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Thursday, December 20, 2012

MrsDeveter's Top 5 Christmas Songs

Hey Y'all,

I know it's sad but I'm really just getting into the spirit of Christmas. 2012 has been a difficult year to say the very least but my mom came into town yesterday and she helped decorate the outside of the house so now I'm feeling 'Christmasy". Music is a HUGE  part of my life (I am after all married to a musician) so I would like to take this opportunity to share a short list of my all time favorite Christmas songs.

Coming in at #1 is My Favorite Things a song that is often questioned about being a Christmas song but alas it always passes. This version was arranged by my awesome hubby Stix Bones


#2 Skating by Vince Guaraldi


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Christmas in Newtown



Their presents were wrapped with care and placed under the tree. Their stockings are no doubt stuffed and hanging on the mantel. Those goodies will never be opened by their intended recipients, and the stocking suffers will go unused. Christmas is Newtown will be very somber and my prayers will be with all the families who don't have children bouncing on their heads to wake up on next Tuesday morning, or the loved ones who came from near and far to celebrate birth are now memorializing their loved ones.

My prayers, thoughts and well wishes are with all those who will cry this Christmas not because of the birth of our savior but because of the loss of so many innocent souls.

Pray with me and join any of the following pages and show your support for the families in Newtown CT.

How You Can Help
Christmas for Newtown Facebook page

Until next time...
MUAH

Friday, December 14, 2012

Happy 8th Birthday Erick

Hey Y'all,

I have been a mommy for 8 years!!!!
8 yr old Erick (watching TV)
Being the mother of this amazing little boy has taught me so much about myself, the world and life in general.  Erick is a terrific big brother who loves Leah & Myles with an unconditional love. It's a work in progress but he's a good student and caring friend. He isn't into sports instead I can see see and will encourage his interest in filmography. He still has a wonderful amount of innocence and it's a bit of a struggle to get him to move away from his love for Thomas the Tank Engine. I'm so proud to be Erick's mom, and know that he is going to make a positive impact on this world. As promised I wrote the below post when he was 3 (on myspace no less) and will share this until he turns 10! Then I'll have a decade worth of content to share.



Happy 8th Birthday Erick Mommy loves you!




Sonogram of Erick
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!


My baby is a boy who will grow into a beautiful man, just like his Dad!


Until next time...
MUAH!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

12.12.12. Twelve Songs featuring the #12

Hey Y'all:

This date will not come around again in my lifetime so as a mommy here is my fun way of recognizing this unique date.

Here are 12 Songs that reference the number 12

#1 Sesame Street: 12 And Pinball Animation


#2 12 Days of Christmas (Gospel Style)


#3 Hip Hop 12 (The 12 Disciples) Cute


#4 School House Rock Little 12


#5 12-Bar Original- The Beatles



Adoption Wednesday: Pushpa Basnet

Hey Y'all,

I am inspired by Pushpa Basnet.
Ms Basnet is the 2012 CNN Hero of the year. This 28 year old woman rescues children from behind Nepal's prison walls.

According to the CNN Heroes page written by Kathleen Toner; Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world -- according to UNICEF, 55% of the population lives below the international poverty line -- so it lacks the social safety net that exists in most Western nations. Space is extremely limited in the few children's homes affiliated with the government. So when no local guardian is available, an arrested parent often must choose between bringing their children to jail with them or letting them live on the streets. Nepal's Department of Prison Management estimates 80 children live in the nation's prisons.

At the ripe age of 21, while studying social work in college Basent discovered her calling. As part of her studies, she visited a women’s prison and was disturbed by the dire condition and shocked that children were living behind bars. Instead of simply completing her course and walking away unaffected Basent made a life altering decision. She decided to start a day care to get incarcerated children out from behind the prison walls. She started with five children, picking them up every weekday morning, brought them to her center (which she built from donations from family and friends in Kathmandu); and returned them in the afternoon. According to the report nothing like this had ever been done in Kathmandu and many of the children in her care had NEVER been outside of the prison. Two years after she got started Basnet established the Butterfly Home, a children’s home where she herself currently resides and has for the past five years. She is teaching the children cooking, washing, shopping and educational lessons. The atmosphere feels like an extremely large family, a feeling that's fostered by Basnet, who smothers the children with love. The children reciprocate by calling her "Mamu," which means "Mommy." I am posting this as an Adoption Wednesday post because Basnet has gone above and beyond her call as a humanitarian.

