The sweet, sweet, simple things in life.

These photos makes my heart truly melt. DJ has finally started to show some excitement about becoming a big brother. Slowly but, surely he's coming around. For the past few weeks, he's been giving me unprompted hugs and kisses and then he'll say out of the blue, I love you Mommy.

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. To hear these words and to feel this love from my sweet sweet son makes me feel so cherished.

While I was in the mirror snapping some shots, he entertained himself by spraying the sink and counter with a water bottle. The simple things in life makes him so complete I tell you!

Not a day goes by that I don't thank GOD for the blessings my family have received. We're truly blessed to be CHOSEN to welcome our bonus baby into the world. No matter what the gender is, he or she will be one loved baby.

The kicking, the moving, the constant fluttering reminds me of the sweet, sweet, precious life growing inside of me and I will never ever take for granted that our family is truly complete.

My prayer is that every single person on this earth that truly wants a baby of their own will be blessed with the desires of their hearts. Becoming a parent is truly a beautiful experience and a journey to be cherished.

Thank you one and all for all your support, love, thoughtful words of encouragement. I read each and every email and comment and I truly feel that we're all on this journey together. Thank you again and I am reminded that May will be here before I know it and I better pack a bag or something. Gotta get right on that! HaHa!




Question: What are the sweetest things your child(ren) have done that truly touched your heart?

Bag, Bargains and Baby-OH MY! (updates)

I'm ALWAYS buying things for my kids so, it's high time to spoil myself a little. Don't you agree?

The bag was calling my name!!!

Genna de Rossi® (exclusively at JcPenney)





Originally $68.00
Marked down to $31.99
50% off Sale marked down to $15.99
PLUS
$5.00 off coupon for signing up to get email updates (Click HERE)

Total: $11.00+plus tax out the door!

The next bargain stop was Kmart. Budget Chic reminded all of us to not sleep on Kmart. There are gems to be found there. She was RIGHT!

They're having a HUGE CLEARANCE blowout and check out what I found:


Yes! It's the same blouse that many of you were LOVING in my previous post. Your comments confirmed that I scored a great deal and I'm so excited about how sweet it fits my belly. It's not a maternity top but, I like to think it fits perfectly for what I'm working with. HaHa.

I know how much junk I was talking about sticking to my guns and NOT BUYING anything for my kids. I got weak. I went into one of my favorite stores to buy kids clothing. Old Navy.

I'm sooooooooooooooooooooooo glad I did. They were having Military Appreciation Day! 10% off all purchases. On top of that, all their kids clearance was an EXTRA 50% off. I tweeted it so, don't even act like you didn't know about it. I share the wealth of sale information. You know I'm not stingy! HaHa!

Sweet Deals. I couldn't pass them up. Your eyes are NOT playing tricks on you. The sale was an EXTRA 50% off the orange stickers and on top of that, by showing a military ID, you received an EXTRA 10% off. I honestly believe I stole these items. That's how much of a bargain I received.



I get deliriously excited when I find a bargain, it's like I want to shout and tell everyone about it. That's why I couldn't wait to TWEET the sale from the mall. There I was in the middle of the mall sending out a message about the deals. I hope some of you were able to get out and catch the sales.

Can't wait to figure out what to wear with MY shiny new bag. If you have any ideas, please be sure to let me know in the comments.

Question: What was the most recent deal(s) you found? What are your favorite stores/websites to find great deals?

Update! Just found out about this very very cool website! HIDDEN coupons on the Old Navy website HERE (thanks to keeping the kingdom blog)

It's the WEEKEND BABY!!!!!!!

The time has finally ARRIVED!

We're planning to hang out this weekend and do family stuff that will be filled with relaxing, fun, family, FOOD, and more! Notice how I put FOOD in caps? HaHa.

Hope your weekend will be filled with the same.

Do you have any exciting plans?

What's going on?

Daily Dose of the President

I can't stop stalking this site!

My baby Fix

I was so honored to hold a friend's baby last week. I can still smell her sweet sweet baby scent. She slept the entire time and I enjoyed every bit of it.

I hope to get a chance to hold her again BEFORE she starts Preschool. That's the rate kids are growing these days. Time flies by so quickly.

I love you (forever Pnut to me) Nathanael.

Remember this?

Well, my sweet, sweet Nathanael sent me the following photo from a recent family trip, and I made sure to tell him that status is very ATTAINABLE! He is a young man destined for GREAT GREAT GREAT things FOR REAL.




