Women's History Month: Dr. Maya Angelou

Hey Y'all:

As my final post for Women's History Month I would like to celebrate Dr. Maya Angelou.

I recently re-read "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" and fell in love with Dr. Angelou all over again.

Once I read something by an author I go on a quest to find something recent that she/he has written. While scanning the shelves of my local library a few months ago I stumbled upon "Letter To My Daughter" by Maya Angelou.

This book is dedicated to the daughter that Dr. Angelou never had “I gave birth to one child, a son, but I have thousands of daughters. You are Black and White, Jewish and Muslim, Asian, Spanish speaking, Native Americans and Aleut. You are fat and thin and pretty and plain, gay and straight, educated and unlettered, and I am speaking to you all. Here is my offering to you.”–from Letter to My Daughter

As one of her daughters I found this collection of stories to be thought provoking, eye opening and life altering. The lessons she shares from her own life made me smile and a few times shed a tear. I was so moved by this collection that I passed it on to my friend before it was due back to the library.

Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4th 1928. Raised between St. Louis, MO and Stamps, AK where she experienced racial discrimination, but was also absorbed in a close knit African American community, with unshakable faith and values. As a teenager Dr. Angelou won a scholarship to study dance and drama at San Francisco's Labor School. At 14 she dropped out of school and became the first African American cable car conductor in San Francisco history. Dr. Angelou was a trailblazer even from youth. Although she mothered a child young, she still lived a full life. She toured Europe, studied modern dance with Martha Graham and danced with Alvin Ailey. She recorded an album, was a member of the Harlem writers guild, has lived in Cairo, Egypt; speaks French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic and the West African language Fanti.

Dr. Angelou has written more than 30 bestselling titles, appeared in numerous films and made for TV movies. She has written screen plays and acted Off-Broadway. Dr. Angelou has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and has received over 30 Honorary Degrees.

She has served on two presidential committees and was requested to read a poem at the 1993 inauguration of President Clinton. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Arts in 2000, The Lincoln Medal in 2008 and has received 3 Grammy awards. Dr. Angelou is truly a

Phenomenal Woman

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size

But when I start to tell them,They think I'm telling lies. I say, It's in the reach of my arms

The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips.

I'm a woman Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman, That's me.

I walk into a room just as cool as you please, and to a man, the fellows stand or fall down on their knees.

Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees. I say,It's the fire in my eyes, And the flash of my teeth,The swing in my waist,And the joy in my feet.

I'm a woman Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,That's me.

Men themselves have wondered what they see in me.They try so much but they can't touch my inner mystery.When I try to show them they say they still can't see.

I say, It's in the arch of my back,

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I'm a woman Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman, That's me.

Now you understand just why my head's not bowed.

I don't shout or jump about or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing it ought to make you proud.

I say, It's in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair,the palm of my hand, The need of my care,

'Cause I'm a woman Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman, That's me.

Maya Angelou

Until next time...

MUAH!

The Nana Effect

Hey Y'all:

My oldest son Erick is in love with my mother. From the day he was born he has looked at her like she was something good to eat. It didn't help any when she introduced him to his first taste of sweet potato, which she of course shared on her finger.

At five years old he still loves her just as intensely and shows it whenever she comes to visit us from N.C. and heads back home. I share this because we had a bit of a Nana episode the other night.

I was sitting on my bed and reached out for my boy. He came and I gave him a great big hug (I was having a mommy moment) during the hug I said, "ohhhhhhhhhhhh I love my Erick," my precious boy says "ohhhhhhhhhh I love my nana." Of course I was outraged, hurt, confused and a little sad. Here I was having a mommy moment, expressing my love for him verbally and this little ball of testosterone says "I love my nana" this gave me flashbacks of our 'private time' day when he told me that he loves his daddy 12 and me 5! I just can't win.

Why can't I get the same love???? I know he loves me but I guess it's not the same as Nana love. I really have to get over it. Maybe when he turns 15 I won't feel so bad when he loves some little chippy over me and his nana?

What have your children said that has hurt, offended or floored you?

Until next time...
MUAH!

