Merry Christmas!

Best e-mail I've got this holiday season:

With days before Christmas REMEMBER:
Jesus is Better than Santa
Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year
JESUS is an ever present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies
JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.
You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly
JESUS has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is HO HO HO
JESUS offers health, help and hope.
Santa says "You better not cry"
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.
Santa's little helpers make toys
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.
It's obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in Christmas.
Jesus is still the reason for the season.

May the Lord Bless and Watch over you and your loved ones this Christmas 2009
And may He prosper and bless the work of your hands in the New Year.

Heart & Soul

I’ve been overwhelmed by the emotion I feel at being a mother. Sometimes it is all consuming and I feel like I don’t have a single second to myself. But most of the time it is extremely exhilarating and I feel like I learn something new everyday and my capacity for love and patience grows exponentially.

I think about the different dynamics that my son and daughter bring to my life. My son, TheGenius is of course my first born- he is what I like to refer to as my heart. He is at the age where he can hold some pretty stimulating conversations and challenge everything you thought you knew about life to be true. He is smart, intelligent, handsome, funny and caring. He loves me unconditionally and proudly proclaims he is a mama’s boy. Usually the connotation for “mama’s boy” brings to mind images of spineless, wimpy kids who cling to their mother’s skirts wishing they could still be breastfed- that is not the case with my son. He is very independent and he challenges me daily but he just genuinely enjoys being with his mama. We laugh, talk, do craft projects, play superheroes, read and I listen while he talks incessantly about Ben 10. We are just cool like that. Ha ha! He is truly amazing and I pray daily that I am around to see him grow up into the phenomenal man I know he’s going to be.

My daughter- oh sweet baby girl- I like to refer to her as my soul. My daughter is me revisited. I see so much of myself in my daughter already that it’s scary. Even my aunt and other relatives have commented not only on the physical resemblance but also her personality and attitude, which she has already developed! She usually just sits back and observes everything not really calling much attention to herself but when she does bless you with a smile or a laugh it’s like a beautiful blinding ray of sunshine! When she sees something she wants she’s pretty tenacious and she’s a tough little cookie not really prone to crying for anything other than food or getting her way. Ha ha! I look at my daughter and I get so excited about the possibilities of all the things we will get to do together but I have to remind myself to tread lightly because I already realize I’m planning on being able to have a “do over” with my daughter. In other words everything I didn’t get to do or wish I would have done (even things I shouldn’t have done) I want a chance to do them with my daughter. If I’m being honest, I want to guide my son to make his own decisions and with my daughter I want to help her choose. I can’t wait for the first Barbie and Easy Bake oven! I want to start a spa day tradition and I definitely want her to get her college degree right after high school and land a fabulous job that she will LOVE.

I am very blessed and I hope God continues to allow me to remain healthy both mentally and physically so that I can be a part (and involved) of my children’s lives for many, many years to come!

Happy Holidays

It took me three tries to sign on to this blog. Forgot my user name and password. Pathetic. I've been away much longer than I anticipated. Blame Facebook! I was addicted for a minute. I think I might still be addicted . . .jury is still out. But anyway, I was reading over some of my older posts on this blog and got a little tickled. So, I was inspired to add a new post. Not sure how many more will follow but I just thought I'd start. . .

A LOT has happened since April and the arrival of The Princess. First of all, you might want to sit down for this one- can you believe she is already EIGHT MONTHS OLD?! I can't! And to whoever thought I was announcing another pregnancy: BITE ME! Ha ha! See I haven't lost my sense of humour.

Anyway, life has changed DRASTICALLY, I swear I blink and the days just keep passing sometimes without my active participation. My son is now in kindergarten, I'm back to working full time, finished a semester of school and the ICING on the Sock It To Me cake that is my life- is that my dear husband got a quasi-promotion at work that requires him to be out of town three days a week every other week. So on those weeks I refer to myself as a single, married mother. I don't think he likes the terminology but if the shoe fits. . .it gets extremely overwhelming sometimes and my biggest fear is that life is rushing by so fast that I'm not giving "enough" to my kids. Everything is such a damn routine. Homework, dinner, bath, story, bed time. Repeat. Agh! I hate it. I am thisclose to biting the bullet and just becoming a stay at home mom. They still make Spam, right? Ooh, with Ramen noodles. Yum.

