Parenthood Archives – Jamieson Diaries

Natural Hairstyles for Kids

March 27, 2019 Comments : 3

How many of you or your children are on the natural hair journey? Taking care of natural hair can be a chore in itself, but it’s worth the work. My daughter started paying more attention to her hairstyles about a year ago. After I braided her hair she ran to the bathroom mirror to admire her hair and tell herself how beautiful she looks. This is when I decided to have a little more fun and switch her hairstyles up every week.

I post Jordyn’s new hairstyles on social media (Facebook and Instagram) on Mondays. The more styles I post the more people are interested in the hairstyles. On numerous occasions people have recreated the styles on their little ones and told me how much they love them. This is when I decided to keep track of her hairstyles to share with other parents for ideas.Read More

All Posts, Dear Diary, Family Love

Happy New Year!

January 5, 2018 Leave a Comment

Happy first Friday of 2018! We’re five days into the new year, and it’s already been a busy start for the Jamieson household. Being a military family always means constant changes in family life and schedules. However, this year, the changes will be a little more drastic considering we’re adding another baby girl to the Jamieson clan on, April 22nd! Yes, I am currently six months pregnant, with one very active and extremely loved baby girl named, Riley. We found out in late August about my pregnancy, shared the news with loved ones in October, and had our gender reveal in December.

As if my pregnancy isn’t enough change for the new year, the hubby will be gone for the first three months of this year for various work activities. The great news about the hubby is, he is officially Tech Sergeant Jamieson. He sewed on his new rank the 1st of this year. Hopefully, this new rank will finally bring us orders to an exciting state, this year. (Preferably orders to the DMV area. Prayers are definitely appreciated!)

The last few months of 2017 brought a lot of events and growth for, Jordyn. She is 90% potty trained (only wears pull-up to bed), was a flower girl in her godfather’s wedding, and started playing organized sports for the first time. She played soccer followed by basketball. Although she enjoyed both, it was very evident Jordyn is a “hands on” type of athlete, so she enjoyed basketball more. She’s extremely excited to be a big sister and hugs/kisses “baby Riley” all the time. She likes to ask in the sweetest voice “can I give baby Riley a kiss and hug?” Melts my heart every single time. Her vocabulary is quite extensive, she’s unbelievably intelligent for her age, and she’s turning into such an independent (head strong) child. I don’t know where the time is going, but I wish it would slow down just a little bit.

If I’m honest, this pregnancy hasn’t been the easiest. Especially considering how easy my pregnancy was with Jordyn. Riley, not so much. Ha! Kris and I have known for a while that we would only want two (biological) kids, so we knew this baby would be our last (planned- lol) pregnancy. I think Riley was listening because she’s making sure this last pregnancy is memorable LOL. However, no matter the amount of nausea, sciatica nerve pain, or tiredness, as long as Riley continues to grow healthy and strong, I’ll continue to be thankful for every second of this pregnancy and this baby girl.

With all of the craziness happening this year, I wrote my goals down, and broke them up into three categories for more organization, and easier accountability. Personal, financial, and blogging/business goals. I made a vision board for the second year in a row, but I hung this year’s vision board up in my living-room to consistently see for motivation on those days I need an extra push. The one goal that directly relates to you all, my readers, is my consistency with publishing posts and being active on social media. It is easy to get caught up in everyday life and lose sight of passions dear to us, but I’m going to actively be and do better, for all of you, but myself especially.

My hope and prayer for all of us this new year is to change and excel in ways we once upon a time didn’t think possible. Whether it’s expanding your family, taking better care of your health, repairing a broken relationship with a loved one, getting a promotion, having the courage to quit that job you’ve always hated, starting your own business, moving out-of-state etc. Let 2018 be the year you do so. We have a brand new, clean slate, year and should use this time wisely. Life is too short to not be the best version of ourselves.

Happy New Year to all of you and I look forward to this year of blogging and journeying with all of you!

