Saturday, July 16, 2011
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.
Monday, February 21, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
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!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Untouchable Wisdom
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.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Right In Front of My Eyes
When I became a mother, I pushed my dreams of law school and becoming a Supreme Court Judge to the side. After, I had my second child I figured that I would continue my education when she turned two years old, but to my surprise I was pregnant by the time she was three months old and remained pregnant for the next three years. I began to doubt if I would ever return to school.
I found myself resenting my my life and being a stay at home mom. The letters to repay student loans began to pour in and I was did not have a job because I had decided to stay at home and raise child. "The nerve of me", I thought to myself. This could not possibly be a good idea. My husband assured me that I was doing the best thing for our children and that in the end it would all pay off.
For the next three years as the babies kept coming, I remained at home with the kids not because I didn't want a job but because we couldn't afford childcare for four children under the age of five. Then, in August when I gave birth to my fifth child something clicked. I felt a little happier about the added responsiblity. I didnt know what it was maybe post partum in reverse but it was a difference in how I felt about my family and my life as it was.
Our oldest started kindergarten and my three year old started preschool. Along with school days not my son decided he wanted to learn to play the piano and my daughter wanted to be a real life ballerina. I gave birth two weeks before all of this began. I thought I would be out of my mind to have taken on such a task. When the time came I planned ahead with packed snacks for the younger kids and activity books while we waited for each lesson to begin and end.
In December, my husband and I took a five day cruise for our wedding anniversary and we were leaving the kids with my in-laws. My mother in law asked to write the baby daily routine down for her. I found myself typing and typing and when I finished I had wrote a page on each child and what could be expected from them even the oldest wanting to sleep in the living room on the weekends. After I was done, I did not think much of it I emailed it to my mother in law. She called and said that she was amazed at how detailed the instruction sheet was and at that moment I knew that was the reward my husband was speaking of; the reward of knowing everything about your children.
I found the reward of being a stay at home mom after five years of doing this day in and day out. I realized that I had an advantage. a close friend of mine gave birth shortly after me and had to return to work after six weeks which dramatically affected her milk supply but I was still successfully nursing my daughter. I realized that I have never had to be informed of something new my children were doing because I have been there for every moment, so I loosen my grip on the halls of justice and tightened my grip on the success of my family and decided to do what I really loved cooking and writing. I am in the process of starting a small bakery and catering company called CRUMBS Bakery and Catering Co. and I have started penning my new book Only Paper Understands.
It took me some time to realize the blessing in being a stay at home mom, but my advice to you if you have the opportunity to stay at home and raise your children its a good thing. You kids will soon grow and be independent enough for you to do whatever your heart desires. So open your eyes because your happiness could be right in front of your eyes.
I found myself resenting my my life and being a stay at home mom. The letters to repay student loans began to pour in and I was did not have a job because I had decided to stay at home and raise child. "The nerve of me", I thought to myself. This could not possibly be a good idea. My husband assured me that I was doing the best thing for our children and that in the end it would all pay off.
For the next three years as the babies kept coming, I remained at home with the kids not because I didn't want a job but because we couldn't afford childcare for four children under the age of five. Then, in August when I gave birth to my fifth child something clicked. I felt a little happier about the added responsiblity. I didnt know what it was maybe post partum in reverse but it was a difference in how I felt about my family and my life as it was.
Our oldest started kindergarten and my three year old started preschool. Along with school days not my son decided he wanted to learn to play the piano and my daughter wanted to be a real life ballerina. I gave birth two weeks before all of this began. I thought I would be out of my mind to have taken on such a task. When the time came I planned ahead with packed snacks for the younger kids and activity books while we waited for each lesson to begin and end.
In December, my husband and I took a five day cruise for our wedding anniversary and we were leaving the kids with my in-laws. My mother in law asked to write the baby daily routine down for her. I found myself typing and typing and when I finished I had wrote a page on each child and what could be expected from them even the oldest wanting to sleep in the living room on the weekends. After I was done, I did not think much of it I emailed it to my mother in law. She called and said that she was amazed at how detailed the instruction sheet was and at that moment I knew that was the reward my husband was speaking of; the reward of knowing everything about your children.
