The Mahogany Way

My Rebirth: An Honest Look

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:54:00 +0000

Welcome to the first edition of the Authentic Parenting Blog Carnival, hosted by Authentic Parenting and Mudpiemama!
In the month of January, we start afresh, a new year, new ideas. Hence, our participants have looked into the topic of “Birth and New Beginnings”. Take a look at the end of this post to find a list of links to the entries of the other participants.
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This blog was originally created for me to talk more about myself. I had a separate blog to talk about unschooling, but after much back and forth, I decided to combine the two. I'm really glad I did, but somewhere along the way I lost the art of me. There weren't many post before I combined the blogs, maybe a couple of months worth.

I don't know exactly when it happened, but I do know the how and why. I love taking pictures, and if you're a regular reader that's not news to you. I suppose I started letting my pictures tell the story, and I did less writing.
Honestly, I started reading more parenting advice type blogs, which made me feel like I wasn't good enough. Then I started reading blogs that tell you how to become a successful blogger, and I started to compare myself to these other women that I only had a glimpse of through my screen.

Slowly I allowed myself to continue to feel unworthy. And now.....I'm tired of it.

I've held back and not talked about issues that were important to me....thinking no one would care, and so and so would write about it much better than I could, so why bother? I was also thinking it's not really what my blog is about, so I better stay clear.... I needed to stick with my niche. To be a blogger you're supposed to follow certain rules, use proper English and punctuation, your blog should be free of spelling errors. Um...that ain't me. While I'm a literal person, I also kinda don't like to follow the rules.

There are all types of errors all over this blog, and I don't care about a niche anymore.

Don't get me wrong, I love posting photos of my kids, and will continue to post the way I normally do. I also want to add more of me. Maybe I'm not really sure how to do that, or how well it would be accepted. I have issues, something about never feeling or thinking I was good enough growing up.... those issues could be a book! I've always tried to keep my game face on. Nothing rattles me, and I'm strong. The truth is, there are a lot of things that rattle me, and I don't feel very strong.

My hope is that one day my kids will look back at this blog and see me and themselves through my eyes. How are they gonna do that if I don't share more of me? I would really like to talk more about my struggles, my childhood, my fears and insecurities. For too long I've been caught up in the "right way" of doing things Wondering if I'm AP enough, feeling bad because we can't afford to eat organic. My kids are eating when there are thousands of kids right here in our city that don't have food. I should be grateful, but instead all I can think when I shop, or cook is how it's not organic. Worrying about those who judge us because we unschool, but they haven't even taken the time to learn about it, so why should I care!?

I. am. so. done.

I mean, how much longer am I going to allow myself to be sucked in? My husband loves me and so do my kids. That's all that matters. Why am I comparing myself? Why am I hiding parts of who I am? Life is too short for all this worry I've got going on.

I want my kids to know that they were loved, that I had challenging times, but that I also came through it.
I may not know as much as Suzie Q, but I'm going to start sharing what I do know.

I love God. I'm sassy......and I don't like to be wrong. Have rediscovered my small shoe fetish. I'll wear heels just about anywhere now....they make me feel good! I like makeup, especially lip gloss and mascara, but also love to play with eyeshadow. I'm a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal, but I can also dress it up when needed. I adore big, bold earrings. My favorite colors are pink and red. I enjoy cooking, but don't own a cookbook. I like to drink wine, but my favorite drink is the appletini...mmm.... made with grey goose vodka.

I've recently started wearing my natural hair after a lifetime of weaves and wigs. Loving my baby locs!

I can't sew, but want to learn. Keep saying I'm gonna exercise, but am too lazy to get up in the mornings. I don't cloth diaper anymore, and have been using sposies for months now. I'm upset that I can't get the hang of knitting, and wish I could crochet better. I've found a new love for old black and white movies. Sometimes we eat fast food. There can be a lot of tv watching, and video game playing that goes on when we're home. I don't think it rots your brain, and I don't think it robs the child of their autonomy. We actually learn a lot from the different types of media. I like having some wooden toys, but see nothing wrong with plastic....do you know how many kids would love to have a plastic toy because they have none? Probably millions.

I love Twitter. I really really do. I am so thankful for the online friendships I've made these past few years. It feels good to have such a diverse and big support network in person and online.

Sometimes my kids get on my nerves. Sometimes I want to lock myself in the bathroom for 5 minutes of privacy, and sometimes I do it.

Even on my worst parenting days, or in my not so great mothering moments....I. am. good. enough.

For months I've felt this slow build. A sort of shedding, and I'm ready to be done with the things in my life that are toxic.

This feels great!

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Visit Authentic Parenting and MudpieMama to find out how you can participate in the next Authentic Parenting Blog Carnival!
Please take time to read the submissions by the other carnival participants:
(This list will be live and updated by afternoon January 27 with all the carnival links.)

Becoming Intentional with My Time Valerie at Momma in Progress shares the beginning of her year-long journey toward more intentional living.
Alirik’s Birth Story: Sweet Surprise Lauren at Hobo Mama tells the sweet surprise unassisted home water birth story of her second child.
My Rebirth: An Honest Look Darcel at The Mahogany Way talks a little about some of the fear and insecurity she's felt over the years since starting her parenting journey and her blog.
Trusting My Body: Ailia’s Birth Story After a very challenging birth with her son, Dionna at Code Name: Mama was nervous about having another natural birth. But practicing relaxation techniques and birth affirmations proved to be just what she needed to have her perfect, peaceful, unassisted homebirth.
My Homeschool Philosophy Paige a Bay Dust Diaries shares her new year's resulution about homeschooling.
Yet Another Resolutions Post... Zen mummy's resolutions for a better 2012
Renewing Green Passions in the New Year Jenn at Monkey Butt Junction talks about renewing a passion for green living in the new year
Birthing and New Beginnings... And Better Mothering Sheila at A Living Family shares her first ever New Year's resolutions to be a more mindful, compassionate and respectful mother to her two-year old daughter after the recent birth of her son.
An Open Letter to MTV Regarding 16 and Pregnant Jennifer at Hybrid Rasta Mama delivers a pointed message to MTV about how they misrepresent birth and parenthood on 16 and Pregnant.
Setting Intentions Megan at The Other Baby Blog shares another way to ring in the New Year.
Spencer's Birth Story Momma Jorje shares her family's story of birthing her son with Down syndrome.
Looking Forward, Looking Back Erica @ ChildOrganics shares how she is able to look back at the loss of their daughter and yet move forward with her family at the same time.
Unique unto Itself. Melissa of Vibrant Wanderings has chosen a word for her second child's birth: awareness.
The Unassisted Birth of The LIttle Buddha. Laura at Authentic Parenting shares the birth story of her new baby
Birthing and Resolutions: Keeping Good Things in Motion. MudpieMama shares her VBAC story and why she skipped making resolutions in the traditional way.
The Birth of a New Era by Mandy from Living Peacefully With Children

Stay up to date on the latest happenings. Subscribe to The Mahogany Way. and like my page on Facebook. Are you a Mahogany Mama? Join us at my Community for Mothers of Color. Love to talk birth? Come see me at The Birth Cafe.

it's been simple

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:21:00 +0000

This 7yr old of mine has her own style. I'm lovin' that hat on her. She lost another tooth so we're going to the dollar store to spend her tooth fairy money later today.
Not too long ago I was talking about not being able to get a picture of her because she moves so much, and so quickly....now she's always posing and asking me to take her picture.

