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Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Top 10 "Good" Morning Ideas ....


Hey Y'all:

Last week was mid winter recess her in NYC. Every single day of the week my precious 5 year old was up and at 'em watching TV or on the computer before I could leave the house to head to work. Most morning he would give me a kiss and send me on his way. Fast forward past his week of 'relaxation' he WILL not get out of the bed and get ready for school!

Do children have an internal clock that can tell the difference between school days and days off? He has the same early bird syndrome on the weekend! Monday - Friday it's a struggle to get him out of bed and ready for school, but come Saturday and Sunday he is the FIRST person awake in the house.

Well here is my fun list of things to do to Erick to get him out of the bed, most are my last resort after yelling his name to make him wake up. Not sure how much it bothers him the rest of the day... but it's just a bit of payback for the weekend when Mommy wants to sleep in.


10. Pull the covers off and touch him with my cold hand

9. Tickle him until he can't take it anymore

8. Turn Nick Jr. on and if he doesn't get up turn it off. I know he's listening to whatever show is on at the moment.

7. Whisper in his ear

6. Sing a good morning song! He hates when I sing to wake him up.

5. Set an alarm the night before to a music station that he likes.

4. Drizzle cold water on his back

3. Yell "Erick Nana is here" (cruel I know but he loves his Nana!)

2. Promise him a gift from Walmart (he knows they have plenty of Thomas the Tank Engine toys)

1. Dress him while he's asleep then stand him up and say "It's time to go." This is only done the day after bath night. That way we only have to brush his teeth and wash his face.

I know some of these are just plan mean but hey.... a mother's gotta do what a mother's gotta do.What creative ways can you share with me to wake up this little boy Monday - Friday?

Until next time...
MUAH!

Adoption Wednesday: Another Alternative


Hey Y'all:

I know it's been quite some time since I've posted an Adoption Wednesday post and I do apologize. I was going through a little something with my family and wasn't feeling to good about talking adoption, since I was pretty much told I've been a bad adoptive sister. None the less I'm still an advocate but want to share something a little different today.

If you are unable to adopt a child how about a pet?
A very dear friend of mine had to put her life long family pet Shadow, down earlier this year. Shadow was 15 years old and was a rescue puppy. My friend is now looking to adopt a new pet. After intense searching she found a few great websites that helped her in her search. She's still waiting for approval but she'll soon have a beautiful dogie (that's what Myles calls them) to call her own.

If you are considering the addition of a pet to your family please think about adopting instead of buying a really expensive pet from the pet store or breeder. There are domestic animals out there who need your love.

Here are a few good sites to aide you with your search.
Adopt A Pet
PetFinder
Humane Society
ASPCA

Until next time...
MUAH!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Confession

Hey Y'all:


They say confession is good for the soul.

I have a confession...

I'm addicted

To Hoarders! The reality show on A&E.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Each 60-minute episode of HOARDERS™ is a fascinating look inside the lives of two different people whose inability to part with their belongings is so out of control that they are on the verge of a personal crisis. Whether they're facing eviction, the loss of their children, jail time, or divorce, they are all desperately in need of help. In a fly-on-the-wall style, we'll capture the drama as experts work to put each on the road to recovery. But cleaning is just the first step, like taking drugs away from an addict. The healing won't be easy. For some, throwing away even the tiniest thing -- a sponge, a button, an empty box -- is so painful that they will not be able to allow the cleaning to be completed, no matter the consequences. For others, professional help and an organizer's guidance give them the strength to recover. At the end of each episode we'll find out who has been able to keep their hoarding behavior at bay and who, despite help, is still lost inside this painful disease.

Now listen I don't buy into all of the darn reality shows out there I actually can't stand them. There are just too many on way too many subjects... but this one, I'm really addicted to.
It's like a train wreck, it's so bad but you just can't turn away. I never realized that people live in such unsanitary conditions and don't seek help for their issues until it's to late. There have been shows that I was just sickened by and truly saddened. I always ask the question, why in the world do most of these folks have pets? One episode had a family of three women and 10 yes I said 10, cats! On this same episode one of the women had carpet beetles on her bed that she slept in every night and didn't even know that it was contaminated. One family had so much nastiness going on that the husband tried to commit suicide and the children were going to be taken away. Now do you see why I'm addicted?

