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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Happy 7th Birthday Erick

Hey Y'all:

Today is my oldest son's 7th birthday!

I sit in awe watching his progression from infant to baby, baby to toddler, toddler to preschooler, preschooler to gradschooler and one day I'll be watching him as he walks across a stage to receive his college degree and with the help of God I'll witness his marriage and transition into parenthood!

Here is something I wrote when he was 3 I think I will continue to share this until he turns 10.

My big boy... Current mood: thoughtful


He used to be so small.
Needed me to carry, feed, dress and change him. But a transformation happened. There was a time when he couldn't speak for himself now he can. He couldn't say he wanted milk or to play or even that he wanted to cuddle but now, now he tells me when he's thirsty and says exactly what he wants. The other day he actually poured himself a cup of orange juice. I don't know if I'm supposed to be happy that my baby is now a boy or if I'm allowed to be sad just for a little while, because my baby is now a BOY!

He doesn't have that powder fresh baby smell anymore but instead smells like a little man full of testosterone. Soon he'll be off to school (pre-k but school just the same) and not want to hug, kiss or cuddle with me. What then will I do?

He's growing into a well spoken articulate little person with personality for days. He has his own beautiful mind. He's three and has a favorite number, it's the number 1 and he hasn't changed his mind about it in two weeks. Next he'll have a favorite color then a favorite class and eventually I won't be his favorite girl!

Oh my, my little baby isn't a baby anymore! The child that I prayed for, begged God for is a walking, talking, singing, healthy beautiful little boy and man do I love him. Noggin all day and all, he is my inspiration.

He carries my heart with him and doesn't even know it or care for that matter. He will always be my baby my1 gift from God. A blessing from my womb that was promised to me. He will be a powerful human being he will bring light and love into this world. He will live a life full of joy and accomplishment and most importantly he will be a man after God's own heart. He will love the people of God unconditionally, he will empower those who are powerless, and he will develop ideas for his generation that will change lives. Not because I say so but because it is the will of God for his life. He will live a life fully committed and dedicated to God. He will be a servant and he'll be used of God as an honest upright man come what may!

He will be Erick Jeremiah Brown; Doctor, Teacher, Preacher, Lawyer, Musician, Master Builder, Train Operator etc.... whatever he wants to be he'll be and he'll be it to the glory and honor of God.
My baby is a boy who will grow into a beautiful man, just like his Dad!


Happy Birthday Erick! Mommy loves you.

Until next time...
MUAH!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

LIVE Christmas Tree Fire Prevention

Hey Y'all:

 
This year I'm not in charge of the Christmas tree. I'm a little sad because I loved my tree from last year; which of course was artificial. This year we'll have a live tree, I had to do my research on preventing house fires that spark most during this time of year. According to the US Fire Administration Christmas trees account for 250 fires annually, resulting in 14 deaths, 26 injuries and more than $13.8 million in property damage. Typically shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. Dry and neglected trees can be.

 
So here are some helpful tips from the US Fire Administration on keeping your family safe this holiday season.

  • When picking your tree make sure the needles are green and hard to pull back from the branches. The needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. To check that the tree isn't old bounce the tree trunk on the ground if needles fall off the tree is old. Move on.
  • Once you get your lovely fresh find home put it in the stand with water and be sure NOT to put the tree by heat. I know most of our homes/apartments have radiators by the window which is a prime placement for our tree but safety first. Don't put it there, find another spot that will still allow you to show off your decorating skills.
  • Before you decorate your tree please check your holiday lights. Make sure there aren't any frayed wires, bare spots, broken or cracked sockets or any damage to the strand of lights. This will cause a fire. After you've confirmed their safety (or purchased new lights) do not overload electrical outlets.
  • When adding ornaments be sure they are non flammable. Stay away from any paper ornaments if you can I know your little cutie made the sweetest paper plate ornament at school, place it somewhere else in the house. Maybe on the fridge or on top of the mantel. 
  • water your tree every night and do NOT leave the lights on over night. When you turn out the kitchen light for the night. Turn off the tree lights as well.
Check the US Fire Administration site for more tips on fire safety (they have some good video's as well) and read some of these Christmas Tree Myths over at the Christmas Tree Association (yes, there is a Christmas Tree Association).

 

Until next time...
MUAH!

 

It's December; are you ready?

Hey Y'all:

I was caught off guard last Thursday when I had to flip my calendar to December.
I'm not ready.

Not for Christmas
Not for 2012

I'm just not ready to say 2011 is over. Not that is was that great a year but because I'm not sure what 2012 will hold. So many things have changed that I'm anxious about the next 12 months. Praying that many things change for the better in this new year but unsure of what actions are going to cause a reaction. Will I be pushed into change or will they organically come?

I haven't purchased one Christmas gift.
Don't even have my customary list.

I don't like being unprepared but I am this year.
Many of our traditions are not going to be upheld this year and this too makes me sad and not ready.

Then I read this scripture and my soul is soothed; if only for a little while
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34

Are you ready?

