We Did It! Hooray!!!!

Hey y'all,

As of 2:50 pm this afternoon 9/20 we have completed 2 full weeks of school!!!! We survived back to school night, Myles is his class Mayor, Leah has a boyfriend (a boy that's a friend) and Erick has been wearing his glasses consistently and got an 85% on his first test AND he signed up to play the trumpet!!!!

To say it's been a whirlwind of activity in our house is an understatement. I am a lunch/snack packing pro now and have the cookie cutter sandwiches down to a science. I'm tired however of them eating salami sandwiches everyday so next week I think I'm going to shake their lunch bags up. Wondering how they'll do with some friend chicken, baby carrots etc. Not sure but the sandwiches can't continue into next week.

So grateful that we are in a great school system with small class sizes we are blessed. Hoping that your first couple weeks of school have been successful.

Until next time...
MUAH

National Sunglasses Day: June 27th

Hey Y'all,

In honor of National Sunglasses Day I share this picture of the 3 Little Brown's with you.

What do Chinese judges of the 12th century and modern poker players on TV have in common? Both groups have used sunglasses to hide the emotions in their eyes.

"For centuries, Chinese judges had routinely worn smoke-colored quartz lenses to conceal their eye expressions in court," according to Idea Finder. Sam Foster is credited with elevating sunglasses to their current status as a fashion accessory. He began selling his Foster Grant sunglasses in Atlantic City in 1929.

Today we use sunglasses to protect our eyes from harmful UV rays. We also wear them because they look cool. Various movie icons have relied on sunglasses to achieve their look. Consider Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's," Tom Cruise in "Risky Business," and Arnold Schwarzenegger in "The Terminator."
[Source:Yahoo!]

Until next time...
MUAH!

L.O.V.E. Is More Than a Four Letter Word

Hey Y'all,

Today has been such an amazing day. I watched the Second Inauguration of the first African American President of the United States of America on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the head of my household put our 8 year old in place.

Love in my family is more than a four letter word it stands for Living Overjoyed and Victorious Everyday... when I hear my husband speak to our children in love and in reprimand, I'm reminded of how very blessed I am to have a present father in the house with my children. Many fathers live with their children but aren't 'present' they are there physically but not emotionally. I'm so glad that I can say my husband is very present in our children's lives. He play fights with them one moment and the next he's teaching Erick and Myles what it means to be a man in the way he cares for my daughter and I. My husband is a REAL father. I do compare him to Dr. King and President Obama. He is the head of our family and he makes it clear to our children that they aren't in charge of any decision making but that we are. My husband wants to best for our children just like Dr. King did for his and my husband is teaching our family to embrace our challenges and make a change,  just like President Obama is for America.

Erick is 8 and VERY head strong. He can be argumentative and always want to have the last say (wonder where he gets that from). His father doesn't play the talking back, smart mouth etc. He's no joke... he doesn't yell but you can tell in the way that he speaks (especially when he uses their full name) that he's no longer playing but he's very serious. I didn't grow up with my dad in the house so seeing this side of my husband makes me  proud that I'm giving my children something I never had. A present father. I know that my boys are going to grow up knowing how to follow the rules and take heed to authority because they are experiencing it at home.

I L.O.V.E. my family and thank God he loaned these four people to me for a time.

Until next time...
MUAH!

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!

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!

Pick Your Battles

Hey Y'all,

Battle Definition: fight or struggle tenaciously to achieve or resist something.

sneakers vs. sandals
jeans vs running pants
Nick Jr. vs Disney Jr
healthy food vs junk food

The four items above are daily battles that I have to pick between with the 3 little Brown's. As a mother I am learning that everything isn't worth the fight. Every year around this time I have the ultimate fight with Erick about foot ware! Every year we go buy a new pair of sneakers for school but my son loves his $19.99 sandals from Payless Shoe Source. He wears them the ENTIRE summer. Getting him to put on a pair of sneakers or shoes is literally like making him sit in the dentist chair so he can have his teeth pulled. I mean this boy cries, tries to reason with me etc. It is PAINFUL y'all.

