Skip to content
Subscribe
  • Home
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
  • Faith + Grace
  • Family
    • Motherhood
    • Engagement
    • Wedding
    • Marriage
    • Pregnancy
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
    • Home + Decor
    • DIY
    • Events + Shindigs
    • Cooking
  • Contact

Motherhood

A Christian Mama’s Winter Bucket List
International Day of the Girl 2020
A Christian Mama’s Fall Bucket List
A Prayer of Protection for Our Children
Dairy-Free Life Part 2: My Top Dairy-Free Alternatives
Dairy-Free Life Part 1: Starting Dairy-Free

meloniebygrace

3,269

meloniebygrace

View

Apr 16

Open
I’ve overcome a lot and have been very vulnerable and open in sharing my story:

That I was called “gifted” as a kindergartener, even though my parents were told just the year prior that I would need special education assistance for the rest of my life.

That I parented the daughter from a college boyfriend as a single mom, even though he posted photos (that I took of her) to appear that he was involved.

That I left that college boyfriend after he physically abused me and had been threatening my life for months, even though mutual friends questioned if I was telling the truth.

That I graduated college with a 3.97 GPA, with highest honors, and with my daughter by my side, even though I was called stupid just a few weeks prior.

That I went to law school as a single mom, fell more in love with Jesus, graduated, and passed the bar, even though I made plenty of mistakes along the way.

That I started as an attorney at an international law firm, even though I had been on food stamps while in school.

My point is, I know that strength and resilience comes from believing in Someone bigger than people’s doubt. I am powerful, strong, and resilient because I choose not to let people’s words define me. Jesus defined me and ordered my steps through everything I’ve been through.

People are entitled to their opinions. They are even entitled to dislike you. But, they have no right to define you. His Word beats their words, every time.

I’ve overcome a lot and have been very vulnerable and open in sharing my story:

That I was called “gifted” as a kindergartener, even though my parents were told just the year prior that I would need special education assistance for the rest of my life.

That I parented the daughter from a college boyfriend as a single mom, even though he posted photos (that I took of her) to appear that he was involved.

That I left that college boyfriend after he physically abused me and had been threatening my life for months, even though mutual friends questioned if I was telling the truth.

That I graduated college with a 3.97 GPA, with highest honors, and with my daughter by my side, even though I was called stupid just a few weeks prior.

That I went to law school as a single mom, fell more in love with Jesus, graduated, and passed the bar, even though I made plenty of mistakes along the way.

That I started as an attorney at an international law firm, even though I had been on food stamps while in school.

My point is, I know that strength and resilience comes from believing in Someone bigger than people’s doubt. I am powerful, strong, and resilient because I choose not to let people’s words define me. Jesus defined me and ordered my steps through everything I’ve been through.

People are entitled to their opinions. They are even entitled to dislike you. But, they have no right to define you. His Word beats their words, every time.
...

meloniebygrace

View

Apr 12

Open
The day @emorylaw won my heart!

I remember visiting Emory Law as an admitted student with Raegan. I sat in on Professor Alexander’s property class and of course Raegan, my four month old at the time, began to fuss. Professor Alexander walked up to me, peered down, and said, “Is that your baby?” I thought I would die of embarrassment. He then said, “Well, give her here!” He scooped Raegan up in his arms and resumed lecturing. Raegan stopped fussing and relaxed like she had always gone to law school.

Rather than shaming me, Professor Alexander, those 1Ls in property class, and the whole Emory Law community welcomed me, a young single mom at that time. I committed right then to enrolling and it was one of the best decisions of my life.

I am proud to be an Emory Lawyer. #Classof2016 #16L


The day @emorylaw won my heart!

I remember visiting Emory Law as an admitted student with Raegan. I sat in on Professor Alexander’s property class and of course Raegan, my four month old at the time, began to fuss. Professor Alexander walked up to me, peered down, and said, “Is that your baby?” I thought I would die of embarrassment. He then said, “Well, give her here!” He scooped Raegan up in his arms and resumed lecturing. Raegan stopped fussing and relaxed like she had always gone to law school.

Rather than shaming me, Professor Alexander, those 1Ls in property class, and the whole Emory Law community welcomed me, a young single mom at that time. I committed right then to enrolling and it was one of the best decisions of my life.

