Laughter

At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities. ~Jean Houston
Laughter gives us distance. It allows us to step back from an event, deal with it and then move on. ~Bob Newhart

Even if there is nothing to laugh about, laugh on credit. ~Author Unknown

Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward. ~Kurt Vonnegut

I've always thought that a big laugh is a really loud noise from the soul saying, "Ain't that the truth." ~Quincy Jones

With the fearful strain that is on me night and day, if I did not laugh I should die. ~Abraham Lincoln

Whoever said "laughter is the best medicine" never had gonorrhea. ~Kat Likkel and John Hoberg, My Name Is Earl, "Robbed a Stoner Blind," original airdate 16 November 2006
even days without laughter makes one weak. ~Mort Walker


A laugh is a smile that bursts. ~Mary H. Waldrip


Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face. ~Victor Hugo


[L]aughter on one's lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life. ~Hugh Sidey


Laughter is the sensation of feeling good all over and showing it principally in one place. ~Josh Billings

One Step at a Time!

Step by Step
One Day at a Time
Moment by Moment
Bit by Bit


All sayings that we say from time to time indicating the need to slow down and deal with what you can accordingly, and not worry or deliberate about the future.One step at a time.Usually when I say that about things I have to do or someone else responsibility, it is said because of the overwhelming response to a task at hand.Well ....this week has been a week from somewhere other than my brain...lol.I have dealt the truck(again), inspections, inspectors, parents, just STUFF, different things that in an isolated incident would be fine to handle.But as some of know, when it rains, everything around it gets wet...So I began to think ahead to ward off the effects of some of the STUFF.Well ...that does not work...you end up loosing sleep, getting sick,and becoming ineffective.So, by Tuesday, I called it quits, and a night..EARLY.I recall "speaking" to two people, but I don't recall our conversation.(sorry Glynnis...lol)I remember nothing...lol.My girl just hung in there as I uh huh'd or just said something silly, or random.I do remember breaking down and having VanTelle in the room with me.They were doing their rendition of circle time....FUN!!!
So yeah, by the time yesterday hit, I needed OUT...lol.So I went to the gym and to WALMART.That place is a safe haven for stressed out moms.Well I wasn't really stressed. just done.Like a Thanksgiving turkey.....done....spent....over it all....work, bills, daycare, people.....
So as I was walking through Walmart, I began to hear the song and sing it, One Step at a Time, by Jordan Sparks.And I began to think about life, and how we should and need to take things one step at a time.Me being the Queen of Contingency, I tend to go into worry wart mode about somethings.Or tend to want to fix, think ahead or plan for....ahhh let's see...next April....lol
ok...not that far ahead, well depends....you get my point though.
I realized that I have to take this deployment, life, work, everything, one step at a time, moment by moment.That does not mean I cannot plan ahead etc, but as far as fixing, dealing....deal moment by moment.It took me till last night to figure out that I am carrying quite a load.The children, the home, my job, church, deployment...yadda yadda....I didn't REALLY know that.Keeping it all together and tight can be stressful...if I am not taking it bit by bit...moment by moment ! So I am gonna continue to slow down and take it one step at a time.Do what I can and can what I can't!I sometimes think so much about the next step, moment, decision, that I am loosing it.One thing I do know is that God has everything in his hands, and I need not worry ....about anything.
The Power of the Webcam.....
Soooo Vannell was the first to get the discipline via web cam.Yesterday, he decided he wanted cookies for snack, instead of the snack being served.Well in true Vannell fashion, when he does not get what he wants, he began to yell..." I waaaanaannnt my daaaadddddyy!!.."....yeah...so....that gets old real quick.Don't get me wrong, I know he misses his dad, but I also know he knows that that may get him what he wants.So yeah, Vannell was on the yahoo, and heard him and was like...let me speak to him.He did the ole Daddy 1,2,3...and Vannell shut right up.......*insert hallelujah music here*...he shut right up....and did his infamous sniff, as if to say, i'll be quiet now....but wait till tomorrow....after school...by the cubbies.
Radiant is taking to mimicking everything I do.ahhhh annoying at best.Between that and her random questions, I am sooo ready to adopt another 9 year old to keep her busy.It's so weird, you'd be watching tv, and she will just come up and say,...mommy...um......I just want you to know that I am taking a showere.Ooooook......hmmmm!Or.....something like I am eating five cookies...or ....you get it....?!Random and my favorite was during and inspection she asked something really crazy about gym or something.Do you see that I am busy???....lol.So had I a discovery, a JOB...I pay her to put away clothes.hey, I get stuff done and she gets money.Most of all it gets her busy with something.
Bless her heart, she is being home schooled now and that means spending more time with me.Which means more time studying me, and while I thing imitation is a high form of flattery, it can be annoying.ROTFLOL....she has learned to suck her teeth (as to clean them) as I do at times when I have a piece of meat in them.This may be tmi , but I have a cavity,and at times meat gets stuck and I have to clean it, well if I don't feel like getting up, I have learned how to kid of flush is out with my tongue.Which causes a little sound...well she has mastered the sound.Nothing in her teeth, but she has it down pack.And you know when your kids know they are getting on your nerves on purpose, and they have THAT look,well she does it when she is cleaning out her teeth...lol...funny....NOT.
Well i look forward to tomorrow.I don't know what my plans are this weekend.I guess we are suppose to get snow...fingers crossed.I love weekend snow...
Well the house is quiet now, besides my napping music.All are sleep....yaaay so I am going to catch up on some work before its time to get ShanVan, or is it VanTelle???

Sooo with a day like today, who needs bad days???I am not one to label my days as as horrible, of awful, crazy or just plain doozey, but today was all in one.It felt like a snowball effect of things .It went from being 5:45am to 6:00pm in a matter of moments.
ToDaY
If today was a dish it would be Gumbo
If today was a song, it would be the Macarana
If today was a book, it would be Ripley's Believe it or Not
If today was a car it would be a race car
If today was a piece of clothing it would be be a girdle
If today was a sport it would be track and field...ALL events....
If today was a magazine it would be MAD
If today was an emotion it would be exhaustion
If today was a pace it would be SSSSSSssssssssssssspeed
If today was a bag it would be a backpack...no a fanny pack
If today were a piece of jewelry it would be a toe ring
If today was a television show it would be Survivor
Today was a scripture...it read,
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Tonight is a chapter ....it reads

