Christmas reflections and fun days

On Christmas Eve, I think I was more excited than the children. I really liked the gifts I had chosen for them and was happy I was able to get several of the things they wanted. Then there was the excitement I felt about the few surprises for my oldest daughter who I have a hard time surprising ‘cause I either let the cat out of the bag or she already knows for whatever reason.

But as I was placing the gifts under the tree I had a moment of trepidation. There weren’t as many gifts as the children had last year – would they be disappointed? I had already explained to them that if they wanted bigger (more expensive) items – like the Wii I got for all of us – then the number of gifts would reduce. I immediately pushed my doubts aside realizing I had done my best and was at least able to get them presents. There are many people who don’t have the ability or resources to purchase gifts. I also remember last year’s Christmas blessings (and even other years) when things were so tight that I wasn’t able to do much on my own and if it hadn’t been for others’ selflessness we wouldn’t have had anything at all.

Although my children are happy with the gifts they received two of them have said they don’t think they received enough for Christmas. When my 8 year old said that I explained to him why it was enough and told him the true meaning of Christmas. Once I finished talking he said, “I think you’re right. We do have enough.” Wow, he got it, I thought.

Now, my 4 year old isn’t quite as convinced and I know it’ll be an ongoing lesson I’ll have to continue to teach my three young children. Not to compare, but it seems as if my oldest daughter picked that lesson up very quickly when she was their age.  {Shrug}

Also, on Christmas Day, my brother, sister-in-law, nephew and my best friend – who is Amber’s godfather – came for Christmas dinner. I am normally a little anxious and stressed out about having guests, but I stayed relaxed and expected a nice evening. And it sure was. I love spending time with my family who I don’t get to see very often. Amber rocked the dinner – she is such an excellent cook – and we all raved about her mac and cheese, chicken, cookies, cake, greens, mashed potatoes, dressing and cornbread. I’ll just confess now, I only had one assignment: to make the juice, and do you know that I forgot about it? Amber had to remind me right before everyone came. What can I say? I’ve passed the baton to someone who enjoys cooking and is really good at it. (Yes, she cooks from scratch.)

So it was a relaxing and fun time with family and friends. On Monday the children left in the early afternoon to hang out with their dad and enjoy more holiday fun. That left Amber and I to relax on the couch and besides one brief outing that’s where we stayed. We watched movies, played Wii (great exercise!), talked, etc. I really love hanging out with her.

The children returned home early yesterday, but there was much of the same…. chilling, very little work, throwing in a load of laundry and watching movies. Spending the children’s Christmas vacation just playing and relaxing is a great change of pace. In addition to our regular family stuff, we saw Phineas and Ferb Live, went to my nephew’s graduation and enjoyed eating at Ruby Tuesday’s thanks to a gift card from my mom.

They even spent four days at their sister’s apartment. She took them to the park, let them play outside, made cookies and whatever else big sisters do with their siblings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spending time like this, and knowing the children are having fun, makes one realize it’s the little things that can facilitate happiness. For me, I love spending time reading alone (in quiet!), playing games with the kids (can be hectic and annoying!) and chilling. Are there are things I’d like to do: probably. But I’m going happy with what I’ve been able to do. What about you?     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What did you like best about this holiday season? Tell me your thoughts, your ups, your downs and even your in betweens. Happy Holidays.

Gray fascination

It’s an ongoing topic, I know, but I just can’t stop talking about my hair. I’m either having a love/hate relationship with it, changing my hairstyle, growing it out, braiding it up or any and everything in between.

This time I’m amazed by my gray hairs. They have grown quite a bit since I told you about them before and I think they’re so cool. Now, haters (LOL!), if you have more gray hair than I do don’t leave naughty, little comments of disdained ‘cause your hair is sprinkled with more salt than pepper. I am really chuckling now. Just let me enjoy my moment of fascination.

I’ve had the same gray hairs with the same length for quite some time and over the past few months I’ve watched them grow. I don’t mind if they show a little in the front when I style my hair, although I’m not sure how long I’ll feel like that.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can see about six hairs here and there is another one that sprouts from the center/top of my head. It wouldn’t show itself when I was taking pictures – it must be shy – but it’s there somewhere. I’m not sure about the back; my oldest daughter said she thinks there’s a small one back there somewhere.

