Happy Birthday to my 9 year old!

Okay, I haven't been a very good blogger this Holiday Season. I have been a little more busy than normal with shopping at the last minute and planning for family to visit on Chistmas day. I haven't posted those pics yet, but I have to take today to dedicated it to my BABY! Today is Runnin' Man's birthday! Okay, I'm just a little in shock that I'm old enough to have a 9 year old and YES I am holding back tears because it seems like YESTERDAY that he was a baby.

So does this mean that I have to stop calling him MY BABY?????

He is such a wonderful kid and I just had to take today to dedicate to him

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CJ!!!!

SCREAM SCREAM! YELL! POUT! CRY!

Okay, maybe it doesn't take all that temper tantrum stuff, but danggit! My truck is having issues! AND RIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS!

Okay, so I'm already on a strict budget. Already having to leave people off this year. Already having to cut back on gift prices. And THEN this?!?!?! Are you kidding me?

I thought I had it all figured out, the Christmas budget and all. Had enough to get most people a little something. I was starting to smile, even though I was still in a Baa Humbug mood, but it was starting to feel good to know that I wasn't straining my budget that bad.

Then, coming home from Walmart yesterday, the Gator started sputtering. Immediately I call Hubs and let him know that something doesn't sound right.

"I'll check it tonight, call me and let me know you made it home."

I hang up and it gets worse. Every time I push the gas, it sputters. For a minute I think that I might not make it. I'm not use to having car trouble. I know the Gator is a '98 but she has only had to be put in the shop twice since we got her 4 years ago, and those were pretty minor issues.

So it sounds like spark plugs. I just had those replaced back Feb of '97. And I simply can't afford to have them done right now! Not when I haven't finished my Christmas shopping!

But, guess what? I HAVEN'T FINISHED MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING! I NEED my truck to get around. I still have to shop for my moms gifts to the boys as she thought it would be better for ME to do HER shopping because, well, I don't have a job and have more time. HA! Sure!

And now I don't have no car! (Yeah I used and oxymoron. Shoot me!)

So yes! SCREAM SCREAM! YELL! POUT! CRY! seemed appropriate at the moment. Except I left out the part where I fell out on the floor kicking and banging my fists on the floor yellin' "WHY!!!!!!!!"

The Mom Song

Here's a little something for all moms because if you don't say these things already, you will!

Tell It Like It T-I-Z! Yes, Sweetie, there is a Santa Claus!

Anyone who knows me knows that I become a HUGE scrooge around Christmas time. Not a big fan of the season.

BUT.... I was over at one of my fave blogs reading a very interesting post she wrote about children and Santa. Ms. Bar B is an amazing mom, single parent, superwoman who was recently faced with the decision of whether to tell her Kindergartner "the truth" about Santa Claus. Now I won't spoil it for you how she approached the situation because you can stop by and read it for yourself, but I will tell you how I feel about Santa and the Spirit of Christmas.

Though I'm usually pretty grumpy at this time of year, I still thoroughly believe in the Spirit of Christmas and the innocence of children. When I started having the little jokers, there was no thought in my mind that I would bring them up to believe in Santa Claus. There is no better joy than to see the light in my children's' eyes on Christmas morning when Santa has come and filled the living room with Christmas cheer.

I remember when I was a kid and I would wake up in the middle of the night before everyone else and go peek under the tree at everything Santa had brought my brother and me. I did this for YEARS! I had to be about 15 when I stopped doing that. It was always so exciting to know that Santa had come.

It bewilders me why parents would choose to take that away. I look at children today and many of them loose their innocence way too young already. At 10 and 12, instead of playing with Barbie and Ken, many kids are already trying to play with the real thing. Little Jay Jay down the street. Kids grow up WAY too fast already, so to take away their imagination by telling them that Santa is fake and that Mom and Dad should get all the praise, I just couldn't do that. I want to see them experience their innocence and childhood as long as possible because that part of their lives will be gone far too soon already. And if that means that I have to tell my children a few little white lies about a wonderful old man whose only goal is to make the children around the world happy with a gift, what can it really hurt?

I don't need the glory for giving my children presents. Yes, we as parents work hard all year for their happiness, but seeing their faces light up when Santa comes is enough thanks for me!

So for those of you that choose to tell your children early on the "truth" about Santa, I can't tell you how to raise your kids, but do know that it helps keep children young. And in the same sense, don't send your non-believin' dream stealers to my house ruining it for my babies!

M.I.A. for a while, I know...... & SHOEt Yeah!

Okay, so I've been out of the loop for... what? About a week? Well some other things have come up that have been just a teensy bit important. Not that you guys aren't, but you know, I can't hang out with you all the time.

I'll start off with the video that I know everyone has seen, no one has missed and everyone was shocked by. Okay, maybe I was a little wrong. Maybe. But I laughed my you know what off at this one!




Who knew the old fart could move that fast?!?! That man tried to take his head off! Had that been McCain, he might have suceeded! Come on, you know that was funny!

You this those were alligator skinned?




So, I've been EXTREMELY busy with PTO stuff this past week. We had our "Breakfast with Santa" on Saturday and I think I put in just as many hours as the teachers last week. All in all it went over very smoothly........... except for that fact that the pictures with Santa came out horrible, the photographer sucked and he and Santa were arguing in front of the kids about how to take the darn pictures! YEAH! But it still went over well.


PTO decided that since we appreciate our teachers so much, we wanted to take Teacher Appreciation far beyond one week a year. This year, we wanted to celebrate our teachers monthly. Last month we did a breakfast for them consisting of donuts, bagels, pastries and all kinds of goodies. We also had a couple of students come in from a local massage school and give chair massages. Today, we aske PTO members to bake (or buy) sweets for all of our sweet teachers. I BAKED! Yeah, now so there! Spent all day yesterday doing it! I'm really becoming Mrs. Suzy Homemaker, these days as I actually baked some red velvet cupcakes FROM SCRATCH! And to this point NOBODY has fallen ill! LOL!



So now my stress level is rising because I really haven't taken the time to finish my Christmas shopping. I still have plenty of folks to buy for and little time and money to do it with. You know, if people would just take IOU's at Christmas time on all your bills.... if a law was past that during the month of December, EVERYONE is exempt for paying all bills without any concequences, NATIONAL NO BILL PAYING MONTH, MERRY CHRISTMAS, if this was the case then the world would be a happier place. I'd be a happier person. I need to write my congressman on that one!

Lesson on COLOR from children

My kids are amazing. No I mean like really REALLY amazing!

As you know, my kids are 4, 6, and 8 (and a half, LOL).

I know that all moms have had moments where they are driving and listening to their kids conversations in the back seat. Well, the other day, they had one of those conversations that just made me smile.

I'm waiting in the Walmart parking lot for a guy to pull out of a space and on the side of our car, Miss Missy notices a biracial couple putting groceries into their trunk.

