The Misadventures of Motherhood

Mission Accomplished: Haiti Bound

2011-06-13T10:42:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all my friends and family who opened up their hearts and wallets to help Trey and I prepare for the Haiti mission. We have reached our financial goal and could not have done this without you. I am overwhelmed with all of the love and the words of support and encouragement you all have given. We are a mere 11 days away from our departure and had a wonderful group meeting last night with our mission team. We talked about the things we will be doing while on the mission, where we’ll be staying, and what we plan to accomplish while there.

Our mission leader has received correspondence from several orphanages in Haiti and believes we will be spending quite a bit of time visiting various orphanages. One of the churches sponsoring some of our missionaries did a toy drive and was able to collect crayons, coloring books, and other items for the children. Quite a few people have asked if they could make donations such as clothes, toiletries, toothbrushes, etc. The answer is “YES”! If you are interested in sending products to hand out to the people of Haiti, please contact me on Facebook or by sending an email to Naivasha@lovechilde.com. It will cost us about $33 for each box that we pack.

Originally, we were going to be staying in the city of Saint Marc, which is about 2 hours north of Port-au-Prince. Those plans have been changed and we will now be staying in Port-au-Prince proper about 5 miles from the airport. I’m not sure what the accommodations will be like but we have been told to pack sleeping bags. I am trying to mentally prepare for that. Maybe I should physically prepare by sleeping on the floor for a few days in my sleeping bag.

If we are each able to get one person to follow Christ, our mission will be accomplished. I have faith, however, that we will be able to reach more than that. Now that we have reached our financial goal, I am going to need all my prayer warriors here in the states to cover us in prayer specifically from our departure on June 24 through our return on July 2. Trey and I (as well as our team) need at least 3 people praying for us on a daily basis, providing protection through prayer. The war that we are about to fight is not fought with guns but with the Word.

Thank you again to all those who gave, all those who wanted to give but were unable, and all those who continue to keep us in your prayers. We love you!

Grace and Peace,

Naivasha and Trey

Mission Haiti: $10 Thursday

2011-06-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

Greetings friends and family!! Trey and I are a mere 15 days away from embarking on this mission to Haiti. It seems like things are coming together yet I feel all over the place. We have not reached our goal for this mission so I am continuing to call on you for not just spiritual support but financial support. I know times are tough in this economic climate but every little bit helps in our journey. Do not think your contribution may be too small. I’m calling today “Ten Dollar Thursday”. If you have $10 to give, please contribute to our mission. We are falling short from our goal but I have faith that the goal will be met. If you are interested in learning a little more about the organization we are working with, you can visit their website at www.ywamhaiti.org.

Thank you so much for the continued love and support you have all shown us.

Serving together,

Naivasha and Trey

The Mission to Go on a Mission

2011-05-31T13:26:00.000-07:00

We are within 4 weeks of the departure for Haiti. Trey is going about his life the way most 8 year olds getting ready for a mission go about their lives. Doing the same things he does everyday without concern that he’s about to do something bigger than him. I just wish he would stop saying the mission to Hawaii because Hawaii is soooo different from Haiti (although Hawaii sounds good right about now).

As the mission draws nearer, my anxiety level raises a pinch each day. I think that I am just ready to be there and do whatever it is I’ve been called to do. The human part of me wants to get back into my routine and stay in my comfort zone. But when God calls on you to do something, you have to do it and it may make you feel uneasy. It’s not necessarily supposed to be easy. Things are not necessarily supposed to fall into place. When Satan knows you’re doing something for the Lord, that’s when he has his field day.

His latest game is to make it challenging for my supporters to make donations. He knows people have a hard time going to a website they do not normally visit, pull out a credit card that may be in a purse that’s clear across the room or upstairs far away, and type in the necessary numbers to make a donation. So what he’s done is made it even more difficult by denying transactions and telling donors there is something wrong with the website.

I ask that my prayer warriors say a pray to push Satan away from those who are trying to make contributions to this mission. Let him know he is not wanted and all supporters will get through. Departure is just 24 days away. YIKES! (Saying that out loud makes me nervous) If you have tried to make a donation, please continue to press on. Don’t fall for Satan’s tricks. We WILL be going on this mission despite his roadblocks!