Until next time...
MUAH!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Adoption Wednesday: Cabbage Patch Kids

Hey Y'all:

I just received an email from Babycenter.com that bought back some very fond memories. Do you remember Cabbage Patch Kids?


Unlike Baby Alive or My Very Real Baby which you received when you were 5 or 6 and played the role of Mommy telling people the baby came out of your tummy;  a Cabbage Patch Kid was adopted.

I'm not sure who came up with this very cleaver idea but when I received my first Cabbage Patch Kid at the age of 8 I was already familiar with adoption and I was excited to adopt my very first child just like my mommy. My dolls name was Anita and she was a cute preemie. I loved her with all of my heart and was so happy to make her a part of my family. Adoption has always been a part of my life and I will continue to be an advocate for it as long as I live.

I am looking forward to Leah adopting her first Cabbage Patch Kid. I pray that she falls as much in love with her doll and the gift of adoption as I have.

Until next time...
MUAH!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Twin Tuesday: School

Hey Y'all;

It's been a while since I've written a Twin Tuesday; that doesn't mean that the twins having been up to a whole lot because lord knows they are B U S Y.

Thankfully Leah's hair is growing back after the "fun" hair cutting incident and she is having a blast in ballet school. Which leads me to the topic of the day. School.

Erick is in grade school
Leah is in dance school
And Myles is in Karate school ... well in his mind he is!

My brilliant little boy has made up imaginary classmates, lessons and teacher. Poor thing wants to be in karate school so bad that he's created the experience in his mind. When ever Erick is talking about his classmates or Leah is naming all the little girls in her class; Myles will say "my teacher told me to kick like this" or "my friend didn't listen to the teacher in class today" it's quite commical and rather sad that we haven't found a REAL school for my baby boy! I love however that he's so smart that he can create the entire experience in his mind and play it out for us.

Yesterday while driving home from church, Leah was talking about dance class and Myles of course chimmed in to talk about karate school; Erick had to shut him down by saying "Myles you don't go to karate school" being the great big brother he is though he didn't leave it at that, he encouraged him by saying... "maybe we can go to karate school with Richard". Well Richard is my God son who lives in Richmond, VA; so I had to shut that down and convince them that I would find a karate school with them.

Until next time...
MUAH!

What's an Infographic? (Child Abuse Infographic)

Hey Y'all:

I love learning new things and recently I've been introduced to a new way to receive information that is quick and visually pleasing.
Information graphics or infographics are graphic visual representations of information, data or knowledge. These graphics present complex information quickly and clearly,[1] such as in signs, maps, journalism, technical writing, and education. With an information graphic, computer scientists, mathematicians, and statisticians develop and communicate concepts using a single symbol to process information.
They are the new rave around the Internet and you should be aware of them because I'm going to start using them while on my journey!

Friday, November 11, 2011

11.11.11 - Veterans Day

Hey Y'all:

Today is a day of rememberance of Veterans in the US. To all those who have served and survived and to those who have gone on. I salute you.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as "the Great War." Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars. http://www.history.com/

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Write It DOWN!!! You NEED a Will

Hey Y'all:

I am a Christian so I'm going to start this very important post with a scripture
Then the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. Habakkuk 2:2 NIV Translation
Over the past year I have attended about 6 funerals; the dearly departed where either close personal friends of my husband and I and or family members of close personal friends. I was charged with writing the obituary's, reading a scripture and the cards and or creating the entire program for the majority of the services. To say I am sick of death is more than an understatement. I'm really quite sick of the sadness and loss but alas death is part of life. After college we are invited to weddings then baby showers and finally we begin to receive calls, emails or Facebook posts regarding the passing of a friends loved one. It's what happens as you get older but it never every gets easier.

The purpose of this post is to share the most important thing regarding death in my opinion. Not that there aren't a million things that can be shared about being prepared for your passing but this one thing in particular is detrimental to the loved ones you leave behind. The scripture I started this post off with is talking about writing down a revelation or an idea or even a desire you have and making it so plan that anybody could interpret it. I am sharing this because the majority of the people that passed away this year did not write their final wishes down; many of them didn't have life insurance policies either so please check out this post when you can.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Adoption Wednesday: November is Adoption Awareness Month

Hey Y'all:

I know it's been awhile since I've posted anything to this section but here I am reminding you that November is National Adoption Month.

This month has been set aside by the U.S. Health & Human Services to raise awareness about the adoption of children and youth from foster care. According to the Administration for Children & Families - This year's initiative focuses on building capacity of adoption professionals to recruit and retain parents for the 107,000 children and youth waiting for permanent families in the U.S. foster care system. 

107,000 is A LOT of children without loving families to call their own. Please spread to word to your family and friends. If you are interested in making a change please check out the following sites for additional information.

Please visit the site to learn more http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/nam/

Until next time...
MUAH!

Friday, November 4, 2011

This Day In History 11/4/08

Hey Y'all:

Do you remember where you were on November 4th 2008?
I do... I was on the line at PS 115 to make history! I was geared up to elect the first African American President of the United States!