"He can't be her husband. They are not the same." She spoke inquisitively, sounding a little confused.

Sir-Talks-A-Lot and Runnin' Man: "They could still be married, Kennedy."

Sir Talks-A-Lot: "It doesn't matter about your color. It matters about your heart."

Runnin' Man: "It matters about love."

It's moments like that that melt a mama's heart.

Why is it that the world can't think the same way? I teach my kids to not see color. To not judge people by the color of their skin. When Runnin' Man was about 4, he identified everyone by the color of their shirt. "That ORANGE guy right their.." "That BLUE guy on TV..."

That all worked fine for me until we were at my dad's job one day and he kept saying, "That WHITE guy over there That WHITE guy over there..." Okay, I was a bit embarrassed and tried to explain to the "white" guy that he was talking about the color of his shirt and that NO I do not teach my children to be racist. LOL!

But, to hear the kids recognize something so simple as love does not see color...... WOW!

I hear women all the time trying to figure out why Black men marry white women and coming to the conclusion that they are a SELL OUT for doing so.

Or that the reason that White women get with Black men is because of the stereotype about sex.

COME ON, PEOPLE! When are we going to get past the issue of color and see things as simple as children see them? When are we going to let people love who they love, regardless of the color of their skin? Whose business is it of yours, mine or anyone else to judge? Major barriers have obviously been broken with the election of a Black President, but there are many more to conquer. Take notes from children and know that they are innocent enough to see what we all should see. Love sees no color.

Yo Mama! What's your hustle?

Okay, so I've been searching for a SIDE HUSTLE for quite some time. You know, something to accomodate 'pay. I've been a stay at home mom for years and next year I do plan on going back to work..... somewhere. But until then, I'm on a search for something that I can do from home that can make me a little spending cash so that I don't feel like a butt having to ask hubs if it's okay if I buy a pair of jeans, you know?

Many many things have come into my path. Some I have even tried out. After Miss Missy was born, I dabbled in a company called AmeriPlan. This was a discount dental health care company. It worked similar to or with your insurance. Well, with that, I just didn't have any luck. As I said, I wanted to do it from home and I HATED the cold calls and the hang ups! I mean people were really rude and rarely stayed on the phone long enough to hear my sales pitch. And trying to recruit people was a drag.

Then I moved on to PrePaid Legal. Wasn't really feeling this company either. It was another MLM with the same type of thing going on. Trying to get people to join under me to make money off of what they sold.

Well I gave that up and a few months back, my neighbor introduced me to diaper cakes. I've sold a few here and there and I do plenty for showers I go to. But I'm just not thrilled with the demand for these things. My friends and my friends' friends just seem to not be having babies anymore! What's up with that?

My next idea for a money making venture is becoming a sex toy consultant for a company like Pleasure Parties, Passion Parties or Slumber Parties. I KNOW for a fact that THAT would be a heck of a lot of fun, but in today's economy, are we still trying to get our freak on with sexy lingerie and sensual stimulators? Hmmmm.

So now I need something else I can get into. A good side hustle that I don't have to pay to get into cause a sista can't afford it! I want to get into something that I can do from the comforts of my home in the beginning, at least.

I need some ideas, or at least some ideas as to where to look. I'm a fairly creative person and love to make things, sew things create things, but I just can't seem to find that ONE thing that I want to take and turn into MY THING. For now, anything will work.

Tell me bloggettes and blogdudes, what do YOU do for a SIDE HUSTLE?

Okay, okay! I'll read it!

I was planning on NOT jumping on the Twilight bandwagon even though it seemed that all of you have read it and now seen the movie and RAVED over it like it was the greatest thing since sliced bread (I watched Annie last weekend to get that one). I mean, I'm a rebel, you know? I like to go against the odds. Mom mom always asked me, if everyone jumped off a bridge, would you? NO I WOULDN'T!



Well, I guess in this case, I was peer pressured into jumping off that bridge. Because my great and wonderful neighbors lent me a copy of their beloved Twilight with all the great reviews about this totally awesome Edward dude. I have had the book sitting next to my bed for three days and, well.... I can't take it anymore! I HAVE to read it. Yeah, I'm so behind the rest of you groupies and I usually don't read a book once the movie comes out because... well... it's kinda redundant. But today, as I sit staring at the cover of the book, the words on the inside just keep calling me and begging me to open to the first page.



So here I go. But you know what? I'm going in with skepticism and if I don't like it after the first 3 chapters or so, I'm blaming each and every one of you! Because now, after reading all of your post on how great it is, I expect a LOT! So it better be good!

High School Friends

So Mama Kat did another Assignment this week. And although I seemed to have missed quite a few lately in an effort to cut back on my internet usaged and actually spend time with my daughter who has been entertaining herself lately, I decided to join in on this one. Even though it's LATE....................


2.) Are you still friends with you high school friends? Describe them.


Okay, so I have to admit that I wasn't the friendliest person in high school. I mean, I wasn't one of those mean snobby girls that thought they were better than everybody else or anything. I just wasn't one to take on many friends as I didn't like fake people. I found that girls just don't get along well. One minute they are all in your face smiling, pretending to be you BFF and the next minute they are behind the stage making out with your soon-to-be ex...................... Not that it has ever happened to me............... but that's just because I never really hung out with a lot of people or took on a lot of friends.

I had three real, true to the heart friends in High School.



My girl, Leri, and I started our friendship in middle school. I was fairly new to the area as I had recently come from Germany. She was this quiet shy chick that was a total nerd. All A's. Wanted to be a scientist or a Sergent or something like that. Nothing like myself, but we stuck together like glue until a new school was build and I had to transfer. We ended up in two different high school, but still talked and hung out all the time. We kept that friendship and she was always considered one of my bestest friends, even though as time moved on, I got married, moved away, she went to college and started a career, we grew apart, but ALWAYS found our way back. She was the sweetest friend I had, the one with the most sensible attitude, the one with the level head. In January of this year, I got a message through Myspace that my friend had died. I knew she was sick, but I didn't know it was that serious. I felt like I'd lost a piece of myself the day that we buried her.



Then there was Annette. This girl was. a. NUT! I have to admit that I didn't like the chick much at all when we first met. She was a loud mouth, foul-mouth little bitch that always had something smart to say and wasn't as big as a minute. But our boyfriends at the time were BEST FRIENDS and somehow I guess we just grew together. I hung out with her all the time. She introduced me to my "life of crime". This was during the time when I thought it was cool to shoplift candy out of the Shoppette. Too stupid to realize how dumb it was until I actually got caught doing it. That's another story all together.

Anywho, she got pregnant at a really young age. And ended up having to drop out of school. But we hung tight for YEARS thereafter. I have to admit that she has always gotten on my last nerve with her immature attitude and horrible sailor's potty mouth, but she was still my girl.