Twin Tuesday: Happy Birthday

Hey Y'all:

Sunday, April 4th marks the 2nd birthday of Leah and Myles. As I type this I'm really in awe. I cannot believe that just 3 short years ago I called my mom and told her that we were having twins. Then 34 weeks later I called her the Tuesday before they were born and said my c-section was scheduled for that Friday which just happened to be her birthday!

Leah and Myles are a wonderful blessing to our family and bring us so much joy. I would never have imagined that I would have twins. I prayed really hard for Erick so having another child; twins at that was so beyond anything I could imagine.

Now that they are here I can't imagine my life without them. Erick is the ultimate big brother, they fuss and fight but will get upset with us if we do something to either one of them.

Leah and Myles - Mommy loves you and prayers that you won't give us too much trouble during your terrible twos phase! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Until next time...
MUAH!

VACATION: Cali here we come...

Hey Y'all:

While watching NickJr last night a song came on about going on a trip.


Erick asked me if we went on vacation yet and I told him no, but we are going on vacation in April.

"where mommy" he asked
"to California" I said
"California that's great" he said
"where's California?" he then asked

He was too cute with his mock excitement about a trip to a place he didn't know anything about. I explained where California is and that we were going to take a plane to get there. He was really excited to hear that we would go to the airport and wanted to know if we were going after school today. After that bit of the discussion he thought about California some more and then it clicked, to him California is where Red Car (Lightening McQueen from Disney's Cars) lives. It's where the Piston Cup race was held!

"Mommy can we see Red Car" he asked.
"Yes we can. Mommy is going to make you a count down calendar so you can count the days until our trip."

Needless to say my little boy is really excited about our upcoming California vacation to Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure, Legoland, Sea World and Universal Studios! I think I'm more excited though as he's much older this time around for a Disney trip and will really enjoy himself.

Here is the calendar I created... whatchathink?















Until next time...
MUAH!

Womens History Month: A Little Romance

Hey Y'all:

Women's History Month is quickly coming to an end. I hope that you have celebrated the women in your life who have been influential in who you are today.

As my next to the last post in honor of women I'd like to celebrate a romance author!
Honey Women DOMINATE this genre of literature... check out this awesome list of novels, it includes some classics and plenty of contemporary titles are list. I think this is a great list but it doesn't cover the novels that I have read and really come to enjoy.

I haven't always read romance novels but when I discovered Sandra Brown I was converted. I had no idea that this awesome author wrote romance novels way back in the day. Her novels are all really sweet but my all time favorite romance author is Brenda Jackson!

Mrs Jackson has written novels with seven publishing houses with a total of over 80 books! The first novel I read by her was from The Bennett Family Series - A Family Reunion. This book intrigued me because of the family name; Bennett is my maiden name! This novel was so good I went on a search for all books written by Mrs. Jackson! The one thing I love about these novels is how Mrs. Jackson connects all of the stories through series. She has about four major families that she writes stories around and I love just about all of them.

If you are in the market for a quick spicy read pick up a Brenda Jackson novel!
Here are my top 5:

1. A Family Reunion



2. Whispered Promises



3. Thorn's Challenge



4. Stone Cold Surrender



5. Solid Soul

Hope you pick up one of Mrs. Jackson's books soon.

Until next time...

MUAH!

Childhood Illness: You'll Never Guess this One!

Hey Y'all:

I've learned something over the past week. Measles, mumps and chickenpox are all very easy to detect but Scarlet Fever is not! My oldest has scarlet fever! I know it's not 1810 it's 2010 and scarlet fever is still a childhood illness that children are capable of contracting. Scarlet Fever is a type of strep throat.

When Erick told us that his gums were hurting, we thought for sure his two front teeth which have been out since he was 3; were finally coming in. I thought for sure his pain and slight fever had to do with a 'teething' five year old! Oh was I wrong. I noticed a tiny rash appear on his face. I thought maybe he was having an allergic reaction to something. I called my mom and told her what was going on and she thought he might be getting Chickenpox.