Love always,

Naivasha & Trey

Proud Mom - Mission Haiti

2011-05-09T10:13:00.000-07:00

The countdown continues for the mission to Haiti. I’ve been told, as we get closer to the mission, Satan will be working all up and through my life. With 6 weeks left to go, I find that this is true. Doubts of being able to raise enough funds are hovering while a little fear of the unknown (moving out of my comfort zone) is lingering in my spirit. The Bible, however, tells us that faith and fear cannot co-exist so I’m praying to fight against that evil spirit. We had our first prayer group phone call this past Saturday night and for the first time in my life, I prayed publicly. I have never prayed out loud amongst others ever in my life so I have marked that moment as a little personal growth.

Earlier this week I had a fabulous girlfriend make a very generous donation that re-ignited that flame that I needed to get me over this hump. In addition to that, my son reminded me in a way only a kid could, that there is no turning around from this mission. Last week, his baseball coach expressed that he wanted to submit Trey to the baseball All Star team. Being a part of the All Star team is not only an honor; it’s a major commitment. To accept the position, players and parents must be 100% committed. It is (bare minimum) an additional month and a half added on to the regular season with practices at least 3 times a week and tournaments that begin at the end of June. Being 100% committed to the practices would not be a problem but the tournament begins right around the time of the Haiti mission.

Instead of being parents that tell our kids what they are going to do, we like for our children to be a part of the decisions that affect their lives. With that said, Trey was informed about the All Star team, the commitment that goes with it and how it conflicts with the Haiti trip. His response? “The people at church told me I need to minister to the kids in Haiti so I choose the Haiti mission.” Be still my heart. Straight out of the mouth of an 8-year old God spoke to me. Proud does not even scratch the surface of what I feel for this kid. If my 8-year old did not hesitate about his purpose, why am I?

This mission is even more important to me now than it was a month ago. I continue to pray for the tools we need to get us there and do whatever it is God wants me to do. I appreciate all the love and support we have received thus far and continue to pray for assistance. If you can forgo your Starbucks this morning to donate to the mission, it would be much appreciated. Please share this story with your friends and family and help our church get to Haiti for this mission.

Peace and blessings,

Naivasha & Trey

Mission.........Haiti

2011-04-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

As some of you may know, the Lord called on me to partake in an amazing opportunity this summer. I have been invited to participate in a mission project in Haiti. Soom after I decided to go on this mission, the spirit moved into my son Trey’s heart and he will be joining me. Over the next several months, we will be learning about cross-cultural missions, learning how to share our faith, getting to know our team and planning our team’s gospel presentation to the Haitian people. I not only need to raise funds to go to Haiti but I am eager to gather a team of believers who will be in prayer for Trey and I as well as our team both prior to and during our trip.

Our team will be serving in the city of St. Marc from June 25th through July 2. We will be working alongside Youth With A Mission, a missionary organization. One of our major projects is to purchase then build a permanent duplex home that will house two Haitian families. After last year’s devastating 7.0 earthquake, many Haitian families still do not have housing. Another one of our major projects is to help re-forest Haiti by purchasing mango, palm, cocoa and avocado trees and then plant them in several communities, including the community we will build the home. We also plan to visit a school and interact with the school children. We are planning to do skits, puppets and dance to share the gospel with them. In addition, each member on the team will have the opportunity to share his/her faith in God and invite those who’d like to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. It will be a trip of a lifetime!!

I am determined to build a team of supporters. Please help me make a difference in the lives of the Haitian families who will receive permanent housing, the communities that will receive their new fruit trees, and the school children we will meet. Trey and I have an individual responsibility of $1,500 each in addition to expenses such as sleeping bags, rubber boots to combat the rainy season, travel shots to project us from disease, and passports to get us in and out of the country.

Here are a few ways my trip will be successful:
(1) PRAYER SUPPORT: As with any act of obedience, there will be a spiritual battle. The battle has already begun before I have even left the States. Satan keeps reminding me how dangerous Haiti is putting fear inside me while the Lord reminds me I am HIS child and have nothing to fear. Our team would be grateful for your prayers before and during our trip
(2) FINANCIAL SUPPORT: Our outreach expense includes the cost of home building materials, the fruit trees and roundtrip airfare to Haiti, meals and lodging. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
(3) MISSIONS AWARENESS at your church: I can make myself available to share what God did through our outreach with your church group.

Thank you in advance for your consideration in joining me on this Haiti mission. I have an online account for donations located on my blog, www.lovechildeworld.blogspot.com. I look forward to updating you on my Haiti experience.