Recently, we had a fall out. She decided it was time to leave her husband, one of my good friends since high school as well. They have four kids together and she never kept a real job (remember I said she had to drop out). Well I didn't agree with what she was doing simply for the fact that she was leaving him for another man who she had recently "reconnected" with over the Internet. The guy was someone she "went out with" in the 8th grade. Yeah, 8th grade. No contact since. Just met up a few months earlier on Myspace.

WOW! Was my thought! Are you crazy? To leave your husband for an Internet love affair with 4 children and no job? Well, we fell out over the fact that she wanted me to be happy for her and I couldn't when I was worried about her future. Since then, we've gone months without speaking and still really don't except by short text messages.



Nee-C is my best friend of all times. I met Nee-C in middle school as well. She and I have remained down like four flat tires on a pinto from day ONE! We started hanging out when she decided that little ol' geeky me needed to be hooked up with one of her friend's cousins because he had a big crush on me. At that time I wasn't trying to be no body's girlfriend because my daddy wasn't trying to hear it and I wasn't trying to get my butt beat. But she tried anyway and we started hanging out everyday. Now, I credit Nee-C with rescuing me from a life as a geek because the people that I was hanging out with were people that couldn't SPELL popular, much less have a chance of breathing in the same air as the popular kids did. Yeah, I was kind of in with the geeky crowd. Not really geeky. Just not IN.

Well, when Nee-C and me started hanging out, I came out of that quiet girl mode. It was Me, Nee-C and My girl Leri inseparable and when the new school was built, Nee-C moved too. I don't know what it was, but we stayed extremely close all through high school. She was my shoulder. I was hers. I cheated for me. I cheated for her. She failed a grade, I failed a grade. We were just down like that! LOL! Yeah, we weren't exactly scholars! LOL! She had my back iany and everything and I couldn't have love her more.

Still today, 12 years after graduation we are true BFFs. Both married to Soldiers. We live different lives in two different places. And she is still the closest friend a girl could have.

It's funny how different we are from way back then in high school. Funny how are priorities have changed and how we have changed. Each in different ways. But it's funny how you just have special friends whose love can never die.

Visions of Sugar Plums

As I slept last night, I had many many visions dancing through my head. And you know what? NONE of them were sugar plums. Before I went to sleep last night, I was up sorting out the kids' Christmas lists and deciding what to buy and what to pass off to the grandparents to buy. So as I was supposed to be sleeping, all I could think about, all I could dream about was online shopping, Toys 'r' Us, and the friggin' bank account.

MP3 players and Build-A-Bears, remote control planes and Littlest Pet Shop toys

danced through my head the entire night, taunting me as my bank account threw dollars at the cashiers.

Oh what an aweful night that was. And sadly, it marks the beginning of my holiday stress.

20 days left!

I won a contest! I won a contest!

I am in AWE right now. I actully won a contest today. My first out of so many that I've entered.



I wasn't going to check my email today. Wasn't even gonna come to my blog, as I have SO many things that I need to be doing and my love for blogging always slows me down and there is always an email from PTO with something for me to do. But I did anyway. And do you know what was in there! An email from Amanda @ A Moms Review saying that I had wow a $10 Gift Certificate to Build-A-Bear! I was shock! As I've said, I NEVER win any of you guy's contest.



It was a "best comment wins" thing which REALLY shocks me that I won because so many of the ones before me seemed so much more deserving. Not quite as funny! But more deserving, nontheless. So here's what I wrote:

Diva Ma @ Mommy Fabulous Says: after publication. -->December 2nd, 2008 at 8:20 am
Okay, so I’d love to have some heart-felt reason as to why I want to win this gift certificate, but I don’t have one. BUT….(cue the violins) Miss Missy has been wanting one for quite a while and everytime we pass the store in the mall she just wants to go in to see them, “even though I know I can have one.” I wanted to start a tradition on her birthday this year and get her one every year, but our funds wouldn’t allow us to start that tradition this year. So now, the only things she wants for Christmas this year is “a pink Barbie laptop and a bear that you put a heart in…” (end violins)
She’ll get that bear. And this would sure help!

Miss Missy is gonna be thrilled when I take her to get this the day after Christmas! The great thing is, many now start at about $10 and I can afford to get her the accessories to go with the bunny she wants! So I'm excited. Simply because I know she's gonna love that gift!

No Snow Glistening Here!

Sleigh bells ring! Are you listening?

Okay, NOW I can start dragging myself into the Christmas Spirit. Now that it is officially December, I can see the holiday approaching. Not that I could help knowing it was on it's way since the stores started in on the friggin' Christmas music on the first of November.

In the lanes, snow is glistening!

There's no snow here. We're in the south. The only snow my children have experienced are a few flurries every now and then. They've never built a snowman, nor do they know what a sled looks like.

A beautiful sight we're havin' tonight. Walking in a Winter Wonderland!

Hmm, our winter wonderland would have to be the Santa display at the mall.

The only thing I miss about the north is a new blanket of snow. You know the one where you look out the window and get excited about how beautiful and white it is? The snow that you run outside to taste? Before the cars drive through it and create a disgusting slush on the side of the road... My kids have yet to experience that.

Instead, many Christmas mornings here are warm enough to go outside and play with that new bike or those great remote control cars with a sweater and a light jacket on.


Okay, I'm done babbling. Now go back to your Christmas bliss!

Christmas Shopping? Bah HUMBUG!

I've been neglect you, my fellow bloggers. I'm so sorry that I haven't been available with my fabulous posts that brighten your every day. I'm sure missing my posts is like missing your morning coffee.



Just a bit of an ego boost for myself!



I've been a little absent from the blog world this week. It seems that the holiday has worn me out because all I really wanna do is lay around the house. It took me an hour to make 2 lunches last night! I'm moving in slow motions.



I know that today was supposed to be TELL IT LIKE IT TIZ TUESDAY, but it's just not gonna happen. I have a lot that I need to be doing, like getting off my tail and getting on my treadmill, going grocery shopping and getting some food in this house before we are reduced to PB&J, (which I love, by the way), and Christmas shopping.



Christmas Shopping. Bah-freakin-HUMBUG! I get a little cranky around this time of year. There's always so many people that I want and need to buy for, but so few dollars to spread around. The kids I'm not so concerned with. It's the rest of the family that is hard to buy for.



And Hubs and I usually opt not to buy gifts for each other so that we can get gifts for our loved ones, but as selfless as that sounds, I'm kinda tired of it! I mean, we deserve to give gifts to each other too.



I guess my biggest problem is the fact that I've been a stay @ home mom for such a long time and never feel like I have contributed to the holiday financially and have to ask Hubs for money to buy things for my family.



This year, I plan on not stressing. This year, I plan on actually enjoying the holiday that I dread most. This year, I'll try to control my road rage as I am running around searching for that perfect gift for WHOEVER! This year, I'll try to say Bah HUMBUG a little less and sing a few more Christmas songs. I have kids after all. I have to enjoy it for them, right!