All Posts, Music Favorites

“Always You”

April 26, 2015 Leave a Comment

I first heard this song on the season finale of the show “Parenthood” when Sarah was walking down the aisle of her wedding. I fell in love with how beautiful this song is, and was upset at the same time that I hadn’t heard it before then. Although I may have been late to the discovering Ingrid Michaelson party, this is a classic better late than never story, because I love her music. As if “Parenthood” wasn’t an amazing show all on its own, it had to one up itself, and introduce me to awesome musical artists too. Well played “Parenthood” and I miss you 🙁

#LongLiveParenthood

Brie <3

[04.26.15]

All Posts, Dear Diary

My Top 10 Favorite TV Couples

April 22, 2015 Leave a Comment

I watch a lot of TV shows, but there are only a handful over the years where I can say I truly love the onscreen couple. You know what I mean, the couples who in your mind, are real couples and not just make believe for TV. I love all 10 of these couples and refuse to acknowledge they’re married to other people in real life. These are my top 10 TV show couples who in one way or another I like to think about them being a little bit of my husband and I. Who are your favorite TV couples? Share in the comment section below :-).

#10: Phillip and Vivian Banks (the 1st one)

“The Fresh Prince of Bel Air“

There was just a certain sass and realistic vibe between Aunt Viv and Uncle Phil many married women can relate to. Uncle Phil was this big, powerful, lawyer who could scare the crap out of his children, and nephew. Then there was Aunt Viv, who for the most part didn’t have to say or do much to prove she was just as powerful in their home. But when she did, especially towards Uncle Phil, she did NOT play that! Remember when Uncle Phil faked a back injury to get out of going to the lamaze class with Aunt Viv? Now, remember how much he regretted that pooor decision once Aunt Viv went off on him? Exactly. How could I not love their dynamic? Oh, and just to be clear, I only felt this awesomeness when it was the original Aunt Viv. I wasn’t the biggest fan of replacement Aunt Viv.

#9: Marshall and Lily Eriksen

“How I Met Your Mother“

I joined the HIMYM bandwagon a few months before the final season aired. It took my husband and I less than three weeks to watch all eight seasons on Netflix before season nine aired. The one thing I couldn’t deny about the show was how much I loved the cliché mushiness of Marshmellow and Lilypad. Yes, I did just address them by their nicknames. Marshall happens to be my favorite character on the show, because you can’t fake the hilariousness he brings to his character. Plus, as a married woman, who couldn’t love a man who wants to do nothing but love his wife, save the environment, be an awesome friend, and be passionate about great tasting food? Although I don’t love Lily individually as much as I love Marshall, there is no Marshmellow without Lilypad 🙂

#8: Michael and Jay Kyle

“My Wife and Kids“

In my personal opinion, this television show was VERY underrated for how hilarious, likeable, and relatable it was to real life. What is even more underrated was the relationship between Michael and Jay. There are so many episodes I watch of this show and it could be Kris and I giving the exact same dialogue or argument. I love how flirt-y they made their characters. Michael was always making metaphorical flirt-y comments to Jay, without the kids catching on to what he was implying, or talking about. Now that I am married, I completely understand how important the playful flirting is in a marriage. I love Michael and Jay’s characters for being a very positive and realistic married couple.

#7: Corey and Topenga Matthews

“Boy Meets World“

I am a big fan of Corey and Topenga for many reasons. A few of those reasons being; this was one of my favorite shows growing up, they met when they were children and it reminds me of my husband and I, and lastly they were a really good example of how messy, crazy, and awesome young love can be. Despite how young they were there was just something so admirable about Corey and Topenga’s innocent love. Even when one of them made a mistake, it was so innocent you couldn’t help but want them to work it all out. Remember when ~~Corey kissed~~ that girl kissed Corey and him and Topenga were separated for a little while? Then she met a guy who kissed her as well? I’m pretty sure every single one of us were holding out hope of them getting back together even when it seemed like it wouldn’t because…they’re Corey and Topenga, damn it! Of course they worked it out and proved once more why we love them.

#6: Nathan and Haley Scott

“One Tree Hill“

I used to make fun of my best friend for watching this show in high school. A few years later I would be eating my words because this is one of my favorite television shows EVER. I got so attached to the show I found myself legitimately disliking characters to the point of hating them if I saw them in other television or movie roles. Yes, it was that serious. As much as I was team Lucas and Peyton from the beginning, there is nothing that compares to Nathan and Haley a.k.a. Naley. I think the biggest appeal of their relationship was how much they had to grow, change, and support one another in the toughest situations. Unlike many of my other couples on here, there wasn’t very much “realistic-ness” of this entire show. I’m pretty sure the only person who had an actual parents was Lucas. However, the rest of these high school kids were living in huge parent-less homes, emancipating themselves from their rich parents, becoming superstars, then getting married and pregnant all while in high school, and living as one big happy family. Despite how insane it sounds, Nathan and Haley’s love was something special. If you can watch this show and not get the feels when Nathan and Haley get back together after her superstar stunt then you clearly have no heart! Just kidding…sort of.