Oddly enough I don't see any sites making note of this historic moment today. I searched the net and specifically went to History.com to see what video they had playing for today's history and was saddened to see that President Obama's success wasn't mentioned; am I over thinking or do you agree that to ignore this historic election is wrong?

Tell me what you think.

Until next time...
MUAH!

Mommy What's That???

Hey Y'all:

Over the summer my hubby had a radio interview at a college radio station. He was there to talk about his time at the Sugar Bar playing for Nick Ashford's "Nuttin But the Blues". This interview happened the weekend the legend died and I happened to be off work, the kids were down with Nana for their annual summer vacation so I was chilling. I decided not to sit in the studio while the interview went on... opting to catch up on some reading in the 'green' room. When I whipped out my book I heard a very distinct sound. I kept looking up at the young woman working on her computer assuming she had an old fashioned tone on her PC that made her feel nostalgic but no... I heard the very distinct sound of paper rolling, and a lever being pushed over at the end of the line and a distinct DING. It was a manual typewriter! 

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Happy Birthday to ME!

Hey Y'all:

I get excited about a few things and of late one of them is my birthday! I know most women shun celebrating the day they were born but I pray I never do. I have been blessed to be on this earth for 37 years. I am so happy that God has allowed me to have a fulfilled life, with wonderful family and friends. I pray that this new year I have been given will be better then the last. I won't make any lists or resolutions; I will however vow to continue living my best life!

Happy Birthday to ME!

Until next time....
MUAH!

Friday, October 28, 2011

Book, Books and more Books!

Hey Folks:

I love them.
Always have and always will. I love the feel of the paper between my fingers and the affect of turning pages. I like the sound of the bind cracking as get to the middle of a brand new book. I also enjoy having to tape the spine together when it's well worn and read over and over again, passed down to family and friends. I love to look at them lined up on shelves displaying my diversity and that of others. I LOVE books!

I have a confession.... I'm cheating on them. Yes, I use them every now and then but now that I know how to use my iPad I have downloaded a great number of books both on iBooks and the Kindle app! Is that bad y'all? When ebooks first made their debut I was DEAD SET AGAINST them but now? Now I can't imagine not having the option! eBooks are easy and CHEAP, light and take up far less space. I do however still like to get a real book in my hands every now and then.

Now that I got that confession out; here is my list of Fall must reads. You know you'll be spending more time on your couch in front of the TV as the weather gets chilly so why not tune off the box and create your own images by reading a good book.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Reducing the Risk of Breast Cancer

Hey Y'all:


While watching the Jets game last week I was reminded by all the big brawly football players in hot pink sneakers, gloves and socks that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.


I lost two of my aunts due to the disease and pray for anyone who has also been touched by breast cancer. Both my Aunt Ruby and Aunt Betty were taken from us much to soon due to the ravages the disease had on their bodies. They were both beautiful, vivacious women who contributed positively to the Bennett family. Everyday that I look in the mirror I see their smiles in mine. I miss them more and more each day and honor their lives by making sure I keep mine.

Friday, October 7, 2011

I Have A Dream!

Hey Y'all:

I know, I know, I haven't been on in a while. I'm sorry.
I have so much to share with you thought. I have to start first with my experience today!

I had lunch with Steve Harvey! Ok not by myself but with an exclusive group of Multicultural media folks. Today's lunch was Steve's petition to get the word out about one of his philanthropic efforts - The Disney Dreamers Academy.

The Disney Dreamers Academy is a partnership between Steve Harvey, Essence Magazine and Walt Disney World Resorts . 100 High School students are nominated by parents, teachers, friends or guardians who write essays about their need for inspiration and direction in achieving their dreams. The program’s aim is to expose teens to creative and nontraditional career opportunities in everything from culinary arts to animation, set design and show production to the business of sports, while inspiring them to exceed the boundaries of their dreams and imaginations!

The Dreamers Academy will celebrate its 5th graduating class in 2012. The nomination process is open until 10/31 so please nominate someone you know and share the link with your family and friends! It's a life altering event!


Until next time...
MUAH!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

I Won't Complain!

Hey Y'all:

There is a Christan song that my former Pastor, E.M. Shiver used to sing titled "I Won't Complain" written by Bishop William C. Abney some of the lyrics are ...

I've had some good days
I've had some hills to climb
I've had some weary days
And some sleepless nights
But when I look around
And I think things over
All of my good days
Out-weigh my bad days
I won't complain

Going into this new season I have decided that I'm not going to complain. If there is something going on in my life that makes me unhappy; I am not going to complain but rather do something to fix the situation. After all; all of my good days out weigh my bad days!
 
It's time out for constantly harping about the wrongs that are done, or situations that are preventing us from living our best life. If you are living with any of the "uns" unhappy, unloved, unfulfilled, uninvolved etc. don't complain about it; instead do something about it. Figure out what you need to do to make yourself satisfied. If it means getting rid of the person that makes you unhappy or leaving the job that leaves you unfulfilled do something about it. Don't complain make a change.  
 