What makes him such an amazing and outstanding young man is, he has very supportive parents that encourage him to excel in every aspect of his life. He is so well rounded and grounded on a firm foundation that he can ONLY SUCCEED in his life.

His recent report card: STRAIGHT A'S. He's ALWAYS received straight A's. Why? Because that's just the level of EXCELLENCE he has flowing through his soul.

I am so proud of him and so honored to receive updates of his life. I can't wait to what other exciting accomplishments he will achieve.

I love you (forever Pnut to me) Nathanael.

Call Out Cards-Get yours today!

I'm often fascinated with the gems I find online.

The following website is quite hilarious and I'm sure you'll be able to find a card that will be perfect to send to that 'special someone' in your life.

Call Out Cards!

Get yours today!

The most CREATIVE or CRAZIEST punishments.

THIS POST is HILARIOUS to me!

HaHa!

Rosario is a grown woman and she still hasn't forgotten those punishments. Sounds like her moms knew what she was doing!

Licking someone's face is beyond HUMILIATING in my opinion so, yeah, I would be disgusted if my mom did that to me. I will NOT be doing this to my kids.

Awwwwwwww.....poor Rosario Dawson! She's probably scarred from those punishments!

Sounds like it was an effective method of punishment.

MY PERSONAL FAVORITE PUNISHMENT: Flicking them in the back of their heads to let them know they need to stop acting a donkey is much much more effective!!

What? Don't act like I'm the ONLY one.

Question: What are the most CREATIVE or CRAZIEST punishment you've ever heard when disciplining children?

Wordless Wednesday

What's for Dinner?

My friend Danielle sent this recipe on email tonight and I couldn't wait to share it with all of you.

Have I made the dish yet?

NOOOOOOOOOOO I haven't. I'm waiting for one of you to make it so I can invite myself over. Come on now, you know I have to live up to my reputation of being a mooch and all.

*Waving to Organic*

-----------------------

Whole Wheat Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Roasted Veggies

coarse salt and ground pepper
6 oz Italian style cooked chicken sausage, thinkly sliced (I used a 12 oz (4 sausages) of apple and chicken sausage)
1 medium eggplant, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 red bell peppers, cut into 1 inch squares
1 medium red onion, halved and cut into 1 inch squares
6 sprigs of fresh thyme
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 lb whole wheat egg noodles

1. Preheat oven to 450, with racks in upper and lower thirds. ( I only used one pan so I only needed one rack). Set a large pot of salted water to boil. On two rimmed baking sheets, toss sausage, vegetables, thyme, and oil; season with salt and pepper. Roast until tender, 25 to 30 minutes rotating sheets halfway through (I toss my mixture half way through).

2. Meanwhile, cook noodles until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain pasta, and return to pot. Toss with meat mixture. Loosen with pasta water as needed, and season with salt and pepper.

SOMEONE OUT THERE, LET ME KNOW WHEN YOU MAKE THIS DISH AND POST PICTURES PLEASE!!! THANKS!!!

Turn of Events-We've come a long way!

Ruby Bridges- the little black girl who had to be escorted to school by federal marshals. "On November 14, 1960, nearly 42 years ago, Bridges faced hostile crowds as the first black child to attend a previously all-white New Orleans school.



She was 6 years old and had only been told by her mother that she was going to be attending a new school that day and 'had better behave.' Little did she know that she would be bombarded with jeers an d even death threats, and that she would end up being the sole child in her first grade class after other children were kept home by their parents." All because Ruby was Black.

Almost Forty-nine years later -- January 5, 2009 -- here is a picture of Sasha Obama,


a little 7 year old Black girl, being escorted to school by her mother, First Lady Michelle Obama, and the Secret Service because Sasha's daddy is now President of the United States, Barack Obama.

*This was sent to me on email*

Telepictures Productions is looking to cast 4 women to record their "trying to get pregant" experience.

From: MOCHAMANUAL.COM

Telepictures Productions is looking to cast 4 women to record their "trying to get pregant" experience. They are looking to cast moms with different stories and are particularly interested in a mom who already has a child and is ready to add to the family, as well as a career mom who is ready to start trying for her first baby.

The women chosen will receive compensation and free pregnancy products.

If you're interested, e-mail Kimberly@mochamanual.com with a brief description of your personal details and story and we will share it with the producers.

Go for it!

Update: (Apology letter published) Fwd: John Legend's letter to the NY Post

Here's the APOLOGY for the cartoon. What's your response?