I remember chickenpox and I know the bumps aren't small, but look a little like pimples with puss inside of them. So I ruled that out (this was all taking place Friday night - Saturday) I decided to ride it out because he wasn't in pain besides his gums and he was really sleepy. Fast forward to Saturday and he wasn't looking or feeling any better, actually he was getting worse... the little bumps or rash on his face spread to his 'trunk' I knew something was WRONG. I called his pediatrician and told her want was going on. She too thought he might be having an allergic reaction and suggested that we give him Benadryl and watch him. That did absolutely nothing. His mouth was hurting even more and his tongue was taking on a 'strawberry' look, time to go to the Dr!

First thing Monday morning the hubby took my big boy to the Dr. where he was diagnosed with Scarlet Fever. I was floored! In this day and age you just don't hear about a scarlet fever out break. Needless to say he is now on antibiotics and doing MUCH better. I'm watching the twins to make sure they don't end up with it. Unfortunately, like most childhood illness; there is no guarantee that they won't get this... so I just have to watch them like a hawk.

Here are the symptoms for Scarlet Fever... keep your eyes open!

• Rash
• Abdominal pain
• Bright red patches in the creases of the forearm and groin
• Chills
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle Aches
• Sore Throat
• Swollen Red Tongue (strawberry tongue)
• Vomiting

Have you had any surprising illness? Do share...

Until next time...
MUAH!

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 I 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 something, read a chapter in that novel you started six months ago do something for YOU. Having time for yourself helps to 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!

Womens History: African American Christian Authors

Hey Y'all:

In continuation of my tribute to women authors today I would like to celebrate African American Christian Authors.

For the past five years or so I've been involved with multiple book clubs. The latest was one that I started with the help of my Sister. Although Queens With Purpose is a great idea it didn't quite get off the ground, I haven't lost hope though... never know what the end of the year might bring. I am confident that QWP will be the go to club for African American Christian women who love God and love to read.

As a tribute to the authors who make these book clubs worth joining here is my top 3 list of my authors and my favorite book from them.

Jacquelin Thomas: I love everything she has written but I think my favoriate by far is the last one I read - Ideal Wife. I enjoy reading Mrs. Thomas' titles because she gets her inspiration from women in the bible, I love her modern take on biblical issues. Ideal Wife was about Queen Vashti and her fall from grace. The example that Jacquelin Thomas used in this novel was really creative and thought provoking! It made me reconsider my thoughts on whether the Queen was out of order by not parading her goods around all the Kings men or if the King was dead wrong for making the request. Mrs Thomas also have a very nice line of teen titles and some romance novels that aren't biblical based but wholesome all the same.

Kendra Norman-Bellamy: Kendra to me just seems like a really sweet person. I dig sweet so I enjoy reading her novels knowing that the subject matter is going to be christian but contemporary. The last book I read by Mrs Bellamy was Battle of Jericho this title was about a Marine Veteran who finds himself in battle, captivity and in dispare of his marriage. This was a timely novel and really interesting. I loved how Mrs. Bellamy wrote parts of the novel from a childs point of view.

Victoria Christopher Murray: Love love love her!!!!! I wish I could pick a favoriate but I can't, all of her novels are just that good! I do know that Singsation is one of my top fives for Mrs Murray. Singsation was the novel I read when I joined my first book club. It's a Mama I Want to Sing/Prodical Son type of story but it was a good read. I might have to reread it to get a refresh! She also has a whole line of books with the same characters that just entertain me all the way through. Any of the novels with Jasmine Larson is worth reading! I think every Christian married woman should read her novels they really make you think about your marriage and where you should be as a woman. Her books involve LOTS of Drama, backstabing and most importantly forgiveness!

I hope you are having a lovely Women's History Month.

Until next time...
MUAH!

Twin Tuesday: Potty Time... Part Deux!

Hey Y'all:

The potty's are in house! They totally get the concept (especially the wiping) but want to sit on them fully clothed. Now what????

HELP!!!!

Please excuse Leah's hair do.... we had just taken out her rubberbands. That's my mom and hubby you hear in the background.

Enjoy!



Until next time...
MUAH!

Related Blog

Monday Madness: What you do doesn't only effect you!