So, I'm back for a minute to wish everyone in the blogosphere a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a safe, healthy, prosperous New Year. Live, laugh and love life! And come back. . .I might start kicking it here again. I have so much more material now ;-).

The Genius and The Princess in the photo after take 57. . .not bad.

PEACE!
MzM

Little Miss Sunshine

I didn't think it was truly possible to love a second child as much as the first but I was dead wrong! Although baby number 2 was a surprise, after one look in her gorgeous eyes I can't imagine life without her. I am officially on hiatus from this blog and hope to return in the near future. THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!

Update

What I've been up to:

1. Final ultrasound appointment (it's still a girl) on March 16th at that point the baby weighed (estimated of course) 6 lbs 3 ounces with almost four weeks to go.

2. Family & friends baby shower March 21st. Not a lot of attendance but great gifts and great company. My cousin did the cutest party favors. . .a little poem about me having a bun in the oven on the front of these cute bags ties with cute ribbon and inside was a delicious honey bun.

3. SURPRISE baby shower at work March 25th and I got a TON of stuff!! The generosity that people show for wedding and baby showers has always amazed me. The little princess' closet is already full of clothes, diapers and wipes! PLUS I have like $250 in gift cards for Target and Babies R Us!

4. Doctor's appointment March 26th reveals I am THREE centimeters dilated already. My doctor was a no show so I saw one of her partners who tried to convince me to be induced on April 3rd. That's NEXT Friday! Ten whole days before April 13th. . .um no. I think I'm gonna pass on that offer.

5. I took three quizzes and finished three papers (one pagers) all last weekend in preparation for my impending childbirth. I have to go on campus for a quiz on April 1st and have yet to study!

6. My ankles and feet have been on SWOLE for almost three weeks! It's to the point now that I am wearing FLIP FLOPS to work! I have no other choice. . .I refuse to buy new larger, wider shoes to wear for two weeks and half weeks.

7. Finally, been sleeping on the couch for the last few nights because I cannot get comfortable in our bed. Sleeping on my back and side is not working and I can't sleep on my stomach so I pretty much sleep sitting up. Not very comfortable at all!!!

Yeah, just a TAD bit overwhelmed and TIRED.

Cute Keepsake

I have been a loyal customer and big fan of Snapfish since my son was born. I've gotten some really cool products including an annual photo book of my son's milestones every years since his birth. I consider them my "coffee table" books and they are a great and classic way to capture those precious moments.

My son is also quite the "artist" and he has been known to create some masterpieces that he usually has to explain. . .but it's only because of my apparent lack of imagination. Ha ha! Anyway, Snapfish now has this cool product that allows you to upload the scanned images of your child's artwork and turn them into a book!! How cool is that! Not to mention you don't have to worry about all that refrigerator CLUTTER- one of my serious pet peeves!

If you have a budding artist you should check it out!

Sibling Revelry

Yesterday my son attended a new sibling course at the hospital in our neighborhood. I saw a description of the class online and thought it was a neat idea especially for children who have been the only child for a while. But I must admit once the time came to attend the class I was tempted to blow it off- if for no other reason than I am a lazy, tired, and overwhelmed pregnant woman who will be giving birth in less than three weeks!

But my son was beside himself with excitement so I pulled it together and off we went- with hubby in tow. I am very glad he had the opportunity to attend. They showed a video about how babies grow and what happens when the baby comes home (crying, eating, sleeping, pooping, crying, and it starts all over) and the important role of the older sibling.

The soon-to-be new siblings got to put a diaper on a fake newborn baby, my son totally mastered the diaper changing thing, which is very scary- note to self: hide the diapers. I think he’ll probably use them like he does the superhero band-aids. Put a new one on “just in case” the baby has an accident. They also got instructions on how to hold the baby and wrap the baby in a blanket. The instructor also talked about keeping toys off the floor and out of the baby’s reach so that she won’t choke on them. Finally, at the end of the class they received gift bags with books to read the baby, coloring books, stickers and a stuffed animal.

I thought the most interesting part of the class was when the instructor played therapist and started asking the kids if they thought things were going to change around their house and how they felt about it. When she asked my son what he thought was going to change he said he would have to start sharing. Apparently that was his only concern. I was actually shocked that he even said that- because from day one his mantra has been, “I’m the big brother so that means I’m the boss”. I’m sure there are times he will assert his “big brother” rights but I also know this little girl is going to have him wrapped around her finger.

(I’ll post pics from the class later.)