I know that we all have obsessions and some people even have hoarding or pack rat tendencies. It's really important that you realize your issues and address them before it's too late.

Addiction is real and I have one....

Do you watch the show?
Here is a sneak peek if you don't


Until next time...
MUAH!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Bodacious Blogger!!!!

Hey Y'all:

TGIF...
I don't know about you but sometimes short work weeks seem so long! I was dragging through my day, took a moment to visit my girl HangingWithMrsCooper and now I'm smiling. MrsCooper gave me a Sunshine award!

Isn't that beautiful?
I know... I'm special!

I visited the lovely blogger Happliy Blended who awarded MrsCooper and found the Bodacious Blogger award. Instantly I knew I had to give some out. Here are the rules:
  • Choose 5 blogger's that you are totally addicted to reading that you feel deserves a little something something extra for all of their hard work, time and dedication.

  • Tag each of those blogger's in a post linking to their most recent blog post.

  • Then, grab the code from the box below and add it to your post so the recipient of the Bodacious Blogger Award can grab it and pass on the love. (or rather right click and save image from my blog)
My 5 Bodacious Blogger's are:

HangingWithMrsCooper - If it weren't for her I wouldn't be blogging today. She is my Blog sister with whom I have plenty of things in common. Especially knowing what 'possible' is!

TheYoungMommyLife - My girl is ALWAYS on point. I love the Challenge Series she launched in January and her latest post has me smiling from ear to ear!

TellMeKC - Love this blog because they are cute savvy young women. Although they don't blog often when they do it's worth the read.

Mocha Dad - His musings are often really funny but thought provoking as well. Two posts in particular really made me laugh & think check out The World's Most Embarrassing Dad and The Wrong Response

Such The Spot - This one is where I get my food fix. Darcie often has some seriously mouth watering treats.

Then, answer the following questions:

What do you love most about blogging? Blogging is a great release for me. I love writing and being introduced to blogging has opened me up to writing for others. It's a brand new world and I really do love it.

What do you dislike about blogging? Not knowing if anyone is reading what I'm putting out there. It's heard to tell because I don't get very many comments so it's a little disheartening. But I write anyhow. It's also hard sometimes to figure out what I want to talk about. Knowing the balance between what others what to read and what I want to say can be difficult.

What is the one thing you hope to achieve from blogging? I really want to share my thoughts and change someones life. I want folks to know the importance of adoption, what it means to be the mom of multiples and how important it is to follow your dreams.

Well folks until next time...

MUAH!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

"Scholar Ladies" Hope Christian School

Hey Y'all:

We all know the "Single Ladies" a.k.a. "put a ring on it" song from Beyonce and have seen so many different parodies, but this however is by far my favorite.

These young ladies understand the importance of education switching up Beyonce's lyrics to "If you learned it, then you should have got an A on it" love it!
The fact that their teachers were excited to participate in this song speaks volumes for Milwaukee's Hope Christian School .



Hope you enjoyed.

Until next time...
MUAH!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Black History Month 2010 Cool Campaigns

Hey Y'all:


We are three weeks into the shortest month of the year, which also happens to be the month that we celebrate Black History month. I've been browsing the web trying to find cool Black History Month campaigns that I could get into and I've found a few that I would like to share.


Nordstrom is celebrating Black History Month with a compilation CD of Big Band Legends with greats such as Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald. The CD $18.95 and all after-cost proceeds from CD's sold February 1-December 31, 2010 will benefit Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.


Verizon has a very cool program running with BlackPlanet titled The State Of Black - a collection of views and ideas that identify African-American culture. The program hosts a webisode series that showcases individuals and stories to help examine our remarkable journey.Please check it out and view the video of my hubby Jazz musician Stix BONES


Target always has a fabulous Black History Month campaign and this year is no different. Just as in years past their theme is Dare. Dream. Do. for 2010 they are highlighting "four extraordinary people who Dare, Dream, and Do every day" Malaak Comptoin - Rock - Founder & Director of The Angel Rock Project, Steve Stoute - Author Co-Founder/CEO, Translation Marketing, Marcus Samuelsson - Chef and Cookbook Author and Marc Morial - President and CEO National Urban League


Yahoo! Events has a pretty nice program going on that highlights the achievements of Blacks from Slavery-Abolition to Recent History makers, which showcases people like Cartoonist Aaron McGruder is the creator of "The Boondocks," Respected actor, producer, and activist Don Cheadle and Dr. Michael Eric Dyson has come a long way since his days as a teen father on welfare; just to name a few.