 
 

Until next time...
MUAH!

Monday, August 15, 2011

10 Things you should NOT share or ask on social networks


Hey Y'all:

Recently I have had two distinct experiences on facebook that caused me to pause. The first one was a  co-worker finding out about her deceased grandmother via facebook chat, the second was a former co- working asking if I was pregnant based on a picture I uploaded. Both of these in my opinion were out of order! 

How in the world do you think it’s OK to tell someone that their grandmother has passed via a social network?  Sure you can do it with a celebrity, old classmate or even ex-lover but your biological grandmother? I mean really people; what’s wrong with picking up the phone and sharing this information. I would even settle for a text message but a facebook chat??? Unreal!

So here is MrsDeveter’s list of things you shouldn’t say, share, post or ask on social networks which include but are not limited to - facebook, twitter, myspace, blackplanet, Google+, linkedin and foursquare

10. Are you pregnant? – first of all… if you are my friend on facebook and you haven’t seen me post anything in my status about being pregnant; nine times out of ten that picture that you saw of me must not have been a flattering one and made my belly look a lot bigger than normal. However this does not give you free range to ask me if I’m with child – in the comments section of the darn picture where EVERYONE can see. Asking a  woman if she is pregnant is rude and inappropriate and quite frankly (as the receiver) quite hurtful. 

9.  Any content related to sex. No one wants to hear how good or bad your partner is in bed. It’s none of our business and you should be ashamed sharing it! These celebrities who are constantly putting their bedroom antics out in the public are wrong people don’t follow in their misguided footsteps.

8. Birth Photos. Yes we want to see the baby but not when they are making their way out of the womb! You may be the proud parent but most of us are completely grossed out seeing the birthing process. Keep the process to yourself and share the cleaned up photo of your precious little bundle. 

7. I hate you. Never share your breakups, arguments or any negative content on social sites. If you are an adult act like one! I was involved in a facebook conflict with a family member and quickly unfriended the person – picked up the phone to continue our dispute. Social networks are visited by to many people (potential employers, current employers, spiritual leaders, your children etc) it really isn’t a good look to air your dirty laundry on them. 

6. Anything abuse related. Parents we are all tasked with disciplining our children; however the world does not need to know what you did to Johnny when he stuffed the entire roll of toilet paper down the toilet causing a major backup and flooding the entire bathroom. I know what I would do but I don’t think the powers that be should hear about your methods of discipline. I’m just saying…

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Back To School: New School, Old Fashion

Hey Y'all:

Erick  will be attending a new school this coming year, his previous school was a uniformed school. This new one isn't. That's an issue for me! I was one of the few people that was excited about NYC schools requiring children to wear uniforms. As a parent, uniforms are hassle free! No drama trying to figure out what to put him on in the morning or the night before and no competition with other classmates! Uniforms are a no brainier. I wish when we were growing up we were required to wear uniforms. Maybe then so many children wouldn't have had their Lee patches stolen!

Am I wrong for making Erick wear Mommy imposed uniforms? It won't be the same color everyday but I'm thinking; colored polo shirts and khakis. Is this bad? Will he be traumatized because I made him wear uniforms and everyone else was in jeans and graphic tees? I mean I'll give him Friday's to pick a non uniform outfit but for the rest of the week a uniform it will be!

What say you?

Until next time...
MUAH!

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Things I Learned In The First Grade

Hey Y'all:

As we prepare to send our kiddies back to school I am taking a moment to reflect on last year's learning experience. Here is a list of things I learned during First Grade (from Erick).
Each point will be made by song lyrics LOL... cause I'm silly like that. Let me know if you can relate.

  1. "Free your mind and the rest will follow..." Erick's kindergarten teach was awful! She didn't communicate well and wasn't really interested in my son as an individual. She didn't realize that he had issues with testing which in my opinion hurt him the first few months of school until I recognized the issue. Needless to say my mind wasn't free when he began first grade. All I could think about was the disfunction from his kindergarten experience. When I walked into his classroom to meet his teacher I was honestly surprised and excited. My mind became free because Ms. Yawarski (a very petite young lady) looked like she didn't play. She was at the top of her teaching game and was energized by the advancement of her students. I had to free my mind from the previous experience and recognize that Ms. Yawarski was going to provide my son with a positive learning experience and he would be so much better for it. And he was!
  2. "We're Going on a Trip ..." It is not always easy but if you can, attend school trips! Parent/Teacher conferences happen a few times out of the school year (unless your child is having issues) and it is often difficult to speak to your child's teacher during drop off and pick ups. I learned that by attending class trips; not only do you get to see your child interact with their classmates but you also learn a little bit more about their teacher and how your child is actually doing in school and what you can do to help them do even better. That yellow school bus might be uncomfortable but you end up being the teachers favoriate parent by volunteering your time.
  3. "Cry Baby Cry Baby Stick Your Head in Gravy..." One morning Erick just didn't want to go to school! It wasn't the beginning of the school year, it wasn't after a break or weekend it was a random Wednesday and he didn't want me to leave. He cried and cried to the point that I started to cry. I didn't know what to do. I felt like such a bad mom for making him go but what was I supposed to do? From that experience I learned that I am a whimp and when my kids cry it is almost guaranteed that I will boo hoo as well. What can I say...
I'm sure I learned many more things during this past school year but these are the three that stuck out. This coming school year Erick will be attending a differnt school. I am praying that we have a positive learning experience and that he continues on that route that is currently on.