Psalm 23

1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

ToDaY

Today was one of those days you laugh at once it winds down, and you are able to collect your thoughts.If It was gonna try and break , it did today.If there was any day for a rat race, today was mine.
Trying to register a car, in Clark Hall with Kids in tow...in the frosty cold...oopps...we forgot to tell you you needed more points of id.......GREAT.Back home I go...OFF POST....hop back in line, ready to pay...oh that price we quoted.....uh add more money.and of COURSE, I can't find my bank card.....Then of course that is not enough....its not over......back at the truck, the dog on hatch wont close...the latch wont connect to the latch catcher...(is that the name of parts ...don't check the Chevy manual...I own the manual that has those parts in them..)after fixin that once I get home.....hmmm lets see....its almost time to get VanTelle....always fun to do, when Sarah doesn't get her nap out, and I don't have a moment of quiet time before we go get them.If you have a three year old,,,double that...and you are definitely feeling me!To add to my wonderful day, I had to calm a very panicked Baby Sarah with a sucker, because the thought of her gloves being off, and her baby being left in the truck....was not cool.If she could talk she'd probably say, I don't care what you are goin through woman, keep my gloves on when I want them on, take them off upon request, and for heavens sake...let me bring my baby with me!
Children picked up......, the truck decided to stall...twice....GREAT....(insert sarcasm)off to my favorite dealership....of course they want to keep.it ...give her a rental...GREAT...I want my truck fixed, and for yall leave me alone.... we get to the rental car store ....no license or military id...major card.....if you help me find it, I can use it(forgot to tell that part..I cant find my cards to either banks...In a calm panic, I begin to inventory my purse.Which has everything in it diapers, Ipod, cotton, bows, (lemme look)....papers from the dmv, papers from the kid's school,receipts from like 9 years ago, broken sunglasses,my camera, enough crumbs to make a bread puddin, hmmm lets see(lookin)a pacifier, pens ,scissors, and expired mil Id...coin, medicine,empty Mentos gum bottle, a spray bottle top.......so yeah .....ALL this in my purse , and I am looking through it looking for my two ids.....and no...i didn't have a corner in the rental place...I was at the front counter.All the while saying...I know I had...where could it be.Going through my day, thinking about where I had visited and used my id., didn't help, because it(my day) was soo frantic, that i could not figure out where I could have left them.(I used them in every stop I made today)...called around...nope....not here or there....so we hop back in the rental ....back to the dealer...i check the truck, and nope nothing.....so I go back, check through my junky purse.......again....nope not there.Well I just quieted my spirit, and said, where is it...where could it be....and it came to me....you changed jacket to a hoodie...it in the jacket....and u guessed it...it was in my jacket.So not only is my day madness, but now I have to include Maam in it....she , bless her heart brought my ids to me.
Yall know that I am totally paraphrasing the day.(puts on my virtual udder costume)Vannell had a fit...because he decided today was a good day to miss his dad.And yell I want my Daddy in the middle of the parking lot of his school.Him and Shantelle capitalized on my distracted mind....where did the grapes go??????Allyn is still running his pretend family...stressin these poor kids out.Gemini needed help with homework...whats wrong with kids these days...having a hard time ....with symbolism and deeper meanings to things/ life.Perhaps its because everything they see, want need is right there in their face, no need to look deeper, or think harder.Radiant...though all this was more worried that her lips were well lubricated with lip gloss.Big Sarah, didn't care, and still don't .She find the humor in it all!She did manage to be a little blessing today and do a chore that I did not ask her to do.My Shantelle was a little extra clingy, hugs here and there...she must have known I needed huggies.....Don't get it twisted though, she still running the house...or at least thinking she does.

Soooo here I am....its 11...and as much as I want to go to bed, I want and need to work out.I am proud because I did not consume a pint of Rum Raisin, or devour some chips.More significantly, I didn't go to the mall or Walmart. I dealt with what I could and nixed the rest.I had an engagement tonight, but I folded...enough was enough.....lol
So I got my music going now, I am getting motivated, and I am hitting the treadmill!
I look forward to tomorrow...a new beginning!

Happy Thump Day!

Well, since Wednesday is usually "Hump Day", and today feels like a hump day, but its not Wednesday, I am gonna name this Thursday Thump Day!This has been a long week, but relatively short.I guess the oxymoron is a good description of the week as I see it as a result of the holiday.SO that being said, I am as tired today as I am on a usual Wednesday.My mind just hasn't comprehended that we just have one more day in this work week.....I bet it 'll get it tomorrow.....lol

Sooo today began unusually early for me. I had awaken to a knock at my door.Now I had already responded to my alarm, I was in the the whole :set the alarm early, and snooze for as long as possible state.....Then I heard the knock, a persistent knock, as if I was slack/ in my responsibility to my daycare parents....promptness.I KNEW I had at least 10 minutes left.....hey...that's a lot to a Ante Meridian challenged person.If I could, as stated before, I would sleep til at least 2....2 would be like my early morning.I could sleep all day...easily....So yeah, I get to the door, and surprise I got an early, unplanned drop off.Normally, not quite as early.So yeah.....Thank God bad hair days are out, not sure about the dragon..... I asked her what are you doing here?I got a reply , something about traffic, and needed to some early.OK...sooooo why didn't you call first?Or last night.I am starting to think some people think of Daycare Providers as children think of their teachers.LIVES at school, ready to teach, all about teaching, this perfect wonder woman disguised as a conservative, yet animated librarian type.Why don't some people think about other people when they are making decisions that will effect more than themselves?.SELFISH...and they don't think beyond their wants, needs or desires.
Now I am NOT saying she is a bad person, or even that I was mad.A little annoyed, but not mad.In my many years of daycare, I have learned that common since ain't always so common.So while I would have called last night , and made sure that it was ok with my provider to drop of my child 30 min early....thinking of her.I mean does she think I stay awake 24 hours a day....waiting on an opportunity to receive a child for daycare.I REALLY don't think the worst of this individual, and hope that it was an over site.
There is nothing worse than providing a service for someone, and they not appreciate who you are as a person, not the provider of the service.
...Now I will admit, I am not always the best when getting a service....well mainly when I get bad service.....while dining....yes.....I am the type that likes good service, and when I get less than, I get annoyed.Basically wondering why people would go into service related jobs and be nasty to customers...a non people person.Other than that I appreciate good service, and the tip and my attitude reflects it.One thing I will not let go un-noticed is bad service,the server, and the manager will know about it.On the other hand I will let managers as well as servers when i received good service.(yes I am that person)....but hey, at least I am not rude about it....it usually starts with me asking the server etc...if they need a lunch break....lol
Regardless, I manage to get my point across, without being rude.
So anyway, at pick up, I asked her what was up with the early arrival?(I told yall it takes all day for things from am to download)She explained, and I explained and we were and are good. I have stipulations in place for things like this, and she will be reminded of them.
It's quite frosty out today, and getting ShanVan dressed is always an event.Things went smooth, until the hat and gloves episode.I don't even remember specifically what happened .All I remember is emotional melt downs over unisex gloves that were "just for girls"....again, I try and ward off these things by having PLENTY of gloves, scarfs etc for them to choose from.That doesn't matter, of course....if they want to have a fit...they will...if they want to be stubborn, they will....really not caring about the consequences.
I didnt post about the incident yesterday when I was picking ShanVan up from school.And how Van was really being stubborn, and all of a sudden, didn't want to leave school.So he stood there.......ok...well we are leaving.....fully dressed in his winter attire....he fell out and was in the start position for snow angel making....quiet...looking straight up as if her were getting instructions from tSpirit of Tantrums.....I was like...oh no he didn't.In is defence, the school picked NAPTIME to do a fire drill.Great for regulations, not so great for the kids, teachers, and parents.So I knew he was tired, but he didn't have to lay there in the MIDDLE of the floor.Did I mention he was in front of the...you guessed it...cubbies.(read past posts)So you guessed it, I, with my two infant in tow, Sarah and Shan headed to the truck.Thankfully,his teachers were there to convince him to follow suit.He did, and ShanVan was cranky the rest of the night....
Then you have Shan cornering some unsuspecting lady, and telling her that her daughter's backpack was "duuurty"...Now that lady did not ask her that, and I didn't tell her to sat that.That was not part of circle time, music time or Sunday School.Where do children get it from.....They call what they see....The lady never saw it coming.Santelle said it to her as the lady was politely saying an extended goodbye to her.Well she didn't hear Shantelle, because they had said something simultaneously....so the lady said..."yes sweety, what did you say?....Shantelle said, :I said, that's a durrrty backpack..I could have melted like the wimpy trash bags against HEFTY.Are you kiddin me?????It was funny......yes Glynnis, it pd to be the one that speaks clearly...
Even funnier was Debbie Downer and Eddie Haskell at the gym.I go to the gym for respite, its my time to think.And whether I work out on my treadmill, or at the gym, I use it as my time.....uninterrupted, solitude.So when Debbie and Eddie asked to go to the gym..I was like..yeah.Yall deserve to get out of jail...I mean respite as well.Well when I go, I go to work out.I think those two were under cover equipment inspectors.Debbie more so than Allyn...but he had his fair share at equipment hopping.So i'd look up and he'd be on the elliptical, then the bikes, the treadmill, then weights, then they were talking about the gym,....I mean all over the place...lol
Allyn jogged a little, Debbie a little something...not much...don't push it.
As tired as I am , I cannot imagine working out tonight.I can afford (not deserve)a break today, but do I want / need one?I'll more than likely workout, and attend to the things I have to do around here.......yeah...imma go ahead and knock this out....