Serving together,

Naivasha & Trey

Mission Haiti

2011-03-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

It has been quite some time since I have updated this blog. Writing daily or even somewhat regularly is equivalent to exercising. Writing regularly gets you into the habit of writing, but once you break that habit, it's hard to get that flow back. I was inspired to write today after a moving service at church yesterday. We had a husband and wife, Timothy and Corrin, come speak about their "family business". They are full time volunteer missionaries. The story of their courtship was so sincere. The story about their "family business" left me in awe and moved me to want to be a part of their mission.

The two met at Howard University. Ironically, this is where I attended school at the same time as Corrin. They both majored in Communications and never dreamed that they would become full time volunteer missionaries. Timothy left a wonderful career with networks such as BET and Fox where he held directors positions and produced shows such as "Teen Summit". He also gave up his six-figure income to be of service to others and do something that was bigger than himself. Corrin thought she was going to be a morning news anchor but realized God felt she would be better served helping others. She has traveled the world spreading the word of God in countries where there were language and cultural barriers. Sometimes they have gone on these missions with their two young children.

I think the reason I connected with them is because they are no different than me. We attended the same school, we have/had visions of “normal” careers, and we are parents of young children. I could relate to them, their story, and their journey. This summer, they will be going on a mission to Haiti to build a home. We have had many missionaries come speak at our church over the past year. Yesterday was the first time I heard God tell me to DO something. He sure does work in a mysterious way because I promised myself that in 2011, I would be of service to those less fortunate. I, however, was envisioning helping those closer to home. I did not know the Lord would be sending me to Haiti!

Now that I know what I must do, I must move swiftly. I need to raise $1,500 to cover the expenses involved with the mission and am setting up this site as a means to help raise funds to get me there. If you feel it in your heart to help me, please donate. If you feel it in your heart to be a part of this mission, please email me at Naivasha@lovechilde.com. We can never have too many people spreading God's word.

Thank you in advance for your support.

how can she know....? - popl!fe

2010-02-12T09:34:00.000-08:00

exactly how dad feels - his thoughts - and then put it into words?? only sade.

shout out to all the strong, independent, grown women out there...

"your daddy knows - you're a flame...."

shout out to all those little girls missing daddy....

"your daddy love comes with a lifetime guarantee!"

to all daughters...no truer lyrics have been written.

happy valentine's day.

"babyfather" - sade

Wordless Wednesday - Bam Bam

2010-02-03T10:48:00.000-08:00

My baby boy's birthday is less than a week away. Here are a few shots of Bam Bam.

Wordless Wednesday - Haiti

2010-01-13T14:45:00.000-08:00

The Roddler

2010-01-04T11:31:00.000-08:00

When you become a parent, your world changes. Your conversation changes. You begin to look at things differently and notice things you’ve never noticed before. For me, what I started to take notice of was the stroller. A stroller is to a parent what a car is to someone without kids. It is, at times, a status symbol. Someone driving a Ford Festiva gets little attention but if you put that same person in a drop top Bentley, people will break their necks to catch a glimpse of the driver.

It’s no different with a stroller. They come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. The umbrella stroller is equivalent to that little Festiva. No one notices you or your kid when you’re pushing one of those $30 throw around ‘vehicles’ unless, of course, your childe is acting an absolute fool in it. However, if you’re able to afford an $800 Bugaboo, you’ll be the envy of all the moms and dads. You would be considered a big kahuna. This is what I would vote the granddaddy of all strollers had I not stumbled upon the Roddler, the Hot Rod for toddlers.

Created by Joe Iacono in 2007, the Roddler is the world’s most expensive stroller made from high quality auto parts and lightweight 6061 billet aluminum chassis (whatever that means). Starting at $1,999, the Roddler comes in three different series each boasting strong craftsmanship and attention to detail. The Kustom Series start at $3,500 and as its name suggests, you tell the award winning design team exactly what you want. Famous clientele include Jerry Seinfeld, Nicole Ritchie, and Lebron James. James paid $7,500 for his custom made Roddler which included a DVD player, navigation system, full leather seating, and a two tone custom paint.

It may be quite some time before I can spend $2,000 on a stroller. It’s hard enough paying $200. In the meantime, I’ll just admire from afar.