Dino Toss. This game is so much fun! We were all over shooting at first, but eventually got the hang of it. While we were playing I was thinking that this game teaches physics, very cool.

It's been feeling more like Spring again here in the beach lately. And so we have painted toes. She chose the color and pattern herself.

What else....

more and more coloring and drawing. Ava's little ms sunshine

Samuel and Cars duplos

Pretend play being He-man and She-ra. Me and my brother used to pretend to be them when we were kids too.

Wii play

Eight books at bedtime....not short board books either. Dr Seuss, Disney, Farmers Market and Unicorns to start....then it was an episode of Wild China on Netflix before the girls conked out at after midnight. They almost made it to the end of the episode.

Did you know there were bamboo rats? Also sap is used for making rubber? We talked about the red panda that looks more like a fox, and the black and white panda. Watched them zip across wild rivers to get to the markets. Very interesting stuff. Think will watch another episode or two later this evening after we finish our runs.

Stay up to date on the latest happenings. Subscribe to The Mahogany Way. and like my page on Facebook. Are you a Mahogany Mama? Join us at my Community for Mothers of Color. Love to talk birth? Come see me at The Birth Cafe.

I Am Done With This Winter Already

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:25:00 +0000

We're having a really really really rough winter. The sad part, besides the kids being sick for 2 weeks straight....winter is just now getting started here. One day it's in the 40's, the next it's in the upper 60's, and then down into the 30's. To that I say.... Seriously!?

I'm just so tired, but I can't sleep. That's why I'm here blogging at whatever time in the morning it is. I don't even want to know.....I'll find out when I hit publish.

I'm starting to feel like we'll never fully come out of all this sickness. Kiah seems to be growing out of her asthma as she gets older. Ava and Samuel get hit hard though. The past two days I have literally been across my couch with either both Samuel and Ava on my lap, and Kiah at my side(when she's not into something else around the house) or nursing Samuel while the girls play Wii, or play at the computer.

When they go upstairs I start Brothers & Sisters on Netflix. We've also been doing lots of coloring and drawing lately. I went through and sharpened all of their colored pencils the other day. They were worn way down. Coloring books, workbooks, drawing on plain paper, we're doing it all.

I'm tired of complaining about how tired I am, but I am.... Tired. I took Samuel in to the Dr's today. Well, yesterday....whatever, and they did a chest x-ray to check for pneumonia. His x-ray was clear and they've started him on a controller (Pulmicort) for him to use in his breathing treatments at home. One of my concerns was the amount of steroids he's been getting since last summer/fall. One dose of steroids, and when I say dose, I mean course of treatment over a 4/5 day period is the equivalent to what you're supposed to have over the entire year.

All of that has been going into his little body off and on for the past 6 months or so. I feel so bad for him, and now Ava's getting the respiratory thing Samuel has. Kiah had it too, but it wasn't as severe....she was done the next day.

So, I made my concerns known about how much he's been getting lately, and they finally decided to give him the Pulmicort. The steroid helps with the inflammation and swelling in his lungs and all that so he can breathe, but I'm hoping this controller will help keep us out of the hospital for a very long time. I'm done with ER visits this year. They have all of these triggers.....change in weather, dust, catching a cold, fragrance, foods.

This was supposed to be a one paragraph post. Ha! I really need adult conversation. Can't talk on the phone because every 5 minutes I hear mommy I need.....I want....can you?....mom she's touching me!

In between all of the chaos are moments like this one. Samuel was so fussy that day. He had been sitting in Kiah's lap and then he got back in my lap, she went upstairs to get something and he had a complete melt down. Throwing his little body all over my lap screaming and crying for ya-ya.....she wasn't even gone for a full 60 seconds. She came back down and he reached up for her.I immediately grabbed my camera and smiled so big once this picture came up on my screen. I love this picture. I look at it several times a day.

Reminders that there are moments of peace amidst all the sickness, chaos, and clutter that is my life right now.

I did get some really gooooood news in my email. I was interviewed by Bamboo Magazine last winter! The issue came out today. I thought there would be a little blurb, but I was scrolling across the bottom looking for the page she told me it would be on, and I'm thinking that looks like Samuel. That IS Samuel! I have a two page spread! All I kept saying was Wow....over and over. I'm in there with some pretty great bloggers. That link takes you directly to my page, but be sure to check out the other bloggers, and the rest of the magazine. There's some good stuff in there.

After typing all of this I figured why I can't sleep.....even though I'm dog tired, this is the only time of day or night(depending on where you are)that I have all to myself. Oh, I changed my template. I like it a lot. Think I'll leave it like this for a while.

I'm going to stop now.....but I really am done with this winter.

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a quick hello

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:28:00 +0000

I wanted to pop in while Samuel is napping to say hello....Hello!

This winter has been one sickness after another. Cold, viruses, asthma, fevers....it just keeps going on and on and on. We've been mostly homebound, and I honestly don't see any sign of that changing in the next few days.

There have been days where I wanted to have my own tantrum, and I did just a little the other day. It's feeling like we can't catch a break in so many different areas of our life right now, but we're pluggin' along.

I have a several invites from friends for dinner and/or drinks starting immediately after everyone is back to 100%
I'm so looking forward to that!

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Wordless Wednesday: Play!

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:50:00 +0000

Recovery Mode

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:12:00 +0000

That's what we've been doing since last week sometime. Ava is the only one that didn't catch the virus *knock on wood*

I caught it the day after Samuel. Charles took off work and made sure I was able to rest all day. Sleeping like that was so incredible! Yes, I can say that even though I was sick. Do you know the last time I was able to sleep for more than 4 hours without being woke up by one of the kids, or to check on the kids? Before I had kids!

Then Charles caught it the day before his birthday, so he was sick on his birthday this year. He keeps telling me he got the best present ever...sleep! I'm not one for letting a birthday go by in this family without making a hoopla.
Even though it couldn't be helped, I still feel awful that almost all of us were hit with the virus near and on his birthday. I didn't get to go shopping like I had planned. Even though he insists it's fine, I'm making plans to celebrate his birthday later in the week, since we're all better now.

We've been moving pretty slow the past few days, I think. Maybe I've been moving slow - and Kiah and Samuel are the ones moving as fast as usual. That sounds about right.

Who else recovers with chocolate? I know I'm not the only one!

A failed attempt at organizing....this may be as good as it gets right now.
Missing bins for our storage area. I'm sure the kids have them around the house somewhere, with something in them.

My non-existent cloth diaper storage unit that's holding my wraps, the few cloth diapers I have left, and my crochet bag. And more kids toys in the middle...yea I need to do something about this space. I'll put it on my to do list for this week.

Big thanks to my friend SarahBeth! She gave us this washer for the kids back in the fall of 2010. It was a Christmas present for the kids in 2011.Wish I could say I'm amazed we let it set for a year....but, well, you know how it is.The kids really like it! At least someone is doing laundry around here...

See that book on the bottom left with the girl and the pink/purple cover? Kiah picked it out at the library last week because "it has pictures of girls and talks all about girls" That it does. It's a book about some of the embarrassing things that teenage girls can go through. Farting, Burping, etc...She told me she doesn't want her panties to stick out like that girls. I told her I don't want that either.

