Blending with the French's

Adventures and Anecdotes from Life with a Blended Clan

• Irin & Lanette French

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Ever wondered what it's like to grow up in a blended family with ten members and a golden doodle? Meet Nasir, our enthusiastic and science-loving third eldest child, as he shares his journey through the vibrant and occasionally chaotic world of our household. Nasir brings his unique perspective on being a middle child, revealing both the joys and the sibling rivalries, including his evolving relationship with step-sibling Nehemiah. Through humor and heartwarming stories, Nasir and I recount the memorable family trips, rooftop adventures, and the quirky realization of how age influences our escapades.

In our candid conversation, we explore the essence of family dynamics and the pivotal role of a "boss mom" in steering our large family ship. The episode highlights the experiences of blending families, from the initial adjustments to embracing new members with love and acceptance. Cherished memories, like moving into a new home and meeting our beloved dog Princess, underline the importance of open hearts. Faith remains our anchor, with reflections on keeping Jesus central in our lives, a favorite Bible verse, and a closing prayer of gratitude. Add in a touch of soccer excitement and playful musical moments, and this episode offers a genuine peek into the love and laughter that bind us together.

Lanette:

Hey everybody, it's me, lynette, and we are Blending with the Frenches. So how are you doing today? I'm amazing. How are you? I'm awesome, can't complain, I had a good day today.

Irin:

It was. I enjoyed watching you on the roof. Oh man, Y'all should try to kill me. How you should try to kill me y'all. No, not I. I'm on top of her. I said, baby, can you come hold this ladder so I can get down.

Lanette:

And what'd I do she?

Irin:

gave me the huffs and puffs and she was tired and she didn't want to do what I said.

Lanette:

Oh man, I'm just trying to you know. Are we talking about the?

Nasir:

same person.

Lanette:

Thank you, here I am, y'all trying to work. I said, babe, come hold this ladder. Okay, babe, Back to work. I went holding ladders I had to make sure I was grounded.

Irin:

I realized that I'm 35 years old now and me jumping off the roof angle would be good for my knees, but why not?

Lanette:

You told me when you was a shorty, you used to flip off houses Back when I was little.

Irin:

When I was little, I did, but these knees ain't the same.

Lanette:

You know, ain't that what you told the kids? Just as long as you bend your knees when you jump, I'm going to be good for my knees, yes. So, for everybody who has listened to our previous podcast, for everybody who has listened to our previous podcast, we are excited to know that we had one of our children. We had our oldest son on the podcast with us, and now we have another one of our sons here with us. He is the third oldest child, the one and the only, nazir. Help us welcome Nazir, hi guys. Hey, naz, how's it going Good? How was your day? Good? Awesome. So he is over here, y'all cheesing from ear to ear. He's ready. Yes, he must be super excited to be on the podcast. How do you feel about being on the podcast with us tonight? Good, very good, very good. You been waiting on this. Yes, I love it.

Irin:

So tell us about yourself, man. How old are you? I'm 11. You're 11? Okay? What grade you in 10th?

Lanette:

Great, Okay, what's your favorite subject? My favorite subject is science. Oh wonderful, Okay, then I like that. You like dissect animals and stuff like that?

Nasir:

No, we're doing like projects and today we like yesterday. On Monday we painted planets and then today, today I put planets on top of the room.

Lanette:

That's fun. So I'm like, yeah, that's a lot of fun. So we know that our podcast is about blended families. Right, and you just so happen to be a part of a blended family. How have you enjoyed or maybe you haven't enjoyed being a part of a blended family? What's that been like for you? Good, very good. Okay. So tell us, tell the world, how has being a part of a blended family been good for you? We went on trips together. We did a part of a blended family been good for you. We went on trips together. We did a lot of stuff together.

Lanette:

So, making good memories, yeah, okay, so you were in our middle child. At one point you only had an older brother and then two little brothers under you. How did you feel being that little child? Good, you didn't mind being the middle child. Oh, okay, well, that's good. I know a lot of times sometimes those middle kids they feel like, oh man, I'm left out. Or they may feel like they're always in trouble. They may feel like I don't get that extra piece of candy, even though y'all probably sneak it. Oh, that chuckle tells me probably so. So you didn't mind. Uh, being a middle child and having two little siblings under you, did they always try to take your toys and stuff?