And Next year, I'm going to start shopping in JULY!

I'm Thankful!

With the holidays here, I can't help but get into the spirit of the season. I'm not doing much cooking this year, because Thanksgiving at my house with lots of family members just didn't pan out, but the good part of all that is I'm going where someone else will be doing most of the cookin'. So as I prepare myself for a couple of fine feasts at a few different locations, my heart if filled with the season of Thanksgiving. Not the food, Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and football part of it all, but the true reasons that I have to be so thankful and so grateful for.




This year, we found out that my dad has a major brain tumor with a very short life expectancy. After a major surgery and a couple of bouts with Chemo, that tumor has yet to rear it's ugly head again. I am thankful that God works miracles.


I am thankful for having suck wonderful, well-behaved children. Not everyone have children that are as mild-mannered, and pleasant as mine are (in public). I know I complain a lot about them, but for them I am truly thankful and would not trade them in for the world.


I am thankful and grateful to have a husband that is PATIENT with me. I'm not a basket of roses. I can't for the life of me figure out why he is still here when I wake up in the mornings or why he bothers to come home at night after work. I am mean, difficult and just plain bitchy on any given day of the week and still, for some reason, he is still here.


With the economy in the crapper, so many people losing jobs and homes, companies going bankrupt and laying folks off, I am thankful for what I do have. Yes, we are feeling the pain, too, but I am thankful that we have the small treasures that we have because there are always people who have less. I am thankful that we are together, as a family, and able to get through these times together.




So, as U prepare to sit down to eat on Thanksgiving Day, just be thankful that you have things to be thankful for because everybody ain't that blessed!

If you wanna participate in a day of Blog Thanks, head on over to Mommy Community and join in on this meme or just read what others are thankful for.

Tell It Like it T-I-Z Tuesday

You know, it scares me how badly and quickly our economy seems to be going to crap. I mean, if you watch the news on any day of the week, you are almost guaranteed to hear about the closing down, bankruptcy or laying off of some of our nations top companies. I received an email of a list of places that are shutting down some or all of their stores in the coming months.

Circuit City stores... most recent (? how many)

Ann Taylor- 117 stores nationwide are to be shuttered

Lane Bryant,, Fashion Bug ,and Catherine's to close 150 store nationwide

Eddie Bauer to close stores 27 stores and more after January

Cache will close all stores

Talbots closing down all stores

J. Jill closing all stores

GAP closing 85 stores

Footlocker closing 140 stores more to close after January Wickes Furniture closing down

Levitz closing down remaining stores

Bombay closing remaining stores

Zales closing down 82 stores and 105 after January.

Whitehall closing all stores

Piercing Pagoda closing all stores

Disney closing 98 stores and will close more after January.

Home Depot closing 15 stores 1 in NJ (New Brunswick)

Macys to close 9 stores after January

Linens and Things closing all stores

Movie Galley Closing all stores

Pacific Sunware closing stores

Pep Boys Closing 33 stores

Sprint/ Nextel closing 133 stores

JC Penney closing a number of stores after January

Ethan Allen closing down 12 stores.

Wilson Leather closing down all stores

Sharper Image closing down all stores

K B Toys closing 356 stores

Lowes to close down some stores

Dillard's to close some stores.

I don't know how accurate this is, but I know that some of these closings are true. How does this effect you? Are any of these store place you shop?

The fact is, we are in a recession. It seems to me that the Bush Administration has been in denial of this fact for a long time and chose not to deal with it. They simply put their blinders on and made their main focus THE WAR, sending millions of dollars to Iraq and risking too many of our soldiers coming home to us in boxes. It seems that they forgot that we had to take care of home before we tried to make another take on our ways and beliefs, a country that seemed not to want our help in the first place.

I heard many times where Bush refused to call these tough times our nation has been facing a recession. The fact of the matter is, if he had been taking care of home, we would not be so deep into this mess.

Thousands of people would not be suffering lay-offs. Some of our biggest retail store would not be cutting back to the basic and closing down stores. Grocery Stores would not have to raise prices to cover their own financial costs. And the consumer would not have to suffer, choosing a can of spam over a pack of ground beef.

And while all of these prices are being raised, no one is able to raise pay wages. If people have less money to spend, businesses will continue to go downhill.

It's a scary situation, and if you are not feeling the pinch of the recession yet, believe me, when all of these business start closing, hundreds of thousands more people lose their jobs and money stops flowing through the economy, you'll feel it. And THEN everyone will be more appreciative of Obama's effort to help support the middle class, and not just "bailout" BIG BUSINESSES!



Now it's your turn! You know you have something that you wanna vent about. So go ahead!

TELL IT LIKE IT T-I-Z!

Mommy Fabulous! Feelin' Fabulous.

Today is a day where I just want to smile. Today, not only do I feel good, but I look good. I mean really. I don't like to brag, but today I look pretty darn good! I don't know what it is.

It could be the new Covergirl Wetslicks Fruit Sprizter lip gloss I bought on friday. Like Denene from MBB said, lipgloss just makes you feel good. This one tastes good and it last longer then most of the cheap ones I buy.

It could be the cute little sweatsuit I bought at Cato Fashions last week that I finally decided to wear today. Or the fact that when I tried it on in the store it fit perfectly and when I put it on today it was too big in the crotch area. That could make a girl wanna touch herself! I mean, I know it's a fluke I didn't actually lose weight in a week, but maybe... just maybe..... this treadmill thing is paying off!

On top of that, I put a relaxer in my hair this weekend, ORS Olive Oil Relaxer, and it is so shiny and silky. I tried a new one and got awesome results.

Now I usually don't do this. Don't like posting pictures of myself, but today is a good day! And every now and then, you just have to have a little confidence in yourself and flaunt your beauty! Every now and then you just have to Invest in Yourself and be MOMMY FABULOUS!

Nan one of these companies is paying me a dime. These are my true feeling for these products, not brought on by the thought of receiving compensation. But if any of you PR people read this and would like me to feature or review your productor company, hey! I'm game!

Ready. Set. CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!

We're in count down mode! Many of you probably have already been in Christmas mode for some time, but for me, the Christmas season doesn't start until AFTER I get through Thanksgiving.

Black Friday seem to be the day when everyone flies into the streets for a stressful day of shopping. I love sales and great deals like the rest of you, but I simply cannot see getting out of my bed when it is still dark outside to wait in line for the season's best deals. (although I did have Hubs waiting in the rain for a Wii last year) Call me lazy, but I'd prefer to shop online or go out while on the maniac shoppers are at work and not waiting to run me down for the last Nintendo Wii in the stock room.

This year, I don't have a lot to shop with thanks to the economical down fall. With all the stressing over the last few months over money, it has caused us to have less in out pockets to indulge our children with a Christmas filled with everything their hearts desire. You'd think that this would upset me, but it doesn't..... much.