See that big book about Electricity right above the one Kiah picked out? Ava picked that one out all by herself. She's still at that stage where she likes to do everything her big sister does. When I told her the book didn't have many pictures she said "that's ok! it has lots of letters"

He wanted more applesauce, and was making a mess all over the floor. Quick and easy fix - grab a blanket!

A glimpse into what recovery can look like in our house.

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Welcome The Mahogany Way Sponsor EarJeans

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:26:00 +0000

I am excited to welcome Tasha LaRae of EarJeans as a sponsor. Her Jewelry is so beautiful, spunky, and creative. You can tell that each piece is crafted with love, and that she truly enjoys what she does.

Some of my favorites are the Statement Earrings from her 365 collection, this beautiful Pink Rose Quartz bracelet, you know how I love pink! And this Earthy Feather Necklace.

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Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to start Earjeans.

I am a creative person by nature. My first passion is singing. I've been singing since my childhood and as an adult it has been my career for the past 12 years. About 4 years ago I joined the Hip hop group Arrested Development (Grammy award winning group from the 90's) as the lead female vocalist and newest member of the group. My days have been filled with traveling to many different places around the world while doing what I love, singing! I also started my jewelry business the same year I joined the group (2008) as I wanted an additional avenue of income to sustain me during the "lean" months of the music industry. I started making pieces for my stage performances and then the fans would want my jewelry after the shows! I quickly learned all I could about the jewelry making business including various designing techniques and I jumped in head first. One of the best decisions I ever made.

Singing in Japan

If you had to pick only one piece of jewelry, what would be your favorite?

This is soooo not a fair question, lol! If I could only pick one piece, I would have to say a charm bracelet that my little brother purchased for me as a Christmas gift this past year. It's a chain link bracelet with various charms in the shape of angels, pearls, and crystal beads. He said I was his guardian angel and that's why it bought it for me. I thought it was the cutest thing ever especially since my brother is 12 years old. He's awesome!

What kind of woman does your jewelry speak to?

I believe my jewelry speaks to the woman that is very sure and confident about her character and personality. She embraces everything that makes her unique (flaws and all) and makes no apologies for who she is. Her personal style is a direct reflection of this.

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I love what I do. For a long time I would dream of pursuing a successful career in music and when I finally took that leap of faith, I discovered new things about myself. I am currently a full time singer and jewelry designer and have been for the past 4 years. It takes courage to step away from what's normal (only working a regular 9-5) into something that you are unsure of and has no guarantees of success. But you are guaranteed to fail if you never try. Don't get me wrong, it is a hard road and you will second guess yourself a lot but your passion to see it's desired end will help see you through until that dream becomes a reality. And it will be worth it all. So if there is something deep inside you that keeps "calling" you, answer your destiny, honey because it won't go away until you do.

See what I mean by beautiful, spunky, and creative? You can also follow Tasha on her Blog, Facebook, and Twitter

Be on the lookout next month for a giveaway from EarJeans.

For information on advertising you can contact me at TheMahoganyWay{at}gmail{dot}com

Stay up to date on the latest happenings. Subscribe to The Mahogany Way. and like my page on Facebook. Are you a Mahogany Mama? Join us at my Community for Mothers of Color. Love to talk birth? Come see me at The Birth Cafe.

the latest happenings

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:54:00 +0000

We had a nasty stomach bug pass through here that started late Monday night, and stretched into the very early morning hours Tuesday. Kiah caught it first, then Samuel, but it seems to have missed Ava. Lets hope it stays that way!
Nothing says motherhood like being covered in vomit seven different times, courtesy of the baby boy.

Everyone seems to be back to their normal selves.....playing, laughing, and exploring. It's rare to find each one doing their own thing. Usually where one is the other is right next to them.

Ava keeps asking me to fix her stuffed animals. I think she picks at the seams so much that she puts holes in them.I can't sew a dress, but I can fix holes on stuffed animals, and clothes.

My friend Erika gave me a bunch of jars, and since I don't do any type of canning right now, I found other uses for them. Keeping Samuel busy putting things in them, and taking them back out has been a big hit.

I sat beside him filling the other jars with the rest of our beads. Then went to check on the girls to see if they needed anything.
Kiah was happily into her Wii game, and Ava was enjoying having the computer all to herself.

I think the next few days will be spent getting back into our groove.
What about you, what's been going on at your end of the world?

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sibling love...it's all good

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:34:00 +0000

Friday we had another day of exceptionally warm temperatures....and I'm not complaining! Fun Forest is quickly becoming one of our favorite parks. The scenery is so nice, all of those tall pine trees shading us, and the wide open field for the kids to run around. A stage that the kids love to sing and dance on.

The kids always make a stop at the wall to find hand prints that fit theirs. After that it's off to play and explore.

Where there's one, the other isn't too far behind.

Kiah had her first Girl Scout Cookie Rally that same evening. Ava was super excited to to attend with her sister. Samuel came too, but he was on my back in a warp the entire time. I even had a few elderly black women come up to me and compliment me on the wrap, and for keeping him so close. We talked about breastfeeding too. I absolutely love hearing from older black women who breastfed their children.

Back to the cookie rally...good times...

I am so proud of Kiah for sharing a part of her scout experience with her sister. She didn't have to. If she had preferred it be just her the two of us like it normally is, that's what I would've done.
She took Ava by the hand and included her in everything.

Since Ava looks like she's five or older, no one questioned if she was a girl scout or not. Ava won a ring toss prize, and Kiah wasn't too happy, but Ava turned around and gave her prize to her sister.

The best and cutest part for me was seeing all the girls in the friendship circle.

I know all parents think this of their children, but I really do have the best kids! I just love them all to pieces.

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the little things

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:14:00 +0000

Charles didn't have to go into work until later in the day, so we decided to take the kids to lunch.
The weather has changed here, and it's been in the 40's or below this week. Oddly enough, today is supposed to be in the 60's. That's Virginia weather for ya.

Samuel in the scarf I made him. Charles said he looked like a little British boy.

The kids were more interested in the passing traffic. Whenever the girls see a car passing another one, they say they're racing. It does seem that way.....people seems to always be in a rush around here.

Kiah started this thing recently called packing up. She grabs one of her purses, fills it with goodies, puts on sunglasses, and then she's all packed up and ready to go. So you know Ava does pretty much whatever her sister does.

Bath time is a nice transition for them after all the exploring they do all day. Do your kids love water play like mine do? I guess they figure since it's too cold for the beach, they can get their water play in at the sink, the table, the kitchen set. I cleaned up so much water off the kitchen/dining room area floor yesterday.

I had to perform surgery on Ava's pink bear. She tore a small hole near the arm. while I was doing that I figured I would put the heart back since that was torn too. Silly me, I didn't ask her first....so when I gave her the newly patched up bear, she melts into tears because she didn't want the heart fixed.

I just looked at her in amazement for a few seconds. Easy fix though, grab the scissors and cut it off. Partially patched bear just the way she wanted it.

Watching Walking With Dinosaurs: Allosaurus. Kiah has really been into these documentaries lately. We have dinosaur flashcards, and the Allosaurus is in that lot. she was very excited to see him come to life on the screen.

There has also been:

a new purchase of More Starfall. It's only $35 for a year, and all three kids are loving it. There's something for everyone. Samuel likes the motion songs most.
Ava enjoys the word machine, and Kiah likes Talking Library.