I am proud to be an Emory Lawyer. #Classof2016 #16L

...

meloniebygrace

View

Apr 12

Open
Some good news this Monday morning! ⚖️

I’ve been a licensed attorney for almost 5(!) years! It took some time to settle in to my own style, develop my practice based on my passion and interests, and to find my voice as an advocate not only for the client but for myself. After stepping away from my first firm, taking two breaks from practice, and pivoting my career after clerking, I finally hit my stride. I am practicing in the area of law I love and perfecting my craft.

I took a step in perfecting my craft last week — I obtained my Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) credential! This means I possess a strong foundation in U.S. privacy laws and regulations— basically, I help companies protect your privacy online and in the workplace 🤓

In this season of my law practice, I’m taking ground. I’m developing in the area of law I love. It’s been a long time coming. #AttorneyAtLaw #LawyerLife

Some good news this Monday morning! ⚖️

I’ve been a licensed attorney for almost 5(!) years! It took some time to settle in to my own style, develop my practice based on my passion and interests, and to find my voice as an advocate not only for the client but for myself. After stepping away from my first firm, taking two breaks from practice, and pivoting my career after clerking, I finally hit my stride. I am practicing in the area of law I love and perfecting my craft.

I took a step in perfecting my craft last week — I obtained my Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) credential! This means I possess a strong foundation in U.S. privacy laws and regulations— basically, I help companies protect your privacy online and in the workplace 🤓

In this season of my law practice, I’m taking ground. I’m developing in the area of law I love. It’s been a long time coming. #AttorneyAtLaw #LawyerLife
...

meloniebygrace

View

Apr 12

Open
Family bike rides + hiking at Top of the World = Perfect weekend with my family.

Family bike rides + hiking at Top of the World = Perfect weekend with my family. ...

meloniebygrace

View

Apr 9

Open
It’s Friday and I feel fabulous today ☀️ That’s it, that’s the post.

It’s Friday and I feel fabulous today ☀️ That’s it, that’s the post. ...

meloniebygrace

View

Apr 2

Open
A good Good Friday with the youngest 🌷

A good Good Friday with the youngest 🌷 ...

meloniebygrace

View

Mar 30

Open
Our only family photo from Honor’s virtual party. I love my family. Thanks for wishing our baby girl a happy birthday. #WrightforJordanForever

Our only family photo from Honor’s virtual party. I love my family. Thanks for wishing our baby girl a happy birthday. #WrightforJordanForever ...

meloniebygrace

View

Mar 28

Open
Celebrated our spring baby Honor’s first birthday with a virtual party! We mailed flower crowns and boutonnières as party favors, showed a special video with our favorite memories over this year, and did an informal baby dedication! Most importantly, Honor had fun opening gifts and eating cake. Shoutout to @tabletopsandprops for her balloon garland @caseys_cupcakes for her vegan cake!

Celebrated our spring baby Honor’s first birthday with a virtual party! We mailed flower crowns and boutonnières as party favors, showed a special video with our favorite memories over this year, and did an informal baby dedication! Most importantly, Honor had fun opening gifts and eating cake. Shoutout to @tabletopsandprops for her balloon garland @caseys_cupcakes for her vegan cake! ...

meloniebygrace

View

Mar 26

Open
One year of this little lady 🌷 hon·or - /ˈänər/ 🌷 High respect, great esteem 🌷

One year of this little lady 🌷 hon·or - /ˈänər/ 🌷 High respect, great esteem 🌷 ...

meloniebygrace

View

Mar 25

Open
We spent Honor’s birthday (earlier this week) looping Honor into our family traditions: we usually do birthday donuts for breakfast and rooms filled with balloons since Rae turned 4, so Honor received birthday breakfast waffles and balloons in her crib. Honor even wore a crown I made for Raegan’s first birthday. Such a sentimental sweet day. We can’t wait to throw her virtual birthday party this weekend!

Even though we are no longer a blended family in a legal sense (since Joshua adopted Raegan, erasing his role as stepdad), we are still building our sense of unity as one family. I’m intentional in creating oneness and family identity, like by building traditions and passing down Raegan’s treasured baby items to Honor. They’re small but impactful steps to include everyone.

