Big day ahead of us....

Please say a prayer for my little princess Jaree! She is going to have her 4th sleep deprived EEG today. As most of my blog readers may know, my daughter suffers from an atypical epilepsy. This means there's nothing that shows up on and MRI, Catscan, or EEG, that would suggest an abnormality in the brain. However, she keeps having seizures. Jaree had a first seizure at 14 months. She had just taken the varicella (chicken pox) vaccine and 24 hours later she had a very high fever. At the time, Jaree was in day care and I was not notified that she was sick or showing symptoms of being sick. I always checked my babies temp in the morning to make sure they were not sick, because when my children get sick, they GET SICK!!! So, when I picked her up, she looked normal. In fact, I picked her up early that day, as I got an early quit from work. She looked so beautiful like she normally does. I gave her a gazillion kisses as always, and loaded her in her carseat. Dh was off that day too, so we picked Bee up from school, because Jariel was also in daycare with her. We headed to the local Wal-mart and Jaree was playing and trying to grab the clothes off the racks as we rode by in the cart. I was looking for some shirts for the boys ...when it HAPPENED. Jaree's head was flung back and I pulled her arms, because I thought she was being silly. Her eyes were rolled back and she was foaming at the mouth. My immediate reaction was that she was choking. So I took her out the cart and turned her on her stomach, and tried to get whatever the heck, she was choking on out of her mouth. She started convulsing and I panicked. I ran with her in my arms, screaming call 911. I guess I was so hysterical, the lady at the front desk panicked and just froze. I remember yelling at her, to get off the phone and call 911. Then, an angel walked in. A lady walked in with a newborn baby, she looked over and saw Jaree and took over. She turned Jaree on her side, and made everyone get back. She asked me what her name was and through teary eyes and a shaky voice I told her. She talked very calm, to both Jaree and myself. She summoned someone to go back to pharmacy and get a suppository, which she immediately gave Jaree. She had someone call 911 and the paramedics arrived shortly after. Once the paramedics arrived she told them that Jaree was having a FEBRILE SEIZURE, she was talking very technical and I realized she was in the medical profession. Turns out she was a RN. She had just had her baby 1 week, and was not even supposed to be out. She was sneaking out of the house just to get out. Finally, it dawned on her that she didn't have her own baby and then she got emotional, but as luck would have it, someone pushed her baby away from the entrance door, out of the way of the cold and stood beside the very tiny baby. Her NURSING SKILLS took over. As they were loading my baby into the ambulance, she knocked on the doors and told me that Jaree would be fine, I hugged and thanked her, but never got her name. I truly believe she was Jaree's guardian angel. Because the paramedics said that Jaree would have truly died of asphysixia if she hadn't showed up, because she had aspirated into her lungs.

That was one of the SCARIEST moments of my life. Jaree was comatose for almost 48 hours after that FIRST seizure. I wanted her to just open her beautiful eyes... I never left her side.
We started to notice pus-like bumps on her stomach and lip. Very few, but she had chicken pox. She also had double pneumonia from aspirating into her lungs.

At that moment, I began to prioritize what was important. MY JOB or MY CHILDREN. I loved my job, I was making really good money. I was starting to get my life together, however I truly feel if Jaree wopld have been at home, I would have noticed she was getting warm or I would have noticed that she was listless and sleeping too much. Jaree was not a baby that slept during the day....she took cat naps! No longer than 30 minutes at a time. I later found out that Jaree slept that entire afternoon until the evening when I picked her up.

I turned in my 2 week notice and quit my job. Dh and I decided it was the best thing to do. He was working at Carmax at the time, and was making a pretty good living, so we struggled at first but, things got better.

However, Jaree has had a total of 11 seizures since that day.

One just before Christmas, and that is why we are going to have yet another EEG.

I pray to God that they don't find anything, but at the same time, if they don't find anything, why does she keep having seizures.

Another thing is that they have all been FEVER related seizures. She has never had a seizure that didn't accompany a fever...

But she is almost 9 years old.

9 year olds are not supposed to have seizures....

It is not the norm!!!!

I will keep you posted!

I ask that you all keep us in your thoughts and prayers...

Thanks in advance!

Christmas is officially over

I am so sad around this time....

Taking the Christmas tree down, kids going back to school, no more Christmas carols or movies...