Hey y'all:

Hope you had a wonderful weekend - those of us in the Northeast experienced some rather rough weather conditions and I hope that all my readers are doing well.

This morning on my way to work I was held up in traffic because someone in a rush decided to make an illegal turn and ended up hitting a bus. I share this because the decisions you make don't only effect you, but everyone around you. That person thought they could get past traffic and make it to their destination either on time or a little early instead not only did they ruin their beautiful Benz but held up traffic for quite a few New Yorkers (you know that's not good).

Recently I read a very sad report about a woman who jumped down on a subway track to retrieve her bag, unfortunately she was struck and killed by a train. That decision she made to risk her life for a material item didn't only effect her, but everyone on that train platform, those riding, conducting and driving the train as well as her family.

The one choice you make will not can effect someone else, so be sure to think before you act Think about the end result of your actions.

I've been teaching Erick the law of cause and effect - if you do this, then that will happen, I wish that all parents would do the same thing.

Remember - Life is a journey, travel wisely.

Until next time...

MUAH!

The Stranger

Hey Y'all:

Not sure who the original author of this is... but I thought it was good enough to share.

A few years after I was born, my Dad met a stranger who was new to our small town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around from then on. As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family. In my young mind, he had a special niche. My parents were complementary instructors: Mum taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey. But the stranger... he was our storyteller. He would keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures, mysteries and comedies.

If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, he always knew the answers about the past, understood the present and even seemed able to predict the future! He took my family to the first major league ball game. He made me laugh, and he made me cry. The stranger never stopped talking, but Dad didn't seem to mind. Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest of us were shushing each other to listen to what he had to say, and she would go to the kitchen for peace and quiet. (I wonder now if she ever prayed for the stranger to leave.)

Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but the stranger never felt obligated to honour them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our home - not from us, our friends or any visitors. Our long time visitor, however, got away with four-letter words that burned my ears and made my dad squirm and my mother blush. My Dad didn't permit the liberal use of alcohol but the stranger encouraged us to try it on a regular basis. He made cigarettes look cool, cigars manly, and pipes distinguished. He talked freely (much too freely!) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing.. I now know that my early concepts about relationships were influenced strongly by the stranger. Time after time, he opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked... And NEVER asked to leave. More than fifty years have passed since the stranger moved in with our family. He has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first. Still, if you could walk into my parents' den today, you would still find him sitting over in his corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.

His name?....We just call him 'TV.'
He has a wife now....we call her 'Computer.'
Their first child is "Cell Phone".
Second child is "I Pod "

Hmmm...

Until next time...
MUAH!

An Imperfect Smile

Hey Y'all:

I have a gap between my two front teeth. Growing up I loathed it. Although I don't recall enduring name calling I do remember asking my dentist if I could have braces to get rid of the gap. During high school I used to take pictures with a closed mouth smile never showing my pearly whites.

But now...

I love my gap

I think I have a beautiful smile and I've learned that it's infectious. This afternoon while walking out for lunch I gave my famous smile to a rather tired looking construction worker. Before I smiled at him he looked a little beat down, but the famous MrsDeveter smile seemed to add some cheer to his afternoon.

From this I learned... when you think that you have an imperfection remember that, that very thing might be perfect to someone else.

Hope you are having a fabulous day!

Until next time...
MUAH!

Women's History: Cheryl Willis Hudson

Hey Y'all:

I was reading a post on HelloBeautiful's Mommy Beautiful with tips on helping your children with reading and was inspired by one of the comments that mentioned Afro-Bets. I've NEVER heard of such a book, so I went on a little journey around the web to find out more information. There is a whole line of afro centric books with illustrations of children who look just like my babies! I was so impressed that I decieded to celebrate the woman author of these wonderful titles. Mrs Cheryl Willis Hudson.

A little about Mrs Hudson & Just Us Books from their website

Author, publisher and entrepreneur, Cheryl Willis Hudson has more than 30 years of experience in the children's book industry. A native of Portsmouth, Virginia, and a graduate of Oberlin College in Ohio, Cheryl began her career doing text book design for publishers such as Houghton Mifflin and Macmillan.

