It's New Year's Eve already....

Wow....
I can't believe another year has come and gone! Time really flies.....
I remember New Year's Eve of 2010, I had lost my father June of that year and I was so ready to see 2010 go.... that was such a BAD YEAR year for me! In January we found out my dad had lung cancer, in fact January 6th, so the year started off BAD....and then 6 months to the DAY....he died on June 6th! That whole ordeal was A NIGHTMARE! I was so scared!!!! I was heartbroken!!!! I was angry with GOD! I was ANGRY WITH EVERY BODY! and then I was numb....

Fast forward to 2011, I am still a little angry....I miss my dad so much sometimes, I can hardly breathe! Until you have been in my shoes, you can't possibly imagine how I feel! I wouldn't wish this on my GREATEST ENEMY! My heart still aches! I still feel a void in my life. My dad and I were very close! I was dubbed THE FAVORITE, but I know my dad loved all of his KIDS! I WAS JUST HIS BABY GIRL!

I still wake up sometimes and reach for my phone to call him....it's almost been two years!

Gahhhh!
anyway....
Moving on...

2011 had it's ups and it's downs!
Baptiste got LAID OFF....but thank God, we have a A SAVINGS ACCOUNT!
He got a MUCH better god as a Manager for Walmart, less responsibilities and MORE MONEY!
WHO CAN BEAT THAT?

I had a DIABETES SCARE this year!
I went to the doctor for a mass under my arm...mentioned how much I had been urinating every 5 minutes...I initially thought, I may have gotten pregnant, but soon found out my BSL was 487. I was devastated! I lost over 30lbs, I had really put on the pounds in the last couple of years! So I started changing my diet and exercising....after just 3 months I was TOTALLY OFF MY MEDS. I believe I prayed my diabetes away.....I was a praying sister! I was TERRIFIED! and I slip off my diet sometimes, but I always go back!

I, really don't talk about my personal life, but the last two years have been trying for my marriage! I love Baptiste, with all my heart, BUT, he has TRUST ISSUES! LOL It stems from his own upbringing! I told him he needed to work on that, and that's all I am going to say!!!!

I, also, this year created a SIDE HUSTLE for myself! That has brought some income in the house! I have always created everyone's resume in the family and some of my friends. Baptiste came to me, and said he had a friend on his job, that wanted me to create a resume and cover letter for me and he was willing to pay $100 ....I jumped on board and HE GOT THE JOB! From then on, 4 other of his family members had me create resumes for them! ALL 4 of them got the job! I'm not saying that my resume, got the job, their skills SPEAK volumes! But, it did help! Toot Toot! So, I have been creating resumes for people! I am in the process of going a little bigger, Baptiste and my sister Tracy are my biggest supporters! I love them both so much!


2011, is the year I saw a lot of change in my children....some things good, some things bad....

My oldest B, has really matured! He is a manager for Sonic and he also works part time for Walgreens. He is in college. We helped him get his first car, and MY MOM PAID IT OFF! He is doing very well and I am so proud of him. He is very generous too! He looks out for both of his siblings. Even tries to slide me cash, but I do NOT take money from my children! I am FINE!

However, I worry about him, he works a lot of hours, he goes to school, he teaches dance, and I am afraid he is going to burn himself out! He just made 19. He basically has 3 jobs and goes to school! He is so much like his DAD, it's pathetic! LOL

JARIEL, my baby boy, really matured as well! His GRADES are really impressive THIS YEAR, as opposed to last year! He has really taking the initiative to give it his absolute best! He is trying to get a scholarship, to go to the college of his choice. He is already guaranteed a sports scholarship, but he says he wants the GRADES to go with it, HE IS TRYING TO GET A FULL RIDE, to college. His coaches for wrestling, football, baseball, and track have really worked with him, and helped tremendously! Jariel went from a C average to almost an A Average! I am so proud of this kid!

