Good news, but......

The Good news first! I close January 5th Finally. Thought I was going to have to kill someone.....LOL Here is my cute little house. It's a 3 bedroom, 1 and 1/2 baths, LR, DR, FR, Eat in Kitchen, with 2 1/2 car garage. Much more than what I have here. I have a full finished attic too! The yard is a nice size. Hard wood floors in all the bedrooms and kitchen (yes!!!) However we have carpet in LR, DR, and family room. The rooms are nice and spacious! We have nice rooms here too, but this is a HOUSE! The kitchen is totally remodeled! Love the HUGE FAMILY ROOM! We decided that I can turn the dining room into my scrapbook room. I was really looking forward to having a 4th bedroom, so that I can turn it into a scraproom, but ds insisted on having his own room, so I would still be in the same boat, didn't work out for us on the 4 bedroom house, but this one is too stinking cute. Can't wait! I get to go in and take measurements, Saturday.....Will take plenty of pics!

Now for the bad news. My landlord needs us out by this Saturday, which means no blogging for me....I have to put my stuff in storage and live with my mom. For a few days..... I love my mom, but she can drive me NUTSO, sometimes!! She is extremely bossy and likes everything her way. If it is one thing out of place, she KNOWS!!! She is a total NEAT FREAK!!! lol So is my dad! This should be fun! There house is like a museum. Doesn't even look like it has been lived in. I am not a junky or nasty person, by any means, but if there is one SPOON in the sink, I don't have a problem with it sitting there until nightime, I always wash dishes before I go to bed. Not my mom, breakfast dinners, after breakfast, lunch after lunch, dinner after dinner, any in between, after the in between. Nothing can sit in her sink!!! Also, she has a had a dishwasher for 17 years and I think she has only used it twice. She likes to wash dishes by hand!!!

She also doesn't like anything to sit on her kitchen tables or any of her table for that matter, but her accent pieces....Please do not ever sit anything on those tables or she will go into Kathy Bates mode...you just may lose a limb.....LOL

Her bathroom, must shine! From the toilet to the floors! She is so particular about her stuff and NO ONE can do it better than she can! She mops the floors and then turns around and windexes them so that they will shine! She does not mop with a mop, she gets on her hands and knees and washes the floor with a towel, each individual ceramic square. NOT ME!!! I aint doing all of that crap......LOL

This should be an adventure, I haven't lived with my mom in almost 10years, this should be fun! LOL

Pray for me guys....LOL

Dana

Merry Christmas!!!!

From our house to yours!!!! Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas. Be safe! Have Fun! Remember that Jesus is the reason for the season!!! Eat good! Be kind with one another! I love you all dearly!

I am off to my mom's! We weren't able to put a tree up this year, because of the moving situation and what's Christmas without a Christmas tree? LOL

My mom is such a sweetheart and she is allowing ALL 3 of her children, their spouses, and all 8 of her grandchildren spend Christmas at her house. This is going to be so much fun. It is the first time, that we all spent Christmas Eve and Christmas together since we were younger.....

So for that much I am excited! Wishing you all the best! For those of you who are traveling. God speed. I pray for a safe destination and a safe return.

Peace be unto you!

The Brooks Family

Calling on the saints

There is a quote by Rienholdt Niebuhr better known as the Serenity Prayer, that I keep in mind and it goes:

God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I Cannot change…
Courage to change the things I can ...
And Wisdom to know the difference…

Lately there has been so much drama unfolding in my life. It almost seems that there is one thing after another... YOu know...when it rains, it pours! I, sometimes let things affect that should not. I give people and situations too much Power over me... and what I mean by that is I get angry, hurt, disenchanted, all over things that are beyond my control. I cannot control people or situations that I encounter in life, however I can change how I deal!

I am about to share with you some things that I don't talk about often. I suffer from Depression! I have since I was in the 8th grade. There were some things that happened in my childhood and teenage years that I really should have sought out couseling for, but I kept it hidden until I had a mental breakdown, at the age of 13. I am not going to go into that situation, but I endured some terrible things in my past. Nothing with my immediate family.... but with a family member. I didn't know how to handle what was going on and I shutdown. I was admitted to the hospital in the psychiatric ward, for 41 days of more hell. I was released, I learned how to tell the pscychologists, nurses, etc... what they wanted to hear. I was on Haldol and Melarin and soon stop taking them, because I didn't like the way they made me feel. When I got out, I was still the same inside, but kept it hidden. Then I found God! I got saved at the age of 13! God was the only doctor, nurse, psychologist, therapist, etc... I needed! Fast forward to today, I still suffer from it, but I turn to God. I can feel it when it comes on, like a heavy wait on my chest and a dark cloud that hovers over me.

That is why I decided to major in Psychology and Mental Health. The mind is a wonderful and precious thing! But what the books don't teach you is that you have a self healing ability, that God gave to all of us.... I often meditate and pray. I will myself well. I am still human, and things can have their way of getting to you, but I always drop to my knees and go to God the father.

I, said all of that to say this: There is nothing that you are going through that our Father can't fix. He is the beginning and the end. HE is alpha and omega. He is all knowing! He is wonderful and glorious. Sometimes you have to GO THRU to get THRU. He won't close a door without opening up a window. No matter what you are going thru, continue to praise him and remember how truly blessed you are....BECAUSE their are zillions of people far worse off than you are... just be THANKFUL and remeber to keep him FIRST! The rest will follow. Walk and talk with his name! Pray without ceasing! and remember DELAYED does not MEAN DENIED. Alot of time we want a quick fix, sometimes God will take the long way instead of the shortcut...LOL

After reading my dear friend Bonnie's blog today, it made me breakdown and cry. It made me realized how truly blessed we are .... OUr lives could be so much worse.

No this house isn't going the way I want it too, but everything happens for a reason. I wanted to move out before Christmas and have our first Christmas in the new house, but if the Good Lord is willing, I will have that Christmas, it might not be in 06, but it will be in 07. I just had my mind set on being there ....but it's not the way it worked out! I just gotta wait, another week...

turns out the broker who did the loan, license expired......I CALL BS! however, this is what I am being told. However, he faxed everything over, but no one wants to do anything over the holidays...so basically I am s.o.l until after Christmas...

Everything that is worth something ....is worth waiting for .....RIGHT!

I gotta a little winded. Something about the Lord just fires me up everytime and I am compelled to speak on it....

Until next time....

Today is supposed to be the day!

Let's see what bag of tricks they will pull out of their a$$es today! I really hope they finalize whatever they need to finalize so that I can get the heck out of here before Christmas. If it does not go thru this week, then I will definitely contacting my attorney, because we were supposed to close twice already and it did not materialize. I am getting really impatient and even more angry at the fundamental disregard, this homeowner has for my time, my money, and taking kindness for weakness. I have to vacate my townhome by December 30th, which is right around the corner, which is basically around the corner. I will keep everyone posted, but this has truly been a NIGHTMARE and a LEARNING EXPERIENCE for both my husband and I. We are first time buyers and I think that because of that we are being taken advantage of ..... My mom has been a homeowner FOREVER....lol and always tells me what to do and say next....GOTTA LOVE MOMS....LOL

Some times you gotta be a BEYOUTCH for people to take you seriously.....

Dana

What would I do without my bloggin' sistahs

When I first started blogging, it was something that I thought would be cool and fun! I loved to journal anyways, and I thought of it as an online journal, that could be shared with others with whom I can relate to and vice versa. Fast forward to today, never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I would have met the most wonderful group of ladies, from all over the world (literally), from various backgrounds, that would become my sisters' not my FRIEND. I have but one, biological sister Tracy, but through my blog I have many more.... I truly appreciate all of you guys. I have been going through some rough times and you guys have always had my back. Whether it's a comment of encouragement or receiving a rak in the mail, I am very lucky to have you all as my sistah's!!!! I woke up with this on my heart! I truly love you guys! It's amazing, how you can truly love people whom you never met, well I do. I wish all of you the best. I am excited with your accomplishments and good happenings. I truly share in your joys,we share laughter, we share tears, we share our joys and our fears. We share alot with one another.

It was funny when Adrienne announced that she was going to start her own photography business I was so ecstatic, I scream "YES!" and everyone in the house looked at me, as if I was crazy.... When Toya shows off her sewing creations, I am already thinking to myself, now when is she going to open up her own boutique "Fashions by Ms. Toya", or when Bonnie had her unveiling, I think I was more excited than she was.....LOL I just love my blogging sistah's, Brown English Muffin aka Melanie, makes me laugh until I am crying sometimes. Cheryl, Heather, Gina are always offering their word's of encouragement and advice. Melissa is the cute little sister of the bunch, so young and successful. YOu guys surely made footprints in my life and my heart and I hope we will continue this friendship or better yet, this sisterhood forever and my dream is to meet each of you one day!

I love you!
You are appreciated!
And thanks for being there!!!!

Mwah!

I am off to do some last minute Christmas shopping, I am trying so hard to get in the spirit, I woke up feeling refreshed this morning. Took the advice of my very good friend and sistah Bonnie, who says " There is nothing that a good cup of tea can't cure", I love her bubbly personality, such a positive person, such a real genuine person! I took a hot bath and drank some very good Peppermint tea and boy did I go to bed in a good mood. I changed my linens, gave myself a facial, and hit the sheets early. I slept all night! I feel so good this morning. So thanks Bonnie, you are right, nothing like a good cup of tea, some aromatherapy, pampering yourself, fresh linen and a good night's rest! Dh, said I slept like a tank. He wasn't too happy, he thought he was going to have a little fun last night.....LOL NOT!!!

