My husband knows my heart and that’s the best gift that he can give me. He knows exactly what I need, even during the times that I’m not able to articulate it. And that makes me love him even more. Every year he asks me what I want for my birthday. And each year, without fail, I say “nothing.” But somehow he knows. He knows when “nothing” means that I am sacrificing … [Read more...]
Lessons from Mama: 4 Things We’d Rather Have More Than Anything Else on Mother’s Day
I never knew how much Mother’s Day meant until I actually became a mother. A lot of people don’t like the holiday because they say it’s too commercial…and you should be showing your appreciation every day, anyways. But the truth of the matter is that life gets in the way. And sometimes you get too busy to tell your mom just how much she is appreciated. So any day that allows … [Read more...]
4 Myth-Busters about Valentine’s Day from a Man’s Point of View
Valentine’s Day is a day to honor our mates with symbols of our love and affection. The question becomes is Valentine’s Day a day to celebrate our spouses and significant others or it is a day exploited by Russell Stover’s, FTD and Hallmark? Likely, it’s some of both of those things, which brings us to the topic, what is the reality as opposed to the myths of Valentine’s … [Read more...]
At a Loss for Words: 3 Ways to Say What’s In Your Heart on Valentine’s Day
This is part of a sponsored campaign with Hallmark®. All opinions are my own. I didn’t grow-up saying I love you. Although I know my family loves me, we did not say the actual words a lot. But now that I have my own family, I like to say I love you several times a day. I say it to my husband and I say it to my kids. I really want those words to just flow from their lips … [Read more...]
5 Reasons Being the Youngest Child Rocks!
I am the youngest of three. And I must say, if I had to pick which order to be born in, I would choose to be the youngest all over again. Watching our youngest child grow up, brings back memories of my childhood. Here are 5 reasons why I think being the youngest child rocks. Being the youngest child rocks because.... The youngest child learns how to do things earlier than … [Read more...]
Mean Kindergartners! 5 Ways to Nip it in the Bud While They’re Young
Last night, I attended the very first meeting for my two youngest daughters' troop. Most of the girls in the troop are in Kindergarten. This first meeting was more of a parents meeting (and the girls just played.) The other moms and I began to share our daughters' experiences with Kindergarten so far. For the most part, all of the girls are getting along fine in school. … [Read more...]
It’s Back To School Time. What are You Doing with All of the Pictures?
I have never been good at making photo albums or scrap books. I did make the senior year scrapbook that you see in the picture below ( I know some of you scrapbooking pros are cringing right now.) Can someone tell me why I put a proof in the album? I mean, we did buy the pictures. My poor kids. I can't keep up with all of the pictures. They literally have baby albums … [Read more...]
My Baby Girl is Growing Up; I’m Happy and Sad
My dad still calls me his baby girl. I am like 40 years old...but he will call me and say: "Baby Girl....what have you been up to." I'ts so sweet. And now that that I am a mom of 4 kids, I totally understand. Our youngest is five years old. And no matter how old she gets, she will always be my "Baby Girl." Every time she passes a major milestone in life, I am so proud … [Read more...]
Dear Santa: Kids These Days Have Lost Their Minds
I asked my four year old what she wanted for Christmas, and she said she wanted a "tablet" and a new "DS handheld game system." Aaaah...sure I am going to give my 4 year old a tablet. My 10 year said she wanted a "a new laptop" and some cooking classes. She can hold her breath waiting on that laptop. Our six year old, bless her heart for being reasonable, said she wanted … [Read more...]
Ebony Power 100: Just Grateful to Be in the Room
Lamar and I had the honor of being selected to the 2012 Ebony Power 100 list. Each year, Ebony reveals a list of the nation's most influential African Americans; from politicians, athletes, entertainers to authors and thought leaders. We are so grateful to be on the list with such accomplished and influential honorees such as: President Obama, Tyler Perry, … [Read more...]
Let Your Kids Fall Sometimes, It’s Not Going To Kill Them
This summer I worked really hard to teach our 4 and 5 year old daughters how to ride their bikes. At first they protested, because they were perfectly comfortable with their training wheels. But I insisted and I threw those training wheels away...I chucked them! It's been about 6 weeks since they were last on their bikes (as they have been busy with school, clubs and … [Read more...]
Giveaway: Hallmark Reminds Us to Encourage Our Kids Daily
All of this year, I have been participating as a blogger in the Hallmark Life is a Special Occasion campaign. And, I have truly enjoyed participating in the campaign as it has reminded me that every day is a special occasion with the ones we love. It reminds me to make the most of every little moment that we have together. One of the biggest things that this campaign and … [Read more...]
My Journey to Self Love
I remember growing up and being told by my family and friends: your eyes are too big your forehead is too big your lips are too big your feet are too big ( as I started to wear a size 10 shoe when I was in middle school) your ears are too big (I hated Christmas..because I knew I was going to be called Baby New Year by one of my cousins) and oh yes...you would be … [Read more...]
Please Tell Me that I am Not the Only Mom that Makes Mistakes!
School has already started here in Georgia! And I worked feverishly to ensure that we were prepared for the first day of school. We purchased school supplies. "“ check We bought a few new clothes to supplement the summer clothes they already have. -- check We went to back to school night and met the teachers. It is important that the teachers know you are … [Read more...]
Tell Them: You're My Star and Watch Them Soar
There is tremendous strength and power in our words; we discuss this on the site frequently. Through our words, we are able to uplift, encourage and empower our family members to succeed in life and to take their goals and ambitions to the next level. Our words can instill in them a sense of confidence. For example, when people ask my husband: "How or why did you start … [Read more...]