Jamieson Diaries

Married | Mother | Millennial

All Posts, Dear Diary

Wisdom Wednesday: Kelley Byrdsong

Comments : 8

I’m not quite sure how old Kelley and I were when we first met, but I know we were in elementary school. I don’t remember when we officially became BFFs either. All I know for sure is Kelley Byrdsong is one of the greatest people I have had the pleasure of knowing in my lifetime. I think it’s easy to talk about how much our families influence us, but it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to have a best friend as caring, compassionate, intelligent, and strong as, Kelley B. Or “Songbyrd” as many members of my family call her lol. I could seriously type a college length essay about who she is, what she has accomplished, and why she means so much to me and my family, but I will try my best to keep it short.

Many people know Kelley as Coach Ricky Byrdsong’s daughter. Ricky Byrdsong was shot and killed by a white supremacist, while on a hate crime shooting spree, and killed another man as well, during 4th of July weekend in 1999. Kelley and her younger brother Ricky Jr. were with their Dad when this took place. Talk about terrifying to think about. I debated on whether I would put this information on this post, but it’s honestly important as to who she is and why I admire her. It was during the time after Kelley’s Dad’s death I really realized the awesomeness that is Kelley Byrdsong. Granted, we were only 10 years old, but you know enough at the age of 10 to recognize unbelievable strength in a person. Anyone who can go through an experience like hers and be the positively happy person she is today deserves some form of recognition.

After I moved away from Evanston, IL at the end of 7th grade, Kelley and I seemed to only get closer. Through high school and college we didn’t see or talk to each other as often, because as you can imagine, we were both pretty busy living and trying to figure out life. Especially since I stayed in Illinois (Loyola University Chicago) and she went to North Carolina (North Carolina A&T) for college. But she was the epitome of the friend you didn’t talk to regularly, but when you did, it was like we had just seen each other the day before. I will never forget on my birthday junior year of college, I had checked the mail and had a birthday card from her. I don’t think we had gotten a chance to speak for months at that point. But I will never forget how happy I was to get her card, and ever since that moment I made sure to make a better effort to stay in contact. Even if it was a short 5 minute text conversation, I wanted to make sure we tried our best to keep in touch. Since then we have made sure to stay in touch, and she is usually the first non-family member I go to with any news. If you need one more reason to understand how special she is to my family, when I had Jordyn, Kelley had to take four planes (yes- you read that correctly- FOUR PLANES) to get from Atlanta to Montana. As if that wasn’t enough, every day she had either cleaned a room in my house or made dinner. I mean…how many of us can say we have a FRIEND like her? Not a family member, but a friend. (Side note- I’ll tell you in another post how amazing my family members are for doing the same plus more the first few months Jordyn was born.)

Today, Kelley is currently working with the “Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence”, which had a huge victory in the state of Washington in last night’s election thanks to Initiative 594 passing. If you’re curious, the short version of Initiative 594 will now require all gun sales, including the internet and gun shows, to go through Brady background checks. Score! In addition to working on this campaign she is a youth Director for an Atlanta based organization called CYD (Create Your Dreams), which works to help underserved students in Atlanta follow their dreams and support their individual talents. And as if that isn’t enough, watching her grow spiritually has been even more inspiring. I remember she text me a few months back saying the homeless man she would always see, and give food to, on one of her daily routes wasn’t in his usual place, and she was worried something had happened to him. Months later, the man was back in his usual spot and she was beyond happy to see him again. She was so happy; she put up a status to tell all of us how happy she was to see him. How many of us can say we know someone with a heart as large as hers? Considering my personal feelings and future plans to help the homeless (more will be explained in my December blog post) this is only one more of the many reasons Kelley is someone who inspires me.

I think it’s pretty safe to say after reading about her and her credentials, you can conclude I didn’t choose Kelley as my November: Wisdom Wednesday person simply because she is my best friend. But because she actually deserves to be someone other people, especially young ladies, aspire to be like. If you didn’t know anything about Kelley Byrdsong before, I hope you get a chance to one day learn more details of her accomplishments, hopefully support her life efforts through prayer and positive gestures, and maybe even have the pleasure of meeting her. I’m just thankful God saw fit to bless my family and me with such a personal inspiration in our lives.

Happy Wednesday folks!