What did you learn from your past school year???

Until next time...
MUAH!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Wordless Wednesday: The Chicken Bone

Yes, he is asleep
Yes, that is a chicken bone in his mouth
Yes, he will strongly dislike me when he turns 17 and finds this on the web!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

(Un) Resolved Daddy Issues...

Hey Y'all:

This past Father's Day weekend I started to write this post and got ... well stuck. Wasn't sure where I as headed but think I still need to post this just for the sake of 'getting it out there".
---
I know there are going to be many beautiful Father's Day posts out there featuring dads and their kiddies and of course I could contribute because my husband is the best dad in the world! Check out why I say that here. This post however is not about my husband but my father.

I am the product of an adulteress union (dad was married, mom was the mistress) I didn't grow up in a household with my father. I know him and do have a relationship with him but it's not what my daughter is fortunate enough to have with her dad. I love my father, but for a very long time I had unresolved Daddy issues. I was very mad at him. I was mad because he (in my opinion) ruined my mother's life. I felt because she was involved with him, she didn't have the life she so deserved. She was never married and has lived her life for her children.

Don't get me wrong I was equally upset with her for a while also. When I became an adult I understood why she was so hard on me about certain things especially revolving around relationships and today I'm grateful for all the lessons she passed down.

But back to my Daddy issues. My mom used to say he treated us like 'second class citizens' I guess meaning that his family with his wife was more of a priority to him then we were; which in all actuality they were. As a married woman I don't know what I would do if my husband had a family on the side. I have no idea how his wife handled a cheating man (I am  not the only illegitimate child he fathered) My mom used to say (when she finally broke up with him) that she was saving his wife from 'wear and tear' kinda rank right? I know. So my issues with my dad have been long going. My dad didn't walk me down the aisle for my wedding because he had something more pressing to handle with his elderly aunt. I still tear up when I look at my wedding pictures and he's not in any of them.

I wish I could pick up the phone and call my dad just to hear his voice; to hear him tell me that he loves me and is proud of me. When I do speak to my dad our conversations are always surface level. We never talk about the real stuff -- like how we really need a second car, new house and some financial relief. We just talk about the weather wherever he is and his health. He asks about the kids but doesn't know that Erick thinks he's Superman, Myles walks around  calling himself Buzz and Leah wants to be a ballerina. All things I'm sure he knows in detail about his 'real' family.

I guess my Daddy issues aren't resolved. Whenever I see him I never talk about the fact that I would love to meet my biological nieces and nephews. We never talk how I would be informed if he fell ill or died. 

Daddy issues are real. I am so thankful that my children will NEVER experience them.  

During father's day I can only reflect upon my husband, uncle and brother in law who are all TERRIFIC fathers. They are selfless when it comes to their children and often even as a grown woman I wish I had that.

Hope you had a WONDERFUL Father's Day with the Dad's in your life. I had a good day but didn't speak to my Dad. Guess I'll finally drop the card in the mail and hope to hear from him sometime this summer.

Until next time...
MUAH!                  

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Twin Tuesday: Fixin' It

Hey Folks:

My daughter has a head full of beautiful locks.
I love putting cute braids, beads, barrettes and bows in it.
It takes a while to do but it's always a joy.
I love doing her hair so I'm sure you could image the horror when she came home yesterday and I found her like this...


When she walked into the house the first thing I noticed was her hair or rather the lack thereof! Here's how the brief conversation went.

Me: Mama what happened to your hair????
Leah: MYLES CUT IT!
Me: WHAT??? Myles why did you cut your sister's hair???
Myles: I was fixing it!
Me: Leah were is your hair?

She goes to her room and pulls her two locks (with beads still attached) out of her dresser draw and presents them to me!


I am floored y'all, I cannot believe:
  1. That he cut her hair
  2. He had scissors that close to her face
  3. She let him! 
As sassy and self assured as she is; how in the world did she allow him to do this to her beautiful locks. Who told him that her hair needed fixing and WHERE THE HECK WAS THEIR DAD????
I am  not sure how long it will take her hair to grow back and I don't know how long it will take me to get over this loss.
Who has a 3 yr old with bangs?
ME

This is truly the life of a twin mom! I love them but Lord knows they cause me to pause! Often.

Here is a picture of her full head of hair pre Myles the barber!


How would you handle this situation? I yelled at everyone (husband included), called my mother and told on them and almost cried.


Until next time...
MUAH!