Until next time
Dana

ughhh......

They pushed back the closing another freaking week again....

I am getting really angry. They wanted 1000 dollars Ernest money they got it. They wanted a a higher appraisel they got it.... I am doing everything I am supposed to do on my end and these idiots are not keeping up with their end of the bargain. It's not the reality company, it's the owner of the house that is screwing everything up. I am trying to be really calm about this whole thing, but it's almost been 2 months, ya know! I can't even get in the Christmas spirit, because of this thing. By now, I would have my entire house inside and out decorated! Christmas books for the Children spread about, Christmas music pipin'.... Now I feel like Ebenezer Scrooge.

Sorry for the vent, but it's really starting to get the best of me guys.
My mom is taking me out to dinner later tonight, to get my mind off of this crap.....LOL
Next time I post, it better be some good news already......LOL

Dana

The N-word.....

do you think it should be stricken from our language? I have to admit, I have used the word alot, but it was never used to demean or hurt someone. It's sad to say in my case, it's a term of endearment or just an adjective. I guess you are wondering why I am bringing up such a toucy subject...well I was watching the Real World and a white guy called another black a NIGGER! He said it in a way that was to hurt and demean and it really pissed me off. However, I use the word myself from time to time. Don't use it as much as I did in my teenage years....but it made me really examine my life.

I get so sick of people blaming alcohol on their actions. Basically, I think your true colors come out when you are under the influence. Their are no inhibitions. This kid blamed alchohol for him calling him the N-word. I was soooooo angry, that I wanted to jump thru the television and slap this kids face completely off... and then I thought to myself, I use the word, maybe I need to stop too! It's such an ugly word. Especially when it's used to demean someone. So from this day forward, I am not going to use it in anyway...because it is truly an awful word. I know people may say that "sticks and stones crap", but words DO HURT! Sometimes they hurt more than if someone had physically come up to you and smacked you in the face!

I have been called the N-word plenty of times, especially in high school! I went to a predominantly white high school and you had that handfull of kids who went there. Back then, I had zero tolerance, and got plenty of fights over this very thing. Needless to say, those who I fought, never fixed their mouths to call me that again, but they didn't learn their lesson, because they started to pick on other children. I hated going to my high school, then one day we had a MEDIATION group, in which, 7 peer counselors, and 4 counselors came to the school and put us into groups. We each got a chance to say how we truly felt and that opened up the door. Two of the girls, that called me the N-word are good friend of mine to this day! Our children play with each other and we broke down that wall that stood between us. We found that we had more in common than we once thought! We enjoyed a lot of the same things, and even changed her parents mind about African Americans....Alot of people are afraid of the things unknown, scared of difference, scared of change, that is why racism exists...
If you truly get to know a person for who they are...and not what they look like, you may just find a friend for life...

I honestly don't look at people color first ( I am color blind), we are all God's children, and the only race of people is the HUMAN race. We need to look at animals. Does a black dog care if he mates with a brown dog? Does a black cat care if he mates with a orange tabby? NO! We need to be the same way in our interactions with each other. God is LOve and he Loves all! We should too!

I hope I didn't offend anyone in my post today! I am a real person, and I share with you my real feelings.... No masks, no faking, just keeping it real!

Until next time...
Btw, what are your thoughts about this?

Dana

Still here...somewhere under boxes

I am still here.....somewhere lying under some boxes. We close tommorrow, finally! Just scurrying about, trying to pack everything! In the midst of all this chaos, I am so VERY HAPPY! I am a homeowner now! Wohoo! No more renting! We are so excited. It's been a long time coming, but we had to get ourselves together, before we took on such a commitment. The kids are soooo excited! I have been packing everyday. I HATE PACKING! I really do! I threw away so much, because I just did not want to pack it and unpack it! So did the boys! LOL tons of toys, mostly. Jaree didn't throw away NOTHING! She is such a pack rat!

There has been lots going on. Jariel had his first concert for band. He also got his yellow belt this weekend. He came 2nd place in his tournament on Saturday. Sunday Jaree competed in the STATE championship for cheerleading. She did well, looked gorgeous! She came in 3rd and won't be competing for the REGIONALS.....bohoo! The buck stops here! She was so sad, but I told her she was number 1 in my book! They worked really hard and did quite well~ Honestly I was shocked that they didn't take second, but that is life. It doesn't start back up again until January! Which gives me time to get situated with the move. Our goal is to get totally moved in next week. Which means I will be offline for awhile! UGh! I have to get everything decorated and ready for the children for Christmas, usually my tree is up the day before Thanksgiving. This is really bugging me. LOL

I am sick as a dog. I have the worst cold ever....I can't even take care of myself, the way I would like to, because we are in such a frenzy, getting prepared for this move. I haven't been sleep well either. I think my immune system just shut down and said "girl you need to sit down somewhere!", because last night, I was in bed at 8pm! I didn't wake up again until 7 this morning! My body is just tired! However, I have to keep it pushing. LOL

Today, not much planned, just cleaning, packing, laundry,some errands, nothing fun! I am going to get the latest Scrapbook Etc. to read later tonight, but that's it!

Ladies, I did do some mega shopping Saturday! The cutest Baby phat purse, black boots, new earrings, new coat, and a few shirts.....I needed a shopping fix, for my self! Did tons for the kids already, now it's my turn! LOL I had to stop myself and put some stuff back, my sister and mom, are the worst people to go shopping with, they are such little ENABLERS! My mom is a power shoper! I can't keep up, because my pockets don't stretch as far as hers do .....LOL My sister is too! I had fun Saturday with my mom and sister. My sister was shopping for odds and ends because she went on a 5day cruise today! It must be nice ~

Like I said, no big plans, lots of packing, cleaning, laundry, and packing. Did I say packing? LOL

Until next time...

Dana

I love winter, but I hate winter...

I have a love/hate relationship with winter! Seriously, I love winter and hate it all at the same time. I love it because it is one of the most prettieset times of the year. I love it because it offers change, the days become shorter and the night longer. I get a chance to shop for cute gear, cute hats, gloves, courdouoroy pants, purses, furry boots, cute sweaters, etc. Snowball fights with the boys....building snowman with Jaree, sledding down hill at about 65mph, screaming my head off with my children, even flipped off the sled and landed right back on it, kids thought that was something to laugh about, but I didn't. I cried! LOL Hot chocolate. Flannel Sheets... colorful fleece throws scattered about....more family time.... and when it's cold you tend to cuddle more with that special someone in your life *insert develish grin* LOL I love all the great picture opportunites that it offers! Beef stew...chili....chicken and dumplings...I tend to cook different in the winter too. The most wonderful gift that winter brings is CHRISTMAS! The most wonderful time of the year. The kids and I have already began our HAPPY JOURNEY...Yesterday we watched, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase. The kids loved it!!! It's one of my favs! They are my children, it's confirmed, because they too thought the funniest part of the movie is when the squirrel jumped out of that Christmas tree.. Poor Jaree, hasn't been feeling well, so she missed out. In fact, Please pray for Jaree, because she is starting to have a lot of headaches, which a symptom of her epilepsy, and I pray that she makes her year goal of not having a seizure, otherwise, we have to do medicine again for a whole other year. That is my biggest fear! But, I am not CLAIMING anything and I know my child is covered in the blood, so we won't even go there.....

Some of the reasons I hate winter....
I hate being cold! Period. I hate driving in the winter. I am terrified of driving in snow and RAIN....actually think rain is worst than snow. We tend to do less things over the winter. That at is why I live for January, because we take the kids to a hotel for a week to swim and have fun! I think we will do the Great Wolf again. We had a blast. I hate that we don't have many daylight hours. Often times the kids have after school activities and its dark outside when they get home. I don't go outside much in the winter....I am anemic and have a hard time keeping warm in the first place, so when it's cold I am miserable. LOL

As you see, there are far more things that I love about winter than I hate. It's a really beautiful season. What do you love/hate about winter???? Inquiring minds want to know. LOL

Have fun with this one.

Dana

The weather outside is frightful.....

Brrrrrrr. It's cold outside baby!!! Ouch! Guess I won't be shopping today. It's too cold. I am in the house still in pj's and slippers. There is no way I am going out in that cold. It's zero here. The cold just stabs at you when you walk outside. I had to bundle my babies up big time today! Bonnie and Clyde aka Jariel and Jaree, looked like the marshmellow man, when I was done with them.....LOL Thermal underwear, sweater, hoodie, t-shirts, boots, hat, gloves, scarf, and ear muffs. I wasn't playing.... Jaree cannot get sick, it will compromise her epilepsy and Jariel has chronic bronchial asthma. I am not taking any chances. Dh, was cracking up! He said, they reminded him of the Ralphie's little brother on the Christmas story....." I can't put my arms down!" LOL

Today, I am just packing, preparing everything for our move in the next couple of weeks. This is sooooooooo NOT fun at ALL!!! In fact, I hate it!

