommy you hurt, you hurt mommy?” she responded

“Yes mommy is sad at this moment, that’s why you see tears, so why do you cry Lailah” I asked

“I don’t know” she answered

“It’s important to cry when you’re sad, and talk to mommy, not cry just because you want something” I remarked.

This conversation ended with a huge hug, and a understanding between a toddler and a 29 year old woman. Therefore, as parents we have to hold it together for our children, we are their examples, but we also have to have realistic expectations of ourselves. We don’t escape our children, we explain to our children. We are all people, we all have emotions, no matter if you’re a parent, a child, a grandparent, or a spouse.

** In other news the Outdoor Adventure Center located in 1802 Atwater, Michigan opened up today. I love their tagline, “ Bringing up North downtown” Think having an outdoor experience in an indoor environment, make sure to check it out and bring your children. There will be a Mom's Club playdate soon here also, so stay tuned!


 











 










  
Jessica M. Byrd is the parent of a two and one year old. 

She is the founder of Metro Detroit Mom's Club and believes 

every mother should live a life on purpose!

Social Media and the Fake Reality of Parenting

By: Jessica Byrd

I read an article in this month's Parenting Magazine that talked about how social media shows the fake reality of parenting, allowing parents to sometimes compare and contrast their own parenting skills and even worse, compare their children. I am big on social media, I believe it is an awesome marketing tool, but I hate to say it, I agreed deeply with this article. 

I can vividly remember looking on social media and seeing another mother post a picture of their one year old son in the pool having a blast and I immediately thought. "Man why does my son hate water," at that moment a little bit of mommy guilt arose in me. Social media has made parenting look like a walk in the park, capturing every happy moment in a toddler's life. You see the "perfect" parent that posts their children's healthy meals everyday, showcasing their children almost always acting on their best behavior. News Flash! It's not real! Take a deep breath and take off your superman cape and understand that social media is a place for us all to showcase the "best" of our lives. Which is ok! Personally I don't want to scroll down my timeline and see all negative things but we must learn to separate the two. Social media is not reality. Every mom has those moments when we're too lazy at night to give our children a bath so we wash their face, brush their teeth and send them their way, every mom does not have a gourmet meal for their children every day, we all have problems, we all have rough days but we don't showcase this on social media and again it's ok! 

Parenting is and will always be a demanding job, their is no perfect parent and their is no perfect family. So don't compare your children, don't compare your parenting skills rest assure that every mother has their days!

On the flip slide, social media has become a ploy for some mothers and I, again, admit that I have been guilty of this too. The days our children are dressed like kids in magazines becomes a photo shoot for a toddler, taking away precious moments that we can actually use to spend time with our children. We have to use social media wisely, and be careful not to make it such a priority in our lives! Myself included.   

*This weekend was a relaxed weekend finally!! Yesterday we had friends and family over for a barbecue. To entertain the children hubby brought a bounce house from Toys R Us! This thing was a life saver, the children were well occupied and the parents actually had a moment to eat.. Lol 

Jessica M. Byrd is the parent of a two and one year old. 

She is the founder of Metro Detroit Mom's Club and believes 

every mother should live a life on purpose! 

Creator of Metro Detroit Moms Club 

A Mommy Minute 

Let's Try Jesus Way

By:Ayana Bryant-Weekes 

Our Society doesn't believe in relationships any more, especially celebrity relationships. We’ve all witnessed the “celebrity courtship cycle”, as I like to call it, which usually spans from 4 -9 months at a time.

Stage One: Begin a public relationship with a celebrity

Stage Two: Become everyone’s “relationship goal”

Stage Three: Make a baby (in most cases)

Stage Four: Get engaged

Stage Five: Break up before the baby comes

Stage Six: Date another celebrity 

When I first saw the pictures of R&B singer Ciara on the arm of Seattle Seahawks quarter back Russell Wilson at President Obama’s Japanese State Dinner at the White House in April of this year, I thought, Man, these people move QUICK! To be honest, this cycle is so tiring to watch. I’ll admit, I LOVED Ciara and Future together, I loved how they seemed to be on the come up together and I couldn’t ignore how fly they were together. So, when it was confirmed that Ciara was preparing to give birth to Future’s fourth child, an unsettling feeling detached me from the celebrity couple and I could sense a breakup in the near future (no pun intended), and then in August 2014 they broke up...

I did not feel like hearing about another celebrity couple that broke up and would be left with another broken family, I didn’t want to feel like Beyoncé and Jay-Z were the only ones who could be married and stay married. I couldn't help but feel like society was being proven right, but I also knew as that these couples were omitting a fundamental element from their relationships.

I swept the idea of Ciara and Russell into the back of my mind until I came across an article on Fox Sports. The Seattle Seahawks Quarter Back was talking openly talking about his relationship with Ciara in an interview with The Rock Church over the weekend where he shared how God told him he needed to lead Ciara into a relationship, taking all the “extra stuff” off of the table and doing things Jesus’ way—and yes, we’re talking about abstaining from sex. 

“For me, I knew that God had brought me into her life to bless her and for her to bless me and to bless so many people with the impact that she has, that I have. We're not gonna be perfect, by any means. Life's not perfect. Nobody's perfect, but he's anointed both of us, and I know that he's calling for us to do something miraculous, something special…'Could we love each other without that (sex)?' If you can really love somebody without that, then you can really love somebody."