Forever and A Day

Oh, yeah I have a blog. . .

My BABY boy turned five on March 2nd. I am still in denial. Sometimes it feels like he's much older but most times it seems as if he just turned two the other day. The thing that's so weird to me is that he's always the age he is now. . .translated- my best and sharpest memories of him are when he was four. I remember little things he did at two and three (barely anything at one) but it's like he was born at his current age. I don't know if that's a deficiency on my part as a mother or if that's how it is for everyone.

I've promised myself to slow down a bit and enjoy the "precious moments" a lot more with Baby Girl (who by the way will be here in four and a half weeks!) especially since this is my LAST hurrah! No more babies for this old broad!

Life has been moving along. Work is totally kicking my ass and the psychology course I'm taking is proving to be a bit more challenging than I had originally anticipated. I had to talk myself out of jumping from the highest bridge when I made a 75 on an exam! Since returning to college as a grown ass woman I have never made any grade less than an 90. . .but then again I haven't been applying myself or preparing myself at all. I'm one of those sickening people who cram for a test a few hours before and usually get an A. Not so much this time. I think I might have to actually READ (gasp) and study the material if I plan on pulling out an A in this class!

What do you think it means if someone you work with is asking you a million questions about if you're going to start a baby registry and what is the theme of your nursery. . .someone who is not really a "baby person". Mmhmm. My presumptious nature smells a surprise baby shower in the works. I just hope it's not on one of my down days when I roll in with my "natural" hair and something I found in the back of my closet to stretch over my stomach! Looking a hot ass mess while everyone is yelling SURPRISE! Ha ha!

Anyhoo, I'm currently at work taking a break from the monotony of a huge project that I'm starting to lose focus on. I promised to have it completed before I left for maternity leave but now that I'm on the downhill, swollen ankle, Braxton Hicks contractions side of things- my focus is leaving me. I am doubting this project will be complete. I guess I might need to tell somebody. Part of me thinks maybe leaving something undone might give me a little job security. . .I would hate to have them come to the conclusion- in my absence- that they can do without me! I just sincerely wish I could totally do without them!

Here's my sweet prince on his special day!

My Life.

Okay, one day before I totally decide to shut down this blog I promise to post a video of my son and one of our stimulating conversations. I want to do this just to prove that I am NOT making up some of the stuff this kid says! Last night he left me speechless during two conversations in the span of thirty minutes. I literally did not know what to say to him and I think it's because he always shocks me. It's never anything I expect.

Case in point, his father was going over results from a comprehensive physical that he (my husband) takes every year. So, my husband is at the table in the breakfast room and my son and I are listening to him from the family room. My husband is going on and on acting as if his over production of creatine is a death sentence when my son out of the blue asked me, "Mama have you ever had leprosy," I stared at him extremely puzzled because I'm thinking there is no way he just asked me if I had leprosy. I barely know what leprosy is surely a 4 year old has no clue what that means. "What?!" I asked. He repeated the question- slowly, for my benefit obviously. "Where did you hear that? Do you even know what that means? Why did you ask me that?" I hit him with a barrage of questions.

He grabbed my hands like he's trying to soothe me and he said, "Leprosy is when you have a bunch of sores or scales on your body, like on your skin. We learned about that in a Bible story at school. But don't worry because Jesus can heal you if you get that," My super parental reply? I started coughing and had to go and get some water. By the way, I've never had leprosy unless Jesus cured me before I realized I had it.

Less than ten minutes later I am in my bedroom, while my husband is STILL reviewing the results of his physical, when my son comes in and says he wants to talk to me. Oh, no more conversations about leprosy! This time he tells me he would like to share a secret with me. I TOTALLY encourage the sharing of secrets because while sometimes they are innocent and ridiculous they could eventually be something totally serious and life threatening so, I always want him to be able to share secrets with me. . .actually I try to discourage having secrets from mama in the first place.

Anyway, he tells me this little girl- who he talks about constantly as he's blushing and grinning from ear to ear- this little girl in his class (who is also FOUR) told him that she is falling in love with him. My mind was still reeling from the leprosy thing so I asked him if we could share his secret with daddy. He hesitated but shook his head, "yes". So I go back to the kitchen and tell my husband a little girl is falling in love with your son, please handle.