Well, that's my time. ... It's back to the fun world of packing and cleaning.
Until next tme Dana

P.S. It feels so odd for my posts to be this short..... LOL

Will be blogging again later

Dana

Catching up

Woo! There is always something going on! But that's a good thing. I guess? LOL
Yesterday did a lot of running around grocery shopping, taking care of business concerning the purchase of our home (we are almost there, but there were some stipulations, that I am not happy about and I need to work them out), I did a little Christmas shopping, and also took the boys shoveling yesterday. They have their own business and they are very serious about it. Their company is called My Brother and Me, Inc. I know it should be My brother and I, but they liked me better....LOL Basically they take care of all your seasonal needs such as shoveling, raking leaves, cutting grass, taking care of pools, edging, landscaping, garden care, they started 3 years ago and they make good money. Infact, Jariel did 2 houses yesterday and came home with 35 dollars and Bee did 3 and came home with 45 dollars. They only charge 10 dollars, but they get the most awesome tips and they are put that in the pot, to buy their supplies like salt, lawn bags, and for every dollar they put into their business, my husband and I put 4 dollars and my parent put 4 dollars so if they put in 2 dollars they recieve 8 from both my parents and my husband and I so that is 18 dollars they have towards their needs. I am so proud of them! They have business cards and everything. Too stinkin cute! It was too cold yeasterday and they didn't have on the right gear. NO thermal socks, thermal underwear, snow pants and Jariel got a litle bit too wet so I decided to take them home.

Jariel was less than thrilled with me. LOL Alot of his customers are regulars and they give them a call or email them if they need anything taken care of .....
I have to say this was my husband and my boys brainstorm. They came up with the idea. I just have a knack for keeping it up and running and never allowing them to get discouraged. Their are going to be rude and nasty people, they are going to be people who slam the door in your face, their are going to be people who FLAT OUT TELL YOU NO! But, you have to keep looking for that person, who will tell you YES! One lady, got really nasty with Jariel yesterday and he handled hisself with class! It took everything in me, not to get out of my van and go choke slam this woman, but I restrained myself, called Jariel over to the car and we had a long conversation about never giving up. No matter what is thrown your way, never allow anyone to steal your dreams away. He went right next door and got a new customer!!! Not only that, but she was an elderly lady, who wants him back everytime it snows and get this she gave him $20 bucks. She was so impressed that he put salt down after shoveling and she said she is going to tell all of her neighbors what a good job Jariel did and asked for a few of his cards. I tell them to go that extra mile. Always smile... and always be courteous!

Yesterday, I cooked a huge pot of chili. The boys had been out shoveling allll day and they needed something that would stick to their bones! LOL Then I played Halo 2 with the boys and they were so excited. They killed me about 100 times but they were excited....LOL Then we played Fusion Frenzy, my favorite game and I kicked all of their butts....LOL I went to my room to straighten out a few things and laid down to watch a movie and I don't think I saw the credits roll. I went straight to sleep.....LOL

Woke up early, cleaned, did some laundry and checked emails and blogs...

Today I am taking the children sledding at my moms, hopefully theirs some snow on the hill..

I also have a wedding to go to at 5.

Then I am going to pick the kids up from my mom's, maybe not, because I'm sure they will pull a fast one and end up staying all night and going to church with my parents. She will probably take them out to eat and to the movies. Then bring them home Sunday evening. I know my mom like a book! She is the world's greatest GRANDMOTHER and MOTHER you know...LOL

I have been in a better mindset! Feeling much better about the direction my life is goin in. We are about to make some hugeee sacrifices, we are coming into a new house(more money, more bills), I just got a car (another car note and insurance), and I am trying to get my business up and running (more time, dedication, and money). We are used to splurging (shopping, movies, going out to dinner), and we are going to have to make some sacrifices. In order to live comfortably. I am happy and scared all at the same time! I have to just throw myself outthere and make the best of it. I am just going to pray on it and I know God will make a way for us.

Todays challenge was about Movies, which movies are you looking forward to seeing?
I am going to talk about Holiday movies. I can't wait to see "A Christmas Story", which is my favorite Holiday movie, "Rudolph, the rednose Reindeer (old clay version), National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase tooooooo funny, Home Alone 1 and 2, Jingle All the way, The Grinch with Jim CArey, Miracle on 34th St. with Natalie Wood, It's a Wonderful Life, and the Gremlins. We watch all these movies every single Christmas. My children finally sat down and watched "a Charlie Brown Christmas", Jaree loved it! However, the boys thought it was LAME. Wanted to kill them. Nobody talks about the Peanuts baby! LOL Wawa womp womp....LOL


I love Christmas! Can't wait! The kids are going to be so excited as they all got what they wanted and more. I love to see how my children wake up Christmas morning, they frantically run down stairs and then they just stop and look ........soaking it all up! Then, they rip through their presents....Jaree kisses me, after each gift. Jariel screams .... and Bee laughs...and says "hey, hey". It's over so quick, but the anticipation of it all is the best!

If you have children what are their Christmas tactics? LOL
If you don't have children, how were your Christmas tactics?

Did you wake up early in the wee hours of the morning or were you a late bloomer?
Did you wait for mom and dad or did you just rip through your gifts and play with them?
Once you opened your gifts, did you go back to sleep or did you play all morning and into the night?
Was it hard for you to go sleep on Christmas Eve?

For me, it was so hard to go to sleep. I remember being awake at 1am and so scared, because I thought Santa would skip over my house. LOL I had to wake my parents up to see all my toys. My mom never wrapped our toys, she had them ready to play with, batteries and all installed. Dolls house built....Swimming pools had water in them, her display was awesome! I always woke up around 4am, think about my mom and dad ...I woke them up every morning around 4 am, they probably had just gone to sleep....LOL
I played all day, I never went back to sleep. My mom would make me go to sleep around 11pm on Christmas, and I would wake up early the day after and resume playing with all my goodies.
I can honestly say there was NEVER a Christmas that I didn't get EVERYTHING I wanted! Even got more than I asked for. However, I wasn't a child that wanted every single thing. There were about 4 or 5 things that I just had to have and then I usually ended up with like 10 0r 20 things. My mom is just like me. She lives for her Children's happiness! Jaree wants EVERYTHING. Jariel is my cheapest child. He never asks or wants much, but all he asks for he gets, because he is such a sweet child. Bee usually wants one or two things but they are sooooo expensive, you go in debt just to get them. He wants a camcorder that is 5oo dollars, he said he doesn't want the stereo now, because he decided to wait for that but he wants a more expensive camcorder. I asked him, if he planned to be a videographer, because frankly my camcorder was $299 open box.....LOL This kid of my mine, better get a good job, because he definitely likes the finer things in life.....at OUR EXPENSE.....LOL

Until next time

Dana

For my blogging sistah's

To all the women in my circle: My sister Tracy sent this to me today and it touched me. I wantet to share with all of you.


I used to believe in the concept of one best friend, and then I started to become a woman.
And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up
God would show you the best in many friends.
One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man.
Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom.
Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.
One friend will say, "Let's cry together,"
another, "Let's fight together,"
another, "Let's walk away together."
One friend will meet your spiritual need,another your shoe fetish, another your love for movies,another will be with you in your season of confusion, another will be your clarifier, another the wind beneath your wings.
But whatever their assignment in your life, on whatever the occasion, on whatever the day, or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hairpulled back, or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself .. those are your best friends.
It may all be wrapped up in one woman, but for many, it's wrapped up in several... one from 7th grade, one from high school, several from the college years, a couple from old jobs, on some days your mother, on some days your neighbor, on others, your sisters,and on some days, your daughters. So whether they've been your friend for 20 minutes or 20 years, AND ONLY IF YOU'D LIKE TO, pass this on to the women that God has placed in your life to make a difference.


So beautiful and so true!
Dana

Music is my Mantra

Bonnie you need to get out of my head!!! I was just thinking about doing a mini album about my love of music and how it defines much of who I am .....we are even starting to think alike. Scary!

For as long as I can remember I have had a love affair with music. According to my mom, it has been evident since before I was born. My mom swears that everytime Roberta Flack's, "Killing me softly" would come on the radio, I would wake up and gently kick her as if I was dancing! I believe it! Because music gets inside my SOUL! I also love to dance and music and dance go hand and hand. I danced professionally for years! Ballet, only for about 5 years, couldn't handle the pressure from my toes being injured. Tap for the longest along with Modern, Jazz, and African Dance. I have been able to dance since I started walking. My mom and dad used to laugh because as a baby I had alot of rhythm!

There has been times when I have been driving along and I have to stop my car and get out and dance!!! The music gets inside me. It possesses me, if you will. It totally transforms me. I can be in a melancholy state and let some music come on that I love, it's like a watching a caterpillar morph into a butterfly. I love music! There are days that i don't turn on my televison, but music will be playing.

I have to play music to do just about everything. I clean up faster to music! Honestly it's my motivation! I have to play music in my car. I would probably die without my music. I workout with my Ipod nano. I even do some nightime activiity to music...wink wink.....LOL

Like I said, I just feel it inside my soul. Music even has a time traveling ability. Think about it. Have you ever heard an old song and it takes you back in time, to when perhaps you were a young child or teenager? There are lots of songs that remind me of my child hood. I can remember shouting to top of my lungs .... "ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST...HEY...HEY HEY... AND ANOTHER DOWN AND ANOTHER ONE DOWN ...ANOTHER BITES THE DUST...HEY . .... WHEN GONNA GET YOU TOO, ANOTHER BITES THE DUST... LOL . It reminds me of my aunt Mae who passed on. She had a TAVERN, and every Saturday she held a Kiddie disco and I can remember my brotheer and I winning all of the dancing contests.. I also remember my favorite song was the DOUBLE DUTCH BUS!!!! I would make the dj play it over an over and over...

