• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • WORK WITH ME
  • COLLAGES
  • VIDEO
  • MUSIC
    • “In the Waiting”
    • “Love That Saves”
  • SHOP
    • The Daily Drop
  • CONTACT
    • SUBSCRIBE

Ruthie Ridley

Blog

  • Home
  • About
    • Work With Me
  • collages
  • Video
  • Music
    • “In the Waiting”
    • “Love That Saves”
  • Shop
    • The Daily Drop
  • Contact
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • facebook
    • twitter
    • instagram
    • mail
    • pinterest

{Their Story…First Generation Americans ??}

July 3, 2015 By Ruthie Ridley 9 Comments

Ben and I met at church and were introduced to one another non-chalantly by one anothers families. Benโ€™s family is from England and mine is from Jamaica. They immediately hit it off because of all the cultural similarities.

Ben’s mum was from the London area and Ben’s father was from New Castle (the very north of England). His parents met in the middle (Yorkshire) where Ben was born. Ben first moved to the US in 1988 at the age of 2 due to a teaching opportunity that became available to his father. He then came over again at the age 5 on a more permanent basis. He moved back to the UK when he was 12 to the Lake District (one of the most gorgeous places on earth). Sadly only staying a short while to then move back to the US for another job opportunity for his dad. After a bit more back and forth Ben decided to stay in the US permanently at the age of 21. Ben and I got married right before he turned 22. He has said many times that if he had not met me he probably wouldโ€™ve relocated to join the rest of his family. He absolutely loves England and his heritage is very important to him. This past year Ben was finally able to become an American citizen.

I, on the other hand wasnโ€™t as fortunate to truly get immersed in my roots. I mean, having Jamaican parents is a lesson in culture in and of itself, but to have lived in Jamaica for an extended period of time, I believe it would have helped me understand my culture and heritage more. Jamaica is beautiful, breathtakingly beautifulโ€ฆ the people are even more beautiful but life there can be hard. Jamaica is most known for it’s sandy beaches, waterfalls and track and field super stars but the alarming poverty rates are hard to ignore.

My dad had to quit school at the age of 15 following his fatherโ€™s death to help support his mom and 7 other siblings. He worked the farms day and night. My maternal grandmothe moved to Canada to work for a wealthy familywhen my mom was 2 and would come back for only 2 weeks a year until my mom was 17. Soon thereafter my great aunt sponsored my grandmother and my mom and they moved to the US. My father shortly followed. My mom specifically went back to Jamaica just to have her children because she trusted the medical system more. I spent the first 4 months of my life in Jamaica and almost immediately obtained American citizenship. I have since then gone back several times to visit. I miss it everytime I have to leave. It has been almost a decade since my last visit. Ben and I cannot wait to show the kids Jamaica and all that they have come from.

Ava, Savannah and Judah were born at Yale New Haven hospital in CT. They are first generation Americans. I believe that them being here has an will afford them limitless possibilities. They also have dual citizenship with the UK which made Ben very proud and open ups other avenues for success. As parents we hope that our kids grow to recognize and appreciate the freedom that they have been given and to never take a single thing for granted. We truly believe that our ceiling will be there floor. We thank God for the privelage to raise them in this country. Happy 4th of July weekend!! I hope celebrate this holiday with those you love.

Ruthie xo

 

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with c1 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

Turbans: byย Turbans For Tots

Patriotic Tops: byย Old Navy

 


Filed Under: Fashion Kid, Life, Parenting Tagged With: america, england, family, fashion, fourth of july, generations, history, jamaica, kid fashion, photography

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jalyssa Richardson says

    July 8, 2015 at 8:20 pm

    So fun for them to be able to experience all of the different cultures! Its great that you and your hubby are intentional about showing them their roots. Beautiful!

  2. YourDoll JP says

    July 6, 2021 at 1:33 am

    Very well written information. It will be useful to everyone who usess it, including myself. Keep doing what you are doing โ€“ looking forward to more posts. SEDOLL https://yourdoll.jp/product-tag/sedoll/

  3. takipรงi satฤฑn al says

    September 30, 2021 at 12:20 am

    takipรงi satฤฑn al

  4. shorten link says

    October 27, 2021 at 5:56 pm

    Wow, fantastic blog structure! How long have you ever been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall glance of your website is fantastic, let alone the content material!!

