M & M's

Today is special

2009-09-20T13:50:00.006-04:00

because it is my husband's birthday.

There are so many words to describe how I feel about my husband. But, I will simply write it as this: He is my soulmate. Webster's Dictionary offers this description:1 : a person who is perfectly suited to another in temperament2 : a person who strongly resembles another in attitudes or beliefs .

I believe that God designed us for each other. So, today I am reminded of just how wonderful it is to know God and to serve Him. I am thankful that He loves me soo much that He would take the time to create someone so perfect for me.

To Greg: my love, I am honored to be your wife and to share yet another birthday with you. I pray that this will be your best birthday yet but only a fraction of what God has in store for you. And, wherever that journey takes you, I hope that God's love will sustain us so that we will be together to share that journey. My prayer is that you will have many many more birthdays to come and that God will richly bless you in all that you do. Celebrate this day that God has given you!

Give and Take

2009-09-14T21:31:00.003-04:00

There are two kinds of people in this world: the givers and the takers.
I've heard this said often enough now that I'm not sure where I first heard it.
What's important about this statement is that it only provides you with two options--either or. The givers of the world could easily identify themselves as such.
They are constantly giving; even when they get tired of it they will continue to give.

The takers have a harder time with this because they can't truly accept that they are really just users.
They take, take and take some more.
They are like the grave-- they are never satisfied.
They are very inconsiderate and selfish because they are only out for numero uno.
They have no problem asking because they like to take.
They readily accept any offer but they always want more.
They are never around when it's time for them to give.
And if they do give, beware: there will be some kind of condition.

To the takers: no-one can stand being around a taker for too long. Eventually you will be found out for what you truly are.
To the givers: Don't let people walk all over you, use you and take advantage of you. Know when to say no. You are precious child of God; He loves you and want you to give to others but trust me, He wouldn't want you to go crazy with giving too much of yourself to people who are just using you. Enough is enough!

Because I Have To...

2009-09-12T22:25:00.002-04:00

I cannot tell how many times I feel like I am doing something because I have to. Sometimes that thought alone makes it overwhelming. But, then I think of Jesus and I wonder how He must have felt on that cross. Did He think, "I'm only doing this because I have to?"

As much as I am saddened when I think of Jesus on the cross, it also motivates and encourages me. It motivates me to work harder and never give up because I would never want Jesus dying on the cross for me to be in vain. It encourages me because I know that Jesus has been at the lowest of low and He came through it. It reminds me that "I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13.

From time to time, we all struggle with things. That's the way the journey of life is. Nobody ever wants to do things that they have to do. We all want to do things that we want to do. Life is never that easy. And that is why we must always remember to lean on Jesus. I am thankful that I know Him and I trust Him. I am leaning on his everlasting arm. Can you say the same?

I am learning...

2009-07-13T17:09:00.002-04:00

to let loose! Sometimes, you get to a point where you say , "I just wanna let down my hair and not care..." (okay whatever the saying is, you know what I mean).

I am one of those Moms who can be very anal about a lot of insignificant things. I strive for perfection and most times I drive myself crazy.

In the past it has been very hard for me to be "spontaneous."

I love to be organized and to have a plan. I keep a calendar and write down what I'm doing each day so that I can stay on top of things.

It would drive me crazy when I didn't get things done on my "list."

Also, I like for everything to be in its place. If it's not then I go crazy too.

Now I've come to realize that sometimes I have to just "let loose." I can't get so worked up about every little thing.

When you have children, you can drive yourself insane worrying about every little thing.

All of my children have different personalities and so they are not the same. We wouldn't want it that way either or life would be boring.

However, this is why we have to deal with things not always going exactly the way we would like.

I am learning that I have to just "let loose" and not be so anal about little things.

Now when I see other moms going insane about every little thing, I think to myself that I used to be that mom. I wish that when I just had one child that I didn't get so easily bothered by certain things, but I did. I'm not 100% there yet but I'm slowly losing my anal quality--at least when it concerns my children.

I'm learning that it's okay to just "let loose" and have fun. It's okay to not even care if the house is not clean. It's okay that the kids don't sit at the table for all their meals and they make a mess with their food. They are kids and they will behave like kids.

I wish I could tell you that I've already "learned" this and everything is all peachy now but the truth is I am still learning this. There are days when I still drive myself crazy with my "perfectionist" syndrome. Then I'll stop and say, "what am I doing? Is this really worth the extra stress?" And 9 times out of 10 the answer is no.

I have learned...

2009-07-01T11:10:00.004-04:00

that you cannot plan for everything. My mom shared this sentiment with me this morning. It's funny because it's something that my husband and I talk about constantly. The minute we start planning our lives and what we want to do even as early as tomorrow something happens to show us just how unrealistic it is to plan everything.

So why is this an important lesson for mothers? Ask any new mother and she will tell you that having a baby changes everything. Not only are you now responsible for another person every second of the day but you will easily realize just how much your day-to-day changes. Now try to plan every minute of each day and see how much having a baby makes that challenging. Don't look at it in a negative aspect, I am not saying all this to make you think having a baby is bad.

IMO, babies/children are truly blessings from God and we should all treat them as such. They are precious gifts. With that said all I'm trying to tell you is that when you have a baby, you will quickly find out how hard it is to stick to a plan. Babies have a way of throwing everything off schedule, especially when they are newborns. Like I said earlier this is not necessarily bad.

When things don't happen the way we planned them it allows for a learning experience. No matter how much you think you know about any subject, you will find that learning doesn't stop happening; especially when you think you are too old to learn something. Remember that old adage, "you are never too old to learn something new."

I guess what it really comes down to is this: stop trying to plan your life and just live your life. Things will happen that are out of your control and in the end it will shape your character. You will be better for it. Always remember that ultimately God is in control. Embrace each new day. Set smart daily goals but never ever expect everything to go the way you planned it.

Here's a picture of our family of 5:

I'm Back!

2009-06-29T12:07:00.003-04:00

Yes I did have Alayna and dropped off the face of blogosphere. I think it's time I get back to blogging. Alayna is now very close to 4 months old and I've spent the last 3 weeks "loving" on her. My other 2 children are away spending some time with their grandparents in Ft. Lauderdale. I miss them terribly now and cannot wait until we are reunited this weekend.
While they are away, my husband and I took on some home improvement projects. We also had several "date" nights. Most of the "dates" Alayna accompanied us but we still enjoyed ourselves. It's amazing how much more we go out with one child now that we have 3 children than when we only had our first child. I guess you could say that we are older and wiser--yes definitely wiser.

As a parent, you realize that everyday is a learning experience. You can learn so much from your children. You learn so much from your day-to-day activities. One thing you must always allow is room for error. As humans we all make mistakes and it is important that your children are aware of this. It's hard to teach children this if you are constantly hard on yourself for making a mistake. Children will notice this. My oldest daughter is so self-motivated that she tends to beat herself up when she makes a mistake. I hate knowing that she puts so much pressure on herself. I try to talk to her about this but I know within myself that it's because I am also a perfectionist and she sees this. So, I constantly have to show her by my actions that I make mistakes as well. It's a hard lesson for children but maybe even harder for parents like myself.
My upcoming posts will be about some of the lessons I've learned as a mother. Yeah, yeah, i know...I have 3 children now so I think I'm a pro. You don't have to take my advices. I'm just going to share my honest opinion about some of what I've learned over these years since I've become a Mom.

Lately...

2009-03-01T13:34:00.002-05:00

Yes it has been awhile.
The thing about life is it makes no apologies for taking over. When it takes a hold of you, it usually has a firm grip. So, that's my excuse. It's simple: life took over...
Lately, I have been so consumed with all that's been happening in our lives that sitting down to post on my blog was just not a priority. I really do enjoy writing and writing on my blog has been very helpful to me. However, reading has always been my first love and so I've been spending all my free time reading. It helps alleviate the stress that comes with the challenges of life. When I read I can get lost into a whole other world. That helps to distract me from my own anxieties.

I must thank my Heavenly Father for all His blessings. We are alive and doing well in the Todd household. My daughter is currently sick but she will be okay; just a virus that will pass soon. In other news, we are now 39weeks pregnant and anxiously waiting to welcome our precious bundle of joy. We know that it will be any day now and there's a buzz of excitement in our house. The entire Todd Squad cannot wait to meet the new member of our family. We've prepared everything and now it seems like time is slowly rolling by. I am tired and not to mention feeling uncomfortable, especially at nights. I keep hoping that the hour is here with every contraction I feel. I know it will happen in God's time so I am trying to be patient. Of course it is easier said than done. One way I am hoping to accomplish that goal is by staying as busy as I can. Therefore, allowing life to take over and take a hold of me. However, I will try to post again really soon.

Do you have financial freedom?

2009-01-26T16:50:00.002-05:00

Yesterday our Pastor delivered a message that ministered to Greg and I. Funny enough we were discussing finances the day prior to the message and just couldn't believe that that was the topic of our church's message yesterday. To say that people are concern about their finances in this time of recession, would be an understatement. We are faced with many challenges and many people feel that if they had more money they would have less problems. Yesterday our Pastor reminded us that, "God can meet all of my needs, not all of my greed!" That statement should resonate in all our hearts and be a guide for us to live by.

Our Pastor addressed five keys to financial freedom:
1) My Attitude: Who owns it? Basically, who has ownership of your money. See Deuteronomy 8:18 NIV and you will realize that God is the one who gives us the ability to produce wealth. If this is not your attitude with money; if you don't believe that your money belong to God then you probably feel that it is your money which is the wrong attitude. Also read 1 Chronicles 29:11NIV
2) My fear: will there be enough? You can do alot more with 90% of your money when you are giving 10% to God and trusting Him to meet all your needs. Read 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV
3) My stuff: is it my master? Those who love money will never have enough! Read Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 NLT and also see Matthew 6:24
4) My priority: Who's first? It should be God. Therefore you should tithe your 10% first before you do anything else with your money. Read Exodus 23:19 NIV; Corinthians 16:1-2 NLT; Proverbs 3:9 LB
5) My promise: can we trust God? Read 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV; Proverbs 3:10 NIV; Malachi 3:10-12 LB. Only when you totally trust in God with your money can you have financial peace.

I hope this minister to your hearts as it did to mine. Trust in all with all things. Remember that He will always make a way.

Keeping the Dream Alive!

2009-01-19T17:04:00.007-05:00

Every year at this time many Americans remember Dr. martin Luther King. We honor MLK for his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King is a historical icon and a pilar in the African-American community. We appreciate him and will forever cherish his journey and the difference it made for us. However, as we celebrate his life's accomplishments we are also faced with remembering his death.
As a black person, I can admit that it's always an emotional moment for me when I remember Dr. King. While I am touched by all he achieved before his death, I cannot forget the injustice that has been done to my race. This injustice continues today and it is wrong. When will it end? I don't have the answers.
I will not sit here and tell you that everything is peachy. I will also not tell you that it doesn't make me angry. I will not tell you that I didn't cry so many times, even recently because of something racially offensive that a white person said or did to me personally. While I sit here, I also remember the despair that I feel every time I hear of some injustice done to someone just because of the color of that person's skin.
Dr. King had a dream. He wanted us all to get along and to be treated equally. As a black person, I have yet to see this equality. I know that America has come a long way but there is still a distance to go. Many African-Americans have felt hopeless living in a country where they feel unwelcome. When will it end? I don't have the answers.
I do know that today, I sit at home remembering Dr. King and it's the first time that I don't feel a total sense of despair and a lack of hope. Instead I feel a sense of pride to know that in less than 24 hours America will have her first black president. I am in such awe. Never in a million years did I believe that I would be alive on this day.
MLK had a dream and for far too long African Americans could only dream along with him that we would see this day. However, while we were wishing and dreaming, many of us lost our hope along the way. Then Barack Obama came along and gave us the audacity of hope. Now it is no longer a dream for us. We can hope again because change is coming to America.
Today and always, I beg of you to keep MLK's dream alive until we are all EQUAL!!!! May God bless you, The Obamas--Our First Family of America and our country.

Happy New Year!!!

2008-12-31T22:12:00.002-05:00

It's unbelievable how quickly 2008 has gone by. I cannot believe that we are on the verge of ringing in the new year. 2008 has been a year with its' ups and downs. We have many good times but we also had some bad. I think the country as a whole faced some really bad times and so many of us were affected by these changes in the economy. Yet through it all, we are here and we should be thankful for that. I am also thankful for good health, my family and close friends.
I am praying for a great 2009 for all of my family and friends. I pray that you will be blessed. I hope that you will make many new and wonderful memories with your family. While there might be many challenges ahead, just remember that God is in control! He will never give you more than you can handle. Lean on Jesus throughout 2009 and beyond and you can be sure that He will get you through anything.
My parents and my younger brother are here ringing in 2009 with us. It is wonderful to see them. We are just chillin' here at the house. We had pizza earlier and we are now just waiting to watch the "ball drop" and do the countdown. I know, it might sound pretty boring but that's okay with us. That's just the way we like it!
Have a Happy New Year!!!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-22T13:11:00.005-05:00

It is amazing how time flies when you are busy. I've been going and going and going for so long now that I am so amazed that Christmas is upon us. Three days away...wow! I did get my tree up, about a week ago. The kids were especially happy to see the tree up; I think they were beginning to worry that we wouldn't have one up and consequently they wouldn't get any gifts.

Speaking of gifts, I am one gift away from being done with my shopping and for that I'm glad. It's been harder to get the shopping done because we've been so busy and also I get alot more tired now that I am 7 months and counting.

Yep, you heard right. I am in my last trimester and before long we will have our new bundle of joy in our home. With a little more than ten weeks to go, it's really hitting home now. Once Christmas is done and over, we will have to start preparing the baby's room. I recently had a baby shower and there are lots of baby things to organize. My shower was amazing!!! I was blown away because it was all pretty much a surprise and my friends and family in Ft. Lauderdale went through so many lengths to make it a really special shower. I am so blessed and so grateful to have so many real friends in my life.

Living in Tampa has made me realize on many occasions how important it is to have true friends that I can count on and who can count on me. I've heard it said that "home is where your heart is" and I definitely have to agree that most of my heart is in Ft. Lauderdale (except for the part of my heart that belongs to Greg and my children). There is just a special kind of feeling that I get when I'm there and around people who I know genuinely love me. I believe that God has my family here in Tampa for a purpose and so I am trusting Him with all my heart. However, when the time is right I hope that He will bring us back to our family and friends in Ft. Lauderdale.

I do have some great friends here in Tampa and I appreciate them very much and thank God for them as well. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I pray that you will be blessed and that you will make wonderful memories with your loved ones this Christmas.

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

2008-11-27T10:33:00.002-05:00

This Thanksgiving we have family in our home celebrating with us. We are so excited!!! Presently, Greg's mother is in our kitchen already preparing some of the food for tonight's dinner. I helped her with some of the prep work last night and I will be making a potato casserole later. I'm trying to stay off my feet as much as possible so most of the food that I would have had to prepare I bought from Publix. I've gotten good reviews of Publix's food so I will let you know how it turns out.

Greg and his Dad left out this morning to participate in a 10k race, the turkey trot. They all did really good and he's excited about the outcome. I've been watching the Macy's Day Parade and the kids are into it this year too. Besides that, we are just looking forward to tonight's dinner. It is always nice to have good food and good conversation.

I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving Day! Enjoy your day however you spend it. Celebrate!

Another Great Read

2008-11-10T10:36:00.002-05:00

My friend @ Pursuit of Meaning posted an interesting read on his blog. See below.
http://www.mamelodistories.org/2008/11/06/south-africans-on-obama/

Interesting Read

2008-11-06T21:12:00.002-05:00

from Perry Noble. I found this message well written and wanted to share it here. Be inspired!

Questions About The Election
Here are some questions that have been floated my way…
#1 - Do you think the results of this election will lead to the end of the world as we know it?
NO! It really bothered me when some loony Christian wingnut called into a local talk show yesterday and talked about how the Bible predicted this would happen…
Now I’m no scholar…but I’ve read it from cover to cover on multiple occasions and I’ve never even seen Obama’s name!!!
The president of the United States does not hold the universe in His hands!!! God does–period!
#2 - If I don’t like the results of the election, what should I do?
I personally believe the Scriptures tell us to pray for our government leaders–whether we agree with them or not. We live in a country where we have the right to express our opinions…but I think it is hypocritical for a follower of Jesus to slam someone in a leadership position if they haven’t sincerely sought the Lord on their behalf.
#3 - What do you think will happen over the next four years?
Uh…I think I will eat some ice cream and watch some football games…other than that I am really not sure…and neither is anyone else.
#4 - Why didn’t you publically endorse a political candidate?
Because it simply isn’t Biblical. The purpose of the platform I have been given is to exalt Christ…NOT a political party!
#5 - Why do you seem to be anti-politics?
I’m not; in fact, I love politics. I study them a lot and I read about them as well. I have some friends that are really into the political scene that I pray for often.
BUT…the job of the church is not to legislate morality, which is what some idiots believe they can accomplish if a certain party is in power.
Change isn’t the result of who is in the White House…but rather who is in the heart of a man or woman!
I would be more than willing to discuss my political views one on one…and I’m sure it would be fun!!!
#6 - Are you and Tony Morgan going to make a run for the White House in four years?
Absolutely! I think we will win in a landslide!
#7 - What would be the first law that you passed if you were elected president?
I would do away with the BCS system and make them have a college football playoff! That would establish a legacy that would NEVER die!!!

A Moment Like This

2008-11-05T17:06:00.005-05:00

is breath-taking! Last night my husband and I sat glued to the television as we watched history being made. It's official--Barack Obama is the President-elect and it is a proud moment for most Americans. Words cannot describe how I felt. It was exhilarating! I'm so excited for all the possibilities for America.

As I watched the crowd gathered in Chicago celebrating Obama's victory, there was one thought going through my head, "the face of America is changing!" When I looked at the crowd I saw America as it is suppose to be (the way God intended for the whole world to be), united with people of all different races. I was proud!

Barack Obama stated that out of many we are one and I smiled the entire time because that was what it was like for me growing up the first half of my life in Jamaica. In fact, that is actually Jamaica's motto and I love hearing it. Unity is important. All the States of America (red or blue) need to be united and this is my hope.

America has spoken loud and clear. They want change. Never again should we hear the words, "I can't." Yes, we can! It was a beautiful moment to watch the first African-American being elected President. It's a historical moment worthy of celebration whether you voted for Obama or not. America needs to come together and embrace her destiny.

Blogger Award

2008-11-04T16:48:00.002-05:00

Lady Melissa sent me this award. I need to answer the following questions:

Seven Things I did Before...
1.) My first job was a waitress at a retirement home and it didn't last very long (all of 3 days). I was only 16.
2.) I was in several fashion shows in High School.
3.) I've carried a water bucket on my head (I grew up in a third world country).
4.) I taught myself to ride my bike. I was ten and would get on a hill, jump on the bike and try to balance and pedal until I crashed. After several times I didn't crash anymore and I could ride and then I taught my sister too!
5.) My sister and I wrote our own mystery books after being inspired by Nancy Drew and Hardy boys.
6.) I would teach young children how to read and help them with their homework. I really considered myself a good teacher. I was 12.
7.) I once ate mangoes until I started vomiting. I was so sick! But I still love mangoes.

Seven Things I do Now...
1.) Read, whenever possible.

2.) Spend time with my family.

3.) Watch TV.

5.) Blog

6.) Lots of house work

7.) Talk on the phone with friends back in Ft. Lauderdale. How I miss them!

Seven Things I Would Like to Do...
1.) Go on a trip with just my husband before the baby comes.
2.) Get red highlights in my hair.
3.) Live closer to my Mom and good friends.
4.) Home improvements.
5.) I would love to take a creative writing class that would help me write novels.
6.) Develop & organize a charity group for needy kids in Jamaica.
7.) Do God's work and fulfill my destiny for His Kingdom.

Seven Things That Attract Me to My Hubby...
1. He's very sincere.

2. His confidence and go-getter attitude.

3. He loves God.

4. He was my friend first.

5. He listens and pay attention to small details. He proposed to me with a scrapbook he had made of things he kept over the 4 years we dated. He even kept the piece of paper I wrote my phone number on. Can you believe that?

6. His hands. He really has the gift of touch. No wonder he works with his hands.
7. He loves me for who I am, just as Christ would love me.

Seven Favorite Foods...
1. Curry chicken

2. Lasagna

3. Pizza

4. Cheese Cake - New York Style with whip cream and fresh strawberries--yum!

5. My Mom-in-Law's pina colada cake-delicious!!!

6.Ribs

7. Mangoes

Seven Things I Say Most Often...
1. Praise God!

2. Gimme a break!

3. That's ridiculous!

4. What's up?

5. I don't like that.

6. I told you.

7. Thank you Jesus!

Freedom

2008-11-02T16:27:00.003-05:00

Last night my husband and I entertained ourselves by watching, "The Secret Lives of Bees." While we enjoyed the movie thoroughly we were sadly reminded of the cost of freedom for many African Americans who gave their lives so that we can have rights in this country. Personally, I appreciate the price they had to pay and that's why I am currently embracing my right to vote (btw, my husband and I voted weeks ago--early voting in Florida, and so we cannot be "pressured" into swaying our votes). With that being said, I would now like to address some of the comments I received about my previous post. I appreciate all the comments that stated that they found the post interesting and agreed with my point of view. However, I did receive some comments (on my blog and through my personal e-mail) that had several concerns with what I posted. First and foremost, I would like to remind everyone reading this blog that this blog is used solely for the purpose of expressing myself. You will read about my views, beliefs, ideas, pet peeves and any other issue I choose to write about. You are welcome to read my blog but if you are offended then I will make no apologies. This is my blog and I will write and say what I please. I am not afraid to exercise my freedom of speech. If you've known me for any amount of time(and really know me) then you already know; I'm real. I say what I mean and I don't sugarcoat. My true feelings are always shared; infact, phoniness drives me crazy! If you still have a problem with my blog then you have the right to not visit my blog again.
Now, here are some concerns regarding my previous post:
1) The video that I spoke of is said to be quite tasteful and should not have offended me -First, I did not say anywhere in my post that I was offended by the video nor did I oppose to its' tastefulness. The point that I was addressing with the video is that it was very misleading. While the General Superintendent insisted that he was not going to endorse any candidate, the video went on to show a series of pictures and words urging every Christian to vote pro-life. It would have been just as suggestive if the video had showed pictures of people dying during the war and then urge Christians to vote to end the war. Most Americans know where each candidate stand on the issue of pro-life and ending the war.
2) Once again I will not reconsider the motivation in the showing of the video in any church I believe that Pastors should not tell anyone or even suggest to anyone which candidate they should vote for. We all have the right to choose for ourselves and using the art of suggestion in a video to persuade members of the congregation to choose one way or the other is in my opinion tactless and wrong. I agree that instead everyone should pray and vote the way their heart leads them to. Today, I was watching a program "Faith & Politics" on CNN and they interviewed 2 different Pastors (one supporting McCain and one supporting Obama) and they were both giving valid reasons as to why Christians should vote for their ideal candidate. They each had a different perspective. The program even interviewed a Catholic woman who said that every Christian should vote for McCain and then they showed a Christian man saying that he was voting for Obama because he believes that Obama was better for the country overall. This just goes to show that there are many differing opinions out there. This is why I believe that the church and their leaders should stay out of politics and stop telling people that they will not endorse any candidate but continue to show videos, write on their blogs and facebook and myspace about their enthusiasm for a certain candidate. People don't need the pressure; they have minds of their owns. They can think and vote on their own.

I May Not Always Agree

2008-10-28T15:55:00.003-04:00

with you! But that doesn't mean that I am not right. I have the Right to choose for myself. I have the right to decide what I want. I believe that God created this universe. Along with doing that, He created us. He also gave us FREE WILL. Therefore, this gives us the Right to do as we please. We have that Right!
With that said, I think that a lot of people have forgotten that during this election time. They get so caught up in the frenzy of things and they want to tell you who to vote for. Being a free citizen in America allows you the right to choose for yourself. Therefore, I am so tired of people trying to pressure others into voting for their ideal candidate. This is so unhealthy for the country. It is so sad to see how ugly things have become. I am deeply disappointed in many of my fellow Americans' behavior and attitudes. Our beloved country has spiraled downwards under Bush's Administration. Yet we, as Christians, were told during last election that George Bush is the ideal candidate for Christians. Churches want to tell you that they won't tell you how to vote, but then before election they show you videos of General Superintendents telling you that you should vote for a "certain" candidate. This General Superintendent or other chosen video announcer will tell you that as a church they cannot endorse any one candidate but then they point out obvious issues of why you should vote for their chosen candidate. Don't be fooled by this. Do not feel pressured to vote the way that your Pastor is voting. I have been there before and 4 years later I still regret it. God is your only judge. No you will not go to hell if you don't vote for the candidate that your church or Pastor voted for. Your vote...you decide! It's that simple.