His head snapped up from the report and this idiot- I mean wonderful man that I married- started grinning and asking "who"? UH, not helping daddy. I do not want my son to be labeled as the pre-school sexual deviant because he ends up kissing this girl or holding her hand. We are living in a totally different society and while on one hand it makes you cover your heart and go," AWW," on the other hand all it takes is for one little innocent action by him to totally turn this into a suddenly serious situation.

So, his father proceeded to tell him that this girl probably just really likes him because he's smart and handsome but they are just friends and that he doesn't want him trying to kiss or hug her. He goes on to say they are too young to be talking about love and just be her friend and play together like he does with everyone else. I thought that was a good answer until my husband started talking about all the little girls who adored him in school when he was growing up too. If I weren't pregnant I probably would have taken a Valium (or two) and went to bed!

Pray for me!!

Letter to My Little Prince

There are so many headlines featuring black men in the news lately. Stories ranging from the ridiculous- Chris Brown, baby, what the hell!? To the sublime- President Obama. . .regardless to all the hateration I'm still floating on cloud nine. . .a black President?!!!

My husband and I were watching a reality show (Road to Redemption) on MTV starring T.I. and I thought it was great!! He's not trying to teach Hustling 101 nor is he trying to mold the 'hood's next superstar. He is actually trying to make a difference in young people's lives who are headed down the wrong road. On the episode we watched he took a young man to a FUNERAL HOME to see the dead body of a young man who was hustling just like him- to show this kid "this could have been you". Talk about keepin' it REAL!! Anyway, after watching the show and just checking out all the latest news headlines I was inspired to write a letter to the little black boy I'm raising:

My Dearest Son,

I am writing this letter to you from the bottom of my heart to let you know how much I absolutely adore you. You are such a wonderful, smart, funny and handsome little boy and I am enjoying being your mother so much. Although there are times when you try my patience I am extremely proud of you for being so inquisitive and being able to discern what’s reasonable from what’s bullshit at such a young age. I think you will make a great lawyer or politician someday as long as you don’t get things twisted.

In all honesty I would love to chart the course of your life because as your mother I just think I know best. But I promise to try and stand aside and let you live your own life and make your own decisions but I can’t promise to stand by and let you make decisions that I know will destroy your life. The main thing I want you to get out of this journey is to live it to the fullest and always give your best. Get the best possible education you can because that is something no one can EVER take away from you. Pray, read, travel, laugh, always use condoms, don’t lead women on, never hit a woman no matter what, have babies after you’re married and always call your mama.

Although it’s your life I wouldn’t be a mother if I didn’t mention how stupid it would be for you to use drugs, smoke cigarettes, steal, lie or cheat. And FYI- the police will have NO tolerance for you so, please stay out of the criminal justice system until you become a lawyer. Jail is not a place you want to live or visit- do not place that burden on your mother to see her first born locked up like an animal. You may as well cut my heart out of my chest with a dull knife!

You also need to know that I will ride your ass like a mechanical bull if you don’t do well in school. If you are having problems I will be the first person to try and help you either myself, by hiring a tutor or having you tested for learning/ developmental issues. But I will NEVER EVER accept excuses or laziness where school is concerned. I might let you get away with a lot stuff throughout your time with me but NEVER will you be allowed to get over on mama when it comes to school. Besides I already know how smart you are so you have to keep it up!

Finally, never let someone else (including me) define for you what it means to be a man. You are a unique manifestation of God first and foremost and by serving God and your community you do a great service to all mankind. I sincerely appreciate you for being the first person to ever teach me the meaning of unconditional love, patience and selflessness. I hope your star shines brightly for many, many, years to come! There are no "do-overs" in life so be sure you live it right the first time.

Love You Forever,
Your Biggest Fan,
Mama

Friday the 13th: Looking for better luck!

Okay, so here' s goes my um. . .weekly post. I know I lied but I did try. I tried to keep up with the blog and tried to keep it relevant just like I've been trying to keep motivated at work, engaged with my son and enchanted with my husband. That last one has been tough considering dude was working my nerves for a about a month or so at the end of the year!

At any rate, I've felt like a major failure on all fronts. Of course I'm thinking a good idea is to totally blame EVERYTHING on this pregnancy. I didn't do it all with my first pregnancy (I was like ridiculously calm and energetic) so I figure I'm going to milk this excuse until this kid is at least TWO! Ha ha!