***Grasshoppa, I just saw the comment you left!It ALMOST made me cry...I was close...but naaaww.Thank you for your kind words girlfriend!***

Well I am off to see who is using the floor and a means to keeping time to the song ...in their head, then imma go hit it....
Happy Thump Day

Ohhh I forgot to say something deep and profound...yeah in regards to considering others before we do things, make decision, and say things;Consider others.Life is more than what you can get and do for yourself.Decisions effect you and those around you.Consider that Pvt behind the desk, that new employee, that little old lady who lives in the yellow house, who has soo many children....you get my point...Do we need to consider thinking about others when we make decisions?
“The habit of being uniformly considerate toward others will bring increased happiness to you” Grenville Kleiser

America..Fred Sanford Got Deployed.....

And his junk yard was overtaken by Declutters R US!
It is with VERY tired eyes, and fingers that I write this post. I want to tell you about a soldier that shall remain anonymous, Army's Finest....let's call him Fred....Sanford if you nasty....so yeaaaah , Fred is in the Army, has been for like 15 years.In the 15 years that I have known him, he has been known to "collect " stuff".For what?I don't know.Why do most pack rats collect stuff???....In hopes that we will be prepared for a nuclear fall out, and a blizzard, and just in case six people show up the house at the same time needing a step stool.That has to be the reason why Fred has 6 step stools.Fred is very eclectic in his collection.He LOVES brief cases, and bags.I hear his wife does to.(But that's different)She also has a collection of shoes....(that's essential...)He collects coffee makers, filters, furniture.....what ever you name it, he'll fix it, need it, and has to have it...and like 5 others like it.I must have counted like 7 to 10 electronic cords...you know the kind with green, yellow and red.Really????how many tv's and vcrs does Fred need to hook up...that already isn't hooked up already?Fred....*shakes head* Fred ...I know your wife and you know clutter makes her a little wound*sigh* ....I
am not sure if he is gonna be mentally prepared for the declutter project that took place when he left.The thing is, I hear his wife does this EVERYTIME he leaves.She knows its prime time to get rid of stuff... that he has not seen or used ...and if he didn't take it to war...then ....he doesn't need it.Or at least the other 9 replicas of it.
So I hear Fred took it very well when his wife showed him the pictures of the garage.that must mean he is use to it....he has to be.....lol.So this time I understand his wife promises not to throw away clothes, or his Mr Rogers shoes he LOVES to cut grass in.She will not make concession for the many camel backs, or the collection of "stuff"....I am too tired to even name it...lol
So yeah, if we hear a report on Newzjunky, or news 10 NOW, of a irrational soldier named SGT SANFORD, then you know why.....he may be unstable.Call the president, Secretary of Defence, and even Al Sharpton if you have to....he may be very hard to maintain!In the mean time yall look out ,and be prepared for a neighborly visit, or a friendly request from like 6 people asking for step stools, 3 of them may score and get a hammer each.9 others may show up needing a drill.......and even more important is the mad rush of like 6 people asking to use jumper cables.....hey Fred is prepared for it.
Hey ...I ain't mad at Fred.... he's Prepared!