I leave you with something to ponder on:
Every one has two sets of numbers on their tombstone. There are two on every one... but the most important thing that is on our tombstone is the dash. The dash represents what we have done and the decisions that We have made between the first date and the second date on our tombstones.

Memorial Day was now over and all had left and I was alone....
and began to read the Names and Dates chiseled there on every stone

The Dates differed and the names showed whether it was Mom or Dad or Daughter or Baby Son
The "dates" were different dates... but the number the same... there were Two on every one.

It was then that I noticed something... it was but a simple line.
It was the dash between the dates. Placed there it stood for time.

All at once it occurred to me how important that little line.
The dates there belonged to God. But the line is yours and mine.

It's God who gives this precious life.... and God who takes away,
But the line between he gives to us, to do with what we may.

We know that God's written the first date down of each and every one,
and we know those hands will write again for the last dates has to come.

We know he'll write the last date down very soon, we know for some,
But I pray that the dash between my dates will reflect a life.... Well Done!

Breaking News...Live From Toddsville

2008-10-27T11:09:00.002-04:00

I have been meaning to blog about this news in the last few days but I didn't get a chance to sit at my computer and write. Life took over!

I am currently in my fifth month of pregnancy and I am very thankful that my stomach has gone back to "normal". I've had so many problems with food and now I've been enjoying very delicious meals. I am enjoying this stage.

On Thursday, we had a doctor's appt and a sonogram. We were able to find out the baby's gender and....(drum roll please)...It's a girl!!!!

I had pretty much guessed as much due to my morning sickness and other symptoms. Our daughter has also been praying for a baby sister for more than a year now. There's power in prayer...she got her wish.
She was so excited when we told her the news after she got home from school. She said that she had prayed to Jesus and he heard her and answer her prayer and gave her what she wanted. I could've cried when she said that. To me, that was more significant that anything else. Her learning a lesson like that about prayer was priceless. Thank you Jesus!

On This Day...

2008-10-22T19:30:00.005-04:00

...3 years ago Arjay was born! We are so thankful for him. Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Arjay. We celebrated Arjay's 3rd birthday this past Saturday at Chuck. E. Cheese. He had so much fun with his friends and was even dancing with Chuck.E.Cheese. Our family came up from Ft. Lauderdale and it was nice to have them around.

Arjay has been talking about his party for a while now and it was so good to finally have his party and see everything come together very nicely.

My Marathon Man

2008-10-14T15:21:00.003-04:00

I promised details of my husband's marathon experience in Chicago. Please check out the details in his own words.

I am extremely proud of him. I know that he's taken a lot of time to pursue this dream and I'm happy he made a new PR (personal record). Although he is disappointed about his finish time, I know he had an awesome experience over all.

In the end, I am truly inspired by his focus and dedication. A lot of family and friends are saying how inspired they are now to get out there and run too. As my husband says, it takes a lot of time, dedication and discipline but it's an awesome feeling when you've gone the distance. And what a distance he's gone. Proud of you Babe!

He Did It!!!

2008-10-12T17:09:00.004-04:00

Most of you already know that my husband has been training for the Chicago Marathon. Well, today was the big day! And he did awesome!

He finished in 4:36 which is his best marathon time so far. I'm sure he will have more details to share with me once he gets back but that's all for now. I'm so proud of him.

Go Greg!! Soooo happy...for him...and his accomplishment.

This is a picture from his half-marathon in Jamaica (not from his marathon in Chicago).

Acts of Kindness

2008-10-07T09:40:00.003-04:00

Teaching children how to show kindness to others can be easily achieved by being a role model. Show your kids how to treat others by your actions.

Yesterday an opportunity presented itself for me to show my children how to show someone kindness.
After picking up my daughter from the bus stop, we started driving towards our home. It was very overcast and I noticed one of the little boys walking home. Not wanting him to get caught in a massive downpour (that was threatening to come at any second) I pulled over to the side of the road, rolled down my window and asked him if he would like a ride home.

My daughter just started school this August so I've only known the Moms and Dads at the stop for a few months. The little boy refused my offer for a ride.
Immediately following me driving off the rain started pouring and it really came down.
It was very ugly outside, with loud thundering and even lightning.
While it broke my heart to drive off and watch the little boy running towards his home, I kept thinking that his Mommy would be proud. I think he's in the 4th grade so he's not as little as I might be portraying him.
The bottom line is, although he's seen me often at the stop, I am a stranger to him and I couldn't help being proud of him for telling me no. Of course I wouldn't harm him but he doesn't know that.

So while my random act of kindness didn't quite go over as well as I would have like, I was presented with an opportunity to explain to my five-year-old how important it is not to accept rides from strangers. It was difficult for her to understand why the little boy refused to get a ride home when he was going to get wet in the rain. We talked about this for quite some time and she kept saying, "I feel so bad for ________."
Although we had a good discussion on how the little boy was just doing what he was told by his Mom, my daughter was still worried about him being wet in the rain and getting hit by lightning. Finally after a few minutes, I assured her that he would be home by now and was probably drying off.

In the end, the lesson learned wasn't the one of intention but it's always great when you are able to teach your children a lesson through actions.

When is the last time you did a random act of kindness?
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." (Colossians 3:12, NIV)

Please Pray!

2008-10-01T09:52:00.003-04:00

My Mother-in-law recently lost her mother. Her mother died on Friday morning after suffering a stroke (about a month ago) and then also being diagnosed with terminal cancer. She died from a heart attack, that was due to the cancer. She died exactly 24 hours after my mother-in-law got to Jamaica to visit with her.
All her children living in the United States had spent the last few weeks after her diagnosis visiting with her and saying their goodbyes. Greg's mother was with her when she passed and although she's thankful for the last moments that they shared she is still saddened by her Mom's passing.

In true "when it rains it pours fashion", she received word from Jamaica that her father passed away yesterday morning. As you can imagine, she is torn apart by these simultaneous deaths and is in desperate need of all our prayers. Please pray for strength and peace through this whole process. Unfortunately, Greg has not seen either of his grandparents in many many years. He is deeply concerned for his mother. Please pray for his mother and all of her siblings as they make funeral arrangements and deal with the loss of both parents. Thank you!

Just 4 Laughs...

2008-09-27T14:04:00.002-04:00

"To Do"

2008-09-24T17:32:00.002-04:00

Truth be told most of us constantly make "to do" lists that we try to follow and consistently frustrate ourselves in doing so. Yet we continue to make our "to do" lists in hope that this is the day that we WILL get it ALL done! Believe me, I am there with you.

I am so anal and such a firm believer of having a plan. I strive to stay "organized" and consistently frustrate myself to tears (sometimes) because I get so overwhelmed. Trust me, I've been stressed out about this a lot more frequently than I care to admit.

I've read somewhere that it is best to make a short list of your "to do" list. That is, 3-4 important things that you MUST get done that day. Try to stick to that list and after you've completed those 3 or 4 things then rest. Relax. Try not to think about those other things that you have on your "to do" list.

Here's my problem: I can't relax. I drive myself nuts trying to get everything done. I always "over -plan" by assuming that I can complete more things on my list than I even have time or energy to do. Then of course with young children, there's always "additional to do's" that pop up each day. These "mishaps" happen all the time and things you didn't plan to do that day show their ugly heads and suddenly they seem more important and the other so-called important stuff gets shifted to the back burner for another day. Then they get added to the "to do" list again. And the cycle begins all over.

Why? Oh why?

It's frustrating and very overwhelming.

I'm learning to lower my expectations.

I'm learning that I can "ignore" some of these "must-get-done tasks" and the whole world does not come to an end.

I'm learning that my kids are more important than laundry and cleaning the house.

How do I know this? Because I heard myself telling a friend of mine, who was sharing her frustration about being a stay-at-home mother, not to worry about getting it "ALL" done today. That there will be tomorrow. I was rather stunneed by this advice because for years I struggled with this same concern. It's definitely not easy juggling everything. It really does seem that I can never get it ALL done. That's the real truth: you can never get it ALL done. No matter how depressing it sounds, it's true.

Finally, I'm learning to accept this and I was advising her that the sooner she did as well then the easier things will be for her. Of course, it's not always easy because there are days when I still get overwhelmed and frustrated. But, I am changing and growing. I've learned that I am human, not superhuman.

Happy Birthday To Greg!

2008-09-20T13:52:00.003-04:00

We are celebrating my husband's birthday today. The kids were so excited this morning to wake up and wish Daddy a happy birthday. We had to wait a while though because obsessive Daddy went running.

When he got back we greeted him at the door and shouted "Happy Birthday!" really loud. Sorry neighbors. lol. Of course the kids sang as well and it was just soooo beautiful to hear them. Arjay can finally sing the words so that in itself was just really sweet to hear.

We have been just hanging at the house but we will get to go out later. My BFF is going to baby-sit the kids. I'm looking forward to our date night.

Anyway, it's great to celebrate another birthday with my husband. I love you so much Greg. May God bless you today and always. Know that you are loved and cherished!

Proud Mama!

2008-09-19T16:40:00.004-04:00

Warning!!! Bragging Post Ahead...Proceed with caution!

I had to get on blogsville today and share with my blogging friends that my daughter is Student of the Month.

She got home less than an hour ago, all excited about it.

I was so surprised!!! I am elated and cannot even begin to describe how proud I am.

She's a really hard worker and for her teacher to acknowledge that and pick her for the first Student of the Month for her class is so wonderful.

She got to eat lunch today with her principal and other students who were selected from their classes.

She's extremely happy about her accomplishment and said that her teacher told her that it is because she makes good choices. Yeah!!! Go, Adryana!!

I am so proud, did I say that already? Well, I cannot say it enough.

Next Thursday they will have a celebration with all the families of the children who were selected. I cannot wait to attend.

I am beaming with so much pride right now, I am sure it's shining all over Tampa.

I asked my daughter how it felt to be Student of the month and she said it quite simply: "it feels great!" Yep, it feels great to Mom too!

Be Encouraged...

2008-09-15T10:14:00.002-04:00

I received this in my e-mail and wanted to share it with my readers. Thanks for reading! I hope this will speak to your heart as it did to mine. Be blessed!

The God of Wooden PlowsThe Splendor of the Ordinary
By Chuck Colson
September 1, 2008
If you saw the movie The Passion of the Christ, you no doubt remember the film's powerful and overwhelming depiction of Jesus' scourging and crucifixion. But the film does contain one humorous moment, which hints at the high value God places on work.
The scene, you may remember, shows Jesus at work as a carpenter, finishing a table. His mother comes over to examine it. Her opinion? The table is too high. Not to worry, Jesus responds; He'll build tall chairs to go with it. Mary is not convinced. As she walks away, she mutters, "It'll never catch on."
The scene is a reminder that Jesus spent most of His life engaged in manual labor. The Christian apologist Justin Martyr said that during his lifetime, back in Galilee in the second century it was still common to see farmers using plows made by the carpenter Jesus of Nazareth.
In his book The Call, theologian Os Guinness reminds us that even the humblest work is important if done for God. "How intriguing," Guinness writes, "to think of Jesus' plow rather than His Cross—to wonder what it was that made His plows and yokes last and stand out." Clearly, they must have been made well if they were still in use in the second century.
Today, Christians typically exalt spiritual work above manual work. After all, what is making a plow compared with preaching to multitudes, feeding the five thousand, or raising someone from the dead? But the very fact that Jesus did make plows—and made them well—suggests that any work can be done to the glory of God.
Any work can be a genuine calling. A calling, Guinness writes, is anything we do "as a response to God's summons and service." When God calls us to do some task—even if it is something the world sees as lowly—that task is invested with what Guinness calls "the splendor of the ordinary."
"Drudgery done for ourselves or for other human audiences will always be drudgery," he writes, but "drudgery done for God is lifted and changed."
Accepting drudgery is one of the ways we practice discipleship—learning to offer it up sacrificially to God. "We look for the big things to do—[but] Jesus took a towel and washed the disciples' feet," Guinness writes. "We like to speak and act out of the rare moments of inspiration—[but] He requires our obedience in the routine, the unseen, and the thankless." We, His followers, must be willing to take on the humble and thankless tasks as well—and not become impatient with changing diapers, doing homework, or taking out the trash.
On Labor Day, we tend to relish our time off from a job we may not find significant in the grand scheme of history. But we should never forget that the second Person of the Triune Godhead spent much of His life laboring in a woodshop.
If you are frustrated in your job or think the work you have to do is beneath you, just remember that for a season the One who turned water into wine and raised the dead to life . . . also made wooden plows.
From Breakpoint, September 1, 2008, reprinted with permission of Prison Fellowship, www.breakpoint.org.

Meme- Me & My Kids

2008-09-14T20:16:00.004-04:00

Pastor Deanna at Lifetime Intimate Portraits tagged me to do this Meme.

First: post a picture of you and your kids.

Second: Answer the questions.

1. How many children do you have? Two & 1 on the way ~ Adryana, and Arjay.

2. What are their ages? Adryana is 5 going on 15 and Arjay will be 3 in October.

3. What time of day do you start your day? 7:00 A.M.

4. What do you eat for breakfast? Depends-I eat 2 hard-boiled eggs if I have time. When in a rush, which is most days, I eat toast & grape jelly and of course must have my coffee.

5. Do they watch TV? Yes, but my husband and I are avid TV watchers as well so it's a family trait. lol. I'm not as concerned about it as some Moms are as long as we maintain a balance in their lives.

6. What are their favorite activities? Adryana loves to read (like her Mommy), she plays with dolls, likes to dress-up and is constantly writing/drawing on a notepad (just like Mommy again, the writing part not the drawing!). Arjay is very active and enjoys every kind of ball activity (baseball, basketball, soccer, just throwing balls, etc.). They both enjoy dancing too!

7. Do you get a break during the day from them? Yes I do. Adryana is in school and Arjay goes to part-time preschool on T/TH for 3 hours each of those days.

8. How do you end your day? Long shower or bath then reading. I also spend some time with Greg (mostly we talk about our day or we watch a favorite TV program).

9. What is your best parenting advice or tip? I always tell new Moms to enjoy every single moment with their child. They grow so quickly so do not spend too much time on the mistakes. Relax. Kids won't be little forever. Things are replaceable but you never regain moments passed unless you make use of the moment when it's here so it will be etched in your memory. Memories will last so make as many as you can.

Third: Tag 5 people.

I'm not sure I have 5 but here goes:

Greg @ Running & Rehab

Melissa @ Quiet Time Cafe

Pursuit of Meaning

O Happy Day!

2008-09-12T14:04:00.002-04:00

Today is a happy day for me because I was able to eat pizza last night. I know it sounds trivial but believe me when I tell you it is a triumph for me. Many of you already know that the last several weeks have been difficult since I have not been able to eat normal "food." On Sunday I felt like eating fries and had some and later regretted it.

Well, since Saturday I have been craving pizza and I've been patient, mostly from fear that it would cause distress to my uncooperative stomach. Yesterday my patience ran out; I could wait no longer. I was ready for the night of terror. So, I was beyond excited when I ate the pizza (after dabbing away a lot of the grease with paper towels and also swallowing several Tums, lol). Anyhoo, I am elated that I was able to have pizza after months of doing without it. I know it's not that significant but it made me happy all the same.

Most importantly, today is my BFF's birthday. She turns 30 today and coincidentally is off from work. It has been a while since we've seen each other since she finished nursing school and got her "grown up" job. smile. I will be heading over to her place later after Adryana gets home from school so that we can celebrate. So excited that my stomach is feeling better because I'm sure I'll want to have some cake with her. Although it wouldn't matter if we didn't eat anything because whenever we get together we have lots of fun doing absolutely nothing but "chatting and laughing." Laughter is good medicine so I might need that if the cake disturbs my stomach.

Anyway, my dear friend you know I love you like a sister. I wish for you everything magnificent that God has in store for you. Enjoy your special day and know that you are loved and cherished. I am honored to be your friend and thank you for being my friend.

Trapped!!!

2008-09-11T12:37:00.003-04:00

This is the title of my devotional that I recently read. I must say that this really resonated in my heart. Feeling trapped is never a nice feeling. We've all had one or more of these moments in which we feel that our life is spinning out of control. If you asked a bunch of people right now if they've ever felt trapped before, chances are you will find that several people will say yes. As humans, it is very hard for us to deal with the feeling that we are not in control of our lives. Many people have fears about this type of feeling. No one wants to feel trapped.

The truth is there are many of us today that are presently trapped and not even aware of it. We are trapped in a sense that we might not even consider being trapped.
Here's what my devotional had to say:
"Traps work because they take hold of us when we least expect it. It's possible to be caught in a greed trap. Let's say you just bought a new house. It was a little more than you planned on paying, so you started working a few more hours to cover your payments. Not long afterward your neighbor showed you her new car. You couldn't shake that restless gnawing at your insides. So you got a new car too. Now by the time you finish work each day you drive your nice new car back to your new house, you have neither time nor energy for anything else. You're so strapped financially that you can't begin to think about helping the poor in your town or city, let alone the starving masses around the world. Tapped!"

Let's face it, some things are about making better choices so that you never have to feel trapped. You have to be content with what you have and not always seeking more. The need for greed is many people's downfall. Don't get trapped in this web of deceit that the devil created for you. So, how can we avoid this greed trap? Here's what my devotional had to say:
"The apostle Paul tells us how to avoid being trapped by greed when he says, "If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." So take a few moments and ask how it is with you and your family? Are you content? Or has greed got you in a corner? Don't let the love of money pierce you with grief."

The bottom line is our country's economy is spiraling downward and we have no idea when or if it will get back to a decent level. Even more than ever we need to look within ourselves and see how we can make changes in our life. It's never easy cutting back but life is about making choices. We can all learn to live with certain adjustments; it may be difficult in the beginning but it will be a huge benefit in the end. Be wise and stay in constant prayer.

"Father, you have taught us to pray for our daily bread, and you have promised to provide all we need. May we be content to trust you for all things. In Jesus, Amen."

What's Happening?

2008-09-07T16:17:00.002-04:00

After having a week of ups and downs, I finally started feeling better yesterday. I'm now 14 weeks (tomorrow) and my body is now tired more than usual. I try to stay off my feet as much as possible because my body is also weak from not being able to eat "normal."
Yesterday I felt the desire to do something to lift my spirits. I asked my husband if we (meaning him) could get us a baby-sitter because my best friend was unable to baby-sit. It took some work on his part but he was able to get a co-worker and his wife to agree to watch the kids for a few hours. We dropped them off at their house so the kids could play with their daughter and eat pizza. Then we headed to Muvico over in Wesley Chapel (its' close to where we dropped the kids off). We usually go to Citrus Park so just being at a different theatre was very nice because it really made me feel like I was going some place different. We've actually been to Muvico before so it wasn't entirely new. For me, it was exciting all the same.
My husband was making a sacrifice for me because by the time we headed to the movies he had to miss the game (Miami Hurricanes vs. Florida). The Miami Hurricanes is one of his favorite teams and he had to miss it for precious me. He didn't complain about it. It was all for the greater good, right? I mean, getting out and seeing a movie really helped to lift my spirit. Hanging out at home while not feeling "normal" was taking a toll on me not only physically but mentally too. I've been feeling really down about it and getting out yesterday felt awesome. Thank you husband and thank you Jesus.
Today was off to a good start for me but unfortunately I pushed the envelope and ate some fries after church. Needless to say, my stomach has been wreaking havoc on me and I am really paying the price. Still I will not get down about it. I know that I am getting better, I may not be a 100% yet but my goal is to stay positive this week. I will push forward and take it one day at a time.

How Am I Doing?

2008-09-03T11:10:00.005-04:00

--My journey with morning sickness has been such a roller coaster ride. Waiting for it to be over. Holding on to hope that this too shall pass. Trusting God to get me through it. It's taking a toll on me and I just want to feel better soon.

--I'm so tired of politics...just want the election to be over!
--Checking out some blogs. I found this one post quite interesting. I'm sharing here. Go check it out.
-- I'm very annoyed by alot of things (blame it on my raging hormones). Just need some peace. Jesus, help me.

Full Original Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)

God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.

Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did, This sinful world as it is, Not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.
This is my prayer for today.

Thankful Tuesday

2008-08-26T13:50:00.002-04:00

I am thankful today for a lot of things. Some of them I will probably not remember, but thank you Jesus for everything.

I am thankful today for:
-- feeling better after dealing with intense morning sickness for the last 6 weeks.
--for the medication my doctor has me on that has helped to cease the vomiting.
--for my husband, he has been my anchor more times than I can count. These past weeks, I've had to lean on him for strength. Not once did he back down from the task. He went above and beyond with helping me and tolerating my mood swings as well.
--for my children. Although they drive me crazy sometimes; I am blessed to have them. It's like a breath of fresh air for me when I see them after being away from them, even if it's just a short while.
--for friends, who I can always count on.
--for everyone who said a prayer for me.

My grandmother has often said, "ungratefulness is worse than witchcraft."
Always remember to say thank you.
Thank you to all of you that are reading this. I pray that you will be blessed today!

Remember: Let God lift you up, and you won't let yourself down.

"He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and
set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings (Psalm 40:2)."

Change

2008-08-25T13:58:00.007-04:00

is inevitable.

It's going to happen regardless of how we feel about it.

Like most people, I don't handle change very well.

It's very hard for me to embrace change.

When faced with change, I feel like going in the opposite direction.

Trepidation grabs a hold of me and sometimes I feel so consumed by the fear of change that I can't even think straight.

It's scary.

For me, it's mental.

It's emotional.

Recently while on our vacation, Greg and I had the opportunity to read, "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Spencer Johnson, MD.

I know, the title sounds hilarious but it is a very informative book. It's an easy read. It doesn't take very long to finish it. We were both able to read it in one night. We were with another couple (Greg's cousin and his wife). Over dinner, we discussed the book and which character we identified with the most. There are 4 characters in the book: Sniff, Scurry, Hem and Haw. Each one is a mouse, but is portrayed with human-like qualities.

After having a huge supply of cheese, they wake up one day to find that their cheese was gone. As you can imagine, each one had to address how to handle the change. They no longer had cheese and needed to decide what they were going to do. Sniff and Scurry were able to move quickly and started looking for new cheese.

Hem and Haw struggled with how to handle the change. Hem was unmovable. He refused to go looking for new cheese. He decided to stay and wait in hope for the cheese to magically return to him. Haw was afraid to go looking for cheese. For a long while, fear had a hold on him and he couldn't move. He was so worried about the new journey that he didn't know whether to stay or go. After beating up himself internally, he finally decided to go and look for new cheese. Although, he only decided to do that after he realized that if he stayed he could die from not eating any cheese. Therefore, he realized that his situation was getting worse. He tried to get Hem to go with him but Hem wouldn't budge.

So, eventually Haw went out on his own and started his journey searching for new cheese. It was a long, hard journey and he went through a lot. He had to deal with fear, anxiety and worry. Throughout his journey he left some "writings on the wall" to share his insights to whoever needed it (although he was hoping it would help his friend Hem the most).

Eventually Haw found new cheese and was very happy to see that Sniff and Scurry were also there (they had made the journey long before him). He was very sad that his friend Hem hadn't come along but he was still hopeful that he would come one day soon. The author left us hanging on that and we still don't know if Hem decided to change.

In the end, we can draw some conclusions from the book:

1) Some people will never change. (Hem)

2) Some people are afraid to change but will do it eventually. (Haw)

3) Some people move quickly to change. (Scurry)

4) Some people sense (sniff out) change and is ready to act. (Sniff).

We all identify with 1 or more of these characters.