IMG_0498

*top left- we were in 7th grade*

*top right- we were sophomores in high school*

*bottom left- my wedding day February 2013 in Evanston, IL*

*bottom right- this summer [2014] in Great Falls, Montana*

Brie <3

[11.05.14]

All Posts, Dear Diary, Family Love

The Transition: Working to Staying Home

Comments : 12

November 14th, 2014 will be my last day as a working Mom. I will begin the transition of being a stay at home Mom until Jordyn is about 2 years old. My little family and I are fortunate enough to have a husband/father who can support us, (thanks United States Air Force!) so I am able to raise our daughter in our home. As exciting as this journey will be, I know it will be a challenge at times. Not only for the obvious reason of occasionally missing adult conversation during the day, but because of how much my lifestyle will change. I have worked since I was sixteen years old. Which I just realized while typing this was exactly a decade ago (yikes!). I was sneaky, and got my first job at Best Buy in Bloomingdale, IL, in June of 2006. I say “sneaky” because my family wanted me to concentrate on school and track, and not worry about having a job. I had to promise to maintain a high honor roll grade point average, as I had prior to working, in order to be allowed to work throughout the school year. Which meant with a full class schedule, and running track, I only had time to work on weekends, many times after running 4-5 races during a Saturday track invitational. Needless to say, I carried this crazy schedule, because I loved making my own money. I give this entire background story, because I’m sure you cared to know I worked in retail at sixteen years old, and it was my dream job. Just kidding. I shared this to give an emphasis on how important working is to me. Not just in the sense of making money, but in feeling like I’m contributing to society, and being the Millennial woman I’m supposed to be. I mean, that’s why I went to college for 4 years, right? (Well, I went for the partying too, but that’s another post for another day). Not only have I sacrificed and done so much to successfully be in the working world, my husband and I have very much so adjusted to a two income household. It’s lovely! Seriously, who wouldn’t want more money to spend for luxury? I say all of this to explain how and why this could have been a hard decision to make on my part, because as Kris (my husband) said “this is your decision to make, not mine.” Then comes the moment, when you think about the little face that you carried for (almost) 9 months.You think about that same little face that made you cry like a legit baby, when you saw hers for the first time. And you think about all of the little milestones you could possibly miss while being away from her, and suddenly all of the luxuries of a two income household don’t matter anymore. I honestly always knew in my heart what I wanted to do. But it’s still a tough decision to make when you love the company you work for and people you work with.

Now let me be clear, this decision was made using common sense too. I have bills, many student loans to be exact (thanks private Jesuit University), and those bills have to be paid. Thankfully, many federal loans allow you to defer them for multiple reasons. Other bills are able to be covered with one income. Because I am part of the working world, and now the working parent world, I get not everyone has the ability to up and quit their job to stay home with their child. And despite what people may think, not every mother WANTS to stay home with their child. Which I can completely understand, and I believe is just as important as those who do stay home. Although I definitely plan on working again, it takes both the working Mothers and Stay at Home Mothers to show our daughters, and future daughters, they have the right to make their own choices and take their own paths. I say this because we all know how people like to “Mommy shame” mothers for doing the opposite of them, but that will be another post for another day as well.

I believe the decision I made to stay home with Jordyn is one of the best decisions I have made in my entire life. My Grandma told me when I had Jordyn, “the most important job you will have in life is raising your children.” I couldn’t agree more. She is the most important job title I hold right now. Everything she needs, wants, and learns all stems from how we take care of and raise her. How cool is it I get a chance to be home with this little cutie pie for the first two years of her life? That is such a blessing in itself. I’m also thankful for my other military, stay at home mom, framily (friends that become family), who I can hang out with, and still remain sane after talking to a child all day. My Grandma also kindly let me know how crazy no adult interaction can make you too haha.

This is a journey I will for sure be sharing with all of you who would like to keep up with it through my blog. It should be a fun, crazy, interesting, I really don’t know what to expect, ride! If anything, lets just hope it at least makes us laugh a lot. And with this little character of a daughter I have here, I have a feeling there will be plenty of posts that ends with all of you laughing at me, or us laughing together. Lets say a prayer it’s the latter! 😉

IMG_0397

-Brie <3

[11.02.14]

All Posts, Dear Diary, Health & Fitness, Physical Health

#28DayJumpstart

Leave a Comment

So… As you all know, I had a baby a little over 4 months ago. I’ve been telling myself since I was pregnant I would start a strict workout routine once I went back to work. *insert an image of me hysterically laughing at myself* I didn’t even gain a full 20 lbs during my pregnancy, but as you can imagine I’m a little “flabby” in certain areas that I would like to be more tone. Working out takes time and commitment that I sorta kinda am too tired lazy to give.