What are you doing to help the children in your community that are less fortunate? This Holiday Season we are fulfilling Winter Wishes through NY Cares. They still need volunteers so please visit their site and agree to take some of their letters. Many of the letters are from children who suffered loss during Super Storm Sandy.

Until next time...
MUAH!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Rockefeller Plaza Christmas Tree 2012

Hey Y'all,

The kiddies came into the city yesterday to see the big tree. Here are a couple flicks that I think will make your Wednesday a little merrier.

On the M Train Headed to 47/50th Rockefeller Plaza

The 2012 Christmas Tree

Myles' shock at the size of the tree

The 3 Little Browns in front of the lights

Christmas Ornaments NOT on the tree. This disturbed Leah.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Keep Your Sneakers ON!!!

Hey Y'all,

Erick's Parent Teacher conference was last week and it was successful. We were already aware that he wasn't doing very well in math and we also know that Erick has issues with focusing, he procrastinates and often doesn't finish his assignments in class. 3rd grade has been an up hill battle but I'm confident that we will get over this hurdle and Erick will be the A student I know he was born to me.

Now going into the conference I was nervous. Not because I thought I would hear any horrific stories about his behavior or that I would be surprised about His difficulties... nope I knew about all of that before we walked in. I was worried about Erick and his sneakers.

Erick does not like to have anything, ANYTHING on his feet! Ever! well let me change that in the summer he doesn't mind wearing his $19.99 Payless sandals. He loves those things and if it were up to him he'd wear them year round. I wrote about his shoe issue a couple weeks ago in this post. The first thing that comes off when Erick gets home from being outside are his shoes then his coat etc.

This is nothing new. My son has always stripped when he's comfortable (literally) first the shoes and socks, then his shirt and finally his pants until he is down to his Hanes underwear. We have to MAKE him keep his clothes on when he gets to his great-grandmother's house. Any who during his parent teacher conference I listened and waited, asked questions about his academics and waited and finally the other shoe dropped. "The only problem we have is that Erick takes his socks and shoes off." says Ms. Powers.... My husband and I apologize profusely and say that it's a sign that he's comfortable in her classroom which she appreciates. We call Erick over and ask him to promise that he'll keep his sneakers on moving forward. He said he would.. Hopefully he keeps his word.

This was the note we received in his homework folder the Friday after the conference.


Parenting is no joke!

Until next time...
MUAH!

Friday, November 30, 2012

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition

Hey Y'all,

In a effort to get my butt into gear for Christmas I looked into the phenomena of The Elf on The Shelf.



I think this is such a cool idea. I would love hiding the elf around the house. It could be our bedtime story for the next 25 day's starting Dec. 1st.

Now here's a problem... I told the children that my husband and I are the Elves. We kinda told them that there is no Santa. Sooooo will this work??? I think they would still enjoy this 'magic' that we'll create for the holiday season. I've been hearing about The Elf on The Shelf for a couple of years now and just didn't bother to look into it. I think I'm going to do it this year!

Check out what some other parents are doing


What is the Elf on a Shelf? 
Elf on a Shelf Ideas
101 Elf on A Shelf Ideas

Are you celebrating with this tradition?

Until next time...
MUAH!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Native American Heritage Month: Don't Say That!

Hey Y'all,

In honor of Native American Heritage month I've really been brushing up on my political correctness.