Knowing which character we identify with is very beneficial to assist us in the process of change. Think about which character from the story you identify with. Then use the traits of that character to prepare you. Understanding how you handle change is the first step towards helping you. Also, learn how to adapt other traits from the other characters that are more beneficial in helping you become successful when change comes your way.
Change will come.
The bottom line is: how will you handle change?

Good News

2008-08-23T11:46:00.003-04:00

It is always nice when you receive good news.

It definitely beats hearing another piece of bad news. I think we've all had our share of that lately.
Today I am celebrating with my good friend, Latoya and her family. She and her husband just welcomed their second child into the world at 9:30 pm last night. I am so excited for her. She delivered on her due date and her son weighed in at 9lbs 2oz. Little Patrick Jr. will meet his big sister, Skylar sometime this morning.

I mentioned in a recent post, that during the midst of a storm we received some very wonderful news. If curiosity had gotten the better of you then you'll be happy to know that you don't have to wait any longer. Here is the good news I was talking about: it seems that the stork has paid my husband and I another visit. We are expecting our third child. I am due March 9, 2009, which will only be a few days before my birthday. As one can imagine, we are all very excited in the Todd household about this information.

Actually, I'm not sure how Arjay will handle it but we'll just have to wait and see. Adryana is as thrilled as anyone can be because she's actually been praying now for about a year that she would have a baby sister. Even while in preschool, when she was asked to name one wish that she would like, she said she would like a baby sister. BTW, we do not know yet whether we are having a boy or girl. Either way we will be happy; we are just praying for a healthy baby. God is good and we are very grateful for this blessing.

Jamaica Mi Proud (Olympics Triumphs) and Todd Squad Update

2008-08-18T11:10:00.005-04:00

As a Jamaican, I have to admit, it has been more than amazing watching the Olympics and seeing fellow Jamaicans win gold medals for running. It's extremely electrifying watching Usain Bolt winning the 100m race and then the following night watching the Jamaican girls sweeping their race. Everyone in Jamaica is celebrating this victory and my husband and I are just as happy to watch this moment in history.

As far as the Olympics go, I have been enjoying watching most of the events. I think that the city of Beijing did a tremendous job of preparing for the events. It has been splendid watching the meets at the Bird's Nest. In addition, watching Michael Phelps compete and win 8 gold medals has been awesome. It's really unbelievable that any one person is capable of doing. Michael Phelps seems like such a nice guy and I am so happy for him. Everyone that has done exceptional at the Olympics, in my book, are pretty special.

Todd Squad Update Ahead:

This morning sweet girl went off to her first day of school. It is such a bittersweet moment for me. Part of me is so happy to see her go off to school. She was somewhat nervous but a bit excited about her new experience. I took some pictures of her and she went in to her class, followed her teacher's directions and got ready for the day. I'm so impressed with her. She did not cry at all. Oh my big girl! I was sad to leave her and I miss her so much already. Thank God that she went to preschool so this is not entirely new to me. I know everything will be fine but it's a bit tough on my nerves. I will survive!!!

In other news, our son has started potty training. We actually started about a week ago but it has been going very slow until now. He's really stubborn and determined to do things his own way. Today, he finally took the bribing bait and went potty on his own. I was so proud of him. He will start part-time preschool tomorrow. We will see how that will go. He can be a tough cookie so I will brace myself.

The Weeding Process

2008-08-16T16:00:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I spent over 2 hours pulling weeds from our flower bed. Pulling weeds is one of my least favorite chores. However, it was way past due. I was extremely embarrassed by the "look" of our flower bed that greeted us when we return from our vacation. I was so frustrated and angry while outside pulling weeds. I simply hate to do it but if I don't do it then I hate to see it left undone. I'm really torn with this chore, because I'm upset when I have to pull the weeds but I'm also upset when I have to look at them too. Sigh.

While I was out there pulling the weeds, a thought occurred to me. Does God ever get tired of pulling weeds from our lives? I mean, does He ever stop and think that these people mess up so much and have so much "crap" in their lives that I'm just plain tired of bailing them out? I wouldn't blame Him if He did. There's nothing glamorous about weeds. They come up in a place where they are unwanted. They make it difficult for the flowers to thrive because they will literally choke them to death if they are not removed from the flower bed.

So, it certainly cannot be an exciting job to pull weeds all day. However, I have been told that there are many people who enjoy this type of work. I've heard that pulling weeds can be very relaxing. And while I won't say that I feel relaxed when I am pulling weeds, I can definitely see where a person could be so lost in thought and they could actually enjoy that. When I allow myself to, I can think about several things but every once in a while frustration will creep up and consume me again. Then I will get so angry that I have to be out there pulling the weeds in the first place.

Anyhoo, anyone who has a "green thumb" will tell you that pulling weeds and pruning are very essential to plant care. While I've certainly killed my share of plants and will never claim to be anywhere remotely close to a "green thumb", I am still very aware of the process. As a homeowner, I also realize that it is my responsibility to care for my home and its' surroundings. So, until there is another effective way to handle these weeds, I will continue to pull them and vent about it.

Besides that, we've been keeping pretty busy with getting ready for school. My daughter is starting kindergarten on Monday. She's not nearly as excited as I would have hoped but I know she will come around. We had to do the parents' night for kindergartners and then the school wide orientation and meet-the-teacher day. It was a rush to get all the supplies once we got back from vacation because I didn't get the letter until the day we were leaving for vacation. However, we are prepared for Monday for her and Tuesday for my son who will be going to part-time preschool. Unbelievable!! Pass me the Kleenex.

I am already very nervous about both of my kids growing up and going off to school. It has been a week of boo-hooing and I know that next week will be pretty much the same. Yep, that's me. Change doesn't come very easy for me. It takes me a little while to adapt and that's exactly why I am so patient and understanding with my daughter. She has the same struggle with change and I feel her pain. Fortunately, she usually adapts very well after a little while too. We are bracing ourselves for the ride. We are also staying prayed up!

Vacation Week

2008-08-02T20:09:00.002-04:00

We are in Ft. Lauderdale this week. I've had such a crummy week this past week that a vacation is very needed. We were supposed to be in Tennessee for vacation and the devil kept attacking us so much that not even our vacation was safe. About a week ago we had to cancel our trip, due to circumstances out of our control. We were so disappointed because we were looking forward to getting away. I've never been to Tennessee and I was so excited to go. Bummer! I was so bummed out by it.
But God is good. We were able to still make new plans for our vacation. Now here we are in Ft. Lauderdale visiting family. Then on Tuesday, my husband and I will go to a hotel while the kids stay with my mom (she's still not working so she is able to watch them). We will get some "quality" time together. Ha!
Then Friday, we leave Ft. Lauderdale and head to Orlando. Yippee! We will not do the whole Disney stuff this time around but we will be going to Universal Studios. We've never been before. We've always gone to Islands of Adventure and so it will be a treat to go to somewhere new.

We are now at my parents' house and I am so delighted to chit-chat with my Mom. We are so close. We talk every single day sometimes several times per day. But no matter how much we talk on the telephone, we can't seem to stop talking when we see each other face to face. It's wonderful!! It's amazing how much my spirit have lifted already. Tomorrow we will attend church at my parents' church (which is also the church where I went growing up and where Greg and I got married at). Following church services, we will visit Greg's parents' home. It's always great to see family.
I will try to get back and post something about my day tomorrow. I will take pictures but I doubt that we will be able to download and post them until we get back home.

Try Again!

2008-07-29T18:18:00.004-04:00

This past week, my daughter has been practicing how to tie her shoelaces. It's one of the skills that they stress in kindergarten and she has not mastered it as of yet. Blame it on those 'oh so convenient Velcro straps' that they have on shoes now. She's doing pretty well but becomes so frustrated with it. I think that she believes that it is something she would learn right away. She is a fast learner and she does get pretty obsessive with a task until she's successful at it (sounds like anyone you know? her dad!).
I've been trying to motivate and encourage her. I've told her more times than I can count that if you try something and you don't succeed then you keep trying. I told her that she should not give up. She's persistent and not about to give up but she does get upset by her efforts.
Watching her has gotten me thinking about how things become second nature to us. Like tying your shoelaces. Now I do it without putting much thought into it.
This is very similar to handling stressful situations in life. At first it appears unbearable. It is such a hurdle and we cannot imagine getting over it. Then as time goes by, little by little, we get "comfortable" with the situation. Sometimes regardless of whether or not we've had resolution. We are not happy about the situation but we've got to sort of learn how to live with it. I'm in that phase right now. I feel like the situation that's causing me stress is something I can't really change so I've got to learn how to "live" with it. I'm learning how to just let go and let God. I've got to give it all to Him and trust that He will take care of it.
Although there's no resolution at this time, I cannot allow myself to be so consumed by it that life passes me by. Stress has a way of eating away at a person. Then it also breeds other stress. While I'm stressed, anything else unfavorable that presents itself in my life, might drive me absolutely crazy. So dealing with what's on my plate in a positive way, even if it's not yet resolved will only help me in the long run. I can't allow it to keep me down. I can't give up. I've got to get up, dust myself off and try again!

Moving Mountains

2008-07-18T11:02:00.003-04:00

Over the last 2 weeks, I've felt really weary.

Not tired but just plain weary.

There's been so much going on (and still going on) in my life that has been a struggle. We are facing very overwhelming circumstances and I feel like I literally see mountains when I close my eyes.

Another day goes by and then I see more mountains to climb.

I've been trying to stay positive.

Each day I thank God for every blessing.

I know that God is faithful.

I know that He can do everything.

I know that with God all things are possible.

I also know that God can move mountains.

I've been praying for God to move our mountains. My heart is extremely full and it is stressful.

Then I get on the phone with friends and I listen to their struggles and challenges too. I think, Lord, what is going on? Why are so many people struggling? The devil is surely hard at work.

Yesterday, my husband and I spent most of the day laughing. Yep, we laughed. Not because we wanted to but because we had to. Laughter really is such good medicine. At first I started laughing because we had just heard some more bad news and I just couldn't believe how much bigger our mountain had gotten. At one point, he said, "why are you laughing? This is not funny!" I said, "I know but if I don't laugh then I'm going to cry!" Soon after, he was laughing too. Laughing is very contagious.

We spoke with some friends later in the day and couldn't believe what was happening with them. Their mountain was a lot bigger than ours. That put things into perspective for us. No matter how bad you have it, there are other people struggling too. People who might be going through worse than you. It doesn't make you feel better but sometimes when you hear it, you realize how much you have to be thankful for.

We still have our mountains, but we are trusting in God. My childhood pastor would say, "God is in the mountain moving business!" So I'm going to patiently wait on the Lord to move these mountains for us. In the meantime, I will take it one day at a time. There's a whole lot of problems that I can get from being stressed out. I don't need that added to my other problems. So each day I will count my blessings and make every effort to laugh.

Have you laughed today???

One little known fact about me is...

2008-07-16T18:48:00.003-04:00

I read Psalms 23 every night before I go to my bed. No kidding! Growing up, I watched my grandmother read Psalms 23 every night and even my mother did it too. My grandmother would also leave her Bible opened and left on Psalms 23. She thought that this would offer her protection from evil spirits. It might sound a bit comical now but I think because she had faith that she would be protected by doing that ritual, then she was always protected by God.

Reading Psalms 23 makes me feel safe. I feel loved and protected by God. I know that He is watching over me and that gives me comfort.

I can remember as a child going through a frightening hurricane and my Mom and I read Psalms 23 by candlelight. After we were done reading, I felt safe and not as frightened. I learned as a child to seek comfort in reading Psalms 23 whenever I felt scared. Today I continue to read, not from fear, but because it reminds me of the kind of God I serve. The Lord is my shepherd!

Psalm 23

The Lord the shepherd of His People

A Psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

3 He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

I will fear no evil;

For you are with me;

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever.

What's Up Todd Squad?

2008-07-13T14:36:00.008-04:00

It's been a while since I've blogged. Not really sure what happened except I could never seem to get my thoughts together to sit and write or I was too busy to even think about blogging.

During the past week, our family had many things on our plate that we've had to deal with. I'm not going to share the details because there are things about my life that I like to keep private (especially off the web). God knows our situation and even in the midst of the bad, we saw good. We are very thankful for that. God blesses us every single day and it's important that we always take a moment to appreciate that. Look around you and see that there is life happening. That in itself is truly a blessing from our creator!

We were away for July 4th celebrating with our family in Ft. Lauderdale. We had such an awesome time. My parents had a barbecue at their house and I saw a cousin of mine that I haven't seen in about 15 years. It was so nice to talk with her. It was wonderful being surrounded by family like that. There were aunts and cousins from both of my parents' sides of the family. Greg's parents also joined us for the barbecue and we were so thrilled. It was fantabulous!!! Here are some pictures...

The next day we celebrated our godson's first birthday. It rained but we were still able to have a good time. It didn't rain all day so the kids were able to do slip n' slide, water guns and sprinklers. They had so much fun! Arjay slept through it all. Still it was a great time together and another awesome cookout. I'll share a few pictures... After getting back from Ft. Lauderdale, we had to deal with the "bad" that I mentioned earlier. It is still being resolved and we are trusting God to take care of it just like He has done so many times before. A few days later something really good happened. I will share about this soon but for now I don't want to jinx it.

So on to more of what's been going on with Todd Squad. Our daughter spent last week at princess dance camp. She spent a whole week (I dropped her off each day for a few hours) doing ballet and tap dancing. She loved it so much and had so much fun. The last day they had a recital (a very small performance). It was so cute to watch. She was in "princess" heaven and of course being that she's so girly girl she enjoyed every minute of being a ballerina.

Our son had a cold a few weeks back and couldn't get rid of a cough so I took him to see the doctor. It turns out he has a post-nasal drip and he's now on antibiotics and it will last for 2 weeks. Hopefully he will be all better soon.

Besides that, my husband and I were able to go on a "date " yesterday. We saw a movie and went to a restaurant called "Fuego"Brazilian Steakhouse (Churrascaria). It was pretty good and they gave good portions of meat and sides. The best part is we spent under $25 for both our meals, and we even had dessert. No kidding, the price was pretty unbelievable to us. We would definitely go back again.

Greg's parents also visited last night. They were actually just spending the night. They were traveling back home from Gainesville. It was a short visit and the kids were really sad to see them leave this morning. They left right before church so getting ready for church was a bit tough with the kids. We did it though and got to church right on time. Church was awesome too. The choir was sensational. They sang really great. The message was very good and we were blessed by it.

I hope we will have an awesome week this coming week.

Later, Alligator!

2008-07-02T14:40:00.004-04:00

I'll be off blogging world for a few days. We are off to Ft. Lauderdale tomorrow morning. Today has been a busy day of doing laundry and getting our things prepared for the trip. I'm still not finished packing.

We will have a busy weekend. We will attend a barbecue on Friday. Then on Saturday our godson is celebrating his first birthday. We will attend his birthday party which my kids are really excited about.

It is always nice to get together with family and friends. We are looking forward to it.

I hope everyone will have a fun and safe July 4th. Enjoy yourself!

I saw this quote today and I have to share it:

"When you were born, you cried and everyone else was happy. Live your life in such a way that when you die, you will be happy and everyone else will cry. "

Storms

2008-07-01T20:34:00.003-04:00

I got caught in a thunderstorm today! I took the kids to Seven Oaks pool in Wesley Chapel. I was trying to beat the afternoon rain (it seems like we have been getting rain every afternoon here in Tampa). After about 45 minutes in pool, it started thundering. Five minutes after that we felt the first drops of rain and made a mad dash for our car. Before we got on to State Road 54, the rain started pouring.
I tried my best to navigate through the rain by driving very slowly but it got so bad that I had to pull over. I've always found it a bit frightening to drive in the rain, when there is a huge downpour. It makes me really nervous and I would just rather be safe than sorry anyways. So I waited by the side of the road (actually the turning lane to a townhouse subdivision). We waited for about five minutes and I prayed while I waited. Once the rain cleared up some, I decided to try again and we were able to make it home safely.

Being caught in the storm got me to thinking about how in life we have all gone through major storms, or going through one currently or we are about to go through one. The funny thing about a storm is we might get some signs :thunder, lightning and even wind. But even with the signs, we cannot tell how badly the storm will affect us until we have gone through it. Some people are either bunkered in safely at home, while others are stuck in the midst of the storm. We don't know when we will be the one caught in the storm. The only sure thing we know is that we can count on Jesus. He will never leave nor forsake us.

I've been thinking alot about 2 people in my life who are currently going through the storms of life. My neighbor, Zack, who is currently battling leukemia. Yesterday marked one year since he was diagnosed. I've watched his parents drawn closer to God and I believe in my heart that God has worked a miracle for Zack and his family. I believe in Jesus. I know he CAN. I know with God nothing is impossible. Therefore, I am believing for Erik that he will get healed of lymphoma. His journey has just begun; he will start chemo tomorrow. They are in the midst of a storm and would appreciate all your prayers. Remember, God is able!

When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall
lift up a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19)

Drama...Drama!

2008-06-25T14:35:00.003-04:00

It would be an understatement to say I had "one of those days" yesterday. You know those days when everything just seem to go wrong. Nothing major happened but it was just a day of craziness. I started my day early to run some errands. My first stop at the library started my day off wrong. A book I had placed on hold was not there when I got there, even though it should have been. No biggie really, they would just re-order it and I would get it in a few days. I'm not going to let that ruin my day.

Off to the next stop: Sam's club. I've discovered that an easy way to shop at Sam's club is to use a service they call "click 'n' pull". I've used this service a few other times and has find it very beneficial especially when you have to tow around two young children when you go shopping. Yesterday, however, was not as easy as it usual is. When I got there, they did not have half of my order. Once again, I'm determined to stay calm.
So, the gentleman helping me asked me to wait while he got the items. I decided that I would help him and told him I would get 2 items if he would get the others. We parted ways to retrieve the items. Upon my return to customer service (where you pick up order) this man was MIA. I waited patiently until someone else offered to help. Finally everything was sorted out and although it shouldn't have taken so long, we were finally done and had gotten everything we needed except one item because they didn't have it in stock.

We left Sam's club and I came home feeling like I could just relax a bit in my chaise and read while the kids take a nap. Unfortunately, there were a few pressing phone messages for me to return immediately. One of those calls had my blood pressure rising. I won't get into details since it will only frustrate me even more. Let's just say it involves money. Speaking of money- -our A/C has been leaking in our garage and we had someone "fix" it on Saturday and it's still leaking. Therefore, that was another issue I had to deal with yesterday. Now, it looks like it's going to cost us a lot more money to get it fixed and I honestly can't tell if we are being ripped off but I get the feeling we are!

On to more drama...
Last night, I put the kids in bed at their regular bed time and went in to take my shower. After I finished, I went in the kitchen to make a cup of tea and I hear the kids playing and making noise. It's supposed to be bed time. After scolding them, I returned to my room to watch TV. I'm now thinking they are asleep because it's been a good while. Next thing I know Arjay is in my room (he's been climbing out of his crib now). I took him back to bed. In less than an hour later, I turned the TV off and started going off to sleep when I feel someone climbing into bed. I think it's Adryana (she loves coming to our bedroom begging to get in our bed) but it's Arjay! He usually loves to sleep in his crib. I'm now half asleep and didn't feel like walking back to his room (we have a split floor plan so we are in back of house on one side and they are in front of house on another side). I allowed him to sleep with us and we didn't sleep very well with him in bed. He's not a good sleeper.

Finally, I was getting some zzz's and at 5am I hear the alarm blasting. Greg forgot to turn off the alarm. Greg decided to go running this morning and he has to get to work at 7am so he left for running at 4:30am (I know it's crazy, trust me, I am always worried). Next thing I know Adryana is up in her bed screaming and crying that Arjay is gone. I got her calmed and then she came into our bed too. We are finally falling asleep when Greg came back home and went to shower before work. So, neither Adryana or I could sleep with him moving around in master bathroom/bedroom. Finally, he leaves for work and we were able to get a little sleep before we started the day. So now I'm extremely exhausted and cannot wait to get to my bed and sleep. I hope tonight will be a less dramatic night! We desperately need some sleep. Jesus help us.

Please pray...

2008-06-24T18:46:00.000-04:00

for my cousin's husband who is scheduled to start chemotherapy on July 2nd. His name is Erik. The last time I wrote about him, he was having surgery to remove a tumor from his neck. He has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Please pray for healing. And for salvation.

Also pray for my cousin, Trecia. It is a difficult time for both of them right now. But, I know God is able. Right now, this is hurting my heart so much and I am at a loss for words. I know that nothing is impossible for God and that is all I can cling to right now. Thank you for your prayers!

If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'move
from here to there, ' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you
(Matthew 17:20, NKJV).

Sunday's Reflection

2008-06-23T14:32:00.000-04:00

Sunday was not a sunny day here in Tampa. It rained again pretty much all day! My daughter was really upset yesterday because it was raining and she wanted to go swimming. She's been taking swimming lessons since the day after Memorial Day and when she first started out she hated it.

In fact, on her first day of swimming lessons, between screaming and crying she said, "this is the worst day ever!" We laugh about it now but she was really terrified about putting her face under water. It has been a long journey but she's now really comfortable in the water and she's made so much progress. She's now a bit obsessed with swimming and wants to practice as much as possible. So, on Saturday she wasn't happy because her dad had promised to take her swimming but couldn't because of the rain. We even heard her praying and begging God to stop the rain (oh, the faith of little children; you gotta love it!).

We were not able to go swimming Saturday so we went yesterday after church. We were lucky enough to get a break from the rain after church. We went swimming at a pool by Greg's work. We were able to stay there for over an hour without any rain. So my daughter got alot of practice and she did awesome! I'm truly proud of her and all the progress she's made. The whole time she was smiling and saying, "this is the best day ever!" Funny, huh?

Later that night, she prayed and thank God for stopping the rain just for her so that she could swim. I told her that God smiled on her and she said that it's because God loves her. I love to listen to her talk about God. She's so in love with Jesus and God. It's exhilarating to watch her and hear her pray. My prayer is that she will always have this love for Jesus and have a passion to do His will.

Tag

2008-06-22T16:45:00.000-04:00

1) What were you doing ten years ago? I was attending Florida International University, where I met Greg and we would have been dating for 2 years by that time.
2) Name five things on today's "to do" list:
-attend church (actually teach children's church)
-catch up on my reading (I have a library book that is due tomorrow)
-wash dishes/tidy kitchen
-make dinner
-wash my daughter's hair and give children a bath, then put them to bed
3) Things I'd do if I was a billionnaire...
- help my friends and family (especially those in Jamaica that are less fortunate)
-start my own charity organization
-invest
4) Three bad habits:
-mood swings
-high expectations (prefectionist)
-Emotional shut down when overwhelmed/stressed
5) Five places I've lived:
- Jamaica
-Fort Lauderdale, Florida
-Miami, Florida
-Tampa, Florida
-Odessa, Florida
6) Five jobs I've had:
-Waitress
-Sales Respresentative
-Front desk/Receptionist
-Recreational Therapist
-Substitute Teacher/Teacher
7) Five people I'm tagging: you

Sleepy Saturday

2008-06-21T22:17:00.000-04:00

Today was a very rainy day where I live. Everyone decided to take a nap sometime around 2 pm. Since I don't usually nap, I decided to lie in my bed and watch TV. About 2 hours later my eyes got so heavy that I couldn't barely keep them open. Just as sleep was taking over, in walks my precious daughter, just waking up from her nap. I convinced her to climb in the bed next to me and then I handed her the remote.

I told her she could watch her show but honestly I can't even remember her changing the channel. I was so exhausted that I fell asleep immediately. My husband was already sleeping in the bed next to me so my daughter was up by herself. It was sometime after 4pm now when I fell asleep. I did not awake until 6pm. I needed the sleep.

When I got up I was happy to see that my husband was up and tending to the kids. I felt so guilty that I fell asleep and left my daughter up. Generally, I will not go to sleep if my children are awake unless my husband is awake and can tend to them. You never know what can happen. Frankly I think it is irresponsible and I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happen to any of my children while I was asleep.