  5. Buy Twitter Likes says

    January 16, 2022 at 3:25 pm

    Kirgin bir gรผn yasadim ama suan mutluyum

  6. Buy Instagram Reels Views says

    January 16, 2022 at 5:56 pm

    inanmiyordum ama geldi ben sok 2 3 bin falan geldi

  7. mountain bike buyers guide says

    January 22, 2022 at 5:21 pm

    very good post, i certainly enjoy this excellent website, persist with it

  8. best athletes foot treatment says

    February 4, 2022 at 4:14 am

    Wow! This could be one particular of the most helpful blogs Weโ€™ve ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Excellent. I am also an expert in this topic therefore I can understand your effort.

  9. the best trampoline says

    February 16, 2022 at 7:45 pm

    Hey there, Youโ€™ve done an excellent job. Iโ€™ll definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am sure theyโ€™ll be benefited from this site.

Primary Sidebar

Ruthie Ridley Blog was established in January of 2015 out of a strong desire to have a place for creative expression both with her love for all things fashion and deep faith in Christ. Ruthie loves classic, timeless style with a side of fun, flirty flair! Faith and family is the foundation of her life where everything she does flows out from. She believes that with hard work and chasing big dreams, anything can be achieved!

Ruthie’s Faves

Find Me on Insta

These sweaters by @walmartfashion are 10/10 ๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€๐Ÿ’จ!!! So impressed with the styles and color ways!! The purple is actually a bodysuit but SO COMFY!! #walmartpartner Which sweater would you rock?!?! Also, the denim is by Sofia Vergara at @walmart and under $30!!
.
.
*Comment LINKS & Iโ€™ll send you details directly to your messages ๐ŸคŽ๐Ÿ๐ŸคŽ

#walmart #walmartfashion
#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKSeasonal #LTKfindsunder50
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/4jepr
Pumpkin ๐ŸŽƒ Girly ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿพโ€โ™€๏ธ!!! . . Yโ€™al Pumpkin ๐ŸŽƒ Girly ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿพโ€โ™€๏ธ!!!
.
.
Yโ€™all know I am OBSESSED with these jeans I posted last week!! So flattering and I LOVE the color so much!! Comes in several different washes perfect for Fall ๐Ÿ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ!! 

I ordered size medium in the bodysuit and size 29 in the denim! Comment LINKS & Iโ€™ll send you deets directly ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿพ
Fall ready baby ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ!!! This corduroy jump Fall ready baby ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ!!! This corduroy jumpsuit is what Fall dreams are made of ๐ŸคŽ๐Ÿฅฐ๐ŸคŽ

Comment LINKS & Iโ€™ll send you a direct message with links to this look ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿพ

#fallstyleinspo #fallstyle #freepeople #freepeoplestyle #fallstyle2023 

๐Ÿ“ธ @etchedintime_photography
His and Hers @walmart new arrivals ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿพ๐ŸคŽ!!! LOVE everything @walmartfashion lately ๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€๐Ÿ’จ๐Ÿ˜!!! #walmartpartner 

Comment LINKS & Iโ€™ll send you these items directly to your DM ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿพ

#walmart #walmartfashion 
#liketkit #LTKfindsunder100 #LTKfindsunder50 #LTKstyletip
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/4iGCE
GRWM ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿพโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿค Pre- fall ๐Ÿ‚vibes but GRWM ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿพโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿค Pre- fall ๐Ÿ‚vibes but itโ€™s 93ยฐ in Northern CA today๐Ÿฅต!! I am obsessed with #abercrombiejeans 90s relaxed fit! And this color ๐ŸคŒ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€๐Ÿ’จ

Comment LINKS and Iโ€™ll send you the link to this entire outfit via direct messages!