I think they’re looking well; don’t you? I think so because my younger children haven’t noticed yet. As soon as they start pointing them out then I think it’ll be time to do something about it.

How are you feeling about your gray hair?

Don’t miss Lauren Klein Jewelry promotions

 

I have admitted to you before that I have an addiction to women’s jewelry. In addition to trolling the Internet for deals and crafting some of my own pieces, I’ve found several sites that have become my favorites because of the gorgeous pieces, fabulous deals and awesome promotions.

Right now there is a Lauren Klein Jewelry promotion where if you show off a piece, on the Lauren Klein Facebook wall then you can get 15 percent off your next purchase. It’s the perfect promo because not only do you get a chance to talk about jewelry, but you get a great deal to use for yourself or to buy something for someone else. You’ll get your code emailed to you once your picture is posted. While you’re there “like” Lauren Klein and receive 15 percent off your entire order. And, if you’re a FB fan, you can get a special 20 percent coupon code for all kids’ jewelry by Lauren G. Adams.

Touch a little girl’s heart with this
Pink Enamel Silver Heart Charm Ring
by Lauren G. Adams

My brain’s Christmas vacation

As a work-from-home mom, I always love holiday breaks ‘cause I don’t have to get up and rush around from early morning ‘til late night taking care of little people. Yes, it’s difficult to get work accomplished, but I like the freedom of my days and the freedom of my brain.

I haven’t written many personal posts because my brain automatically takes a break when the vacations roll around. It’s as if I go into immediate vacation/relax mode and I can’t come up with any creative, entertaining or fact-filled posts about what my children are up to. So as Christmas draws closer, this year ends and another begins I’ll be mostly chilling and relaxing. I’m happy to have the special time with my children and even more time to myself as my little ones spend time with their big sister and visit their father.

This weekend I’ll enjoy watching them play with their gifts and try to relish in each wonderful moment despite the noise that I know will overtake my eardrums. The noisy toys, the loud talking, the rambunctious laughter… but it’s the pure joy that I’ll focus on. While I do that my brain will be gearing up for another year of writing as I make my New Year commitment to meet some personal writing goals.

How’s your regular posting going? Are you taking a vacation or plugging away?

Make money online with your own site

A lot of people realize their everyday jobs are not enough to sustain the type of lifestyle they want, meet the goals they have or take care of their responsibilities. That is why they look for alternative means to make money.

Many individuals want to take their contractual and/or freelance businesses and services online, but they don’t know how to go about it. There are some good resources, which teach how to make money online by creating quality websites. The benefits of having your own site are numerous, let’s review a few:

1. You will reach a wider audience: Whether you sell a product or offer a service you can offer it worldwide. Not only will you reach your local and national audience, but there is the opportunity to interact with international customers.
2. It is easy to keep up to date: When you print brochures or catalogs you incur a specific cost per item, don’t reach the maximum number of people you can, and if you don’t use all of your material you haven’t maximized your advertising dollars. With a website you’re able to quickly and easily update it to match your inventory, announce deals and savings as well as connect with your customers through email newsletters and social media.
3. Twenty-four hour access: Your customers and clients, especially if they’re international or across the country, will need to access your information at varying times of the day. With an online presence – as in a website – you’ll be able to easily meet their needs and stay in touch.

With so many variables in life it is a good idea to consider and implement alternate ways to make money; building your own website and making money online is definitely a viable option. Do you have a product or service you offer online? What are your tips for making money online?

Schools’ holiday fun

Each year there is a flurry of activity as my children get more excited about holidays and their schools plan parties and programs. All of the activity means more mommy time; however, it also means more “awww, aren’t they cute” time. In the spirit of the holidays, I’m sharing some pictures of my little sweethearts. Please forgive the picture quality; they’re from my good ole cell.

The second graders, including my son Andre, sang Christmas carols after the PTA meeting. It was the first time my son looked into the audience, smiled and participated. He used to be one of the shy ones lurking in the background with his lips barely moving and his head down, too shy to look up. Now he’s such a big boy… I wish I had my camera and could find my memory card.

Then, the same week, we all went to Anna’s school to see her class sing during the parenting meeting.