Anyhoo, thank God my husband woke up while our daughter was in the bed watching TV and so he saw that I fell asleep and he got out of bed and took her out of the room so that I could rest. He knows I don't usually sleep in the middle of the day unless I am exhausted. I am happy I got some rest because I really needed it. It's not that I wouldn't want to nap in the daytime, it's just that once I'm up I just go and go and go. I usually have to unwind at night time since I am a night owl and could stay up for hours into the night. I've been trying to get myself to go to bed before midnight nowadays because with 2 young children I can't sleep in as I would like.

It's so awesome to have days like this: I really enjoyed my sleepy Saturday!

Meme

2008-06-20T10:12:00.000-04:00

I got this meme over at Pastor Deanna's blog.

1) What is your favorite day of the week?
Saturday...when my whole family is home together!
2) How do you usually do your hair?
I like it straight and "bumped" at the ends.
3) What is your favorite item of clothing?
jeans
4) Where would your dream vacation be?
Paris with my husband.
5) Who is your favorite author? book?
Right now, Karen Kingsbury.
6) How often do you log on?
I am usually log on in the morning and then I check periodically throughout the day.
7) What is one of your favorite Internet sites to visit?
All my fave bloggers.
8) Coke or Pepsi?
Pepsi.
9) Healthy snacks or junk food?
Not a big junk food eater but not the most healthy eater either. I'm just a picky eater so it's more important that I'm in the mood for whatever I'm eating and that I also like it.
10) Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Night owl. I'll stay up as long as I have to and keep going even if I am tired. However, once I crash I don't like to have to wake up until I'm good and ready (this happens very rarely since I have 2 young children).

Yesterday...

2008-06-20T09:50:00.001-04:00

was a very productive day for us. The kids spent Wednesday night with their auntie and also part of Thursday. Wednesday night, after hubby got home from work, we saw a movie. It was really nice to have a date night because I've been wanting a break lately. After having my brother and niece here for a week, I was feeling tired and kinda burned out.

Thursday morning we got up and had the most productive day (as far as home improvements is concerned) we've had in a long time. We cleaned our garage. It took us a few hours but we got rid of a lot of "junk." We had some things that we needed to throw out and also some things to donate. We made 2 trips to Goodwill and Salvation Army (only because Goodwill wouldn't take on of our donated items). It felt so good once we got done. We were tired of course but our garage is a lot cleaner and we are happy!

Besides cleaning, we were also able to have lunch together at Chili's. They have an "endless" salad, soup and chips lunch. Definitely worth trying :) Greg ordered the "endless" soup/salad/chips lunch and I ordered quesadillas. We didn't realized until later that "endless" really meant all you can eat. When Greg ordered it we hadn't paid much attention to the name So when the waitress asked Greg if he wanted more soup and salad we were already too stuffed. Now we know and so next time we'll go on "really empty" then we can fill up. (lol)

It was so nice to have a lot of "us time" without the kids. We got alot done but we also had time to spend with each other, which doesn't happen as much as we would like. Thank God my friend offered to keep the kids over night. Of course my daughter has been begging us to allow her to sleep over my friend's house for a while. I am usually a little hesitant about letting my kids stay over anywhere. Unless it's their grandparents. In the end, I am really glad we did!

What???

2008-06-17T17:44:00.000-04:00

I recently saw http://wetv.com/video/1586421884/jack-ruby on television and I was so annoyed. I mean this is really absurd! The thought of dogs getting married is so ridiculous and I can't believe that WE TV will run a program like this. I guess some dog lovers cannot get it into their heads that animals are NOT people. Just knowing that they spent so much money to do something as stupid as this has me really upset. There are too many people in this world starving for us to be doing something as ridiculous as this.

I realize that some people might find "puppy weddings" entertaining but I think this is just a little extreme (even if it's just for entertainment purposes). I love watching weddings...but dog weddings? What's next? We already have to endure watching many dogs live a life of luxury. While people are starving and dying of AIDS, some dogs are going to spas and living a lavish lifestyle.

I know that many "dog lovers" will disagree with me and think this is cute. Let me reiterate that I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT find this cute! I will definitely NOT watch this program, even though I love watching wedding programs.

I will also add that marriage is scared and should only occur between a man and woman just as God intended. Not 2 men or 2 women and CERTAINLY NOT dogs.

I'm Back!

2008-06-16T12:45:00.000-04:00

I've been MIA from cyber world for over a week now. I know, I can't believe it either. The truth is I have been crazy busy and just too exhausted to get my thoughts together to sit and blog. My younger brother who's 12 and my niece who's 10 were both here with us since June 6th. It has been a lot of work caring for 2 extra children and I was wiped out these past days.
Last week my daughter and my niece attended Vacation Bible School (VBS) from 9am-12noon. Although that helped to minimize the time spent at home, it was also very taxing on me. Along with that my daughter had swimming lessons so I felt like I was going all over town all week and that was very tiring.

In addition we have been having alot of visitors for the last few weekends. This weekend Greg's cousin and his wife and their baby were here. We had a great time with them. Greg's cousin's wife was also my room-mate in college and she and I are very good friends. It was really nice spending time with her. When we get together we can talk for hours and that is exactly what we did Friday night.

We left all the kids with the 2 men and went out for coffee and desserts followed by a movie. We had so much fun talking and laughing that even when we returned home we spent another 45 minutes in my van just talking. We knew everyone were already sleeping so we didn't want to come inside and wake them up but we still wanted to talk. I love having conversations with friends that I click with because we could talk forever and we would not run out of things to say.

Unfortunately these friends are living in Ft. Lauderdale (as are most of our best friends and our family) and we don't see them as often as we would like. Can you tell I'm missing Ft. Lauderdale??? I admit, I do miss it; not so much the place but more the people (at least my peeps) that are still there. I do love Tampa though; I just wish I could combine my 2 worlds. That's exactly how it feels too like we are living in 2 worlds. Anyway, God is good and we are thankful to be blessed no matter where we are. We are able to make it work and that's what we've been doing. We go to Ft. Lauderdale as much as we can and we have friends and family come visit us too. So, it's all good!

The men also got a boys' night out too. They went out for sushi Saturday night. They also went to Channelside and they watched Hulk, which they really enjoyed. All in all we were all able to have a great time of fellowship with each other. So, now we are trying to get back to our normal lives.
Adryana was very sad to see our visitors go. She really misses the kids. They were also sad to leave. I'm sad for them too but I won't miss the extra work.

Well, I'm logging off now. I have tons of laundry to catch up on. Also, while I was MIA from blogging I was also not reading any of my fave blogs so I need to catch up with them now.

Rejoice!

2008-06-06T11:34:00.000-04:00

Today is my Mom's birthday and I celebrate her. Happy Birthday Mom! She is a very sweet lady and is also the most wonderful mother. I love her very much! She and my Dad will be here for a visit and I cannot wait to see her. They should arrive before bed-time tonight. It's extra special to see her today since it's her birthday. I've also not seen her in a couple of months. They live in Ft. Lauderdale, a four-hour drive but with the hike in gas prices we've all cut back on our traveling there and here.

As I am preparing the house for my parents, my thoughts are far away. My cousin's husband is in surgery today to remove his neck tumor. Once the doctors remove the tumor they can do a biopsy. They are thousands of miles away and I am so worried for them. I know that God can reach everyone no matter the distance. We've all been praying for her and him but we are still awaiting an update. There is a 6 hour time difference between our countries so we are patiently waiting for news about his progress. Thanks to all of you who have been praying for them. We really appreciate it.
While my thoughts drifted back and forth to my cousin and her husband, I am also praying and this scripture has been on my mind:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7).

I will also add 1Peter 1:6-9 to encourage anyone going through a difficult time too.
6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Blessings to you all!

Have You Ever...

2008-06-02T12:07:00.000-04:00

heard your phone ringing and knew before you picked it up that it was going to be bad news? Minutes before church yesterday we received a phone call just like that. It seems as if the mere ringing of the phone was screaming out the news at us. At first, I froze completed. I panicked and then tried to convince myself once I looked at the caller ID that the person calling just simply wanted casual conversation and had no idea that he or she was going to make me late for church.

I didn't even realized that I had muttered something like, "why is she calling?" Next thing I knew, Greg was saying, "if she's calling NOW it must be important!" Of course I knew that, but the mind is a powerful thing and my mind had already convinced me that the news was too BAD for me to even listen to. I didn't know whether to run and hide or pick up the receiver. My brain couldn't wrap around the idea of receiving devastating news when just minutes ago we were all talking and laughing while getting dressed for church. My soul felt tormented and I started to think of every doom imaginable. By the time I picked up the receiver, my voice betrayed me because the way I said hello was surely as if I already knew the reason for the call.

The moment the person heard my voice and spoke, we both started sobbing like crazy. All of a sudden, I was desperate for information. I'm sure I had stop breathing at this point while waiting in anticipation. I started screaming, "what happened? what hapenned?". I did this repeatedly because I wanted to postpone the inevitable-- the info this person was going to tell me. In the end, the news was BAD. I couldn't find the words to say to my very dear friend who was just reporting that her husband was diagnosed with cancer. I cried with her and I said whatever encouraging words I could say but I can't remember half of what I said now.

My heart aches for her and her husband. I'm so torn. I'm torn because I want to pray for healing but I also need to pray for the husband's salvation. This to me is more important. After I hanged up the telephone, this bothered me the most because I knew he is not prepared to meet Jesus. I am so sad about this but I know there's still time. I am praying for his redemption and healing. I want God glorified in all of this situation and I know He will be. Your will God, your will be done.

I was sad while at church and I just felt like I was in a daze most of the day. The worship songs touched my heart and I got emotional a few times. Then the message by Missionary Ben King was AMAZING!! It resonated in my heart throughout all of yesterday and even today. The most important part that I took away was how important it is to win souls for God's kingdom. I just kept thinking yes Lord I hear you! The message confirmed what I was already thinking about my friend's husband. He needs Jesus! There are other lost souls all over this world and they all need Jesus! We need to keep telling everybody we know about Jesus, before it's too late! Help us Lord. Help us.

Prayer Songs

2008-05-31T20:42:00.000-04:00

I just finished praying and I am feeling very fired up. Many church members signed up for prayer shifts all day today. Tomorrow will be our Missions conference and we are praying until church service begins @ 10:30am. Each person takes one half hour shift and pray for the service tomorrow. In addition, I prayed for all the leaders, the ministries, the church families and our guest speaker and his family.

I learned from my Mom to sing old hymns when I pray. So whenever I start praying I will get a song in my head and I will just start singing some old songs (I'm talking about hymns from that red hymn book:)). I love contemporary Christian music but you gotta love singing those hymns too. They just seem to fit in when you start praying and get all fired up. Here are some of the songs I sang:
"Oh how I love Jesus", "Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary", "This is the day", and "What a Mighty God we serve." Of course I don't have a good singing voice but I was locked away in my closet so I didn't scare anyone (lol). That wasn't the reason I was in my closet, it's my hiding place from the kids. Sometimes you need a place to make important phone calls where people won't hear a screaming toddler and the closet works. I also had their daddy on watch duty (so they wouldn't come near the closet). Sometimes my 2-year old son likes to bang on the doors, he hasn't learned yet what the word "privacy" means.

Besides that, today was uneventful for us. We all needed to catch up on sleep so we took a mid-afternoon nap. Loved it!! I wish I would've kept on sleeping until tomorrow, I needed it that much. I don't generally take a nap in the daytime but when my body screams for one I have to honor the request. I cannot wait to get back to bed now. I'm off to take a shower and call it a night. Tomorrow should be a great day at church. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us!

Last Moments

2008-05-30T16:02:00.000-04:00

Have you ever stopped to celebrate a last moment in your child's life? One of my favorite authors, Karen Kingsbury, believes that if we realized that some of the moments in our children lives were going to be their last then we would probably celebrate them more. For instance, if we knew it was going to be the last time our child would hug or kiss us in public, wouldn't we hug or kiss them a little longer? Karen explains the importance of celebrating not only 'firsts" but also "lasts" in her book, Let Me Hold You Longer.

I have to admit, at first thought, the idea of celebrating a last moment doesn't sit very well. However, I am beginning to understand Karen's point of view. Last week we attended our daughter's "first" graduation ceremony. She was graduating from preschool and we couldn't be more proud. She looked stunning and performed quite well during their singing of patriotic songs and recital of bible verses. We were in awe of her. My husband even got a little emotional.

We celebrated this milestone and didn't give any thought of the fact that it also meant that this would be the end of preschool. She will be heading off to kindergarten in the fall and she will no longer be a preschooler. That thought hit me today like a ton of bricks. Today was officially her last day of preschool. Although they had graduation ceremonies last Friday, they had to attend school this week. They had a good-bye party today and there was not a dry eye in the house. We cried not only because we would miss the teachers (they are 2 lovely teachers) but also because we had reached a "last" moment.

Many of us mothers knew that saying goodbye to preschool also meant that we were saying goodbye to our "little" children as well. Before long they'll be teenagers, then off to college and next off to marry and start a family of their own. This is so hard to digest! The children couldn't understand why everyone was crying and kept saying "I'll miss you." All they could think about was that they were having a "cool" party and all the "treats" they were getting. It's amazing how our children don't understand the significance of "last" moments. Then again, most adults don't take the time out either to acknowledge and celebrate the "lasts." Maybe it's time we started!

What's Up?

2008-05-28T17:12:00.000-04:00

I haven't blogged in so long! I know I've been missed. lol.
The Todd Squad have been under the weather for several days now. All 4 members of our family has had to deal with the cold in some form. There's been sneezing, coughing, runny noses and Adryana even had a temperature on Sunday. You could say that I had the least symptoms since only my throat was affected. However at one point I almost lost my voice and my throat was bothering me so much. Thank God for Halls! Just love those cough drops...so small but does wonders to a sore throat.

Things have slowly gone back to normal around here. In addition, Adryana started swimming lessons yesterday and she's not so happy about it. She has a fear of putting her head under the water and so far she's really not loving swimming. She's doing really great though. Some crying of course but not as bad as she's been years prior. I'm really proud of her! She's so tired from all the energy she used up that she actually felt asleep right on the rug in our living room. Crazy!

Bragging Rights??

2008-05-20T17:04:00.000-04:00

Or just plain boasting...
My Dad has met people and said that he can tell right off the bat when a person is very "boasty" (referring to one that likes to constantly brag about what he/she has). We've often joked about this because when my Dad met Greg he said that he could tell right away that Greg was not a "boasty" guy. So immediately he felt hopeful that they would get along.

I've found that there are times when I am around someone who I felt was bragging way too much. This bugs me. I want people to be happy when they've accomplished something. I want people to rejoice and share their good news. However, I think we all need to be careful that we are not bragging too much when we receive something wonderful. We should definitely celebrate and share our good news with our friends but simply saying what we bought or accomplished is all that's necessary. Unless someone asks you to explain and give all the details, you don't really need to elaborate. Giving God honor, glory and praise will suffice.

Greg often say he watches what he says at work. He was told by his internship supervisor that you have to be careful what you say around patients because everyone has a different situation and when people are sick/in pain they are not always feeling "chirpy". They might feel depressed and hopeless and they don't need someone coming in there talking about how much they enjoyed their weekend on their yacht. You never know someone's financial situation so all I'm saying is be careful what you say. Sometimes you might have someone who is going through a financial strain (especially in this economy) and there you are talking about going on shopping sprees, taking several vacations per year, getting hair and nails done around the clock. These are all nice things to do and you should feel happy that you can do these things. Just be really careful how you are saying what you are saying. You might think you have bragging rights but who is it right for? Yep, you gotta it...it's right for you!
Romans 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith.
James 4:16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.

Just A Meme

2008-05-19T14:58:00.000-04:00

I haven't blogged in a while and would love to write a great post today but I'm really tired. Both kids have a cold and so last night was a sleepless night; waking up often to give medicine, put saline drops in little noses and also use bulb syringe to clean little noses. *sigh*

Since I am not in major thinking mode, here is a meme:

1. Three screen names that you've had:
- BamBam,
- ktodd

2. Three things you like about yourself:
- My love of reading/writing & thirst for knowledge
- I'm compassionate and a pretty good listener
- I 'm honest

3. Three things you don't like about yourself:
- I'm emotional
- I struggle with forgiveness
- I'm a perfectionist

4. Three parts of your heritage:
- Jamaican (with an interesting mix of European, Spanish and possibly other races- As the Jamaican motto say, "out of many we are one!")
- African
- Indian

5. Three of your everyday essentials:
- Prayer
- quiet time involving a good book, a long shower/nice bubble bath
- Internet/TV Time

6. Three things you are wearing right now:
- T- shirt
- capri pants
- glasses (I wear contact lenses mostly though)

7. Three of your favorite songs:(I'm putting song types)
- Gospel
- Reggae
- R&B

8. Three things you want in a relationship:
- Commitment
- Honesty
- Loyalty

9. Two truths and a lie:
- I recently turned 30
- I've got a glass eye
- I speak three languages

10. Three things you can't live without:
- God
- Books
- "Me" alone time

11. Three places you want to go on vacation:
-Hawaii
-Africa
-Australia

12. Three things you just can't do:
- Sing
- Roll my r's
- Draw

13. Three kids names:(I'm guessing what I would name my kids)
-Adryana
-Arjay
-Kerry and Greg

14. Three things you want to do before you die:
- Write a book (and have it published)
- watch my kids' marry and give me grand-kids
- travel as much as possible

5. Three celeb crushes:
- Will Smith
-

16. Three physical things about the opposite sex that appeal to you:
- A nice smile and nice teeth
-not too much facial hair
- Ability to hold a conversation- I love to talk, you wouldn't know that about me when we first meet since I'm an introvert and tend to be very reserved, however when I get to really know someone I could talk you to death; just ask my poor husband.
And I guess it goes without saying that my loving husband happens to have all these!

17. Three of your favorite hobbies:
- Reading
- Writing
- Dancing

18. Three things you really want to do badly right now:
-Sleep
-read my novel
-a relaxing massage before going to sleep

19. Three careers you're considering/you've considered:
- Author
-Teacher/Counselor
-Catalog Model

20. Three ways that you are stereotypically a boy:
-As a child I enjoyed climbing trees (haven't done that in years)
-Also as a child I liked to fix things (mostly electronics) -I lost that by my teenage years and now it's just the bare minimum as far as interest in electronics.
-I like video games, not addicted or anything like that but I can get into it.

21. Three ways that you are stereotypically a girl:
- I’m a romantic...I love it all: flowers, chocolate,etc.

- I'm super sensitive; I cry over stupid things, laugh for silly things, get mad easily, etc.
- I love the color pink. I wear lots of other colors but I also like pink.

My Husband Made My Day...

2008-05-14T16:35:00.000-04:00

All day I've been sniffing the roses that my husband gave me for Mother's Day. I love roses and I love my husband. I know that my husband loves me but that's not what I'm going to blog about.

I just got done reading my husband's blog and it made my day.
Wanna know why? Check out Greg's blog here.

Did you read it? And now you know how he made my day...yep, my husband is proud of me! It just melts my heart...I love you too Teddy (that's what I call Greg, shortened version of teddy-bear).

This is American Idol...

2008-05-13T14:30:00.000-04:00

at least my thoughts about the show anyway. I'm really excited about tonight's show. It has come down to the final 3 and I couldn't be happier. I have been rooting for these 3 finalists since the beginning and I'm so happy that they made the final 3. I think both Davids' and Syesha are awesome singers. I realize that there can only be one winner (how I wish they could all win), so I am anxious (as are most Americans, I think) to see who will walk away with the grand prize.

I firmly believe that anything is possible, so unlike some people I will not declare a winner.
I think that David Archuleta is a great singer with a beautiful voice that could blow us away. He's also adorable and very gifted. I think that David Cook has pizazz and I love that he can make any song his own, regardless of whether or not it is a rock song. He's really brilliant, and a very talented artist.
Then there is Syesha. I've liked her from the beginning. I think she's got a lot of soul. She also has a humble spirit. She is a great singer, but every week she's had to beat the odds. She's clearly the underdog. She has been in the bottom 3/2 every week, and it has mostly been unfair. Even when she wasn't one of the worst singers she's had to endure going through the motions (am I staying or going home?). Each week had to have been very daunting for her. But she kept fighting and kept giving it all she's got. You gotta love that about her! She's been down but every time she bounced back and kept on going. That is not a very easy thing to do.

I disagree with Americans who say that Syesha is not going to win.
I say give her a chance. She's a great singer but some people have looked beyond that. Some people think that she should just be happy with a Broadway gig. Nothing against Broadway but why should she be satisfied with that when she has a chance to win AI too? Every year the votes on American Idol have been more like a popularity contest results than results of a singing competition. People really need to focus on the singing. People also should not judge Syesha's performance until she's performed. Don't say that she's not going to win when she hasn't even sang her song yet. C'mon people. I agree that the 2 Davids' are phenomenal but Syesha deserves to be right where she is in the top 3 and as such she deserves to be given her rightful chance to show if she has what it takes to be the next American Idol. Judge her after tonight's performance is over, not before. Yes you can have your favorites and you are entitled to your opinion (just as I am) but when you pre-judge you are being prejudice and unfair. Sorry!(as Simon would say, lol).

I believe it's fair game for any of the top 3. Personally, I'm happy with any of these 3 finalists winning. Any one of them deserves it. IMO, they are all fantastic singers and they've all had to work really hard to get to this point. If Brooke and Jason were still in the competition, then I would say that neither one of them should win. Based on their performances, they should have gone home a long time ago; way before Carly was kicked off. Since I love all 3 contestants, I am waiting until tonight to make my final decision. I want to see who "wows" me the most. I think all 3 contestants deserve that. Do you know how hard it must be for Syesha going in to her performance knowing that people are saying that she will not win? Imagine what that does to one's confidence. The bottom line is this: until we walk in her shoes we will never know. Let's not judge!

In conclusion, I have been faithfully watching American Idol from the beginning (except I caught the first season towards the end) and I believe that we can expect the unexpected. We do not know what the final outcome will be until the winner is announced. After all, it's the votes that counts. Until the votes are tallied, only God knows who will win. And like always, that's why He should be the only one to judge and I'm not just talking about American Idol. I'm talking about everything; God should be the only judge of everything.

P.S. Watch American Idol tonight and vote!!!

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T21:57:00.000-04:00

If you are a mother, I wish you a wonderful Mother's Day. I hope you will enjoy your day.
If your mother is still alive today, I hope you were able to speak with your mother whether in person or via telephone.
Let us also remember to uplift those who have lost their mothers in prayer today.
In addition, pray for those whose journey as a mother has not yet began.

My journey began over 5 years ago. I can still remember giving birth to my daughter and seeing her face for the first time. I can also recall a similar experience again when my son was born.
I am honored to have my 2 precious children. I am blessed.

As I was taking a shower tonight, I allowed my mind to wander to a time when I thought my future would not include children. That time was very brief. However, it was agonizing all the same.
My husband and I were married 7 years ago and initially we had a 5 year plan. Our 5 year plan was one that would allow us both to go back to school and get our Master's degree, to travel, buy a house and pay off as much debt as possible. This plan did not include children. We wanted children but not right away. We thought, oh we can wait! However, God's plan was different than ours. We were going to learn that in a HUGE way.
My husband and I were "baby Christians" and we were not trusting God the way He wanted us to. We were getting a wake up call in a BIG way. To make a long story short, 3 months after our marriage I needed to have a surgery that would change my life. This was literally a turning point for me and my husband. Without getting into too many details, I was sitting in my doctor's office one day (getting a diagnosis) and 2 days later I was prepped and put under anesthesia to have surgery. It was very surreal.

After surgery I woke up with one question on my mind, "will I be able to have children?" You already know the outcome since I have 2 beautiful children. However, immediately following my surgery no matter what anyone said (yes even the doctor), I was convinced I would not have children. I spent a lot of time crying about this. Days following my surgery I was on bended knees crying out to God to give me a sign. One night following that I had a dream and in my dream, I was the mother of a beautiful baby girl and then I knew. Without a shadow of a doubt I knew God would bless me with a daughter at some point in my life (it was not surprising that almost 2 years later we had a baby girl).

I had to learn how to put ALL my trust in God. Not some but all. The surgery was an eye-wakening experience for me and my husband. It put our whole life into perspective. No matter what else we have faced in life, we've always known that there is only one fact we can believe. That fact is we can always TRUST God. We have stopped trying to be the pilots of our lives since then; we gave that job rightfully back to God and He has never steered us astray.