This year he has come up with a plan. He has gym two days a week it is only on those days (Tuesday & Friday) that he willingly wears his sneakers. Last week however my brilliant 7 year old decides that he is going to wear his sneakers for gym but bring his sandals with him so he could change into them afterward! Crafty I know but a battle that I fought and won!

Now here is the catch 22, I bring a change of shoes to church with me every Sunday because there is no way I can walk around in heels all day (no matter the height) so he tries to reason with me based on this fact. Still doesn't work but he gets an E for effort.

The food battles are another every day fight with my youngest but he deserves his own post for that one!

What types of battles do you fight with your children? How often do you concede?

Until next time...
MUAH!

First Day of 2012-2013 School Year!

Hey Y'all,

Well we made it to September! The summer was awesome and relaxing (except for when I was rushing off to job interviews). The twins and Erick have grown, gotten smarter and are ready for their Fall adventures. The biggest adventure is Erick entering the 3rd grade!!!!! Where did the time go? I clearly remember his first day of Pre-K and the tears I shed because my baby was going off to school. Now that he's entering the grade that can make or break his elementary school career I am a basket case.

If you are a parent you already know that the 3rd grade is a BIG deal. It's the first year that our children are subjected to state exams. During the summer we were diligent with our bridge school work (summer brain is terrible so we did everything we could to keep Erick's brain learning) but was it enough? Did I help my son prepare for this next level of his education? I don't know but time will tell. I know that Erick is a bright little guy and can adapt to change easily but I still worry if he understands the importance of paying attention and the nuances of test taking.  I am a worry wort and I know that's not good but it's what Mothers do; we worry about our children's health and well-being. I wouldn't have it any other way to be quite honest.

So today as I dropped him off at this 3rd grade line I said and prayer and give him into the hands of God and Ms. Powers.

Here's to a successful 2012-2013 school year. What are you concerned about this year for your little ones?

Until next time,
MUAH!

Wordless Wednesday: Coney Island

The 3 little Brown's on the beach.

Wordless Wednesday: The Musician & His Son

Day out with Thomas 2012

Hey Y'all,

My boys heart Thomas The Tank Engine. Erick is 7 and still plays with his train table, creates Thomas stories and borrows only Thomas and Friends books from the library. Myles is following on his big brothers tracks and is a die hard Thomas fan as well. Erick was introduced to Thomas by his dad but I am by far the enabler. Proof positive is the fact that I always seem to find Thomas the Tank Engine where ever he is in the US. We have been passengers on Thomas' coaches three times in three different states! Our latest adventure was in Philisburg, NJ at The Delaware Railroad Excursions. We had a blast. It was as hot as Hades but Lord knows that I will do anything for my children including riding on an steaming steam engine for 25 minutes dripping sweat. The folks that pull off a Day out with Thomas should be commended; especially when the weather is inclement (to cold or to hot). This trips theme was Mystery on the Rails, we were 'tasked' with helping Thomas find a treasure (which ended up being a tacky glass 'diamond'). The $18 train ride was well worth it because there were plenty of freebies including Imagination Station with featured temporary tattoos, splatter painting, storytelling, live folk music and two bouncy houses. I highly recommend Day out with Thomas and plan to do it again in the future (until the kids tell me they are done).

Check out a  few of our pictures here...

Twin Tuesday: SCRIBBLES

Hey Y'all,

I hope that you are having a terrific summer thus far. It has been a whirlwind of activity for me. The kids keep me going and I love it. This has been the first summer of their lives that I've been with them 24/7. I try to keep them as busy as possible so we all sleep well at night. Our days start off with Mommy Summer School and branch off (depending on the day) to $1 movies, swimming, visiting museums and day trips. I have a calendar chuck full of summer fun, until they head off to Nana's (thank you JESUS).

This Twin Tuesday's post is dedicated to the twins' favorite "play mall" SCRIBBLES. SCRIBBLES is a fantastic interactive and educational store in the Menlo Park Mall that features personalized gifts for children & educational toys. We visit SCRIBBLES at least once a week and hang out there for about 2-3 hours (yes hours in one store). Typically we don't purchase a thing (unless it's a work book on sale) but the twins play HARD with everything that is out on display.