We spent Honor’s birthday (earlier this week) looping Honor into our family traditions: we usually do birthday donuts for breakfast and rooms filled with balloons since Rae turned 4, so Honor received birthday breakfast waffles and balloons in her crib. Honor even wore a crown I made for Raegan’s first birthday. Such a sentimental sweet day. We can’t wait to throw her virtual birthday party this weekend!

Even though we are no longer a blended family in a legal sense (since Joshua adopted Raegan, erasing his role as stepdad), we are still building our sense of unity as one family. I’m intentional in creating oneness and family identity, like by building traditions and passing down Raegan’s treasured baby items to Honor. They’re small but impactful steps to include everyone.
...

meloniebygrace

View

Mar 25

Open
Happy birthday to our youngest baby girl, 🌷Honor Grace Jordan , who turned ONE this week! Our warrior, a fighter in the womb and now a fierce little girl. She’s truly a beautiful gift to our family.

She has grown up into a toddler — walking, talking, running, clapping, jumping on her crib, brushing her hair, walking backwards, and has taken to removing her diaper!

I believe the Lord gave me my girls at strategic times in my life. Honor’s birth ushered me into a “spring season,” which is fitting given that she’s our spring baby. I moved into a season full of new life, fresh growth, and vivid beautiful moments. Having Honor birthed  a new strength in me.

We love Honie-mommy. She brings such beautiful boldness to our lives. Happy birthday, baby girl.

Happy birthday to our youngest baby girl, 🌷Honor Grace Jordan , who turned ONE this week! Our warrior, a fighter in the womb and now a fierce little girl. She’s truly a beautiful gift to our family.

She has grown up into a toddler — walking, talking, running, clapping, jumping on her crib, brushing her hair, walking backwards, and has taken to removing her diaper!

I believe the Lord gave me my girls at strategic times in my life. Honor’s birth ushered me into a “spring season,” which is fitting given that she’s our spring baby. I moved into a season full of new life, fresh growth, and vivid beautiful moments. Having Honor birthed a new strength in me.

We love Honie-mommy. She brings such beautiful boldness to our lives. Happy birthday, baby girl.
...

meloniebygrace

View

Mar 21

Open
Beach day with my girls ☀️🌷

Beach day with my girls ☀️🌷 ...

meloniebygrace

View

Mar 19

Open
Our spring baby Honor Grace is turning 1 next week! 🌷 Because Ms. Honor isn’t a fan of strangers, Mommy (with help from Daddy and sister bear Rae) captured part one of her birthday photos at home 🌷We can’t wait to celebrate her precious life next week!

Our spring baby Honor Grace is turning 1 next week! 🌷 Because Ms. Honor isn’t a fan of strangers, Mommy (with help from Daddy and sister bear Rae) captured part one of her birthday photos at home 🌷We can’t wait to celebrate her precious life next week! ...

meloniebygrace

View

Mar 17

Open
Celebrated my husband’s birthday this week. He told me that when he was single he prayed and asked God for a family, not just a wife, and that God sent me and Raegan to him. He treats us like we are gifts, but truly Joshua is the one that is a gift to us all. He has so enriched every single area of our lives. I love him more and more every day. My mom told me when we were dating, “Oh honey, you’re dealing with a real man now.” That’s right, the gold standard, the real deal, prayers made flesh. Happiest of birthdays to a real one.

Celebrated my husband’s birthday this week. He told me that when he was single he prayed and asked God for a family, not just a wife, and that God sent me and Raegan to him. He treats us like we are gifts, but truly Joshua is the one that is a gift to us all. He has so enriched every single area of our lives. I love him more and more every day. My mom told me when we were dating, “Oh honey, you’re dealing with a real man now.” That’s right, the gold standard, the real deal, prayers made flesh. Happiest of birthdays to a real one. ...

meloniebygrace

View

Mar 17

Open
As I’ve grown older I’ve grown more and more intentional about taking stock.

I’m taking stock of all that God is doing around me, through me, and in me.

I’m taking stock of my own heart and the impact people and culture have on me.

I’m taking stock of the impact I’m leaving on the precious people I’m called to do live with — my amazing husband and our precious baby girls.