Noticing a lack of quality Black-interest books for her own two children, in 1988, Cheryl and her husband Wade formed Just Us Books, Inc., a publishing company that specializes in children’s books that focus on Black experiences. Cheryl’s AFRO-BETS ABC Book, was Just Us Books’ first published title.

An active member of her community and publishing industry organizations, Cheryl serves on the advisory boards of the Small Press Center and the Langston Hughes Library at the Alex Haley Farm, operated by the Children’s Defense Fund. She is a recipient of the Stephen Crane Award and is a 2003 inductee of the International Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent. A member of the Author's Guild, PEN America and the Society of Book Writers and Illustrators, Cheryl also serves as a parenting expert for ClubMom.

Cheryl Willis Hudson has written over 20 children’s books, including the picture book classic Bright Eyes, Brown Skin; Many Colors of Mother Goose; and Come By Here, Lord: Everyday Prayers for Children, selected as children’s book of the year for 2003 by BlackBoard, Inc. (Just Us Books, Inc.); Hold Christmas In Your Heart, What Do You Know, Snow!; and the What a Baby! board book series (Scholastic, Inc.); Hands Can and Construction Zone, both published by Candlewick Press.

As a workshop facilitator and speaker she shares her experience about family literacy and diversity and her expertise in developing curricula of inclusion with schools, educational institutions and other organizations around the country. Cheryl lives in Northern New Jersey with her family.

Just Us Books, Inc. is the nation's premier publisher of Black-interest books for young people. The company's titles range from Pre-K concept books to young adult novels--all reflecting the diversity of Black history, culture and experiences. Founded by husband and wife team Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson in 1988, this innovative company is now considered one of the leading independent publishers of books for young people.

I found a few books on Amazon that I can't wait to pick up and add to my childrens library.

Who's your favoriate female author?

Until next time...

MUAH!

Twin Tuesday: Videos

Hey Y'all:

Got a chance to upload some videos of the twins. The first one was about 11 months ago with Myles and Leah playing in the toilet.


This was recorded last night... it's the Leah and Myles version of Twinkle Twinkle little star.

Have a wonderful day!

Until next time...
MUAH!

Spring is ALMOST here.....

Hey Y'all:

The sun is FINALLY shining here in NYC and I am oh so glad! It's getting darker later and I'm thinking SPRING which ultimately equals spring break.

Since I'm thinking spring I thought I would share some spring break actives that you can enjoy with the little ones. Some of these do require taking time off of work but it's always nice to spend quality time with your dear hearts don't you think?

Check out your local library - My oldest still doesn't have his library card so that's definitely on my list. There are always plenty of free activities at the library that you can participate in. Go to your local library website and see what they have going on.

Chill with family - It's always nice to see Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill when there isn't an 'occasion' (you know a wedding or funeral) go for a drive and visit someone you haven't seen in a while. You never know, they might volunteer to watch the kids for you so you can have a break!

Hang out at the museum - Every city has one, most even have children's museums find yours and spend the day. It's educational and fun.

Go on a Factory Tour - I know what you are thinking "MrsDeveter I have no interest in a factory" but your children might. Wouldn't you be the least bit curious to see how they make crayons or even cereal? There are factories all over the country many who are open for public tours. Search the net and find one in your area.

Participate in a volunteer project - Y'all know I'm all about volunteering... head over to the Disney Give a Day Get a Disney Day site and volunteer for a project with your family and be rewarded with Disney tickets

Host a spring time party - If you have a backyard this will equal toooo much fun, if not visit a community park and have a scavenger hung. Spring is a perfect time to celebrate the rejuvenation of the earth and what better way to celebrate then with a party?

Plant a garden - It doesn't have to be in your backyard, visit a community garden in your neighborhood. If one doesn't exist START one! Again a perfect opportunity to teach your little one about the earth, it's also an opportunity for your child to learn how food is made.

Bring your kids to work - OK so not everyone can take a day off of work... but wouldn't it be cool to bring your kiddies to work (check with your employer first) they can see what mom and dad does all day while they are a school learning. This is a great experience for older children especially. I mean really, who doesn't want to show off their cuties?