This is Anna’s friend (on the left) who came to her brother’s birthday party in October. She’s one of the cutest, sweetest and most polite little girls. Anna is holding a purple maraca …

 

 

 

Anna was very subdued – and tired! – while performing, but she was still so cute. I was really proud of her for standing in front of everyone and participating; even if it was just a little. :-)

 

 

 

 

 

     Amareah and Andre really enjoyed watching their sister and her class. They even sang along and danced.

 

 

 

 

Yesterday was the last of the holiday fun at Anna’s school, at least for the parents, and I’m glad a break is just around the corner. What holiday and school-related activities have been going on with your children?

Sprint 3-Day Sale ends 12/14

This post brought to you by Sprint. All opinions are 100% mine.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and the deals are in abundance. For a limited time, Sprint is having great holiday deals on Android™ powered EVO 4G or EVO™ Shift devices. Plus, you can get a waived activation fee for new lines of service and free shipping from Sprint. This three-day sale ends on December 14th so you better act quickly to get your Android™ powered EVO 4G devices.

How excited would your loved one be to look under their tree on Christmas morning and find the Android™ powered EVO 4G? With this phone, which has a large 4.3-inch screen, you’ll be able to clearly see what you’re capturing with the awesome dual cameras. This device has 32GB MicroSD card slot and web speeds so fast they’ll pop up before you can finish blinking. It is way more than a phone – you’ll have your hands on a Mobile Hotspot for up to eight Wi-Fi devices. And it’s your personal portable high definition media center. This top-quality mobile device features the Android™ 2.3, which is the award-winning HTC Sense™ experience. And don’t worry about staying connected because it uses the Lithium-ion battery that’ll give you up to six hours of continuous talk time.

With technology like this, talking on the phone just became an entirely new and fun experience.

 

Why they’re called twins

There are 15 months between my two middle children, Andre and Amareah, but that doesn’t keep a lot of people from asking if they’re twins. In fact, every once in awhile I beckon them by saying, “Twins!”

Them now… They like to have “slumber parties.” That’s his hand on her face!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is them about three years ago… I don’t think either of them noticed me taking their picture. I used to love dressing them in similar outfits. Aren’t they cute in their track suits?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buckled in for a long ride. This was in 2006…

  Funny how they leaned toward each other…

Oh my goodness, they were the cutest little people. Well, they still are cute, but not baby cute anymore. :-)

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do you think, can they pass for twins? Do you have children close in age that look a lot alike?

A new place to shop

Over the years I’ve developed obsessions with jewelry and deals, among other things. Now, if you combine the two – jewelry for a great deal – then it will take a supernatural act (or a low bank account) to keep me from making a purchase. One of my most recent purchases that I absolutely love is my MORELLATO Ladies Diamond Ring Designed in Metallic Base Metal. I really like it because I think it’s unique and because reminds me of charm bracelets, which I love.

I bought the ring from Modnique.com, and it’s the first time I’ve made a purchase there. While I was scanning the deals one day I saw the ring and had to have it. It was priced at $25, but I had a store credit for $5 (first-time buyer credit, I believe).

Although the ring looked nice online I was not expecting it to be as top quality as it was. Obviously, I’m not familiar with the brand because it appears to be very high end. The ring itself is very heavy and has the brand name engraved on the outside of the band and it arrived in a gorgeous Morellato box with the tag firmly attached to the ring.

The pictures below and left, which I took with my cell phone, do not do the ring justice. I had to use the phone because I can’t find the memory card to my camera! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wear this ring almost daily along with a charm bracelet I made… I think they compliment each other extremely well. If you’d like to checkout Modnique, please click the link as it is my referral link. I’d love to get a little reward if you make a purchase, and you’ll love to get some great deals on high-end goods. Take a look and let me know what you think.

You can read more about my jewelry obsession when you get a chance. And, if you’d like to get me a gift may I suggest jewelry. :-)

Disclosure: This IS NOT a paid post. Just a little about my love of all things bling.

My sweet grandmother

Everyone who visits my blog knows that I talk about my children quite a bit. You don’t often hear me mention other family members – that’s mostly because I don’t have permission. In fact, my mother has specifically requested that she not be included in any posts or anything on the Internet. No pictures, no references, no nothing.