THE OPEN-TOED SHOE PLEDGE

Hey folks:

I am a little late  posting this pledge since the unofficial start of the Summer is just about a month in the past. I couldn't let the official first day of summer pass without posting the open toed shoe pledge! Ladies get your feet right before you put on those $2.50 Old Navy Flip Flops or $3,000 Louboutin platform sandals!

THE OPEN-TOED SHOE PLEDGE
*please raise your right hand and say the following*


I promise to always wear sandals that fit. My toes will not hang over and touch the ground, nor will my heels spill over the backs. And the sides and tops of my feet will not pudge out between the straps.

I will go polish-free or vow to keep the polish fresh, intact and chip-free. I will not cheat and just touch up my big toe.

I will sand down any mounds of skin before they turn hard and yellow.

I will shave the hairs off my big toe.

I won't wear pantyhose even if my misinformed girlfriend, coworker, mother, sister tells me the toe seam really will stay under my toes if I tuck it there.

If a strap breaks, I won't duct-tape, pin, glue or tuck it back into place hoping it will stay put. I will get my shoe fixed or toss it.

I will not live in corn denial; rather I will lean on my good friend Dr.. Scholl's if my feet need him.

I will resist the urge to buy jelly shoes at Payless for the low, low price of $4.99 even if my feet are small enough to fit into the kids' sizes. This is out of concern for my safety, and the safety of others. No one can walk properly when standing in a pool of sweat and I would hate to take someone down with me as I fall and break my ankle.

I will take my toe ring off toward the end of the day if my toes swell and begin to look like Vienna sausages.

I will be brutally honest with my girlfriend/sister/coworker when she asks me if her feet are too ugly to wear sandals. Someone has to tell her that her toes are as long as my fingers and no sandal makes creepy feet look good.

I will promise if I wear flip flops that I will ensure that they actually flip and flop, making the correct noise while walking and I will swear NOT to slide or drag my feet while wearing them.

I will promise to go to my local nail salon at least once per season and have a real pedicure

I will promise to throw away any white/off-white sandals that show signs of wear...

Ladies if you have taken this pledge, please sign your name in the comment section.

By signing this pledge, you are acknowledging that you will abide by all the guidelines set forth above, and will abruptly let a woman know if she is in violation. Let's keep this Summer crusty feet free!! Not only with the fellas appreciate it, but those of us that do take care of our feet will too.

**LADIES SPREAD THE WORD.TELL YOUR GIRLS TO SIGN THE PLEDGE**

**FELLAS PASS THIS ALONG TO YOUR LADY FRIENDS TOO**
Until next time...
MUAH!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Love & Marriage...

Hey Folks:

When I arrived home a few nights ago I happened upon my husband and our Sr. Landlord outside holding a very in dept conversation. My landlords wife of 42 years passed away less than 3 months ago, he was sitting on the stairs expressing to my husband how much he misses his life partner. He shared what they met when they were 14 and 16 years old and married 2 years later when they were 16 and 18. She was to young to consent on her own so at 16 yrs old her mom agreed to let her marry.

The couple was married for 42 years until her sudden death; one Saturday morning after asking what he would like her to prepare for breakfast. He declined the meal, she stepped into the hallway fell down and was gone! Her last spoken words to her husband, life partner, father of her children and best friend were those of servitude.

As he recanted this very sad story of loss I could only think of the lifetime I pray to spend with my husband. I can only pray that after 42 years of marriage we are still able to be selfless until death do us part.With all the false and negative images we see depicted of marriage these days I'm always looking for positive images of marriage (especially Black mmarriages) listening to my landlord I was inspired to continue building my relationship. I pledge to create an even stronger bond with my husband. I want him to know that without a doubt our family is the most important part of who I am. I'm able to live a successful life because I have him in it.

I never want there to be any doubt about my love, admeration and dedication to him. In my opinion the most powerful words of the wedding vows are "until death us do part".

Until next time...
MUAH!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Reborn Baby Dolls


Hey Folks:
A friend and I were looking at pictures of the twins when they were babies; reminiscing about how cute and cuddly they were at the early stages of their lives. While looking at one of the photo's my friend said that I should get a doll made based on a picture of Leah. Of course we were saying this in jest but being the curious woman that I am I googled 'life dolls' and low and behold I found an article that linked to a YouTube BBC Documentary about Reborn Baby Dolls.

According to Wikipedia -
A reborn doll is a manufactured vinyl play doll that has been transformed to resemble a human baby with as much realism as possible. The process of creating a reborn doll is referred to as reborning and the doll artists are referred to as reborners. Reborn dolls are also known as living dolls or unliving dolls.


So.... what do you think super odd, or really cool?

Yes... this is the type of post that I choose to come back with :-)

Until next time...
MUAH!

Monday, May 23, 2011

{FROM THE ARCHIVES} Work/Life Balance My List

Hey Y'all:

I am a working mom. I love and appreciate stay at home moms but working

outside the home is a choice that I made out of necessity and desire. Necessity because my husband owns his own business without health benefits and desire because I always wanted to be a part of corporate America and didn't want to give that up when I became a mom...