However, he gave me the BIGGEST SCARE of my life this year, he came home complaining of chest pains and before I could get my shoes on, he started screaming and clutching his chest! I was in TEARSSSSSS, SCREAMING, CRYING, and so was Jaree! I HIT 100 in my pajamas, scarf, and house shoes to the hospital. I didn't have time to get dressed, nor did I CARE! I thought my child was having a heart attack. He already has a heart murmur and chronic bronchial asthma! but, my doctor always encouraged to let him do anything, WITH IN REASON, that he wants and he is VERY ATHLETIC....turns out Jariel caught an extreme CASE OF STAPH INFECTION, from unsanitary wrestling mats from his school! It had got so bad, that it infected the lining of his heart which caused the heart attack like symptoms! I was LIVID....

to add INSULT to injury....HIS GRADES suffered, I had so many problems with his school, but when i went up there and WENT ANGRY BLACK WOMAN ON THAT ASS, every thing was handled. I tried to be nice , prim, and proper at first, that didn't work! I had to get IGNANT! and then I got results.....LOL

but, JARIEL, has changed for the worse too....HIS ATTITUDE SUCKS...he mouths off like he doesn't know who his PARENTS ARE....Just in case you didn't no, I DON'T PLAY WITH KIDS, especially my own. I will fugg a kid up on site *in my Bernie mac voice*. LOL And I had to get him a couple of times this year....I guess he is at that age, where he is feeling himself, I went through that with B, and I had to show him as well, who the PARENT was....LOL


Jaree, has really matured as well, NO FIGHTS THIS YEAR! That is the biggest improvement! Jaree is not a bully, BUT, SHE WON'T LET ANYONE PUSH HER AROUND! and this year, no arguments, AND NO FIGHTS! Jaree's grades are always Good, she has been on the honor roll since Kindergarten, nothing has changed there! She is smart as a whip.....BUT SO IS HER MOUTH! I had to SQUAD UP, a few days after Christmas and really kick her butt! She likes to challenge me more than any other child I have! She is so MUCH like me, that we bump heads! I definitely got my PAY BACK, with her! LOL


My biggest concern of the year is MY MOM AND HER HEALTH! My brother moved in on September 1st, and my mom's life has been in TURMOIL ever since! I kinda feel guilty, because I am the one who talked my mom into letting him stay there. It was only supposed to be 2 months, and it will be 4 months tomorrow! My brother and his family are DEFINITELY A BURDEN on my mom, her bills doubled, no one pays her a dime, THEY DON'T EVEN BUY TOILET PAPER, things have gone missing, my mom is always arguing with my brother, and I am just scared she is going to have a stroke, because all she does is yell, scream, argue or cry! I had a BIG argument with my brother and his wife, I let them know, that if ANYTHING happens to my mom, I am COMING FOR BOTH OF THEM....I DON'T PLAY ABOUT MY MOTHER ......
and my sister is RIGHT ON BOARD! In fact, she's the ENFORCER, she is CRAZIER than I am, and that says A LOT...

ME: this year has been really hard for me....in fact, it has been more hard for me this year, than last year in regards to my dad's death! I GUESS, last year was just a SHOCK...this year is A REALITY that he is gone. I am still grieving and it's hard!