There are songs that can stir up all kinds of emotions.... I remember the first time my husband and I danced, it was to a song by Guy, called "Let's chill". We were sixteen and that was the moment I fell in love....LOL I also hated the song "do what I gotta do", by Ralph Tresvant (New Edition), because everytime we broke up, that song always seemed to be on the radio. LOL

Music can also take you to some dark places in your life. I cannot listen to John Legends "Ordinary People", because it was the song that was playing when my cat Liono died and that was devastating to my entire family. If the song comes on, I change it immediately or I have to hum over it and cover my ears, because if I don't I will break down.... you see...music can make you vulnerable too!

I really love music! It has brought me so much joy! Without it, my life would have a void! Can you imagine life without music. I think my love of music is deep rooted, genetically passed down from my African ancestors and my Native American ancestors....the beat of the drum is like the beat of the heart. Without your heart, you cannot live!!! I have been in church sometimes and have to catch myself, because when our drummer starts to CLOWN on his drums, my shoulders automatically start to roll and bounce....LOL I have to remind myself "Dana, you are in church, NOT AT THE 50 YARD LINE.....lol.

Think about what your life would be like if there was NO MUSIC of ANY KIND. Not even the beat of the drum..... Would you be able to live without it? Personally, I know I couldn't.... I would shrivle up and die...

What has music done for you? Please share. It has done so much for me. I love Gospel music too, it has truly brought me closer to God! There are songs that have touched me so deeply that I have sobbed uncontrollably. Tears of joy....Tears of thanks and praise, to my Lord and Saviour..... tears of appreciation of all the blessings bestowed upon me. I call it "Gettin' happy'. Oh yes, church will do that for you.....the Lord's music will do that for you. If I can be frank, it has saved my life! There has been times I wanted to give up and an inspirational song will play on the radio or I was in church and the message as well as the music touched my heart.

I bet you are saying.... "Music can't have that much power..... my reply to you will be MUSIC IS MY EMPOWERMENT!!!

Bonnie, I sure loved your challenge girl! Hope I didn't ramble on too long guys! But, by now you know me.....LOL

Until next time!
Dana

Today is a good day!

Today, has been a great day for me. I woke up in the Christmas spirit. So happy, with where my life is going. I am a soon to be homeowner.....I am a soon to be new car owner..... and soon I will be starting an at home business. MOre details later! Seems like everything is falling in place. God has really blessed me! I cannot stop praising him enough. Rememeber:delayed does not mean denied! You might not get things when you want them, but remember God has a plan for all of his children. I have prayed for all these things for awhile. My car conked out last year and we have been in one car ever since. It's a headache to take dh to work everyday, so we decided on getting a second car. It's not brand new, but new to me. Something that is nice and dependable to get me from point A to point B. I am so grateful. More news later on this ...

We finally close on our house Friday and I couldn't be more happy!!! Seems like God is blessing our family trememdously. THANK YOU JESUS!!!!

Also, I have been floating this idea around in my head for years about starting my own business... don't want to put the cart before the horse, but I am excited to say...my dreams may be realized in January, thanks to my family and my husband. Like I said, all the details aren't settled, but once everything is in place I will be the first to let all my bloggin' sistahs know. I am just superstitious, like that I guess. I don't want to say anything until I know for sure....LOL

I am just happy, praising God, and loving life......

Today was a GOOD day!!!

Dana

Jaree the terrible strikes again...

Sometimes when you pray for things, you need to be VERY SPECIFIC. When I begged the Lord the send me a daughter, that is all I asked for.....Was a healthy and beautiful little girl. So shall I ask, So shall I receive, right? I was blessed to have a healthy, BEAUTIFUL baby girl. However, I should had a side note, for her to be a GOOD litte girl! LOL

The problem is: Jaree is sooooooo much like me. I have to laugh sometimes. She is so fiesty! Well, today Ms. Jaree wakes up with a stomach ache. Which was funny, because if you are sick you don't guzzle down a bowl of cinnamon toast crunch! So, me being the mother of Jaree and knowing her well, knew there was something behind this sudden illness. Why doesn't she want to go to school? She went on and on about how she didn't feel good. I got my thermoter nothing. She wasn't acting like she was hurt! What did Jaree do or what is going on at school, that would make her come up with this tall tale of having a tummy ache?

So, I just came right out with it. I told her I knew she wasn't sick. I then asked her if there was anything at school that was going on that would make her fake sick. Jaree can't handle the pressure. She better not ever, ever commit a crime, because she would crack under the pressure within the first 10 seconds. LOL

Turns out some girls were picking on Jaree's best friend Litzy and Ms. Jaree, decides to take matters in her own hands. She ended up punching 2 of the girls and kicking the other girl. They all tried to gang up on her and she let all of them have it. She ended up getting lunch detention and that is why she doesn't want to go to school.

Does she not know that she is bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh and I know everything she's going to do before she does it? We are tooooo much alike!!!!! She gets that fiestiness from me and she is a hothead like her father.....TERRIBLE MIXTURE. I am ashamed to say that when I was little I used to get into fights all the time....I would never allow anybody to step to me or get up in my face without opening up a can of good ole whoop ass! Jaree is the same way. She can't help herself! I do teach my children NOT TO BE BULLIES, BUT DON'T BE BULLIED EITHER! It may not be right, but it was the way I was raised and if you hit me I am knocking you OUT! lol

Needless to say, Ms. Shelly and I are close friends and she is the recess den mom and she told me that the little girls were asking for trouble and that they kept taunting Jaree and one of they all ran up in her face and Jaree just started swinging until nobody else was running. She said, I don't have to worry about Jaree, she handles herself well. She has been in training since birth with those two older brothers of hers......AND THEY DON'T CUT HER ANY SLACK!! She is a lady by all means, but don't turn her into an alley cat...

We had a long talk about telling the teacher what is going on and if you have to protect yourself, then atleast the teacher had a heads up. Now she's the one in trouble and she's not the TROUBLE MAKER...

She's really upset, because Jaree has never got a detention in her life! She tries so hard to be Good and thought I would be mad. I told her to always tell me the truth NO MATTER WHAT. Never be afraid to tell Mommy what's going on. I gave her a big hug and drove her to school....

That little girl of mine....
Whew...
What am I going to do?

Dana

Being real

Is something I have no problems with....
It was not always this way though! I was reading Bonnie's blog today and she truly inspired me to touch on this subject. I am a REAL person! What you see is what you get! I have learned that your true friends will accept you no matter how you are. Why alter yourself? Be you! Do you! I remember in my younger days always wanting to fit in.....always perpetrating to be something I was not.. and it only made my life more miserable, because most phony people are figured out. I was tired of keeping up with a fascade. It's too much work! It's much easier being yourself.

People tell me all the time "Dana you keep it real". I try too! I am very cool and down to earth person!! If I love you, you will feel it! If I despise you, you will KNOW IT! lol I cannot be phony! I just can't! In fact, it is something that I despise is FAKE people. Be you! Do you! Either people will love you or hate you. If they love you, that is icing on the cake, if they hate you, let a hater Hate!

If its one thing I have found out in my 32 years of being on this earth.....It is this: You have to love yourself first and the rest will follow. Be true to yourself. If people are going to hate you, they will do it whether you are real or fake. Forget about it. You don't want to be around anyone who can't accept you for who you are! And a harsh lesson I learned: Realize that everyone is not Happy for you.....There are those who are filled with the GREEN EYE MONSTER. Jealousy is a BEYOUTCH! Everyone does not want to see you succeed, prosper, be happy, etc. Misery loves Company!! The best thing you can do is be yourself! You will love yourself more and lead a better life if you do.

When I got married, at age 23, I really found out who my true friend were. Also, family!!! Oh yes, even some of my blood showed their true colors. They were not happy for me and did something to even sabotage my happiness. You know why? Because they were miserable people. I did not let that stop me. I took all of that negativity and built a ladder and I have been climbing UP that ladder ever since. Dh and I are very happy and we are doing well! I married my high school sweetheart and although we had two children out of wedlock, we still stayed together and got married. I was told that he would never marry me.... You know why buy the cow....you know the rest. LOL We have been together for 17 years and counting..... High school sweethearts. Do you honestly think everyone was happy for me. NO! A lot of my friends were mad because it was not them getting married. They were mad at where their lives were at that time. Cousins too!!!!! I had people who stood up for me, who were not TRULY happy for me...That hurt me deeply, but It made me A stronger person though...

Learn that you cannot please everyone... There are going to be people who come into your life who are going to hate on you, no matter what you do! Let them hate. Continue doing you!

I try to instill this in my children. NEVER ALTER YOURSELF FOR ANYONE. BE YOURSELF! DO YOU! BE A LEADER NOT A FOLLOWER!