Also...

coloring
reading
exploring our visual atlas from the library
Wii play
painting

oh, and Kiah has her first cookie rally with the Girl Scouts tonight, exciting!
There's lots more.... but I need to get to the grocery store.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

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Wordless Wednesday: Technology & Bedtime Stories

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:02:00 +0000

Stop by Natural Parents Network for More Wordless Wednesday.

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New Year's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:35:00 +0000

We had temps near 70 yesterday. Growing up in Ohio it was always very cold at this time of year, and we usually had snow.
Kiah has been asking when it's going to snow since November. She says "I wish it could snow like in Ohio" She also says "the leaves fell off the trees, that means it's time for snow" Sorry baby girl. I think the last two years were a freak of nature.

She's not much for wearing a coat anyway, so she enjoyed playing outside off and on yesterday. Ava said it was too cold, and didn't go out until yesterday afternoon, when they went to play with their friend across the street.

We also did a little cleaning up and organizing, but you can't really tell right now. My living room looks like three mini tornadoes came through it.

I should probably go clean that up now.....

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Freedom

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 03:41:00 +0000

The past couple of years I've done a sort of year end review, but not this time. Instead I wanted to share some photos with you that remind me of the spirit of freedom I've felt lately.

Freedom to make noise....

Freedom to help mama in the kitchen at a young age. They really did most of the work making these cookies. I was quite impressed. That batter gets thick once you start adding the dry mix.

I like the 3rd picture down of Kiah looking at the flour on her shirt. It splattered all over the place when she started stirring. I think she surprised herself! We all started laughing because it was all over her mouth, the counter, and the floor.

When I think back to probably 4-5 years ago and my way of thinking regarding raising children - I shutter. I thought I could control and change them into who I wanted, or thought they should be.

Now I clearly see that it's a waste of time and energy to even think that way. I'm proud to say that my kids are free to be kids....free to be themselves. I've learned not to hush them when they cry, or tell them how to feel, or what to think.

In this house you're free to simply be.

We love our new Melissa and Doug pattern blocks. I like that each board has two sides. You can also get creative and make up your own pictures.

I was upstairs putting PJ's on Samuel the other day and came down to find this picnic.

There is freedom to watch your favorite show - over and over if one chooses. Just like there's freedom to paint and play outside.

When was the last time you colored? It's so relaxing, and fun! I've always enjoyed coloring. Ava invited me to color with her, and took my picture after I took hers.

Even the smallest hands like to color, but most of the time it's not on paper.....

And at 19 months old Samuel is free to(still)nurse to sleep at the breast. Or fall asleep snuggled up in one my favorite wraps, Eva Didymos.

Modeling clay becomes play food for the kids kitchen set.

I'm enjoying the freedom to go as fast or slow as we need to know, each one of us learning at our own pace.
It just feels good.

Wishing you and your family all the freedom to explore, play, love, laugh, and enjoy being in the upcoming year.

Happy New Year!!!

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Christmas 2011 was AMAZING

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:33:00 +0000

We started a new tradition this year.....opening a few presents on Christmas Eve. We left the girls with my parents while we did some last minute shopping. It wasn't as bad as I expected it to be, or maybe I was in such a good mood the crowds didn't really bother me.

I had to snap this picture of father and son playing with the wrapping paper. Samuel is into karate chopping people now - he was having too much fun with it while we waited in line.

The girls couldn't wait to open their presents! They had set up a pile of pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals while I was upstairs wrapping a few gifts. They were having so much fun that they didn't even see me put these gifts under the tree.

It was about 20 minutes before they noticed, and when they did they were squealing with excitement.
Every year has been different, some years they've had a lot of gifts, and others only a few. Ava thought that they were going to wait until Christmas Day to open them, and both girls were so happy with what was under the tree. They thought that was all they were getting for Christmas this year, and they were fine with that.

I know some kids get nothing for Christmas, so it touched my heart that my kids would've been perfectly happy with one or two gifts. It's never been about how many gifts they get.
I hope that doesn't sound shallow. It just really makes me feel all giddy inside knowing that if there were no Christmas Eve presents, and they only had one or two gifts each, they would be happy with that.
I love my kids!

Each kid got a book and a pair of PJ's. I had been looking online for books on dancing with African American girls, and I found this one for Kiah..... Sugar Plum Ballerinas: Plum Fantastic, its her first chapter book. She's not reading yet, but loves it when we read to her.

I had found this one for Ava, Dancing In The Wings, but it wasn't in stock at the store because it was so new. So I ended up getting her Mia and the Dance for Two.
Both girls have been talking about ballerinas so much lately....now I'm on the hunt for inexpensive classes for them.

Samuel has The Poky Little Puppy. I had this book as a child. Remember the original Golden Books?

I think I made the girls scarves a little long, but they don't seem to mind. They said they like them long so they can wrap them up. Samuel and Charles have matching scarves. My mom, dad, and brother got one from me too.

Samuel and Peepaw.

We were supposed to make cookies, for Santa, then cupcakes, but it got too late. We still had all of the Christmas Day presents to wrap. I decided to go ahead and make a cake. Ava made it very clear that Santa was to have milk waiting for him to drink along with his cake.

The gift my mom gave me had reindeer food in it, so I searched in the cabinet for oatmeal, and we already had glitter. I mixed up a couple batches for the kids and went to put it in the front yard with the kids. No pictures of that because it was cold, and I thought for sure they would toss it, and I wouldn't capture it on film anyway. I was wrong...they took their time sprinkling it throughout the yard making sure it was evenly covered for the reindeer and Santa to see so they could find our house.

I'm not going to get all deep into the whole Santa thing, but my kids believe in Santa, it's part of the magic of Christmas around here. They ask Santa for one or two things every year, and he brings it, they think the rest of the presents are from us, but Santa brings them for us.
They know about baby Jesus, and are quite fascinated by him being born in a stable with animals all around.I know not everyone believes what we do, and vice versa, and that's fine.
On with the show....

It had got so late that we forgot to set out our note for Santa, so I did that after the girls were asleep. I almost forgot....that would've been ugly. Ava would've let me have it for sure. I made the note and set out the food.

We were up until almost 4am wrapping presents. Kiah didn't sleep well the night before, slept most of the day, and of course was up until about 1ish.
Ava asked Santa for a Unicorn, Kiah asked for chocolate and Skittles. We were so blessed this year, and I was happy to pay it forward by passing on some things via freecycle and craigslist to those in need.

I couldn't stop looking at our tree this year. I loved everything about it. Isn't she pretty?

Christmas morning! They had slept in their new PJ's the night before, but had to put skirts on before they came down to open presents. They crack me up.

Kiah loved this hat. She put it on and it didn't come off until later that evening, but only for a short time.

Ava calls the zhu zhu pets zunder pets, hehe.

Samuel played in the kitchen while the girls opened presents. Charles says Samuel thinks we got this just for him. We had planned on getting them a new kitchen set anyway, and then the girls kept mentioning how they wanted a new one for Christmas. We were over at a friends house a few weeks ago, and they have a bigger version of this set. Samuel played in it for a long time with one of their little girls, and cried hard when it was time to go.

I was so excited to find this one for them. I knew they would love it.

Back to opening more presents...