With this choice there is a constant struggle to find the balance between work and life (life for me is my family and everything outside of my 9-6). So here is MrsDeveter's list on making this journey worth living.

1. Know when to say NO! This goes for work and home... you have to know when enough is too much! You have to be able to tell your boss "no I can't stay late today but I can come in a little earlier tomorrow to finish this project ." No at home can happen when family members are asking you to do things that you just don't want or have time to do. Saying no is big on my list and I think I've pretty much mastered it.

2. Realize your role. My friend and I always use the line "stay in your lane." Sometimes it's difficult at home and work to only do the things that you are responsible for. At home if your job is to take out the trash ... take out the trash. Don't sweep the floor, do the dishes and forget to take out the trash. You have to complete the work that is assigned to your hands. If you stay in your lane you won't be exhausted at the end of the day. This goes for home and work. If your job is to make copies and hand them out... do just that... don't read the copy and point out all the errors to the person who asked you to make the copies. That is their job.... STAY IN YOUR LANE!

3. Take a time out . This is really important to me. Even at work I take about 15 mins outside of my (unpaid) lunch to give myself a break. If you are a stay at home parent you need to do the same thing. When the other parent makes their appearance or when your little one finally takes a nap, you need to give yourself a time out! Spring is upon us, take a walk around the block, go to the gym , read a chapter in that novel you started six months ago; do something for YOU. Having time for yourself helps you  take a step back and look at things from a different perspective. It gives you balance.

4. Recognize you can't do it all. Sometimes even the things that are assigned to you can be too much. Recognize that you are human and you can't do it all and you certainly can't be all things to all people. Realize and vocalize your limits and don't feel bad about it.

5. Have fun. The best balance in work/life is enjoying whatever you do. Whether it is working or taking care of your family. Enjoy it and give it your all. Apply items 1-4 and then fun and you have a very good balance in your life. The scale won't always be even but make sure that a portion of fun is always included.

What is the one thing you do to make sure you have balance in your life?

Until next time...
MUAH!

Friday, April 15, 2011

I'm still here....

Hey Folks:

I'm still here just have been 'under construction" personally, physically and emotionally. The next time I post I'll be a much better Mrs. Deveter.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Confession: I Want to Be a SAHM... Sometimes

Hey Folks:

Yesterday I was home when Erick came in from school and he was ecstatic. The look on his face was pure joy and y'all; that really affected me. It has happened before, when I took a sick, personal or vacation day and was either able to pick him up from school or meet him at the door when he came home. He's always shocked but extremely happy. Yesterday it touched me because this means I'm truly missed at home between the hours of 3pm til 8pm.

Because I was home we were able to complete his homework in a leisurely manner instead of rushing through it while I prepared dinner and entertained the twins.
I know we make it look easy but working outside of the home is taxing on so many level and sometimes I wish I could have taken off a few years and stayed at home with my little ones.

Sometimes I wish I was a stay at home mom. Only sometimes.

Until next time...
MUAH!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Wordless Wednesday: Whipping Her Hair

Hey Y'all:

My 2yr old daugher LOVES Willow Smith's "Whip My Hair" whenever she has beads in her beautiful locks she treats me to her own rendition. Today's wordless wednesday is of her whipping her hair back and forth...

Until next time...
MUAH!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Is it Valentine's Day Yet???

Hey Y'all:

Just about everyday of the past three weeks my son has asked me if it was Valentine's Day yet. Granted I did already purchase his Valentine's Day candy for his classmates, teacher and favorite crossing guards but I find it quite amusing that he asks EVERYDAY. This morning like I've done every morning, I've taken him to the calendar for the count down to Valentine's Day.

I'm really not sure why he's so excited about it but because he is I think we are going to make some cards tonight and send them out to family members (especially their Grandmother's) to wish them a Happy Valentine's Day. So what did I do? Head to the web for ideas that I'm going to share with you of course!

What will you do this Valentine's Day?

Until next time...
MUAH!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Top 5 Black History Month Picture Books

Hey There:

As a follow up to yesterday's post here is my list of picture books that are perfect reading for children during Black History month. They each have beautiful illustration and heartfelt stories.

Conrows by Camile Yarbrough














Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Top 5 Must Reads for Black History Month

Hey Folks:

I just began a very intriguing read and think it's perfectly suited for BHM. While reading I decided to create a list of 'must reads' for this month and beyond, of course.

For Adults:

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot 
Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor Southern tobacco farmer who worked the same land as her slave ancestors, yet her cells—taken without her knowledge—became one of the most important tools in medicine. The first “immortal” human cells grown in culture, they are still alive today, though she has been dead for more than sixty years. If you could pile all HeLa cells ever grown onto a scale, they’d weigh more than 50 million metric tons—as much as a hundred Empire State Buildings. HeLa cells were vital for developing the polio vaccine; uncovered secrets of cancer, viruses, and the effects of the atom bomb; helped lead to important advances like in vitro fertilization, cloning, and gene mapping; and have been bought and sold by the billions.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Black History Month 2011 - Everyday Superstars

Hey Y'all:

Welcome to the shortest, sweetest and most historical month of the year.