I am happy to say, that 2 of the 3 got the message....LOL

Jaree is one of the 3. She could careless what anyone thinks of her. She has her own sense of style. She is not going to change for anyone or anything. She is soooo much like me! That is why we bump heads....LOL

Jariel could careless what anyone thinks of him....

If I can only get Bee, to this point. He used to be like that! However, these teenage years are going to be a journey. He doesn't care to an extent what people say.....but he does. He has his own style and is a TREND SETTER. He has a lot of followers.....he is the LEADER. But, he sometimes cares or concerns himself too much with what others SAY about him. Who cares??? I know this is hard for him, because it was hard for me too. But you can't let that crap get to you. Because it will EAT YOU UP! Trust me, I know! You have to love yourself first! He'll get it one day. It took time for me, more like 25 years. But, I want him to learn that everyone is not happy for him.....There are going to be haters! Let it be. He is a firecracker and a hothead, just like his dad. He has gotten into plenty fights for what others say....I told him then you are going to have to be prepared to fight the world, because everyone is going to talk crap, but you have to brush that off of your shoulders and keep it moving. I'll get him together! LOL

My advice today is to be real! Let your hair down, pop your collar, and do you!

Until next time....

Picture overload....LOL

Look at Bee, looking all shy on Thanksgiving mornng....yeah right!!! LOL
Jariel loves nature and went outside to look at our friends the geese!
The geese come every year in early November and don't leave again until early to mid-Decemeber. These things can be vicious. They are not afraid of humans......my father found out first hand....LOL
Caught Bee making this face! I make the same face when I am thinking. So funny!
Jariel skippng rocks on my mom's pier!

Jaree on Thanksgiving morning! Looking too cute!
She favors my sister Tracy on this picture
Jaree being Jaree!
I think she looks so sweet here! NOT!!! LOL
Love this picture of the geese gliding on the water. As you can see they are everywhere. My mom lives on a lake and some of the most beautiful animals come to play here. You should see the huge cranes that come in Spring!

Ok, this picture is very funny to me. No one is paying attention to a word I am saying! Jaree is looking at my dad. Aaron is talking to Jariel. Look at the hole in Jaree's stocking on her right leg. She tried to jump up and do a split to show everyone and there you have it......She is not even trying to conceal the hole.....LOL
These are my favorite pics of Jaree.
Looks like a little lady here
She favors me a lot in this photo, even her posture is so much like mine.
Finally, they are following some directions. That is bottom l-r _ Nubia , Jaree and Najee upper l-r Aaron, Jariel with Baby Nas on his neck, and Aaliyah.

Love this picture of my brother's children. Even with the shadow on Najee's face..... Nas was cracking up!
Ok are these girls top model material or what . Work it girls!!! LOL
OK, this is the funniest picture of all. This is my mom at 5 am in Target. She got one of those carts and boy did she run into everyone, too funny. We could always find my mom, because all you had to do was look for people who were frantically getting out of the way.....PRICELESS....lol
Aaron and Aaliyah looking like the Bopsy twins.....these are my sister's children
Last but not least, Look at Bonnie and Clyde. They are inseperable. They love each other so much, yet they fight like cats and dogs. They have a love/hate relationship going on.....LOL Seriously though, Jaree is the culprit most of the time, with her bossy ways.....but her brother's both love her dearly and they are like deranged pitbulls when it comes to protecting their little sister! Don't mess with their Rae-Rae.....LOL

I have tons more pics to post, but didn't want to cause a blogger meltdown....w

Hope you enjoyed my family.....

From our house to yours....

Dana

Had a blast, now it's time to relax

Whew.....what a week! Wednesday night my immediate family (dh, 3 kids, and I) had our Thanksgiving. I cooked 2 whole chickens, one jerk style, one regular, green beans, candied yams, english roast (so tender), mashed potatoes, wild rice, 3 cheesecakes, and one 7-up upside down cake! I was done with dinner by 7, we ate and spent some quality time watching movies. I was in bed by 10, because I had to wake up early to go to my mom's house. There I was responsible for the baked macoroni and cheese. I helped clean and get things ready. Both my siblings came and their families. I was so excited to see my brother. He barely comes around! You have to enjoy him when you can. We ate like pigs. My mom cooked:turkey and dressing, candied yams, potato salad, chitterlings (ugh, nastyh..LOL), rump roast, ham, spaghetti, and 8 sweet potato pies. Dad cooked greens and cornbread. My sister cooked a HUGE POT OF GUMBO (are we not creole or what?), and bananna pudding, I made the baked macoroni and cheese, 7 up upside down cake andcheese cake, and my brother brought the POP......LOL. I had a spoon ful of everything and still couldn't eat it all......LOL We watched Purple Rain and the kids practiced their dance for the night. We all went into the basement to watch their dance off of (Adrienne your gonna love this..LOL) Walk it out. Even baby Nas, was dancing. That is my brother's son, he is only 2. We laughed and talked for hours and then we put all the food away and the kids cleaned the kitchen (Bless their hearts). We hit the sheets right at mom's house, because we all got up at 4am to hit the doorbusters on Black Friday! My mom, sister and I are pros at this. We have a system. Mom stands in line, while we shop! By the time we are done, it's time to check out....LOL. This year Marcus(my brother) and his fiance Crystal went along! They were oblivious and had to be schooled! LOL My brother usually goes shopping on Christmas Eve and spends a crap load of money. This year he finished all his shopping and only spent 315 bucks, for three kids that is a steal!. I on the other hand did not have such luck. Jariel wanted a PSP and 4 games. I got PSP bundle pack from Target for 249.99 and I got a free 25 dollar gift card. I got 2 of the 4 games. I tackled 8 out of the 5 million things Jaree wanted and have not even started on Bee as his item is online anyways. He wants a camcorder (muy expensivo) and some clothes. I have already got him 3 outfits, so I am only going to get two more. That is it! I have already spent 876.53 and I am not even half way done. Their has got to be a better way....LOL. Dh is less than thrilled too! Next year we are going to do a Christmas club! I thought he did it this year, but he didn't so you know what that means.....CREDIT CARD DEBT! The boys are becoming more and more expensive. They need jobs! LOL

Next year I think I am going to do gift cards with set limits for the boys and Jaree (my only child who still believes in Santa....bohooo) will be the only one with something under the tree. Even though she wants ALOT. I still end up spending way more on the boys. Her most expensive item this year is a Bratz laptop and cartriges for her Leapster. She does end up with about 20+ things under the tree, however they still don't add up to just one of the things the boys wants.

I really should have taken on a part time job, just for the holidays. I usually do this every year. However, are moving situation was up in the air and I was focusing all of my attention on that. I feel bad, because I don't want dh to be drowning in debt. He makes REALLYY, REALLLLLY good money. However, he is the sole provider for the household. I, sometimes feel bad that I don't contribute much towards the household. I do have a nice savings account, that my parents saved for me, since I was a baby, but I really try not to touch it. It's a nest egg for my children and I .....JUST IN CASE! Dh might get tired of me or something.....LOL. I would need something to fall back on, until I can get on my feet. Don't get me wrong. We are very happy in our marriage and have been together for almost 17 years. However, nothing is written in stone. I have to be prepared for ANYTHING!!! My mom did this with all 3 children, mostly for college, but I ended up getting financial aid, because I had a child to take care of..... while in college. Sister, spent her's on the purchase of her home, because she got s 4 year scholarship to Columbia College and brother flew thru his money while in college. He got a 2 year scholarship, as did I, but he ran thru his money fast! He bought a car, some fancy clothes, jewelry, and some of those old girlfriends got their fair share too.....LOL. I touched mine, very few times. Plus I still have money that I got from our wedding. Our wishing well, ws very blessed! LOL I have a very HUGE family. So we got a huge blessing. I have a small, very small checking account, from previous jobs I have held, but that's nothing to brag about.

I am very lucky to have a husband who considers me in his budget. LOL He gives me an ample allowance, and I just feel bad sometimes when I see him struggling to make ends meet. He is very insistant about me not WORKING. He is very old fashioned, in his way of thinking. He believes totally in the man working out of the household and the woman taking care of the household, cooking, cleaning, taking care of the children. He is not very demanding though! He does not mind helping with the cooking, NOT SO MUCH THE CLEANING....but he does help with the kids and the cooking....LOL.

I guess I am very lucky to have him! He is a sweetheart at times....LOL
Didn't mean to ramble on and on....
I will post pics a little later today of our Thanksgiving! We had a great time. Even though my camera was acting stupid. LOL

later taters....

Going to my mom's

I need a mommy fix! Yes, nothing like having your mommy around when you are feeling blue. I am a TOTAL Mama's girl. My mom and I are sooo close!!!! Can't wait! She is coming to pick the kids and I up and we are going to have dinner and watch the Awards. I love my mother so much and can't imagine life without her. We are sooo much alike. It is plain to see how much we look alike.....LOL I am often dubbed, her carbon copy....LOL

I had a really bad night last night! Just totally stressed and exhausted. I am hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) and anemic, and I just worked to hard over this weekend, didn't get enough sleep, wasn't eating right and I passed out and scared the heck out of the kids and my dh. I just remember getting nauseous and going to the bathroom, and then I got a terrible migraine and the next thing I know my dh and kids were picking me up off of the floor. Jaree was totally horrified and demanded to sleep in my bed last night. Dh is super mad because I did not go to the hospital, but I already knew that it was just PLAIN EXHAUSTION. I was so tired that my body ached, and I could not fall asleep because I couldn't get comfortable. My body just shut down and said enough was enough and I passed out! Dh said it was for about 3 minutes, but I doubt that! Probably less than a minute if that. I went up stairs only to have all 3 of the kids hovering over me and my dh. Jaree cried and sang me songs, she was soooo scared. I felt so bad for her....Didn't want her to get too upset and then have a seizure. So, I assured her I was FINE. She didn't even want to go to school today! Today I feel MUCH BETTER. My body is still achey, but the headache and nauseau is gone! Thank you!