I ordered a size medium in the bodysuit and a size 29 in the denim! Everything is true to size!! #abercrombie #abercrombieandfitch #abercrombiestyle #grwm
What I would wear to NYFW ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿพโ€โ™€๏ธ!!! Hav What I would wear to NYFW ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿพโ€โ™€๏ธ!!! Having major Fomo rn ๐Ÿ˜…!!! Went in 2018 & the city is calling me ๐Ÿ˜‚!! Dress from @halfpastthreeclothing - Would rock this ladies or is it too much ๐Ÿ’Ž 
.
.
.
.
.
#nyfw #nyfwstreetstyle #nyfw2023 #nyfwstyle
Look 1-3 which one do you love?! Yโ€™all know Iโ€™ Look 1-3 which one do you love?! Yโ€™all know Iโ€™m not playing when it comes to @walmart lately ๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€๐Ÿ’จ!! The Fall line is on ๐Ÿ”ฅ and these picks are under $50!!!#walmartpartner @walmartfashion #walmartpartner #WalmartFashion #IYWYK #WalmartFinds 

Comment LINKS if youโ€™d like to shop anything in this reel & Iโ€™ll send you a direct DM ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿค๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿพ

#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKSeasonal #LTKfindsunder50
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/4ilGs
3 fabulous #amazonsets for Fall ๐Ÿ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ‚!! 3 fabulous #amazonsets for Fall ๐Ÿ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ‚!! Which set is your favorite?! I love all three so much but Iโ€™m super impressed with this skirt/top set- itโ€™s so luxe!!! & the first set is an amazing free people dupe!!

If you want to shop these finds comment LINKS and Iโ€™ll send you the link directly ๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ’•

#amazonprime #amazonfind #Amazon #amazonfashion #amazonfashionfinds #amazondeals #amazonfinds
Are we rocking leather this Fall ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ I was go Are we rocking leather this Fall ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ I was going for Edgy Chic ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’๐Ÿพโ€โ™€๏ธ!!! Howโ€™d I do ๐Ÿ˜

September is here so you know itโ€™s time to bust out them boots ๐Ÿ‘ข!!! Boots are @vincecamuto - Hope youโ€™re having an amazing week so far ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿพ Linked this look in my bio. 

Follow my shop @ruthieridley on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKshoecrush #ltkfashion 
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/4hKDG
@loft Fall ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‚ drop just hits different ๐Ÿ˜Œ. @loft Fall ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‚ drop just hits different ๐Ÿ˜Œ. So ready for cooler temps!! Which look is your fave?! #loveloft #ad #loftimist
Rate our fits ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ˜†๐Ÿ’•๐ŸŽ‰!!! Our good fri Rate our fits ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ˜†๐Ÿ’•๐ŸŽ‰!!! Our good friend @daniel_giles had an 80โ€™s themed birthday party this weekend so we had to go ALL out!!! 

Whoโ€™s outfit is your fave?! The kids styled themselves and I styled Ben and I ๐Ÿ˜†๐Ÿค. Linked our looks for tall ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿพ!!! I love a good themed party!! We love you @daniel_giles ๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰
One more pink ๐Ÿ’– moment before September hits ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿพโ€โ™€๏ธ!! How is tomorrow September ๐Ÿ˜ฑ

Follow my shop @ruthieridley on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKunder100 #LTKshoecrush
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/4hDsp

Where I Shop

Nordstrom
Nordstrom Rack
Anthropologie
ASOS
DSW
ShopBop
Sephora
Old Navy

Footer

Subscribe

join my list!

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • mail
  • pinterest
These sweaters by @walmartfashion are 10/10 ๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€๐Ÿ’จ!!! So impressed with the styles and color ways!! The purple is actually a bodysuit but SO COMFY!! #walmartpartner Which sweater would you rock?!?! Also, the denim is by Sofia Vergara at @walmart and under $30!!
.
.
*Comment LINKS & Iโ€™ll send you details directly to your messages ๐ŸคŽ๐Ÿ๐ŸคŽ

#walmart #walmartfashion
#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKSeasonal #LTKfindsunder50
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/4jepr
Pumpkin ๐ŸŽƒ Girly ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿพโ€โ™€๏ธ!!! . . Yโ€™al Pumpkin ๐ŸŽƒ Girly ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿพโ€โ™€๏ธ!!!
.
.
Yโ€™all know I am OBSESSED with these jeans I posted last week!! So flattering and I LOVE the color so much!! Comes in several different washes perfect for Fall ๐Ÿ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ!! 

