Adventures Abound!

Have you ever volunteered at your child's school? Kids are so funny!

During lunch, I walked up on my son telling his friends about his super powers.

He told them, he can jump from the top steps in our house to the bottom steps with his eyes closed! Say What????? Of course I didn't say anything right then and there. In my head, I screamed Noooooo!

I didn't want to spoil the fun! Clearly he's doing these stunts when I am not around! Haha. Too Funny!!

Question: Do you have any adventurous kids and crazy stunt stories to share??

Happy Anniversary! 18 Years.-Darrin and Tanyetta.

Darrin and Tanyetta

joined in Holy Matrimony

on

May 21, 1995

That's our sweet baby girl, Danyelle (who by the way is all grown up) :-)

Today we are celebrating

18 Years of Marriage

Thank You for all of your love, family, thoughts, prayers, encouragement

 and positive support through the years!

Energy!!

DJ is funny! I told him, your Teacher doesn't want kids sleeping in her class so go to bed early for a fun class trip tomorrow! He said all he has to do is take a vitamin! Huh??? . Needless to say, he took a flintstone this morning, like it was cool. Too Funny. LOL! These kids

Give your smile away!

Today was a great day! Give your smile to a stranger. It might just make their entire day.

I was walking past the computer room at the community center here on base and I saw a mom and her son in the room.

I walked in and said Hello and introduced myself and my daughter. I then, invited her to come and join me and a few other moms in the adjoining room for coffee and a social setting.

Needless to say, she met other moms, exchanged numbers and now she's planning to come again next week. She said, she has lived here for a while and hasn't met anyone and today was the first day anyone has ever invited her to join in a group or anything!

AWWWW  I love meeting new people!

Questions: As a mom, have you met any other new moms lately? Have you ever invited a new person to your events?

(Guest Post) Children and Healthy Snacks-Jessica David

Children and Healthy Snacks

As a health coach and a mom to a preschooler, I have learned that sharing my interest of eating clean with my son has returned great results.  He has been eager to try new dishes with me. This is exciting because I’m always coming up with new ones! 

As a parent, I know you desire for your child(ren) to eat more fruits and vegetables but yet you’re stumped on how to or maybe have simply ran out of new ideas on how to present the foods to them, right? Look no further! Before I share a few ideas, I am going to give you a starter list of which ingredients to avoid and why.

·      High Fructose Corn Syrup is an ingredient that has been processed many times over. It also shuts down the body’s ability to say ‘enough.’ It contains 40-90% fructose and it shapes a child’s tastes toward sweet cravings. It is a leading cause of obesity (the over-consumption of fructose since the 1970s). More on this topic from highfructosehigh.com

·      Artificial Dyes are ingredients that are a color and a number and studies show a link between them and hyperactivity in children. They are also called excitotoxins because they have the ability to damage cells in the brain.  Dyes: Red 40, Red 3, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3. More on thistopic from diefooddye.com

·      Hydrogenated Oils are man-made fats. Another name for them is trans-fats. Trans-fats may damage cell membranes in the brain and nerve cells. More on this topic from AskDrSears.com

Now that we’ve addressed what to avoid, let’s focus on the positive. Here are some proven tricks to get your children to eat and enjoy more vegetables (and fruits):

Dip it (hummus, guacamole), Hide it (add grated veggies to dishes), Design it (make veggie art), Grow it (plant a garden), Fill it (stuff a pita), and Tell it (greens are ‘grow foods’).

My son’s favorite go-to snack is apple wedges with drizzled raw honey and sprinkled cinnamon.

Learn tips on label reading, eating more fruits and vegetables, healthy substitutions, recipes, and beyond at one of my future eWorkshops or phone consults. L.E.A.N. Start classes begin online at the end of every month. More information: www.conveyingawareness.com/upcoming-events/registration/.