My response: Try again. I really can't stand when people apologize by putting in the "I'm sorry people were offended" part.

Take RESPONSIBILITY for your mess up.

You're sorry I was offended? REALLY?

Try again.

We'll be waiting.

---------------------------------



Ok, everyone, you know I've been out of the loop for a minute and I just received this email (John Legend's letter to the NY Post) and couldn't resist posting it and would LOVE to hear your feedback regarding the cartoon.  

I REFUSE to link the cartoon.  If you're familiar with what happened, then you know what cartoon I'm speaking of.

Please, respond with your thoughts on the cartoon and what you think the NY Post should do in response to it.

--Tanyetta

THIS IS ON POINT:

It's about the cartoon being blatantly racist and offensive.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: William Vaughan <vpress@msn.com>
Date: Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Subject: John Legend's letter to the NY Post
To: vpress@msn.com

From John Legend

Dear Editor:

I'm trying to understand what possible motivation you may have had for publishing that vile cartoon depicting the shooting of the chimpanzee that went crazy.  I guess you thought it would be funny to suggest that whomever was responsible for writing the Economic Recovery legislation must have the intelligence and judgment of a deranged, violent chimpanzee, and should be shot to protect the larger community.  

Really?  

Did it occur to you that this suggestion would imply a connection between President Barack Obama and the deranged chimpanzee?  Did it occur to you that our President has been receiving death threats since early in his candidacy?  

Did it occur to you that blacks have historically been compared to various apes as a way of racist insult and mockery?  Did you intend to invoke these painful themes when you printed the cartoon? 

If that's not what you intended, then it was stupid and willfully ignorant of you not to connect these easily connectable dots.  If it is what you intended, then you obviously wanted to be grossly provocative, racist and offensive to the sensibilities of most reasonable Americans.  

Either way, you should not have printed this cartoon, and the fact that you did is truly reprehensible.  I can't imagine what possible justification you have for this.  

I've read your lame statement in response to the outrage you provoked.  Shame on you for dodging the real issue and then using the letter as an opportunity to attack Rev. Sharpton.  This is not about Rev. Sharpton.  It's about the cartoon being blatantly racist and offensive.

I believe in freedom of speech, and you have every right to print what you want.  But freedom of speech still comes with responsibilities and consequences.  You are responsible for printing this cartoon, and I hope you experience some real consequences for it.  

I'm personally boycotting your paper and won't do any interviews with any of your reporters, and I encourage all of my colleagues in the entertainment business to do so as well.  I implore your advertisers to seriously reconsider their business relationships with you as well.

You should print an apology in your paper acknowledging that this cartoon was ignorant, offensive and racist and should not have been printed.

I'm well aware of our country's history of racism and violence, but I truly believe we are better than this filth.  As we attempt to rise above our difficult past and look toward a better future, we don't need the New York Post to resurrect the images of Jim Crow to deride the new administration and put black folks in our place.  

Please feel free to criticize and honestly evaluate our new President, but do so without the incendiary images and rhetoric.

Sincerely,
John Legend

Whoa Nelly, Look at that Belly!-27 weeks and an update.

I'm officially 27 weeks.

Fetal Heart Beat 150  

*There is an old wives tale that supposedly predicts the baby's gender based on how fast or slow the heart is beating. Supposedly, if the fetal heart rate is above 140 you are expecting a girl. However, if the heart rate is below 140, it is supposed to be a boy. There is no evidence or statistical proof to support this theory.*

I'm very excited to report, my vitals were excellent.  

My recent OB appointment was fantastic. I say this because my OB walks in every single appointment and gives me the biggest hugs. Excuse me while I just break it down of how important and special that makes me feel every single time.

My very first visit, she says, I give HUGS.

My response: Well, sign me right on up for a double dose of those!

My husband sighed and says it must be a woman thing, he can't imagine a male OB walking in hugging up on his patients.

He's such a guy. Hah!

Anyway............without any further delay, take a look at the belly shots:

Fashion: Motherhood Maternity Top and Under the Belly Jeans (courtesy of Danielle)

Hair: Pony in a box. Hey, I was having a bad hair day. Leave me alone.  HaHa.

Ring:  Charlotte Russe

I'm really looking and feeling great.   I've been paying myself more compliments especially on the days I feel like pure sugar honey iced tea.

My weight gain hasn't freaked me out as much as I thought it would.   I had NO idea gaining 10 pounds in 2 months is a normal occurrence during pregnancy.    