As a new employee of Indian Country Today Media Network  which Features the world’s most comprehensive and innovative online Native news and entertainment site, serving Native and American Indian tribes nationwide. It features Native American Journalism Association award-winning writers and reporters, and a team of columnists composed of tribal leaders, members of Congress, and the foremost Native thinkers, writers, and artists in Indian Country. ICTMN’s featured articles cover a vast array of subjects such as Native and American Indian opinions, politics, arts, environment, genealogy, and more. Updated many times a day, this site delivers to our audience rich, fascinating articles with captivating pictures and videos and daily late-breaking news alerts featuring the most-up-to-date current events about Native and American Indian culture throughout the web.

It is my job to know and fully understand the Native American culture. That being said I've learned that I've been saying some rather politically incorrect things for many years!

The following terms are derogatory, not welcomed and disliked by the Native community. Please do your best to remove them from your vocabulary lest you be embarrassed.

"Redskin" - My Dad LOVES the football team but did you know that the term redskin is considered by some to be offensive?  The reasoning behind the meaning seems to split into three areas of thought: the skin color of Native Americans, the warpaint Native Americans used before battle, or the bloody scalp remnant resulting from a Native American crossing the path of a bounty hunter. 

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Adoption Wednesday - Transracial or Transcultural Adoption


Hey y'all:


The Carr family of Iowa
Since today is Wednesday I thought I would tackle the issue of trans racial or trans cultural adoption. We know it's happening. In NYC you can walk down the street any given day and see a Caucasian mommy with a beautiful Asian little boy or girl. When you are involved with non domestic adoptions nine times out of ten you are going to adopt a child that is not the same race or culture as you.


To me this is FINE!


There are plenty of questions I'm sure... but I think they are all answerable. If you are a loving person interested in adopting a child in need of a loving family, the race or culture of the child doesn't matter to me! Now that's just me.... There are people who are totally against it just like those who are against interracial relationships!


Although I am all for adopting out of your race or culture I think it is imperative that you are prepared!


  • If you don't know how to care for a child with hair unlike yours, please be prepared to send her to a salon or learn how to do her hair like this father.

  • If you are adopting a child that speaks a different language be prepared to learn said language and encourage your child to hold on to their biological culture.

  • Be prepared to be the 'different' family. Not only does adoption make your child different but if they are of a different race and culture then you, your entire family is different.

  • Be willing to integrate. If you live in an area that has one predominate race be sure that you involve yourself with activities outside of that environment. It's important for your child to see people just like them.


Adopting outside of your race or culture is really something that involves a lot of thought! It's not something that you just jump into because you want a child. It's something that you have to discuss with your family and close friends. Make sure it's right for you and your lifestyle. If it is, MrsDeveter says 'GO FOR IT!' There is a little one out there just for you!


Until next time...

MUAH!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Gluten Free & Diabetes

Hey Y'all,

If you know me you know I don't watch reality shows, but it just so happens that I ended up watching an episode of Tia & Tamera and they were attempting to bake a gluten free cake for Tia's baby boy's first birthday party.



I thought the episode was cute but more so it got me to thinking about gluten free and what it is exactly.
So you know what I did right??? that's right I went to the web in a search for INFORMATION, and here is what I found.
Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley, rye and oats as well as in all foods made from these grains or flours. It is associated with increased risk of osteoporosis and cancer in people with celiac diseases, headaches and a plethora of other illness.

This is good information from the American Diabetes Association

Celiac disease is a digestive disorder. When someone with celiac disease eats food containing gluten, their body reacts by damaging the small intestine. Uncomfortable symptoms such as abdominal pain often occur. The damage to the small intestine also interferes with the body's ability to make use of the nutrients in food.
About 1% of the total population has celiac disease. It is more common in people with type 1 diabetes. An estimated 10% of people with type 1 also have celiac.
The only way to manage celiac disease is to completely avoid all foods that have gluten. Following a gluten-free diet will prevent permanent damage to your body and will help you feel better.
Gluten Intolerance
There are also many people who are said to have a gluten intolerance. When these people eat foods that contain gluten, they also experience uncomfortable symptoms. However, they test negative for celiac disease and actual damage to their small intestine does not occur. More research about gluten intolerance is needed, but avoiding foods with gluten should help to relieve these symptoms. 