Happy New Year

2010-01-02T10:04:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year my faithful followers! Hope you had a safe and festive celebration to welcome in the new decade. I had a quiet evening with friends and my immediate family at home. I don’t normally make resolutions for the New Year but instead elect to have a motto that motivates me. Usually the month of December, as chaotic as it may be, is spent reflecting on things that happened throughout the year, understanding mistakes that were made, and reassessing goals. I am then able to decipher if there’s something I’ve repeatedly done that needs to stop.

1997 was one of the best years of my life. It was the first time I decided to create a motto for the year instead of making resolutions. My motto that year was “Face your fears.” That year began with a break up. Although it was a really good relationship, I could feel that my boyfriend at the time, thought the grass was greener on the other side. Although I feared what life would be like apart, I knew it was the best thing to do. So on January 5, we broke up at Ruby Tuesday’s restaurant in Pentagon City Mall. I remembered the date because it was my uncle’s birthday.

That was the beginning of a personally historical year. Every time I was afraid to do something, I just reminded myself that this was the year to face my fears. I felt so liberated. So free. I was on top of the world and by year’s end, I truly felt like I could do anything.

My mottos have fallen by the wayside in recent years so I’ve decided to stretch my powers once again this year. This is my year for “Change”. Change is similar to facing fears but slightly different. When you face your fears, you do something you’re afraid to do. Change is doing things differently, which can also be scary depending on what you’re doing. This first decade of the new century has been uneventful with regards to accomplishments and that must CHANGE. I cannot continue to do the same things and expect different results. I am going through a mind, body, and spirit cleansing and welcoming CHANGE as uncomfortable as it may be.

I am so excited about the journey ahead of me and am asking God to give me the vision to see big things, the strength to tackle them, and the courage to achieve them. Happy New Year!!

[bump]

2009-12-28T14:13:00.000-08:00

Delicious maternity t-shirts from Australian born Renae Plant, [bump] feels so smooth on mommy-to-be's ever growing belly. Made with 100% combed cotton fine jersey, [bump] t-shirts come in long sleeve, short sleeve, tank, v-neck, and scoop neck. Most shirts are available in just two sizes - small/medium (2-6) and large/x-large (8-14).

Each shirt has a cute slogan and some are encrusted with Swarovski crystals. Celebrities that have been [bump]ed include Gwen Steffani, Brittany Spears, Brook Burke, Elizabeth Hasselbeck, and Salma Hayek. You can find [bump] at {lovechilde} on the "mom & dad" rack.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-26T18:41:00.001-08:00

Season’s greetings!! I can’t believe I haven’t checked in with you guys all week. It’s been a little hectic over here as I’m sure it’s been for you as well. I’m so glad to have survived another holiday season. This year’s theme was, “Too blessed to be stressed.” I really thought the Christmas tree was going to look a little hungry this year. With three kids and one steady income, it has been challenging these past 12 months but God is good and we always seem to find a way to make it work.

What I realized this year is that what we want for our kids is not necessarily the same thing as what they want for themselves. I grew up an only childe and received so many gifts for Christmas year after year it was almost embarrassing. I have a picture of me when I was about 6 or 7 sitting in a room surrounded by gifts. I couldn’t move because it was literally a wall-to-wall toy store. As I got older, the gifts began to dwindle peaking at the year I just received socks and underwear. It was a real shock to me and I swore as a parent, I would give my kids meaningful not commercialized Christmases to avoid potential let downs.

But as most parents know, what you say pre-parenthood and what you do post-parenthood are usually two different things. I was unable to control the gift giving and found myself doing what I swore I would not do. This year, since money was tight, I was forced to scale back. And my children were perfectly fine with this. What I noticed is that they are completely happy with anything they get and it doesn’t have to be a lot. I’m grateful that they are appreciative and not spoiled that way.

Is the recession God’s way of telling us to ease up and focus on the necessary? Focus on what truly matters? Sometimes it takes a force of nature so to speak to make you see things clearly. This was a great holiday season in which I let go of the stress and focused on my blessings. This is the example I want to set for my kids. Hopefully I can teach them to be thankful for the things they have. I think next year we’ll scale back just a tad more on Christmas and explore the African American tradition of Kwanzaa.

Hope your holiday is filled with joy and a multitude of blessings.

Should Elin be Entitled to Half?