Although I may not agree, I do respect her privacy and choices. As a matter of fact, when I began blogging I asked my oldest daughter Amber if it was okay to talk about her. It was after I had already started doing it (LOL), but had she been opposed I wouldn’t have continued. I also asked her permission for using her as the subject of my blog posts in Parent’s Perspective on Campus Talk Blog.

Today, I just couldn’t resist telling you about my sweet grandmother. My mom’s mother is the only grandparent I have left and I had a chance to talk to her today. She is 92 years old and she is the sweetest person I know. She’s vibrant, beautiful and touches my heart each times she thinks of me and the children by either asking my mother about us or sending us presents in the mail. I called her because when I checked the mail today I found three boxes she had sent; inside are Christmas  presents for the children.

That she took the time to have my aunt send the children some gifts is so thoughtful and sweet. We should be sending her gifts! Although I can’t include any pictures, won’t tell you her name or give you a lot of details it’s an honor to share about my grandmother… the sweetest mom mom I know!

Writing around the web

It was about 1975 when I realized how much I enjoy writing. I like telling stories, relaying facts, entertaining and encouraging through the written word. I even prefer communicating via writing… yes, for the most part, I would rather text than talk on the phone.

My love of writing is what fueled me to begin blogging. (Long after my stints in print journalism – both newspaper and magazine.) In fact, many of you probably don’t know that my first blog is one called Single & Celibate. I stopped updating it quite a few years ago because I became a little bored and I got married. :-) Although, at the time, I still believed in being single and celibate my fire behind it dimmed a little. I still leave it out there because every once in awhile there will be a comment left by someone searching the web for information, confirmation or encouragement about being single and celibate.

Since I’ve begun writing web content, I’ve had a few things posted around the web and currently contribute to a couple of sites. Two of my favorites, which I currently contribute to on an infrequent basis, are Black Love Forum and Campus Talk Blog.

BLF is influential in the movement to restore healthy relationships in the black community, and they’re dedicated to being an agent of change through their website and online community, events and discussions as well as education and coaching. For me, it has given me the opportunity to meet a group of people who have the goal of better understanding and healing our relationships as well as presenting much-needed perspectives on a wide range of topics relevant to successful relationships.

On BLF my most recent post is How to Survive the (failed) Grocery Store Hookup. Although it could have been a vent about why some dude didn’t give me the time a day, it is a humorous account of that encounter. On CTB, I write Parent’s Perspective as the first-time college mom where I write about issues that first-time college parents deal with. Everything from saying good-bye to your student and “friending” them on Facebook to community service, disabled students and moving. 

One of the things I like about writing web content is the myriad of things I get to write about including a health essay at HealthyWomen.org and some erotica on a site that I’m not gonna tell you about. Yea, I have to have some secrets.

My love of writing continues and it’s my pleasure to share it with you. The ability to write is a gift and it’s made even better by the extreme love I have doing it.

Get a quote for windshield replacement

One of the best things about the Internet is being able to quickly find a reputable company that can handle the service you need. And when you find that company their website should contain complete information about their services including prices and experience as well as be easy to navigate. Windshield Replacement Phoenix has a site that meets those standards.

With a neat and visually-appealing layout, the site provides contact information in large letters at the top of the home page and not buried at the bottom or on another page like many companies have done. It also has the deals in a visible location as well as an additional link to other offers when applicable.

Visitors to the site can quickly learn about the company – which is family owned and operated, get their auto glass quote/free online estimate, review the Auto Glass Phoenix offers, evaluate the lifetime warranty and see what types of vehicles (all of them, by the way) that the company services.  Auto Glass Repair Phoenix does replacements and repairs throughout the state of Arizona and they make it easy to get the job done by offering free mobile services wherever you are located.

The company accepts all insurances and offers $50 cash back with any insurance-approved claim. That is a fabulous deal on top of their lifetime warranty on repairs and the top-quality automotive glass products that are used on your vehicle to ensure yours and your family’s safety while on the road.

If you have damage to your windshield and you are in Arizona then it would be in your best interest to get it taken care of before it gets any worse. You can check out  the auto glass repair website for more information or stop by their Randolph Road location.

Windshield Replacement Phoenix
3001 N. Randolph Road #GF4
Phoenix, AZ 85014