Dh called my mom and now she is going to be watching me like a freaking hawk for days now...
She is so demanding and she made me call with her on the phone to make an appointment with my doctor. I told her I would call and she said "no, call right now". She wrote the day down and is going to personally take me. Helllooooooo, MOM, I am 32 years old. Not 2!!! LOL My mom is so protective of her children. She sent the ambulance to my brother's house, once because he did not go to the hospital! Turns out he had a acute prostrate infection. I guess mother knows best huh?

My sister is also coming over with her children and she is like a second mother to me, there are 12 years between us and she is very bossy too! I think they may even gang up on me and try to make me go, but I am going to make sure I look and act WELL!!!! LOL

Hate the doctors.....LOL

Well, I will be gone for most of the evening, but I will be posting later. Dana

The champ is here......

Awww, look at the princess, she is all wiped out!!!
My mom with Jaree!!
Jaree is so sleepy she can fall out!
Doesn't Jaree look like my dad. That is where she gets her complexion!!!
Look at Bonnie and Clyde!!!

Ok, this is where it gets funny. After, the competition, they had all of the dad's dancing with their girls. Look at Jaree showing her daddy up doing the heel toe...LOL
OK, don't tell my dh, but he CANNOT DANCE! lol
Look at that mess I created....LOL
Ok, is she not a daddy's girl or what. Look at how dh is looking at her. He is a proud dad if I ever seen one!!!!
This is the black mail photo! Dh is having a little too much fun with the pom pom....LOL

He just had to give her a dip. And she loved every bit of it. Face says it all!!!
Showing mommy her moves!!!

Basking in her victory! That is her state championship form in her hand!!
Ok, my absolute favorite!!! Jaree looks so much like me, when I was little it's ridiculous. Only a much lighter version! Dh better get the shot gun ready....LOL

Took tons more, but I don't want to give blogger a brain hemmorhage...LOL

More pics later....

Dana

Busy, Busy, Busy Weekend!!

Wow, the weekend went by so fast but we had so much fun!!! Spent Friday cleaning and baking. Saturday, we had our FAMILY THANKSGIVING, with the extended family. My aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, JUST EVERYBODY!!! I have a very big family. My grandmother is ONE of 31 children....YIKES!!!! 19 children from one mother and 12 from another! PAPA was a rolling stone ALRIGHT...lol There were 53 children alone.....IMAGINE THE CHAOS! We had a great time though. The food was awesome! I left there more than TIPSY! lol I needed all of those mango, apple, and watermelon martini's LOL. Let's just say, I wasn't feeling any pain when I left my aunt Plump's house. Dh just shook his head. However, I did pay for it the next morning when I had to wake up and get Jaree ready for her CHEERLEADING COMPETITION!!! She loooked soooooooooooooo BEAUTIFUL. I will be posting pics later, but I just had to let you know my baby took SECOND PLACE!!! Which means she made STATE!!!! WOOOHOOOOOO. Go Jaree! Go Jaree! Go Jaree!!! LOL I don't even have a voice right now because I screamed so loud!!!! She is such a ham! Wait until you see some of these pictures of this girl! What am I going to do with this MESS? LOL She is a mess if I have ever seen one. Let's put this way, SHE KNOWS she LOOKS GOOD! I swear she is going to take her eye out with one those hair swings.....LOL

Today I am just chilling out! I am doing absolutely NOTHING!!! I am totally wiped out from this weekend and I am just going to kick back and relax!!! I am not even going to read a book, just SLEEP! I totally need it! I will be posting pics from my weekned! Very soon! So check back. Later taters....

Dana

Watch out Beyonce!!!

I just added this video by Ciara....LOve this song. I am not really a big Ciara fan. My son is....LOL. However, I am a PRINCE fan, and I will bet any money he produced this song! It sounds just like something he would do!!! Go C-C go CC go!!!! Ciara really did her thing on this video. Anybody, who knows me, knows that I love MUSIC and I love to DANCE!!!! This song is HOT! HOT! HOT!!!

Yes, Adrienne you got my adrenaline pumping with Walk it out song this morning.....LOL

Bake Bake Bake... Bake Bake Bake..... Bake yo cookies...

Okay, it's sad when your family wants your brownies more than they want you....
My cousin told me that if I was not bringing brownies Saturday, then she was not even going to answer the door....LOL Tommorrow, I will be spending most of my day in the kitchen Baking Homemade Turtle brownies, 5 dozen sugar cookies, 4 cheesecakes (strawberry and chocalate swirl), and one sour cream pound cake. I love to bake, so I am not complaining. It is one of the many things I picked up from my Grandmother.....sure didn't get it from my mom. I wouldn't have her cook a cake for Goldie...LOL you know the types of cakes that look bad but really taste good, well, lets say my mom's cakes are the complete opposite....However, she can cook the most awesome pies and cobblers....

Here is a fun fact about me, when I cook....I have to have on music! It just motivates me and it makes me feel so good. I sing and cook! Ms. Jaree will be helping mommy, she is so very excited! She loves to bake and I will be giving her all of my recipes when she moves out and starts her own family. She is really serious when it comes to helping me. No playing around. I mean she really wants to help. Not just lick the bowl, like how I did when I was little....LOL. The bowl was serious business in our household. It has caused many fights between my brotheer and I. I think I got my first black eye over the left over cake batter. I wanted the spoon and the bowl and left my brother the mixer blades. He said it wasn't fair and that he should get the spoon too, because the bowl was bigger than both. I said "NO". We tugged over the spoon, he let go and it hit me right in the eye. Needless to say neither one of got a bowl, a spoon, or anything else. We actually got something else that had nothing to do with food.....LOL

Jaree has really developed a liking to baking and I want to nurture that....
Who knows she may be the next Ms. Fields....LOL

The boys like to watch! Even my 14year old. Loves to watch mommy cooking in the kitchen. Bugging the heck out of me, to see when it's all ready!!!!

Lots to do this weekend. I am going to shop for a pre-lit tree. Our Christmas tree has had it and dh wants a pre-lit tree. I am not too happy about it. I like to do everything when it comes to decorating, except for put the lights on.....Dh has to do this as well as the star, I guess that is why we are searching for a pre-lit tree.....LOL

I finally found my camera. I will post a pic of my great mail day the other day and Jaree's Christmas list! This girl must either think that she is the only child in the world that Santa's visiting or she has to be kidding. I kid you not she has 47 things on her Christmas list. It's sad to say that her dad will be getting atleast half of the stuff! He is such a sucker for Jaree! She is a total Daddy's girl!

The boys list were short and sweet. But very expensive. Can you say Camcorder, New Hi tech stereo, Psp, and 4 games for Psp. Those four things right there are 1000 dollars. These kids have to think money grows on trees and sad to say, we will end up getting all of this crap! We are suckers when it comes to Christmas and Birthdays. Then our kids get "Summer toys" too! Am I crazy or what? Then not to mention, everytime I take a trip to Wal-Mart, some way or another I end up with a xbox game or bratz doll in my cart! Go figure.

We are definitely in the Christmas spirit. I watched "A Christmas Story" four times already and Home Alone twice. " I can't put my arm's down" " You'll shoot your eye out kid" My favorite lines from the Christmas story. I can watch this movie a million times. Also, I love National Lampoon's Christmas vacation with Chevy Chase and Beverly De Angelo.....I think that has to be the funniest movie ever made.... " Squirrrreeeelllllllll!!!!!......." LOL

Well, it's time for me to go, I definitely have caught the silly bug tonight. Usually happens when I am sleepy.....LOL

Good night!!!

We are starting to get in the Christmas spirt at the Brooks home

Yesterday, I had to go to Kmart, to get some things for Jaree and they had the Christmas music going.... Jaree and I took a stroll over by the decorations and boy were they beautiful. I was so mesmerized, we stood there unknowingly for 25 minutes.... Then Jaree showed be 5billion things she wanted from Christmas.....LOL Then we went home and drank hot chocolate and sang Christmas carols....

Christmas is the most wonderful time of year to me. It's more than a holiday to me. It's a feeling! I feel so goood. I am overjoyed. It is the most happy time of the year for me. Just the look from my children on Christmas morning, seeing them rip thru those presents, the smiles, the I love you mommy and daddy, the Santa thank you notes, baking, baking and more baking. The hustle and bustle. The smells of cinammon and nutmeg! I just love it! I cannot wait! I have already started some of my Christmas shopping! Not much, I really go on Black Friday....LOL The day after Thanksgiving sale.... I am one of those maniacs who are up at 4am, showered and ready to hit the stores.....LOL It is so exciting, because I am usually totally delirious from lack of sleep...and I always manage to do something totally crazy, to make everyone laugh. One year I decided that it would be smart to stack 4 boxes of filled with diapers to use as a ladder to get a REal Bake easy bake oven for Jaree, not only did I fall and bust my butt, I managed to take a shelf of easy bake ovens with me....Thank God, I didn't get hurt, but I was ULTRA embarrassed and my mom and sister are not the type of people you want with you when you do something silly.....THEY KEEP LAUGHING...and LAUGHING...and LAUGHING...will never do that again!