Your Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste

Our Minds.....where is it?Really???Can we touch it, can we locate it on an anatomy test?Perhaps you can, but I have not been able to.It makes for a new way to look at the phrase,"I gave her a piece of my mind!What does the mind do, and why did God give us each a mind?A different mind.Our minds are all so different.From the contents,(he's an air head, hard head) the packaging of(he's a fry short of a Happy Meal), to the way that it down loads and processes information.(He's a human calculator,shes a little slow)We have soo many ways to try to comprehend the complexity of our minds.I believe we haven't touched the surface.My minds is like a fast forwarding film.I can literally hear one word or phrase,"hot dogs"....and it will flash , in a matter of seconds from hot dogs, to a visual of one with mustard , to when I craved them when I was preg with Allyn, to morning sickness when I was pregnant with Allyn, to my grandmother's sickness, to when we use to shop with her, to......you get my point.By the time 3 minutes are up, I will more than likely be thinking of something totally unrelated to the hot dogs....lol.This is why for ME...long prayers are not good......I have to fight to stay focused.Sometimes when I am praying but especially when others pray.I guess I am a thoughtful person...always thinking of something.Some people mistake, my quietness, as snobbishness, or and attitude, actually I am observing,processing and thinking about random stuff.(I guess that's where Cerah gets it from!)Always in thought and because I am always in thought I am always listening .That quiet, still tap in my being gives me an answer to a dilemma, lets me know what Debbie Downer or Fabio is up to, helps me find my cell phone, and quite often giving insight to the questions I have about me, life, and human nature in general.See......... a poopy diaper regulator caaaan be a little deep?Never underestimate the power of the poopy diaper regulator!"Power to the PDR!"
What I find most amazing is how our minds are easily made up, good , bad or indifferent.I know for me, if I don't like it, want it, or not interested, unless I "change my mind", I will not budge.Convictions.....a made up mind on the positions of moral and personal issues, formed through personal relationship with Christ.(Melisters Dictionary...again don't try Borders I own the only copy:)The Bible says,"Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus."....where does it say that?....you find it......lol......What is the mind of Christ?Am open mind, a determined mind, and made up mind , an adaptable mind!The ability for our mind to adapt and change , I think, is one of the most underestimated gifts of our bodies that God gave us.Some stress about a mole on a cheek, or the lack of the perfect nose, DD's or no letters at all.But when was the last time you had a talk with a friend and was like,"Man, I want my mind like yours...made up, adaptable..." or "Man, your mind looks so good on most days...I am having a bad mind day." Ever heard someone say,"Is your mind real?" or" boy your mind is purky !"...I know I am around kids most of the time, but I have never heard that before.Not in the context of what I am saying......
So my mind's made up...about a lot of things, and I cannot and will not go back!"whatchu talkin bout Willis????
Well the CONSISTENT, gym going, treadmill using(instead of using it as a clothes hanger), Pilate's doing, calorie cutting ,WATER DRINKING....person you see now, was not always here.I never had a weight problem and developed a serious one after my last baby.Mr. weighed a whoppin 10 lbs.( 1 ounce shy...heck with a quick labor, no meds(too late), and about 5 pushes, I think I earned the right to say he was 10 lbs.He was huge...oh my goodness...ok stay focused....*bows in the moon light position*ok I am not suie if that is really a yoga position...but it sounds good.Where was I...reading back...oh ok...Yeah so, I weighed a whoppin 200 lbs after i had him.Thus the start of a lax cycle of weight loss/ never really gained.A flimsy routine os on the treadmill a day, and to the gym for 10 min here, and walkin at a snails pace there.There was a time, that I would HATE to workout.And water forget about it....but something happened .....I got tired of feeling sick, tired of feeling drained, not fitting my clothes(yes that too...).Now you know Imma rep da big girls...or let me say I USE to....ok stay focused....made up mid.So yeah.I told myself this was something I had to do.For health reasons first and foremost.Secondly I wanted to feel good about myself and feel good about life...the clothes rewards comes along for the ride.So i was able to tell my mind...we are gonna do this and FINISH and MAINTAIN...its a lifestyle.No more excuses.I sometimes have to talk to myself into excerzing daily....its funny...because like I said before, I do answer myself!So after a long day, I am tired, I want a shower and bed...thus begins the conversation:"Man I miss my workout...I know!!!...I actually crave working out....I cant believe it...well if I don't go I will regret it......yeah you don't want to do that....I knooow....well I wonder if i lay here( in bed)and do sit ups, will that count.....you need to get up...where are your shoes....ok my shoes are over there..oh gosh I need to make sure my music is on point, because I need t get through this...ok i am dressed, looking good...haaaay,
ok imma get on here, and I am walking slow....(and it goes on from unmotivated, to a high intensity workout and before you know it I am done! Happy and done!The amazing thing is that I am able to talk myself into doing what I don't like, or want to.. but is good for me.Tell me our minds aren't awesome!
What a powerful thing it would be if we would do that with HALF the things in life, our relationships, finances, or profession...etc.I think that the world would probably be a better place.Everyone would be about doing better regardless of how they feel about it.Who says doing better and maturing is suppose to "feel good, taste good, or look good"When the going gets tough, the tough get going,.....not running away, but get going joggin that mind to remain focus on the mission at hand!
Think of the things we would get accomplished, on time....lol
Think of the many people we would inspire to do the right thing ....Think about how much further in life you or I would be.If only we would have made our minds be changed and do that very thing we are running from doing...We tell ourselves many things to get by.for example...Like 3 years after Peanut was born, I was still carrying a little "baby fat" and not the jeans...I would say,I don't look bad...i just had a baby....lol..... three years later ...are you kidding me??? But we tell ourselves stuuf to make the decisions we make seem ok.Hey I can have this piece of cake, and ice cream....I deserve it.
On a lighter note I have to constantly tell this mind of mine that today ....(yesterday by the time this posts) was / is not Saturday.My mind is having a time comprehending the whole...holiday in the middle of two work days thing.I mean it is like the calendar is playing monkey in the middle with the holidays.


So anyway, I think that my, our mind is one of the most underestimated parts of our body.We tend to focus on the part of the body that is tangible, or that you can "see " functioning.What have you told yourself that you couldn't do?Would never do?Where do you allow your mind to go?What have you adapted your mind to compromise with?What situation or relationship have you allowed your mind to be made up about that is contrary to what you know is right?
Think on these things.....

Lake Effect Snow and Poopy Diapers...