 

 This interview inspired me in the same way that Megan Good and Devon Franklin’s testimony did because here we have a very public example of two figures of pop culture, affirming that Christ’s standard for courtship (and potentially marriage) will guide them on their walks together.  As a Christian, it is very important to have Godly role models; people to show us that you can live to a Godly standard, even in celebrity, no matter what background/industry you come from or are interested in. I was also inspired by God’s example of what a man leading a woman into a relationship looks like using these two people who we don’t normally see as spiritual models. Wilson was first, led by God and he listened. He surrendered to the idea that his union with Ciara would allow their influence to be impactful to society, as God would have it.  

Now, of course there is still the chance that Ciara and Russell Wilson could break up, we’re dealing with two human beings, celebrities at that and just because they are celibate does not guarantee they will end up married, however, what we do know is that God’s will is being done, at the end of the day, if they don’t move towards marriage, they wont add to the number of broken homes in our society, and whatever is to follow will benefit the two of them as well as all those impacted by their story.

            It warms my heart and encourages my spirit, even as I sometimes miss the mark, to hear testimonies of people who are putting God to the test and are determined to walk by faith in a world where the social norm says that nothing about "Jesus’ way" makes sense. I wish Ciara and Russell nothing but the best in their relationship and I pray they succeed in their pursuit of a God-inspired courtship and that their testimony inspires many generations to come.  

A Mommy Minute: Traveling with a Toddler

By: Jessica Byrd

I'm sure everyone enjoyed their Fourth of July weekend! This weekend my family and I decided to take our first family vacation to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. We had a ball!! I was super nervous on the plane ride, which was a struggle for my one year old on the way there. The internet for some reason didn't work and he was just too active for a hour and a half plane ride with no iPad. It was a headache and I felt bad for the passengers around us.

On the way back i decided to look up some tips on traveling with a toddler and they worked! One tip that really worked was tiring your toddlers out before the plane ride so they are sleepy on the plane. That's exactly what I did! Instead of trying to keep my one-year-old in the stroller at the airport, I literally let him have a free for all! I let him run around by an open gate, play and look out the windows, and by the time we were on the plane he was super tired. As for my daughter I found a good movie on the tablet and she was all set!

As for the trip itself, we did everything from going to the water park, to going to the Aquarium, and to the beach -- we had so much fun. One thing I would say is make sure your little ones still get their naps. If they fell asleep in the car while we drove down to the beach, we let them catch up on their rest so they were full of energy for our next adventure (nothing is more stressful then a tired toddler!).

In other news I am so excited for The Mom's Club Summer Play Date coming up! If you're interested in attending make sure to send me an email!

 
Jessica M. Byrd is the parent of a two and one year old. 

She is the founder of Metro Detroit Mom's Club and believes 

every mother should live a life on purpose! 

Don’t Complain About Construction.

-->

By: Ayana Bryant-Weekes

I took an (impromptu) ride through downtown Detroit the other day. Most days I wouldn’t mind taking a spur-of-the-moment trip through the city— Detroit is a beautiful place, especially at dusk when the sun is setting and the city lights are beginning to shine a little brighter—however, as we drove deeper and deeper into the epicenter of my hometown, I could not get past my overwhelming irritation with all the construction going on around me. Construction was the reason we were forced to take the “scenic route” through downtown in the first place and now that we’re in the heart of this beautiful place, all I can see is orange and white construction barrels, gravel, dust, detour signs and signs that warned of a $1,500 fine if I killed any construction workers and I kept thinking, “I am SO sick of construction.”

There is literally construction EVERYWHERE in Detroit and surrounding cities right now—on freeways, downtown, in my housing complex—it seems like everything is happening at one time and because of all this construction, the traffic flow, at anytime of day, is dreadful. An impromptu trip through downtown Detroit (because of construction) was made even worse by slow moving traffic on major streets! I sat in the back seat of the car vexed, trying to contain my anguish as I looked out the window surveying miles of construction while we slow-rolled down Woodward Ave. I got fed up with looking at all the commotion and decided to divert my attention to a completely different direction.

As we continued our Woodward Ave. slow-roll I started to point out new restaurants and hangout spots that I had been to, new places I had heard about, planned to visit and some places I had never even seen. My thoughts wandered from being irritated to making mental notes of what’s new to do downtown. It dawned on me that at one point these new places were construction sites, the places I was making plans to visit were once the bane of my irritation but now, as a finished product these places would be the source of good times and an energetic city.

Even in our personal lives when it seems like change is more overwhelming than inspiring because there is so much going on at one time and you feel as though you aren’t making very much progress, consider construction as a symbol of completion…in the near future, at least. Though these numerous construction sites are serving as an inconvenience right now, the promise of safe roads, new businesses, restaurants and hangout spots and the beginning of a new mass transit system, serve as an incentive to remain optimistic.

I’m sure I’m not the only person who’s loathes running into traffic jams and construction blocks but if we could learn to anticipate what is to come, you can use positivity to appreciate construction instead of complaining while you sit in traffic.