I hear that It can be difficult to start eating gluten free but now that it's such a widespread practice, with stores like Shoprite offering gluten free products I think you can do it easily. Check out some of these recipes from All Recipes as well. Be healthy my friends!

Until next time...
MUAH!

Monday, November 26, 2012

OVERWHELMED!

Hey Y'all,


















No better word than the above can express how I feel today. I think definition #4 says it best. I'm feeling loaded, heaped upon and overpowered! Unfortunately it isn't with presents but with responsibility. I don't have a problem with responsibility; in actuality I welcome responsibility, it makes me feel useful but right now I feel put upon (I got that from Thomas and Friends). It feels like things are starting to pile up on me in ways that I didn't ask for. What does one do when she/he feels overwhelmed? I tend to shut down, do whats needed and keep it moving but not with my bubbly disposition. When I'm overwhelmed I tend to forget things and that's not good. I don't like this feeling.

Praying that tomorrow will yield a better result.

Until next time...
MUAH!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

African Native Americans

Hey Y'all,

According to my mother my Grandmother was part Blackfoot and part African American. She was born in Savanna GA to a Native American mother and African father. In honor of Native American Heritage month I had a do a little research on African Native Americans and found a great site. Created by a Eve Winddancer a student at a CUNY school in 1999. The site provided a great deal of information of which I'd like to share.
Please be sure to visit the site for me. African Native Americans: We are still here


Many people believe racial and ethnic groups in North America have always lived as separately as they do now. However, segregation was neither practical nor preferable when people who were not native to this continent began arriving here. Europeans needed Indians as guides, trade partners and military allies. They needed Africans to tend their crops and to build an infrastructure.
Later, as the new American government began to thrive, laws were drafted to protect the land and property the colonists had acquired. These laws strengthened the powers of slave owners, limited the rights of free Africans and barred most Indian rights altogether. Today, black, white and red Americans still feel the aftershock of those laws.
In order to enforce the new laws, Indians and Africans had to be distinguished from Europeans. Government census takers began visiting Indian communities east of the Mississippi River in the late 1700s and continued their task of identifying, categorizing, and counting individuals and "tribes" well into the 20th century. In the earlier days of this process, Native American communities that were found to be harboring escaped African slaves were threatened with loss of their tribal status, thereby nullifying their treaties with the U.S. government and relinquishing all claims to their land.

Until next time...
MUAH!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Thanksgiving Past

Hey y'all,

I pulled these out from the Thanksgiving archives.

The twins first Thanksgiving


Hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving Day!!!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Diabetes & Older Adults

Hey Y'all,

More diabetes information for you...
Older Adults
From the American Diabetes Association

Diabetes disproportionately affects older adults.
Approximately 25% of Americans over the age of 60 years have diabetes, and aging of the U.S. population is widely acknowledged as one of the drivers of the diabetes epidemic.
Although the burden of diabetes is often described in terms of its impact on working-aged adults, the disease also affects longevity, functional status, and risk of institutionalization for older patients.
Older Adult Outreach Program
To address this need, the American Diabetes Association is developing an older adult outreach program.
Our Senior Signature Series is a new activity targeting older adults across the nation. Our goals are to address the needs of this group of constituents and increase the level of awareness about the high prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes among our seniors.
The Senior Signature Series educates older adults and the general community about:
·         how to reduce the burden of living with diabetes
·         steps to reduce their risk for diabetes and its complications
·         the work of the American Diabetes Association
·         ways people can Share-Act-Learn-Give to help Stop Diabetes.
Each Senior Signature Series event is a half-day educational event inviting individuals age 65 years and older to learn more about diabetes.
Learn more here
Until next time...
MUAH!

Friday, November 16, 2012

New York Cares: Winter Wishes

Hey Y'all,

OK I am not in denial anymore... Christmas is quickly approaching. My children (Erick especially) have already created their massive Christmas wish lists and I'm getting on it by the end of this month!