Make for a wonderful Monday.
Last night, the weather report was the highlight of the news.Lake effect snow warning posted for our region.For those of you that don't know, that's like the mother load of snow.Its like the 75% going out of business sale of all sales.Its responsible for snow days,black outs ,limited visibility, power outages, and a butt load of snow.I really look forward to the possibility of a snow day, or an essential personnel only on the road days.A two hour day isn't that bad either.If I am lucky I get to sleep in an hour later.So this time, we were let down miserably.We got some hail, and we may have gotten a small band of lake effect that lasted for 5 min if that.Other than that , we got no real snow.I know I am asking for it now...sort of like a little kid asking for medicine.Because when it finally comes, its gonna come, be nasty and not stop.
The winters here are like that.As the season approaches it teases you.We get cold summers, compared.I remember being happy it got in the 70's this summer.We got a couple of really hot days, but that's it.So isn't it like the North Country to wait til October to snow.Right before Halloween.poor kids....butterflies in winter coats.Ever seen a devil wear a winter coat?....lol.Now we are in November, and I don't know what to expect.We got really nice days last week.I always use to pick on the winter/ the coast is clear flip flop wearers. You don't know who those people are?...........Those are people, usually in the North Country, that break out the summer clothes at the sight of the sun, and Lord help them if the temps reach 60 degrees.Its time to go to the beach.Well I became one of them last week.It was sooo nice.I had on Capri's, and flip flops....in WALMART.I became a winter/ the coast is clear for a min flip flop wearer.You know you live in an unpredictable climate when in the summer you don't pack away the winter clothes and in the winter you don't pack away the summer clothes.Its like leaving the ham and cheese out, as you eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Communication
As I am doing my duties as the resident poopy diaper regulator.I am also mastering(involuntarily) the art of deciphering the underdeveloped human language.That is the spoken words according to those under 4 years of age.If you had ANY interaction with Shan, then you know she communicates well, quite well.So much so, she has even ventured and mastered the words and tone of a little old lady that lives in a shoe...who has soo many children she doesn't know what to do.She is the littlest person in the house armed with an extensive vocabulary, and an attitude!
Then there's "Baby Sarah". Encouraging the big girl stage, I also call her Lizzy or Pepperment Patty.She looks just like her...lol.Sarah , has gone from communicating with one words, to using two to three word sentences.Now I didn't say it was clear.And Lord help us all is she is having her an emotional break down, nothing is clear.For the most part, if you listen reeaaaaaaal hard, you can get what she is saying.Sometimes you get one word, sometime you get a full sentence.Depends on how she feels at that moment.She is still at the stage where her emotions get the best of her, so that maybe all you get from her...emotion.heeeey...she's 2 ...work with her here! Sarah also mimics.What a "fun " stage....NOT.When they get to this stage, nothing is theirs, everything is repeated.She doesn't have the cognitive development to say, hey, there's no need to repeat everything mommy says.yeah even THAT word.
Ahhhh which leads us to Alyssa.The tiniest 1 year old I know.She may be tiny, but she is also armed with and attitude and a readiness to "protect" herself.Now Alyssa says nothing legible, but says alot.Not just says it, but says it FULL of emotion.I mean her little head rolls, hands going, and she is rolling"words" off her tongue so fast that she has spit coming flying out her mouth.When she is fussing, she looks like an old lady who took her teeth out , fussing at the kids on her lawn.It is so hilarious.We don't take her serious, and sometimes, if you "provoke " her by asking her questions like,"and what happened" or " what's up" ....that gets her going, I think mainly because she communicating as she knows how, as ineffective as it is.The fact that we are responding, encourages her to "talk more".The funny thing is, as she grows older, and develops her language, she may become an effective communicator if she couples it with the enthusiasm.
Vannell's communication is maturing, but at the drop of a dime he definitely knows how to become the very broken English speaking little person.He at times, doesn't add a c, and replaces it with a t.Or adds d's where t's go.that kind of thing.The thing is when you have alot of that, it makes for an interesting conversation.....huh Rick?Then again,I have heard him switch to big boy mode.I am not sure, but I don't think he does it on purpose, I think it is when he is not thinking about it, and just talks.It may still have missed placed letters, but its not jumbled and hesitant.The funniest thing is how he communicates when he does not want to be bothered.Those of you that know me, know that I am a person of many words, but when I don't feel like talking, I don't.Its like a chore to me to have to talk if I don't want to.Its aggrivating....lol.I am like, oh gosh.....go ask someone else.Don't you know pronouncing any words right now will exert too much energy.Well Vannell has taken that trait from his mom.So when he does not feel like talking, he whispers. Like really,really,really low.Its hilarious, because clearly what he is saying is,"leave me alone, I really don't feel like talking."So it goes like this, "hey Vannell, what's going on?Where are you going?"...his reply , while he is still walking past you, "sweee sweee swee..he, heeeto da heyrje."And you're like...what?I know this lil dude did not just keep walking, or sometime he will stand there , clearly aggravated, like uh....ok...here is your answer!(it takes everything in me not to laugh at that moment...sometimes I do)So Vannell is our mass communicator.Communicating many ways, but it only works for him.
So how do you communicate?Are you clear in your intent, your tone,and does your body language compliment your communication, or contridict it?Are you the Shantelle kind of communicator?Taking conversation, by storm.Commanding a response from life.Or are you like Sarah, full of emotions, using very limited words clearly, but they are often filtered by emotions.Parroting what others say, as if you you have not developed or understand the importance of your thoughts , opinions, and convictions.Do people see emotions, and can't get to the message.....its to be expected from her at 2, but not at fortynineteenthirty years of age! Are you like Vannell, communicating in various ways, based on your needs?If a moment of maturity is needed, you find the words,but yet still not clear.Or do you allow yourself to go into "helpless" mode?Because its what you know.It kind of just rolls off your tongue before you know it, and when someone slows you down, you may just get clear!Lastly, are you like Alyssa, saying so much, and no one understands you.Rambling on, and provoking others.Picking.....seeing yourself as the smallest in the bunch...emotionally, physically, or spiritually, so in turn, you attack.Attack to keep people away, or to call them near.
These are four illustrations of some problems we may face as we navigate through life,and try to communicate to others though our body language, our tone, vocabulary,and emotional state.I encourage you to become an effective communicator.Not through words, but through deeds, body language and emotional health.Nothing is more draining than to speak to someone that does not understand you.It is frustrating no matter if the barrier is from their lack of understanding, their emotional state,or the fact that they speak another language.(you ever try to explain something complicated to a child, and get the why factor?Fun right?.......not!
The Bible says we should come to God like a child and have child like faith.A child sees no limits.That's why they are free.That's why kids say the darnest things...no inhibitions.We know as adults that is irresponsible, so developing this child like faith and spirit, is achieved through balance.Balance is the beauty of maturing.Maturing is the beauty of accepting who you are.Accepting who you are is the beauty of communication......Communication is the beauty of getting to know God and YOURSELF!

Did I Miss Something?

Well it is Sunday November 9, 2008.Well I thought November was the month we celebrated Thanksgiving, along with Cerah's birthday.Well unless I was out of it , I don't remember celebrating either.On the ninth day of November, I have seen a ton of Christmas celebrations.Christmas news paper circulars, and sales.It really is toooo much.I have began my Christmas shopping, and still have a bit to do.But even with that being said, This is ridiculous.I barely have my Thanksgiving meal planned, and am not sure if I will have guests over.So whhhhy am I being pressured about Christmas?Well we know the state of the economy, and department stores are feeling it...hard.So that being said, they are getting ahead of themselves on purpose.Do they actually think that the people that are experiences hardships on any level , are gonna hear the music, read the papers, commercials and be inspired to spend.Spend money that they need, that can be used in another area in their lives.The closer we get to December, I pray that those experiencing hardships and difficulties,will not fold under the pressure of the media, family, friends, and the government to spend money recklessly.



