Midnight Ramblings

Its after 3 am and I think I have just convinced myself that blogging can be just as therapeutic as writing in my journals. I started this particular blog awhile ago. Well when I only had five kids and seeing now I just had my seventh  one its really been a while. Initially I wanted to blog about my tales as a stay at home mother of five children and how my husband and I have managed on one income, in a shaky economy to raise such a large family with all our kids now under nine.

I wanted to share how we are able to make life look so easy.  It is not easy but you get my drift.  This was my initial intent for this site. Now I am not quite sure where life or my fingers will take me. My writings have always been very personal so the thought of sharing whats inside my head and my heart with potentially the world scares the heck out of me but here goes...

Getting In The Swing Of Things

It's been a little over a year to date since my last post. A lot has happened in my life since that time. Our youngest son (Joshua) was diagnosed with Coat's disease which has meant surgeries every month since August for him and the family. Our Oldest had surgery on both feet having to learn to walk again. Its been busy to say the least.

However on a light note, we have only one child in diapers now and that's a great relief for our pockets. The kids are growing up so quickly before our eyes. Things are so good, I was able to work a part time job this summer. Which was a nice breath of fresh air for me. My housework was a little off task, but nothing a few early mornings could not fix.

So as to say I am getting back in the swing of things and I hope I can add my blog to the very busy Fall activities.

Frosting for the Cause: Best thing I ever baked for

I have not had much time to write on my blog but I have just lifted my head above water. I made a commitment a few months ago and I was bent On keeping it. I committed to do Frosting for the cause. Yesterday I baked my guilty pleasure chocolate cupcakes. This baking was like no other. The feeling of baking for a cause that has affected so many people. I wrote on the blog that cancer has not affected me personally but how dare I forget that my grandmother lost her fight to lung cancer about nineteen years ago. I was young and I try to keep only good memories in my mind. I am so happy I was able to bake for a cause much more important than a local bake sale or my kids birthday. This cause is one that crosses racial barriers as well as financial barrier. Thanks to Paula and Frosting for the cause people everywhere is becoming more involved and not just watching in the background.

Enjoying Your Kids

In the fast pace world called motherhood, we have to take time and enjoy or childre, Here are a few ways to get the much needed housework done while enjoying your children at the same time.

1. Sing one of the family's favorite tunes while you clean a room together

2. Bake a cake and let the kids help you ice it (no matter how it looks) or enjoy sharing the batter off the mixer attachments.

3. Include the kids in your excercise routine. Allow them to ride their bike while you brisky walk beside them.

4. When planning the monthly meals let the kids choose a the night, the menu and prepare the meal together.

5. Family Reading time, share a story or just break and get some quiet time where everyone reads a book of their choice in the same room.

Quality time does not have to cost a arm and a leg, you can enjoy your children just by doing things together to create laughs and memories. I find that I enjoy my children better when we do simple things together and I find that my children beg for more days like these and less days at Chuck E Chesse.

Sweetest Time Of The Year

Glittery red hearts and Sweetheart Candy gives February a very sweet feeling. For those of us who have a valentine, sweetheart or boo this month can be greatly anticipated. If you are single it could be a dreaded month. However, it doesn't have to be. I can remember when I was in college my friends and I would do secret Valentine or choose a mushy movie and bring candy and make Valentine Baskets. It was quite fun. I grew up in a single parent home and I would be my mother's valentine from time to time.

I believe that we have gotten so wrapped up in the candy and teddy bears that we loose the meaning of Valentine's day which is about love. It does not have to be a romantic love to be valid. You may say sure you can say that because you are married, but today in the mail unexpected I got a card from a friend. I hold this friend dear to my heart and to receive a Valentine's card in the mail from her really made me remember the purpose of this time of year. It is not to make the chocolate makers and jewelry makers more rich, it is time to show our love for each other whether it me mother to daughter, father to son, sister to brother or friend to friend.

Remember that this is the sweetest time of year give out Valentines this year to unexpected people like your mailman, the corner store owner, or your child's teacher.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Just the Two of Us

Things can get pretty hectic in our house, we have five children as you can see all with different needs, different personalities and in different stages of life. It seem sometimes that me and my husband have to sneak to be alone. We have rare moments when someone from the church or family members will relieve us of the children , but never all at once. Spending time together is important to us. My husband is my best friend and I love spending time with him. So we came up with a few ways to spend time together just the two of us. Maybe you have five children like us or you have one and notice that you and the hubby are losing your Just the Two of Us time try these three quick tips.

1. Strict bedtimes: If you put the kids to bed at the same time each night when it is time for them to hit the sack you will have less of fuss and then you can spend more time cuddling with your boo.

2. Wake up a little earlier: Our house is as quiet as a mouse at 5 and 6am. So sometimes my husband and I sacrifice a little sleep to steal a few hours together. We may go for a walk around our house or enjoy a quiet breakfast. Whatever we decided to do its our time.

3. Brib family: This may seem far fetched but it works. My sister normally does not like to baby sit all five of my children, but if I promise her something she more apt to keep everyone and for a few hours we can get away and enjoy a good conversation in the park or a peaceful dinner at our favorite resturant.

These are a few of the things we do to get a little Quality Time. If you have some other things you do to get a little Just the two of us time do share.

Untouchable Wisdom

Phenomenal Woman, I Know Why the Cages Bird Sings, and  Still I Rise all very popular poems written by one America's greatest writers of our time, Maya Angelou. I have read her work since I was a little girl, I have even performed her pieces in oratorical competitions. Maya Angelou has a way with words that I only pray that God would give me.

I had the opportunity last night to attend an event where she was the keynote speaker. As the Lawton- Chiles Multiplex filled up on the campus of Florida A&M University with those young and old, black and white to hear all that she had to share you could feel the excitement of all who entered. I sat on the edge of my seat, attentive waiting for every nugget that would drop from her mouth. She spoke so softly, but every word carried so much weight. I wanted to cry many times throughout the night, but those around me would have understood.

I have  been inspired by Dr. Angelou for so many years, I even prayed the same pray she prayed as a child every time I wrote in my journals as a child, "God, please whisper the words in my ear". She spoke for about two hours but she said things in a few words that would have taken me volumes to say. So much of what she said I want to teach  my children, " This is your life not a rehearsal". She made me grateful for the few people who has been able to inspire and encourage me they were the " Rainbows in my clouds". Many who came last night were young college students and had to be there for extra credit, but for me I have experienced somethings and more now than before I understood some of the things she spoke about and I am inspired.

I may  never be able to personally tell Dr. Angelou how seeing her and hearing her story blessed me and forever I will be grateful for her untouchable wisdom.