Just a note to let you guys know all is well with my family. All drama has been squashed within our family.....NOW THAT VANITA DRIVER.....is a DONE DEAL...NO DEAL....lol

DANA

The drama unfolds....

.....Vanita the terrible strikes!!!!! As you know I got into it Saturday with my cousins grandmother.....Well, I get a call this morning from my mother asking me "what the hell is going on?". Now my mother is the last person I wanted to know what's going on....because she has a round about way of telling you I told you so without coming out and saying it...LOL Well, I thought that she was going to talk about the argument Vanita and I had.....OH NO!!! Seems, Vanita called my cousin Cassandra (Diontae's maternal grandmother) to tell her that I had been talking about the family to her, and my cousin soaked it all up and believed it... Instead of her calling me to confront me, she chose to call my mother. Helllooooooo! Am I 32 or 3 years old? What was the point of her involving my FREAKING MOTHER. My mom was soooooo pissed! She is very protective of her children! I mean very protective and she was not so gracious to my cousin Cassandra. My cousin Cassandra is 55 years old and she is a whole other topic in itself. She is sooooo NEGATIVE and she feeds off negativity. Instead, of her asking me what happened, she already tried and convicted me. Which is fine. Because we were never close anyway. I mean I love her and I don't mean her any harm, but she is not someone I would confide in. However, her daughter Cherrone and I are veryy close. It would devastate me if she never spoke to me, but I am strong and would get over it. I mean, I have my own life and my own children to worry about. I cannot concern myself with what people think of me or my children. Make a long story short, we were supposed to be having a big family gathering at my aunt Plump's house (Cassandra's mother and my mom's sister), needless to say, my family and I will not be attending....I do not need any more drama in my life. Whatever happened To Blood is thicker than water???? LOL

I was sooo upset by this earlier, that I have been in bed suffering from a headache most of the day from arguing and listening to my mom rant and rave, but I am ok now. I wear my heart on my sleeve and open myself up to be hurt, because I am a very sensitive person, but I am very strong too!!!! Been thru enough stuff in my life to develop some thick skin, but I still have feelings ya know. I do get hurt, but I am quick to recover. I have a good cry.... A good scream .....a get workout on ds punching bag, a quick run around the block, and then I am alll good......LOL Forgot to add kicking the dog! Just kidding....

Today, was a crazy, crazy day! Still waiting to hear from the lenders for our house, seems the previous owners have only been on title for 31/2 months, and they need to be on title for atleast 6 months or more.... So we are still waiting. I am getting frustrated with it too. Dh is too!! And he is the mild-mannered person in the relationship. I did manage to clean kitchen and wash all the floors. But, I didn't do any laundry, just didn't have the mindset for it.....

Once, I get this house I am going into hibernation...LOL I am going to kick back and relax and just become invisible for a little while. I need some time to re-evaluate and get back on track. I am under alot of stress, but it's nothing that I can't handle.

I'm still hangin in there!!!!

Can't keep a good scrapper down....LOL

Dana

Crazy, Crazy day....

I got up this morning very early to get the kids off to school as usual. I came downstairs to prepare a breakfast for myself , just fruit and juice and came to log on to the computer. I decided to hang out in the family room and not my room, so that I can hear the DHL delivery man, my son got a new IPOD for his birthday. Still isn't here. Wouldn't it be great for him to come at the same time he gets home from school. That would be the perfect timing. As I was cheking blogs, emails, and surfing the net, I heard a bubbling in the toilet. Went to go look to see what the heck was going on and it stopped. Thought I was losing it for a moment there....LOL So then, I heard some loud knocking in my laundry room as if something was coming thru the walls. Turns out we have a major blockage in our main line and my neighbor took it upon herself to hire a plumber, who obviously doesn't know what their doing, because Now I have raw sewage ALLLLLLL OVER MY FREAKING LAUNDRY ROOM. I am sooooooo mad! I went to knock on everyone's door to try and figure out what was going on and she told me that she knocked but no ONE ANSWERED. Which is total BS, because I have been down in the family room since 7:45am. I didn't want to snap, so I explained what was going on and she told me that she would inform the plumbers so that they can get someone out to clean it up.....I had to throw away most of the stuff in there. Mainly blankets and comforters, that my son put on the floor of the laundry room, because he was supposed to be washing them....I am so fed up with him too!

Woooooosaaaaaa!!! LOL But then, I finally calmed down and realized, there wasn't anything I can do and there wasn't any need for me to make myself upset...Then the doorbell rang and it was the mailman, with 4 priority boxes waiting for me. YOu know you are a in trouble, when the mailman asks you if you are running a business from home, because of all of the packages that he delivers. Had to chuckle. He is such a NICE man! Love Mike the mailman to death. I got a package from my girl Bonnie. Thanks for everything girl. Love the MM glitters they are to die for can't wait to play with those and thanks for the alphabet and flowers to go with! Did you get your package yet Bonnie?

Also got both of my Poppy Ink and Jenni Bowlin kits! Also, got my order from Justletme scrapbook. I ordered Maya road 4x4 chipboard album, only to get one in my November kit from JB, had to have those wax seals, a cute collage bird stamp from Tim Holtz, and some more 7 gypsies seal stamps (which I did not get yet, because 7 gypsies messed up MaryBeth's order), I order from Justletmescrapbook all the time. She is such a sweetie. So I got tons of stuff to keep me busy.

A bad day turned great! Now off to go play.....

Dana

I just want to say thank you

As a lot of you may know, I have been going thru alot. I mean alot. If not for being able to express myself on my blog, I really don't know what I would do. I just wanted to say thank you to all of you who come here to offer words of encouragement, give great advice, and those who just lend an ear, to allow me to vent. It really means more than you know. This blog has brought me a lot of people who I consider to be my sistahs!!! People that I would have never met, if not for blogging. This is one the greatest of inventions. I have always been a person to journal, but I never allowed anyone to read them....Only I would go back and reflect on what I wrote. My feelings were documented, but never heard. Never validated. Never seen by anyone but me. I still journal, but this is much more effective and therapeutic for me. It is really amazing, that a lot of us go through some of the same things, share the same beliefs and values, the same hobbies, the same struggles.... Everyone wants to feel like they belong. That they are not indifferent. That they are people who go through the same things that I do. Wow, can't believe in just a year's time.... I have met some of the most wonderful people I know. We may have not met in person, but I feel like I have been knowing for years...People like Bonnie.. Adrienne, Toya, Hollee, Gina, Melanie, Nas, my crazy girl Justem (she makes me laugh so hard some times, Rolana, Melissa, Sophia and many many many more people. I am so glad that I decided to blog. I know that most of you will remain my friends for a lifetime and that there is no limit to how many other friends I will meet, doing this wonderful thing called 'BLOGGING'

Just wanted to tell you guys: Thank you for caring, sharing, and being there for me. Thank you for allowing me to be REAL, to be myself. For accepting me for who I am . I love you guys. I thank God for you guys. I hope that one day, I will have the honor of meeting each and everyone of your acquantaince...

Until next time...

Lots going on here!

I guess most of you could probably tell from my "what people do to bug me" post, I was a little angry...LOL Well, I guess I cannot hide it well. I am. First of all, most of yesterday was a good day. One of my best friends Tori came over, haven't seen her in awhile, she was training for the police academy. She called me yesterday and wanted to come over to the house and spend some time with me. We had a good time. I really missed her. We are sooo much alike. Then I got a call saying that my niece Aaliyah had been admitted to the hospital, turns out that she has DOUBLE pneunomnia, and on top of that she had a really bad asthma attack. Today I am going to the hospital to sit with my baby. For some reason, in our family, our nieces and nephews are more like our own children. I guess because we were so close as siblings..
Especially, my sisters kids. They even call me "mom". I guess it goes back to the old African Proverb "It takes a village to raise one child". I am getting ready to go get her some coloring books and reading books to bring up there so that she's not bored.

Now, here is what a good day go bad. Warning: Long story!

My little cousin Diontae attends High School with my son. He lives with his grandmother on his dad's side, because he chose to run away from home. His life with his mother was not the best. I will say she did not provide a safe haven for her children. She chose something over her children. I am going to leave it at that. So, Vanita (his paternal grandmother) took him in. Well, the school district in which they live is not a good one. In fact, i wouldn't send my dog to the school. There's a fight in the school everyday, put it this way, we had D.A.R.E police officers and truancy officers at school . They have real police in bullet proof jackets in their school...Enough said!

Out of the goodness of my whole heart, I decided to let Diontae use my address, to attend a good school where he could be safe. Going against alot of people in my family, who did not want me to deal with Vanita, because to be frank the lady is LOCO! After much hesitation and deliberation, I decided, against my better judgement, to allow him to go to my son's high school. Much to my mom's dismay, who protested hard against this. It was not because of Diontae, my mom didn't want me getting involved with his grandmother...