I ordered size medium in the bodysuit and size 29 in the denim! Comment LINKS & Iโ€™ll send you deets directly ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿพ
Fall ready baby ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ!!! This corduroy jump Fall ready baby ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ!!! This corduroy jumpsuit is what Fall dreams are made of ๐ŸคŽ๐Ÿฅฐ๐ŸคŽ

Comment LINKS & Iโ€™ll send you a direct message with links to this look ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿพ

#fallstyleinspo #fallstyle #freepeople #freepeoplestyle #fallstyle2023 

๐Ÿ“ธ @etchedintime_photography
His and Hers @walmart new arrivals ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿพ๐ŸคŽ!!! LOVE everything @walmartfashion lately ๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€๐Ÿ’จ๐Ÿ˜!!! #walmartpartner 

Comment LINKS & Iโ€™ll send you these items directly to your DM ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿพ

#walmart #walmartfashion 
#liketkit #LTKfindsunder100 #LTKfindsunder50 #LTKstyletip
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/4iGCE
GRWM ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿพโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿค Pre- fall ๐Ÿ‚vibes but GRWM ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿพโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿค Pre- fall ๐Ÿ‚vibes but itโ€™s 93ยฐ in Northern CA today๐Ÿฅต!! I am obsessed with #abercrombiejeans 90s relaxed fit! And this color ๐ŸคŒ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€๐Ÿ’จ

Comment LINKS and Iโ€™ll send you the link to this entire outfit via direct messages!

I ordered a size medium in the bodysuit and a size 29 in the denim! Everything is true to size!! #abercrombie #abercrombieandfitch #abercrombiestyle #grwm
What I would wear to NYFW ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿพโ€โ™€๏ธ!!! Hav What I would wear to NYFW ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿพโ€โ™€๏ธ!!! Having major Fomo rn ๐Ÿ˜…!!! Went in 2018 & the city is calling me ๐Ÿ˜‚!! Dress from @halfpastthreeclothing - Would rock this ladies or is it too much ๐Ÿ’Ž 
.
.
.
.
.
#nyfw #nyfwstreetstyle #nyfw2023 #nyfwstyle
Look 1-3 which one do you love?! Yโ€™all know Iโ€™ Look 1-3 which one do you love?! Yโ€™all know Iโ€™m not playing when it comes to @walmart lately ๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€๐Ÿ’จ!! The Fall line is on ๐Ÿ”ฅ and these picks are under $50!!!#walmartpartner @walmartfashion #walmartpartner #WalmartFashion #IYWYK #WalmartFinds 

Comment LINKS if youโ€™d like to shop anything in this reel & Iโ€™ll send you a direct DM ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿค๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿพ

#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKSeasonal #LTKfindsunder50
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/4ilGs
3 fabulous #amazonsets for Fall ๐Ÿ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ‚!! 3 fabulous #amazonsets for Fall ๐Ÿ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ‚!! Which set is your favorite?! I love all three so much but Iโ€™m super impressed with this skirt/top set- itโ€™s so luxe!!! & the first set is an amazing free people dupe!!

If you want to shop these finds comment LINKS and Iโ€™ll send you the link directly ๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ’•

#amazonprime #amazonfind #Amazon #amazonfashion #amazonfashionfinds #amazondeals #amazonfinds
Are we rocking leather this Fall ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ I was go Are we rocking leather this Fall ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ I was going for Edgy Chic ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’๐Ÿพโ€โ™€๏ธ!!! Howโ€™d I do ๐Ÿ˜

September is here so you know itโ€™s time to bust out them boots ๐Ÿ‘ข!!! Boots are @vincecamuto - Hope youโ€™re having an amazing week so far ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿพ Linked this look in my bio. 

Follow my shop @ruthieridley on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKshoecrush #ltkfashion 
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/4hKDG
@loft Fall ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‚ drop just hits different ๐Ÿ˜Œ. @loft Fall ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‚ drop just hits different ๐Ÿ˜Œ. So ready for cooler temps!! Which look is your fave?! #loveloft #ad #loftimist
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Ruthie Ridley· Blog Design by Little Blue Deer
Privacy Policy