This year we had two tragic deaths: The death of my cousin Tamiko and my little cousin Dominique. Tamiko had an abnormality in her heart that went undetected, and she died at the age of 27. Dominique was struck and killed by a woman who was texting while driving. She was just 3 weeks shy of her 2nd birthday!
this is the year of HATERS for me! I am used to people hating on me! BUT, THIS YEAR, it was ridiculous! I am the MOST DOWN TO EARTH person you would ever meet, I am so cool, I can get along with anyone, but WOMEN AND MEN hate on me all the time. but, ESPECIALLY WOMEN, and I don't know why? I always, get NEGATIVITY, DIRTY LOOKS, OR PEOPLE WHO TALK BEHIND MY BACK! But, what THEY don't realize is, I FEED OFF OF THAT, it just makes me happier! IT DOESN'T BOTHER ME ONE BIT, because I know who and WHAT i am, and your opinions of me, DON'T MEAN SHIT! LOL I AM JUST, glad, my mother and father instilled that in me from a child, because all the HATE i received this year, IF I WAS A WEAK PERSON, i'd be ready to kill myself! AND MOST OF IT WAS FROM FAMILY.....
SAY WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT? LOL People don't like the fact that I live comfortable, that I have a husband that adores me and OUR 3 children, that we do things as a family, that I basically get any and everything I want, but I DO NOT HAVE A JOB....this JUST BURNS MY IN LAWS UP! my husband isn't SUPPOSED TO DO ANYTHING for me.....according to them? Folks is crazy! But I just smile and pray for them fools! LOL BUT....MOVING RIGHT ALONG...

We've also had some good things to happen, my dad's parents left he and his siblings, some land in Mississippi, and they think it's oil on the land. I got my first payment of $485, if they find oil on the land, it can be worth so much more! I am crossing my finger and toes! LOL

I, also won $1,800 this year at the casino! I went once this year and one once this year! LOL I AM NOT a big gambler! But, I always seem to win! LOL

I won $600 on a $2 7/11/21 scratch off....

This has been my LUCKY YEAR....LOL

I have fell back in love with reading this year....I really wasn't reading, since my dad passed, didn't have the mind for it! Didn't have the mind for anything really, but I am back at it full swing! Reading 32 candles as a recommendation by my little sister Sam!!!! LOL

Any good book recommendations? Feel free to comment!

What else, oh....I AM SCRAPBOOKING FULL SWING, well, I should say SMASHBOOKING....I have fell in love with the whole smash book idea! I will have to devote an entire post on that!
But, it's so much fun!

Last but not least, I have fell in love with God again....when I lost my father, I was really in A DARK PLACE, I did a whole bunch of things I am NOT PROUD OF....I lost my way....but towards the end of this year, something happened to me, and I just fell to my knees....and I just started PRAYING....and GOD, restored me!!!!! I will never turn my back on God again, he never turned his back on me, and accepted me with open arms! and that's MY TESTIMONY!


WHAT ARE MY GOALS FOR 2012:
To focus on DANA.......

i have really lost myself in the midst of being a MOTHER, A WIFE, A DAUGHTER, A SISTER, A FRIEND.....

I really NEGLECTED ME....
and I am NOT doing that in 2012

This year is ALL ABOUT ME...not in a selfish way, but a taking care of DANA WAY....
starting first is my HEALTH...

I am really going to eat healthy (which I have been doing anyway, since the diabetes scare)
I am going to workout 4 times a week....
pray and meditate DAILY.......
AND PAMPER MYSELF MORE....
get focused on my business.....to earn extra income for myself and my family....
and CUT a lot of NEGATIVE PEOPLE FROM MY LIFE...even if its FAMILY..


I am going to take AT LEAST one trip BY MYSELF A YEAR.....
GET MORE INTO MY HOBBIES.....

just taking more time for ME, ME, ME!!!!



What are some of your goals this year?

Well that is all, didn't mean for this post to be so long, but I guess I had a lot to say...LOL

with that being said, I love you all, have a HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR...
AND


UNTIL NEXT TIME.....

It's New Year

Out of the mouth of babes

So, My baby girl Jaree and I were having a conversation about Christmas? And she said, "do you ever think Jesus gets angry because people have made both his holidays about something else?" I asked her what she meant and she said "Well Christmas is the day that Jesus Christ was born, and they make it all about SANTA AND PRESENTS.. Then Easter is day that Jesus rose from the dead, but they made it all about the Easter Bunny, Easter baskets, and Easter Egg Hunts, if I was Jesus, i would be mad, because all of the attention was not on him, when it should be"


I STOOD THERE with my MOUTH HANGING WIDE OPEN! My daughter is 12, this is really the first year that she doesn't believe in Santa! My kids believed in Santa, but knew all about Jesus and the reason for the season.