You see, my kids have a room full of toys and games. And with them already having so much, it makes it hard to know what to get them this year. Last year, between Santa and Grandparent, aunts and uncles, they made out pretty well, getting everything they wanted, plus! This year, I told them to decide on 2 things that they REALLY want and Santa and I will decide from there.

So we sat around the computer and went to Toys'r'Us.com and they searched page after page after page of toys and games. Now of course, Miss Missy couldn't keep her list below 50 toys, but the boys were able to narrow their wants down pretty good.

It seems that Runnin' Man's heart desires wireless PlayStation remotes, an MP3 player, a guitar, a Wii game, a Lego Agents play set and a Falcons Nerf football. But narrowed down to 2 things, he wants the MP3 player and the Nerf football. Sounds doable.

Sir-Talks-A-Lot list is almost identical except he wants an Air Hogs remote control helicopter that shoots. He didn't want to narrow it down to two things because, "Santa is buying it, not you and he doesn't care how much it costs." Hmmmm. Really?

Miss Missy wanted something on every girl page that we went on, and it will be my responsibility to narrow it down for her. She is 4, after all. So right now, her biggest want is Laptop computer, Puppy in My Pocket Toys and a Build-a-Bear.

All in all, they don't have outrageous requests this year. My oldest understands when I say we can't have everything because there's not a lot of money to go around, and I appreciate his for his efforts to keep his requests small. All he really wants, his words, not mine, is to have family around to celebrate with. This is a child that really knows what Christmas is all about.

Awards and Fabulous Finds last Week

Okay first of all, I have been a bad blogger from because it has been about a week and I have not taken the time to thank Dorsey @ Searching for My Inner Skinny for giving me this fabulous reward.

Now if you haven't ready Dorsey's blog, you should go over there and check her out. I like her because she thinks a lot like me. It's nice to come into the Blog World and find that there areally are people out there that are like me (contrary to what Hubs thinks), I am not alone. She is witty and funny and just a good read.


So Thanks Dorsey for taking the time out and reading my mess of a blog and thinking enough of me to award me for it!



And Now I have to pass this along to some deserving bloggers. So here we go in not particular order:

Denene @ My Brown Baby

The Mom Jen @ Cheaper than Therapy

Diaries of a Domestic Goddess

Lynette @ KooKooforCocoaPuffs

Sass @ The Life of Sass

Secondly, here's my list of Fabulous Finds for this week. These are blog post by some wonderful bloggers. These post made me laugh, cry, or think.



Classy Chaos - Not only did she sponsor one of the best giveaways I have seem to date in the post, but the message was a strong one the inspires moms to Invest in themselves from time to time. A great read and a fun blog.

The McMommy Chronicles is one of the funniest bloggers I read. She makes it hard to pick just one post, but this one was pretty good about her husband's flat pillow and so was the one before that.

Mama's Losin' It should be more like Mama's LOST It after seeing this insane video apology to Motrin. She admits to being cracked out, but I think her first drug of choice is Motrin, for her whole family. I follow her faithfully for a daily smile, or gaffaw!

What do you mean it's due today is FUNNY! She is one of those moms who will say almost anything. In this post, she is having a discussion with her kids about Santa and God to the best of her ability.



And last, Comment of the Week Goes to:

Denene Millner@ My Brown Baby :

Sorry to hear that your family isn't going to be at the Thanksgiving table this year, but what a great opportunity for you to do something special just for your family. Try not to look at this as a loss, but a gain to focus on the people who are right there with you... maybe your kids can make a special dessert with you--they'll be grateful for that mommy time and the memories... maybe you can eat by candlelight and serve something totally unexpected and play Stevie Wonder songs and go outside afterward and take a family walk together--gaze at the stars... you realize pretty quickly when you focus on one another that there's a lot to be grateful for...

Investing in Mom

I came across a blog post today that made me think about how important it is for moms to invest in themselves as much as we invest in our children. OhMommy at Classy Chaos is having an awesome giveaway that I really could use. She is giving away some awesome boots. They are the $220 "Sexy snowbunny" boots from YOU by crocs. If you can use a pair, get over there and leave a comment. I'm getting these babies, but you can try!

I'm one of those moms that had children and seemed to have lost myself somewhere during the way. I'm one of those moms that I always hated. You know the ones that were skinny and cute, well-dressed and always groomed BEFORE they had kids. almost 9 years after becoming a mom, I look in the mirror and ask myself, who is this chick?

I never wanted to be one of those frumpy looking women that wear t-shirts or jeans and sweat pants all the time. And I'm really not, at heart anyway. But it seems the older the kids get, the more they need, and the less there is for me.

Less time. Less money. Less everything.

I'm not one of those glamorous moms that I sometimes secretly envy who seem to have it all together. You know the ones that ALWAYS have their hair done. ALWAYS have their makeup flawless and ALWAYS dress like they were cut out of a Vanity Fair magazine.

In fact, I've lost that "glamorous" side of myself that I so know is somewhere in there.

As a mom, I wear sneakers more often than I care to admit, simply because they are way more comfortable than those heals in my closet. I so want to be able to wear a nice pair of skinny jeans and a slammin' pair of stilettos. I so wanna find that glamorous inner me!

But in order for this to happen, I have to first start investing in myself. Taking time for me. I've started this road to self improvement. Working out, getting on my treadmill as many times a week as I can. Doing crunches to get rid of this muffin top. Eating less.

I force myself to go to store, mainly Cato, to try on clothes and face my fears. I think they have a trick mirror in there because I really never knew I looked like such a cow until I tried on some clothes in there dressing room. I don't seem to look that bad in my own mirror at home.

And I plan on buying something for me every now and then. Something that will make me feel pretty.

(or at least prettier ;-) )

Investing in yourself is important. Doing things that make you feel good. Every mom needs that special something that gives them a pick me up. Some just for them. Invest in yourself and everyone your entire family is sure to benefit.

A small Thanksgiving instead....

It's another day and another day to get my butt on my treadmill. Okay, so yeah, I'm sitting here blogging, which make it you guys' fault if I don't get my workout on.

I was planning on having a nice large family Thanksgiving this year, but it seems that it's all falling in the tiolet. It doesn't look like it'll be that great because NO ONE IS COMING! I invited the in-laws. They haven't ever been to my house for a holiday and I was hoping that I could finally get them together with some of my family.

We've been married 10 years and our families have never even met. Sad, huh? Well that's a story for another day.

So I wanted to get us all together for Thanksgiving. My family if now spread out, so I knew everyone wouldn't make it.

My mom is in Connecticut and my sister is in AIT (Aiforce training) in Mississippi. Well, my sister was trying to get here, but couldn't get a cheap ticket on short notice. Mom has to work the day after and simply couldn't make it.

Then my Aunt, who helps me cook at all of our family event, decided she didn't want to come. For lots of reason, but none good enough to bail out on family.