2009-12-21T11:15:00.000-08:00

Over the past few weeks, we’ve heard so much talk about Tiger Woods, his mistresses, and what appears to be an inevitable divorce. It’s been reported that Elin Woods has hired one of the most fearless high-powered divorce attorneys in the industry and may be re-tweaking a not-so rock solid prenuptial agreement. The Woods own a mansion in California and if Elin is able to claim California residency, she may be entitled to half of Tiger’s fortune.

What do you think about this? I am all for spouses receiving some form of alimony and/or child support. I also think that support should be an amount that is comparable to the lifestyle the couple led together, taking into account the earnings and assets that both parties have. I do not, however, understand the need for absurd amounts of money such as what is being discussed in the Woods’ potential divorce.

Tiger Woods has a billion dollar fortune at stake. They have been married 5 years and have 2 children. Woods’ was a well-established golfer long before Elin came into the picture. Infidelity hurts. It breaks up families. However, I cannot find any reason why this woman who has not contributed one penny to that fortune would be entitled to or deserving of 500 million dollars.

I have never been a big fan of Tiger Woods nor do I condone his Cheetah ways. I do, however, believe the majority of his earnings should be just that. HIS earnings. Is that what it’s all about? Money? If Elin married him for money does that make her any better than him? Please share your thoughts.

A Birthday Party - Recession Style

2009-12-19T23:49:00.001-08:00

Today was my first-born’s birthday and I didn’t plan a thing. I usually get overwhelmed in the month of December due to the holidays, the holiday parties and my son’s birthday. The social calendar is always packed to the brim and I find myself passing out at the finish line on December 25th. Not this year though. I took a different approach. I took my time, let go of the stress and let go of the quest for perfection. I scaled back on teachers’ gifts by getting them gift certificates and handwritten notes and I allowed myself to be at peace with that. I didn’t volunteer for all the classroom parties where I have to bake a dish or two from scratch. And instead of trying to plan a Colin Cowey birthday party for my son, I asked him what he would like to do. Chuck E. Cheese. That’s it. He would be satisfied with a couple of hours at Chuck E. Cheese.

The day started with my son’s basketball game at 11. We then walked over to register him and Mini Me for Spring Pony Baseball which was having sign ups behind the gym. Afterwards we rushed home so my son could change into his Cub Scout uniform because his den had a Go See at the fire station around the corner. It was a fabulous tour, which abruptly ended when the firemen got a call. I couldn’t have planned a better ending to the tour. In between the baseball sign ups and the fire station tour, I texted one neighbor and knocked on the door of another to invite their kids to Chuck E. Cheese. That was the extent of my invitations. Again, I was okay with this and most importantly, so was my Big Boy.

One neighbor couldn’t make it due to previous plans but the one across the way could come at 4:30 and so a party was set. By the time 4:30 came, my Big Boy had invited another neighbor and I thought, “This is even better than I expected.” We spent three hours in Chuck E. Cheese, acquired three more kids, and won 1,270 tickets. I dripped not one drop of sweat because this was the party that planned itself. This was the party that I let my Big Boy dictate what was going to happen. This was the party that had no goodie bags, no bounce house, no clown with the balloons. It was total no frills and it was great!

This was also the never-ending party. As a matter of fact, it’s 11:30pm and a few of the kids are STILL here. My little Bam Bam finally went down for the count just a few minutes ago. Everyone came over to our house after the Chuck. Through all of my lack of planning, I forgot all about a cake. I could not let my Big Boy’s birthday go by without a candle to blow out so at 9pm, I found myself hunched over the stove whipping up some cupcakes with sprinkles on top. At 10:07pm we were singing happy birthday. Mini Me had a little slumber party going on in her room with the girls while Big Boy was playing his new Wii Sports game with the boys.

Out of all the seven birthday parties my big boy has had over the years, I would rate this one a 9.5 on a 10 point scale. He had sooooo much fun. It just goes to show you that it’s the simple things that make life so special. These big production birthday parties are for the parents, not the kids. I’ve gone to birthday parties so big that you never even get to see the birthday kid. They’re hidden in a sea of kids and parents and all the equipment that comes with the production.

I think I may have spoiled myself this year. I am not going to totally rule out a big production birthday because they can be a lot of fun and quiet is kept, I love planning them (it’s the execution that I suck at). But there was something really special about this intimate, make-it-up-as-you-go-along party that will make me hesitate to go big.

