Lots of new faces this week — welcome to my personal newsletter where I keep it real. Because life happens, so let’s talk about it. This week: a great summer movie, family boundaries, and a giveaway. (No, I’m not giving away my family…🤣)

A lot of you resonated with my last email …that my family can bring out the worst in me, especially when they visit… and how I’ve had to create boundaries that allow me to love them well without losing the best of me (and my mind). 

You've been asking me to get more specific. So, before we move on, I’d like to share a few of those boundaries which have legit saved me. As I write this, we have our third round of family visiting us. (Jesus, take the wheel.) Since I've implemented these boundaries/expectations, it’s allowed me actually to enjoy my time with them. Here's the gist of how it goes down. We either talk or text BEFORE the visit. It goes something like this...

“We’re so excited to see you! Something we are doing with all our company is laying out the expectations for the trip, which ensures all of us have a great time. 

• Please don't leave dishes left in the sink. If it’s dirty, either load it in the dishwasher or hand-wash it. Also, we’re really trying to get all the kids to clean up after themselves. 

• Each family is responsible for half of the dinners (the planning, prepping and cleaning) during the stay.  Breakfast and lunch we’re all on our own. 

• At the end of the stay, please strip the bed sheets and replace them with fresh sheets which we’ll have ready for you. Don’t worry about dirty laundry, we’ll gather all of it up.”

I’m a new person thanks to these boundaries…I hope you find them helpful with your friends and family either when you’re vacationing with them or they visit. 

Okayyyy, moving on. In other news, I’m taking my sweet Caroline to Charleston in a few weeks for an early sweet 16 birthday celebration. (I know, I have no idea how 16 happened!) Raising teens is so tough and when I’m stuck, I keep going back to my lifeline: I ask them “How can I support you right now?” It's also a great question to ask any of your loved ones. But, asking her that question gets her to open up and tell me what’s going on. I’m realizing more and more she doesn’t want my advice (🥺), she just wants me to listen and be there. Since so many of you have teens, I’d love to hear your suggestions on some fun things to do with her while we’re in Charleston. DM me and I’ll share with the rest of our community, too, in a future newsletter. 

And finally, before I sign off, I just want to say thank you so much for taking the time to take my survey last month — you sent hundreds of responses about what I can do better with this newsletter. And I have read every single comment! You’re telling me you’d like more helpful tips, personal stories, career advice and encouraging content. And, you miss my podcast ❤️. (I hope to have some news on that latter one, soon!) 

One more thing…I hope you know there is no one like you. You alone have over 3 billion characters in your unique DNA code. If I were to read your DNA, reading one character per second night and day…it would take 96 YEARS (NINETY-SIX!!) just to read your description. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Because you’re incomparable and only YOU can do what you’ve been called to do in this season. Believe in yourself, friend. I sure believe in you! 

TOO GOOD NOT TO SHARE

I dare you NOT to laugh when watching this.I love her laugh so much. And yes, laughing fits are a thing!

FARIS FAVORITES

1. What I'm Reading

I shared this photo on my IG stories last week, sharing my husband’s and my new morning ritual, reading these connection cards. Lots of you have asked me about them and they’re actually part of Jodie Berndt’s book called “Praying the Scriptures for Your Marriage”. I’m giving away five copies of this book so that you, too, can build into your relationship. You know the drill: be one of the first to send me an Instagram DM with your mailing address.  

2. What I'm Watching

Hubby and I are watching a great TV sitcom called "The Good Place" with Kristen Bell and Ted Danson.  As for a good family movie that some of the guys might even enjoy, check out "Forever My Girl". It’s been out a few years, but my sisters, mom and my brother watched it and we really loved it.  

3. What I'm Buying

I’m a big fan of these fans. They keep flies away from your food when you’re eating or entertaining outside. I’ve purchased them at Sam’s Club and Amazon. Btw, did you get around to trying those fruit fly hacks I shared with you last time we connected? I’ve been loving the hack about pouring hot water with vinegar down the kitchen sink, because that’s likely where they’re laying their eggs (hundreds of them...gross, I know).

If you're a working mom, make sure you're getting THE CARRY™ ALL, the newsletter by and for working moms! I founded CARRY™ in 2022, to create load-lessening content for working moms and to help carry their many burdens.Here's what you missed in last week's THE CARRY™ ALL:1. Letter to the mom who LOVES the season they're in 

2. Encouraging your teen to get a job

3. Why you don’t get just 18 summers

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