As I did last year in celebration of Black History Month I'd like to profile "Everyday Superstars."

Everyday Superstars 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!

Friday, January 14, 2011

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2011

Hey Y'all:

On Monday we will celebrate the birth of MLK the great African American Civil Rights leader who had a dream that is in many ways coming to pass. Although we still struggle with racism in America we certainly have come a long way and we have a ways to go before everyone is treated equally.

Last year my son and I participated in a volunteer event with Hands On Network and truly enjoyed ourselves. This year we won't volunteer but we will spend the day working on crafts and projects in honor of Dr. King.

Here's a video you can share with your kiddies so they can celebrate Dr. King.



Until next time...
MUAH

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Books to Start Your Year

Hey Y'all:

At the top of each year I like to read books that will help guide me through a successful year. 
I just finished reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho which I found to be quite life changing, inspiring and spiritually uplifting; I thought it fitting to share my list of books for the first 3 months of the year with you.

  1. The Bible I think it's important to get spiritually in tune at the to of the year so why not read the bible again? There are great study bibles and sites that will help you organize your reading for the year. I just started today and play to be consistent throughout this year. 
  2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is about the journey of a shepherd boy named Santiago. Santiago, believing a dream to be prophetic, decides to travel to the pyramids of Egypt to find treasure. On the way, he encounters love, danger, opportunity and disaster. One of the significant characters that he meets is an old king named Melchizedek who tells him about discovering his personal legend: what he always wanted to accomplish in his life. And that "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." This is the core philosophy and motto of the book.
  3. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne The Secret explains, with simplicity, the law that is governing all lives, and offers the knowledge of how to create - intentionally and effortlessly - a joyful life.
Happy Reading.

Until next time...
MUAH

Monday, January 10, 2011

The English Language and 1st Graders

Hey Y'all:

Now that my big boy is a reader it's interesting to see the learning process. He now has a reading log and must read 15-20 minutes solo per night. We are having fun with this and finally have the opportunity to read all the books I've collected over the years pre-motherhood.

A few nights ago he was reading Thomas and The Castle (yes my 6 yr old is still a die hard Thomas and Friends fan) he was doing well until he got to the word know. "Mommy what's this word?"  I proceed to pronounce the word for him. He looked at me rather perplexed and said "that's not NO. No is spelled N-O, that word has a k in front so it's kaaa-nooo" I explained that the K was silent and that the word was know. He looked down at the page said ok but when he read the next passage that had the word know in it he said it correctly out loud then said 'kaaaa-no' under his breath.


Until next time...
MUAH!

Monday, January 3, 2011

The Walk....


Hey Y'all:

Welcome to 2011! I won't do the whole "this is my year, I'm going to do great things" bit although I totally believe that this IS my year and I AM going to do great things this year. However that's not what this post is about at all.

Just in case you haven't turned on the news over the past week or so you may have missed that the northeast was given a special after Christmas/Kwanzaa treat... more then 20 inches of white powdery snow.

While it was coming down it was beautiful, especially since I was home warm in my pjs watching it fall. The following day however it wasn't as pretty and it was a nightmare to navigate through the streets of New York cities outer boroughs. Thankfully I didn't have to worry about going to work the day after the storm but I did venture out two days later and my oh my did I regret it.

My commute to work took 2 hours longer then normal but my trip home was an even more joyous adventure; I had to walk 2.5 miles home from the train station! I'd like to take this time to thank all the property owners who shovel in front of their homes and business. It makes a huge difference to those on feet and not wheels. I walked because the bus wasn't moving and my patience for crowded buses is quite limited. I can't take the folks who have loud conversations on the phone, people who insist on cursing the driver like the traffic/snow is their fault and I especially have no patience for ignorant people who play their music on their mobile phone without using their earphones! If you follow me on Twitter you can attest to the fact that those are just a few of my public transportation pet peeves.

While I walked I had a chance to get in touch with myself again; which I try to do at the end of every year but my quite time has been limited lately. During this forced walk I had a moment to appreciate me! I learned a couple things about myself during my snowy commute -- I am very determined women. When I realized that I wasn't going to catch a bus I didn't freak out I just started walking and slowed down for a change. I realized that I have great balance! I am a little over weight but I impressed myself by not falling in the snow! I self entertain well! Now I know where my children get it from; during my walk I sung a few songs to myself and played a couple games to keep me focused on making it home without loosing it. When I'm quite I pray; I thought of all my blessings in 2010 and had a chance to reflect on how good God has been to my family. My walk was like a breath of fresh air, the temperature outside was nice and hearing my feet crush the snow was oddly comforting.

I think we all should take self reflective walks every now and then, especially those of us who work outside of the home and are on strict schedules. Quite time is valuable time.

Happy New Year everyone, all the best to you and yours during this new year.

Until next time...
MUAH!