Nasir:

No, I took their toys when I was younger.

Lanette:

Sounds about right, sounds about right. That little child sounds about right to everyone, absolutely. So let's fast forward. Do you remember the first time you met all of the other siblings? They weren't your siblings then, but where were you? We were at the park. At the park, yep, how'd that go? It was good. Did you know who they were? Nope, I was, I don't know. You just thought, man, oh oh, some little kids here I got people to play with. So what was your first memory at?

Nasir:

the tournament and were there certain things specific Some people were playing basketball.

Lanette:

I was beating all y'all I mean blocking shots. And then some people were on the swings.

Nasir:

I'm pretty sure I said it.

Lanette:

But do you feel like you guys got along? No, not yet. So without saying names or you can, because we're very open who do you think at that park didn't get along?

Lanette:

Me and Nehemiah Huh, and babe, tell the world who are those two? Two middle childers, two second oldest, two second oldest on both sides. So I feel like you guys kind of may have been like, hey, who are you, who are you? You know, trying to figure each other out, but how's your relationship with each other now? Good, very good, yeah, I think you guys can understand each other. Huh? Yes, absolutely Matter of fact, y'all are the same color and you're wearing that color today. What's your favorite color? My favorite color is blue.

Nasir:

Oh.

Lanette:

I know your favorite color. My favorite color is blue. Oh, I know his favorite color. What's his favorite color? Green. I don't know why. I thought your favorite color was green too. Uh, you used to be my favorite.

Nasir:

My first favorite color was red, then I changed to green, then I changed to blue.

Lanette:

Man you now listen, it's too many of y'all for us to be able to keep up with what color y'all want. And now, now you're switching up on us. That's really cool, so what questions do we have.

Irin:

So tell us what's been the most, what's your biggest memory?

Nasir:

Make sure you're talking to the mic. When we first got the house and I remember seeing Princess first at first, tell me who Princess is. Princess is our dog. She's a golden doodle. She's a golden doodle and she's a boy.

Lanette:

She gets so happy when she sees everybody. She starts running around Kids, kids, kids, kids, kids. That's pretty awesome. So, as far as first off the house, we didn't even tell you guys Moving into the new house, we didn't share what our house looked like. I don't even know what I said. You said what I said the house is small. How are we going to fit in there? Exactly Because y'all thought, from the outside, looking in, that that house was small Until what, until we came inside and then y'all were like what? We were explosive, Absolutely, absolutely. Yes, we is, and we always know that sometimes Looks can be deceiving Because our house is Never worth it at all. It never is. We were so happy we were able to Provide something for you All, all ten of us Plus our golden doodle Confidien.

Irin:

Create new memories. So, as far as let's see With a blended Family, how does it feel to have A boss mom?

Nasir:

Feels good, she helps and all that stuff.

Irin:

Yeah, what does she help you with?

Nasir:

Sometimes she helps me with homework. She helps to make food.

Lanette:

And let me tell y'all something Beating a family of 10. I'll be in that kitchen tired y'all, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Sorry, keep going. I'll be in that kitchen tired y'all, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Nasir:

Sorry, keep going. What else she helps me with? Mostly everything, yeah.

Irin:

So, as far as the relationship Between you and your boss, mom, do you feel like it's good, it's better, did you? Feel like it was rocky at one point. Yeah, I don't know is good is better. Yes, did you feel like it was rocky at one point? Yeah, why?

Lanette:

I don't know Sometimes. You know, we know that being a blended family, it can be challenging for kids, and that's one thing you know I have to just be open and honest with is for you all coming from a different family, and then now it's like who's this woman? You know, who is this woman with my dad? Um, and we know that sometimes there are people who are trying to take the place of another family member, of your mom or of dad. But that is one thing that I want you all to know. I am never here trying to take your mom's place.

Lanette:

I love you guys the same as I love my own children, and so I think now that you kind of see, like, okay, she's not that bad, I still have my mom plus, I just have a bonus mom to help get you all the things that you want and need. So what's your thoughts on that? It's good, you sure? Yes, okay, that's awesome, and I thank you for seeing me for who I am. Thank you for giving me a chance, thank you for not trying to kick me out of my own house, because there are some kids out there that may struggle with a blended family or having a bonus mom or bonus daddy. They do everything that they can to try to make that parent go away.