A couple weeks ago during our visit we had the pleasure of meeting the owner Mary Thomas, of course I went into blogger mode and asked if she wouldn't mind being featured in one of my posts. Thankfully she agreed and shared a little about herself and how she started SCRIBBLES.



MrsDeveter: Thanks again for agreeing to chat with me. Can you share a little bit of the history behind SCRIBBLES?

Mary Thomas: We started on a kiosks 13 years ago in the Menlo Park Mall. We were doing personalized piggy banks, rocking chairs, toy boxes all kinds of fun things for 10 years. Then it became a little bit to much so we closed. It was a boring staying at home so we opened the first store and expanded beyond the personalized items into toys and other cool things.

MrsDeveter: Like I told  you before we can come here and stay for hours. Why did you branch out into toys and make the store so interactive?

Mary Thomas: Because it's fun. In retail everyone does clothes, clothes aren't fun. Kids are easy. They love everything, they are happy and love to play. I've found that no matter who they are the kids get along especially at the Thomas table they love to play together. The children get along so well, it's the adults that need to learn that. Sometimes they don't share... but they play well together and it's fun.


MrsDeveter: What was your 9-5 before SCRIBBLES?


Mary Thomas: I had three kids. I worked in the city for a publishing company but it was hard to to go back and forth. My husband also worked in the city and said he'd prefer it if I worked closer to home. So I started working retail. He would work in the day and I would go out for a few hours at night.

MrsDeveter: What advise would you give to anyone looking to get into retail.

Mary Thomas: Everything chances. Before I opened everyone told me not to go into retail because I was going into business at the wrong time. In 2008 that's when the market crashed. Manufactures, friends everyone told me not to do it, but I said ... people buy toys. I had a wonderful location to start and it worked.

MrsDeveter: So your advice would be ... don't listen to anybody's advice.

Mary Thomas: (chucking) yes. You have to feel it inside and know what's right for you.

If you are ever in Edison NJ please stop by and visit Mary and the ladies at SCRIBBLES she is located in the Menlo Park Mall steps away from The Disney Store and Build a Bear on the lower level of the Nordstrom wing. If you are looking to order online please visit www.scribblesatmenlo.com for great personalized gifts for children.

Until next time...
MUAH!

The Patriot

Hey Y'all,

I was going to call this post wordless Wednesday but it has words so alas I will keep it simple. And wish you all a very happy 4th of July. Have a wonderful day and be safe.



Until next time,
MUAH!

Related Posts:

• Top 10 Things NOT to Do This 4th of July

Lessons of a "Stay at Home Mom"

Hey Y'all:

The saying is so true. You have to be careful what you ask for because you might just get it and everything that comes with the package. So before you put it out in the atmosphere make sure you are ready for it... I share this because around this time last year I wrote a post about my desire to be a stay at home mom. Little did I know that my wish would come true. After 3 yrs of blood (from paper cuts), sweat (the office could get a little hot) and tears (my colleagues/friends and I would laugh at the antics of upper management until we cried) my position was eliminated. So here I sit a month unemployed and a bonafided stay at home mom; honestly I don't know how I was doing all that I was doing while working. I must have been dead tired and didn't know it. I mean I was out of the house from 7:15 AM until 7:30 PM still helped with homework and projects, cooked dinner, washed clothes, blogged, played with the kiddies and completed my wifely duties (if you know what I mean). I say this because my days now are just as full! I am truly enjoying being at home with my kiddies (now) at first I gotta admit it was a bit of a struggle. You get so accustomed to having a out of home schedule that this staying at home stuff can wear you out. I'm sure many of you can relate.

The Brave & The Bold

Hey Y'all:

As you've read previously my family is full of super heroes. We love anything Justice League or DC Comics related. So I wasn't surprised when my children began singing a song from one of the shows called Batman: The Brave and The Bold. Although modern this animated series (recently canceled) has the old school Batman of the 1970's feel. My children adore music and this song is one of their favorites.


Here is the 3 little Brown's rendition of this tune.


Until next time...
MUAH!

Wordless Wednesday: The Pledge

Hey Y'all:

This is my super talented son reciting the Plege.
He's a proud American.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!