I have embraced the scale with comfort knowing there's a beautiful miracle growing inside of me.    Let's just hope I can LOSE all of the extra padding I've put on POST pregnancy.

My appetite is still a bit off.  I have decided to just accept that I will have this 'morning' sickness my entire pregnancy.  Ah, such is life.  I don't even bother complaining about it anymore.  I just do my best by eating simple meals that I can keep down.    I try to keep an apple, and a bottle of water in my bag at all times.  

It's like my kryptonite for warding off the sick feelings.

The fetal hiccuping is still a constant and my doctor assured me this is a healthy sign of a strong baby.

Let the countdown begin!
The month of May will be here before you know it.

Am I ready?  When should I pack the bag?  

Is it going to hurt? No need to answer that. Thanks.

My daughter will be in the delivery room and Daddy and DJ will be in the lobby giving out lollipops.

**More about that story later.**

Question: What did you do to prepare for the final months of your pregnancy?  Any words of encouragement you can provide will be helpful.

Nothing but, Net. Like, WHOA.

Motivational Monday!

Today is Motivational Monday. Let's get this week started off right!

Please, post your favorite quote or motivational phrase.

I'll go first. DJ and his buddy K has a message for everyone today.

You can achieve what you:

Cheese Grits, Turkey Sausage, Eggs, Toast, Sweet Tea..................

Cheese Grits, Turkey Sausage, Eggs, Toast, Sweet Tea..................

*faints*


To my friends Christi and Christy *(you know who you are don't try and duck out now) *HaHa.

Are you a true G.R.I.T.S.-Girl raised in the south or what?????

It's all YOUR fault. I can't stop thinking about cheese grits now.

I came across THIS SITE and now I'm HOOKED.

Is it all in my mind?

Is there anyone out there wondering what is a GRIT?

p.s. TO ALL MY READERS:

Talk to me. Do you really LOVE grits too? How do you like yours?

Does anyone put sugar in their grits? If so, please close the browser now. We can't be friends. Thanks.

HaHa!!!!!!!!!

Aquarius Women Love (from Jewelry Rockstar)

My birthday is Feb. 10th.
My zodiac sign is Aquarius.
I love to celebrate my birthday for the entire month.

Here's a gem I found at Jewelry Rock Stars Blog:

Click HERE

Family Feud and a Sippy Cup.

My husband and I have been feuding and I had NO idea.

Seriously, like not even a clue.

Apparently he HATES the cups I serve DJ's drinks in.

Here's what happened. I fixed DJ's plate for dinner and poured his milk in his favorite Hulk cup. The problem?

NONE that I knew of until the day my husband 'put his foot down' hahahaha!!!!

He took the cup unscrewed the top and poured the milk into a glass, sat the plate and glass at DJ's spot at the table.

I stood there like, HUH? What's wrong? Did something happen?

While we were eating dinner, he said, I'll talk to you about it later.

Me:Alright, but you know my curiosity is peaked. What's wrong?

Him:He's 4. He needs to drink out of regular cups.

Me:He usually spills his drinks and I was only trying to keep from having to wipe it up. I never really thought I was doing him a disservice by giving him those cups. My bad.

Him:You can guide and show him how to be careful and watch how he handles the cups. If he makes a spill let him clean it up. He'll learn soon enough to not spill his drinks.

Silence.


Ok, let's change the subject. Soooooooooooooo how's bout them JETS?

HaHa!!!!!!

I'm sitting there like wow, he feels some type of way about sippy cups?

Me: Ok, sorry sweetie. I'm not going to get into with you about a cup.

Him: It's not a cup. It's a baby sippy cup.

Needless to say, after dinner, he gathered all the cups, put them in a plastic bag and threw them in the trash. You think I was going to say anything?

NOPE. I plays my role and I plays it well. He's a man of few words. Once he hath spoken, he hath spoken.

The End.

p.s. I guess this isn't a good time to tell him every now and then, I put pull ups on the boy cuz, I am tired of waking up to a wet spot in the bed.

Sharing blessings always reaps blessings.

My friend Danielle
sent me this HUGE box of goodies:




Inside were maternity clothes that will last me through this entire journey.

There were jeans, tops, dresses and more!

CUTE CUTE CUTE stuff.

So, when you see me posted on my blog with cute cute maternity outfits, you already know Danielle HOOKED me up with the goods!

HaHa.

She said all that I can't fit or wear she only asks that I pass it along to another mommy in need. HEY! That was an easy feat. There are over 10 women right now in my military moms group that are expecting babies.