God ways are not our ways. His plans are not always our plans.
Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

"Life Is Not A Bed Of Roses!"

2008-05-09T11:24:00.000-04:00

I just got off the phone with my Dad and those were his exact words. All I could think to myself is, "ain't that the truth!"
Our economy is so uncertain these days that you can't help but wonder what is going to happen next. People all over America are anxious about losing their jobs and their homes. Many people are already facing those losses and they can't help but worry about their future. My Mom's company is going out of business, most of their jobs are being sent overseas and the company has filed bankruptcy. My Mom and her sister both work for the same company (different departments) but they will both be out of a job at the end of June. Of course my Mom is not happy about this but they are clinging to what they believe and that is that God is with us and He will never leave nor forsake us. The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Yesterday I was in the Citrus Park area and couldn't help but notice all the businesses being closed down. It just really makes you start to wonder about the future when you see this happening around you. Everything really is up in the air right now and so there's got to be a whole lot of anxious people living in America. My friend and I were remembering how our grandmothers would insist that we were living in perilous times. Of course this was over twenty years ago when we were children but our grandmothers kept saying that we were living in the last days. It was scary then to think that way and it's scary now to see the economy the way it is. Paul Harvey once said, "In times like these, it helps to recall that there have always been times like these."

We just recently realized that a place by us closed down; it was a menspa and I made the mistake of purchasing a gift certificate for Greg for his birthday back in September. Greg never got around to using it (it's valid up to one year) so now the place is closed down and that money we spent went with them. I am not too happy about that. Greg said that he wasn't surprised that the menspa went out of business because he couldn't imagine how they would get a lot of customers, especially in times like these. He is right; people are more concerned about keeping their jobs and their homes and a majority of people are barely able to afford the basic necessity. However, some people are still doing fine even with the economy suffering.
We saw a couple pushing a cart with a huge flat screen TV. Obviously, not everyone is struggling. Life may not be a bed of roses but it is happening around us. Believe it or not, seeing the couple gave me a sense of hope. It reminded me that no matter how bad things may seem, there is always a glimmer of hope. You have to cling to that hope and keep believing that things will get better. My father ended our conversation with asking me to remember to constantly pray for them. You have to cling to hope and pray, not just for yourself but for family, friends, neighbors and the whole country. Prayer changes things and things definitely need changing in our devastated economy. Keep praying!

Monday Morning Madness

2008-05-05T14:15:00.001-04:00

Today was pre-registration day for incoming kindergarten students at the school that my daughter will attend in the fall. It was a bit of a crazy experience for us. Why? Only because I had to bring my 2 year old along. We got there around 9:15am and trying to park was an event all in itself. It took us over 15 minutes to park because the car drop off line was going at the same time. Crazy!
After that we waited in line for over an hour. By the time we got inside the media center my son was all fired up and ready to cause mischief. Imagine filling out all the required paperwork with my son running around the media center. Ahhh! Thankfully, everyone was very helpful and supportive. Most parents were very understanding but some did offer unpleasant "looks" our way.
It was a very long process to get all the paperwork done. Lots of lines to deal with. The media center was also cramped because it was packed with lots of parents and kids. It just was not a 'toddler friendly' environment. Of course I already knew that and did not want to bring my son with me but I did not have a choice. Obviously I do not have many options once it comes to getting a babysitter. We have no family in town and on a day like today I really wish we did.
How did I handle all the madness? I paced myself. I did some deep breathing exercises and tried to stay calm. One thing I knew and that was that I did not want another headache so I put all my effort into staying positive and calm. It worked! We got through the morning and although it was somewhat chaotic, we did it and that is what is important. I'm glad it is over.
I did meet some teachers that I knew from the school I did my teaching internship at (over 4 years ago). They were transferred to this school about 3 years ago when it was just built. It was nice to catch up a bit with them. We also met someone who lives in our neighborhood and her son will be attending kindergarten too. Maybe my daughter will be in his class. I'm looking forward to my daughter's kindergarten experience at this school. I've heard many good things about the school and I'm happy she'll be attending school there.

He's Determined...

2008-05-04T14:33:00.000-04:00

My husband has to be one of the most determined individual I know. I have known for a very long time that he is a go-getter. He never sits back and let others do the work he is called to do. He's always aiming higher and setting goals that may seem outlandish to others. The bottom line is that although he has high goals, he will work hard to get to where he wants to be.
Just yesterday he met a personal goal. He was determined to win the Corporate challenge (having the most people from a company sign up and run the race) for the May Classic 5k Race. Last year Albertson's won that challenge. He wanted to surprise me but I couldn't wait so while on the phone with him I asked him if they had won. He hesistated and I must admit that I wasn't as confident that he was going to win but I had hoped and prayed that he would have made the top 3. So when he told me they won, I was very surprised. My surprise quickly turned into being happy and proud of him.
I know this means alot to him and I am happy that he was able to do it. They received a trophy which he brought home with him. His face beamed with pride as he went over the events of the day. I'm so proud of you my darling. Adryana also accompanied Greg to do the 1 mile fun run. They walked and jogged through it but Adryana had so much fun doing it. She thinks that she won a trophy with her Dad and we couldn't tell her otherwise. She is so proud of herself. I wonder if she'll pick up running like her Daddy now?
All in all, I just know that without drive and determination, Greg would not have reached this place. Like I've said before, just having the vision/setting the goal will not get you to the finish line. It's going to take work, hard work. Hard work will lead you there. Tell yourself I am determined to be...(fill in blank). Then do the work that it requires.

It's A New Day!

2008-05-02T10:14:00.000-04:00

One of the most beautiful thing about waking up in the mornings is knowing that it's another new beginning. It's a new day! It's another chance to get it right. It's a new day to make new choices, hopefully ones that are better for you.
At the beginning of this week while dealing with a headache that lasted 2 days, I also had to deal with an upset stomach for 2 days as well. I ate something on Tuesday for lunch that had my stomach in knots all of Tuesday night and on into Thursday morning. When it rains it pours, huh? I am feeling much better today. Back to normal!
Yesterday I was able to get out for a while and did the grocery shopping. I also biked for 45 minutes (the first time in about 3 days). It felt really great! Later in the evening, Greg and I took the kids for ice-cream at Coldstone. Delicious...mmmm...yummy! When we got back it was so nice and breezy outside that we decided to go for a stroll around our neighborhood. It was a very welcoming finish to our day.
This morning I woke up after 9 hours of much needed sleep feeling quite refreshed. I thought to myself that it really is great to get a new beginning each and every morning. It is so awesome that God loves us enough to provide us with all we need. His mercies are new every morning. Because of this I can have hope and so can you. Consider Lamentations 3:22-23:

22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

Be blessed and remember it is really just as simple as a child sees it: Jesus loves you. Sing it if you have to but keep the tune in your head all day no matter what you are facing.
Jesus loves me
this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak but He is strong
Yes Jesus Loves me
Yes Jesus Loves me
Yes Jesus Loves me

Life...

2008-04-29T08:40:00.000-04:00

If you are alive at this minute then every other person who is alive too have something in common with you. It's called life. No matter what kind of life you lead, we all have to deal with whatever happens when life takes over.
This is how I felt this past week. Nothing unusual really happened but it was simply a week of life taking over and causing every emotion in me to be ignited. I went from laughing to crying. I felt happy and sad. Mostly sad but almost equally happy. Am I making much sense? It's quite hard to explain. All I know is I had a week of frustration. I felt "out of sorts" of some kind. I was not entirely unhappy all the time but I had moments of frustration. Times when I felt overwhelmed. Times when I was purely miserable.
As a stay-at-home Mom (SAHM), I am dealing with a lot of frustration with my son who is going through the terrible twos.
We go through a kind of love-hate relationship now and sometimes I get so mad and unsure if I can last another minute. Then just as quickly I'll be on the floor laughing so hard from something he had just finished doing that was so funny.
I am on a emotional roller coaster right now. There are days when I want to get off the roller coaster. Other times, I'm enjoying the ride tremendously. I coach myself with reassurance and remind myself that I have been on this ride before. My daughter went through the terrible twos a few years back and I survived. I comfort myself with knowing that "I have been there, done that and bought the t-shirt." Sometimes though my comforting is short-lived and I wake up on days like today with a headache and not sure how I will make it through another day of toddler tantrums.
So what to do when life takes over? You do the one thing you can do. You live. You also remember this: Philippians 4:13 "I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me."

The Devil and Soap Scum Connection

2008-04-22T13:59:00.000-04:00

BTW, thank God my bathroom looks nothing like that. I would die if I had to clean one that disgusting! I cringe just looking at it!

Yesterday I spent some time cleaning the bathrooms in my house. I really enjoy cleaning but cleaning bathrooms is one of my least favorite chores. Cleaning the shower tiles in my bathroom is the worst part of cleaning my bathroom. I hate soap scum and I hate cleaning it too!
While I was cleaning the soap scum off my shower tiles I got lost in deep thought. I started to think about how soap scum is so stubborn; it's really hard to get rid of. This made me think of the devil and how he too is stubborn and will continuously come around even more so when he knows you belong to God.
It made me remember something my grandmother would say, "it's hard to keep out the devil, but it is worse to drive him out (once he has gotten in)." The devil is a very stubborn creature. He has already lost it all so ultimately he has nothing to lose by coming after us. He will constantly come around and show his ugly head. He wants to drag us down with him. It is definitely hard to keep him out but once you let him in you will have to suffer the consequences. It might seem wonderful in the beginning (since the devil comes in very pleasing disguises)but watch out!

What does that have to do with soap scum? Well, soap scum is just that... it is scum and it keeps coming back no matter how often or how good you clean it the first time. It's really hard to keep soap scum off your shower tiles (yes even if you spray every day with one of those "clean shower" product) but it is worse if you let soap scum sit on your shower tiles for a long period of time. Then it will be more disgusting and harder to get rid of it. Just like the devil. Think about it. Pray about it. Guard your heart from the devil. Don't take any chances.

Escape

2008-04-19T11:30:00.000-04:00

Recently I spoke with another Mom from my daughter's school. We were talking about some of the craziness we had to deal with when you have 2 or more young children in your home. She is also dealing with a teenager and said most days she is quite overwhelmed. She explained that she didn't use to work-out but has recently started because she needed an "escape." That might sound a little harsh but I totally agree that Moms desperately need a break and should definitely look for a way to "escape." Don't look at it as an escape from your children. Look at it as a time of refreshing and renewing for you.
Here are some of my "escape" (refreshing and renewing) tactics:
1) Exercise-- I've never been a fan of working out either. However, as a child and even an young adult I loved to bike. Recently I decided to start biking again. We have an exercise bike and I have found that I've been biking almost every day. At first I was skeptical because it is kind of hard to get away from the kids because of my husband's work schedule. They are usually with me for many hours before he gets home. However, I have found that even 20-30 minutes on the bike gives me a much needed "break." Even if the kids are bickering, I put on my I-Pod and I just listen to my music and go and go. Last night I did my first 45 minutes while they were already in bed and it was the best. Yippeee!!!
2) Hobby-- I love reading. I mean if someone would pay me to be a professional reader that would be what I would do. I also don't mind research but of course it is a lot better to read just for pure pleasure. Also, I love writing too. Both reading and writing are my passions.
3) Relaxation Techniques-- I constantly do deep breathing exercises; it helps to calm me down when I'm facing conflicts and plain craziness. Also at nights when I go to sleep I sometimes have a hard time going to sleep and deep breathing exercises have helped me alot. Some people like to drink tea, I am not the biggest tea fan (I'm more of a coffee drinker) but I have found a tea I like (it's a combination of ginger and lemon grass).
Of course if I could get a massage every day I would absolutely love that. However, that won't happen so I try to get a massage every once in a while (every quarter is my goal right now and so far I've gotten 1 this year already so we'll see). Another relaxing thing to do is to take a bubble bath. Why not go all the way and get some really nice bath oil, salts and aromatherapy-type products and even light some candles. This is one of my favorite thing to do.
4) Just DO YOU--Do something that you really enjoy as much as you possibly can do it (I know that some of the things we like can get very expensive so we have to be mindful of that). However, treat yourself to a mani/pedi if you like that; buy yourself some new shoes if that's what you like. The bottom line is to take time to spend time with you. If you get a rare opportunity to take a "break" just take it even if you don't have anything planned. It's okay to do something by yourself just for you.
I know that there are many ways that you can get an "escape" so if I have forgotten something please leave a comment and tell me of some of the things you do to get a break. I would love to get some new ideas.

Keeping Up With The Jones'

2008-04-15T19:39:00.000-04:00

One of my grandmother's favorite sayings is "Don't hang your basket further than you can reach it!" My friend, Keveta,
and I exchange these sayings from time to time and this is also one of her grandmother's favorite. This one usually refer to people who are greedy and have a "keeping up with the Jones'" mentality. In Jamaica, we usually refer to these people as having a "red eye." Their eyes are always looking at other people's belongings and coveting what their friends, neighbors or even family members already have. They are never satisfied with what they have.
This "don't hang your basket further than you can reach it" saying was coiled to talk about how these kinds of people ("red eye" people/covetous people) are constantly trying to reach higher than they can afford(therefore hanging their baskets too high). My friend has often said that her grandmother would explain that when a person hang their basket out of their reach, they will later have to ask for help and their neighbors (most likely the Jones'...lol) will have to come and help them use a stick to push their basket down. Thereby revealing the contents of their basket. This would definitely be embarasssing thus the reason why our grandmothers felt that it was vital for people to stay in their means.
I agree that if you are stretching your limit and living beyond your means, there will be consequences for those actions. People who cannot be content with what they have will eventually have to face their bad decisions. I'm not saying you shouldn't be ambitious because I believe that ambitions fuel success. However, if you are constantly not satisfied with your accomplishments and become very greedy, it will catch up to you eventually. Soon, you will realize that you can't keep reaching for something that is so out of your reach and you will fall.
Count your blessings, no matter how small they may appear. With the economy being as bad as it is today, we should definitely be grateful for whatever we have. I thank God each day that I have a roof over my head, food to eat and all the other blessings in my life. We are only human and will continue to have many desires but always remember that God will supply our needs but He doesn't have to give us everything we want.

Home Training

2008-04-14T12:21:00.000-04:00

I have to admit, there are so many of my grandmother's words of wisdom that I'm sure I could keep posting about them for a long time. After this one, I will do 2 more and if need be, in the future I can share more. I've chosen the ones that I did because I hope that it will minister to you as much as they have to me. Also, my grandmother is not the only wise woman to say these things. These are pretty common sayings in Jamaica and so my friends and I laugh many times when we share our experiences about what our grandmothers, mothers and other elderly people told us growing up. While we find humor in these sayings, I have to add that they are not really a laughing matter. The lessons that we were taught by these words of wisdom have helped to shape me into the person I am today.
The saying that I want to emphasize today is, "you must learn how to dance at yard (home) before you can dance abroad." This means that you need to get proper training (learn manners) at home before you can act properly outside of your home. With that said, I would like to address parents with these words of wisdom. Since parents are the ones that mold their children's lives, this is only fitting.

Most of you reading my blog probably already know that I am a stay-at-home Mom(SAHM) of 2 young children. I take my job very seriously and spend countless hours shaping the lives of my children. I believe that parents are ultimately responsible for the opportunities that their children are exposed to. We create the circumstances to ensure their future success.
Nowadays, children are not being disciplined like they were back in the days. Parents have become too lenient with their children and this may be the cause for why there are so many behavioral problems to attend to. If your child can't dance at home then how do you expect that your child will dance away from home? If you are not teaching your child good manners at home, how can you expect them to behave with those skills when you take them in public? Don't be afraid to discipline your child in public too. If your child is out of line, you can excuse yourself and have a "talk" with your child. You don't have to embarrass them in front of their friends or your friends.
Many times parents are in denial about their children's bad behaviors. They do not want it to be a reflection of their parenting so they constantly make excuses. If their child is doing something disrespectful in public, they simply avoid addressing it and if someone mentions it then they will give an excuse and swear up and down that their child is not like this at home. I agree that children will not always do as they have been taught. They will test you constantly to see how much they can get away with. They will also try to manipulate a situation because they know how to read us and they know when we'll give in for fear of embarrassment. Children are much smarter than we give them credit.
I've been around parents who seem scared of their own children (and I'm talking about even a young child). They will avoid leaving their house because they say that their child does not know how to behave in public. They are definitely right about that because if they are not teaching their child how to behave properly then he/she will behave poorly. Children are a product of their environment. They are learning these poor behavior skills at home. Most parents do not deliberately teach their children these poor skills but children do learn from examples. Be good role models for your children and they will follow your lead. From the beginning if you are not teaching your child good manners like please and thank you, then don't expect them to use this when they go out to dinner with your friends. Children will pay more attention to what you do than what you say too so you will have to be careful that you are staying consistent. Consistency is key. Your children will never be perfect; nobody's perfect. However, you may save yourself a lot of headache down the line. No one is saying you have to be so strict that your kids will swear you are a robot but kids need to learn how to respect you first so that they can respect themselves and others. This will make it easier for them to strive in society.

As a parent, I know how overwhelming it gets at times. I know that most of us do try our best to train our children and really want what is best for them. It can definitely get frustrating at times but I believe that proper home training will save parents a lot of frustration. We are responsible for our children's lives. God has placed them in our care. I know that we cannot be with them 24 hours per day and that is why it is imperative that we train them how to dance at home so that they'll be great dancers abroad.

"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 KJV

Hard Work

2008-04-13T18:49:00.000-04:00

My most recent post gave some words of wisdom that I received from my grandmother. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, please read here. Today I wanted to write about another one of these wise sayings that my grandmother used to say. I've heard her say, "if you want good, your nose must run!" For the longest time I thought this was the stupidest thing I've ever heard. I imagined my nose running plenty of times and it didn't seem good to me. I mean, what is so good about your nose running when you have a cold? Later, I realized that it meant that you have to work hard for what you want.
This is just so true because if you are not a hard worker then it will be hard for you to be successful. I get so tired of lazy people complaining about not getting ahead. They claim that they have a vision but they are not getting anywhere. Don't get me wrong, it is good to have a vision. Proverbs 29:18 tells us, "where there is no vision, the people perish." However, if you have a vision and are unwilling to do the work necessary to see your vision come to fruition, then how do you expect it to happen? Consider Proverbs 12:24, "the hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor."
I believe that you have to be willing to get out there and pull your sleeves up and work your tail off. It doesn't matter if you are working in the corporate world, in retail or food services or even in a church. God wants you to come with a willing heart but He also wants you to work. Many times we get so set in our ways that we don't even realize that we aren't even giving enough effort. We can't see our efforts objectively and we've convinced ourselves that we are giving our best. But, if we were to stop and take another look then we would see that what we are doing is not really our best. We are just doing enough to get by. We didn't really do enough research to write that report but the deadline is here, so why bother? We didn't practice enough but we have to go give a presentation or even a performance so why not just wing it?
Is it really enough? If you've seen American Idol, then you know that no matter how good the contestants might think they are, it all comes down to how they will be critiqued, whether it's by the judges or even us, the American people who vote. Your work is being critiqued in some form and how you complete your work will be judged. So just because you are working with kids and you think, oh they are not smart enough to figure out that I didn't do my best today. The truth is, no matter who you work with, kids or adults, you have to always give your best. Only your best is good enough. Practice, work hard. Do whatever it takes. You can take yourself to the next level but you have to submit yourself to the work. Quit being lazy. Let your nose run and run until you get to the finish line of success.

Bad Blessings

2008-04-11T09:44:00.000-04:00

This is a picture of my cousin, Trecia, my grandmother and me in Jamaica.

My grandmother used to say some things that sounded so strange when I was growing up. Now that I've gotten older, I have come to realize that those things that she said weren't really that strange. In fact, they were very wise. I will be sharing several of my grandmother sayings in future posts.
I've often heard her say that people who strive to do bad things to others would have bad blessings follow them. I never quite understood what she was saying until I was well on my way to adulthood. She was basically saying that you will reap what you sow. If you think evil things and did evil things to others then it will come back to you.
There are so many people who go around today pretending to be your friend. However, they are so consumed with jealousy and a need for greed that they cannot truly be a genuine friend. They will back stab you in a minute if it means that they can get ahead. They watch and wait for something bad to happen to you because they are so sick and tired of watching you excel in what you do. They don't care how hard you worked for what you have. The minute you lose it all they are there to offer you "pretend comfort" when all the time they are really laughing behind your back. They pretend to be grief-stricken for you but they are really happy to see that you are down. Misery loves company. The Bible said in Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee." These kinds of people are not truly your friend. The sooner you realize this and distance yourself from them the healthier you can be. These kind of friends can weigh you down. They can make you emotionally and physically ill. They bring unnecessary stress and heartache to your lives. Have you ever had a friend like this? Do you remember how much it hurt when you realized that this person was not truly your friend?
Well, if what my grandmother said was true then these people will reap what they sow. They will get what is coming to them. Bad blessings will follow them. While everything in us wants to reciprocate hate to these kinds of people, we must not fall into sin. We need to pray for these people. Their eyes are blind and the devil has a hold on their lives. We must pray that they will be redeemed and set free from their evil ways. We must pray that they will find Jesus so that their bad blessings can turn into good blessings.

My Musings About MOSI

2008-04-07T15:38:00.000-04:00

Today is the first day of Spring Break and I am already exhausted. I took the kids to MOSI. We went with one of Adryana's friend from school. Her mom and sister (who is almost 2) went too.
It's so funny how kids can make you do things that you were never really that interested in. Also, isn't it interesting how you can have some really cool places in your own backyard but you never take the time to experience them? That's what going to MOSI was like for me.
We've lived in Tampa now for 6 years and we have not gone to MOSI once. It just never seemed that appealing to us. Not that we took the time to see what it was all about. We are not really fond of museums and could probably count on one hand how many museums we have been to. So, we've never been to MOSI until now and I actually liked it. Granted we did mostly kid stuff today because I do have a toddler and a preschooler that wouldn't be interested in some of their science exhibits anyway. It's definitely a place to visit especially if you like science and even if you have a few little explorers at home. Even young kids will be entertained, I wasn't sure about that but the younger ones seemed like they were having as much fun as the older ones.
The most fun thing for me of course was going into the wind tunnel and experiencing winds over 100 miles per hour. Crazy, huh? My hair was really messed up after and my daughter thought that was real funny. I had a comb and brush so it was an easy fix. I didn't take Arjay in with me, I didn't think he could handle it yet. He's only 2 after all. We did the hurricane and tornado exhibits too and he was a little scared so I wasn't going to push my luck. Also, it was almost nap time for him and he tends to get a little cranky when he's tired.
There were lots of other things to keep the kids occupied and they had a great time playing with other kids. They got pretty tired after lunch but we were still able to do a few more exhibits and then head home. They were both asleep within minutes of the drive home. Unfortunately they woke up once we got home, which was about a 35 minute drive. So now I'm dealing with some cranky kids. We'll see how I manage the rest of the day. Right now they are watching TV so I stole away to write this post. Soon they will be driving me crazy again. The countdown for bedtime begins now...

In Memory of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2008-04-04T11:09:00.000-04:00

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was assassinated on April 4, 1968.
Today I celebrate his life and all that it means to me, not just because I am black but because I am human. I am a child of God and was created in His likeness.
If only we as a nation would always remember that, always remember that God created us all then this world could truly be a better place.
Below you will find the famous, "I've been to the Mountaintop" speech. I've pondered about it many times. While it saddens and angers me(not the speech but the circumstances surrounding it), it also gives me hope.
I have asked God "Why?" many times. I am not just speaking of Dr. King's death. I am speaking of the American experience for a black person. I have often said that I did not know I was black until I came to America. Simply because I lived in a country, that although it had other problems, I was never merely considered a black person. I was considered a human. While I love this country and the opportunities if offers, it is obviously very hard to sit back and watch how a whole race is being treated so unfairly just because some ignorant persons thought that they were far more superior.
So, yes I have asked God "Why?" many times. I have not gotten the answers but I believe just as my grandmother has often said, "God nah sleep!" (Jamaican patios which means that God is watching us;He is not sleeping). He will judge us. Time may go by but God has not forgotten. In the meantime, I still get angry from time to time. Ephesians 4:26 tells us, "Be ye angry, and sin not..." I have chosen to take the high road and not let anger consume me. I believe that we shall overcome.