Moments like these, with people like this, serving a God like ours, are just too precious to be clouded by things that aren’t pure and holy and good (as defined by God). Take time to get out what doesn’t belong there and behold all that remains — a beautiful life lived for a beautiful King

As I’ve grown older I’ve grown more and more intentional about taking stock.

I’m taking stock of all that God is doing around me, through me, and in me.

I’m taking stock of my own heart and the impact people and culture have on me.

I’m taking stock of the impact I’m leaving on the precious people I’m called to do live with — my amazing husband and our precious baby girls.

Moments like these, with people like this, serving a God like ours, are just too precious to be clouded by things that aren’t pure and holy and good (as defined by God). Take time to get out what doesn’t belong there and behold all that remains — a beautiful life lived for a beautiful King
...

meloniebygrace

View

Mar 1

Open
My love and I attending @thurgoodmarshallbarofficial Annual Awards & Installation Fundraiser. Celebrating fellow @emorylaw alumna @_faithelyse’s installation as TMBA President!

My love and I attending @thurgoodmarshallbarofficial Annual Awards & Installation Fundraiser. Celebrating fellow @emorylaw alumna @_faithelyse’s installation as TMBA President! ...

meloniebygrace

View

Feb 25

Open
This week, we celebrated 11 months with this baby girl!

She’s got 6 teeth now and is trying to say more words. So far she’s added “Papa,” “poo poo,” and “uh oh” to her vocab. Honor understands simple directives like no, give that to me, lay down, and come here.

Honor likes to be chased around the house while she walks as fast she can and squeals. She loves long walks around the house while you hold her hand. Honor spends her days trying to keep up with Raegan. I am filled with love beyond words when I watch my kids play and love on each other. I am the world’s happiest mama with my two girls. I’m so grateful to be their mama.

I’m also really grateful for our friends and family who have loved Honor from afar. We had Honor right at the beginning of this pandemic, so she hasn’t met a lot of our loved ones. Even still, it means the world to me that at least for now we can celebrate her milestones with our online community 🌷

This week, we celebrated 11 months with this baby girl!

She’s got 6 teeth now and is trying to say more words. So far she’s added “Papa,” “poo poo,” and “uh oh” to her vocab. Honor understands simple directives like no, give that to me, lay down, and come here.

Honor likes to be chased around the house while she walks as fast she can and squeals. She loves long walks around the house while you hold her hand. Honor spends her days trying to keep up with Raegan. I am filled with love beyond words when I watch my kids play and love on each other. I am the world’s happiest mama with my two girls. I’m so grateful to be their mama.

I’m also really grateful for our friends and family who have loved Honor from afar. We had Honor right at the beginning of this pandemic, so she hasn’t met a lot of our loved ones. Even still, it means the world to me that at least for now we can celebrate her milestones with our online community 🌷
...

meloniebygrace

View

Feb 20

Open
After Raegan heard me praying boldness over her and Honor, she asked me, “Mommy, what does ‘bold’ mean?”

What came to mind were people who have tough, outspoken personalities. I choked those thoughts back, because they’re inaccurate. Outspoken doesn’t always mean you are bold. Being loud doesn’t necessarily mean you are a leader.

Parents, particularly the mamas to little girls, are trying to navigate a world that is increasingly aggressive. As such, I see a big push to raise children to be loud and aggressive. I get it, especially after millennia of women, especially Black women, being told to hush up.

But there’s such a movement for leadership but little guidance on character.

Raegan is bold because she’s caring. She’s not one to boss people around (at least all the time). She’s collaborative. She invites you in and calls you friend. She doesn’t leave anyone behind. She defends her friends’ hearts. She’s just downright friendly, even when people aren’t friendly to her (even though that makes Mama wanna knuck and buck). She’s the kind of friend I wish I had, and wish I was, growing up. I know full well there’s a whole world out there who will take her kindness as weakness. But they don’t know that true leadership is built on good character.

My hope is that mamas to girls everywhere raise them to be bold. Whether a girl likes to take charge or just be friendly, like my little one, I hope we emphasize that character is what makes her bold and a leader. I don’t have to make Honor or Raegan into bossy girls if that’s not their personality, because bossiness doesn’t always mean bold, and loud doesn’t always make you a leader. Character matters ❤️

After Raegan heard me praying boldness over her and Honor, she asked me, “Mommy, what does ‘bold’ mean?”