I put the clothes out on the table at our last meeting and BAM the clothes were gripped up within seconds.

It feels so good to share with others pass on blessings that we've received.

Thank you again sweet Danielle for being so generous.

Flashback (my first born)

Hard to believe she's 21 and a grown woman now!

Please say a prayer for Bunny today!

Bunny needs all of our sincere prayers today as she starts chemo and her road to healing and recovery.

Please, go on over to her blog and show her some love and support.

Thank you!

7 Reasons to take your kids to church

I was over at the Love Shak Blog and came across a post about 7 Reasons to take your kids to church.

I have to admit, I need to take my son MORE than I have been taking him. There's NO excuse for us NOT being in church every single Sabbath. I won't even begin to start with reasons because I have NONE that will suffice.

I am going to work on getting back into church and getting involved with activities and getting my son more involved in the children's area too.

If my grandmother were living today, she would NOT be please with my lazy attitude towards attending church. She had us up in church Wednesday night prayer meeting, Friday night choir rehearsal, Church on Sabbath, Vesper Service, Pathfinders and more.

Whew. I am worn out just thinking of it all.

I need to shake the lead and get on a mission about all this.

Daily doses of awesomeness (i am abusing this word)

Have you ever stalked someone before?

I honestly feel like I'm stalking this person.

Every time I get a notice there's a new photo or update, I can't help but, go on over to check it out and start CHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESING the entire time. Like clapping and cheesing and clicking for more photos. HaHa. I just love all of it.

You should check it out.

Daily doses of awesomeness! I love it.

Birthday Celebrations!-Photos and MORE!

My friends and family CELEBRATED my birthday up in style. I was feeling a little under the weather (I thought morning sickness subsided by month 3) but, that didn't stop the show. My friends and family celebrate enough for everyone.

I received tons of text messages and phone calls wishing me a very happy birthday! WAY COOL!

That morning I was posted up on the sofa while DJ was on the floor building a massive stack of Legos and knocking them down only to build them back up again.

My doorbell rang and LOOKAH here, LOOKAH here, my sister girlfriends dropped by this flower arrangement. How sweet is this:



That sweet gesture was all the encouragement I needed to get my day started.

My cake from Kodak! Time to DIG IN!!!!!!!



My MIL sent me the sweetest card ever. I'm telling you, I wish everyone on this earth was blessed with a beautiful MIL like mine. Seriously. My husband says he thinks she LOVES me more than he loves her. He needs to stop. That isn't true at all. HaHa.



Cards from my husband and kids! LOVE LOVE LOVE these!








My daughter made breakfast (pancakes) before she left for work. I know you want a daughter like her! You can't have her. She's all MINE!

My husband and kids bought me a few goodies. I've been in need of some loungewear that accommodates the 'bump' and they hooked me up.


The best gift was this Bella Band. Let me tell you about his gem. If you're pregnant or post delivery, get thee to the nearest Target and pick one up. The support is phenomenal. The price (under $20) is just right.




(NOOOOOOOO they didn't pay me to say this, I'm just trying to help out my fellow pregnant and post delivery moms with the inside information) HaHa.

Later on that afternoon, I spent it with my girls while our kids trashed the place, we sat around while I opened up my gifts (cards, gift cards, photo frames and more) and ate lunch and relaxed. You know you have AWESOME friends when you can take a nap in their recliner and they are in the next room doing work from home while our kids trash the place, everything is BLISS!

Our husbands kept the kids while we out to dinner that evening to my favorite burger joint-Red Robin. I'm a cheap date, all I wanted for my birthday was a burger and lemonade! It's funny they already KNEW that's what I wanted. See, I'm not one of those fancy Schmancy-type of food eating type of people. Keep it simple and surround me with family and friends and I'm good!

You know the staff sang to me and announced that I'm celebrating my 21st birthday! What? I can celebrate my 21st birthday every year if I want to! LOL





My birthday was so special and made me feel very loved.



Thank you again to my friends and family for celebrating me with my quirks and all.

Cheers!

The Stages of Pregnancy (Parent Wonder)

Abel, a stay at home dad and author of Parent Wonder, has a great article that will answer a lot of questions about the stages of Pregnancy.

Go on over and check it out.

Click HERE

My AWESOME OF THE MOST AWESOME-EST DAUGHTER EVER!!!!!!!!!!

My daughter: Mom, today is my day off. Do you need help with anything? Let me know.

Me: No, I don't need anything. Thank you for checking with me.