I found the reward of being a stay at home mom after five years of doing this day in and day out. I realized that I had an advantage. a close friend of mine gave birth shortly after me and had to return to work after six weeks which dramatically affected her milk supply but I was still successfully nursing my daughter. I realized that I have never had to be informed of something new my children were doing because I have been there for every moment, so I loosen my grip on the halls of justice and tightened my grip on the success of my family and decided to do what I really loved cooking and writing. I am in the process of starting a small bakery and catering company called CRUMBS Bakery and Catering Co. and I have started penning my new book Only Paper Understands.
It took me some time to realize the blessing in being a stay at home mom, but my advice to you if you have the opportunity to stay at home and raise your children its a good thing. You kids will soon grow and be independent enough for you to do whatever your heart desires. So open your eyes because your happiness could be right in front of your eyes.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Family Getting You Down?
The old saying goes "You can't live with them, and you can't live without them". Some would beg to differ. Regaurdless of the dynamics we all have family. While growing up you just have to manage one group of people, but when you get married there are two sets of parents, grandparents, sisters and brothers, and aunts and uncles you have to please. The Holidays are no longer anticipated with joy but with stress about how to make both families feel important or included.
Its not always easy and there is no real science to getting it right. My best advice to anyone is to do what works for your house. Too many times husband and wives get in the business of pleasing their parents and lose themselves and the idea that they have set for their homes and children. Do not get me wrong families matter and parents and grandparents feelings should be taken into consideration, but give very little attention to their opinions when it can cost you marital or money issues. Nothing is worth creating problems in your marriage or putting the family account in the hole.
Families should be understanding of each situation and although thats ideal its not always the reality. So please do not allow family to get you down. Continue to reassure them that they are loved and be the shining example they need to see.
Its not always easy and there is no real science to getting it right. My best advice to anyone is to do what works for your house. Too many times husband and wives get in the business of pleasing their parents and lose themselves and the idea that they have set for their homes and children. Do not get me wrong families matter and parents and grandparents feelings should be taken into consideration, but give very little attention to their opinions when it can cost you marital or money issues. Nothing is worth creating problems in your marriage or putting the family account in the hole.
Families should be understanding of each situation and although thats ideal its not always the reality. So please do not allow family to get you down. Continue to reassure them that they are loved and be the shining example they need to see.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Guilt Free Vacations:Cutting Back to Get More
If you have a one income family or maybe a hard working two income family, you know how difficult it can be to get away for a family vacation. In times like these a weekend getaway can be a sacrifice. Well, in the Edwards' family we have found a way to enjoy guilt-free vacations. We managed to take vacations the last two years, but after the fun was over and we were settled back in our home the regret set in. "We should have thought the trip through more. We should have packed lunches". All of these comments after a vacation. What were we doing wrong? After two years of the same thing we decided that we were going to pay closer attention to our money and plan ahead not just by making reservations or deciding a location for our next trip, but we would plan with our money.
I don't know about your house, but we spent a lot of money on fast food. One day we sat down and analyzed our bank statements for a few months and what we found was that 1/4 of our monies were being spent on eating out. We thought we were saving money by eating at Kids Eat Free Nights and purchasing meals from the value menu, but the little we saved did us no good when we were eating out at least three times a week.
We were shocked at the amount of money we spent. Basically, we were eating our money. What my husband and I decided to do was create an account just for the money that we would normally spend on fast food and use this money to plan more trips with the kids. This year alone we plan to take three major trips and the trips will not stress out the family budget at all because we are being more mindful of where our money is going . With the extra money we are saving, we were even able to take out better life insurance policies on the family.
I challenge you to join us on the journey to guilt free living. Sit down and see where your money is going. Reassess and see what you can do with the extra funds. Remember be realistic and have fun doing it.
I don't know about your house, but we spent a lot of money on fast food. One day we sat down and analyzed our bank statements for a few months and what we found was that 1/4 of our monies were being spent on eating out. We thought we were saving money by eating at Kids Eat Free Nights and purchasing meals from the value menu, but the little we saved did us no good when we were eating out at least three times a week.