This is the reason why you should always listen to your mother:

Vanita calls my dh yesterday and tells him that it is a shame that a grown woman would be in cahoots with a 16 year old kid, lying and deceiving her...my hubby told her he didn't know what she was talking about and that she needed to be talking to me...

I get on the phone, not even knowing who I was talking to, and right away....she starts attacking me. Saying that I was decietful, and that I was keeping Diontae's progress report at my home so that he wouldn't get in trouble. Never once did this lady ask me what was going on, she just went on the attack. I let her ramble on for about 15 minutes. She even said, she knew Diontae got his progress report months ago and she was just letting it all build up.....why did she say that: I went off! I said, "Are you finish now" and she said "yes" and then I let her ass have it " I told her first of all, what were you letting build up. What are you going to do. Is that a threat? What are you letting build up. Are you a child or an adult? If you had called an asked me, instead of yapping at the gums, I would have told you that I gave Diontae his progress report months ago, and while we are on the subject, his report card too. Since, you know SO DAMNED much, he got a report card too!! I am not in any cahoots with anyone. I told her that "any rational parent would have called to see what was going on months ago (since she said had been letting it all build up)? All you had to do was call and ask. For the record, don't ever call my house with any more BS (but used the real term)! Then she said it! Wanna know what it is? I will tell you . She said the she must have been a "MFing" fool to be dealing with this "low class, trashy ass family". Why did she say that to me of all people? I can't tell you what I said, because it would be tooo many explicatives, so here is the rated version " I told her that Affiliation brings on Assimilation, meaning LIke attract like....When your son decided to lay down and make a baby with my cousin, he too became trashy and low class. Then I said this and it cut her down to the bone " If I am so low class and trashy, and knew this prior to placing your PRECIOUS grandson's EDUCATION in my hands, then what the hell does that make you ? You are either Low class and trashy your self or A PLUM FOOL! To be quite frank, you are both. I told her that I will be transferring Diontae out on MOnday, that she can send him to the High class High School in her area, and in the future do not EVER, EVER NEVER, NEVER EVER, call my house or come to it for any reason, because she might not be received well. Actually told her something alot worse, but you get the picture. She asked me if I was threatening her and I told "No Sweetheart, I do not make Threats, only Promises." If she comes to my house with all of that BS, I will have no other choice than to defend my CASTLE. That is the law! I have everyright to defend myself. Don't get me wrong, I don't think I am the toughest person in the world, to be honest, I don't even like to get into altercations, but this woman is asking for me to open up a can of "Whoop ass". She doesn't even know me. She knows of me! I don't even like to show this side of myself, but she brought me to this place. Then, to show you how ignorant she truly is, she had her son (Diontae's father) on 3-way. Why, am I talking to you in the first place. I should have been talking to his father. I also told her " I know that you took Diontae in, and that is a noble thing. However, If your son had been a stand up guy or HIGH CLASS as you put it, he should have stepped up to the plate and took his own son." Why did you, the grandmother have to take over his role too. Don't talk about my cousin (Diontae's mother), without first talking about your son, because they are equally wrong. Now you got both of your grown HIGH CLASS sons living at home with you and your HIGH CLASS *explicative* combat boot, perm wearing, alcoholic *explicative* husband. Then I told her I don't know why I am arguing with a DRUNK anyway (she drinks like a fish) because she won't remember 10 words I said tommorrow. I told her that she better hold on to these words though (right before I broke my phone, hanging up on her) "Don't ever call or dark my door step, or she would really find out how Low class and trashy I can get". Then I broke my cell phone by slamming the flip part so hard, because I was that angry.

Then I got soooooooooooooo mad at myself, for giving an Ignorant person like that, that much control over me. The control I am speaking of, is that fact that I allowed her to make me that mad!

It seems that everytime I try to help someone, it comes back to bite me in the butt. From now on, the only children that I am going to help, will be BEE, JARI, AND JAREE! I have my own children to worry about. You can't help everyone. I cannot save the world. This isn't the first time, this has happened with someone's child. You would think that I would have learned my lesson by now. But, I never thought it would happen with FAMILY. However, it is my own fault, because I was not dealing with FAMILY, I was dealing with HIGH CLASS DRUNKS!

I think I am okay now......
I got it all out.....

Woooooooo Saaaaaaaaaa!
LOL

Until next time...

Dana

What bugs me

Great topic, because some people have really been getting on my last nerve lately! This list may be longer the Mississippi river.

1. I cannot stand people who think they know everything. It really gets on my nerves. It's sad when you cannot even be open to the idea that you may be WRONG! My dad is such a Mr. Know It all and I used to hate that growing up. YOu couldn't tell him anything, because he always had all of the answers, NOT!

2. I do not like for people to repeat the same things over and over or tell me something I already know. My mom is sooooooooo guitly of this crime. Then, she has the nerve to get upset when you tell her "Mom, you told me that already". LOL


3. I cannot stand people who think that their $hit don't stink. I cannot stand anyone who has a superiority complex.

4. I cannot stand people who overexaggerate.. My sister in law is soo guilty. She always has to add something to the story. Most people would call it lying, but I call it overexagerating.....LOL

5. I cannot stand people who think they can say or do anyting without consequence. If you don't have anything nice to say, then KEEP YOUR DAMNED MOUTH SHUT! PERIOD!

6. I hate FAKE people. Be true to yourself. I cannot stand anyone who is PHONY. Just gets under my skin.

7. I cannot stand wanna be 'BALLERS', you know the one's who drive Chrysler 300M's, but still live at home with mommy.

8. I cannot stand rude people!

9. I cannot stand racist people.

10. I cannot stand ignorant people.

11. I cannot stand people who yell at toddlers.

12. I cannot stand people who try to get over on the elderly.

13. I cannot stand women who go after married men.

14. I cannot stand for someone to talk to me, while I am on the INTERNET....especially, when I am writing on my blog or reading emails.

15. I don't like telemarketers, who act like they know you, just to trick you into talking to you.

16. I cannot stand people who drive slow in the express lane.

17. I cannot stand anyone who does not have a sense of humor.

18. I cannot stand people who like to compare. For instance, my mil can never give me a compliment or accolade without comparing herself. "When my kids were young they were reading at the age of 3", yeah right lady. And my son was flying a plane at 18 months then... She always has to compare what her kids were doing or how they looked with my children.

19. I cannot stand hypocritical people.

20. I cannot stand haters!!!

21. Most of all, I cannot stand any man or woman who does not take care of their child. How anyone can abandon their children is beyond me. Especially if it was not for health reason, being physical or mental health problems.

Don't want to keep going as we might be here until JOVEMBER...i guess you are saying that is not a month, but that is a long time from now.....LOL

DAna

Women can be soooo

.....treachorous!!! Yesterday, I went to the club with dh, he begged me to go with him. He said that he needed my opinion on his music, so I obliged. Hence, now my Saturday will be spent with Jaree doing something crafty....LOL. I picked my mom up and we went shopping to get the perfect oufit, accessories, and boots. My mom bought everything, my very late birthday present....LOL When, I go out, especially with MY MAN, I have to be dressed to impress. Afterall, I am representing my husband. I was there helping him set up and then I went to sit down with RED, the other Dj's wife. Her sister in law came in and joined us at the table. I ordered two watermelon martini's (love them), I don't drink often, but every once in awhile an apple, mango, or watermelon martini doesn't hurt.....LOL Soon, the place was jam packed. Wall to wall people. I was sitting at my table when this girl walks over to DJ Freddie and just started grabbing him all over (in places that were not appropriate I might add) and his wife was sitting right there. She knew that was his wife too. Red, grabbed the girl's arm and told her to back off and she looked so dumbfounded, as if what she was doing was ok. I don't blame Red at all. This woman was sooooo out of order and she better be glad it was Dj Freddie instead of Dj Jaba(my dh) otherwise she would have gotten an apple martini bath! LOL

I cannot stand women like that .... She only did that to cause trouble. Why are some women like that??? I am the nicest person in the world, but if you cross me, IT'S A DONE DEAL! Well, her friends said she was drunk, but I am so tired of people using that as an excuse to do whatever the hell they want to do. If you know you are going to act like a SLUT, then don't drink. Plain and simple. It's all about Respect. I would never do that to someone else husband or boyfriend. It's so low class. Whatever happened to mysticism....Making a guy use his imagination. Not throwing yourself outthere like a t-bone steak. Some women have NO CLASS!

I have had to turn into SUPER BEYOTCH, a couple of times, because some women just can't help theirselves. They want to hang out at the dj booth, grab all over the dj, pull the dj out of his booth to dance with them, you name it I have seen it. It is honestly one of the reasons I stay at home. Because I have a really bad temper at times and before I would know it I would be strangling somebody. I have put all those foolish ways behind me and have since changed my life. However, if you back me into a corner, you know the rest....LOL

My mom says this has been going on since the beginning of time, you have some women that don't wan't their own man , they want yours. All you have to do is trust your man and watch that woman.....LOL. I will add, that I have 100% trust in Baptiste, he has NEVER in the 8 years we have been married, given me reason to doubt him. I know he loves me. With his whole heart and I am not a JEALOUS woman at all. I have too much self esteem for that. I have always conducted myself as a LADY, and I just do not understand women like that.....


Ok I am off my soap box now

Dana