My daughter: I'm going to take DJ with me for a few hours. Get some rest. We'll see you later.

Me: SEEEEEEEEEEEEEE that's why I am the luckiest MOM in the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Needless to say, she packed up her brother and they rolled out. That was 3 hours ago.

I just got up from the sweetest sofa snooze ever.

LIFE IS GRAND.

Thank you to my AWESOME OF THE MOST AWESOME-EST DAUGHTER EVER!!!!!!!!!! and she's all MINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What 21 year old has a day off from work and decides to spend it with their baby brother?

Seriously? Ahhhhh sweet joy.

$2 Subway Gift Card (one per household)-CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS ONLY!

$2 Subway Gift Card (one per household)

This means you can get a footlong for $3.00!!!!!!

*faints*

HURRY!! OFFER EXPIRES SOON. CLICK HERE (LINK ON LEFT CORNER)

---------------

SUBWAY® GIFT CARD CLAIM FORM
For California Residents

Help us distribute 142,500 $2 SUBWAY® gift cards!

To claim your FREE $2 gift card, please complete the form below using a valid California mailing address.

If you are one of the first 142,500 valid requests we receive, we'll send you a $2 Gift Card.
We are distributing 142,500 SUBWAY® gift cards as part of a settlement agreement with the State of California due to claims made that advertised specials were not honored in certain locations.
Be sure you tell your friends how they can request a card of their own.
Please allow 10-12 weeks for your card to arrive. Limit one Gift Card claim per California household.

It's ALWAYS the thought that counts. NO matter how much it might hurt.

Have you ever set out to do something romantic for your husband and in less than 60 seconds, you realized maybe, just maybe, you should have put more thought and preparation into the 'surprise'?

I'm sure the lady in this video had GREAT intentions and had NO idea it would end this way:

(An oldie but, goodie)


OUCH!!!!!!!!! I can't stop LAUGHING!!! Bless her heart. Her intentions clearly fogged up her rational thinking process.

I BLAME the husband. He knew it wasn't going to end right. He should have stopped her.

HaHaHa!

Question: Have you ever planned a surprise for your husband only to quickly realize it wasn't going to quite pan out how you planned? Please, SHARE.

Wordless Wednesday

Post your favorite caption for this:

Heart of Gold. A mother's ponder.

My son has this amazing ability to make friends with EVERYONE.

He has a huge heart and is so loving and kind.

When he sees his friends, he ALWAYS gives them really big hugs and the biggest smile ever.

Boy or Girl, it doesn't matter. If you're his friend, you're getting the LOVE.

I pray that he NEVER EVER feels what it's like to be hurt by a friend.

It's the most awful feeling ever and sucks BIG TIME.

I've been on both ends. I've hurt friends, and I've been hurt by friends.

I'll be the first to say it's NO WALK IN THE PARK.

The difference between children and adult disagreements are, kids can have a tiff and get over it the next moment. Adults can have a tiff and the crap tends to go on for years and years sometimes without any resolve. Sad but, true.

My son is so precious to me and I only want happiness for him.

My daughter is so precious to me and I only want happiness for her.



I see her with friends and I feel a sense of peace because I know her friends and I know they come from really great backgrounds.

I just want happiness for my kids.

NO hurt. NO pain. NO letdowns. Just happiness.

May GOD continue to show me how to be the best mom I can be to my kids.

At the end of the day, this is the ONLY thing that matters:

My FAMILY!





I know how important it is.

Question: What are some of the things you want for your kids? Do you find yourself pondering these questions? Please, share.

Disney Unveils New "The Princess And The Frog" Toy Line

Enclosed, please find the press release on Disney’s unveiling of the New Princess Tiana Doll during the Toy Fair in New York. Attached please find two photos. THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG will open in theaters nationwide this Holiday Season.
---------------------------------
TIANA DOLL 3 - Disney Consumer Products and actress Anika Noni Rose, voice of Princess Tiana, Disney's first African American princess, unveiled a new toy line inspired by the upcoming film, "The Princess and the Frog," which opens this holiday season. The event was held at the American International Toy Fair in New York City on February 16, 2009

ANIKA & TIANA - Disney Consumer Products and actress Anika Noni Rose, voice of Princess Tiana, Disney's first African American princess, unveiled a new toy line inspired by the upcoming film, "The Princess and the Frog," which opens this holiday season. The event was held at the American International Toy Fair in New York City on February 16, 2009





Question: Anyone recognize the actress in the photo? Without looking up her name, what movie do you remember seeing her? Take a guess!
Bonus hint: It was a really, really, really, GREAT movie! :)

What's going on?