 David is a Certified L.E.A.N. Health Coach and the owner and founder of Conveying Awareness. Jessica provides nutrition tips via her blog, newsletter, Facebook page, and various media in print and online covering a plethora of wellness topics.  Having lived overseas, a seed was planted within her to cook meals from fresh ingredients and she now shows families how to do the same. Jessica feels that through encouragement we can impart education with lasting results. She also advocates for families to eat more fruits and vegetables. She lives in Ridgecrest, California with her husband and young son.

The incredible adventures at Target.

We were at The Happiest place on earth (Target) and this little girl wanted to act up!

She asked her mom for a hello kitty lip gloss and nail polish gift pack! The mom said, maybe another day. Ok, notice, she didn't say NO!

The little girl starts crying using her outside voice and everything. Whoa! It was a sight to see. Everyone looking at the mom like you meanie mommy!

Just get it for her! I thought oh no! Don't give in. Stay strong. You're almost through checkout. You can do it.

The momma took the little girl outside put her in the carseat and drove off thanking GOD for allowing her to remain calm through the storm!!

Yes!! You've guessed it. This was about me and gracen!!! LOL!

These kids are trying to win. I won't give in. Stay strong out there mommas! Stay strong. :-)

Mommy and Me Yoga! Lunch and Social.

Great Turn Out for the Mommy and Me Yoga/Lunch/Social today. Good News, the community center has allowed the events on the calendar every week! Come on out for the next one if you can! Please! bring a friend! Yoga at 1030 and the Social at 1130. You can come for one or both events! The kids and mommas had a blast! Thank You Maria Molit for bringing the special easter cupcakes for the kiddos!

Pull Over!!

Soooo...I was pulled over today for speeding! My daughter was smiling and waving at the officer.

That's right, baby girl, turn on the charm!! :-) Thank goodness for cute kids.

How fast was I going? Let's just say, That would have been an ugly fine. Good thing I didn't say, " I thought it was OK to go 10 over the limit"!!

The grace I received today will be the grace I will extend when someone needs it from me! I really learned a lesson today. Slow Down! Grace awaits. Hey, Don't judge me. Learn from me. :-).

Motivation!

Question: How do you get your kids motivated for school mornings?

We do it with sign and body language! It's funny because my kids really get into it and the meltdowns are gone! No talking, just body language! It cuts down on the meltdowns! Now why didn't I think of this tactic years ago?? Hah!

Question: How do you get your kids motivated for school mornings?

I made it out in one piece.

Throw your hands up in the air and wave 'em like you just don't care and if you like grocery shopping, let me hear you say, OH YEAH!!!

Just Kidding!   No one really enjoys grocery shopping.  Do they?  I'm sure there will be ONE person jumping up and down, saying YES YES!  I love it.  Ok, stop.

New Thought---Survived the commissary!

I was the Coupon Fairy all up in that place, gave out coupons (pampers, creamer, mac and cheese and others) to random customers because saving money should be TOP PRIORITY for everyone, right?  Haha.  They probably thought I was cray-cray.

Overall, the cashier was nice, the baggers were nice.  $aved over $20 in coupons, the surcharge and tip killing my bottom line though.  Ugh.  Oh well, I can say, in my Ice Cube voice, "today was a good day"  :-)

Question in my Resputia voice "how you dern?"  :-)  No, really, I want to know!  So, holla at me in the comment section!!!

The Reason for the Season

This is why I need help!

The Kids:  When is Easter?
Me:  Coming soon, at the end of this month.  (pointing to the calendar) Question:  What does Easter mean to you?
Gracen:  The Easter Bunny and Egg Hunting
DJ:  No School, Egg Hunting and Jesus will die and come back to earth.
Me:  Ok, I promise to TEACH you guys the real meaning of Easter this month.  We have a LOT to learn and it will be fun, I promise.
The Kids:  Are we going to color eggs and get Easter Baskets too?
*sigh*  I need prayer.

Question:  How do YOU explain Easter to your children?  Please, post your comments.  Thank You.

The Toy Story Project.

What would happen If we told our children or grandchildren to go and get 5 of their favorite toys?

I don't know the history behind the photos. It just breaks my heart to see the kids with dirty clothes and no shoes on their feet.