What came to mind were people who have tough, outspoken personalities. I choked those thoughts back, because they’re inaccurate. Outspoken doesn’t always mean you are bold. Being loud doesn’t necessarily mean you are a leader.

Parents, particularly the mamas to little girls, are trying to navigate a world that is increasingly aggressive. As such, I see a big push to raise children to be loud and aggressive. I get it, especially after millennia of women, especially Black women, being told to hush up.

But there’s such a movement for leadership but little guidance on character.

Raegan is bold because she’s caring. She’s not one to boss people around (at least all the time). She’s collaborative. She invites you in and calls you friend. She doesn’t leave anyone behind. She defends her friends’ hearts. She’s just downright friendly, even when people aren’t friendly to her (even though that makes Mama wanna knuck and buck). She’s the kind of friend I wish I had, and wish I was, growing up. I know full well there’s a whole world out there who will take her kindness as weakness. But they don’t know that true leadership is built on good character.

My hope is that mamas to girls everywhere raise them to be bold. Whether a girl likes to take charge or just be friendly, like my little one, I hope we emphasize that character is what makes her bold and a leader. I don’t have to make Honor or Raegan into bossy girls if that’s not their personality, because bossiness doesn’t always mean bold, and loud doesn’t always make you a leader. Character matters ❤️
...

meloniebygrace

View

Feb 14

Open
#MyForeverValentine for the last 5 years. A caption could never capture how I feel about my husband, but suffice it to say that it is no exaggeration when I say he’s the best husband and father this side of heaven. His gentle strength has protected and nurtured my heart. He is sensitive to and anticipates my need. He’s my Promise from God, and for that I’m beyond grateful for my Beloved.

#MyForeverValentine for the last 5 years. A caption could never capture how I feel about my husband, but suffice it to say that it is no exaggeration when I say he’s the best husband and father this side of heaven. His gentle strength has protected and nurtured my heart. He is sensitive to and anticipates my need. He’s my Promise from God, and for that I’m beyond grateful for my Beloved. ...

meloniebygrace

View

Feb 1

Open
🖤❤️ Happy first day of #BlackHistoryMonth! 🖤❤️

Things we don’t hear often enough: Black is beautiful. Black culture is deeply rich. Black history includes joy, creativity, and genius.

Celebrating our history so far, making history today, and raising history-makers is what I’m all about ✊🏾

🖤❤️ Happy first day of #BlackHistoryMonth! 🖤❤️

Things we don’t hear often enough: Black is beautiful. Black culture is deeply rich. Black history includes joy, creativity, and genius.

Celebrating our history so far, making history today, and raising history-makers is what I’m all about ✊🏾
...

Load More Follow on Instagram

meloniebygrace

3,269

meloniebygrace

View

Apr 16

Open
I’ve overcome a lot and have been very vulnerable and open in sharing my story:

That I was called “gifted” as a kindergartener, even though my parents were told just the year prior that I would need special education assistance for the rest of my life.

That I parented the daughter from a college boyfriend as a single mom, even though he posted photos (that I took of her) to appear that he was involved.

That I left that college boyfriend after he physically abused me and had been threatening my life for months, even though mutual friends questioned if I was telling the truth.

That I graduated college with a 3.97 GPA, with highest honors, and with my daughter by my side, even though I was called stupid just a few weeks prior.

That I went to law school as a single mom, fell more in love with Jesus, graduated, and passed the bar, even though I made plenty of mistakes along the way.

That I started as an attorney at an international law firm, even though I had been on food stamps while in school.

My point is, I know that strength and resilience comes from believing in Someone bigger than people’s doubt. I am powerful, strong, and resilient because I choose not to let people’s words define me. Jesus defined me and ordered my steps through everything I’ve been through.

People are entitled to their opinions. They are even entitled to dislike you. But, they have no right to define you. His Word beats their words, every time.

I’ve overcome a lot and have been very vulnerable and open in sharing my story:

That I was called “gifted” as a kindergartener, even though my parents were told just the year prior that I would need special education assistance for the rest of my life.