Get the spring cleaning DONE - OK, nobody really likes to do this but we all must. Spring is the perfect time to pack away the winter clothes and unpack the fun short sleeved tee shirts and spring jackets. To make it fun for the kids help them organize their books and toys and encourage them to donate their gently used items that they don't play with anymore.

Take a vacation - Why not visit the spring break 2010 #1 destination? Orlando, FL. Who's in Orlando? Mickey Mouse and the crew of course! Orlando is just a fun place to be during a break so why not spring break? Oh and you can use your ticket to the park from your volunteer project! (MrsDeveter always makes the connection!)

Do you have any spring break ideas? If so share them in the comments section.

Until next time...
MUAH!

Top 10 Reasons Why... I Love Being a Mommy

Hey Y'all:

I am feeling kinda nostalgic today. I found a baby picture of my almost 2 year old twins and just about cried. Have you ever looked at an old picture, heard an old song or even watched an old movie that took you back to the moment it happened?

When I looked at the picture of the twins at six weeks old I was instantly taken back to the moment when I was told I was pregnant. I remembered how it felt carrying two babies. Now they are walking, talking, communicating little people and it amazes me everyday. Then I look at my 5 year old and I do cry. I can’t believe that just 5 years ago my prayers were answered, and now I have a super smart, active 5 year old that is going to have a huge impact on the world! When I got home last night and found out that he's the Student of the Month at his school, wher they will have a special ceremony at the PTA meeting next week where he'll receive an award!
I knew I would do this post.

Parenthood can be a struggle at time but I wouldn’t trade being a Mommy for anything in this world. Since it's Thursday here is a top 10 list of why I love being a Mommy

10. There is just something special about being responsible for the lives of future teachers, preachers, doctors, lawyers, conductors etc...

9. My children push me to go beyond who I think I should be. They make me better. I'm conscious of what I say and do because I know someone is watching me besides God.

8. They love me unconditionally. I remember one time I reprimanded Erick for something I thought he did. Turned out that he was innocent; even in my faults he loved me and accepted my apology for falsely accusing him. He didn't hold a grudge against me!

7. Children are honest to a fault and because of this I know where I stand with them at all times.

6. I see what my mother saw when she looked at me growing up. HERSELF

5. Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

4. There is nothing better then hearing "I love you" from the mouth of babes

3. They are the living breathing proof of my loving marriage

2. I get to be just like my Mom. Loving, nurturing, caring, kind and patient

The #1 reason why I love being a mommy is because that is who God made me. It was my destiny to become a Mother. Even though my physical body was unable for quite some child to hold a child full term; I never lost hope that I would eventually be someones mom.

I've always been the mother figure, from childhood through HS and in College I've always been the one to mother folks. So having my own children gives me carte blanche to be the best Mother I could ever dream of.

Erick, Leah and Myles Mommy loves you from the bottom of her heart.

Until next time...

MUAH!

Happy Women's History Month 2010

Hey Y'all:

I opened an email from the New York Public library and was reminded that March is Women's History Month!

Did you Know?
The public celebration of women's history in America began in 1978 as "Women's History Week" in Sonoma County, California. The week including March 8, International Women's Day, was selected. In 1981, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Rep. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) co-sponsored a joint Congressional resolution proclaiming a national Women's History Week. In 1987, Congress expanded the celebration to a month, and March was declared Women's History Month.

In celebration of Women's History Month I would like to celebrate women Authors. I have always loved the written word and would like to acknowledge the women who have encouraged me with their pens to share their words with the world.

The first woman author that engrossed me in her world by choice was Judy Blume. I say by choice because I know that I've read many books by women authors growing up but I distinctly remember reading "Are You There God? It's Me Margaret." it was a life changing book (especially the part where Margaret does the "I must, I must I must increase my bust" chant/exercise) I remember reading the entire series and passing it along to my friends and family.