Check out my brother in his new coat. The next several pictures are sheer Christmas Joy. I smile and feel warm inside just looking at them.

Ava and her Animal Crossing game. She LOVES this game, and had watched my brother play for a long time. She was super excited to have her very own. It's a really cool game.

My in-laws came over for Christmas at our place this year. My brother got the girls their very own Wii, and they played it off and on all day.

There's always a game of spades going on when they're around. I need to learn how to play. Charles wants to me to be able to partner up with him.

Cousins enjoying the kitchen set. They are about 2 1/2 months apart.

All the men...I love this picture!

Also love the next couple with all the women. Yours truly on the end. Samuel managed to sneak in on one...

All the kids take 1...2...3...4

That was our Christmas. I hope yours was as fun, loving, and magical as ours was!

last minute merry making

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 12:37:00 +0000

We started the Winter Solstice making glittered pine cones. They were supposed to be magical pine cones, but I changed my mind last minute. I used wax paper to line my trays so clean up wouldn't be such a hassle. This was really fun, and a little messy....I think we'll do it again next year. Thanks Stephanie!

We used up the old glitter we had before breaking out our new neon glitter that the girls picked out.

We rocked out to Tran-Siberian Orchestra's Carol of The Bells (our Christmas theme song since 2008)and Feliz Navidad while the pine cones dried.

After Daddy came home we hung the glittering pine cones on the tree...

He wrapped lights around the staircase....of course the kids wanted to help. Have you noticed how Kiah is on the move in almost every picture lately? That girl is full of energy!

The only things we have left to do - trace all the names in glue and glitter on the stockings, hang them.
Wrap presents, make sure the fireplace is clear for Santa, and set the milk and ~~cookies~~ cake out.

our yesterday

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:18:00 +0000

This morning we have one tired mama, one cranky baby, and two hyper little girls.
I need to do Kiah's hair, and then I promised them the rest of the day would be spent doing some fun things. Probably baking cupcakes, making magic pine cones, reading more of our library books, and making tiny ornaments to go on our tiny Christmas tree.

Here are a few moments from yesterday....

Playing store.

Ava looks like she's babywearing, but she corrected me and told me she's carrying the baby in her belly like I did all of them....and how baby Jesus was too.

I wish he had napped longer - I really needed more than 30 minutes, but I guess it was enough for him.

Our library books.

Jumping off the couch...

Checkers.

Yarn Along: Christmas Present Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:37:00 +0000

I'm done with all of the scarves I was crocheting for Christmas. I'm so excited that I did it! Also a little sad. I had been crocheting my little heart out for weeks, and now all my work is done. Charles said I had been fussing about getting them done, and now that I am done, he can't believe I'm sad about it. I told him it's because I feel this need to have the hook and yarn in my hands during all free time.

I really do get it now. The love, the addiction, the satisfaction, the rhythmic calming of the yarn moving through your hands and creating something. I know I keep saying this, but crocheting is so relaxing for me. Why didn't I pick this up sooner?

Here it is....my very last scarf. I decided to do the photos in black and white for a change, and I really like the way they turned out. Plus, we don't want people seeing their presents now do we? The 2nd photo is a nice close up of the stitch. The 3rd photo is a picture of all of them. I've had people ask with my previous projects what stitch I was using. They've all been the same, single crochet. I think the thick yarn and size Q hook make it look more complicated. I have enjoyed working with the chunky yarn, and the gigantic hook. I hope the people they go to like them.

We're doing things a little different this year...the kids are opening some presents on Christmas Eve, and there is a scarf in the 3rd photo for each of them. The girls have seen me working on them, but have not seen them completely finished.

As you can see..... I'm reading Teach Your Own by John Holt and Pat Farenga. This isn't the original written by John Holt, but I'm still enjoying it. Pat takes us through how he first met Holt. How he came to learn about homeschooling/unschooling, and how his thoughts on education, and children changed over the years. Pat went from wanting to be a teacher, to homeschooling his three daughters! He has included some of Holt's original writings, so I think when I'm done, I'll probably see if I can get my hands on the original.

Now to find a really easy sweater pattern to start on for Samuel....

Be sure to click over to Ginny's and see what everyone else is working on this Yarn Along.

Stay up to date on the latest happenings. Subscribe to The Mahogany Way. and like my page on Facebook. Are you a Mahogany Mama? Join us at my Community for Mothers of Color. Love to talk birth? Come see me at The Birth Cafe.

Natural Parents Network: Our Best/Favorite Posts of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:47:00 +0000

I am proud and honored to be volunteer with the Natural Parents Network (NPN), a community of natural-minded parents and parents-to-be where you will be informed, empowered, and inspired. When you visit the NPN’s website you can find articles and posts about Activism, Balance, Consistent Care, Ecological Responsibility, Family Safety, Feeding With Love, Gentle Discipline, Healthy Living, Holistic Health, Natural Learning, Nurturing Touch, Parenting Philosophies, Practical Home Help, Preparing for Parenting, Responding With Sensitivity, Safe Sleep, and so much more!

The volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to make NPN the outstanding resource it is also spend countless hours informing and inspiring others on their personal blogs. To close out 2011, the NPN volunteers have come together to provide you with some valuable reading material. Each volunteer has selected either their most viewed post of 2011 or their favorite post and shared the link here. Please take a few moments to visit each post. Our intention is to expand our reach as bloggers and informed parents and parents-to-be who are still growing as we move through our own journeys. Each volunteer has provided links to other social media sites where you can follow them as well.

We hope you enjoy reading these posts as much as we enjoyed writing them. We are always looking for new volunteers so please, contact us if you are interested. Just a few hours per month can help other mamas in a huge way!

******

Abbie at Farmer's Daughter shares her Christmas Cookie Swap Blog Hop, which is her fourth annual virtual cookie swap and most popular post of the year. Please stop by and link up your favorite holiday recipe until Dec. 31. You can find Farmer's Daughter on Facebook and Twitter.

Adrienne from Mommying My Way shares Fear vs. Faith, one of her favorite posts about how often living a life of faith can look like a life of fear, but the two are really quite different. You can also find Mommying My Way on Facebook.

Alicia of Lactation Narration retells the story of her oldest daughter's 5 years of nursing and weaning in her favorite post of 2011, The Weaning Party. You can find Lactation Narration on Facebook and Twitter.

Amy of Toddler In Tow shares Finding My Mommy-Zen, her most viewed post of 2011. In this post, she shares her desire to balance her own self-esteem by choice in order to parent with peace and compassion. You can also find Toddler In Tow on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter, and follow Amyables (Amy W.) on Google + and Ravelry.

Arpita of Up, Down, and Natural shares one of her most popular posts titled Reflections. This is a beautiful look at the type of mother she wants to be. You can find Up, Down, and Natural on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Charise of I Thought I Knew Mama shares Why Do Children Have More Food Allergies Than Ever Before?, her most viewed post of 2011. This post explains the shocking info that one unsuspecting mother discovered when she started researching why her daughter had a violent allergic reaction to eggs. This is a must read post for ensuring the health of your family. You can also find I Thought I Knew Mama on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Stumbleupon.

Christine of African Babies Don’t Cry shares The Best First Food for Babies, one of her favourite posts of 2011. This well-researched post delves into the healthiest and most nutritious food to feed your baby. You can also find African Babies Don’t Cry on Facebook, Twitter, Google + and Pinterest.