BlackVoices has a robust program this year as usual. sponsored again by Target. I specifically like the Black History 365 section that is up year round celebrating African Americans

Take a look at these great campaigns when you have some time and celebrate Black History Month with your family and friends.

Until next time...
MUAH!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Everyday Superstar: United Negro College Fund

Hey Y'all:


Here is another installment of Everyday Superstar. Today I'd like to highlight The United Negro College Fund.


We all know that motto "A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste" and are familiar with the "Lou Rawls Parade of Stars" telethon to benefit the UNCF. Over the past few years the major event is the televised An Evening of Stars®, which recently aired on BET/Centric and honored Lionel Richie.


Here is a little bit about The United Negro College Fund


The UNCF enables more then 60,000 students to close the educational
gap between African Americans and the majority population by providing operating
funds for its 39 member colleges, administering 400 scholarship and internship
programs, serving as a national advocate for the importance minority higher
education by representing the public policy interests of its students and member
colleges, and by using print and electronic media to carry out the mission
implicit in its motto.

The UNCF symbol resembles a torch. Traditionally, torches have been used to
represent knowledge and enlightenment. UNCF uses a flame and torch base to
represent how the organization lights the way for advanced learning and
leadership. The flame represents the light of knowledge that all UNCF students
seek.

The UNCF was incorporated on April 25, 1944 by Frederick D. Patterson (then
president of what is now Tuskegee University), Mary McLeod Bethune, and others.
In 2005, the UNCF supported approximately 65,000 students at over 900 colleges
and universities with approximately $113 million in grants and scholarships.
About 60% of these students are the first in their families to attend college,
and 62% have annual family incomes of less than $25,000. UNCF also administers
over 450 named scholarships.

I celebrate the UNCF because "A mind is a terrible thing to waste" and through this organization many African American young men and women are using their gift of education to better their communities and the world!


Please check out the BlackPlanet page that UNCF is sponsoring to promote it's latest scholarship contest with Verizon. Not in need of a scholarship? Well you can upload your spoken word on the UNCF motto here and enter a contest to win $1,000.
Don't forget to send me your Everyday Superstar.


Until next time...

MUAH!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Celebrate Valentine's Day 2010 with the Kiddies

Hey Y'all:

Valentine's Day is this Sunday! I've searched the internet (so you don't have to) and found some great ideas for a kid friendly Valentine's Day.

  • Create a word search puzzle here using fun Valentine's Day words and of course the names of each of your family members.

  • Make Breakfast together. Try this YUMMY Baked French Toast Recipe here

  • Create fun Valentine's Day activites like cards, coloring pages, word scramble etc. so much fun!

  • Make up a fun family story, poem or song
  • Have a family portrait taken and send them out to loved ones. Try Target, Kmart or Sears for inexpensive portraits.
Happy Valentines Day!

Until next time...
MUAH!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Twin Tuesday: Terrible Twos!


Hey Y'all:

While searching the web for assistance with the terrible twos stage for the twins I came across a terrible twos countdown calculator this is what it says:

You have 418 days - 12 hours - 9 minutes - and 0 seconds until your child is out of the terrible twos phase.

Folks I'm not sure if I'm going to make it. My babies have become little, tiny, super cute "NO" yelling defiant crumb snatchers! They say NO to everything, they fight, they cry for no reason, they don't want to go to the potty and they don't even want to kiss me anymore...

Here is what happened last night:

Me: Myles please eat something
Him: No thank you
Me: Come on eat the sweet potatoes and chicken
Him: No
I then proceed to try and put it in his mouth but of course he spits it out and then asks me to wipe his arm off.

