Marvin Gaye's smooth voice singing "How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You" is one of the most renowned relationship songs out there. Released in 1965, it has helped couples love and last for decades. But what does it mean to be loved, especially in marriage? Of course, that's the million-dollar question that has a million different answers. I mean, in every relationship, love … [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...]
Let’s Go! – The Summer of Doing it Yourself
Let's Go! That's exactly what my kids said to me the second they came home on the last day of school. "Let's go to the park." "Let's go to the pool!" "Let's go to Disney World!" I even heard: "Let's go on a cruise!" Yikes ...my kids are high maintenance. But, we don't have any major trips planned for this summer. Our plans are to stay at home and spend as … [Read more...]
Making Celebrations Memorable – Our Best Christmas Ever!
Some of the best times that we've had as a family didn't involve expensive over the top activities or gifts. Our best times, involved spending time together as a family and making memories that will last a lifetime. Oh yes, and eating good food. African American families are going to eat good food when get together to celebrate just about anything. After Mother's day this … [Read more...]
Life is A Special Occasion- What are Your Easter Traditions
Now that I have my own family, I have the opportunity to pass along the Easter traditions that I had as a child. I am the first to admit that Easter (like Christmas) has become far too commercial. So while we do allow our kids to participate in all of the "Easter" activities around town, we ensure that our kids learn to celebrate the true meaning of … [Read more...]
How Do You Celebrate Birthdays
Although we don't give our kids big expensive parties every year, birthdays are special days at our house. If it is your birthday, then you are going to have your own special party regardless of what day of the week it is. And even though we don't spend lots of money, our intimate family parties have all of the elements that make for a special birthday celebration … [Read more...]