#5: Martin and Gina Payne

“Martin“

How could Martin and Gina NOT be on this list? I wish I could explain how much I completely relate to Martin’s non-stop goofiness, and Gina wanting to kill him at least half the time. It’s the story of my life being married to Mr. Jamieson. No, seriously. He is a huge comedian, goofball, and crazy person wrapped up in one person, and because of this I’m usually the one who has to balance us out to bring us back to Earth…but it works. Just as Martin and Gina’s relationship worked. Remember the episode of the first night they returned home from their honeymoon and Martin went to the pool hall with his friends, and Gina presented him with a beeper? (I know talk about throw back) He lost all of his money and clothes to a pool shark, who happened to be a woman, and instead of telling Gina the truth, he told her he ran into a burning building to save orphans? Exactly…LOL. They were a great example of how much couples are guaranteed to drive one another borderline CRAZY, but it’s all worth it in the end.

#4: Crosby and Jasmine Braverman

“Parenthood“

There are very specific characteristics of both Crosby and Jasmine that are extremely similar to my husband and I. There are too many to name, but I will say it is what makes watching them so much fun. If you have ever watched the show Parenthood, they are also the only couple who don’t make me dislike them for being extremely ~~stupid~~ ridiculous. Crosby is the classic boy who doesn’t completely grow up until he meets a woman to make him do so. He is a great combination of caring, confused, and completely in love with, Jasmine. Jasmine, is your awesome woman with undeniable talent and the most stable mother for their son. I also appreciate the fact that she is so kind, but will put someone in their place as “nicely” as possible :-).

#3: Eric and Tami Taylor

“Friday Night Lights“

If you haven’t watched the show FNL, I suggest you stop what you’re doing, turn on your TV, go to Netflix, type in “Friday Night Lights” and press play. Once you’ve started I don’t have to tell you not to move, because you’ll be too hooked to the show to move anyway. Once you’ve started watching, you will immediately understand why I love Eric and Tami Taylor. They are PERFECT. When I say perfect, I mean they are what marriage is ACTUALLY like. You can see the many moments where Coach Taylor is worn out and doesn’t want to be the man of his house and sometimes many other houses, but he sucks it up and deals with it. Then you have housewife gone workforce, Tami, who has to pick and choose the difference between support and sacrifice. They argue and always come back around to how much they love one another in the end. But seriously, just watch the show, and love them as much as I do.

#2: Heathcliff and Clair Huxtable

“The Cosby Show“

Does this TV couple really need an explanation as to why they’re one of the best television couples of all time, especially in Black households. Two extremely succesful people who were even more realistic as parents. If you don’t believe me, and you’re one of the few people who lives underneath a rock and haven’t seen this show, you should watch any episode of Vanessa getting in trouble. (I don’t know what it was about their second youngest daughter, but she got in enough trouble for all 5 of kids combined.) Clair Huxtable is my spirit animal. She is the epitome of who I want to be when I grow up. She’s an awesome wife, mother, and lawyer. Cliff is who all wives want their husbands to be. A man who thinks he’s right, but knows the saying “happy wife, happy life” is the only way to live 😉

#1: Dwayne and Whitley Wayne

“A Different World“

If you know me, you know I am obsessed with the show ADW, and even more obsessed with Dwayne and Whitley. This is a show I feel EVERYONE should watch to learn more about themselves and others. The progression of Dwayne and Whitley’s relationship over 6 seasons was nothing less than perfect. They are two extremely different people from very different backgrounds, and they completely balance each other out. They were beyond believable with their chemistry and I’m still holding out hope to this day that they get married in real life haha. Whitley is such a handful and can be quite crazy ~~at times~~ most of the time, but a very intelligent woman. And Dwayne is probably the only person who can bring her back down to Earth when need be. More than anything, as a woman, one of my favorite parts of their relationship is the way Dwayne adores, Whitley. I am a typical romantic who gushes for men who adore their wives. The sentimental side of Dwayne Wayne is what makes him the greatest TV husband, ever, in my book. 🙂

Brie <3

[4.22.15]

All Posts, Dear Diary

Farewell “Parenthood”

January 30, 2015 Leave a Comment

The show Parenthood is coming to an end, tonight, after six seasons. To say I am going to miss this show is an understatement. I started watching Parenthood about two years ago on Netflix, thanks to the suggestion from my friend, Krissy. I watched the first two episodes and knew I was hooked. I was hooked for many reasons..