I get so melancholy...

Am I the only one who feels this way?

We spend so much time and money on Christmas and the day comes and goes so fast..

I hate saying goodbye to Christmas...

I cry while taking down the tree....don't know why? Just makes me sad!

Today, I have to go to downtown Chicago to take care of some business, I so hate driving down town. Then I have to take Bee, shopping, he still has money left over from Christmas and it's burning a hole in his pocket...

Dh is super sick. I have been taking care of him. The flu swept thru our house like a hurricane. I had it sooooo bad! Both Jaree and I had it the worst. Now Baptiste has it and he's super sick too!

You know men, they are big babies when they get sick! LOL

Well, gotta run.

It's super late.

I have to get up early so.....

I have to say bye-bye

Had a great time

Yesterday, my friend Michelle and I went to see One Missed Call and went to dinner for her birthday. This movie was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo SCARY! Over the years, horror movies are not what they used to be. Movies like the OLD Salem's Lot, Carrie, The Shining, Christine, The Exorcist, Amytiville Horror,Nightmare on Elm Street and Christine scared the living daylights out of me....Every once in a great while you will get a great horror film....The Ring, Exorcism of Emily Rose, The Messengers, Saw, Final Destination, Dead Silence,Valentine.. but great horror is hard to find...

Horror movies have turned porn....or turned Gory

Well One Missed Call is the epitome of a great horror film. I was literally terrified! When a movie gives me goosebumps or has me looking over my shoulder at night.....

I THINK YOU GET THE POINT!

I was so unnerved from this movie! I came home and it took me hours to fall asleep.

Do not take the kids to see this movie, unless you want a permanent bed buddy....LOL

I got so scared at one point, some kind of way, my bracelet flung off and flew 3 rows behind me, i am so glad it didn't hit anybody. I guess I must have threw my hands up and it flung off...LOL

Everyone was laughing, I was soooo embarrassed.

We had a bunch of people with us too. My oldest son went with a couple of his friends, my friend Michelle and her younger sister went, so we had a blast!!!

I was holding my cousin Cashelle's arm, the whole time. He's only 15, the same age as my son! I think he was more scared than I was......LOL

Afterwards, we went to Dusties for a good soul food dinner.

Only Michelle and her sister went to dinner, and of course myself.

My son, Cashelle, and the rest of his friends went to a party, so I dropped them off and headed out to Dusties.

I ate myself into a coma!

Went to pick the boys up from the party and the party ended earlier so Bee's girlfriend Katie came and picked everyone up....Yes my baby has a girlfriend, and she's 17!!! Wow! But, I love Katie, she's very respectful and she treats my son like Gold, that is all I care about! He loves her to death too. They make a pretty cute couple. Too bad her family doesn't feel the same about Bee, well the dad and brother does not approve of Bee because of his race. So sad! Yes, Katie is white and my son is black, but who the hell cares! Love is Love! Like is Like! Oh well, some people will never get it....LOL Let me get out of this train before it wrecks....LOL

In other news, dh told me that I can get the Canon 20D, but not until March. We are going on a cruise in August and this month, we are going to the Wilderness in Wisconsin, so he said I must be patient!!!! LOL

In the meantime, since my camera died, he is going to allow me to get a new point and shoot digital camera, which I wanted both anyway. I did my research and am going to go with a Fuji Fine Pixs S700, it got a A grade, has some manual settings like a slr, I can get get filters and all kind of lenses to enhance the camera, it has a 10x optical zoom, which is equivilant to 28-300mm camera, so for that I am happy. It has 7.1 mp, and movie mode. It will get me thru this months vacation and its small and compact. It has been hell, without my camera, I tell you. I feel naked without it. As you can imagine. I have to use the mac or my camera phone, for most of my pics now and I hate it!!! Or I use my Aps camera, hate camera processing and not knowing what I am getting....kwim?

Can't wait for my clip it and my 7 gypsies ATC to arrive. My Atc holder shipped already! Should be here either today or Monday, can't wait!!!! Don't know if the clip it shipped, I know that is coming Ups ground, so I know for a fact that won't be coming today. I am so excited. I have so many ideas for the ATC Holder. Think I am going to do a People, places, and things theme. All the people I love, all the things I love, and my favorite places. What do you think?