Please read Dr. King's speech and ponder about his words. I hope it will also empower you and give you hope.

Copied from www. africanamericans.com
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

"I've Been to the Mountaintop"

3 April 1968

Memphis, Tennessee

Thank you very kindly, my friends. As I listened to Ralph Abernathy and his eloquent and generous introduction and then thought about myself, I wondered who he was talking about. [laughter] It's always good to have your closest friend and associate to say something good about you, and Ralph Abernathy is the best friend that I have in the world.

I'm delighted to see each of you here tonight in spite of a storm warning. You reveal that you are determined (Right) to go on anyhow. (Yeah, All right) Something is happening in Memphis, something is happening in our world. And you know, if I were standing at the beginning of time with the possibility of taking a kind of general and panoramic view of the whole of human history up to now, and the Almighty said to me, "Martin Luther King, which age would you like to live in?" I would take my mental flight by Egypt (Yeah), and I would watch God's children in their magnificent trek from the dark dungeons of Egypt through, or rather, across the Red Sea, through the wilderness, on toward the Promised Land. And in spite of its magnificence, I wouldn't stop there. (All right)

I would move on by Greece, and take my mind to Mount Olympus. And I would see Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Euripides, and Aristophanes assembled around the Parthenon [applause], and I would watch them around the Parthenon as they discussed the great and eternal issues of reality. But I wouldn't stop there. (Oh yeah)

I would go on even to the great heyday of the Roman Empire (Yes), and I would see developments around there, through various emperors and leaders. But I wouldn't stop there. (Keep on)

I would even come up to the day of the Renaissance and get a quick picture of all that the Renaissance did for the cultural and aesthetic life of man. But I wouldn't stop there. (Yeah)

I would even go by the way that the man for whom I'm named had his habitat, and I would watch Martin Luther as he tacks his ninety-five theses on the door at the church of Wittenberg. But I wouldn't stop there. (All right)

I would come on up even to 1863 and watch a vacillating president by the name of Abraham Lincoln finally come to the conclusion that he had to sign the Emancipation Proclamation. But I wouldn't stop there. (Yeah) [applause]

I would even come up to the early thirties and see a man grappling with the problems of the bankruptcy of his nation, and come with an eloquent cry that "we have nothing to fear but fear itself." But I wouldn't stop there. (All right)

Strangely enough, I would turn to the Almighty and say, "If you allow me to live just a few years in the second half of the twentieth century, I will be happy." [applause]

Now that's a strange statement to make because the world is all messed up. The nation is sick, trouble is in the land, confusion all around. That's a strange statement. But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough can you see the stars. (All right, Yes) And I see God working in this period of the twentieth century in a way that men in some strange way are responding. Something is happening in our world. (Yeah) The masses of people are rising up. And wherever they are assembled today, whether they are in Johannesburg, South Africa; Nairobi, Kenya; Accra, Ghana; New York City; Atlanta, Georgia; Jackson, Mississippi; or Memphis, Tennessee, the cry is always the same: "We want to be free." [applause]

And another reason that I'm happy to live in this period is that we have been forced to a point where we are going to have to grapple with the problems that men have been trying to grapple with through history, but the demands didn't force them to do it. Survival demands that we grapple with them. (Yes) Men for years now have been talking about war and peace. But now no longer can they just talk about it. It is no longer a choice between violence and nonviolence in this world; it's nonviolence or nonexistence. That is where we are today. [applause]

And also, in the human rights revolution, if something isn't done and done in a hurry to bring the colored peoples of the world out of their long years of poverty, their long years of hurt and neglect, the whole world is doomed. (All right) [applause] Now I'm just happy that God has allowed me to live in this period, to see what is unfolding. And I'm happy that he's allowed me to be in Memphis. (Oh yeah)

I can remember [applause], I can remember when Negroes were just going around, as Ralph has said so often, scratching where they didn't itch and laughing when they were not tickled. [laughter, applause] But that day is all over. (Yeah) [applause] We mean business now and we are determined to gain our rightful place in God's world. (Yeah) [applause] And that's all this whole thing is about. We aren't engaged in any negative protest and in any negative arguments with anybody. We are saying that we are determined to be men. We are determined to be people. (Yeah) We are saying [applause], we are saying that we are God's children. (Yeah) [applause] And if we are God's children, we don't have to live like we are forced to live.

Now what does all of this mean in this great period of history? It means that we've got to stay together. (Yeah) We've got to stay together and maintain unity. You know, whenever Pharaoh wanted to prolong the period of slavery in Egypt, he had a favorite, favorite formula for doing it. What was that? He kept the slaves fighting among themselves. [applause] But whenever the slaves get together, something happens in Pharaoh's court, and he cannot hold the slaves in slavery. When the slaves get together, that's the beginning of getting out of slavery. [applause] Now let us maintain unity.

Secondly, let us keep the issues where they are. (Right) The issue is injustice. The issue is the refusal of Memphis to be fair and honest in its dealings with its public servants, who happen to be sanitation workers [applause]. Now we've got to keep attention on that. (That's right) That's always the problem with a little violence. You know what happened the other day, and the press dealt only with the window breaking. (That's right) I read the articles. They very seldom got around to mentioning the fact that 1,300 sanitation workers are on strike, and that Memphis is not being fair to them, and that Mayor Loeb is in dire need of a doctor. They didn't get around to that. (Yeah) [applause]

Now we're going to march again, and we've got to march again (Yeah), in order to put the issue where it is supposed to be (Yeah) [applause] and force everybody to see that there are thirteen hundred of God's children here suffering (That's right), sometimes going hungry, going through dark and dreary nights wondering how this thing is going to come out. That's the issue. (That's right) And we've got to say to the nation, we know how it's coming out. For when people get caught up with that which is right and they are willing to sacrifice for it, there is no stopping point short of victory. [applause]

We aren't going to let any mace stop us. We are masters in our nonviolent movement in disarming police forces. They don't know what to do. I've seen them so often. I remember in Birmingham, Alabama, when we were in that majestic struggle there, we would move out of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church day after day. By the hundreds we would move out, and Bull Connor would tell them to send the dogs forth, and they did come. But we just went before the dogs singing, "Ain't gonna let nobody turn me around." [applause] Bull Connor next would say, "Turn the fire hoses on." (Yeah) And as I said to you the other night, Bull Connor didn't know history. He knew a kind of physics that somehow didn't relate to the trans-physics that we knew about. And that was the fact that there was a certain kind of fire that no water could put out. [applause] And we went before the fire hoses. (Yeah) We had known water. (All right) If we were Baptist or some other denominations, we had been immersed. If we were Methodist and some others, we had been sprinkled. But we knew water. That couldn't stop us. [applause]

And we just went on before the dogs and we would look at them, and we'd go on before the water hoses and we would look at it. And we'd just go on singing, "Over my head, I see freedom in the air." (Yeah) [applause] And then we would be thrown in to paddy wagons, and sometimes we were stacked in there like sardines in a can. (All right) And they would throw us in, and old Bull would say, "Take 'em off." And they did, and we would just go on in the paddy wagon singing, "We Shall Overcome." (Yeah) And every now and then we'd get in jail, and we'd see the jailers looking through the windows being moved by our prayers (Yes) and being moved by our words and our songs. (Yes) And there was a power there which Bull Connor couldn't adjust to (All right), and so we ended up transforming Bull into a steer, and we won our struggle in Birmingham. [applause]

Now we've got to go on in Memphis just like that. I call upon you to be with us when we go out Monday. (Yes) Now about injunctions. We have an injunction and we're going into court tomorrow morning (Go ahead) to fight this illegal, unconstitutional injunction. All we say to America is be true to what you said on paper. [applause] If I lived in China or even Russia, or any totalitarian country, maybe I could understand some of these illegal injunctions. Maybe I could understand the denial of certain basic First Amendment privileges, because they haven't committed themselves to that over there. But somewhere I read of the freedom of assembly. Somewhere I read (Yes) of the freedom of speech. (Yes) Somewhere I read (All right ) of the freedom of press. (Yes) Somewhere I read (Yes) that the greatness of America is the right to protest for right. [applause] And so just as I say we aren't going to let any dogs or water hoses turn us around, we aren't going to let any injunction turn us around. [applause] We are going on. We need all of you.

You know, what's beautiful to me is to see all of these ministers of the Gospel. (Amen) It's a marvelous picture. (Yes) Who is it that is supposed to articulate the longings and aspirations of the people more than the preacher? Somehow the preacher must have a kind of fire shut up in his bones (Yes), and whenever injustice is around he must tell it. (Yes) Somehow the preacher must be an Amos, who said, "When God speaks, who can but prophesy?" (Yes) Again with Amos, "Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream." (Yes) Somehow the preacher must say with Jesus, "The spirit of the Lord is upon me (Yes), because he hath anointed me (Yes), and he's anointed me to deal with the problems of the poor." (Go ahead)

And I want to commend the preachers, under the leadership of these noble men: James Lawson, one who has been in this struggle for many years. He's been to jail for struggling; he's been kicked out of Vanderbilt University for this struggling; but he's still going on, fighting for the rights of his people. [applause] Reverend Ralph Jackson, Billy Kiles; I could just go right on down the list, but time will not permit. But I want to thank all of them, and I want you to thank them because so often preachers aren't concerned about anything but themselves. [applause] And I'm always happy to see a relevant ministry. It's all right to talk about long white robes over yonder, in all of its symbolism, but ultimately people want some suits and dresses and shoes to wear down here. [applause] It's all right to talk about streets flowing with milk and honey, but God has commanded us to be concerned about the slums down here and His children who can't eat three square meals a day. [applause] It's all right to talk about the new Jerusalem, but one day God's preacher must talk about the new New York, the new Atlanta, the new Philadelphia, the new Los Angeles, the new Memphis, Tennessee. [applause] This is what we have to do.

Now the other thing we'll have to do is this: always anchor our external direct action with the power of economic withdrawal. Now we are poor people, individually we are poor when you compare us with white society in America. We are poor. Never stop and forget that collectively, that means all of us together, collectively we are richer than all the nations in the world, with the exception of nine. Did you ever think about that? After you leave the United States, Soviet Russia, Great Britain, West Germany, France, and I could name the others, the American Negro collectively is richer than most nations of the world. We have an annual income of more than thirty billion dollars a year, which is more than all of the exports of the United States and more than the national budget of Canada. Did you know that? That's power right there, if we know how to pool it. (Yeah) [applause]

We don't have to argue with anybody. We don't have to curse and go around acting bad with our words. We don't need any bricks and bottles; we don't need any Molotov cocktails. (Yes) We just need to go around to these stores (Yes sir), and to these massive industries in our country, (Amen) and say, "God sent us by here (All right) to say to you that you're not treating His children right. (That's right) And we've come by here to ask you to make the first item on your agenda fair treatment where God's children are concerned. Now if you are not prepared to do that, we do have an agenda that we must follow. And our agenda calls for withdrawing economic support from you." [applause]

And so, as a result of this, we are asking you tonight (Amen) to go out and tell your neighbors not to buy Coca-Cola in Memphis. (Yeah) [applause] Go by and tell them not to buy Sealtest milk. (Yeah) [applause] Tell them not to buy-what is the other bread?-Wonder Bread. [applause] And what is the other bread company, Jesse? Tell them not to buy Hart's bread. [applause] As Jesse Jackson has said, up to now only the garbage men have been feeling pain. Now we must kind of redistribute the pain. [applause] We are choosing these companies because they haven't been fair in their hiring policies, and we are choosing them because they can begin the process of saying they are going to support the needs and the rights of these men who are on strike. And then they can move on downtown and tell Mayor Loeb to do what is right. (That's right, Speak) [applause]

Now not only that, we've got to strengthen black institutions. (That's right, Yeah) I call upon you to take your money out of the banks downtown and deposit your money in Tri-State Bank. (Yeah) [applause] We want a "bank-in" movement in Memphis. (Yes) Go by the savings and loan association. I'm not asking you something that we don't do ourselves in SCLC. Judge Hooks and others will tell you that we have an account here in the savings and loan association from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. We are telling you to follow what we're doing, put your money there. [applause] You have six or seven black insurance companies here in the city of Memphis. Take out your insurance there. We want to have an "insurance-in." [applause] Now these are some practical things that we ca n do. We begin the process of building a greater economic base, and at the same time, we are putting pressure where it really hurts. (There you go) And I ask you to follow through here. [applause]

Now let me say as I move to my conclusion that we've got to give ourselves to this struggle until the end. (Amen) Nothing would be more tragic than to stop at this point in Memphis. We've got to see it through. [applause] And when we have our march, you need to be there. If it means leaving work, if it means leaving school, be there. [applause] Be concerned about your brother. You may not be on strike (Yeah), but either we go up together or we go down together. [applause] Let us develop a kind of dangerous unselfishness.

One day a man came to Jesus and he wanted to raise some questions about some vital matters of life. At points he wanted to trick Jesus (That's right), and show him that he knew a little more than Jesus knew and throw him off base. [recording interrupted] Now that question could have easily ended up in a philosophical and theological debate. But Jesus immediately pulled that question from midair and placed it on a dangerous curve between Jerusalem and Jericho. (Yeah) And he talked about a certain man who fell among thieves. (Sure) You remember that a Levite (Sure) and a priest passed by on the other side; they didn't stop to help him. Finally, a man of another race came by. (Yes sir) He got down from his beast, decided not to be compassionate by proxy. But he got down with him, administered first aid, and helped the man in need. Jesus ended up saying this was the good man, this was the great man because he had the capacity to project the "I" into the "thou," and to be concerned about his brother.

Now, you know, we use our imagination a great deal to try to determine why the priest and the Levite didn't stop. At times we say they were busy going to a church meeting, an ecclesiastical gathering, and they had to get on down to Jerusalem so they wouldn't be late for their meeting. (Yeah) At other times we would speculate that there was a religious law that one who was engaged in religious ceremonials was not to touch a human body twenty-four hours before the ceremony. (All right) And every now and then we begin to wonder whether maybe they were not going down to Jerusalem, or down to Jericho, rather, to organize a Jericho Road Improvement Association. [laughter] That's a possibility. Maybe they felt that it was better to deal with the problem from the causal root, rather than to get bogged down with an individual effect. [laughter]

But I'm going to tell you what my imagination tells me. It's possible that those men were afraid. You see, the Jericho Road is a dangerous road. (That's right) I remember when Mrs. King and I were first in Jerusalem. We rented a car and drove from Jerusalem down to Jericho. (Yeah) And as soon as we got on that road I said to my wife, "I can see why Jesus used this as the setting for his parable." It's a winding, meandering road. (Yes) It's really conducive for ambushing. You start out in Jerusalem, which is about twelve hundred miles, or rather, twelve hundred feet above sea level. And by the time you get down to Jericho fifteen or twenty minutes later, you're about twenty-two hundred feet below sea level. That's a dangerous road. (Yes) In the days of Jesus it came to be known as the "Bloody Pass." And you know, it's possible that the priest and the Levite looked over that man on the ground and wondered if the robbers were still around. (Go ahead) Or it's possible that they felt that the man on the ground was merely faking (Yeah), and he was acting like he had been robbed and hurt, in order to seize them over there, lure them there for quick and easy seizure. (Oh yeah) And so the first question that the priest asked, the first question that the Levite asked was, "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" (All right)

But then the Good Samaritan came by, and he reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?" That's the question before you tonight. (Yes) Not, "If I stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to my job?" Not, "If I stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to all of the hours that I usually spend in my office every day and every week as a pastor?" (Yes) The question is not, "If I stop to help this man in need, what will happen to me?" The question is, "If I do not stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to them?" That's the question. [applause]

Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge, to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation. (Amen)

And I want to thank God, once more, for allowing me to be here with you. (Yes sir) You know, several years ago I was in New York City autographing the first book that I had written. And while sitting there autographing books, a demented black woman came up. The only question I heard from her was, "Are you Martin Luther King?" And I was looking down writing and I said, "Yes."

The next minute I felt something beating on my chest. Before I knew it I had been stabbed by this demented woman. I was rushed to Harlem Hospital. It was a dark Saturday afternoon. And that blade had gone through, and the X rays revealed that the tip of the blade was on the edge of my aorta, the main artery. And once that's punctured you're drowned in your own blood; that's the end of you. (Yes sir) It came out in the New York Times the next morning that if I had merely sneezed, I would have died.

Well, about four days later, they allowed me, after the operation, after my chest had been opened and the blade had been taken out, to move around in the wheelchair in the hospital. They allowed me to read some of the mail that came in, and from all over the states and the world kind letters came in. I read a few, but one of them I will never forget. I had received one from the president and the vice president; I've forgotten what those telegrams said. I'd received a visit and a letter from the governor of New York, but I've forgotten what that letter said. (Yes)

But there was another letter (All right) that came from a little girl, a young girl who was a student at the White Plains High School. And I looked at that letter and I'll never forget it. It said simply, "Dear Dr. King: I am a ninth-grade student at the White Plains High School." She said, "While it should not matter, I would like to mention that I'm a white girl. I read in the paper of your misfortune and of your suffering. And I read that if you had sneezed, you would have died. And I'm simply writing you to say that I'm so happy that you didn't sneeze." (Yes) [applause]

And I want to say tonight [applause], I want to say tonight that I, too, am happy that I didn't sneeze. Because if I had sneezed, (All right) I wouldn't have been around here in 1960 (Well), when students all over the South started sitting-in at lunch counters. And I knew that as they were sitting in, they were really standing up (Yes sir) for the best in the American dream and taking the whole nation back to those great wells of democracy, which were dug deep by the founding fathers in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

If I had sneezed (Yes), I wouldn't have been around here in 1961, when we decided to take a ride for freedom and ended segregation in interstate travel. (All right)

If I had sneezed (Yes), I wouldn't have been around here in 1962, when Negroes in Albany, Georgia, decided to straighten their backs up. And whenever men and women straighten their backs up, they are going somewhere, because a man can't ride your back unless it is bent.

If I had sneezed [applause], if I had sneezed, I wouldn't have been here in 1963 (All right), when the black people of Birmingham, Alabama, aroused the conscience of this nation and brought into being the Civil Rights Bill.

If I had sneezed, I wouldn't have had a chance later that year, in August, to try to tell America about a dream that I had had. (Yes)

If I had sneezed [applause], I wouldn't have been down in Selma, Alabama, to see the great movement there.

If I had sneezed, I wouldn't have been in Memphis to see a community rally around those brothers and sisters who are suffering. (Yes) I'm so happy that I didn't sneeze.

And they were telling me. [applause] Now it doesn't matter now. (Go ahead) It really doesn't matter what happens now. I left Atlanta this morning, and as we got started on the plane-there were six of us-the pilot said over the public address system: "We are sorry for the delay, but we have Dr. Martin Luther King on the plane. And to be sure that all of the bags were checked, and to be sure that nothing would be wrong on the plane, we had to check out everything carefully. And we've had the plane protected and guarded all night."

And then I got into Memphis. And some began to say the threats, or talk about the threats that were out (Yeah), or what would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers.

Well, I don't know what will happen now; we've got some difficult days ahead. (Amen) But it really doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop. (Yeah) [applause] And I don't mind. [applause continues] Like anybody, I would like to live a long life-longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. (Yeah) And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. (Go ahead) And I've looked over (Yes sir), and I've seen the Promised Land. (Go ahead) I may not get there with you. (Go ahead) But I want you to know tonight, (Yes) that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. [applause] (Go ahead. Go ahead) And so I'm happy tonight; I'm not worried about anything; I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord. [applause]

Are You Destiny Driven?

2008-04-02T18:48:00.000-04:00

Recently I read a book, "Becoming Destiny Driven" by Pastor Tara Sloan and during and after I read it I just felt like shouting. A big old shout of joy!
I'm going to attempt to give a review of her splendid work. I hope I do it some justice because I honestly think you need to just read it yourself.
Her work was very thought-provoking, insightful and inspirational. I was motivated beyond speakable words.
Pastor Tara starts out by directly quoting Proverbs 29:18, "where there is no vision, the people perish." I love that, mostly because it is in the Bible but also because I believe it. I personally love visions. I think we need more people who have visions and are ready to go above and beyond to make things happen. Part of making things happen requires setting attainable goals.
Pastor Tara eloquently described MAD goals (Measurable, Achievable and goals with a Deadline). I realize that I'm jumping the gun here because before all of this she talked about purpose, preferably finding your purpose. I honestly believe the old adage "if you don't stand for something you will fall for anything." How often do we meet people walking around in the world with no vision? They are so oppressed by all the curve balls life has thrown them and they've fallen so many times they refuse to even get up again. To fuel your vision and find your purpose you have to have drive and determination. You can't possibly get anywhere without those two working hand in hand.
Pastor Tara's book is packed with research and quotes after quotes to inspire you to get out there and become destiny driven. She believes that you can find your destiny and I agree. I believe that God has a destiny for us but also a part of Him giving us free will is to allow us to go out there and test the waters so to speak. God wants us to make the decison. He wants to help us but He doesn't want to force us. We need to get out there and search.
Author Rick Warren urges us in his book, to ask the question: What on earth am I here for? You really have to do some soul searching to answer these questions. One way you can do this is by praying. Pastor Tara offered her personal Prayer Blueprint to use as a guide to help you when you pray.Prayer is really just talking to God. Find a quiet place and cry out to Him. Seek Him diligently and you will find Him.I believe that in order to become destiny driven you have to seek God. There are people who take God out of the equation and believe me, you will not accomplish anything without Him. Don't be discouraged and disheartened by what the world has thrown at you. Remember what Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33).
In closing, my prayer for you is:
Dear Jesus, please bless everyone reading this. Give them a clear mind so that they will search their hearts and find their purpose. Help them to have a vision and to work hard at becoming destiny driven. Most importantly, I pray that they will seek you and place you at the center of their lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Anniversary, Amazing Friend and "Sweet Girl"

2008-04-01T08:14:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was an awesome day for me. Greg and I celebrated 7 years of being married. I still can't believe that 7 years have gone by already because it stills feel like just yesterday. I remember walking down the aisle towards Greg. My Dad was at my side and I was smiling big and bright; I was so ecstatic, nothing could have made me happier. I still re-live my wedding day in my head alot. Mostly because like I've said before I'm a hopeless romantic and I LOVE weddings. However, I do know that the marriage is what's most important.
Yesterday by chance Greg was home in the morning. He usually leaves for work way before the kids and I get up. However, this week will be a very busy and hectic week for him at work since his business partner will be away 2 days at the end of the week. Therefore, Greg was able to take off the morning yesterday.
So we decided to go out for brunch with Arjay in tow. Adryana was at school so we knew it would be alot easier with just one child. We ate at First Watch in Wesley Chapel and absolutely enjoyed the food. We've been there before and we always enjoy the food. They have some really good breakfast items and I actually ate a sandwich that was really good too. It's the grilled chicken terriyaki sandwich. Mmmmm...
Going to First Watch was more of a last minute idea since it was only over the weekend that we knew Greg would have the morning off. We kinda celebrated in Ft. Lauderdale too so I knew that Greg would not be expected anything. But when you are married to someone like me, you have to always expect the unexpected. Let me explain.
With my best friend's assistance, I had something already in the works. I had a dinner planned for us. No fancy restaurant or anything like that, just right here in our home. I used my kitchen table, put a nice tablecloth on, cloth napkins and candles. I even had some of our wedding pictures on the table. For dinner I made chicken Parmesan, garlic toast and garlic mashed potatoes. All are Greg's favorites. My friend took the kids out and I was home waiting for Greg. I knew he would be home soon because I called him.
Once I heard him open the garage, I lit the candles and turned off all the lights in the house. I also had his I-pod playing. Once he came him, I gave him a kiss and wished him Happy Anniversary. He was shocked, he had to catch his breath; literally. He wasn't expecting anything. He was looking around and then he said, "where are the kids?" They usually rush out to meet him when he comes home. After I filled him in, we danced to the song that we did our first dance to at our wedding. It's called, "After all is said and done." A beautiful song from the Best Man movie. We ate, talk, laugh, toasted each other and reminisce about our wedding day and the past 7 years. It was beautiful and even more romantic than being in a crowded restaurant. Happy Anniversary my darling. I hope you know how much I love and adore you. Thank you for being a great man of God and an awesome husband.
So, what's the part about an amazing friend? You probably already figured it out. My best friend, Keveta, was in on this plan. I could not have done it without her. She's been an amazing friend to me for 15 years now. I love her dearly. I know that I have a very rare friend. She always goes above and beyond for me. I am so grateful to her and to God for placing her in my life.
The part about a "sweet girl." That is actually what we call our daughter, Adryana. She is the sweetest little girl ever and so a few years now Greg started calling her "sweet girl" and it stayed with her. She was so instrumental in helping set up for the dinner. She helped with the table and she was so in awe of everything. She made cards, one for me and one for her daddy. She said that she was so happy that we were having a dinner date. She wants me and her to have a dinner like that too is what she told me so I told her that really soon we would.
It was really a great day yesterday. I have to add that I was not feeling really well when I got up yesterday morning. I actually considered not having the dinner either because my friend had a lot of errands to run and I wasn't sure we would even have enough time to get ready before Greg came home. However, I realized it was just like the devil to ruin everything so I could not allow him to win. God is bigger and He helped made everything perfect.