Happy Birthday Big Boy!! Mommy loves you! Mmmwwahhh!

Fav Five Friday - Lakers

2009-12-18T09:05:00.001-08:00

This morning is a rather solemn morning. I’m going to try to make this quick because I have a funeral to attend. My roommate from college lost her father unexpectedly and I must go pay my respects. Leo McNally was the biggest Lakers fan on earth and I will spend the rest of my days trying to find a bigger fan than Mr. McNally. So in honor of Leo McNally, a wonderful man, today I will list my Fave Five Lakers of all time. Please understand. I am a diehard Celtic-lover-Laker-hater so this is a stretch for me. This is for you Leo!

5. James Worthy

Mr. Cool Breeze James Worthy. With his fly fish eyed goggles and his daisy dukes he was a demon on the court. Only Mr. Worthy could wear daisy dukes and still look like a man.

4. Rick Fox

This former Celtic turned Laker turned Celtic makes the list because he's pretty darn good looking and he’s a pretty decent actor. He wasn’t half bad on the court either.

3. Pat Riley

You cannot find someone more fitting to coach a team such as the Lakers than Pat Riley. In addition to his basketball knowledge and ability to win championships, he looked very Hollywood doing it. He made it look easy.

2. Magic Johnson

This is a stand up guy with a million dollar smile. Magic sometimes stumbled over his words but you can’t help but love him. He’s like a big teddy bear. What he has done post basketball is amazing. Bringing business and economic growth to the inner cities one neighborhood at a time. Laker haters can’t help but love Mr. Magic.

1. Shaquille O’Neal

Mr. Personality. I like Shaq so much, I almost cheered for the Lakers when he played with the organization. Instead I opted to personally cheer for him. His personality is just THAT big. He makes me laugh and I love the charitable work he does. I think he’s just a big kid at heart.

Well, that was for you Mr. McNally. I may even wear purple and gold to the homegoing service. Rest in peace.

Mommy Dearest

2009-12-17T21:43:00.000-08:00

This morning I packed up Mini Me and Bam Bam and headed to LAX to pick up my mom. She is here for her annual trip in which she stays for a few weeks. This year she’s ONLY staying two and a half weeks and the stress is slowly creeping in.

Prior to becoming a mother, I would say my relationship with my mom was pretty good. When I left the nest for college, I moved just a couple of hours away and was able to go home anytime I wanted. The college years was when I began to appreciate my mom and enjoyed coming home. Things changed, however, when I became a mother. And not necessarily for the better.

It took me a couple of years to catch on to the fact that she was stressing me out, and a little self-analysis to diagnosis the problems. Why is she annoying the hell outta me? This is the same woman who raised me, who I would go on shopping binges with or lounge around in her lap during the holidays and be on around the clock joke time. We were now bumping heads at every turn and I could not figure out what went wrong.

I don’t know if other moms feel this way but I needed and still need for my mother to give me space and let me mother. Her new role is grandmother and in order for there to be peace and harmony, I just need for her to be the doter not the disciplinarian. With 3 children, I have to pick and choose my battles. If I call them out on every single thing they do, I will be worn out and what I say to them will be ineffective.

As an only childe, my mother had it pretty easy with me. I respected my elders. I never talked back. I never got into trouble. I did what I was told. My cousins teased me and called me a goody two shoes. I just like to say that life is easier when you do what you’re supposed to do. My mom doesn’t understand that some days I’m just too drop dead exhausted to be concerned with Mini Me’s hair being out of place or my Big Boy’s shirt not being nicely ironed. I can’t sweat the small stuff because there is too much going on. My kids are way more involved in anything I was ever into and their extracurricular activities make for a busy social calendar.

As the years have gone by, mom has eased more into the grandmother role and less of the mother-of-the-mother role. Let us pray she is continuing in that direction this holiday stay.

The Twitter Culture

2009-12-16T17:24:00.001-08:00

The Twitter Culture

Posted using ShareThis

Wordless Wednesday - Celebs and their babes

2009-12-16T15:11:00.001-08:00

Nicole Richie and Harlow

Madonna and Lourdes

David Beckham with his boys Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz

Lisa Leslie and her daughter Lauren

Carson Daly and Jackson

Will & Jada Smith with daughter Willow

Item of the Week - Pilloroo

2009-12-16T10:46:00.000-08:00

Jenny McCarthy shows off her custom made Pilloroo for her son.