Irin:

Do you know anything about that sweetheart? Try to make that parent go away. Do you know anything about that sweetheart? Oh yeah, definitely, definitely. Been there, done that. I love it a little bit. Well, I mean, I come from a plenty thing myself. As far as my bonus dad, I gave him all type of problems and issues on purpose, but the older I get, the more I realize that he's been in my corner. Shout out to my stepdad for being a stand-up man and raising myself and my brother and making sure that my kids are straight. Some people don't even know that, that my kids are straight. Some people don't even know that that is my son, that's my dad. Shout out to Anthony.

Lanette:

That's wonderful. I want to give a shout out to him as well, because all the things that you have taught him has saved us a whole lot of money. When I tell you he was up on that roof today Hanging up those Christmas lights For these spoiled children and myself, I guess I think if you know he mentioned that. Oh man, I'm used to this. I used to be on the roof all the time with AT. So shout out to you AT, because your teachings are not in vain. We appreciate you for that. Not at all. Shout out to AT.

Irin:

So how you feeling?

Lanette:

Good.

Irin:

Good.

Lanette:

Tell us what sports do you play? I play soccer, Soccer. What position?

Nasir:

Defense and offense.

Lanette:

Are you a goalie? Nope, what is the? Do y'all have certain? See, I'm learning y'all. I have never had a soccer player, except for our daughter. She played one game and then COVID happened, so I wasn't able to learn the positions, so you got to teach me. I'll just be out there yelling for you. I don't know what be going on. But come on now, let's go. Let's go Get the ball, let's go. So what's your position? Called Defense and offense.

Nasir:

Okay, I mean, like the person that first has the ball, it's a striker a striker.

Lanette:

Yes, see, I would have thought about baseball, like they just straight out. I guess I have to watch a little more soccer. Huh, your season is going to be starting soon, soon, yeah, I'm excited. Your first game is on the 14th, right? Yeah, the 14th of this month. Yes, so y'all okay. If you have not heard our podcast, as far as us having to schedule out everything, you have to go and listen to it. This is exactly why we have to schedule things, because I didn't know, you did not know, I did not know you had a game on the 14th, dad why didn't you tell her yeah, dad, I honestly have not put it in the calendar, just yet.

Lanette:

So that's why it's very important for us to have a schedule and to put things in the calendar, because I would have not missed your game, because I would have figured out where he was going. But I'm so glad I didn't plan anything because I would have to cancel, because I have a game to be at yeah, we're gonna win 100% this year, right?

Irin:

yes, so last year, yeah, outdoor season, no, I won't.

Nasir:

I won't. Yeah, how many goals are you going for? I got three, two and one. All right, you scored at least one goal. Yeah, for the middle of the season.

Irin:

What do you mean? I guess, as far as, like, the middle of the season, that's my target. Yeah, we're going to take that over into the indoor soccer, right. Yeah, so we're going to take that over into the indoor soccer, right.

Nasir:

Yeah.

Irin:

I'm going to start giving it 100% indoor as well.

Lanette:

I like that. It's like, oh, so okay, what is the difference between indoor and outdoor for you?

Nasir:

Indoor is a whole bunch of stuff, a whole bunch of stuff like what it's a hockey stadium and then you put fake grass on it.

Irin:

Turf. You don't like turf.

Nasir:

What is that?

Irin:

That's what you're talking about the fake grass. Yes, I don't like that, because then if I fall, I'm one of them.

Nasir:

That's a no-no. I'll scratch girls. Yes, I don't like that, because then if I fall, I'm one of them. Bitch, no, I'm not.

Irin:

That's what I said. It'll be all right. So when it comes down to it, though, man, if you're too fat, you're not going to be a good talent, you're not going to win, you're not going to be a good husband.

Lanette:

You've got your husband on the outside, absolutely, because I would think you know it's called the same. I mean, maybe I'm only thinking that because I don't know. But don't worry about the hot, uh, don't worry about the fake dresses. Go out there and give it 110 every time that wall come your way. Put it in your mind it's me, I'm him. You know what y'all been saying. Yes, that's right. You go out there and tell yourself I'm him. Every time that ball come your way, grab it, but don't grab it.

Nasir:

Because then it's called a foul. No, it's called a handball, oh see, gosh found. No, it's called a handball, oh see.

Lanette:

I thought I had it. I thought I had it.