My dad is debating on going to Michigan to see his mom, and the in-laws have yet to decide if they all want to make a 4 hour drive. Understandable.

So, from what it looks like, it will be just us and maybe my brother who will drive from Savannah. That's fine and dandy I guess. I won't have to cook as much. The kids will be disappointed because they were looking forward to having a holiday with a lot of family like they see in the movies. Maybe next year I'll just plan to visit family instead of having people come visit me. At least then I won't have to worry about clean up!

Tell It Like It T-I-Z Tuesday

OMG it's Tuesday! I forgot what today is!

Tell It Like It T-I-Z Tuesday!

Well, last week I had nothing to say. I was trying to stay away from the whole new president thing because people were sick of hearing about it, so I couldn't find anything else good to talk about.

Today, I see that a hot topic in the news, even after two weeks, is Proclamation 8.

Hmmm. A bit of a touchy subject. I know that I may get a little heat for this, but I have very mixed feelings on this issue.

I always Always ALWAYS say "to each his own" when it comes to the whole gay thing. I mean I have to look at the fact that if one of my children comfronted me with this, I would love them regardless of their choice. I probably wouldn't like it, but I love have my children unconditionally and will support them till the end.

My mixed feeling come in saying whether or not gays should be allow to marry. Should marriage really be between a man and a woman? I'm sorry, Ellen, I'm not all the way sold on the gay marriage thing. But I'm not a total NO either. I see the points of both sides. I know that gays want equality. I guess that the only problem for me is, although I'm not a die-hard christain type person (Still seaching for a good church), I do believe in the bible. According to this book that we have taught from for way to many years to count, marriage and sacred and she be between a man and a woman. It's kinda hard to let that part of it go.

I do understand the movement of this, but I don't think that it can be compared to the Civil Rights movement of the 60's as it has been compared to in the news lately. NOT AT ALL!

I don't think it will be long before congress makes some changes to this in the favor of the gay community. I think that like the black movement, it will take time for America to fully except the gay community. I think that some changes are deserved. And if nothing else was learn from Novemeber 4th, we have learned that America is growing up and accepting things that were hard for her to accept in the past. Proclamation 8 was a set back, but anything worth having is worth fighting for. So although I may not be totally sold on gay marriages, who's to say I won't feel differently in the future? And though I'm not all for it, I'm glad to see that there are those that are willing to fight.

Now it's your turn to
TELL IT LIKE IT T-I-Z!

For the good wishes and another workout resolution

Thanks to everyone for all of the well wishes for me and Sir-PUKES-A-Lot. It seems that we are both better. He is back in school and eating his little heart out and I was on my treadmill this morning doing the best workout I've done to date.

I was determine to work it out today after my "ex-fat friend" offered me her fat girl jeans that she can't fit anymore. Yeah that kinda hurt my feelings. The girl has been workin' it out and has lost about 60lbs this year, so I don't knock her for that. She looks damn good! But dammit just because she got me by a pants size don't mean I want it thrown in my face that I'm still FAT! LOL!

So I'm working it out, because sitting around here in my own pity party feeling sorry for myself ain't making the pounds fall off! Especially when my pity party involves the kids Halloween candy!

So it's ON! I have gotta get rid of thirty pounds! I know that this is the wrong time of year to be tryin' to get rid of the excess. I know that I'm gonna be piggin' out on turkey, ham and dressing in a few days and I know I have these great neighbors that LOVE to bake all these goodies and love to share their sweet tasting goodness with the rest of the neighbors. I know I can't resist. But at least if I continue to work it out in the fashion I did today I at least won't gain anymore while I savor the wonderful foods of the holidays, right? (that's my logic and I'm stickin' to it!)Then after all of these self sabotaging holidays are gone, I can work on actual weight loss. Does that sound like it makes sense?

So, who's with me? Who wants to help me and encourage me to get off my fat butt, get off the computer and WORK IT OUT???

Kiddie Hang Over!

So the Hubs is home! Whoo Hoo! Okay, so I didn't tell you that the Hubs was gone for 2 week TDY (temporary duty) to Texas. Ft. Bliss. El Paso. The desert. But I didn't mention it because... well... I don't know ya'll! I didn't want any psychos showing up at my door because they knew I was by myself. You know, since my blog is so popular and all I might have a couple of stalkers out there! (.... and all readers roll there eyes ....)

So anyway, he's back. And that's part of the reason that I've been MIA in blogland. I would say that he and I have been in blissful heaven making up for time loss, but instead, I've been suffering for a terrible cold. All the bells and whistles. Coughing all night. Sneezing all day. The excessive build up and constant hackin up of mucus. Like you really wanted to hear about that. Yeah I had it all. And poor Hubs has been left out in the cold while I try to nurture myself back to health.

On top of all that, my monthly visitor has arrived. What else can go wrong, so you ask?

Well, PTO had a Family Movie Night at the school on Friday and guess who was in charge? None other than me! So I had to drug myself and get to the school to make sure that everything was getting taken care of like the awesome coordinator that I am.

Well the night went fine, other that a few sound issues. The kids had a ball. Sir-Talks-A-Lot took advantage of the fact that I wasn't paying a lot of attention to my kids while I was working and I think he must have eaten some of everything we had available for sell. You name it, he ate it! Pizza, popcorn, nachos, cotton candy, coke and candy.

Well needless to say, by the time we got home, someone had a tummy ache. I think I had a preview of what he is going to be like the first time he comes home with a hang over! The boy passed out on the floor of his bedroom at the door way. Couldn't even make it to his bed. About an hour later(yes I left him on the floor), Sir-Talks-A-Lot comes to me covered in puke. Okay, remember the list of junk food? NICE! It was quite disgusting. And by this time, my meds had worn off and I'm back to sneezing and coughing like crazy trying to get this horrible mess out of the carpet while Hubs is asleep on the couch. He's usually no help when it comes to cleaning up puke. He tends to make himself disappear when the kids get sick. A frikkin' Houdini!

After a shower, apparently since I wasn't done cleaning in his room, Sir-Talks-A-Lot decides in his drunken stooper that he should go into the other room and pass out on THAT floor. BUTT NAKED! If I wasn't so frustrated, I woulda had an awesome picture to post! So I wake him and it's right back to the bathroom for another hurl!

After some Pepto, he slept through the night.

So I got a glimpse of what it's gonna be like for him in the future, on one of those crazy college nights (after his 21st birthday, of course) when he has partied WAY too hard.

All I can do is shake my head and pray!

Not a Domestic Diva!

For those of you that know me, you know that I'm not the domestic type. I mean, yeah I clean and I cook for my family. But I don't think I'd know where to start to get a room spotless. It pains me a little because I like to say that I have kids and that keeping a clean house isn't possible. Then I have a few friends who show me up on that.