My weekend was quiet, JUST as I like it.I am about to start a petition to enforce a 4 day work week,.I am ALL over it.I think my weekends are going by way too fast.On Friday, I did my usual.I stayed up pretty late.Bored, I redid my hair...lol.Yeah you guessed it.Friday night I managed to talk to Vannell, do my hair, catch up on my MYSPACE contacts, email some people, and a host of other random things I rarely get to do.Like I said before, I seem to channel my pre mother days, back in Miami, hangin out on a Friday.Regardless of what went on during the week, hangin was top priority come Friday ,say about 5:00, or whenever you got done with the responsible grown folk business.I have never been a clubber, for personal reasons, but hanging out was a must.In Miami, this was easy to do.....sunny days and cool nights!Well since my hangin buddy is in Iraq(everyone say awwwwwwww), I find that most Fridays are spent doing random, unimportant things around the house, catching up on my DVR,doing my hair( I think its cool how the daycare kids always recognize me no matter how long, short, blond or black my hair is!), or on the computer.Whoooow somebody get this party animal to rehab...I am out of control....lol
Weeeelll Since I finally fell asleep around 4:00am I just KNEW that I would sleep in.I knew I had a little running around to do, but I thought I could sleep in at least until 11:00.NOT!!!...As a result of a routine weekly wake up time,and a strict workout regime, my body has now grown accustomed to waking up.I think I woke up about 8:30am.Waaay to early for me.I don't care how much aerobic intake I get, or how routine my wake-up time is, I will NOT like it!I refuse.
So I did my running around, and later that night chilled with the kids:
We even managed to "kidnap" Kiara and Gemini.It was hilarious!I had to run to the ,mall.OK I didnt HAVE to, but I had this cute dress, (12) ty..ty*bows*(although my weight loss is purely for health, I am lovin the dress size!)So yeah I NEEDED some boots to go with it.Ok....ok...I didn't need it, no more than Bush needs a vacation.But I wanted it....I will tell you, rain , sleet, hail, snow, day, or night, I being the fashion bug that I am, I will make a drive by fashion purchase in a heart beat.One is never too tired to shop!So yeah on the way I thought about gettin my girls and having them come with us.I had just gotten off the phone with them, and they knew I was going, but I told them know I will not take them.So at this point they were unawares...lol.Being the pranksters that we are, Allyn and I created a scheme to call the house, and demand that they be ready in two minutes.Armed with a horrible accent, and humor, Allyn called and demanded that the twins get ready in two minutes.Well the first attempt was a bust, because it was the wrong number.Here we are for about 45 seconds clowning with some poor stannger...lol.Then Allyn says, (no accent")"Isn't their number *******?" "Yes" I said back," but you have to dial 1 first....(my cell is long distance)"
Now......sigh....... Kiara answered the phone.Lord help us....between tryin to figure out what she did wrong, and deciphering through the instructions, the poor girl was loss.The instructions were clear, (insert horrible accent)"You havvva be rrrrrready in tree minu, an haffa come wit bubllle gum and pink bowette...K.....you haff your orda????"Simple right?Riding through Watertown, to their house we were having to explain to Kiara, these instructions over and over.Finally we had to hand the information to the head delinquent....lol.She managed to get the message to the girls.And in true teenage fashion(where malls are concerned) they managed to get fully dressed,have the the pink bowette, and the gum, and be to the truck by the time we pulled up.Woooow why don't they respond that fast when we say stuff like ok....get ready for church, school,or get ready to go to Aunt Martha's house, I know she smells, but.Ok...there is not Aunt Martha, but you get my point.(My kids actually like church and getting ready for it....)
Last night was cute.We did a drive by purchase.My boots are"bangin"And by the time we got back the roast was done.(Heeey...I forgot to get my ransom)I forgot to mention that I kidnapped them knowing their dinner wasn't done, and I knew we would be gone, in time enough for it to get done.Good Timez!!!!
If you have children, or are around children, when was the last time you made something fun , or did something fun with them.When was the last time you made something that usually dreadful(ever waited on food, and was hungry?) into something fun.I have these kinds of moments with my kids all the time.I pray they will never forget the silly moments.Moments where mom briefly let her hair down, and became a kid again....for a moment.Balance .I am not interested in being a teenager, or a kid.I love who and what I am becoming at 35...however, I know that to reach them and sometimes teach them , it doesn't hurt to do what interests them....their way.No animals were harmed, laws broken, and we had plenty of laughs.Well there was that time I got caught speeding over by .....ok just kidding.We ate the gum, and I kept my borette.... we laughed at the horrible accents, and laughed even harder at Kiara,.....who really was tryin to figure out what she did to get arrested.....lol.
Routine is good, and to be expected in well balanced home, Random acts of silliness is even better...it helps you forget about the pressures of routines, and appreciate each other!

(Thanks to those of you that read the blog, many follow and read daily...I appreciate it!)

T.G.I.F as The Young and the Restlestless Chilli's are Red as Lobsters...

Thank God it's Friday as The Young and the Restless Chilli's are Red as Lobsters because they don't seem to Survive in the land of Blogs As The World Turns........


Yeah, I am going to be the subject of a a household revolt if I do not blog SOMETHING about the rest of my children.In my defense ShanVan are always doing something funny and entertaining.So Cerah says, "So, what?We have to do something stupid to get a blog?!"lol...Lord, what have I started??

All In The Family
Our household is comical to say the least.I always say we'd make a good tv show.I think we'd be a mix of the Cosby Show,Touched by an Angel, Rosanne,Survivor, and The Muppet Show wrapped into one.Maintaining all this, and with Christ in the center of it all, makes for a variety of experiences.
Opportunity Knocks
Opportunity Knocks is a show we watch from time to time, where families are put on the spot to answer random questions about other family members;in order to get prizes.We all say if we were on there, Allyn and I would win the most prizes for the family.I know I would,because I pretty much have the family pegged especially the children

So first there is Allyn.The 16 year old mixture of TD Jakes, Fabio, Eddie Haskell,Jim Carrey,Emeril Lagosee, and Denise the Menice.Allyn has been known as Deacon Allyn since he was two.Armed with an old spirit, and convictions(which have been tested lately)he can be dangerous.The thing about Allyn is that he is probably the most adult actin non-adult in this family.It is nothing to hear Allyn tell a girl to,"close your legs!" or "Go to bed!" Are you serious??Do you see me( the parent) right here..hmmmmmm so what is Allyn up to lately......What's the deal for most kids his age...boys his age at least.His grades, have been less than acceptable.Well at the threat of never doing anything extra curricular in his life,and possibly loosing his life(just kidding) his grades went from wavin Flags to Bouncin agile Cats even some Aces .To put it plainly Fabio, was over taken by TD Jakes,while Emeril was cooking, and Denise didn't finish the homework,because Jim Carrey was busy with his antics, yet Eddie wasn't worried because he thought he could compliment the teacher out of the Flags!When that didn't work,JIm Carrey starred in Liar Liar, while TD Jakes put Fabio in his place,in the mean time Emeril stepped in and busted out Denise,while Eddie Haskell is still here picking up the pieces.
Then There is Ms.Cerah(11).Yes...Ms.Only Cerah gets a miss.Well Mousey gets one also, but Cerah gets one first.Cerah is the girl who is not in control of anything.From the way she walk.The units she shoots(that slang for facial expressions) to they way her arm involuntarily flies up and "oooops" hits one of her siblings.When called on it, she either has no idea what you are talking about, or manages to fix her face in such a way that only Cerah can do.We call it The Many Faces of Cerah.Cerah is also our thinker, so she can be guilty of over thinking EVERYTHING.When she is done thinking, she may come back from la la land,and one NEVER knows what she may ask.The last thing I remember her asking was how did they get Moe(Doodle Bops) soo small that he fits on a butterfly.Also, she ended the statement by sayin, "I wonder how they made him...Moe fly."All the while Eddie Haskell interjected, trying to explain the blue screen ect.In true Cerah fashion, she didn't listen and really fought against everything he said.Regardless of how right he was.Now Cerah also is good at making HERSELF think that you think that you are crazy.So it would not be beyond her to go, "Well I asked that in the first place.,...remember I said, its neat how they used the blue screen to get Moe on the butterfly and flying."Riiiiiiiight!That's Cerah!
Radiant (9)is bound to make money on Broadway.I can see it now.Drama....Acting.Someone forgot to tell her she was not the baby in the family anymore.We remind her daily, and well quite frankly she doesn't care.Armed with
her two fingers, and her ears, she can be seen some part of the day (especially while waiting on dinner)lounging and humming with her fingers in her mouth.The louder the hum, the more dramatic the explosion can be.She is sitting next to me, humming now.Very low, so there is little to no potential for an outburst.Radiant is the one the one that interjects in every one's discipline or punishment .You could say something like,"Whoever, left their towel on the floor needs to pick it up."Annnnnnd she's off, like a buck leaving the stalls, you can hear Radiant start her rendition of the damsel in distress."I didn't do it.It's not my towel, I don't know what you're talkin about.What towel?Where?I didn't do it!" Rambling all this to the top of her lungs.Tone full of PaNiC, she does not allow you to get a word in edge wise.You almost want to smack her back to reality.Dramatic!
Lastly, there is Gemini,a mixture the Debbie Downer, Emo girl,Harriet Tubman, and the smart professor from the Incredibles, all in one.She is our God daughter that lives with us.Ahhh Gemini......Also known as Germany.That's my pet name for her.No specific meaning...it is what it is.Gemini, is a person of many words...spoken with a soft monotone voice.No emotions , unless Chris Brown, a cell phone,civil rights, or money is involved....lol and food.Especially the boxed processed kind.She has like a southern drawl without the accent.What is she up to lately that I can disclose on a blog.In her own words,"sooo yeeeaaaaaahhhh!"Gemini is another drama queen.So she really is always doing something.She is also a thinker.So because she all that and 16, we always have to stay 2 days ahead of her.She was away for the week, so with little interaction with her, I don't....ohhhh wait I do!Rotflol.There was the whole, "canyoubringmemoreclothes,becausethemanyclothesyou sentwasuseless(although they are normally doable),andIcan'twearanyofthat;becausetheshirtscanbeseenthroughmysweaterincident....."(Vannell says I created that monster..I say whateva)
So you know enough about VanTelle...so I need not post about them.I am actually off to get them now.What will be our dilemma today.The Evil cubbies,Nudder bars ,or will the bathroom be the playground of the day.We shall see.The day is young.