Here is her official bio from her website

Judy Blume spent her childhood in Elizabeth, New Jersey, making up stories inside her head. She has spent her adult years in many places doing the same thing, only now she writes her stories down on paper. Adults as well as children will recognize such Blume titles as: Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret; Blubber; Just as Long as We're Together; and the five book series about the irrepressible Fudge. She has also written three novels for adults, Summer Sisters; Smart Women; and Wifey, all of them New York Times bestsellers. More than 80 million copies of her books have been sold, and her work has been translated into thirty-one languages.
She receives thousands of letters a year from readers of all ages who share their feelings and concerns with her.

Judy received a B.S. in education from New York University in 1961, which named her a Distinguished Alumna in 1996, the same year the American Library Association honored her with the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement. Other recognitions include the Library of Congress Living Legends Award, the 2004 National Book Foundation's Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, and in 2009 the University of Southern Mississippi Medallion for her lifelong contributions to the field of children's literature. She is the founder and trustee of The Kids Fund, a charitable and educational foundation. She serves on the boards of the Author's Guild; the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators; the Key West Literary Seminar; and the National Coalition Against Censorship.

Judy is a longtime advocate of intellectual freedom. Finding herself at the center of an organized book banning campaign in the 1980's she began to reach out to other writers, as well as teachers and librarians, who were under fire. Since then, she has worked tirelessly with the National Coalition Against Censorship to protect the freedom to read. She is the editor of Places I Never Meant To Be, Original Stories by Censored Writers. Most recently Judy has completed a four book series -- The Pain & the Great One books -- for young readers, illustrated by New Yorker cartoonist James Stevenson, and she has begun work on a new YA novel. Judy and her husband George Cooper live on islands up and down the east coast. They have three grown children and one grandchild.

The National Women's History Project has a an overarching theme this year "Writing Women Back into History" - The history of women often seems to be written with invisible ink. Even when recognized in their own times, women are often not included in the history books.

So I figured what better way to celebrate then acknowledging women who have 'written' themselves into history.

Stop by often and see who I honor.

Until next time...
MUAH!

Twin Tuesday: The Pacifier

Hey Y'all:

Haven't done a Twin Tuesday post in a little while. That's not to say that the twins haven't been super active - like Myles pushing his high chair directly in front of the television, turning it on sitting himself in his chair watching Yo Gabba Gabba or Leah holding her baby doll on her hip gently patting it's bottom saying "shhhhh it's ok." Those two are ALWAYS doing something to either make me LOL or shake my head in disbelief.

The latest journey is the weening of the pacifier. Erick sucked the pacifier for a very short period, one day when he was about 5 or 6 months old he decided that he didn't want it anymore so he threw it away (literally). The twins are a completely different story. From the time they knew what it was they have been plugged. In the car, in the house, in church, at grandma's it didn't matter if they saw it they wanted it and it was in their mouth. Most times I would have to snatch it out of their mouths, especially Leah.

We have spend I'm sure well over $50 dollars in pacifiers over the past two years. Between the two of them they have gone through, Gerber Nuk's (all stages), Playtex Binky (all stages) and finally one that was supposedly shaped like a mother's nipple (Leah wasn't fond of that one, but she sucked it anyhow). We didn't plan this weening it happened by default.

As I said before, they are known to have a pacifier in their mouth regardless of where they are or what they are doing. However if they are given food or a sippy cup they would haphazardly discard the pacifier. Lately they have been know to just throw the pacy on the floor and forget where they put it. Over the past week all pacifiers have gone missing, and hubby and I have decided not to look for them or buy replacements. On April 4th the twins will be 2 years old and Leah's teeth are being effected by the pacifier (even though we buy the "orthodontic" type they still are becoming quite buck) so we have agreed that it's time to say bye bye to the pacifier.

It has not be meet with approval from the twins or our neighbors I'm sure. They scream, they beg for it ("pacifiya, mommy gemme pacifiya PLEASE), they even drag their baby bag and search through it looking for them. Most recently in church, Leah almost accosted her 6 month old baby cousin for his. We are standing our ground. No more pacifier (well unless they find it themselves) for Leah or Myles.

Any weening tips?

Until next time...

MUAH!