The main reason being I saw my own family in these characters. This huge, tight-knit, loving, easily angered, slow to forgive, boundary overstepping, mixed family. This was the first television family I have seen that seems to really demonstrate to all of us what having a large family is truly like. Growing up in a large family has its ups and downs. There are awesome moments when having a large family is the best! For example, in the show, when Drew had a baseball try-out, or when Victor got adopted, and the ENTIRE Braverman clan showed up to support them. (Whether they liked it or not) However, as with anything else in life, with the good comes the bad, and sometimes having a large family means people can overstep their boundaries of “closeness.” For example, when Kristina started the argument in the emergency room about the Luncheonette that turned into a huge blowout between Adam and Crosby. But what I really saw in these examples were how close families actually operate. There are going to be times when we absolutely adore each other, and there will be other times where we make each other SO mad or SO crazy, but in the end, an “I’m sorry and I will always love you” is all that matters. When families lose sight of the love and dwell on the anger, it makes for a lot of broken families and ultimately partially broken people.

Outside of seeing my own family in this show, I see what some would call my “ideal” immediate family. I want to have four children. Two biological and two adopted. Although none of the original four children are adopted in the show, there are four of them. I’ve always loved the idea of having a large family of my own. I’ve always loved thinking about my kids having multiple siblings to have their back and confide in if they can’t in Mom and Dad. Being the crazy lady during the holidays that I am, I even think about how Thanksgiving and Christmas will be amazing with a house full of craziness and children, or as I like to call it, a house full of LOVE :-). I even think about the future, and how our children will have their own little families, and them all bringing all of their families to Grandma and Grandpa’s house for Thanksgiving and Christmas traditions. ~~Sort of~~ almost exactly like the Thanksgiving and Christmas episodes of Parenthood in season 4.

What also makes a show lovable, is whether or not it is relatable. From Max’s Asperger Syndrome to Crosby and Jasmine’s interracial marriage, everyone somewhere could relate to a character or situation on this show. Even the different marriage dynamics were skillfully and thoughtfully planned out. There are characters I love (Drew) and other characters that make me insane (Kristina).They discuss issues that make us happy (helping children with special needs, adoption, college acceptance, etc.) and they discuss issues that are hard to talk about (cancer, abortion, alcohol abuse, etc.) No matter the issue, the writers always beautifully showed the right and wrong ways to handle conflict resolution. I believe in today’s world, with all of the sensitivity and conflict taking place, we could all use a television show that shows us how to respectfully and lovingly deal with conflict and how to resolve it like adults. Because the truth of the matter is, we are human and will not always agree on everything our loved ones say or do.

The last reason I love Parenthood, is because it was a nice wholesome family show, almost everyone could relate to at some point in their lives. The first time I heard myself say “wholesome show” out loud, I realized I was definitely a Mother lol. It was nice to have a show I could watch with anyone from my Grandmother to my sister-in-law, and not have to feel uncomfortable thinking an inappropriate scene could happen at any time. It was nice to watch a show where you didn’t hear the characters calling each other disrespectful degrading names for ratings. And more than anything it was nice to watch a show that demonstrated the meaning of unconditional love and undeserving forgiveness.

Shows like Parenthood come around every once in a blue moon. It’s sad, but it’s true. After six amazing seasons, tonight will be the last time I cry on a Thursday night watching Parenthood. (If you watch this show then you know crying is a norm) I’m SO beyond sad to see this amazing television show go off the air, but I’m even happier it ever existed. Here’s to praying one day I have a large family of my own to recreate this family dynamic in real life. As for now, I will enjoy the beginning and building stages with my awesome husband, my amazing daughter, and my entertaining dog.

Farewell Parenthood. Thanks for the made-up yet beautiful memories!

Brie <3

[01.29.15]

All Posts, Music Favorites

“Embraceable You”

January 13, 2015 Leave a Comment

I’ve been re-watching older seasons of the show Parenthood on Netflix. There is a scene where Kristina is teaching Max how to dance, and she chooses this particular Ella song I happen to love. Then again, how can you ever go wrong in any situation playing a little Ella? 🙂

Brie <3

[01.14.15]