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!