Hopefully they have the most important part in their lives. Parents who love them!

Click HERE to view the post!

What are YOUR thoughts on the photos???

Sick Kids home from School. #TheFaker

Received a call from the School Nurse. DJ said he was sick, his stomach REALLY hurt and HE wanted to go home. Needless to say, it was required of me to come and pick him up from School. Well, as you can see, he's VERY sick! *patti labelle voice* who's zoomin' who?? •sigh•

Tim's Place! Love, Great Food and Free Hugs!

Heart Warming!  We need MORE people like Tim in our world.
LOVE, Celebration Dances before work and HUGS!
Click HERE for the Video.

Sleeping at attention.

Too Funny! She rolled off her bed, sat up straight, put her hand in her shirt and went back to sleep while sitting up!!

Choices-The 2013 NFL Scouting Combine!

Choices-The 2013 NFL Scouting Combine!

Did anyone check out the NFL Scouting Segment?

Preface: I am not a sports fan. I happened to catch a few snips of the segment. With all of that said, I was very inspired to see people striving for their goals.

The 2013 NFL Scouting Combine! Defensive Backs. The ending speech was inspiring! Topic: Choices about the job interview of your life.

"With the choices you make, comes consequences. Before you make choices, imagine the most significant person is in the room..."
#nflscoutingcombine

Show me a sign.

Blessings and Angels come in all forms. I had the most uplifting encounter this morning with a total stranger. In the form of another mom at the bus stop this morning.

Casually mentioning the mom guilt and how overwhelming life can become if we allow it and are not in tune with our bodies messages to slow down and take it easy.

She said there are days when she has cried out to The Lord for her strength and it makes her feel better on most days.

Dispelling the myth that moms have to do it all and be super women when we really should fallback. I stood there with tears in my eyes thanking her for taking time to share her story with me although we've never formally met prior to today.

Turns out her son missed the bus and my stop is the last stop before leaving the housing development. Now that I'm thinking about it, this wasn't a mistake and all in part of a higher plan of encouragement.

Wow! Thank You Jesus for sending me the sign of your everlasting love for a wretch like me. I feel so undeserving of his love and once again, he shows and proves that I am his #1 child.

#tears #gratitude #blessings

I am back from mommy and me yoga, dressed and ready for shopping at the mall and lunch with my little lady gracen today with a pep in my step knowing I am a child of the most high! #love

How are you today!? Are you feeling lived and appreciated? Let me be the first to tell you. You are loved and appreciated!! Have a great day people.

Http://www.tanyetta.com

Daddy and Daughter Dance-2013

Today was a beautiful and magical moment. They are on the way for the Daddy and Daughter Dance.

As usual, it's always easier for Darrin to get dressed because, his uniform determines the outfits.

After soliciting votes and input, we decided on this dress and if I may say so myself, they will be the best dressed couple at the event. Oh Yes!! :)

We started off with her hair and I have to move quickly because she doesn't sit still and she's afraid of the comb. Go figure. Miss tender head and she's afraid of the comb. So, I decided on a quick twist out style! Here goes!

Here's the final product! They look amazing! Awwwww!!! It was all worth the effort and I know they will have a great time. Crossing my fingers, he will get formal photos at the event.

-----Easy styling for gracen's hair! The quickest twist out in record time! Coconut oil and water in a spray bottle. She runs from the comb so, I had to get creative with styling. Section hair with fingers. Saturate with coconut oil, water and twist. Then, lightly untwist each section. Then, add a bow.   This style will last 2 minutes to 3 days. Depending on the activities of the child in question. Hah!

The Dress!

THE FINISHED STYLE!  GORGEOUS GRACEN!

Losing my marbles, mommy style.

Almost LOST my mind 15 minutes ago. I was at the bus stop waiting for DJ to get off and the bus just rolls on past us like I am INVISIBLE! So, of course, I run to catch up with the bus at the corner, only to realize he's at the Tuesday STEAM program at School. *sigh* I need to get it together. The unexpected sprints were a hot mess all the while, Gracen running behind me screaming, Mommy, Mommy, WAIT! Straight Comedy in the neighborhood today by yours truly. LOL! *singing* It's 5 o'clock somewhere.