This week we're shining the spotlight on an item located in the gift section called Pilloroo. Pilloroo is a wonderfully unique gift for kids who travel or go to sleepovers replacing the teddy bear. Each pillow comes with a zipper and secret treasures tucked deep inside. For example, the Baseball Buddies pillow comes with a set of miniature dominoes and a set of two 2 inch baseball bouncing balls while the Craving Cupcakes yummy pillow hides a 7 inch chef beanie bear in its pouch. Kids love unveiling the little surprises hidden inside.

Check out Pilloroo in the gift section at {lovechilde}.

Top Ten Tuesday - Teachers Gifts

2009-12-15T19:37:00.000-08:00

A few holiday seasons ago, I found myself in a bind. On the last day of school before the winter break when I went to drop my son off at school, I saw a lot of parents with arms full of gifts. I was already frazzled from preparing for my son’s birthday party as well as the holiday recital, which was the night before. Oh yeah, and there’s the dish I had to make for the potluck. My gas tank was empty and unbeknownst to me, I needed to get gifts for teachers and assistant teachers and after care teachers. Teachers, teachers, teachers. Arrgggghhh!! Nobody put “Get Christmas gifts for teachers” in my parenting handbook.

Needless to say, I had to hurry off and find gifts for two teachers and three after care providers within a few short hours. That was nothing compared to the following year when my daughter started going to the same school and those numbers doubled. YIKES! So in honor of the holidays, here are my top ten gifts for teachers.

10. Big Ticket Item

Team up with some other parents to get something other than the typical coffee mug. Maybe find out what kind of music teacher likes and get some concert tickets. Or try a day at an upscale spa such as Burke Williams. If it’s one thing a teacher can use, it’s some unwind time. Gotta make sure they are well rested when they return to educate our children.

9. Anything handmade

I’m personally a big fan of all things handmade. It shows you took time and that you care. I’m not exactly crafty so I don’t have any specific suggestions but look around Etsy, you may find some ideas.

8. Subscriptions

I call this the gift that keeps on giving. One of my girlfriends gave me a magazine subscription for Christmas one year and it was nice to receive a magazine in the mail every month. On top of that, you can get a subscription for under $15.

7. Food

We all have to eat don’t we? Fruit basket, flavored popcorn in a tin can, basket of cheese. Take your pick. My neighbor gave me a basket of miniature muffins after I had Bam Bam and I thought it was the absolute BEST gift. My S.O. enjoyed it too.

6. Philosopots

I couldn’t do this without a shameless plug from {lovechilde}. Philosopots are whimsical flower pots, hand 'quoted' in dozens of different colors and embellishments inscribed with various messages such as “Teachers plant the seeds that last forever” or “Teachers change the world one child at a time”. Your kid’s teacher can display it on his/her desk throughout the year.

5. Miniature spa treatment

If you’re unable to join forces with other parents on a big ticket spa package, maybe try a simple certificate for a mani/pedi at a local nail parlor. After all, it’s the thought that counts.

4. Movie tickets

What can I say about movie tickets that you don’t already know? Exactly.

3. Bath/Spa products

This is my third post on this list with the word ‘spa’ in it. Take it from me, you can never have too much spa. Visit your local Body Shop or Bath & Body Works. They are always running specials on bath and shower gels. The only time this would not be a good gift is if your teacher has sensitive skin.

2. Book

Share your favorite book or opt for the gift certificate so he/she can choose. The possibilities are pretty endless in the bookstore.

1. Gift Certificates

Although somewhat impersonal, gift certificates are super easy and you can control your spending. Pick the denomination that works best for your budget. Most stores sell gift certificates including the grocery store. Starbucks is a popular choice as well as Target.

Please do not do like me and wait until the last minute. The last day of school is a mere three days away and my son’s birthday is in four days. What have I gotten for the teachers and the birthday boy? I have some quick decisions ahead of me. The joys (and pains) of the holiday season.

Heavy Heart (Once Again)

2009-12-14T20:02:00.000-08:00

My heart is so heavy right now after reading a post on Twitter. This is what it said:

@ShellyKramer: RT @MichelleinCal: Please keep @Military_Mom & her patriot husband close to your heart as their child drowned today.