That I parented the daughter from a college boyfriend as a single mom, even though he posted photos (that I took of her) to appear that he was involved.

That I left that college boyfriend after he physically abused me and had been threatening my life for months, even though mutual friends questioned if I was telling the truth.

That I graduated college with a 3.97 GPA, with highest honors, and with my daughter by my side, even though I was called stupid just a few weeks prior.

That I went to law school as a single mom, fell more in love with Jesus, graduated, and passed the bar, even though I made plenty of mistakes along the way.

That I started as an attorney at an international law firm, even though I had been on food stamps while in school.

My point is, I know that strength and resilience comes from believing in Someone bigger than people’s doubt. I am powerful, strong, and resilient because I choose not to let people’s words define me. Jesus defined me and ordered my steps through everything I’ve been through.

People are entitled to their opinions. They are even entitled to dislike you. But, they have no right to define you. His Word beats their words, every time.
...

meloniebygrace

View

Apr 12

Open
The day @emorylaw won my heart!

I remember visiting Emory Law as an admitted student with Raegan. I sat in on Professor Alexander’s property class and of course Raegan, my four month old at the time, began to fuss. Professor Alexander walked up to me, peered down, and said, “Is that your baby?” I thought I would die of embarrassment. He then said, “Well, give her here!” He scooped Raegan up in his arms and resumed lecturing. Raegan stopped fussing and relaxed like she had always gone to law school.

Rather than shaming me, Professor Alexander, those 1Ls in property class, and the whole Emory Law community welcomed me, a young single mom at that time. I committed right then to enrolling and it was one of the best decisions of my life.

I am proud to be an Emory Lawyer. #Classof2016 #16L


The day @emorylaw won my heart!

I remember visiting Emory Law as an admitted student with Raegan. I sat in on Professor Alexander’s property class and of course Raegan, my four month old at the time, began to fuss. Professor Alexander walked up to me, peered down, and said, “Is that your baby?” I thought I would die of embarrassment. He then said, “Well, give her here!” He scooped Raegan up in his arms and resumed lecturing. Raegan stopped fussing and relaxed like she had always gone to law school.

Rather than shaming me, Professor Alexander, those 1Ls in property class, and the whole Emory Law community welcomed me, a young single mom at that time. I committed right then to enrolling and it was one of the best decisions of my life.

I am proud to be an Emory Lawyer. #Classof2016 #16L

...

meloniebygrace

View

Apr 12

Open
Some good news this Monday morning! ⚖️

I’ve been a licensed attorney for almost 5(!) years! It took some time to settle in to my own style, develop my practice based on my passion and interests, and to find my voice as an advocate not only for the client but for myself. After stepping away from my first firm, taking two breaks from practice, and pivoting my career after clerking, I finally hit my stride. I am practicing in the area of law I love and perfecting my craft.

I took a step in perfecting my craft last week — I obtained my Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) credential! This means I possess a strong foundation in U.S. privacy laws and regulations— basically, I help companies protect your privacy online and in the workplace 🤓

In this season of my law practice, I’m taking ground. I’m developing in the area of law I love. It’s been a long time coming. #AttorneyAtLaw #LawyerLife

Some good news this Monday morning! ⚖️

I’ve been a licensed attorney for almost 5(!) years! It took some time to settle in to my own style, develop my practice based on my passion and interests, and to find my voice as an advocate not only for the client but for myself. After stepping away from my first firm, taking two breaks from practice, and pivoting my career after clerking, I finally hit my stride. I am practicing in the area of law I love and perfecting my craft.

I took a step in perfecting my craft last week — I obtained my Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) credential! This means I possess a strong foundation in U.S. privacy laws and regulations— basically, I help companies protect your privacy online and in the workplace 🤓

In this season of my law practice, I’m taking ground. I’m developing in the area of law I love. It’s been a long time coming. #AttorneyAtLaw #LawyerLife
...

meloniebygrace

View

Apr 12

Open
Family bike rides + hiking at Top of the World = Perfect weekend with my family.

Family bike rides + hiking at Top of the World = Perfect weekend with my family. ...

Load More Follow on Instagram
© Melonie by Grace. All Rights Reserved.
Site by

Subscribe

Sign up for updates!