--------
Me: Leah please put the candle back
Her: No
Me: Leah put it back now
Her: OK Mommy
Then she gets the plug to the cell phones to drape around her neck.

-------
They fight with Erick and each other...

Leah: Mywooooooooos (Myles in Leah speak) give meeeeee pacifiya (that's pacifier in Leah/Myles speak)
Myles: Noooooooooooo
Leah: Give me
Myles: Noooooooooooooo, mine
Leah: Mommmmmmmie
Me: Will you PLEASE stop fighting
Erick: Mommy Myles just punched me in my stomach

It's non stop from the time I walk in the door until they are finally asleep.

What happened to my babies? I want them back and this stage to be OVER.

Any seasoned twin parents out there who can get me through this???

Until next time... (pray for me)
MUAH!

Everyday Superstar: Mother Clara McBride Hale

Hey Y'all:

Welcome to my second edition of Everyday Superstar in honor of everyday people doing extraordinary things. Today I would like to spotlight a very inspirational individual

Mother Clara McBride Hale April 1, 1905 - December 18, 1992

If you are native New Yorker you would have heard about Mother Hale at some point in your life. Mother Clara Hale was a day care provider turned foster mother to underprivileged children in Harlem NY. Mother Hale is inspiring to me because of my love for children and the life's work my mother has dedicated herself to... the nurture of children that she did not birth into this world.

I remember reading a book about Mother Hale when I was in Jr. High School. She was a very loving and caring person who went beyond the call of duty when it came to children in need. Mother Hale was influential in providing homes and safety for children who were homeless and those born drug addicted. This story was so powerful and still stands out in my mind. We need more Mother Hales today, there are still so many children who are in need of her love, attention and care.

Here is a bit more about Mother Hale directly from the Hale House website:

In 1969 at the age of 64, Mother Hale was prepared to retire when one day her daughter, Lorraine, encountered a woman on a street corner having difficulty holding her baby and obviously in need of assistance. Lorraine stopped and explained to the woman that if she needed help caring for her child that Mother Hale would happily lend a hand. She gave the woman her mother’s address, and on the next day, the mother and child appeared at Mother Hale’s door.

It was evident to Mother Hale that the mother was a substance abuser; and so that baby became the first of many babies born exposed to drugs or alcohol to be nurtured by Mother Hale. Within six months she was again caring for babies in her small apartment. This marked the birth of Hale House.

A few years later, Mother Hale, with the help of her daughter and some very supportive local elected officials acquired a brownstone in Harlem. Mother Hale and the children she cared for at that time moved to their new home, which is still the site of Hale House today.

During the 1970’s, the scope of work initiated by Mother Hale increased to include many programs for at-risk children and their families. In the 1980’s, as the urban drug problem gave way to the AIDS crisis, Mother Hale responded by taking in children who had lost their parents to the disease or who were themselves born infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Read more here

Be sure to email your Everyday Superstar to deveterb@gmail.com

Until next time...

MUAH!

Friday, February 5, 2010

This and That:TGIF


Hey Y'all:



You might be wondering, why the radio silence from MrsDeveter this week? Well honey there has be A LOT going on. So here's a little bit of this and a little bit of that going on with me.

Monday was great... I came up with the idea to host Everyday Superstars which will highlight the lives of influential African American's in our community. My first Superstar is Ms K. O'Neal please check it out here. Be sure to send me your superstar to be profiled.


Tuesday started off great... and then we had a major issue. I always thought my first visit to the ER would be with one of my boys most likely Myles. Boy was I WRONG. While hanging out at their great grandmother's house Leah fell and hit the back of her head on the hard cement floor. I was sitting right there so I know there was no one to blame. She was screaming in pain, when I picked her up I rubbed her head and kissed her boo boo. I thought she just bumped it really hard UNTIL... I saw red! Ugh my baby girl had a gash the size of a thumb nail in the back of her pretty little head in the middle of a braid. I had to undo the braid to get to the gash and find out how deep it was. When I realized it would require stitches I freaked out. Didn't know how to find an urgent care center, couldn't remember who had the medical cards; I was just a mess. Thankfully my sister in law and grandmother were there to help me pull it together for Leah's sake. Long story short after stopping by an ER in the 'hood' that was packed with people; off to Long Island we went, where my little girl was taken care of. Three staples, a banana and cute little white teddy bear, a mother's resolve to forgo the cute little beads in Leah's hair later; we were headed back to great grandma's where Myles and Erick greeted their sister with hugs and kisses.