We were shocked at the amount of money we spent. Basically, we were eating our money. What my husband and I decided to do was create an account just for the money that we would normally spend on fast food and use this money to plan more trips with the kids. This year alone we plan to take three major trips and the trips will not stress out the family budget at all because we are being more mindful of where our money is going . With the extra money we are saving, we were even able to take out better life insurance policies on the family.
I challenge you to join us on the journey to guilt free living. Sit down and see where your money is going. Reassess and see what you can do with the extra funds. Remember be realistic and have fun doing it.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Can't Get to The Gym: Bring It To You, Let Virtual Fitness Solve Your Weight Loss Problems
If you are like me it always seem that there is not enough hours in the day to do everything that needs to be done and still get to the gym, Well with all the changing technology the gym can come to you. I remember watching my mother with all this bulky equitment at our house that she would use when she couldn't fit into a favorite pair of jeans.
Today we do not have to be concerned about gym memberships and bulky equiptment. With the invention of the Nintendo Wii system; Wii Fit and Wii Active can aid in your weight loss or your body maintence. These game system are so advance they even help motivate you by telling you that you are doing a good job.
After I gave birth to my last child, I wanted to lose and maintain my weight, however I set my mind on getting out of the house three times a week and once school started and the kids begin to have piano and dance lessons, I was not able to get out of the house like I needed to and I got discouraged. My husband went out and purchased the Nintendo Wii system as my solution. I was hesitant at first and refused to use the game. "How can a video game help me lose weight?", I thought . One day after stepping on the scale and realizing that I had gained nine pounds because of my protest to use the Wii Fit and indulging in a bad Krispy Kreme habit. I turned on the game and began my work out.
I started my consistent workout using the Wii game system one week ago and I lost 4 pounds. I realized that I do not have to go to the gym and I do not need bulky equiptment around my house all I need is deligence and my nifty Wii controller and I can sweat and lose as much weight as I want in the privacy of my own home. TRY IT!
Today we do not have to be concerned about gym memberships and bulky equiptment. With the invention of the Nintendo Wii system; Wii Fit and Wii Active can aid in your weight loss or your body maintence. These game system are so advance they even help motivate you by telling you that you are doing a good job.
After I gave birth to my last child, I wanted to lose and maintain my weight, however I set my mind on getting out of the house three times a week and once school started and the kids begin to have piano and dance lessons, I was not able to get out of the house like I needed to and I got discouraged. My husband went out and purchased the Nintendo Wii system as my solution. I was hesitant at first and refused to use the game. "How can a video game help me lose weight?", I thought . One day after stepping on the scale and realizing that I had gained nine pounds because of my protest to use the Wii Fit and indulging in a bad Krispy Kreme habit. I turned on the game and began my work out.
I started my consistent workout using the Wii game system one week ago and I lost 4 pounds. I realized that I do not have to go to the gym and I do not need bulky equiptment around my house all I need is deligence and my nifty Wii controller and I can sweat and lose as much weight as I want in the privacy of my own home. TRY IT!
Monday, January 10, 2011
5 Tips to Make Your Day A Little Smoother
Can you remember the last time that you had a smooth day? The kids slept in late, they were a little less messy at breakfast, they played well with each other while you washed the dishes. We all dream that everyday could be like these rare days. I have discovered a few little secrets to a smooter day and I am going to share them with you.
1. Clean the living room and kitchen the night before. This will ensure breakfast goes much smoother.
2. The night before laundry day seperate the clothes into loads and place them in baskets. It will make the wash load look less intimidating. And you will have a basket available for the dryer load.
3. Prep for dinner the night before. If you defrost you meat and season it the night before when its time to start dinner all you have to do it pop it in the oven and move on to the sides.
4. Prepare the kids clothing for the entire week on Sunday night. Whether you oversleep or the husband have to dress the kids you know everything will be under control because you dont have to search for anything to wear. Shirt, pants, socks, under shirts and shoes they are all in one place.