Now... there are little kids out there who don't have mom's and dad's who can fulfill their Christmas wish lists. Especially after Hurricane Sandy I know that their will be many children that won't have a home to celebrate Christmas in! I went on a search and found New York Cares this organization has been around for a long time and does coat drives and fulfills the wishes of underprivileged children.

From their site...


Children all over the city eagerly await the holiday season. It's a great time to celebrate with friends and family, and of course, to get gifts. Unfortunately for many children in New York, their families simply can't afford holiday gifts. That's what makes the Winter Wishes program so special - you can fulfill the holiday gift requests of children, teens, seniors, and families, to make their season brighter.
This year with your help, we'll makes the wishes of more than 35,000 children teens, and families in-need come true. We collect and screen each letter and gift request, and then send them to volunteers who purchase, wrap, and send gifts to shelters, schools, and community organizations throughout the five boroughs.
We can't do it without you. Create a team of Wish Makers with your company, friends, family, church, or alumni association, or sign up as an individual and commit to transforming the holiday season one New Yorker at a time.



This year I created a group of volunteers that will receive letters from these children and answer them to the best of our ability. Please join me if you can.



Until next time...
MUAH!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Thanksgiving.... Is More than Just Turkey Dinner

Hey Y'all,

My co-worker reminded me yesterday that Thanksgiving is next week! I was in utter shock. I am not prepared for the holiday season. I don't have a turkey, ham, stuffing ingredients or anything. I'm not ready... I think that over the past three weeks the uncertain weather patterns we've experienced in the north east has really thrown me off, (good excuse no?). Any who... Thanksgiving is more than just dinner and football. Thanksgiving is about family and being thankful. Not just thankful for possessions because there are a lot of people who survived Hurricane Sandy who don't have anymore possessions. Their things which included their homes, clothes, and even memories; floated away with the ocean water. However I know there are so many of those very people who are thankful for life, thankful for family, friends and communities that truly care. Thanksgiving is so much more then the start of the holiday season where we spend money we don't have and make promises that we can't keep. It's about love and joy and again gratefulness.

This thanksgiving I'll make turkey cookie hands with the kids (which is our tradition) but we'll also find something charitable to do to show people that we care. If you live in the north east I'm sure you can identify with being grateful... even if you were without lights for weeks and lost all the food that you had stocked up in your refrigeration and deep freezer. There is yet so very much to be thankful for. Here are some organizations that you can share your time with this holiday season, beyond thanksgiving.


Sponsor a needy Family
Family-to-Family.org will connect you with an individual family in need. Your impact will last beyond the holiday, as you'll help provide food, clothing and other necessities throughout the year.

Serve dinner at a homeless shelter
Volunteer at a homeless shelter to prepare and dish up a meal for those without a home this holiday. Find a local directory at The National Coalition for the Homeless.

Deliver a meal 
Volunteer with a local Meals on Wheels Program to bring a hot dinner to those who may not be able to join family or friends.

Support our troops
Demonstrate your thankfulness toward troops who may be away from family this Thanksgiving. Create and send a care package at Anysoldier.com.

Give thanks to a vet
Show your truly personal gratitude by volunteering one-on-one and in-person at a Veterans Center, where you might serve as an escort greeter, transport patients to appointments and perform other duties. See opportunities at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Serve at a Salvation Army
Provide a meal for those in need at your local Salvation Army. Find details and other programs and opportunities to give for the holiday and beyond on the site.

Until next time...
MUAH!

Native American Heritage Month

Hey Y'all:

Until very recently I was ignorant about Native American's. I don't recall learning very much about the first American's in school expect for the delusional Thanksgiving meal that was prepared etc. I never knew about the deaths, stolen land, wars etc that Natives endured and are still living through in this country. I never knew about the inner workings of the Native American culture etc. I was introduced to the rich and often sad history of Native Americans in October when I started working at Indian Country Today Media Network. Indian Country Today Media Network LLC is an internationally-recognized multimedia platform, solely-owned by the Oneida Indian Nation of New York, comprised of IndianCountryTodayMediaNetwork.com, a full-service website with mobile optimization, breaking news alerts and This Week from Indian Country Today, a weekly magazine. Both deliver in-depth coverage of Native American News, world news, politics, business, gaming, finance, economic development, environmental issues, education, arts & entertainment, Native American culture, pow wows, health & wellness, travel, genealogy, First Nations of Canada, sports, and veterans’ issues.