Wednesday started of pretty good... decided that I wanted to stay home and hang out with my little girl to make sure she was ok. I realized that she was fine when she yelled 'ohhhhh God' to Myles about something he had done. I ended the night with a rather heated discussion with my brother. We came to a conclusion that I think we are both satisfied with and are now moving forward.


Thursday was a great day... walked into my house after work and was greeting with the kids singing my name and Erick jumping up and down because it was bath night.


Today is Friday and I am so thankful... I'm planning for my trip to Disney's Dreamers Academy next week and can't wait to get to Orlando. Looks like I'm going to have some free time before my plane takes off to come back home on Valentines Day so I'm feeling like I might spend some quality MrsDeveter time hanging out with the Mouse!


Until next time...

MUAH!

Monday, February 1, 2010

Everyday Superstar: Ms Kaeisha O'Neal

Hey Y'all:



My Everyday Superstar is Ms. Kaeisha O'Neal. KO and I currently work together and I think she is a phenomenal and inspiring young woman. I asked if she would write a short biography to share, here we go.



I am so excited to be thought of as an Everyday Superstar.

As much as I want to be modest about it, it feels great and ensures me I’m on the right
track. I have to start with thanking my mom for all the inspiration and
encouragement. As far as I can remember I have always been a busy body having my hand in anything I can put my energy into. My childhood was filled with academic
activities and dance; teen years is when I was introduced to contributing to
my community with various volunteer projects and college taught me about
making serious commitments to both myself (personally and professionally) as
well as continuing my service contribution.

This brings me to present day; I am still busy as ever and loving every bit
of it. I am a proud lady of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for the last eight
years and counting. In the past several years I have aligned myself with
other organizations and worked to stay involved consistently and grow
steadily within them. They include
Step Up Women’s Network; Advertising Women of NewYork; New York Urban League Young Professionals and my Alma Mater (UVA) Young Alumni Council.

I am proud of all my commitments and each of them has a positive impact on my
growth. Trying to be the best that I can be, I also make sure that I don’t
over commit myself and ensure I can actually give as much as I can take. In
being consistent I have seen and experience the benefits of it. As I mature
I find that I don’t always have to ask to be involved with various projects,
but I am being tapped to do so. That is an awesome feeling. It means someone
is watching and they like what they see and what I have proven.

What’s next for me? That will be dedicating more time to my blog http://www.tellmekc.com/; working really hard to really train for a fitness competition and finally to start to put
my passions into true action. I have contributed to various organizations and efforts;eventually I want to spearhead my own. So look out for my etiquette school/program for girls and hopefully my own spa.

My advice before I go is: it's ok to dream but put it on paper. Grab that pen and write it out and right it over and over again until it is engraved in your head. Treat each new day like it is a new year this way you give 100% with each sunrise. I hope the spark from my superstar (thank you Mrs. D) inspires you, because so many other super duper stars inspired me and continue to do so everyday.


Ok y'all now that you've seen the first post please send me your Everyday Superstar for next weeks edition.


Until next time...

MUAH!



Black History Month 2010 - "Everyday Superstar"


Hey Y'all:

In celebration of Black History Month I'd like to profile "Everyday Superstars." These are ordinary men, women and children doing extra ordinary things in their community such as mentoring, spearheading a charitable cause or just that person who's willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. The "Everyday Superstar" can also be a church or community organization that is making a difference.

If you have an Everyday Superstar you'd like to profile please email me deveterb@gmail.com with your superstar's story and detailed information on what they are doing to make a difference in their community. Also include a picture of your superstar to be displayed on the post.

Profiles will be published every Monday of this month. Please be sure to let all your friends and family know about this wonderful opportunity to share the good things that Everyday Superstars contribute!

I look forward to reading about your Everyday Superstar!

Until next time...
MUAH!