Good Day

Out of OrDeR

As the title of this Blog suggests,my life as I knew it has temporarily interrupted, but not disrupted.I cannot STAND when my routine is disrupted with something unwelcomed.I am a creature of habit, yet hate routine, and blah!I am pretty black and white on most things, and feel my routine should be the same way, but add the spice and flava I like .So when I (with my black and white self) have a plan, I expect it to go....as I planned!
This makes the FOURTH year long separation from Vannell,.as a result of deployment.With this comes many challenges, some welcomed, most discouraged!Today, I experienced one of those discouraging challenges.The TrUcK........It is ALWAYS the vehicles.One deployment, it was the tires,another, the brakes,you name it, someone I know has had to take their vehicle in for something, they didn't expect or prepare for.So mine happened to be this wonderful sound that was coming from the engine.You could not get rid of it no matter what you did.I tried speeding up, nothing,slowing down , nothing.It started, literally, the day after we did our budget for the month....lol.(you guessed it)So hoping it would go away, I waited a day.Well after the weekend, I decided to take it in.The service dept. told me I needed to come back, and I could get in and out if I made and appointment.So I made my appointment.I made it with the assurance I'd get in and out.....RiiiiiiigggghtThinking, it's the belt, they will tighten it, and its a wrap.Thankfully, I only had to ride around sounding like Herbie the Love Bug for three days.Any more, and I would have skate boarded everywhere.It was a loud, and annoying sound!So yeah they day came.(today)Preparing for my day as normal, I packed what needed to be packed, and I even packed my laptop.Prepared for a long wait.Regardless of what they told me.Children in tow, I went to drop of VanTelle, and discovered my ID was missing.I had to goooo aaaallll the way home to get it.That would have sent me ova the edge. Then I go to the dealer.He tool my keys right away.explaining, "he saw me drive up!"He knew my car and all.So I am thinking, "Wow...this is gonna be effortless!"At this point I realized, when I looked through my packed baby bag,"danggit!I forgot to pack diapers for Sarah!"Great, now I have to do the potty thing.(Have you ever done that; and had to reopen a diaper as if it was a pull up.)Thankfully, she didn't have spaghetti or corn for breakfast!!!!!She did well.She did not soil, he diaper,and it was all good!
Armed with a double stroller, laptop, and snacks, I headed to the waiting room.After sitting there for about an hour, a service desk associate, came to me,with what I recognized as a work order in hand, and numbers , calculations in pen on the back."Here we go", I thought."I came in here for you to tighten my belt.That's it."So basically she informed me that I needed a water pump.Now that I think about it, she never told me what the status of the noise was.She just said you needed a water pump.what eva.Well first she came and asked if I wanted to go to the mall.I was like no,I don't need to go to the mall, just get the truck fixed.Long story short,I ended up leaving with a loaner, and my truck is still there. I had to lol the possibility of me breaking down in fountain of tears.But I didn't , this time.I thought to myself,"What's going on, that you didn't loose it this time?"Because, it is NO GUARANTEE that I won't cry "over" something in the near future.I even text someone, and told her what was goin on, and that this would have sent me over before.As I was thinking about it, I got a reply, and she texted,"Well you are growing up!"That added another thing to ponder,"Does growing up mean we can' t and won't cry or react to stress etc?"No....was what I told myself.lol.So you mean no matter how grown I think I get/ am, I will cry over stuff that gets overwhelming?....yes!!!(I do talk AND answer myself,,,,WhAt?!)So then I thought," Why didn't I cry what was different?"Well number one, I am emotionally healthier right now,very limited stress,and what kept coming back to me was that I was PREPARED!I literally thought through the first half of my day,last night.Because I knew the potential for a melt down was there. I planned accordingly.... next time I will have a diaper bag check list though.It worked out this time, but can you see me in a public rest room, huggin Sarah and crying,"I forgot your diapers,I am sorry, I forgot your diapers.Vannell should be here, to do this.Ohhh Gosh....."
I thought the process through,including the part where I was gonna get nickeled and dimed for one thing or another.What I was not prepared for was having to go all the way home because I left my ID home.So I was PREPARED, and as the day progressed, I had a solution for what was happening.Being healthier, not only physically, helps me mentally.I am allowing myself many emotional outlets, so that when something totally unrelated to my tears happens, the tears won't look for an opportunity to SHINE!Well I will tell you, I know it's coming , one day....they will rightfully shiiiine.Whether it's spilled milk, a dirty diaper, a light bulb that is blown or the last piece of chicken eaten, Imma let it flow too!!!So while I know what you meant when you said, "I am growing up!"I will tell you,stress, deployment, unplanned events that disrupt my day all make for the perfect formula for a cry fest.So I will not promise you I won't text you one day rotflol.....Girl, I cried because the commissary put the bread in the back again!!!!Well you know I am not crying because of that...it is because, One more thing decides to go HaYwIrE in my life:Interrupted but not disrupted!


(To the tune of It's My Party)"This Deployment I'll Crrrrry if I want to, Crrrrrry If I want tooooo, you would cry to if it happened to you!"