Marriage or Money?

2008-03-27T14:16:00.001-04:00

It seems like the answer would be obvious but for some the choice would not be what I would have expected it to be.

I've heard it said that everyone has a price; how much they are willing to do for a certain amount of money.

But a price on your marriage?

I realize that most Americans do not value their sacred marriage vows and this is why the divorce rate has sky-rocketed in this country.

It's truly a shame how little marriage is valued by so many, yes even Christians.

I've been watching way too much TV, I know. But recently on some enterntainment show, I viewed a discussion about whether or not Jamie Lynn Spears should marry her boyfriend who is also the father of her unborn child. Shouldn't marriage have come before the child? I realize that that is what God intended but unfortunately we live in a world that has made a mockery of marriage. People go about not respecting their marriage vows, especially in Hollywood. If it doesn't work for me, I can just get a divorce. Right? I disagree.

It's quite sickening to see and God is watching all of this. What must He be thinking?

We couldn't expect God to be happy with these choices. God is the creator and He designed marriage. He is very clear on what He wants us to do.

I admit I am still appalled by what some people would do for money. I know, call me naive but I'm still a hopeless romantic who believes that love can conquer all.

So this is why I've been having a hard time watching A Moment of Truth and seeing all these people choose money again and again over their marriage. Of course if they had that much secrets in their closets anyways, what type of marriage did they really have?

This just proves to me why this world is heading in the direction it is heading, as far as marriage is concerned. If people don't value their marriages and are willing to ruin it at a chance of $500,000 then no wonder divorce rates are so high.

Some of you might be thinking $500,000 is a lot of money and you are already thinking about all it could buy you. Just remember this: money does not buy true happiness. Jesus is the answer. He is the only way. The difference between some of us, is that we have truly figured that out. That does not mean that our marriages are divorce-proof or that we will not have hardship in this world. The bottom line is that if you want to have a good marriage it will require work.

No matter what, no amount of money should be valued as more than your marriage.

Glimpses of our getaway

2008-03-26T23:27:00.001-04:00

Here are a few pictures of Greg and I at Timpano's on Las Olas, Ft.Lauderdale.

We also attended our godson's christening. I'm posting some of those pictures too. His name is William. Isn't he adorable?

I have to include some pictures too of our children all dressed up in their Easter outfits.

We also had a lot of family time.

We had a lot of fun and are very thankful that we were able to getaway but also see family.

Our Time Away

2008-03-25T17:25:00.000-04:00

My husband and I had an opportunity to get away for a few days this past week. We were able to leave the kids with their grandparents and spend some quality time together. We celebrated my 30th birthday and our upcoming anniversary. We had a fabulous time.
We enjoy each other's company but don't get to go away a lot because of the kids. Our family is in Ft. Lauderdale so we don't always have a babysitter handy. However, we make the best of what we have and plan ahead so that we can spend time with each other. I'm so happy that we had 3 days of "our time" and no kids. We missed the kids though and it was nice when we finally saw them again. They missed us too but they were really good to their grandparents and we are so happy about that.
We stayed in a hotel that had a spa and were very blessed to get a massage. It was exquisite...absolutely awesome. I felt so relaxed after the Swedish massage that I wanted to sleep. Of course I am not doing the spa any justice because it is so hard to describe every detail to you. All I can say is that it was truly an experience!
We ate at Timpano's in Las Olas and we really enjoyed ourselves. We had to get dressed up, not too fancy (no suit for men but a nice shirt and tie). It was incredible. We had reservations but we arrived 30 minutes before our time and they seated us 15 minutes after we arrived. The whole time they apologized that our table was not ready, are you kidding? We were the ones that were early but they were really classy about everything they did. The women staff wore black dresses and the men staff wore black and white. We sat in a very cozy booth and quite romantic too. The whole dining room had the lights turned down really low and then each table had a candle. I loved the ambiance of the place. They also had a band playing and the food was phenomenal. It is an Italian bistro but they are also famous for their steak which we ordered and loved. I would definitely recommend this restaurant and also intend to go back there too. The next night we tried P.F. Chang's with some friends and enjoyed it too. The food and the company was awesome.
We also spent some time with our family. One of Greg's cousins asked us to be godparents for their son and so we went to the Christening while we were there. It was a nice way to spend our Easter and we are happy that we were able to see our family. The kids also enjoyed their time with the family. I'm going to have to post some pictures.

Mom's Morning Out

2008-03-18T20:38:00.000-04:00

Today I had the opportunity to spend the morning away from home. I went to the hairdresser to get my perm and my ends trimmed. It was so relaxing to just sit and have someone work on my hair and not have to hear children in the background. I love my children but every once in a while I need a break!
Unfortunately, I did not like how the hairdresser styled my hair. She insist on putting in rollers to give my hair volume. I hate rollers and usually have my hair wrapped. I guess she thought she would be able to make it look "wow" but I did not like it. She did a great job with the trimming but everything else was not how I usually like my hair and I could not wait to get home and style it myself. I didn't let it ruin my day though and I actually got a compliment from a stranger saying that my hair looked nice so...
It didn't work for me though because I don't like too much volume in my hair, it makes it look poofy to me, kinda like the 80's. Of course that is my personal opinion and I know people usually think it looks nice when my hair has some volume but like I said, I don't like it. However, it is something that I can fix so enough of my ramblings about it.
Afterwards, I went to the nail place and got my toes done. I've been wearing red for a while now. I did it in Christmas and everyone liked it so I just kept getting red again but now today I felt like going back to my old ways; I love french pedicures/manicures. They just look so much more professionally done. I didn't get a manicure today but it was so nice to just relax again and have my toes done. It was also time to do eyebrow waxing again. I was not looking forward to that but beauty is pain (is that what they say?). I can't say I enjoyed the waxing part but all in all it was a nice morning out for me.
When I got home, the pleasant feeling from the morning left me as my day unfolded. First I started doing some laundry because it was piling high as usual. But I got really frustrated because I had to re-do my daughter's laundry. She left a crayon in one of her pockets and it was all over most of her clothes. I had to use a stain remover and after a second wash several pieces of clothing are stain-free but there are still some with crayon marks. Ugh!
Later as the day went on I had to deal with a lot of craziness from the kids. My son did not get a long nap and he was cranky and whiny and my daughter was complaining about her eyes (allergies). I don't know about anyone else but when I have 2 crying kids, I'm usually one step away from losing it. Jesus help me! That was my prayer for most of the afternoon but I also told the devil that he was not going to get me down. I knew he just wanted to get me mad because he didn't like that I had such a nice morning off. Isn't that just like the devil? Satan get behind me!!!!
In all of this craziness, I still managed to make dinner. When Greg got home we ate and then he bathed the kids while I took a long hot shower. Soon after we put Arjay to bed; he had to go a little earlier today. He wasn't too happy but after he calmed down (maybe 10 minutes) he was out like a log.
Now, here I am venting. Thanks for listening. I'm off now to have some tea and go to bed.

This Is The Day...

2008-03-13T13:02:00.000-04:00

That The Lord Hath Made...Me! Yes, it is my birthday today. God created me and I entered the world on this day 30 years ago. I can't even believe it!!! My birthday is off to a great start. Greg stayed up until midnight to wish me Happy Birthday (that's a biggie for him because he likes to go to bed early). He gave me a kiss and sang "Happy Birthday to you."
This morning, Greg brought breakfast in bed and had Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday To Ya" playing on our sound system. Adryana sang for me too; she was so excited. She's all about having a party so she got her Dad to buy a birthday cake and we lit the candles and cut the cake. It was wonderful, although it was in the morning before Greg went to work. So it's kinda like we had cake for breakfast. It was really nice though and the cake was yummy.
I got a lot of telephone calls from family and friends. Now the kids and I are going to take a nap and later my best friend will come over and we will hang out. I'm looking forward to a relaxing day most of all. It will be a low-key birthday because we have plans to celebrate next week in Miami. Greg made reservations at a hotel in Coconut Grove for us. The grandparents will watch the kids and we'll get a much needed break to celebrate my birthday and our upcoming anniversary. I am so looking forward to it. I cannot wait!! I will post some pictures of my cake later. Hope you have a great day on MY BIRTHDAY.

Is The Grass Truly Greener?

2008-03-12T18:19:00.000-04:00

Or are you just green? I pose this question to you the next time you find yourself daydreaming about the other side and how much greener the grass is over there. A friend of mine, during a conversation in which she was complaining about her job, said to me that she couldn't wait until she was married and had a child so she could stay at home like me. I laughed at her comment and remarked, "the grass is always greener, right?" Then I told her about my week last week (in which I had 2 sick children which meant a lot of sleepless nights). I also reminded her that I couldn't call in sick at my job, I never get any vacation time and the hours are long.
Normally, I'm all for encouraging women to stay home with their children. I believe it is very rewarding and it is in the best interest of the whole family. However, I do not take it kindly when people have negative remarks to say about me being a stay at home mom (SAHM). Just because I am not out somewhere at a 9 to 5 does not mean that I do not have a job. If you are a SAHM or have ever been one you know exactly what I am talking about. Everybody's situation is unique so just because you work outside of the home doesn't mean that you don't value your children and family too (don't get me wrong on that either). I'm just saying that some people are sometimes too negative about women who choose to be stay at home moms. We are often looked up on as lazy or as uneducated women which I'm none of the above and both my BS and MS degrees are hanging on my wall to prove that).
In any case, to humor my friend I told her that she was free to quit her job but in my case I didn't have that option (not unless I wanted to be locked up for negligence, being called an unfit mother, and whatever else they could throw at me). I think people need to realize a few things about the whole "the grass is greener on the other side" mentality:
1) Like everything else in life, keeping the grass green WILL require work. You can't expect to have a great life without hard work. If you see someone with a nice big house, an awesome husband and a shiny new luxury car, chances are they worked really hard for them (and are still working hard to keep them). They were not handed down to them freely (there are some exceptions of course). Stop being so envious of someone that you allow the devil to lie to you and tell you that "the grass is so much greener over there" and if you could just steal that other person's husband, your life would be great. THE DEVIL IS A LIAR!! Please remember that. He comes to lie, steal and destroy. He doesn't want any thing good for you so how could you possibly think that what he has in store for you is good? People get so caught up sometimes in "the grass is greener" mentality that they truly believe that their lives would be so much better if only they had the new job...the luxury car...the big house...the "A" husband/wife. They cannot be happy for someone's blessings because they are so "green" with envy.
2) Do not assume that someone doesn't deserve something good and you are such a good person that you deserve it more. First of all, if YOU were as good as you claim you would not be thinking that way. Because that type of thinking is pure evil. Be content with what you have. Realize that what you already have and anything else you may receive is a blessing. We are not guaranteed anything in life. Do not let the devil lie to you again and tell you that you deserve something more than so and so. You don't know what so and so went through to get to the place where they are at. Until you walk in their shoes you may never know...

I Don’t Mean To Offend You…

2008-03-08T10:25:00.000-05:00

but ____________ (fill in whatever offensive thing you think someone would say). I hate when people say this statement. It really bugs me. It annoys me too that while they are saying this they will lean in towards the person who they are speaking to and sort of whisper this offensive thing that they don’t mean to offend you with. It’s as if they are doing you a favor, that’s why the whispering since they don’t want to embarrass you. People use your common sense here. If you are about to say something to someone and you have to begin with, “I don’t mean to offend you but…” Chances are… YOU ARE GOING TO OFFEND whoever you are speaking to. Just say what you have to say and get on with it. There’s no need to rub salt into someone’s wound. Obviously you think you are so right and you are about to have the final say…you know, clue this clueless person in about something about themselves that is so offensive and you are really helping them so you don’t want to offend them. You just want to tell them the truth, right? Let me just inform you that there are right ways to tell someone the truth and wrong ways to do it as well.
It’s probably a silly pet peeve of mine, but it really drives me crazy when people rise to the occasion to tell someone about their faults. I think that you shouldn’t always agree with someone even when you know they are wrong. However, it is totally unnecessary to “rub it in” when someone is wrong. We are all humans and we WILL make mistakes. Nobody is perfect. Just because you are being critical about something doesn’t mean that you have to be negative. Ever heard of constructive criticism?
We all have to deal with criticism. Every once in a while we also have to tell someone we love something hurtful…it may be the truth but it will still hurt. Am I saying you should avoid telling them the truth? Not at all. I’m all about keeping it real and telling the truth. However, I believe that you can tell someone the truth about themselves in love. Proverbs 15:1 says “a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” The way you speak to someone and the words you use can make a huge difference. If you say something to your friend like…“I don’t mean to offend you but you look fat in that dress!” You probably are going to offend your friend. You could tell your friend the truth in a much nicer fashion. You can always find someone to agree with you, even when you are wrong, but it takes a real friend to tell you the truth when you are wrong. So I am not saying that if you know you are going to offend someone you shouldn't’t say anything at all or just say something lovey-dovey that you don‘t really mean.
I recently read “Jesus Chronicles: Mark’s Story” and in this book, the story of when Peter had a dream about eating animals that he called “common” was discussed. A voice spoke to him saying, “what God has cleansed you must not call common.” The voice spoke 3 times and then told Peter to meet with a Gentile man named Cornelius. Peter realized that God was telling him that he should preach the gospel to the Gentiles and not just the Jews. Later the Jews were really upset with Peter for having dinner (“breaking bread”) with Gentiles. Peter decided, in fear of offending the Jews, to stop breaking bread with the Gentiles. Did he not realize that he would now offend the Gentiles?
Paul rebuked Peter for shunning the Gentiles by getting up from eating with Gentiles when a group of Jews came in. (See Gal. 2:11-14) This shows that even Peter, who have been used to take the Gospel to the Gentile Cornelius (Acts 10-11) did not fully understand or had not totally accepted the Gentiles as equal with the Jews in the churches. Peter did not want to offend the Jews but in the end he offended the Gentiles which was just as bad. Sometimes we are faced with a situation and in not wanting to offend someone we offend someone else. Is this right? No. That’s why it is always better to speak the truth. Just how you speak that truth though is also important. God commanded us to love one another. Speaking the truth in love can save a whole lot of hurt.

2008-03-07T15:17:00.000-05:00

You Are An ISFJ The Nurturer

You have a strong need to belong, and you very loyal.
A good listener, you excel at helping others in practical ways.
In your spare time, you enjoy engaging your senses through art, cooking, and music.
You find it easy to be devoted to one person, who you do special things for.

In love, you express your emotions through actions.
Taking care of someone is how you love them. And you do it well!

At work, you do well in a structured environment. You complete tasks well and on time.
You would make a good interior designer, chef, or child psychologist.

How you see yourself: Competent, dependable, and detail oriented

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Boring, dominant, and stuck in a rut

What's" Your Personality Type?

Back To Normal?

2008-03-07T14:17:00.000-05:00

Today we resumed a bit of normalcy here in Toddsville. Since both children have been sick over the past few days, I have not been getting enough sleep. Last night I finally got some good sleep. Yes, sweet slumber, thank God.

I woke up this morning feeling renewed and ready to get back to living. Yes, it was that bad these last few days. Arjay's fever turned out to just be from teething but that made him very fussy. Adryana had some severe problems with her seasonal allergies. We are not sure yet what is causing her allergies, allergy testing did not find anything abnormal. We know that it only happen in Spring and it's worse when she goes outside. We figure it's from a tree just not sure which one yet. She's been taking Claritin OTC (obviously it's not working). She's on some prescription meds right now to help her get over the congestion she has with the allergies. After this we are going to try Zyrtec (we heard it's pretty good and it's OTC now).

Adryana has been really miserable along with Arjay so it was no fun in this house. To say I was overwhelmed and exhausted would be an understatement. I was so exhausted that I was also emotional. Yesterday when I woke up to Arjay's screaming that really pushed me over the edge. I was near tears when Greg walked in the house (he was out running). I did not want to get out of bed. My body was aching, I had a headache that would not go away for 3 days. Greg felt sorry for me and agreed to give me a back and neck massage. That really helped. I'm happy that the kids are feeling better today and so am I.

Today I was able to get some house cleaning done and I'm really happy about that. I love a clean house and I love to clean. I really cannot stand mess. Our area rug in the living room was covered in Cheerios and lots of toys. It's nice to see the design of the rug again. I also cleaned the bathrooms and finish the laundry that I had started a few days ago and never finished.

It's a good feeling to feel like things are returning to normal.

Search Your Heart

2008-03-04T09:58:00.000-05:00

Today is a very crucial day in the political world of America. I think it is even more significant on the Democratic side than the Republican side but in any case, it is a very important Super Tuesday. Last night while watching CNN, I began to really ponder on a few things that has already been playing around in my mind. I've said this to my husband several times before and I believe that it has now come into fruition. Early in the campaign, I told him that things are going to get ugly (and we've seen some ugliness played out in the last few weeks between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama). Why did I think this would happen? I'm glad you asked. Well, it comes down to this. Hillary Clinton assumed that she would have already been the democratic nominee. Since she was the front runner for so long she just pretty much thought it was in the bag. Now she's opening up a can of worms. She's bringing out the ugly. I think we are beginning to see people's true colors all across America. The bottom line: Many Americans simply will not vote for a black person to become President of The United States. I believe Hillary Clinton already assessed that and was banking on that assessment. Therefore, she believed that she would be named the democratic nominee. Now that that has not already happened, the claws are coming out. She's bringing out all the "dirt" that she can find on Barack Obama.

God forbid that everyone should just be honest for a minute and say that there are so many Americans who will not vote for Barack because he is black. They beat around the bushes and find every excuse. "We have a problem with his middle name." "He is Muslim." "He must be a terrorist in disguise." Even in the churches that is supposed to be so conservative, many are choosing to vote for Hillary Clinton when picking between the 2 democratic candidates. It was all over CNN last night when they showed the statistics and even interviewed some elderly white females from Catholic churches who were pro-Clinton. The interview was showing how the religious groups (on a whole) who when choosing between the two Democratic candidates seem to be voting for Hillary. Shouldn't they be more open minded in the churches? Don't they realize that heaven will be like a rainbow of colors? Another interesting point that was brought up on CNN was when they did the exit polls in the Southern states and Virginia... in certain rural areas, it was interesting how the voters that voted Republican typically voted for Mike Huckabee (due to his views on family values and solid Christian beliefs, but in those same areas the Democratic voters voted for Hillary). It is very evident that the vote is divided upon racial lines, especially in the religious sector. Don't kid yourselves. Racism happens all across the board; yes, even in churches. I'm tired of hearing people say, "I don't know why black people are complaining, it's been so long since slavery has been over?" Yet, we still have to deal with racism--particularly hidden racism every single day. That's the part that bothers me the most. It's one thing when racism is blatant because then you can deal with it with your eyes open. Hidden racism comes at you like a dagger only your eyes are blindfolded so you don't know when it will hit.

Greg recently had one patient at his clinic make this statement, "I'm a democrat and it's really hard for me because look at my options: a woman and a black man." You can't get anymore honest than that. Of course Greg did not agree with her but at least she was being honest about how she really feels. Another one of his patients said to him, "I really want Obama to win, but if he does, I think he will be assassinated within the first year". Both of those patient were white. I think people need to be honest. They need to search their hearts. Deep inside their hearts they know what the real issue is. A predominantly white America is not ready for a black President. It was all fine and dandy when Barack Obama was in the background but now that he has a chance to be the nominee, they are ready to pull the rug out from under him. We've heard that we are all equal, at least that's what America has been moving towards. While I agree that there has been much progress, you are fooling yourselves if you believe we are all considered equals. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream that one day we would be judged by the content of our character and not by the color of our skin. Well, I am here to tell you that Martin Luther King, Jr. is still dreaming in his grave because that day has not come to America as of yet. Of course I'll be happy to be wrong; but it's up to America to prove me wrong. In my family, we have family members who are voting for McCain, Clinton and Obama.... they are weighing the issues and seeing who is right for them. Not looking at who is a certain shade of skin color. In closing, I want to advise you to search your heart, and make sure that the real reason that you are not voting for a particular candidate is because of their gender or the color of their skin. Only you know the truth....

Over The Weekend

2008-03-03T11:28:00.000-05:00

On Saturday morning we noticed that Arjay had a fever. I had plans to go with one of my friends to David's Bridal. She's getting married in December and she asked me and 2 of her bridesmaids to go with her to look at wedding gowns. I didn't want to leave Arjay like that but he was taking a nap and I had already given him some medicine and I knew Greg would take good care of him so off I went.

We had fun trying on dresses and also watching my friend trying on several gowns. She finally decided on one she really like but she said that she was going to try a few more stores before she made her final decision. I agreed with her and told her that when I was getting married and looking for a gown, I remember a lady told me that "you will know you've found the right dress if it makes you feel like dancing!" My friend smiled at that but said that she would definitely keep it in mind.

I absolutely love weddings and also really enjoy all the planning that goes with it. I know it can get stressful but I really don't mind it. I know that my friend is feeling a little confused right now with gown selection and even color selection but still I say that it is one of the most exciting time in a person's life (at least it should be). After all is said and done though, it is important to remember that the wedding is not what it's really all about. What happens after the wedding--the marriage--is really what is most important. Marriage takes a lot of work and we have to always remember that whether times are good or bad. My husband and I are about to celebrate our 7th anniversary and we are so happy about that. While it may not seem like a whole lot of years with how things are these days (high divorce rates) we feel really blessed. It is a great accomplishment to us. Yesterday we were discussing how wonderful our marriage is and how much we are looking forward to many many more years together.

Greg and I taught Sunday School (4&5 year olds) yesterday. The lesson was about the armor of God. We discussed this with the children and as Greg was working on an activity with the children, I was thinking how blessed I was to have him. I'm the one who signed up to teach but still Greg always help me. I was thinking about how much of a help he is to me when we teach and found myself thinking that he is my "secret weapon." I call him that because I plan all the lessons but whenever I give him an activity to do with the kids, he'll read it over and then put his own "special" touch on it. This usually includes lots of animation (he does really cool impersonations) which the kids thoroughly enjoyed. He brings a lot of humor to the class and it also help when we are in a "tough" situation. He know that I will get worked up about it so he will give some jokes that usually ease my mind and help me relax some. This is really important when dealing with kids but sometimes it's not easy to stay calm so I appreciate Greg's help with that.

After church we took a much needed nap. We did not sleep well Saturday night because we had to get up every 4 hours to give Arjay medicine for his fever. While we were taking a nap, the phone rang several times. This usually wakes me up and then I can't go back to sleep but I guess I really needed the sleep because I was able to continue sleeping.I did not cook yesterday too which really helped because I was just so exhausted. I felt much better after I woke up. After dinner I helped my daughter with her homework. Then Greg and I watched a a little TV before going off to bed. That was our weekend...I hope you had an enjoyable weekend!

Happy March!

2008-03-01T20:36:00.000-05:00

Today is the first day of March and I am really excited! This means that we are now in my birth month. In 12 days I will be the BIG 30!!! (I'm not really sure how I feel about this yet). On one hand, I feel like I'm getting old. On the other hand, people tell me that I look really young and I should be happy that I don't look my age. I'm happy about that but still not sure if I want to be 30 yet...maybe I could wait a few more years, right?