Anyway, my life is back to feeling like I'm being tossed around in a food processor at high speed. This month, this short little month of February, I have SEVEN of my family members- close family members (hubby, mom, both/only nieces, uncle, only aunt and step daughter) who have birthdays- three of which are milestones (16, 18 & 60). Everybody is having a party or celebration that requires my attendance and there are only FOUR weekends in the month. You do the math.

Then March rolls around and that first week my son turns 5 and is having a party on the 7th. Then I've been told a baby shower is being planned for me on the 14th. That leaves FOUR short weeks until Bambino Number 2 makes her debut. Oh, but wait in between that time I have a presentation due for school AND a ginormous project at work that I've just been told is expected to be completed before I go on maternity leave.

And on top of all of this my laptop is out of commission. . .I have been forced to use the antiquated desktop in our game room that is temperamental as hell. But the best part of my week was being sick- I'm talking complete with throwing up soup (sorry I know that's TMI)- for most of this week. Fevers, night sweats the whole nine. Just some random bacterial thing going around. My son was down for the count also so, I'm blaming those snotty nosed kids at his school! No, really I'm blaming their parents- I never send my son to school if he's really sick, i.e, has a FEVER of 100.9 or higher. Everyone knows or should know if a kid is running a fever they are more than likely infectious/contagious and can make other kids sick!

Ah, but I digress. . .or not, this started off as a rambling post and I guess it's best to finish it that way. Tomorrow is my husbands b-day, yep he's a Valentine's Baby. His defense when I tell him he's being a little too touchy-feely- he says he can't help it because number one I'm so irresistible (yeah, me and these extra 24 pounds) and he was born on the day of love. O. . K. I bought him this gadget from the Apple Store that he's been wanting and my son and I plan on making heart shaped cookies. I know the restaurants will be a mess tomorrow but it's been kind of a tradition to go to Pappasito's every year so, I guess we'll get started early.

Hope everyone has a great Valentine's Day! And be careful not to let any black cats cross your path tonight! Although it might have the opposite effect on luck for me. . .

Party Over Here

This past weekend I took my son to a birthday party at Minute Maid Park. Houston's baseball stadium and home to the Houston Astros. I didn't even know you could have birthday parties at the stadium! But leave it to my friend to find the most awesome places for her children's parties.
The party was really NICE! So nice in fact, that most of the adults were saying they were going to have their birthday parties there! We met outside the stadium and our party was escorted by a hostess to one of the box suites with the most incredible view of the field. Once the children finished their personal pan pizzas, drinks and gourmet cookies we headed down to the field.

The kids got to walk around the diamond with strict rules NOT to touch the perfectly manicured turf. They also got to sit in the actual dugout and take pictures and then it was on to the play zone appropriately named Squeeze Play. A two story enclosed play area with slides and things to climb on and run across. There was also as spot where the kids could hit balls of water that came up over a mock version of home plate. My son's favorite thing was racing against this cardboard cut out of one of the players.

I highly recommend Minute Maid Park for a unique party experience even if your child isn't a fan of baseball they are sure to love this place!

Frogs, Snails & Puppy Dog Tails

Okay, I know in the beginning when I found out about our little accident, er, I mean blessing from God. . . I had hoped it would be another boy. My thought was that a boy would be "easier" since I've already experienced parenting a boy up to age 4.

Well, now I cannot wait for more estrogen to enter our household! My son is slowly evolving from a sweet, docile little mama's boy into a straight up maniac! If he's not jumping from the highest point in the house (apparently thinking he can fly!) he's running through the house screaming battle cries and doing high kicking karate. Often he won't respond to you unless you address him by his superhero name or unless you know the secret password.

I know that for the most part this is normal "boy" behavior but I am in such unfamiliar territory. I grew up in a single mother household with a sister. We operated on emotion and logic. Right now my son is operating on pure IMAGINATION! I think he sees something else in his mind instead of what's real. Like perhaps when he jumps off the top of the couch he sees himself landing in an ocean or perhaps a bed of soft cotton instead of hardwood floors! This boy has banged his head, foot, arm, knees and shoulder so many times in the past few months I am shocked he hasn't broken a bone yet.

Ah, the joys of boys. . .WHATEVER. He's nutty as a can of Planter's! I can't wait for my little princess to make her debut. I'm actually looking forward to Barbie dolls, tea parties and manicures! And I know pink is kind of passe when it comes to being the color of choice for girls but I cannot wait to buy a cute PINK frilly dress with a bunch of flowers and lace that screams I AM A GIRL!!! Ha ha! I do absolutely ADORE my son but I can't wait to even things out in our household.