November is Native American Heritage Month.


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Adoption Wednesday: 33,000 Teenagers

Hey Y'all,

This in from the Ad Council...

Today, more than 33,000 teenagers await adoption from the U.S. foster care system. Nearly 50 percent (14,000) are between the ages of 14 and 16. AdoptUSKids continues to remind us that, "You don't have to be perfect to be a perfect parent."






Until next time...
MUAH!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

World Diabetes Day November 14, 2012


Hey Folks,

I'm all about bringing light to awareness' that effect me and the ones I love. Type 2 Diabetes is one of them. Sugar Diabetes as most African American people call it, runs in my family on my Mom's side.  I remember my favorite Aunt injecting insulin into the fatty tissue of her tummy every morning. 


Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and many more are unaware they are at high risk. Some groups have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than others. Type 2 diabetes is more common in African AmericansLatinos,Native Americans, and Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population.
In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can lead to diabetes complications.
World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day raises global awareness of diabetes - its escalating rates around the world and how to prevent the illness in most cases. Started by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and WHO, the Day is celebrated on 14 November to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, was instrumental in the discovery of insulin in 1922, a life-saving treatment for diabetes patients.


Check out International Diabetes Federation site for things to do today! http://www.idf.org/worlddiabetesday/activities 

Until next time...
MUAH!

Friday, November 9, 2012

Hurricane Sandy Relief On Coney Island (where is it?)

Hey y'all,

Hurricane Sandy hit home. No really it HIT home! I'm a Coney Island Brooklyn girl... born and bred. Growing up I was ALWAYS on the beach from sun up til sun down. I shared Coney Island with my children this summer. Not the Luna Park Coney Island but all the way down to 35th street where I was raised. We walked the beach and enjoyed the last bit of summer fun.

Yesterday evening while heading home I asked my husband if he would stop by my hometown so I could get a look for myself. You hear things but somethings you just want to witness with your own two eyes. Last night I was literally bought to tears. I couldn't take any pictures on my phone because my home town was pitch black.

The only visible light was from the police cars that were parked on every corner. Where were the news vans that were flocking to Sea Gate (a private gated community at the far western end of Coney Island at the southwestern tip of the New York City borough of Brooklyn. It contains mostly single-family homes, some directly on Gravesend Bay.) They had to pass the NYCHA houses (where I grew up) to get to Sea Gate. They had to see the buildings in the dark. They had to see the people looking for help and relief.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Adoption Wednesday: Wednesday's Child

Hey Y'all,

When I started posting about Adoption and Foster care in 2009 on Wednesday's I didn't realize that meteorologist Janice Huff, hosts a program with Wednesday in the title. Wednesday is the day of the week that some find hopeful by calling it hump day and it's a day for others that could be done without. It's smack dab in the middle of the week and a blockage to the weekend. 

Children who are waiting to be adopted are often forgotten about and ignored. Today I would like to spotlight Wednesday's Child and the Freddie Mac Foundation.

According to NYC.gov In April 1999 the Freddie Mac Foundation teamed up with WNBC 4 and the Administration for Children's Services to bring Wednesday's Child to New York City. Wednesday's Child, an award-winning program with a proven track record of success, began in Washington, D.C. metropolitan area in 1992. Its phenomenal success there encouraged the Freddie Mac Foundation to expand the program to other cities around the country. 

Monday, November 5, 2012

Just In Case...

Hey Y'all,
Just in case you were wondering who I'm voting for tomorrow, let me be very clear.




Until next time...
MUAH! and please vote!!!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

November is....