Then earlier this week, my wonderful friend, Charelle, recruited (demanded) me to be her workout buddy for a “get fit” challenge she discovered. She had her little one last December, and we’re both in the same “trying to lose baby weight” boat. I then decided to recruit (demand) my friend Kasandra to join the challenge with us too. I know, I know, we’re really caring and awesome friends ;-).

The 28 day jumpstart challenge is by Fit Girls Worldwide, and consists of workouts and fairly strict eating habits. Because I love food, and particularly not so healthy food, this is really going to be a challenge. But at least we have each other to help keep the other on track. Wish us luck, and pray we stay on track for the next 28 days, because we all know how easy it is to stray away. If you would like to follow my daily progress, meal plans, and workouts you can follow my brand new, just for the #28DayJumpstart challenge, public Instagram account at “bjamieson88”. I will be sharing some of my favorite recipes and workouts on my blog as well. If you would like to join the challenge- you can get more information at http://fitgirlsworldwide.com But hurry up and do it soon, because the challenge starts tomorrow! (10/27)

Happy Sunday everyone!

Brie <3

[10.26.14]

All Posts, Family Love

Jordyn is 4 Months Old :)

Comments : 2

My beautiful baby girl turned 4 months old on Saturday, October 18th. I can’t believe it’s been 4 months since she has graced us with her magnificent personality . I know everyone believes their child is the best, but she is seriously the best. Her pediatrician could not stop gushing about how “perfect” she is, and I would have to agree ;-). Unfortunately, she had to get the 2nd round of her vaccinations, today. Which means- Jordyn cried…and Mama cried with her. This is the first round I stayed in the room for. The first round of shots she got back in August, Daddy stayed in the room, and Mommy walked ALL the way down the hallway where she couldn’t hear her cry. I don’t know why I thought I’d be any tougher this time around. Sometimes I crack myself up at how unrealistic I am about my own emotions haha.

Jordyn is 13 lbs and 5.76 oz. Measures in the 70th percentile for height (she’s long!) and in the 80th percentile for her head (that’s large too hahaha). She is extremely alert and talkative, and SO close to rolling over on her tummy. Overall, our little one is doing amazing and I am so happy I get to be her Mommy!

Brie <3

[10.20.14]

All Posts, Dear Diary

My Top 5 Halloween Movies

Comments : 2

Once Fall has arrived I get excited, because Fall is clearly the best season. But I get even more excited for the HOLIDAYS! To get in the holiday spirit I will share my top 5 favorite Halloween movies to watch during October. I start watching my Halloween movies on October 1st, and not a day earlier. It has sort of become a ritual of mine. Let me know if any of these movies made your top Halloween movies list too!

5.  Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice

 

4. Casper

Casper

 

3. The Addams Family (both of them)

Addams Family Values

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 2. Halloween

Halloween

 

 

1. Hocus Pocus

untitled

All Posts, Dear Diary, Drinks, Recipes

Polar Express Hot Chocolate Recipe

Leave a Comment

It’s that time of year where we are all drinking and eating more soups and hot chocolate to attempt to stay warm in the bitter cold. About a year and a half ago I discovered (a.k.a I craved hot chocolate so I searched for a recipe) the greatest hot chocolate recipe on #Pinterest. It is called the “Polar Express Creamy Crock-pot Hot Chocolate”. However, it could be made on the stove, on low heat, if watched carefully. I have added a few extra ingredients, and modified a few measurements to get it to the perfect taste for my family. I will post the original recipe, with the original measurements, in addition to any adjustments I have made to my version of the recipe.

You will need:

1.5 cups heavy cream

1 can of sweetened condensed milk (14 oz.)

2 cups milk chocolate chips

6 cups of milk [I add 8-9 cups of milk]

1 tsp vanilla extract [I use 2 tsp of vanilla]

[I also add a few sprinkles of cinnamon and nutmeg for extra yummy taste]

Add all of the ingredients to the crock-pot (or large pot) and let it cook on low for about 45 minutes to an hour. Stir the ingredients after the 45 minutes to an hour are up, and see if the milk chocolate pieces have all melted. If not, let it cook for about 20-30 more minutes (or until all melted), stirring occasionally. Once all ingredients have combined properly you can heat it to your temperature of choice and ENJOY! 🙂

Happy Fall!