5. Relax, Rome was not built in a day. So many times we put our self on these Marathon days. Pace yourself, do what you can and the rest can wait. You maybe in luck the hubby may be in a good mood and complete the task for you.
1. Clean the living room and kitchen the night before. This will ensure breakfast goes much smoother.
2. The night before laundry day seperate the clothes into loads and place them in baskets. It will make the wash load look less intimidating. And you will have a basket available for the dryer load.
3. Prep for dinner the night before. If you defrost you meat and season it the night before when its time to start dinner all you have to do it pop it in the oven and move on to the sides.
4. Prepare the kids clothing for the entire week on Sunday night. Whether you oversleep or the husband have to dress the kids you know everything will be under control because you dont have to search for anything to wear. Shirt, pants, socks, under shirts and shoes they are all in one place.
5. Relax, Rome was not built in a day. So many times we put our self on these Marathon days. Pace yourself, do what you can and the rest can wait. You maybe in luck the hubby may be in a good mood and complete the task for you.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Turn Little Into Much
My husband gave me a great compliment. "Thank you for making me appear to have lots of money"! I told him he was welcomed and we said our I love yous and hung up the phone. But as I was doing my daily chores I realized how much that comment helped my attitude about what I do.
I have learned how to make a little into much. I have became my own social resource person. With five children, one income and multiple bills, it is important to me that our monies are going in the right places and not on things that adds no value to our lives. I believe in going to goodwill on Mondays (50% off) and utilizing my yahoo groups Freecycle and ReUseIt. These innovative ways has saved my family so much money and allowed us to do other things.
So today I say strive to make yourself seem like you have a lot of money by putting your money where its really needed and using other resources to offset cost where you can.
Mama Tee
I have learned how to make a little into much. I have became my own social resource person. With five children, one income and multiple bills, it is important to me that our monies are going in the right places and not on things that adds no value to our lives. I believe in going to goodwill on Mondays (50% off) and utilizing my yahoo groups Freecycle and ReUseIt. These innovative ways has saved my family so much money and allowed us to do other things.
So today I say strive to make yourself seem like you have a lot of money by putting your money where its really needed and using other resources to offset cost where you can.
Mama Tee
Friday, January 7, 2011
Less of Them More of Me
Its not always easy to get "Me Time" when you are a mother. Being a mother of five young children I know that all too well. It seems like everything I plan to do for myself is always off set by some pressing emergency with the family. Whether it's PTA meeting, piano or dance lessons, a cold or the hubby just wants to spend time. A mommy's me time always seems to find it way killed and buried by other things.
I am here to tell you how necessary it is to get some "me time" in, Because I am a stay at home mom and the children are my responsiblity during the day I use my night hours as my time. Whether it is just taking a long soak in a warm tub, reading a few pages in my ALL YOU Magazine or watching IRONCHEF AMERICA until my eyes burn. That time is used just for me. After we have put the kids to bed and my husband and eye have digested the day. I steal a few hours for myself.
Many would call me crazy and say girl with a five year old three in between and a newborn you should get some sleep while its quiet. Sleep does not seem that appetizing if I fall asleep with my children and wake up with them. I find that I am a better mother if I can have sometime to indulge in the things I enjoy doing reading, writing or thumbing through a fashion magazine.
So my advice to you by any mean neccessary get some much needed "Me time" the length of that me time is totally up to you.
I am here to tell you how necessary it is to get some "me time" in, Because I am a stay at home mom and the children are my responsiblity during the day I use my night hours as my time. Whether it is just taking a long soak in a warm tub, reading a few pages in my ALL YOU Magazine or watching IRONCHEF AMERICA until my eyes burn. That time is used just for me. After we have put the kids to bed and my husband and eye have digested the day. I steal a few hours for myself.
Many would call me crazy and say girl with a five year old three in between and a newborn you should get some sleep while its quiet. Sleep does not seem that appetizing if I fall asleep with my children and wake up with them. I find that I am a better mother if I can have sometime to indulge in the things I enjoy doing reading, writing or thumbing through a fashion magazine.
So my advice to you by any mean neccessary get some much needed "Me time" the length of that me time is totally up to you.
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