Cynthia of The Hippie Housewife shares Gentle Discipline for Toddlers, her most viewed post of 2011. This post describes five gentle discipline tools for parenting toddlers. You can also find The Hippie Housewife on Facebook, Google +, and Pinterest.

Darcel of The Mahogany Way shares how Babywearing As a Way of Life one of her favorite post of 2011. This post showcases some beautiful woven wraps that she has purchased, traded, borrowed, and sold over the years. Darcel also talks about the benefits of babywearing from the newborn through toddler stage. You can also find Darcel{ The Mahogany Way} on Facebook, Twitter, Her Community for Mothers of Color, and Pinterest.

Dionna of Code Name Mama shares 50 Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids Plus Fun Serving Suggestions, her most viewed post of 2011. Most of these snacks are quick to fix and portable, so you can pack them to send with your child on play dates, at preschool, or to just have handy in the refrigerator for when your child wants to grab a bite to eat “all by himself.” You can find Dionna on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Erica at ChildOrganics shares a post that is not only close to her heart, but also her most viewed post for 2011 titled Attachment Parenting in the NICU. This post shares her top 10 tips for parenting should you find yourself with a baby in the NICU. You can also find Erica on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Gretchen of That Mama Gretchen shares her personal experience of returning to work, expressing milk, and the ups and downs in between in her 2011 most viewed post, Mama's Milk. You can also find Gretchen on GFC, Blog Lovin', Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Isil of Smiling like Sunshine shares how to make an autumn tree using pumpkin seeds, her most popular post in 2011. This post features a lovely craft activity that you can do with your kids! You can also find Isil on Facebook and Twitter.

Jennifer of Hybrid Rasta Mama shares 80 Uses For Coconut Oil, her most viewed post of 2011. This comprehensive post provides background information on the benefits of coconut oil as well as outlines 80 uses for it. You can also find Hybrid Rasta Mama on Facebook, Twitter, Google +, and Pinterest.

Jennifer of True Confessions of a Real Mommy shares her most popular post of 2011, Weekly House Blessing (Otherwise Known as Cleaning Once a Week). This post outlines a once per week cleaning routine for busy moms. You can also find Jennifer on Twitter.

Joella, the mama behind Fine and Fair, shares An Unusual Gripe with Bebe Gluton, one of her most popular posts of 2011. In it, she discusses the controversy surrounding a "breastfeeding doll" and offers her take on the gender role implications of dolls in general. Fine and Fair can also be found on twitter and facebook.

Julia of A Little Bit of All of It shares the story of how her co-sleeping relationship ended with her daughter, her most viewed post of 2011. This post shows how her daughter transitioned to her own bed on her 2nd birthday and the emotions involved for her mom. You can also find A Little Bit of All of It on Facebook, Twitter, Google +, and Pinterest.

Kat at Loving {Almost} Every Moment shares True Blessings: White Noise and Grandparents, her most viewed post of 2011. In this post, Kat talks about how she maximizes getting sleep and how grateful and blessed she is to have her parents be so involved in helping and spending time with her kiddos.

Kelly of Becoming Crunchy shares That Cup Does What?, her most viewed post of 2011. This post is one of a series of reviews and information on switching to all natural menstrual products - having heard so many different options and recommendations, Kelly decided to give a whole bunch of them a try and pull all the reviews together in one week for anyone interested in making the switch. This post in particular covers the ins and outs of the Diva Cup. You can also find Becoming Crunchy on Facebook, Twitter, Google + and Pinterest.

Kristin of Intrepid Murmurings shares a popular post from 2011, something she and her husband made for their girls for Christmas, great for open-ended play and construction: Handmade Tree Blocks. You can also find Kristin on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Lani of Boobie Time shares Helping a Fellow Breastfeeding Mom, her inspiration for starting to blog. This post discusses the importance of fellow moms supporting each other and some tips on having a successful breastfeeding relationship. Lani can also be found on Facebook.

Laura at WaldenMommy: Life Behind the Red Front Door writes about finally entering "spring" when her child with special needs begins preschool. After battling post-partum mental illness (post tramatic stress disorder) after the preterm birth of her third child, she finally begins to feel healthy and whole again in "It's Fall, Ya'll-Again."

Lauren of Hobo Mama shares On not having an AP poster child, her (OK, second) most viewed post of 2011. Lauren's first child shook her certainty that attachment parenting meant babies never cried and toddlers grew independent — and that's all right, too. You can also find Hobo Mama on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.

Luschka of Diary of a First Child shares Lactivism, Breastfeeding, Bottlefeeding and Mothers at War, one of her most viewed posts of 2011. This post discusses how the breastfeeding/bottle feeding debate causes a division between mothers, leading to the alienation of women and babies, while divisive companies prosper. You can also find Diary of a First Child on Facebook, and Twitter.

Mandy at Living Peacefully with Children shares how With Privilege Comes Responsibility, one of her most viewed posts of 2011. This compelling post explains her strong felt desire to stand up for those less privileged. You can also find Living Peacefully with Children on Facebook.

Melissa of Vibrant Wanderings shares a Montessori-Inspired Checklist for Choosing Toys, her most popular post of 2011. The article outlines some important Montessori principles and how they relate to children's toys, translating that into some simple guiding principles. You can also find Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.

Melissa of White Noise shares Modern Day Wet Nurse, her most viewed post of 2011. In this post, Melissa shares the benefits of human breast milk and human milk sharing. You can also find Melissa at Mothers of Change.

Momma Jorje shares Amniocentesis - What is it *really* like?, one of her most viewed posts of 2011. This open and honest series offers not only the technical process of amniocentesis, but also the emotions involved in awaiting (and receiving) the procedure and a diagnosis. Momma Jorje can also be found on Facebook.

Moorea of MamaLady: Adventures in Queer Parenting shares Fluoride: Another Reason Breast Is Best, her favorite post of 2011. This post provides research on the harmful effects of fluoride in drinking water for babies and toddlers and ways to limit fluoride consumption in your home. You can also find MamaLady on Facebook and Twitter and her Parent Coaching Site.

Rachael at The Variegated Life is Calling the Muse in her most viewed post of 2011. In this post, she describes how she uses ritual to help her tap into her creative spirit. You can also find Rachael on Twitter and The Variegated Life on Facebook.

Rebekah and Chris from Liberated Family shares Using Cloth In a Disposable Society, their favorite post of 2011. This extensive post provides a lot of information regarding the varied uses of cloth as well as the many benefits. You can also find Liberated Family on Twitter.

Sarah at Parenting God's Children shares her most viewed post: Confessions of a Breastfeeding Advocate: I Couldn't. She confesses her struggles with breastfeeding her daughters, but shares why she'll continue the good fight. You can also find Sarah on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Seonaid of The Practical Dilettante offers a science- and reverence-based meditation on The Living Earth, her most viewed post of 2011. This meditation was originally written for Earth Day, but it provides a way to reconnect with your place in the living breathing planet at any time of year. You can also find Seonaid on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +.

Shannon at Pineapples & Artichokes shares I Recommend (But Moira Likes This Book Too), her most viewed post of 2011. This post is a review of a wonderful book that talks about all the different ways that families can be made up, along with some of why this topic is so important to her family.