You know them. The ones who would can visit at a moment's notice and there is NOTHING thrown on the floor or no dishes in the sink. I mean some of these chick literally have floors you can eat off of. I mean, you could even eat off of their bathroom floors! Eww! Gross I know. Not quite THAT clean, but you get my drift. I have a few friends like that. And I remember after visiting each and every one of them for the first time, I went home and cleaned my own house. That's the effect it had on me. I went and saw how everything in their houses was spotless and everything seemed to be in place, despite the fact that kids and toddlers were running around and I went home and thought, I can do that!



Yeah, that's not my house. I have one of those "Call before you come by" homes or you might have to stand on the porch and talk. When you walk into my door you are sure to be greeted my a minimum for 5 pairs of disheveled shoes and depending what time of the day it is, an unpacked backpack and a few lunchboxes too. There is always something on my kitchen counter and always something in the sink waiting to be placed in the dishwasher.

You'll be lucky if I let you use my bathroom, because, well, it's the boy's bathroom, not a guest bathroom and WHO knows what you might find lurking in there!

And the pillows that are supposed to be on the couch just seems to "fall" off . Nobody every knows how they got there.



So you see, I could NEVER be called a Domestic Goddess, Queen, or Diva because frankly, cleaning just ain't my thang!



And when my cleaning lady comes off vacation, maybe all of this will change, but until then, CALL BEFORE YOU COME BY or don't be surprised by what you might see!

Diva Ma's Letter to Santa

Okay, my kids get to write their letters to Santa about all the far fetched things they want for Christmas so I figured why can't I? Kids get so much these days while the parents tend to go without to make sure they are happy. I don't ask for much, but today is my turn to put on the table the things that I want for Christmas!

If you'd like to join in, post your Letter to Santa and come back here and get hooked up with Mr. Linky.


Dear Santa,

Yep it's me. I know you haven't heard from me in about 19 or so years. It probably hasn't been that long. I can't remember exactly when I started feeding into all stories about you NOT being real, but I think I might have been about 11 or 12.

Anyway, boy have the years gone by. Now you're getting letters from my little ones and getting their list of demands. Man, Santa. Were my lists as bad as the kids these days? I mean, the things they want are way too expensive! How the heck are we supposed to keep up with these darn prices, keep food on the table and still make sure they have a happy Christmas? Even you have to have funds to keep the lights on at the north pole!

Okay, well this letter ain't really about them. Nope it's about me. Yeah, I know that I sound selfish, but mommy deserves something every now and then too, dammit! (don't put me on the naughty list for that one) I always go without things so that they can have what they need and want.

So I've come up with a little list of things that I want for Christmas this year. And if you can fit it in that magical bag of goodies you got on that flyin' sleigh then I might just have to give you some of my cookies on Christmas Eve.

First and foremost, I want a Digital Camera. See, mine is Kaput! Finished! DEAD! I'm so disappointed because it died right as we were coming into the football season and this was the boys first year playing. Well the cellphone I have has NO zone to it and doesn't catch pictures in motion for squat! So I didn't get any pics of them on the field.

Then here was Halloween. You try getting 3 kids to stand perfectly still, after a sugar-fest-party at school, mind you, just-until-the-light-flashes-on-the-front-of-mommy's-phone-because-if-you-move-even-a-little-the-whole-picture-will-be-blurry.
So yes a new Digital Camera. Not just any cam either. Unless that's all you can afford fit into your sleigh, of course because beggers can't be choosers!

Another thing I would like (although I really really want a camera) is an ipod. I know I have one in my possession right now, but you know as well as I do, it's not mine and that as soon as my dad can make his way to visit, he's going to take it back. You know he's always been an indian-giver like tha. And even though he did say he would probably want it back, I kinda have been hoping he would forget. But since he hasn't and keeps talking about this one, do you think you can bring me a new one on Christmas? It doesn't even have to be one of those new ones (though they are uber nice!) but honestly I feel like the only way I can get on that treadmill and keep up a stride for more than 5 minutes is with the music in my ears. So really, it's a health thing with me. You do want me to stay healthy, right?

Okay, and this last one is a stretch, but you've performed miracles, right? I mean, look what you did for that little girl on Miracle on 34th Street. The new one and the old one. And I'm not even asking for nothing that big, although, right about now, it's just as far fetched. Okay, here goes. I want a laptop. Yep a laptop. Okay here's my reasoning behind it. See, my computer moves so freakin' slow and even freezes on me a lot. There's not enough memory on this thing. I can't even download a game without it overloading the virtual memory. Now, I have been planning on starting classes soon and a sucky computer will make it soooooo hard to write papers and complete assignments, you know. And how can I trust this thing with all my kids photos? I mean, it's not a bad computer. Probably just needs a few upgrades, but I want my OWN computer. A laptop. So that I can do the things I need to do, and maybe even start writing again. You remember that dream I had of writing a book, don't you?

Okay, so there you have it. My very selfish, grown up letter to Santa. About the things I want. I feel wrong for asking. I didn't even mention what the kids might want. But hey, you and me go WAY back. You understand, don't you? Sometimes, even MOMS have a wish list!

Thanks for all the great years.

Doing my best to be good,

Kay

You stuck a WHAT in your nose????

Yesterday I spent 3 hours in the doctors office. Do you know why? Miss Missy decided it would be a great idea to stick a watch battery up her nose. A watch battery? Are you kidding me?

Here's how it went. I'm on the computer reading blogs, of course, and she's sitting behind me watching Chicken Little sniffing a lot. Since I'm coming down with a cold, I figured that she was starting to get the sniffles.

"Are you okay, Miss Missy. Is your nose running?"

"Noooo," she answers in a sad, whiny voice."

Her eyes are watery a little so I tell her to come sit on my lap and cuddle her a little saying "Awwwww, my baby's getting sick!"

Right then she starts to cry. After asking her what's wrong about 3 or 4 times, she finally says that she has something in her nose. I look and see what I think must be a bead and calmly tell her that it's okay and we are going to go let the doctor get it out.

"What did you put in there?"

"I don't know."

So I call her doctor for an immediate appointment and get her shoes on to go.

"What did you put in there?" I ask again.

"It was one of those silver things."

"Do you have another one?"

She runs off and comes back with a watch battery!

I panic a little. I mean what is a watch battery going to do to her? I watch House. Could that thing break and get acid in her system and she start displaying some sorta odd symptoms like exploding eye vessels or something?!?! Overreacting I know, I know.

So I rushed her to her doctor and waited about an hour and a half to be seen. Meanwhile, she is playing around the office like nothings wrong with her.

I don't see the battery anymore so I figure it has gone farther back or right down her throat.

When the doctor finally sees her, he doesn't see anything and we conclude that it must have gone back and she swallowed it. He says it'll pass but if she starts getting a stomach ache bring her back immediately.

So through all this, I have to say that she is my only child that has EVER gotten something stuck up her nose. And do you know WHY she said she did it?

