Changing: The Unbalanced Chronicles

This year marks my 24th year of teaching and honestly, I can hardly believe it. Over the years, I’ve worked in many schools, with many different people, and in many different places.   I truly believe that none of it happened by accident. Every person and place was part of God’s divine plan, shaping and preparing me for the next phase of life.   There’s one chapter I’ll never forget, one of the hardest, both personally and professionally in my life. I was entering my tenth year of teaching. I had just returned to work after giving birth to a baby girl who, without exaggeration, screamed colicky tears from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day. I also had a little boy at home who was struggling in school, full of energy, and not progressing in reading. My husband had just been moved to a job he absolutely hated.  I just didn’t know how to ask for help. I had friends, good ones, but admitting I was drowning felt like failure.  I kept going but inside I was hurting a lot mor...

  

  Today, it is important for me to honor, Ginger, my mother in law by sharing a few memories. I remember early on when Darren and I had just started dating, and it was time for me to meet his mother. Darren warned me (and I am paraphrasing), “Now, I will tell you, Mama is a little different. She likes to keep to herself and is particular about her things.” When I arrived at her house, I remember noticing a home that was lived in, a big happy dog, stacks of National Enquirer magazines, and Entertainment Tonight on the TV.   That evening, Ginger and I talked about Hollywood (because I was all into it).  I felt right at home. From that moment on, Ginger always reminded me of my favorite Granny Hamilton. As time went on, Darren and I got married, then came Connor, then Carlee, and we naturally became a family unit.  This past week, as we sifted through countless photos of Ginger and the family, one of my favorite discoveries was her high school scrapbook. It was filled...

  Happy 13th Birthday to our Carlee! 🎉  For the next six months, we officially have two teenagers in the Sechrist household—until one levels up to gasp young adulthood! I can hardly believe it.  Watching the baby of the family grow up is bittersweet, but we couldn’t be prouder. Being a 13-year-old girl in 2025 is no small feat—there’s so much more pressure than I ever remember at that age. But Carlee is finding her strength and I know she’ll navigate this chapter with grace.   My Carlee Favorites— introverted but hilarious, a talented baker, a graceful dancer, and a loyal friend. She’s thoughtful and reasonable, with a heart for animals and a flair for design. My little Gypsy Sister, a decorator at heart, and a true fashionista. Watching her grow into the amazing person she is has been a blessing.  It has been amazing this year to watch this gal find her people, gain confidence in school, and discover her own passions. Seeing her grow into herself has been su...