Sheryl at Little Snowflakes shares her experiences with tandem nursing in Tandem Nursing – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, her most viewed post of 2011. You can also find Sheryl on Twitter.

Stay tuned for some amazing posts from all of these tremendous bloggers in 2012!

Stay up to date on the latest happenings! Subscribe to The Mahogany Way. and like my page on Facebook. Are you a Mahogany Mama? Join us at my Community for Mothers of Color. Love to talk birth? Come see me at The Birth Cafe.

Christmas Jello, Almost Reindeer & The Undone

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:06:00 +0000

This day has been total chaos. All three kids are in rare form, we all have sore throats and a cough. Still, they wanted to do our reindeer and make jello. I figured both of those were low key activities. The reindeer need faces and then they can go on the windows. Both girls said they wanted to save that part for later....something they're both into lately, saving something for later.

Samuel has one too, and I took pics of it, but for some reason they didn't save. I can't wait to get a new (real) camera. Can't believe I've lost two cameras to the beach in a year...

I also had pictures of them making the jello, and they were so cute! Again they didn't save.
Red and green jello for Christmas. I thought that was a cute idea.

The undone...laundry, dishes, cooking, pretty much anything that comes close to tidying up the home has not, and will not be done tonight. And you know what? I don't care!

I plan to spend the rest of this evening hoping for no more meltdowns, crocheting, army wives on netflix, and a glass of wine.

**Reminder** I have a digital scrapbooking giveaway going on until Monday.

Stay up to date on the latest happenings. Subscribe to The Mahogany Way. and like my page on Facebook. Are you a Mahogany Mama? Join us at my Community for Mothers of Color. Love to talk birth? Come see me at The Birth Cafe.

My Memories Suite Review & Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:28:00 +0000

***The winner is Candice! I'm sure you'll enjoy the digital scrapbooking ***

I tried my hand at scrap booking once or twice not long after Ava was born. It was always something I wanted to get into, but it never really seemed to flow for me. Several years later, enter My Memories Suite V3. I had heard and read about digital scrap booking, but didn't think that would be for me either. As you know by the amount of pictures I post, I love to take pictures!

With My Memories you can create your own albums from scratch, and get as creative as you want, or you can use some of their super cute layouts. They are inexpensive and even have several pages of FREE layouts.
I think I've found a new obsession! I could easily spend hours creating albums with this software. You can also make videos and add music, so it's very interactive.

I like that you can change the font and colors, you can also do a matte finish on your pictures, add embellishments, and shadowing. Oh, and you can also choose an album, but you have the option to move the pages around, or select only one page from each album to work with. Like I did with these below....pretty cute, don't you think?

You could make Christmas cards, Birth Announcements, Party invitations, and Calendars. There is so much that can be done with this software! They even have a blog/forum section with tutorials, freebies, and contests. I'm really looking forward to playing around with the software a little more.

I know you want me to hurry and get to the giveaway part, right? Here are the details.
As always you have several ways to win, the more you do, the higher your chances are for winning.
Visit My Memories and come back to tell us your favorite layout(s). Like them on Facebook, and of course you can Tweet this giveaway. You can do all of the last three, or only one, it's up to you.
Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

This giveaway will close at noon on December, 19th. The winner will be announced at the top of this post after 3pm.

Guess what? If you would like to purchase the software, here is a code for $10 off My Memories Suite V3! STMMMS18281
So it's a win win for everyone. It's probably best to copy and paste the code to avoid typos.

Good luck, and Happy Weekending!

Stay up to date on the latest happenings. Subscribe to The Mahogany Way. and like my page on Facebook. Are you a Mahogany Mama? Join us at my Community for Mothers of Color. Love to talk birth? Come see me at The Birth Cafe.

Wordless Wednesday: Christmas Tree 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:39:00 +0000

Check out more Wordless Wednesday at Natural Parents Network: Holiday Traditions.

Stay up to date on the latest happenings. Subscribe to The Mahogany Way. and like my page on Facebook. Are you a Mahogany Mama? Join us at my Community for Mothers of Color. Love to talk birth? Come see me at The Birth Cafe.

The Gift of Presence

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:48:00 +0000

Welcome to the December Mindful Mama Carnival: Staying Mindful During the Holiday Season
This post was written for inclusion in the Mindful Mama Carnival hosted by Becoming Crunchy and TouchstoneZ. This month our participants have shared how they stay mindful during the holiday season. Please read to the end to find a list of links to the other carnival participants.
***

The most important gift I can give my family this year is myself. I don't know about you, but it can be easy for me to get wrapped up in how many presents the kids get.... Are we getting them enough? Is the house up to par with the decorations?

The truth is that none of that matters if I'm not giving them my time and love. I'm not talking about being in the same room with them while they play, or on the same floor of the house. But putting everything else out of my mind. Living in that moment with them. Whatever the moment may be.

You see, I have this thing I struggle with, I'm a perfectionist. Not so much about the appearance of my kids, or the hair and clothes, but in my ideas of how things should go.
I've been this way for as long as I can remember. I get an idea in my head of how I imagine events will turn out, and when they don't, it freaks me out. Sends me into a fit of anxiety.
That right there takes me out of the moment so fast. I'm trying to put all thoughts of how I think this Christmas is going to go out of my head.

The magic and memories aren't in how the ornaments we make turn out, if the turkey is just so, how many presents the kids have or don't have. The magic and memories are in the time we spend together doing these activities.
The laughing, the singing, and dancing to Christmas music. The way Samuel looks at the Christmas tree, because last year he didn't care too much about it.
It's the look of wonder and amazement Ava had in her eyes when she sat on Santa's lap. The joy in Kiah's face as she colors in her circle for the day on the Advent calendar I made for her.
Decorating the tree as a family like we do every year. Who cares if the tree is bottom heavy with ornaments from the kids!

No matter what, I always want them to remember the memories we made in the moments. We're hosting Christmas at our house this year, and I hope that everyone remembers and enjoys our presence.

***
Visit The Mindful Mama Homepage to find out how you can participate in the next Mindful Mama Carnival!
On Carnival day, please follow along on Twitter using the handy #MindMaCar hastag. You can also subscribe to the Mindful Mama Twitter List and Mindful Mama Participant Feed.
Please take time to read the submissions by the other carnival participants:

Enjoying Busy Times Moment by Moment Amy at Peace 4 Parents offers a handful of simple pointers to make the most of any busy season in your life.
Staying A Mindful Mama During The Holiday Season Terri at Eco-Crazy Mom shares her thoughts on being a mindful mama, while keeping your sanity throughout the holiday season..
Holiday Parenting: The Gift of Natural Play Moorea at MamaLady shares her holiday plan for mindfully spending time with children in her extended family.
The ABC's of Mindful Parenting Jennifer at Hybrid Rasta Mama provides a comprehensive list of Mindful Parenting Resultions for 2012. In addition, she briefly reviews her mindful parenting journey for this past year.
The 123's of Mindful Parenting Jennifer at Hybrid Rasta Mama shares part 3 of her Mindful Parenting series (Link will be live tomorrow, Dec 14).
Mindful Mama Guest Post from Hybrid Rasta Mama Zoie at TouchstoneZ is honored to share Part 2 of Jennifer's series on staying Mindful for the Holidays.
Saying No to Plastic Toys Nada at minimomist and her husband Michael, have certain rules when it comes to toys for their daughter Naomi. Here's how they deal with well-meaning gifts that don't quite work for their family.
Can you LOVE WHAT IS at Christmas? with so many expectations and no many people's needs to accomodate, Patti at Jazzy Mama has decided to simply accept what can't be changed and love whatever happens.
Minimal Temptation, Minimal Gifting Adrienne at Mommying My Way shares how not exposing herself to tempting purchases, as well as having fun family traditions, helps keep her Christmas list under control.
Choice And Consequence In Conscious Mindfulness Luschka at Diary of a First Child shares her realisation that consciously monitoring our thoughts have a powerful effect on our lives, regardless of circumstances or influences.
Nature-Inspired Christmas Tree Kerry at City Kids Homeschooling describes how she and her children discovered the beauty and simplicity of a nature-inspired holiday tree.
Giving The Gift of Life Free Range Mama at My Healthy Green Family shares about teaching children how to look beyond the well-wrapped box and learn how to give. .
Can a collection of moments be more than the whole? Tat at Mum in search asks how do you turn a holiday from hell into a series of beautiful moments?
Flying Through the Holidays Jenn at Monkey Butt Junction discusses how a simple organizational plan has kept her holidays balanced.
Celebrating Advent week to week Lauren at Hobo Mama finds that counting down weeks instead of days helps children with the long wait.
5 Ways to Stay Mindful This Holiday Season Charise at I Thought I Knew Mama shares ideas and photos that help her stay mindful throughout the holidays.
Simplifying the Holidays Mandy at Living Peacefully with Children shares how simplifying the holidays has made them more special for her.
Mindfully Managing the Mania Erica at ChildOrganics fights against "the gimmes" and shares strategies for staying balanced during a time of year when it's easy to overindulge.
Six Ways to Enjoy the Holidays Without Losing Your Mindfulness Rachael at The Variegated Life shares tips on thinking less, planning less, doing less, and remembering.
The Gift of Presence Darcel at The Mahogany Way explains how important it is to be present for and with her family during the Holidays.
Mindfully meditating on celebrations Terri at Child of the Nature Isle desires meaningful celebrations for the whole year.
What Does It Really Mean? Staying Mindful Through the Holiday Season Kelly at Becoming Crunchy talks about how she stays in touch with what the holiday season means for her and her family, in spite of all the temptations to do otherwise!

Stay up to date on the latest happenings. Subscribe to The Mahogany Way. Like my page on Facebook. Are you a Mom of Color? Join us at my Community for Mothers of Color. Love to talk birth? Come see me at The Birth Cafe.

Sunday Lunch at the Silver Diner

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:18:00 +0000

I've driven past this restaurant probably 100's of times, but never stopped in to eat. A couple of months ago I had breakfast there with my friend, Dee. She's getting me hooked on kinds of things people! First it was natural hair, then crocheting, and now the Silver Diner.

The weekend was really nice. Charles worked a mid-shift on Saturday, so we went to see Tower Heist. That movie was better than we both thought. We were supposed to see Immortals, but we were a little late for that one.
He was off on Sunday.....the last time we took the family to a restaurant was on Mother's Day. We usually have family day on his days off. I suggested the Silver Diner.

I called to double check that they served the entire menu all day, and they do! We were supposed to have breakfast there, but figured there was no need in rushing since you can get breakfast at 2pm.
The girls were excited to eat at a new restaurant, and I was excited for Charles to try the food because I knew he would love it....I was also excited to spend time with my family, of course.

Gotta love family friendly restaurants! It wasn't crowded at the time we went, which was very nice.
Samuel started fussing something awful. he was tired, and didn't like the high chair anyway. I nursed him to sleep and he missed the rest of the festivities. Off topic real quick....I am loving Picnik! It's got lots of features for editing your photos.

Yup, we enjoyed ourselves. Talking, laughing, listening to music, and being silly

They have a jukebox at every table. You put your quarter in, select your song, and it plays throughout the entire restaurant.
The girls chose songs like Pink Panther, Merry Melodies, and they got really excited when we found the Micheal Jackson page...but they didn't have their favorite MJ song, beat it. That was ok, we chose Bad and someone else was thinking the same thing, because we heard it back to back.

Ava went on a kissing spree at the last minute. She came around the table to kiss Charles, me, she couldn't reach Samuel, and then went back around for Kiah.

We had a really nice time. I'm sure we'll go back soon.

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Stubby Pencil Studio Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 15:55:00 +0000

The winner of this Stubby Pencil Studio Gingerbread Tote is......Monique!
So happy for you. I know your little girls will love the products in this tote.

Thanks to all who entered, tweeted, and liked her page on Facebook.

Stay up to date on the latest happenings. Subscribe to The Mahogany Way. and like my page on Facebook. Love to talk birth? Come see me at The Birth Cafe.

Welcome December Sponsor and {Giveaway} Diva Dar Dar

noreply@blogger.com (Darcel) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:06:00 +0000

I am excited to bring you this interview and giveaway from another one of my December Sponsors - Diva Dar Dar!

Terin is a mama to one little girl who will be celebrating her first birthday very soon, and she creates stylish jewelry and clothing.

I instantly fell in love with her creativity and unique, funky style. I can see myself in so many of her pieces. Some of my favorites are the bangles, candy wrapper earrings, and if I had a little girl she would rock this Hello Kitty leopard tutu.

******

Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to start Diva Dar Dar.

My name is Terin and I'm from Baton Rouge, LA. I'm a Jill of all trades & talents! I'm
a Cosmetologist, makeup artist, former model, fashion designer, and jewelry designer just to name
a few! LOL!! My mother and aunt inspired me to start sewing and designing
jewelry! I grew up watching them sew and make jewelry and I couldn't help but
to start too! My mother brought me my first "my little pony" sewing machine at
at age 6! I started making barbie doll and babydoll clothes!! When I grew older
I always liked unique things nobody else had, so I started making jewelry
and clothes for school and my photoshoots!!

Can you tell us the story behind the name Diva Dar Dar?

The brand name Diva Dar Dar is a combination of my Indian heritage and background, and my Diva attitude. I like to think of Diva Dar Dar as my alter ego.

What kinds of materials do you enjoy working with the most?

To be honest I love anything I can get my hands on!! But my favs are
wood, paint, and fabric!

What is your favorite piece in the store right now?

The Hott Chocholate Suede earrings, I think they are so stylish and unique
and so right for the season!

Which piece of jewelry was the most fun to make?

This is a hard question all my pieces I had fun making! I love them all!!

What kind of woman does your jewelry speak to?

A very fashion forward unique style diva!! A woman or girl who likes to
standout and be noticed for all the right reasons. A lady who can pull off
any style and look effortless with a sweet and sexy attitude!

******

Terin is offering these fabulous multi-tone spike hoops to one luck winner! Someone is gonna make a statement this Holiday Season!

For one entry: Visit Terin's shop - Diva Dar Dar and come back to tell us your favorite piece.
For extra entries: Like Diva Dar Dar on Facebook. and/or tweet this giveaway.
Want another entry? Follow this blog.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. You have until Sunday at midnight. The winner will be chosen and announced on Monday.

Good Luck and Happy Weekending!

Stay up to date on the latest happenings. Subscribe to The Mahogany Way. and like my page on Facebook. Love to talk birth? Come see me at The Birth Cafe.