Irin:

So as far as school, you do like science, right? Yes so what's the main thing that you like about science?

Nasir:

We get to do projects.

Lanette:

We read about the solar system.

Nasir:

We're talking about it right now. Your favorite planet, my favorite planet, is Earth. Good answer.

Irin:

So let's talk about one more thing and we'll let you go get ready to bed. So, Woo, yes, as far as you fit the world. How do you deal with the conflict? Like, what do you mean In the family? Like, as far as like with your siblings? Is there any situations that you was like you know what? Let me just talk this out. Do you feel like you need to fight? Like, how do you deal with these issues? Just ignore them. Just ignore them, okay. Do you separate yourself Sometimes, Sometimes, so in the opposite times, like, do you actually Do you like playing with your brothers and sisters yeah, Okay, good good.

Lanette:

Do you like sharing your toys? Uh-oh.

Irin:

If there's one thing that you can change, if there's one thing that you can change about your sister to make her better, who would it be? There's one thing that you would change about yourself to make you better. What would it be? I don't know what. What, what thing are you? What is? What's something that you're working on to make yourself better?

Lanette:

Um, my tongue lies and and you know, we want to say thank you for being here, open and honest about that, because somebody who is listening to you, uh, may be a little boy, the same age as you, a little girl or even an adult that lies, um, because we know when you lie, what happens, you're in trouble, and the truth always what comes back, it comes back. So there's no reason to even tell that lie. Just tell the truth, even when you don't want to, because it's always gonna come back. So thank you for uh acknowledging that that's something that you want to work on and we're gonna hold you to it.

Irin:

We're gonna hold you to it so, as far as, as far as, as far as your chores, what do you like doing the most? Make sure you take notes on this cause.

Lanette:

We wanna make sure we write it down right now you love to do dusting? Oh, whoa love to do dusting, huh. So besides dusting, what else do you like to do? Dusting, huh. So besides dusting, what else do you like to do? Is there anything like wiping the windows in the bathroom? Yeah, what's the least favorite thing doing the bathroom? I mean, no, doing the bathroom, toilet and the bath.

Nasir:

Yeah, nasty isn't it, and?

Irin:

the dish dishes, yeah, dishes so we're going to make sure we put that in one and what I suggest you do because it's funny.

Lanette:

I don't think any of y'all like doing the bathroom and cleaning the toilet and all that. I mean nobody really does. But tell your siblings to aim yes, and if y'all aim properly then we'll be good. Y'all don't have to worry about cleaning up all that extra stuff.

Irin:

So do you have a favorite Bible verse? Do you have a favorite Bible verse? What's your Bible verse?

Nasir:

this week Rejoice. Always break into the way, give all your sins, for this is God's will for you and Christ Jesus. First I say all the answers 4, verse 18 wonderful.

Lanette:

Next one thing we want to make sure that we know who's always number one in our life. It's Jesus. He is always number one in our life as long as we yes, right, he is always number one in our life. As long as we put God first, as long as Jesus is our source, we can never go wrong when we're old and gray and even one day when we're no longer here. We want to make sure that you put God number one in your life and you will succeed in life every time.

Irin:

The reason why is because one day you'll have your own life, you'll have your own house 50 years from now. You'll have your own children, and the only way you're going to survive and thrive is if you have the foundation of God.

Lanette:

I definitely want you to make sure you know who God is and have a good relationship with God. Oh, you know what? Before we get off, I forgot, there's something special about him he loves to sing. No, I don't. Yes, he does. Last Sunday, him and his siblings did an amazing job of singing to everybody. They had that microphone and they were going and they had a good time. Do you want to sing to the people? I'm not going to put you on the spot if you don't want to, but that is something about you. You come from a family that is musically inclined, that can sing, and he likes to sing, definitely. Do you want to sing? No, okay, that's not a problem, not at all.

Irin:

So do you want to end this podcast with a prayer? Can you lead us in prayer?

Nasir:

Yeah, Okay go ahead. God, thank you for this day. Help us with anything tomorrow. Thank you for what you gave me today. Thank you for putting me on a podcast. Help me with the soccer game that I have on the 14th Amen, amen.

Irin:

Amen, amen and amen. Well, I'm Ira, I'm.

Lanette:

Lynette, I'm Nazir and we are.

Nasir:

Blending with the Frenches.