This brings back terrible memories of something I experienced a few short weeks ago. You guys may have read about it last week here on the Misadventures. We were fortunate to have a survivor story but this woman did not fair as well. The pit of my stomach is churning because I know that feeling of seeing a childe laying at the bottom of the swimming pool. It is surreal and ironically serene. I guess water has that kind of calming effect. Unlike other tragedies such as getting hit by a car, there is silence in drowning and that silence is eerily powerful. There is no screaming or commotion so there is no way of knowing someone is in distress.

I sit here with a heavy heart for a woman I've never met. A woman who will forever be haunted by the image of seeing her 2 year old at the bottom of the pool. A woman who will probably be consumed with guilt for years to come because her baby died under her care. My heart is so heavy for this stranger and I am moved to tears.

Say a prayer for this family before you go to bed tonight. Parents are not suppose to bury their children.

Beautiful Genes

2009-12-14T11:11:00.001-08:00

This is so unfair..........

You can't be beautiful AND have beautiful babies......

With a beautiful man............

Some girls have all the luck...

Celebrity Baby Blog

2009-12-12T18:19:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week I did my Top Ten Guilty Pleasures but I failed to mention my love of celebrity gossip. Yes, I have to admit, I'm a sucker for TMZ, Access Hollywood, Perez Hilton, and all the like. I guess celebrity gossip gives me an escape from my mundane existence. It's great conversation for the water cooler and it's much lighter than talking about war or the economy.

As a parent, Celebrity Baby Blog gives me the best of both worlds. I can find out who's pregnant, who just had a baby, what the baby's are doing, and so on and so on. Click on the widget on the right hand side of this blog and see for yourself.

Counting Blessings

2009-12-11T17:32:00.000-08:00

The holiday season around my house usually means a dozen Christmas parties from school potlucks to company sponsored open bars. There are secret Santa gifts to get for classmates and presents to remember for teachers. With two kids of school age, it seems the giving never stops in December. And then there’s my son’s birthday, which falls less than a week before the big day.

A few years ago I thought I was going to have to check myself into the psych ward. I was totally overwhelmed and had no plan of attack for conquering the December rush. The thing that really took me over the edge was when I saw other parents coming with gifts in their hands as they were dropping the kids off at school. I had not even thought about teachers’ gifts and between the assistants that helped them and after care providers, that was SIX additional last minute gifts I had to get within a few hours.

Now with a few years under my belt, I’m able to manage duties a little better. I know what I have to get, who I have to get it for, and I (try) not to wait until the last minute. Even with the new addition to the family and a house that’s feeling the effects of the recession, I’m riding the waves that December brings without succumbing to that overwhelming feeling. My son had a recital this past Wednesday and my daughter had one in her classroom this morning. There were scores of parents cramped in to this little classroom all to witness their little ones sing holiday tunes like ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’.

I couldn’t help but think about the school my daughter attended 3 years ago. It was more of an inner city school in comparison to the suburban school she attends now. In the suburbs, you have to get to events on time, if not early, if you want to get a decent seat. Parents support their children’s activities in the suburbs no matter what the scale. It could be a small potluck such as the one Mini Me had today or it could be a grand recital. Parents in the suburbs support their kids. At least in these parts they do.

In the inner city ….. not so much. At Mini Me’s other school, there were three parents representing almost 50 kids. THREE! And that included me. In all fairness, it is not necessarily a situation where they are not there to support because it doesn’t matter to them. It is usually the complete opposite. A lot of these parents work minimum wage jobs where they are required to be at work and do not have the flexibility to take off. If given the green light for an excused absence, many won’t take it because if you don’t work, you don’t get paid. And so you have events such as the holiday party, where children are underrepresented by their parents.

How does this make the children feel? I’m not sure of the long term effects and can only speculate. My guess is you can’t miss what you never had. Kids love sharing their life’s experiences with their parents and I can see the look of excitement on the kids’ faces when they see their parents in the audience. On the flip side, if your parents never attend your parties or recitals, then the kid doesn’t really know anything different.

It’s an unfortunate situation when parents who want to be there are unable to do so because they have to work in order to provide. I’ve been in that boat before where I could not or should not take the time off to attend an event or two. It sucks to say the least and I am thankful that I don’t have to compromise these days. Being able to be there gives kids a sense of confidence and security. They believe they matter. Ahhh, the holidays – that time of year that reminds us of our blessings AND our misfortunes. Please think of those who may not be as fortunate and count your blessings.