Confused

I am confused about something. Why is it when some people decide life is not worth living anymore they also make that decision for others? I seriously don’t understand the murder-suicide phenomenon. I hate my life so much that not only am I going to kill myself but I don’t want you to live either so, I guess I hate your life too???

I mean if a person is so determined to end their life then DO IT and claim that one way ticket to hell. But by all means don’t take other folks with you! I was shocked to hear about the man in L.A. who killed his family and then himself. How in the hell do you kill FIVE little children, your wife and then yourself? Because he got laid off (I think his wife also lost her job). Sorry if this sounds crass but if he really wanted to turn a selfish act into a selfless act he should have found away to terminate his life that would appear to be an “accident” and then perhaps his family could have collected some type of insurance policy. I’m just sayin’. . .

The other thing that shocked me is that this was a BLACK man. Surely he was aware there were other options. Was he that proud or just an idiot? I’m thinking the latter. I have had some low points in my life, which when you really think about it is what makes life well. . .life. You have peaks and valleys. It’s never perfect and there are ALWAYS tests of strength, will and faith that you have to get through and I guess it’s true that only the strongest survive. The weak apparently take their lives (and the lives of others) because they figure it’s easier. Like I said, I’ve had some low points but NEVER, EVER, NEVER would I ever kill myself.

In all honesty I can say that I’ve thought about what “life” would be without me. Would I be missed? But those thoughts always had to do with me either never having been born or dying of some natural cause. I can barely swallow those big ass prenatal vitamins so I know I couldn’t take any pills. I would never try to shoot myself because what if my aim is slightly off and I become paralyzed instead? And why in the world would someone stick a knife in their chest over and over? I like to think I have a high tolerance for pain but come on. It just doesn’t make sense to me.

Life is already short enough and regardless to how much we dread it or even fight it the fact is we will ALL die someday anyway- why hurry along the process. Find the light, the love and the goodness in life and enjoy it while you can. Sorrow don't last always. . .

Untitled

Man, it's been a whole week since I even THOUGHT about this blog! It's getting kinda sad. . .

Hmm, I guess I could recap my week:

1. BARACK OBAMA is in the WHITE HOUSE!!!! Was that not the most AMAZING inauguration ever?! Although there were some white conservatives HATING on the event because- get this- they were focusing too much on black people. I ain't making that up. They felt the media focused "too much" on black people in the crowds and that the majority of the entertainment and speakers were black. So, when things are reversed and a white president has white supporters and white entertainers/speakers. It's okay? Got it. Moving on from all things ignorant. . .

2. Had another doctor's appointment and the little princess seems to be growing and doing fine. April 13th will be here before you know it and I will NOT be ready. But it's been my experience that it all ends up working out. :-)

3. Enrolled in a Psychology course. Theories of Personality. I can already tell it's going to be an interesting semester. Maybe I'll continue this blog to psychoanalyze people in my family and the media.

4. I think I might be mildly obsessed with the Twilight book series. Yeah, I know that's supposed to be a "young adult" series. I don't really want to elaborate except to say although Stephenie Meyer is not the most prolific writer in the world she has to be given credit for creating one of the most enthralling modern day fictional characters (Edward Cullen) in a long time.

5. I am tired of working. 'Nuff said.

Hopefully I'll be able to get some more interesting/relevant postings in this week.

Sing Sing Celebrate

Keep the dream alive! I LOVE this song/video!! One of my favorite to commemorate the King Holiday! I remember having this blonde hair spray/dye that I put in the front of my hair like Stacey Lattisaw! Ha ha! Not only is the song poignant but looking at all those old school artists takes me waaay back! Whodini, Fat Boys, New Edition, Stacey Lattisaw, Melle Mel, EL DEBARGE (OMG! I had the biggest crush on him!), JT Taylor, Stephanie Mills and of course the incomparable Whitney Houston. ENJOY!

Enough Already

Okay, there is one downfall to having a child that's so smart. Sometimes they are too smart. I mean smart as in shut-your-mouth-before-I-have-to-slap-you-in-it smart.

I subscribe to the 65-35 method of parenting. 65% old school and 35% new school. I realize that we are living in a totally different time than when I was a child but at the same time there are some things that will never change:

1. Children have no business in grown folks business!
2. Children should not talk back and/or disrespect their parents.
3. No negotiating with children. It makes them think they have the upper hand.
4. No telling children to do something 3 and 4 times.
5. Spankings help children see their options a lot more clearly.