Another reason to be happy in March is that my husband and I will celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary on March 31st. March is a great month. Lots of exciting times ahead for us. I'm not sure how we will celebrate my birthday or our anniversary but both of them are really special to me and I want this month to be memorable.

I can't wait to celebrate!!! Celebrate good times, c'mon...
I hope you all have a great March too.

When will the worrying stop?

2008-02-25T15:53:00.000-05:00

Parenting is such a roller coaster.

One minute you are up and another you are down.

Sometimes happy.

Sometimes sad.

One day the kids are driving me crazy.

Another day I'm beaming with pride---Arjay is off his pacifier and I am so happy and proud of him.

One minute I'm upset at the kids.

Another minute...they have me falling over on the floor with laughter.

One minute I want to scream or break something.

Another minute I can't stop hugging and kissing them.

One day I need a break from the kids.

Another day I'm missing the kids---Adryana is off on her first drop-off play date with a friend from school. I miss her so much and I'm worried; is she okay? I've already called and checked but still I want to call and check again. I want to rush over there and get her, isn't it time already?

Oh how I wish this worry would go away.

When will the worry stop? My mom has already informed me on several occasions that the worrying will never end. She says that even when the kids are grown you'll still be worried and then when your kids have kids you'll worry about their kids too.

So there will be added worry.

I want to stop the worry but every day brings a new worry.

I guess it's just all a part of parenting and I just have to accept and learn to get use to the worry.

Now I'm worried about getting used to the worry.

For better or worse

2008-02-23T10:59:00.000-05:00

Last night I was so frustrated I felt like screaming (maybe I did scream). Last night I was so frustrated I felt like crying. The kids had me all bent out of shape. Yesterday morning after running a few errands I came home and did some laundry, vacuum and clean the house. The kids did not take a long nap and by early evening the house was totally destroyed. I was so upset about this. I really try not to get bothered about these things but you just really had to see the house. And the worse part was that it did not take them that long at all. Anyways, I sent Greg a text message in which I vented how I felt and it was so funny how much better I felt by doing that. I've heard it said before that if you are angry about something you should write (journal) about your thoughts. I've even heard that if someone makes you mad, you should write them a letter explaining how you feel even if you decide not to mail the letter. I think these are good advices because I've always felt better after writing about how I feel. Words are words whether you write or say them.

A friend of mine recently called me to talk about how she was feeling frustrated with her 7 month-old son and his sleeping habits. I gave her some tips on some things that I tried in the past that might help. I made sure to remind her though that every child is different and she just has to kind of play it by ear and see what works for her son. She was saying how it's funny that first she was worried about his night time sleeping and now it's his daytime sleeping patterns that concerns her the most. I told her that it works like that because every stage in a baby's life is different. I also told her that now that we are out of baby stage in our family doesn't mean that things get easier. We have a 5-year old and 2-year old and we have different things we have to deal with at each age. When you are in a frustrating stage though it doesn't feel like it will get any better but it will. Soon you will get through that stage and on to the next. This too shall pass.

When our 2 year old was a baby he had colic. There were days when we felt like we would literally go mad. In fact sometimes I felt like we should be calling 911 because something must be seriously wrong with this child. When the colic first started I told my husband, "we need to take him to the ER." (it was a Sunday evening so his doctor's office was closed). I remember my husband saying, "you can't take a baby to the ER because he is crying!" And I was thinking-- well this type of crying ain't normal...something must be wrong with him. Yes, something was wrong...he had colic which meant no one knew what to do and how to help him. We went through months of frustration and several emotions. While we were going through it I remember how mad I'd get when someone said, "it will get better soon!" or "this too shall pass." I really didn't feel like it was going to get better anytime soon. Then one night (when he was a little over 4 months, just like the doctor said) it stopped. Just like that! Then we started wondering , "is it really over?" We thought for sure it was coming back. After we realized it was really gone we believed that after dealing with colic there was nothing our kids could do that we wouldn't be able to handle. However, there have been days where I've felt like they are going to drive me crazy. So, it's just funny how your mind works. When you are going through something tough or negative in your perspective, sometimes it doesn't matter what someone tells you it's more about how you perceives it. It is true that you will get through it but it's hard to hear that when you are going through it.

I've find that sometimes people who have been there before and you think they would be sympathetic are not always sympathetic. They can be the biggest critic of all. It's almost like they've forgotten being down that road. They will criticize too because they are not happy about something in their lives. Misery loves company. As a parent, I find that the biggest critic are mostly parents and they usually say something like "my kids never did that!" (referring to when someone else's kid is acting up). A friend of mine was telling me that while at the doctor's her 15 month old daughter was acting up and she said to the nurse, "do you have children?" After she nodded my friend said to her, "were they ever like this?" The nurse boldly said, "never!" Then maybe after seeing the look on my friend's face she added, "no I should take that back because when my son was 2 he had a tantrum in a store once."

If you are a parent, chances are you have or will soon deal with meltdowns. Children don't always behave as expected and that does not mean they are bad children...they are just being kids. When my friends call me asking for advice and encouragement, I don't tell them that my kids have never done those things because that would be a lie. I offer them advice according to how I might handle the situation but I always tell them that what works for me might not work for them and so ultimately they have the final decision. No 2 children are the same so what I did in one situation might not work for your child in a similar situation. Therefore, it's good for parents to have several resources so that they have choices. Parenting is hard work and there is no manual to follow, if only it was that easy. Sometimes you just have to live and learn. You just have to take the good and the bad...frustrated nights and all! I'm Kerry Todd and I am a parent...for better or worse.

Valentine's & More

2008-02-15T15:02:00.000-05:00

I hope you all had a great Valentine's Day. I had a spectacular one. Greg and I were able to sleep in a little later since he didn't have to wake up early for work. The kids decided to give us a break I guess. Arjay didn't wake up until about 7:45 am and although Adryana woke up a bit earlier she went to watch TV in the living room. It was cold so I did not want to get out of bed. Plus when you have young children you don't always get to sleep in so you have to take advantage of it when it comes along so rarely.

Greg got out of bed and changed Arjay's diaper while Adryana climbed in bed with me. We snuggled for a while until Greg returned shortly with gifts. Greg's so romantic. He always get Adryana a gift too. She was ecstatic of course. Her Dad got her a card, some candy roses and a little teddy bear with carnation hearts. She was so happy. I gave Arjay some candy, a little hot wheel car and some bubbles. He was excited mostly about the car and the candy of course.

This is a tradition we started a few years back. Greg feels that it is important for Adryana to know how she is supposed to be treated by a man. So he wants to make sure she won't settle for less when she's older and starts dating. This is my first year getting Arjay a gift. He's only 2 so I know he doesn't understand yet but I knew he would want a gift because Adryana was getting one.

Following the gift exchange, I made Greg a ham & cheese omelette; One of his faves. Much later in the day I went to the nail salon and got a pedicure, it was much needed and it felt great. I was so relaxed in the massge chair I almost fell asleep. After that I picked up our dinner from Chili's. When I got home we sat together and had our dinner. They forgot the fries for the kids so that was a bit dissapointing but the food was good. They were packed and very busy so I'm glad the food tasted good. My Valentine's was really good and very special too because Greg and I were celebrating our 10th Valentine's Day together. God has blessed us with each other and we are both very grateful.

Right now I'm taking a break from packing and getting ready for our trip to Ft. Lauderdale. We'll be gone all weekend. We have a cousin's baby shower tomorrow. Then on Sunday Greg will be running his second marathon. Please pray for him! He feels bad about his timing last time since he had too much water and his legs started cramping. He's hoping to get it right this time and get the time he's really after (which is to finish under or appoximately 4 hrs). I'll be hoping that he completes it without getting hurt. Keep us in your prayers. Have a great weekend!

Anti-Valentine???

2008-02-13T19:25:00.000-05:00

While shopping recently I noticed that there was a section in the card aisle for anti-Valentine's card. Not really sure what that is all about. I can only speculate that some grouchy single person thought it would be a good idea to make and sell anti-Valentine's cards. I also understand that some people don't like the idea of being told "when to celebrate their love."

As for me, I like Valentine's but then I'm pretty much a sucker for romance. I know that my Dad has said that he felt that hoildays are too commercialized and pretty much all about making money. (Daddy did you start the anti-Valentine?...lol).

Anyways, I think that Valentine's Day is really special. I love red...it is one of my favorite colors so I like seeing all the red hearts and beautiful Valentine's stuff. Greg and I always celebrate Valentine's Day. We've chosen to keep it simple to keep the focus on celebrating our love and showing our appreciation for each other and not on trying to "wow" each other with outlandish gifts. I agree that you should always look for ways to celebrate your love and appreciation all year round so Valentine's Day and every other holiday can just be for extra loving! I'm all about the loving too because I am a hopeless romantic.

Last year we bought each other DVD's that we both wanted and of course we went out on a date. Greg usually gets me flowers, chocolate and balloons (one year it was a singing balloon, singing "How sweet it is to be love by you!" It was really cute!) I think that the biggest thing for us right now is to be able to go on a date. We love spending time with each other but it's not always so easy with 2 young children and getting a babysitter can be really costly. So, last night we decided to go out on our Valentine's date. We've learned that staying away from restaurants on Valentine's Day is a great idea...they are usually way too crowded and the food is not as good. Last year we went the day after Valentine's and it was still pretty crowded. Greg also got food poisoning so we haven't been back to that restaurant.

Yesterday we got my friend to baby-sit for us and even though it was rainy and somewhat cold we still went out on our date. We ate at Bonefish Grill in Wesley Chapel. Bonefish is one of our favorite places to eat but we hadn't been to that location before. It was very nice and cozy. It was also fairly empty. The service and the food was great. We had the bang bang shrimp (appetizer). It is abosultely delicious and we have it every time we go to Bonefish. It is a must have! Then I ordered the Atlantic Salmon with Mango Salsa. This is my first time having that dish and it was amazingly good. I love Salmon so I always like to try it when I go to restaurants. The sauces are always different. I also like the Miso salmon at Cheesecake Factory.

The most important part of the date was being able to sit with Greg and having a conversation without interrruptions from the kids. It felt wonderful...I love going on dates with my husband. I actually met Greg at the restaurant after he left work. It kinda felt like when we were in college and dating and we would meet up at wherever we were going since we lived in opposite directions. Then I would hate it when it was time to go because we would have to get in separate cars and go our separate ways,

Believe it or not I thought about that when we were getting married...about how great it would be when we would actually get in one car and go to one house together. That has always been special to me, even now I don't like when we have to drive separate. I enjoy our conversations during a car ride. Some of our best and most meaningful conversations happened during long car trips.

Needless to say, you will not find any support for anti-Valentine here, although I am sympathetic towards singles. I'm all for celebrating. You know me, always love a good party. I also happen to LOVE my husband a whole lot. And I will shout it if I have to. Greg and I have had some very memorable Valentine's dates. In fact, I still remember our first one. Greg came over to my parents house to pick me up with beautiful red roses and a teddy bear. We went to a Italian restaurant and went back a year later and the restaurant was no longer opened. Bummer! After that date, I coiled the name "Teddy" for Greg and I've used it to affectionately call my husband for all these years. So, here's to you Teddy. I love you now and always. Will you be my Valentine?

You Choose

2008-02-06T11:35:00.000-05:00

Last night millions of Americans sat anxiously waiting for the results of Super Tuesday. Like most Americans, Greg and I are already leaning towards one candidate and we wanted to hear the results too. However, sometime after 10:30 pm Greg fell asleep and although I tried my hardest not to I followed shortly after. So this morning I tuned in to CNN to see the results. CNN is currently reporting that the democratic candidates are locked in a tight rope and that McCain is the frontrunner for the Republican party. Of course there is still time for this to go another way. Or is it? I say this because it will all come down to one thing...how many people get up off their butts and go and vote. Some say one vote cannot make a difference but if you added all the people who said that imagine how many votes that would be. People, this country is heading in a downhill direction presently and something has to be done. We all have a voice and we have to use it...VOTE!!!

As for me, I'm not usually one for politics. Yeah, people might say "oh you are just young!" But that is not the case, I just have never been this interested before. Right now however, it's exhilerating watching and waiting to see what will happen. I mean our country might be on the verge of making history-the first black or first woman president. I know that as a black female I am excited about either possibilities. However, I understand that these 2 are not the most likely candidates for Christians. So Greg and I have discussed our views and beliefs and made our decision together. I've heard that many Christians, including Dr. James Dobson believes that the candidates in the race does not give us good choices. In fact, he says that they are the worst possible candidates for presidency and he will probably not cast a vote in November. Read here! Many other Christians think it's best just to vote for Mitt Romney who is the more conservative of the 2 (McCain & Romney) even if he does not win the primary nomination; they will just write his name in. That vote would not count. The bottom line is this, please vote.

It may be a hard decision for some people this time around but we should vote. Our voices need to be among those represented. You should think about your decision and make up your own mind. Do not allow others to sway your vote. You vote, you choose! I've heard of some pastors even commanding their congregation on who to vote for. They evn bring a particular candidate to the church service pretty much endorsing that person. I've sat in a church service, during the last preseidential election, where the Pastor expressed how important it was to vote for George Bush. He believe that George Bush was the right choice for Christians. He basically told the congregation that as a Christian that was their only choice (not John Kerry). Because George Bush is a Christian, he would fight for our rights. He would fight for the issues that were important to Christians. However, to date the only thing George Bush has been fighting is his war in Iraq. Many Christians feel bamboozled and even upset about him going to war in Iraq. We are still waiting for all his anti-gay marriage amendments (declaring that marriage should only be with a man and a woman, yes he said it but in the same breath he also said that each state had a right to decide if they will allow civil union), stopping stem-cell research and anti-abortion rights. Many Christians are living with regrets for casting their votes for George Bush. I thank God I'm in a church that is NOT telling me who to vote for!

We all have a mind of our own, Christians or not. God gave us the ability to choose. Even in something as important as eternity, God gave us a choice. He could have simply commanded that we all worship Him. He is God, He is able to do that. Instead he has given us the ability to choose for ourselves. Of course with that ability to choose there are also consequences for making wrong choices. The same will apply to how we choose to vote. But the bottom line is this...you have to make that choice. Not your spouse, not your parents, not your friends and certainly not your pastors. You!

When Hurt Happens

2008-02-03T22:17:00.000-05:00

I watched a movie last night that left an impression on me. The title of the movie is "Woman Thou Art Loosed" based on the novel by Bishop T.D.Jakes (I'm thinking I need to read the book now!). The movie is basically about an unforgettable story that follows the life of Michelle Jordan who is raised in a home of dysfunction and abuse. The years of mistreatment from her mother's boyfriend (who sexually abused her) result in Michelle's entanglement in a world of drugs, prostitution and imprisonment.

Michelle is finally out on parole and she's determined to turn her life around. She's attending revival at the church, trying to work on her estranged relationship with her mother and even reconnecting with her first love. She spends hours at revival and the preaching of T. D. Jakes is affecting her in a positive manner. She's working through her anger and issues with forgiveness. Finally, T. D. Jakes asks everyone to bring something from their past that has them bound. T. D. Jakes believes that if you bring the object and leave it at the altar it is symbolic of you letting it go. This way you can start the process of healing. Michelle decides to bring her bloody dress (the dress she wore when she was assaulted by her mother's boyfriend). Apparently, she had it buried under her mother's house for over 20 years.

When T. D. Jakes makes the altar call Michelle is on her way. She's smiling and her friends and even her mother is waving their approval at her. She bends down to place her dress at the altar unaware that at the same moment her mother's boyfriend (who the mother chose to believe over her daughter btw) is at the altar too. He is finally accepting Jesus and ready to change his life. He is being sincere and tried to call out to Michelle and beg her forgiveness. However, the minute she looks up and sees him standing there reaching out to her she snapped. She pulled out her gun (which she was carrying for protection because the pimp that she used to work for demanded that she return to work for him and when she refused he beat her to a pulp so a friend of hers gave her a gun). She shot her mother's boyfriend several times killing him instantly.

Following this she is sentenced to death and is on death row being counseled by T. D.Jakes when the movie begins. Throughout the movie we learn of the sexual abuse by her stepfather and the path she chosed after that. I was deeply touched by this movie, I cried like a baby. I'm pretty emotional so it is not unusual for me to cry while watching movies. I love lifetime movies and I cry when I watch them too! I'm not really blogging about me crying. I have a few points that I want to make so I'm just going to get to it. I want to take a minute to really talk to parents. In this movie, the mother chose to believe her boyfriend over her daughter even though Michelle told her what happened right way. In fact she was still wearing her bloody dress and her cheek was swollen from where he slapped her. The evidence was right in front of her mother's eyes but she still insisted that her daughter was lying. Later she did confront her boyfriend but after he reassured her that he would never do such a thing and how could she even think that then she accepted that as the truth. This really bothers me because children are innocent and even if you don't believe something they say as a parent you should do your research. When in doubt, check it out.

I believe that parenting is a vey serious commitment. As for me, I'd rather be called an "over-protective parent" than a negligent parent. My children are that important to me. The way I look at it is like this...our children did not ask to come here. We were the ones that decided that we wanted to bring children in this world. We made that choice whether wholeheartedly or not. Therefore we have a duty- a responsiblity to these children. I've often wonder how can a mother stay in this kind of situation and allow it to totally break her child/ren? There is no excuse for this. If a child comes to her/his mother and tells her he/she is hurt, s/he's coming for protection. A mother is suppose to be able to provide that.

Michelle Jordan stated that once she lost her innoncence she felt like a part of her had died. She said that one minute she was singing and playing just as a child would and then in one single moment all of that vanished and she would never be able to get that back. She was so hurt by what her step-father did and she couldn't understand it. But then to be rejected again by her mother really hurt her all over again. How do you get past that kind of hurt? T.D. Jakes told her that a part of her hadn't really died, that part was in hiding and that's why it was important for healing to take place so that the child in her could come out of hiding.

So what was her mother response to all of this when the truth finally came out? She believes that she did the best she could in the situation. I was so angry when I heard this fictitious mother explain that bad things happen and that it happened to her and that her mother told her that "we've all got our crosses to bear and our little dresses to wear" (whatever that means). We are the adults in the situation and we need to figure out how to address whatever problems may arise in our household. I'm tired of people taking the easy way out and brushing it under the rug, that's why abuse happens so often. There's no one I HATE more than a child molester. Yes I HATE!! I think in this case I'm allowed. I think they are just the worst kind of people, I'm not even sure we can call them humans. They are just plain filthy and I believe that there is no kind of justice better for them than the death penalty. I believe this and I've always felt this way but there is another point from the movie that is stuck in my head. It's when Michelle says to T. D. Jakes that she has forgiven her mother and she hopes that her mother will forgive her too because it was not up to her to take something from her (killing her boyfriend) because something (her innocence & childhood) was taken from her. She finally realized that it was up to God to judge and if God could forgive him then she could too. It was really profound because I'm not sure how a person can just let go of all that hurt and anger? All I know is that Jesus is the answer. Until we surrender all of our hurts to him we cannot be truly free. In order to have healing we have to forgive and let go of the hurt. God knows I'm not perfect, I struggle with forgiveness too. But I do know that the Bible says "by his stripes we are healed." Therefore, I believe that healing can happen and will happen.

I believe that there are many broken and hurting people in this world because the devil is out at work attacking any and everyone he can get to. Because of this, the cycle still continues. Hurting kids turn into hurting adults and if they don't get over the hurt (through healing) then they will ultimately continue the hurting cycle. Of course I'm not claiming to be an expert on this. I just think that parents need to be constantly aware and know that abuse does exist and it can happen to your child too. And if it has already happened to you my friend and you are hurting today, just know that God is with you and He will never leave you. Seek Him and you will find Him.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

2008-01-29T10:43:00.000-05:00

Saturday was a magical day for our family. We celebrated our daughter's 5th birthday with a princess tea party. It was phenomenal.We had 14 little princesses and 2 little boys at the party. It was such an awesome party that the buzz is still going on at her school, at Greg's work and in our family. After the whole fiasco with the park, I decided that we should just consider having the party at our home and doing a tea party. Adryana has been fascinated with tea parties for a little while now and I knew she would really love one. Her only hesitation was when she realized that it would be an all girls party. She felt "bad" about not inviting all her friends from school because she thought the boys would be sad. She's really a very sweet girl and she doesn't like to make anyone sad.

So with only 3 weeks to plan, everything was a bit crazy and overwhelming but I had so much help and support from our family. My best friend spent 2 days at our house helping me organize, clean, watching the kids so I could do the shopping and even helping me decorate and set up the night before the party. Greg's parents and my parents drove up from Ft. Lauderdale and helped set up and prepare for the party and even cooked some of the food. We are truly blessed with our parents' love and support. Thank you all.

Adryana wanted "The Little Mermaid" as the theme for her party. On Friday night my friend and I decorated our dining room ceiling to make it look like a under the sea scene. We used blue streamers for waves, green streamers hanging down for seaweeds and blue balloons for bubbles. Then later Greg's mom and I set up 2 tables (seating for 12 girls) and 1 toddler table table (with seating for 6). We also had a "cake" table which had pictures of Adryana and also some of her dolls and princess stuff. We used real teacups (little cute green ones with "Little Mermaid" stickers) and everything else on the table were blue and green. See photo.

On the invitations I asked all the girls to wear their favorite princess costume and they all came dressed as various Disney princesses. Adryana was dressed as "The Little Mermaid". When the girls got here they mingled for a little while until they were all here. As best as perfect timing could go it went well because the "princess" came exactly at the right time. I went outside to meet here and gave her a gift box for Adryana that had her gloves and wand which I had purchased for the party. I came back inside and had all the girls in our foyer and then opened the door and the "princess" walked in. The girls were all in awe and the best part was when she asked for Princess Adryana. Adryana's voice was barely a whisper when she said "I'm right here" and the princess handed her the box. She said thank you but got all shy and didn't want to open the box. afterwards she did it and we headed upstairs for our "make-over session." We used glitter make-up and lip gloss on the girls. While we were doing that some of the girls were making beaded bracelets and I also gave each girl a beaded necklace. When we were finished upstairs I had all the girls in a line on the staircase and then my little brother escorted each girl one at a time to her seat. I asked Greg's Dad to announce each girl by Princess like Princess Adryana and so forth. I told the girls to give a princess wave as they walked by their mothers(only 2 Dads were brave enough to attend) on their way to their seats. It was absolutely fabulous. The girls were so fantastic. After they were all seated the "princess" spoke to them about tea manners and the girls got a kick out of saying "please pass the sugar." It was so cute! We served chocolate tea (warm chocolate milk) or apple tea (apple juice) to all the girls. They had little teaspoons to use to get 1 or 2 lumps of sugar (white mini-marshmallows in a sugar bowl). We also served mini cookies, grapes, chocolate-covered strawberries and PB&J sandwiches. The girls were adorable, they really got into enjoying the tea party and no they did not break any of the teacups or saucers. It was amazing!!

After the "tea party" we played a few games. We played "pass the wand"(hot potato) and when a girl was "out" I told them that they would be able to take a picture with the princess. That seemed to work except for the first girl who cried. While we were playing that game I asked by best friend to hide one of each girls' slippers and then we played hide and go seek to find the missing slippers. The girls really enjoyed that. Then we started the dancing part, we did freeze dance, limbo and cha-cha-slide. Adryana had so much fun and so did the others. Later we sang happy birthday to you, cut the cake and opened her gifts. It was a fantastic party. We could really tell that she had a lot of fun and so did her friends.

Oh Happy Day!

2008-01-27T22:22:00.000-05:00

I know that I have been missing from the blog world for a while now but I've been extremely busy. However, I could not let today come to an end without telling you all about one of the happiest moments of my life. This memorable moment happened on this date approximately 5 years ago...I gave birth to my beautiful daughter.

Adryana Zanae turns 5 years old today...my big girl! Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!!!

The labor was difficult but when I saw my daughter's face it was etched in my memory forever and the pain was already forgotten. I would do it all over again and again and again. She's so adorable and precious. Thank God for blessing us with her.

Happy Birthday sweetheart...I hope that you'll always be blessed by God so that you will always smile that beautiful smile of yours. Stay sweet.

Mommy loves you so much...and no matter how old you get you will always be my baby girl!