-Brie <3

[10.13.14]

All Posts, Dear Diary

Wisdom Wednesday: Phylicia Rashad

Leave a Comment

Every 1st Wednesday of the month I will pick a person to write about that has inspired me in some way, shape, or form. These posts will be a mix of famous people, and people I know personally, who make me want to be a better person. It’s almost like the “#WCW” (woman crush Wednesday) only not all of them are women lol. This will be one of my favorite parts of the blog, because hopefully it sheds a little light on some amazing people you may not have known existed, as well as how and why they have impacted me to be who I am. This month I have chosen- Phylicia Rashad.

Most people know Phylicia Rashad from her role as Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show. What always amazes me about Ms. Rashad is how much she truly is Clair Huxtable in real life. I don’t necessarily mean her life story is the same as the story she portrayed on television, but the same elegance, intelligence, beauty, and class she demonstrated on the show, is the same person in real life. There is almost a gift about simply listening to her speak. From her being the first African-American actress to win a TONY Award, to her heavy impact as THEE Mother in the Black community, it is hard not to be inspired by who she is to all of us. On top of her already amazing resume, she is fluent in Spanish (on my bucket list) due to living in Mexico for a few years, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Howard University in the 70’s. She also has received 5+ honorary degrees from colleges all over the country, including Harvard University, for her continuous charity work. Many of them focusing on building up and helping women. With all of the negative images we see surrounding us daily about celebrities, I try to always remember those who are bringing joy to this world. And setting great examples for future generations. If you did not know much about Ms. Rashad before, I hope this encourages you to learn more about her, and why she is such an inspirational woman to me. Thank you Ms. Rashad for teaching me at a young age, three of the greatest qualities a woman can possess are class, intelligence, and elegance.

Phylicia Rashad (older)

Below is one of my favorite Clair Huxtable scenes from The Cosby Show. Jordyn better not even try and pull it! Lol.

[10.08.14]

All Posts, Dear Diary

Married. Mother. Millennial.

Comments : 8

This is the second blog I have started within the last 3 years. I considered picking up where I left off on my last blog, but the truth is, my life has changed (drastically) since then and it made more sense to start fresh. Start at the beginning of sharing my life and personal stories. The last blog I created I was 23 years old, and with a lot less responsibility. Today, I am a week fresh of turning 26 years old [09.27.88], one year and eight months strong as a married woman [02.23.13], and if that isn’t enough change, I have had the honor of being a mother to the world’s most perfect baby girl for three and a half months [06.18.14]. So when I said a lot has changed…I meant it. However, these changes have been some of the greatest moments in my life. I’m sure it sounds cheesy, corny, sappy, or whatever word you prefer, but it is the God honest truth.

My plan for this blog is not only to share my personal life experiences, but also to share everything from recipes, DIY projects, music, and last but not least…laughs. Trust me, between my husband, child, and the dog (Ares) you are bound to laugh often. My next goal is to have a reality television show, because this craziness should seriously be shared with this equally crazy world. Maybe one day this will be the case, but for now, you can just enjoy this blog 🙂

The name of this post is also the quote on my page under what would be considered the “about me” section. I believe it sums up who I am in the simplest of terms. These are the three hats I wear daily. I say hats, because you have to adjust yourself to the current hat you’re wearing based on the time, day, and who needs you. Married Brie tries really hard to appreciate her husband and being married in general. Mommy Brie tries really hard to never take the title “Mommy” for granted. Lastly, Millennial Brie tries really hard to remember at this age and this exact time in life the only person, place or thing that could ever limit her…is her. Those short explanations make it sound like I really have it all figured out. HA! Those explanations are what the ideal of each situation would be, but I fall short more often than not. As I’m sure we all do at times. Lucky for you all you get to read and see my short comings first hand with this blog. Makes you wonder why I would willingly do this, huh? Don’t worry, it makes me wonder too, but for some reason I enjoy it. I hope and pray you all enjoy this journey as much as I do. Happy and Blessed Sunday to all of you! Talk to you soon 🙂MarriedMotherMillennial

-Brie <3

[10.05.14]