I will tell you, when it rains, it pours!The events that followed the rest of the had to have been designed to break me down.Seriously! I didn't cry about it, but poor Vannell got an ear full, poor thing.I need to go work out,and go to bed.I actually, opted for some homemade fried chicken and a diet coke.Theeeen imma work out and go to bed.
Today was an emotionally draining day.Some things I was prepared for.Others, I brought on myself.Either way...The utters are aching..lol
gn

The Young and the Blogless

Well,

Today is a wonderful day in America!Everyone that I know is elated, and on cloud nine!Children discussing what happened at school.Reactions from those that doubted President Elect Obama's success, or supported McCain.Words of awe from those that marched with Martin Luther King.Or hearing memories from those that were small enough to remember the speech in Washington.What a day!!!!

Well as I was downloading my day with my mother and children, we heard a very dangerous sound .It was the sound of every one's voices over 3 talking about the elections, their days etc.My Mom began to say how she needed to finish catching up on the blog, while rotflol.It seems to be the sentiment from those that follow the blog.We began to laugh out loud thinking about the various blogs.Then she stated through a laugh, "But the problem is that , they(the 3 year olds) are always the subject of the blogs."I was like knoooow they keep us busy.And as much as I would like to blog about the others, they are the Brittany Spears of my home.They are like Anjolina and Bratt Pitt.I think we should name them Vantelle.Or ShanNelle! I mean they are always doing and saying something.Which leads to this unplanned blog.So as my mom was making this statement, she headed towards the bathroom.From which she let out a wail, of laughter."Missy, come see this, you have to see this!!!" The she said."This is why they are always the subject of blogs."Who needs tv when stuff like this happens on a daily basis, and believe me it does.

Not second later, we were just wondering where they had gone, because they were not around and were silent.Below is where they were and what they were doing.....No need for an explanation.

Si Se Puede'

Si Se Puede!!!Yes We Can! a declaration of change in America.Not just a slogan proclaiming one's prolific ability to change the country individually.As a Christian, I know part of this slogan is definitely expressed knowing we can only change America through the Spirit of God.Many people acknowledge that there MUST be a change in America!America has been on a long journey with these candidates , and voted, who they thought best would usher, or facilitate change!Congratulations to President Elect Barack Obama.Who won the election by a record number of votes, a land slide.The nations FIRST African American President.To Michelle, the FIRST sista to be the first non-staff worker in the white house,instead, the First Lady!It will be here who decided the colors of the decor, and not putting it up.Requesting of a maid, and not being one!When the founding fathers built the White House, I know they did not intend on a slave or a descendant of one to control it one day.It gives me chicken skin, goose bumps, or whatever you call it to think about it.I think about the Dred Scott Decision, that gave African Americans NO rights in this country!The part of our constitution that permitted slavery.I think about Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman,Mandela,Our great Grandparents, most of them immigrants to this country.Coming in through Ellis Island, expecting change, with hope, and receiving less than humane treatment.I think of our bloodline of women, with children in fields , in fields and plantations not far from the White House!It was with great pride, and dumbfoundness, we watched the results.It was clear early on, to me, who the president was going to be.I thank God for my children's enthusiasm, not for a "Black" president, but for the process, and the fact that he is African American does not hurt.President Elect Obama is a man of integrity, humble, eloquent in speech, and has managed to unit the nation, and ignite the nation for change.From the VERY old to the VERY young!(My 8 year old daughter just woke up 6:20 AM, and said,"Mommy?!" "yes." I said."Obama is president."I said ,"I know."and she said nothing else).

I think about the men in this country, the African American men.Who has in one election night seen the standard raised.My Brother/cousin inlaw who called at 2:oo in the morning expressing his pride, and how he couldn't sleep.Many shared this sentiment.My husband, who could not get live feed, expressed the overwhelming emotions that are coming from the many people in Iraq.Some are just plain ignorant, to be expected.And most soldiers, as trained as they are to not let emotions get in the way, are crying as they walk to the phones to speak to their loved ones back in the STATES.This happening among all races, and genders Vannell says.Some of you may never know what this means for the African American community, as he ushers in hope and change, I know this will be monumental for our country as well.A movement, this time a positive one!I am so proud of our country right now!Many have gotten in trouble for saying that, but as a wife of a soldier, and an African American women, I have not always been proud.This morning, I am proud, in awe of his humbleness, and encouraged by change!America he did what you could , and the polls spoke for themselves.WOW....record breaking landslide!

The crowds...wow!I tried to describe the mood, and the crowds to my husband.I did it no justice.It was like new years eve across the nation.It was like a 911 event happened in America....only it was a good thing.All nationalities, races, genders, united, chanting, crying,screaming, some just staring into space, in support of our nation.Anticipating change.I have NEVER seen an election being covered like this one.Usually, it's covered and good night.I saw reporters trying to remain unbiased.As they fight back tears of joy!What a historical moment in history!Jessie Jackson, regardless of how he feels about President Elect Obama, overcome with emotions.Al Sharpton, to name a few.Oprah Winfrey in the crowd, overcome with pride and joy.Later I read that she said,"America did the right thing!"I don't stay up till three in the morning, after having worked all day, knowing I have to get up at 5, for anything.This was more than worth it.

(My 11 just woke up, sleepy eyed she walked over,"Mommy?Who won?.""Obama", I said as she walked away quietly.As she closed the door tot he bathroom, she said."YESssssss!")

This Morning I have nothing witty to discuss, maybe later.But now I am almost at a loss of words.Filled with emotions as I write this blog.Instead, I express a word of prayer for our President Elect and family.

Lord,

I pray for President Elect Obama, and family.As we in this country have elected him, and he takes his place in the highest office in the country, some say the world.I pray for wisdom and guidance.I pray he makes decisions with you and what's right in mind.I pray that no hurt, harm or danger will come near him, or those connected to him.I pray he will not be a victim of an assassination or anything that will hinder his goals as president.I pray that he surrounds himself with others that will help him lead this country with humility, loyalty, truthfulness, and love for ALL Americans.I pray that he continue to be a catalyst for change .I pray for his daughter's safety, and their health.I pray for Michelle, as the First Lady.Be with them all, as the pressure is there, but I think he well well able to do the job at hand.I pray this election unites our country, and that even those that didn't vote for him, will support him.So Lord, as much as we are proud, and awed, I turn to you this morning!Guide them!Keep them!and Provide for Them!

In Jesus's Name Amen

(Below is the speech Obama made last night,if you didn't see it, watch it online.It was awesome to see and hear.)

Obama:

Hello, Chicago.

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.

We are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day. Watch Obama's speech in its entirety »

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.

A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Sen. McCain.

Sen. McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.

I congratulate him; I congratulate Gov. Palin for all that they've achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady Michelle Obama.

Sasha and Malia I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the new White House.

And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother's watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight. I know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you've given me. I am grateful to them.

And to my campaign manager, David Plouffe, the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best -- the best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.

To my chief strategist David Axelrod who's been a partner with me every step of the way.

To the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.

It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep.

It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth.

This is your victory.

And I know you didn't do this just to win an election. And I know you didn't do it for me.

You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.

Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.

There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.

There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.

I promise you, we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.

But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night.

This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.

It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.

Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.

In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.

Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity.

Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.

As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.

And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.

To those -- to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.

That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.

And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.

Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.

This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.

Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.