But, I sat there and I thought about IT.....she was so RIGHT! and on POINT!

FURTHER MORE....My cousin made this post on Facebook today:

Santa comes but once a year Santa fills your stockings with goodies Santa comes down your chimney uninvited then enters your heart. You have to stand in line to see Santa name. Santa lets you sit on his lap
Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?" Not only does Jesus know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads. Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly All Santa can offer is HO HO HO Santa says "You better not cry" JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you. Santa's little helpers make toys, WHILE JESUS Repairs broken homes and builds mansions. Remember why we truly celebrate Christmas!

I would like to add to that:
Santa may make you chuckle and fill your tree with gifts, but Jesus gave us the GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE, MERCY, AND GOOD GRACES.

SANTA rides a sleight, Jesus walks on water! He knows our names, he's always with us, he's our healing , help and hope so much more then fake that comes only once a year!



It's obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO and WHAT Christmas is all about. We need to put Christ back in Christmas!


Darn shame, they want to call CHRISTmas trees....HOLIDAY TREES
CHRISTmas Parties.........HOLIDAY PARTIES...
They want to separate Jesus from everything, BUT NOT IN THE BROOKS HOUSEHOLD, we know the reason for the Season and IT'S JESUS CHRIST, OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR!

I AM NOT ONE TO PUSH MY PERSONAL BELIEFS on anyone else, if you practice some other type of faith, no offense to you! But, I don't apologize for PRAISING GOD! Not now, not ever! I never want to hear these words on Judgment day "Depart from thee, I never knew you"

With that being said,
have a safe and wonderful CHRISTmas!

Craziness and Insanity

Have you ever had a day that just kept getting progressively getting worse and worse....

Well that was me yesterday!

First, I got a call from my mom, saying that all the money in one of her checking accounts was missing, and my mom has had fraud done on her before and I just cringed! Turns out, mom wasn't paying close attention to her account and that she was over doing it a bit! Kind of worries me because Alzheimer's Disease runs in our family! My grandmother, her twin brother, another one of her brother's and her sister all have been diagnosed! And my mom, is starting to do things to make me raise my eyebrows!


The second thing that happened is that Baptiste and I got into a huge argument yesterday, HE PISSED ME OFF SO BAD, until I wanted to just SMACK HIM! SERIOUSLY! So, I just left and went shopping......WITH MY MOM OF ALL PEOPLE.....

While I am shopping with my mom shopping, B (my oldest son) calls me upset, saying that my brother was talking about him and his sister, as well as mom LIKE a dog! AND things that were said, HAD TO BE SAID, because there is NO WAY OF the person knowing if THEY WEREN'T SAID.....hope that made sense! However, I don't play about my kids, he talked about B and Jaree like a dog, and if you don't like my kids.....FUCK YOU! And that's in black and white! I don't LOVE ANYONE ON THIS EARTH, better than I do MY OWN KIDS! Are you insane? Did you think that would fly with me? So I have NO USE FOR HIM OR HIS RAGGEDY MOUTH WIFE! And I was going to get his kids something for Christmas, EVEN THOUGH I KNOW THEY WEREN'T GIVING MY KIDS SHIT! but I am not even doing that! HE PISSED ME OFF, just that bad!

While I am on the phone with B, his boss calls, and he accidentally made it a conference call! She says "Jacques (B's gubment name) I understand you were in my drawer today, and I can't have that, if we are short, I am HOLDING YOU ACCOUNTABLE, and I want you to fully understand that" So B said "Well is the drawer short" she said "no" and he said "well check the drawer, if it's short, then call me back and we'll go from there, but I don't understand why you are calling me if you haven't even checked the drawer" He told her he needed change, and the other manager was being a butthole and not getting it for him, so he's a manager himself and he got the change! He made her look so stupid, AND JUST TO LET YOU KNOW, she wasn't short! But that pissed me off, took everything in me not to get involved in that! He's 19, very much a man, but he's still my baby! LOL