Miss Missy: Well, on iCarly (Nick TV show, for all that aren't familiar), Carly and Sam put blueberries in their nose.

Hmmmm.

Anywho! I think she's over the whole nose thing. Between every nurse in the office, the doctor, my dad, her dad and myself, she has heard about a hundred times that you shouldn't stick anything in your nose and to NEVER EVER EVER do it again!

Wordless Wednesday? HA! Too much to shout about!

Okay, if you thought I as going to let this day go by and I simply post a picture, HA! Are you serious? No matter how powerful my Wordless Wednesday may have been to some, it really didn't say enough and you all know that I HAVE to voice my opinion.



First off:

WHOOOOOOOOOOO TO THE FRIGGIN' HOOOOOOOOOOO

Guys, even at almost 11 o'clock tonight, 24 hours after it was announced, I still have not come down off my mountain. Yesterday I was too anxious to sit and last night my feet wouldn't stop dancing!

Do you realize what we did? It's not just about electing our first Black President. Do you see how we brought our country together, how we all got out there and FINALLY exercised our right................ ummm no.... we exercised our RESPONSIBILITY in record numbers, finally realizing that one vote DOES matter and that one person can make a difference?

We are a great nation!

I am rejoicing because this historical event sends emotion up and down my spine and through my heart.

I am rejoicing because FINALLY there is going to be somebody up there that is thinking about what is happening with "real" Joe the Plumbers, the ones that make under $250K a year and someone with an eye for solving economical issues, rather than someone with a sticky trigger finger. Someone who is fair.

I am rejoicing as I watch others rejoice. Others that live miles and miles over the ocean from us are excited for what is occurring here in the great U.S of A.


So you see, he is not only seen as our HOPE, but as HOPE for all of the world!

Obama ran his candidacy on the promise of change. And on today, without even stepping foot in the White House, it seems that he has already made that happen!

Wordless Wednesday: Change

Congratulations Mr. President!

Tell It Like It T-I-Z Tuesday

Tell It Like It TIZ Tuesday

This is where I pick absolutely any topic and voice my opinion, no matter what it may be. I'll be talking about anything from fashion to politics. What ever float my fancy on Tuesday. Some people might really be interested in my opinion, others won't. It's okay. Everybody can't be swimming in my world of fabulocity!

And NOW! I'd like you guys to join in with me. Melissa @ Life with 3 Boys & a Little Lady thought that some of you might wanna take a day to Tell It Like It T-I-Z too. So I'm installing my first Mr. Linky for all you to join. All you have to do is go to your blog, TELL IT LIKE IT IS and come back here and use Mr. Linky to get set.

I can't wait to read what you guys have to TELL IT LIKE IT T-I-Z about!

***************************************************************

Separating Religion and Politics

So I went to church today. For me that's an accomplishment. This is my 3rd Sunday in a row attending this church (enter cheering sound effects here). Yes I know it is pitiful and bad of me, but I've been in the process of searching for a church for a while to no avail. Okay, yes, I may have too many stipulations.



First, it has to have a great children's program. If the kids don't want to go, neither do I.

Second, it should be close to home. I don't like driving too far. Gas prices fluctuate way to much to have to drive The Gator too far.

Third, service should not last more than 2 hours. Preferable less. I tend to get tired if it last too much longer than that. I will not attend anymore churches that last 3.5 hours.

Fourth, the Pastor has to have meaningful things to say and has to be a true man or woman of god. Must be a teacher and a leader.

Fifth, I'd prefer a non denominational church. I tend to enjoy these more because they spend less time talking about religion and more time on the Word.

And a slammin' music ministry wouldn't hurt, but that's not a major thing. I'm willing to just enjoy my kinda music in the car before I get to church.



Okay, well in my search, I found this church and I figured that it fulfilled most of my wants. Music not really up my alley considering that it is a "all white church", and lets face it, we just have different kinds of music. But the church was comfortable, the people are great and the pastor really seemed get to you, you know?

WELL, that was until today. My 3rd Sunday visit. The sermon where he told the congregation who to vote for. Well, he had said the week before that he was going to preach on "who God wants you to vote for". I have to say, this peeked my interest a bit which is a BIG reason I went to service this morning. I mean, is he really going to tell his listeners who they should vote for? Is that not crossing the lines a little? Is that not a little controversial?


He talked about choosing your candidate for Jesus and not for yourself. Base your decisions on Character, Conviction, Compassion, Courage.

- You should not choose someone for lower taxes and gas prices.
- Look at who the candidate associates with.
- Choose someone who is courageous.
- Don't choose someone who is for abortion or teen pregnancy prevention methods.
- And I think that the thing that really got me was when he said to choose someone who has compassion, but not someone who is talking about giving people welfare and the opportunity to "sit back and live off the government".

Hmm, so who do you think this Pastor is voting for?

A church has a huge impact on the way it's members think and the choices they make. I want to know is there a place for politics in the church? Should the pastor try to persuade people to vote for their political party choice?

And for the record, I'm in a personal bout with myself as to whether I'll go back next week. I mean seriously I was a bit perturbed, as my mom always says. I mean, here I am already sticking out like a sore thumb being one out of 3 African Americans in the room. This sermon made me feel even more out of place. I felt it was a sneaky way to bash Obama and guide church members to vote for (his words)"who God would chose for President." What do you guys think?

Mommy needs a day

Mommy needs a day off.
But is there really such a thing?
Cause if mommy takes a day off,
Nobody does a thing!



If mommy takes a day off
her cell would constantly ring.
Mommy are you going to check my homework?
Honey, when are you coming?



Mommy wants to take a break
A day out on her own.
A day where she can shop or read or spa.
A day to call her own.



Mommy could take ONE day to herself
To relax, maybe have a drink
That's seems to not be much to ask.
At least so you would think.



Mommy where did you put my socks?
Honey, are these dishes clean?
Honey, the baby needs a change.
Mommy, he's being mean!



Just one day off to get some air.
Just one day out alone.
Just one day off. Is that not fair?
Just one day off....... without my cellphone!

Through the eyes of a four year old

As I was typing my last post entitled "It's Halloween, People!", I got to the part where I was talking about Charlie Brown and the true meaning of Christmas, and I started saying, outloud mind you:

Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about???"

Okay, for those of you that are true Charlie Brown fans, you immediately know that I was reciting the part of the movie when Charlie Brown got frustrated with his "christmas play cast" because they weren't displaying the meaning of christmas in their play.

For those of you that don't know where I'm coming from, here's Linus's speech.

So, Miss Missy, who is playing quietly on the floor comes behind me and says:

Mommy, I can tell you what Christmas is about. Christmas is about you get toys that you want and you ask Santa Claus for what you want.

(you get what she was trying to say, right?)

So there you have it. The meaning of Christmas through the eyes of a four year old. Well, at least, my four year old. Hmmm. I guess I should have corrected her, huh?