Can you believe it? On a Monday morning, the start of a new week and I am having writer's block.

So, please do me a favor, tell me what's on your mind.

Anything pressing you'd like to discuss?

Let's hear it:



Throw out some topics! Let's get the ball rolling!

I'm not the only one involved in a THREESOME!

Have you ever been involved in something and wondered if you were the only one in this world going through the same thing too?

I came across the funniest dad blog ever today and I have to say, after reading his post, I am hooked.

Go on over and check out his personal reflection on a threesome that he's involved in.

Thankfully I am NOT the only one in this world involved in a threesome and this makes me feel so happy!

Hah!

Eric's blog is featured on The Mocha Manual and you should really go and check him out.

He's a man, father and a husband. Gotta love that combination.

91 Freeway, Toll Roads, OH MY!!! (Update)

Remember THIS?

Well, you know there's always something going on with me right?

Here's the latest incident with the Toll Roads.

I was on my way to Irvine to attend this SPLENDIFEROUS (waving to B Scott) event (waving to Mitch and the crew) and once I approached the toll booth, I looked in my ashtray (which always has money but, some miraculous way, it's been emptied out) I'm sure it was my dear husband making his daily coffee run.

Anyway, back to the story.

I get up to the toll booth and tell the clerk my dilemma, she isn't really amused or phased and gives me the business card and tells me to call the number on the card.

I ask if she thinks I'm going to get a ticket and she says, I have no idea, call the number on the card.

Well, needless to say, I forgot all about calling until 2 days later.

I'll let you GUESS what happened next.

After 10 comments, I'll post what happened.

LOL

-------------------------

I called the Toll Company and spoke to a really nice woman (wiping my forehead in relief) I explained to her what happened and she asked for my license plate number. She pulled up my information:

Her: Your Make, Model of Car is such and such correct?
Me: WOW! Yes! This is correct.
Her: Time of violation: 11:35 am on such and such a date. Correct?
Me: Nervous laughter. Yes! Correct. Wow, you have it all don't you.
Her: Giggling. Yes, isn't technology great?
Me: Yes it is, I guess I've been busted, caught red handed can't get myself out of this one huh?
Her: NO. The toll is payable and due, would you like to put it on a major credit card right now?

LOL!!!

I was so THANKFUL I was only charged the toll and no further violation charges. I know they are about THROUGH with me. My FIRST VIOLATION was a close call. This is my SECOND run in with these people. I don't want a THIRD.

I have made it my business to keep some $$ in my ashtray. I can't risk another run in with these people. With this economy they might just decide to make me out of a prime example and come and tow my car! HaHa.

Question: I am so bad about keeping CASH on hand. Do you keep CASH on hand? How much do you think is a reasonable amount to make sure you can cover simple incidentals that might occur during the week?

Turner, Squeeze, Felipe and the Crew!

So glad to see I'm not the only fan of Handy Manny.

You have to agree, Handy Manny and Kelly need to just go on ahead and get a room already.

Turner and Felipe gonna rumble in the jungle one day for real. They crack me up!

HaHa!

If you're NOT a people person, then Customer Service is NOT the job for YOU!

DJ and I went to Burger King for lunch. I ordered a kids meal for him, and I had a coupon for a FREE Chicken Sandwich (with the purchase of a drink and fries) for myself.

Once I presented it to the cashier, she stared at the coupon as if she was holding some foreign object. She frowned up her face and said, "this coupon is EXPIRED
but, Imma-let-you use it this time."

SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEECH!

"She-gone-let-me" use it this time?

WHAT????????????

See, if there's one thing about me is this. I am SERIOUS about my coupons and I read all FINE print to make sure mishaps don't occur.

In the calmest voice ever (I know how much being calm annoys people when they're HYPED) I told her the coupon clearly states it expires 30 days from date of issue on the receipt.

My receipt was 1/23/09 which meant the coupon didn't expire until 2/23/09 today's date is 2/15/09.

She said, "LOOK, this code is only valid for the month of January THEREFORE it's not valid."

I already told you that I would let it slide this time. NO WORRIES!

Wow, she was a gem!

I had a hungry kid by my side. I didn't have much time to get further into it with Miss-"IMMA-LET-YOU use the coupon this time" chick.

Before I went to sit down, I asked for the manager. (I can hear Kelli calling me a tattle teller) Haha!