I incorporate these old stand-by's into my daily parenting routine because of the simple fact that I have a FOUR YEAR OLD asking me questions like, "Why do we have to always do everything you want?" "Why can't I get to choose when I go to bed?"

I have NO patience for stuff like that!! I suppose I could get down on his level and say something like "because Mommy knows what's best for you" or "because Mommy wants you to get your rest". But I prefer that old adage "BECAUSE I SAID SO". You give these kids an inch they want to take a mile! I don't want to set a precedent that everything is up for discussion!

I don't know if it's hormones or what but me and my little MISTER have been bumping heads a lot lately. I've got to nip this in the bud with the quickness before Baby Girl's arrival. So I have been known to walk around the house with a belt over my shoulder to let him know I mean business however I never get to use it ;-( because all it takes is one word from his father and he's scrambling and tripping over himself to straighten up his act!

I think that he will probably end up being a lawyer because not only does he ask questions- and I'm not talking about typical inquisitive kiddie questions- he ask questions directly related to him getting what he wants and he has already developed this ability to make you second guess your answers so that he can prove his point which is- THERE IS NO REASON I SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET MY WAY. I pray for him daily that he does not become a victim of a back hand from his hormonal mother. If he's starting this mess at FOUR. . .I'm thinking he better have a back up plan like where he can go and live by the time he's TEN because I ain't having it!

Momversation

I found this clip over at dooce.com (one of my guilty pleasures). I thought it was very interesting and although most of my experiences are from the perspective of a black woman I found myself wholeheartedly agreeing with these women on many different levels. I guess the one truism in life is, regardless to your race, motherhood and marriage ain't no joke!!

(Sorry about the Christina Aguilera commercial be patient it's worth the wait.)

Condolences

I felt compelled to write this post this morning before I started my work day. I have always really liked John Travolta. Not saying that I'm a big fan but I do enjoy his work. At the risk of dating myself, I remember original episodes of Welcome Back Kotter and I found his ditzy Vinnie Barbarino character adorable. Not a big fan of Saturday Night Fever but loved him in Grease (I'on care who you are, you KNOW you had at least two songs memorized from that movie!) But one of my favorite roles of his was from Face Off with Nicolas Cage. I know I've seen that movie at least ten times!

So when I heard about his son, Jett (whose name I knew from seeing him in random interviews and he mentioned him practically every time) dying for some reason it really pierced my heart. I'm sure it's mainly because I'm a mother and I don't ever want to think about my son leaving this Earth before me. . .but also because it was so apparent that he absolutely adored his son. It is so tragic for a life to be taken so young (16) and I pray that the Travolta family can get through this tragedy.

Happy New Year

Why does today seem like Sunday?? I guess because I have to go to work tomorrow. Me and my two favorite guys spent a quiet evening at home last night watching the spectacular fireworks display our neighbors put on every year at New Years and Fourth of July. We feasted on chips , cheese, boneless BBQ wings and pizza. Then at midnight my husband poured a glass of Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice for my son & I while he toasted with champagne. It was the perfect evening.

We slept until 10:00 this morning, then my husband got up and fixed us breakfast. I put on a roast and plan on topping the meal off with potatoes, black eyed peas, greens and cornbread. Maybe that's why it seems like Sunday- Soul Food Sunday to be exact. It's days like this that I think God has blessed me over-abundantly. I am EXTREMELY thankful although I know at times I am undeserving.

I usually don't make New Year's resolutions. . .but I do set goals. As a New Year begins I am mainly focused on ONE thing: having a HEALTHY baby in April. But aside from that there are some things I need to accomplish this year:

1. Keep pushing forward with school even if I take one class a semester
2. Get rid of the disgusting carpet in our bedroom
3. Get a new car (it's been WONDERFUL not having a car note for 10 years but the gig is up- we need more space)
4. Take my son on one last trip before school starts. . .I am dumbfounded that this kid starts kindergarten in the fall!
5. Get my children baptized!

Other than that I am going to TRY TRY to watch my language since my husband says I curse three times as much as I did when he first met me. . .wonder why?!?!

Anyway, I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe New Year and that 2009 brings you everything you wish for and more!!!

(The picture is of TheGenius getting his shave on Christmas morning.)