Satisfaction Guaranteed! Bath and Body Works!

I recently found out BBW will accept and all of their items for returns, no questions asked.  I just casually mentioned to the cashier I didn't like the way one of their lotions smelled and she said, bring it back and exchange it for something you like!  Say What?  She then pointed to the HUGE sign in the background stating their GUARANTEE policy.  LOL!  How is it that I've gone into the store a million times and NEVER saw the sign or KNEW they were this generous.  I am bringing 4 bottles back tomorrow to exchange for the Sleep Aromatherapy brand.  I am in LOVE.

DJ and the cold weather!

Dear School Officials,

We have received the notices to dress our children warmly according to the colder temps outside.

Please, note this is how I sent my child to the school bus this morning.

Then, at the last minute, he ditched these at the door. *sigh*

I tried. I really, tried.

LOL! The boy hates coats, gloves and hats! I keep telling him, he's not in Florida! It's COLD here!

A day in the life of DJ

This is a post from DJ:

Hello my name is D.J. I have two sisters one is big one is a little baby. I have many friends we play together. On Tuesday we had a play date. My friends sister had a birthday on Tuesday and we had chocolate cupcakes. The End.

Upward Basketball Snack Bags for the Team Players!

Snack Bags for The Upward Basketball Game Players Today! Let's GO TEAM!!

Are you a morning person?

My son is a trooper. He's not a morning person when it's time for School. This photo is priceless. HaHa! Have a great day Son!

Baby on the floor!

We are trying to ban Gracen from sleeping with us so, she must have come into our room during the night! Awwwwww no blanket! I wonder if she was cold all night down there? Why not just stay in your warm bed baby girl?

2013--Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all of our Family and Friends!

Christmas!!

Christmas Morning is always a fun time in our house! 8am wake up and we eat breakfast before opening toys! We go around the table guessing what might be in the presents! Yes, it's a stall tactic but, if we opened toys first, the kids wouldn't be able to contain their excitement long enough to sit down and eat!! Merry Christmas to all of our Family and Friends!!!

Second Grade Christmas Concert

 DJ will be performing in the Christmas Concert at School today.  

The students were requested to wear white shirts and black bottoms.  

You know, DJ was NOT thrilled about the ensemble!  He prefers to wear Jeans and a T-Shirt EVERY SINGLE DAY!  I personally think the outfit looks GREAT and he will look very HANDSOME on stage with the rest of his classmates. 

I asked if he wanted to wear a Santa's Hat 

and let's just say his facial expression spoke VOLUMES! 

I guess, that's a NO!

 

HaHa! I love this kid.

Have a GREAT day!

You FORGOT to do what???

I totally FORGOT early school dismal last month. I received a TEXT from my neighbor, "DJ is here, he's eating a snack and watching TV!" SCREEEEEECH! How How How did I FORGET about early dismissal day? I was CLEAR ACROSS town and FORGOT my son was getting home EARLY that day!!!HUGE SAD FACE! Thankfully, GOD was watching over my son and my neighbor was HOME. UGH! I am still so sad about that day. Her response, it happens to the best of us and when my kids were little, I don't even want to tell you about the mistakes I made. It's OK and she gave me the biggest HUG. I felt like the WORST MOM on the planet. 

Always have a happy Period. WHAT?

SOOOOO!!!!! What would YOU say if your 8 year old son asks what Always Pads are?  What would YOU say?  Why did I just bust out laughing at first like, HUH?  Where did that question come from?  He saw them at Walmart today.  Pointed and asked what they were.  I told him I would tell him tonight (hoping he would forget) and wouldn't you know, the boy asked me during story time before bed. GAH!!! BEFORE, I tell you what I told him, please!  tell me what YOU would tell your 8 year old son OR daughter?  *sigh* I need a hug.  LOL!