Guess what the cashier told me? She said, "He's NOT here at the moment."

WTheck! I'm thinking to myself,

This is a place of business and there's NO manager on the premises? Really?

Well, alright, I'll be sittting right over there, please ask the manager to come and see me when he/she returns.

She calls on the next customer over me and says, WHO'S NEXT?

LMAO!

Yeah, she chumped me at the counter. .

I'm patient. I have all the time in the world. My son ate his food then went into the play area to rough it up with some kids that were in there.

The manager finally comes over and I explained to him the situation. He apologized and clarified that I was indeed right.

See, I didn't need him to tell me that I was RIGHT. You already know that I know that I was right. Right? HaHa.

What I explained to him was he needed to have a talk with his employees reminding them it's always the way you treat the customers that will determine whether or not they'll be repeat patrons of your business.

He completely agreed and mentioned he would have the discussion with her.

I sat there smiling to myself thinking maybe just maybe I helped to make a difference in this young person's life.

I could have easily jumped 'bad' with her and cut her down to the ankles, instead, I responded calmly and informed her supervisor of her transgressions.

My closing thoughts are: If you're NOT a people person, then Customer Service is NOT the job for you!

I'm done.

Question: What was the most recent customer service GONE WRONG incident you've experienced? How did you respond?

There's Something About Mary. What? I don't know.

My husband was watching this movie the other day, There's Something About Mary. He WAS BUSTING up hard over this movie.

I don't remember the movie being that funny. I have to admit, the scene where this guy just set the dog on fire by mistake while the women are in the kitchen was pretty funny.

Anyway, I just find it hilarious that he was totally LOVING the movie and I was sitting there like...UMMMM...Is it really that funny?

HaHa!

Question: Have you ever watched the movie? What was your favorite part?

Happy Valentines Day!

Wishing everyone a very Happy Valentine's Day.
Enjoy spending it with the ones you love.

Advancement of Colored People.

I just watched this CLIP and the MSNBC Anchor (Peter Alexander) congratulated (Benjamin Jealous), the NAACP President 

and Muhammad Ali (The greatest boxer of all time), the recipient of the President's Award, and the organization's milestone of 100 years since the beginning of the NAACP and all the COLORED PEOPLE.

The president let out one of those (I know he didn't just say that) laughs then thanked Peter and told him to have a nice day.

I'm not sure if someone (Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson) called the News Anchor up but, the next part of the clip shows the man apologizing for offending anyone.  It probably went down something like this once the segment ended:

News Room Supervisor:  Did you just say COLORED people on national TV?

News Anchor:  Huh?

News Room Supervisor:  You just said COLORED people on national TV.

News Anchor:  Well, I looked down at the title of the organization and saw COLORED people and went with that to end the segment. Did I do something wrong?

News Room Supervisor:  Hell to the Yes!  You want a riot up in here?  Now, get back on TV and apologize before Jesse and Al come up in here trying to tear our studio apart.  We don't need any drama up in here.

News Anchor:  Umm...Ok, well, what should I say?

News Room Supervisor:  Say People of Color!  People of Color.  That's the politically correct word to use.  NEVER say COLORED people.  Got it?

News Anchor:  Nervous jitter.   Ummm...sure.  I think I got it.  Not really but, OK, I'll do anything to keep the peace.  

My Thoughts:

WHAT? Offending people? Because he said Colored People?  

Was that offensive?  Not offensive but, maybe he shouldn't have said it?  I don't know.  What I do know is this:

The official name for the NAACP is: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), a civil rights organization for ethnic minorities in the united States.

So what can the argument really be about?

I honestly don't think the anchor meant any harm in his words. I really don't.

Needless to say, he went on air to APOLOGIZE if his words offended anyone and changed the words colored people to people of color.  So go on ahead and put away your picket signs for another rally.  HaHa!

I'm sure there's someone out there NOT satisfied. They'll probably be asking for blood within the next 24 hours.   Me? Nah, I'll pass. He apologized, let's move on.

Watch and listen to THE CLIP and give me your thoughts.

From the website:

MSNBC anchor Peter Alexander apologized Wednesday for "words" he said during an interview with NAACP President Benjamin Jealous.

Read the apology and watch the exchange below:

"If any of my words in that conversation were of any offense, I want to take this time to apologize. We do want to congratulate all people of color today..."

Question: Do you think the anchor meant any disrespect by what he said? Do you think this warranted an apology? What are your thoughts?

Pick your emotion!

Which emotion best describes your MOOD today?