Hey Y'all,

November doesn't only host my birthday (which is tomorrow 11/2) and Thanksgiving but it also hosts the following observances which I will focus on weekly.

Native American History Month - I'll be on a journey with the IndianCountryTodayMediaNetwork to celebrate natives. Every Tuesday I will post about Native American's

National Adoption Month - This is still a passion for me so I'll feature posts about adoption every Wednesday for the month of November.








National Diabetes Awareness Month - My posts will be in conjunction with the American Diabetes Association. This year their campaign is A Day In The Life of Diabetes - They are asking people to upload a picture on their Facebook page and CVS will donate $1 for each picture up to $25,000. Every Thursday I will post something related to diabetes







Until next time...
MUAH!


Hurricane Sandy!

Hi y'all,

I pray that everyone is doing ok during the aftermath of Sandy. The hurricane clean up has began and I know it's going to take a long time for a lot of people to recover.

Thankfully we weren't hit to hard and only went without power for a short period of time. My boss has been very accommodating in allowing me to work from home this week (Thank you Suzanne!) I watched the news this morning and saw the line of folks waiting to get onto buses going into NYC. The line was outrageous. It looked like everyone was being civil and the MTA is being accommodating to all of the strap-hangers.

We are suffering from cabin fever and Halloween was 'canceled' so instead of going out to trick or treat we had a candy hunt in the house and made the best of the situation.

All I know is that it could always be worse. God has been merciful and I'm grateful.

Until next time...
MUAH!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Superman, Green Lantern & Spider-man

Hey Y'all,

I am currently in costume .... not hell but for lack of a better term HELL!

Why are costumes for little kids that are going to grow out of them in a months time (few weeks for some kids) worth a full outfit from Children's Place? I don't want to pay $25-$40 for a costume. Although my kids wear their costumes year round I still don't want to pay that price. Any who my post today is not about Halloween it's actually about the comics. Superhero's in comic books that is.

The other night while watching the news I heard that Clark Kent will no longer be employed at the Daily Planet!
In issue No. 13, in stores Wednesday, Superman’s mild-mannered alter ego decries the state of journalism in a heated discussion with Morgan Edge, the owner of the Daily Planet’s parent company, Galaxy Broadcasting, and quits in front of the entire newspaper staff.
“This is the beginning of a multifaceted story line that will challenge Clark on all levels – personally and professionally, as both himself and as Superman,” a DC Entertainment representative said in a statement. “This is not the first time in DC Comics history that Clark Kent has left the Planet, and this time the resignation reflects present-day issues – the balance of journalism vs. entertainment, the role of new media, the rise of the citizen journalist, etc.”
What? Right that's what I said. Yup and then I heard earlier this year that Green Lantern is now gay.
"He doesn't come out in issue two; he is already a gay man," Robinson says. "Alan Scott is super-heroic, he's super gallant, he'll die for the earth, he'll die for its people, he's everything you want in a hero. I imagine he's such a Type A character that when he realized he was gay, he was like, 'Okay, I'm gay, now I'm just gonna go on with my life.' He's so accepting of it himself and he's such a compelling person that the world knows Alan Scott's gay. He's such a leader, he's such a good man, that the Justice League don't care. And that's a healthy depiction of a team and how it should be." 
Finally there is Spider-man  They couldn't leave well enough alone when they remade the movie over the summer and confused a bunch of us by replacing Mary Jane Watson with Gwen Stacy, now he's Black and Hispanic in the comics.