Then, I check my email and it's Jariel's chemistry teacher, telling me that Jariel is not showing interest in her class, and that he has work missing from the 17th to 23rd.....and I thought to myself, is SHE INSANE, Jariel was in the hospital during that time! I spoke to the counselors at that school and they told me that Jariel would have ample time to complete the work, He just went back to school last Monday! That pissed me off so bad! Where was the communication, I did my job as a parent, I contacted the school, I spoke to his counselor, I put in a homework request, and I am helping my child complete it! Why wasn't this relayed to the teacher????? So you know where I will be bright and early on Monday!


Then I come home and by now my temperature is BOILING.....and I see a white car in my drive way! I am thinking who is this? It was my cousin Lattaniah, at this point, I don't want to be bothered! Plus, I hate when people show up to my house UNINVITED....I think it's RUDE! But, once I got in, I ended up having a great time.....

but, then ....MY MOM CALLED....and said that there were police cars everywhere, with a bunch of ambulances, and while we were on the phone, I heard 3 big booms, like GUNSHOTS, I was scared to death and so was Lattaniah!!! She ended up staying here all night!

We had a murder/kidnapping just on Monday, where I live and the same day someone broke in B's car and stole his wallet, his ipod touch, and his girlfriend's purse!!!! So, I hope this isn't a sign that it's getting bad in Lynwoood. This is a quiet city for the most part, but this has really unnerved me! and it doesn't help that Baptiste works nights now....4 days on....4 days off! Just scary! So keep our family lifted and covered in the blood!

Love you all....
Until next time

This is the first time ever....

THAT I AM DONE WITH MAJORITY OF MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING BEFORE DECEMBER 1ST!

This year I wasn't really feeling it, if I am being honest!
Most of my Christmas shopping was done ONLINE! Which is so UNLIKE ME! I love being out in the hustle and bustle. I am just in a funk! I think it's harder for me this year, than last year not having my dad. If you can believe that!

I did get a little HAPPY when I went in KMART and TARGET, I was looking at all the Christmas Decorations and they had the Christmas music playing, so I felt happy about that!

I am completely done with my children! Which feels strange! I have reached their budgets, but I get the urge to go out and get them more every now and again! LOL

they always have a great Christmas THANK GOD!!!!!! For blessing us with the means to be able to indulge our kids in SOME of their wants! So many are less fortunate!

I STILL HAVE TO VENTURE OUT TO THE MALL....for Gift cards! Ughhhh!
My niece Aaliyah loves Forever 21
My nephew Aaron loves Hollister
My brothers kids are getting gift cards too, just don't know where?
I do believe I am getting my nephew Nas a Toys R Us gift card, he's 7!
The girls maybe CLAIRES....
My mom's gift is ordered!

and that's all! Baptiste and I don't exchange gifts until NEW YEARS! It's our little traditon! It's like having Christmas all over again!

But of course he wants a projection machine for video dj'ing! NERD! LOL
ALREADY ORDERED!

BUT, I wonder what he got me! I had 3 things on my list! I'm almost sure he didn't get one of those things, but I think he may have got me 2 gifts! He's been acting really strange, which means he has hidden it somewhere! but I won't peak! I like to be surprised! LOL

Again, for me it FEELS odd being done this early! I almost feel like I have NOTHING TO DO! LOL

I am not going to get the gift cards until next week! Then maybe I will experience a little HUSTLE AND BUSTLE....

Are you done with your Christmas Shopping? Have you even started? LOL

Oh and I already got MY SECRET SANTA PARTNERS PRESENT, gonna mail it this weekend! wohoooooooo! I hope she likes it, but I think I know her style! So I think she will love it!

Well that's all I have! I am trying to get back into this blogging thing!
but twitter, pinterest, and tumblr are DISTRACTIONS!!!! LOL

UNTIL NEXT TIME....