Miles Morales is a fictional comic book superhero who appears in books published by Marvel Comics, in particular the monthly series Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man. The character was created by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Sara Pichelli, though both Bendis and Marvel editor-in-chief Axel Alonso were inspired by a number of ideas, such as the election of U.S. President Barack Obama and the appearance of black actor Donald Glover in Spider-Man pajamas in thesecond season premiere of the TV series Community.
Miles Morales first appeared in Ultimate Fallout #4 (August 2011), following the death of Peter Parker. A teenager of African American and Latino descent, Miles is the second Spider-Man in the Ultimate Marvel continuity.[2] Although Morales features in the Ultimate Spider-Man comic book series, he is not the lead character in the Ultimate Spider-Man animated TV series that debuted in April 2012 on Disney XD.[3] Reaction to the character varied, with some approving the creation of a positive role model for minority children, including one of the original Spider-Man's creators, Stan Lee, to displeasure at the replacement of Peter Parker, with some decrying it as a publicity stunt motivated by political correctness, a charge Alonso denied. Alexandra Petri of The Washington Post called for the character to be judged on the quality of its stories, which have garnered positive reviews.

I guess the times are changing and so should the comics.

What say you?

Until next time...
MUAH!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Breast Cancer Infographic

Hey Y'all,

I found this great Infographic on Elev8.com and wanted to share with you. According to this infographic "Even through rates have decreased since 1990, about 39,840 women in the United States were expected to die from breast cancer in 2010. These decreases are thought to be the result of treatment advances, earlier detection through screening, and increased awareness." 

Until next time...
MUAH!

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

No More! Domestic Violence and The Workplace

Hey Y'all,

Have you ever seen a coworker who came into work with a black eye, busted lip, and or bruises that she tried to hide with foundation? Have you asked her what happened and she blamed it on the kids, a fall or some other outlandish excuse.

Your coworker might be dealing with domestic violence. It's real friends.
I grew up watching my aunt and uncle fight like cats and dogs every other weekend. I loved going to my aunts house she was my favorite. I loved spending time with my cousins and their friends but I never loved the after effects of the Rum and Coke. Domestic Violence is something that I'm not a stranger to and it's happening to women (and men) every single day.

Today was my first time finding literature on domestic violence and the effects it has in the workplace. I found a great article sharing what Verizon is doing during this month that I thought would be of interest to you.

This is taken from http://domesticviolenceworkplace.blogspot.com/


In connection with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Verizon Foundation has launched a new “Your Voice Counts” campaign in recognition that all Americans can play a role in ending domestic violence by promoting healthy relationships and changing attitudes that perpetuate the cycle of abuse.

The campaign is being launched in partnership with A CALL TO MEN, the Joyful Heart Foundation, and NOMORE – and it contains valuable information on how men can make a difference in their communities and speak out against domestic violence.  “Your Voice Counts” aims to mobilize men and women together in a way that has never been done before.

The campaign targets men of all ages and provides them with new tools and resources to empower them to speak out against this issue and set the example for others.  To kick off the campaign, the Verizon Foundation teamed up with well-known NFL sportscaster, James Brown, to create a powerful PSA that captures compelling stories of men and women whose lives have been deeply affected by domestic violence.  

They worked with the experts at A CALL TO MEN and the Joyful Heart Foundation to create an Action Guide that outlines five simple ways we can all get involved - including suggestions for confronting abusive language, tips on talking to young people and directions for what to do if domestic violence is suspected.

I hope you will help us spread the word about “Your Voice Counts” by:
 
·         Viewing the PSA and Action Guide at:www.verizonfoundation.org/yourvoicecounts

·         Sharing Your Voice Counts with others by adding this info. to your e-mail signature: Your Voice Counts.  Speak up against Domestic Violence. www.verizonfoundation.org/yourvoicecounts

·         Using some of the sample tweets and Facebook updates developed for the campaign (below)

Facebook: Your Voice Counts. And when it comes to domestic violence - it could save a life. Watch and share this new video from @The Verizon Foundation. NFL Sportscaster James Brown speaks with survivors and encourages us all, especially men, to speak up and speak to someone about domestic violence. http://vz.to/OgVvyw

Twitter: #YourVoiceCounts & it could save a life http://vz.to/OgVvyw @VerizonGiving #ACALLTOMEN @TheJHF @JBSportscaster @NOMOREorg

Together, we can end the cycle of violence and abuse in our communities.

Until next time... help us get the word out and say NO MORE to domestic violence!
MUAH!