Would love your opinions on what I can do with the ATC Holder as I may get many more.....

Well, today is going to be a crock pot day....Beef stew....Lazy days....

The kids go back to school on Monday, so I want to do something special with them today. I think we will all go roller skating. Ms. Jaree has been talking about it for the longest time, also Jaree wants to make ICECREAM, with that dang blasted Icecream making machine she rec'd for Christmas. I have been putting it off and putting it off, but today I am going to have to bite the bullet and JUST DO IT!

We already made cookies, brownies, and cakes, withe her Easy bake oven, she got that last year, but I always get her refills every birthday and Christmas. She has the real meal Easy bake too, but that thing is so big and awkard, that we barely use it.....LOL We use the cute pink one that looks like an oven.....LOL

Also, I have to take Jariel to get minutes on his phone! I told him he has to be minute conscious, because he does not have a job! LOL He has a prepaid phone, I learned my lesson with Bee about putting CHILDREN on your contract, I just finished paying his Sprint bill, to the tune of 985.67 and half us that was for text messaging alone, 200 worth of games and ringtones, and 150 worth of overage...CAN YOU SAY IT WITH ME ....NEVA, NEVA EVA, AGAIN.....LOL


My kids will have a prepaid contract until they are able to get their own phone.....LOL
And I will decide when and if I will put the minutes on there...

It's all about learning time managment skills....

Well, this post has become long as the river NILE, and also random, so I am going to run...

Until next time

It's that time....

To throw it on back....


Now this song got more airtime in my car than any other song, while in college.

My cousin and I used to dance to this song all day and night!


This was a total CLUB BANGER!!!!!



HERE'S A VERSE: LADY TAKE IT EASY...HATE TO SOUND SLEAZY, BUT TEASE ME, I DON'T WANT IT IF IT'S THAT EASY.....LOL


GOTTA LOVE PAC!!!!!


ENJOY!!!!

It's Dana time!

Christmas is OVER!!! And now it's time for Dana!!!! I feel a shopping spree coming on ....

So far...

For Dana....

Dh bought me a chochlate brown short mink coat, with detachable hood!
1 BeBe animal print purse
A bunch of costume jewelry...I love accessories. I am the accessory queen!!!

Today, I am going to get some brown boots from my favorite store BARE FEET SHOES!!!!! I love that store.

Some brand new 7 jeans. They fit my body so well! I have a small waist, but I have very large hips and thighs and big ole but and its very hard for me to find jeans that fit. Either they are too tight or they gap in my waist. I can't shop at Old Navy or the Gap, they don't make jeans for my body type....LOL I like Baby Phat and Apple Bottom, but they are really for a younger crowd. I don't like a whole lot of rhinestones on my butt. I don't need to attract any attention to that area.....LOL

Thanks to ADRIENNE AND BONNIEROSE, I bought that dang blasted clip it up.....LOL

Tracking:
Order Date: 01/03/08
Order Number: yhst-7331083477943-55069
Shipping Method: $5.99 Flat Rate Ground Shipping

Ship To
Dana Brooks
16949 old elm drive
country club hills IL 60478
708 705-1056

Bill To
Dana Brooks
16949 old elm drive
country club hills IL 60478
708 705-1056

dpaynebrooks@yahoo.com


I will be putting that order number in everyday until it arrives!!!!!

Now I am off to buy that 7 gypsies ATC holder, I have plans for that bad boy!!!!! I am the project queen. I love mini albums. I have to admit I do a like the smaller unique albums, more than all my 12x12 albums. I am always thinking of ideas for the albums. I am going to scrap today, I just woke with a gazillion ideas flowing through my mind. You know those "EUREKA MOMENTS". I am in a really good mood and I plan to just shop and scrap.....

In no particular order ....LOL

Nothing like shopping to put you in a good mood.  

I also have to make a trip by Victoria Secret,  its time for some new lingerie and my favorite smell good...Beauty Rush Grapefruit blast, Appletini, and Fruit Pop.  I am almost out of lotion, and I am completly out of shower gel!!!

I am not buying the kids a popsicle....LOL 

THOSE little guys, broke my darned pockets this Christmas....

They don't need ANYTHING....

I told them that mommy is having a LATE CHRISTMAS....

They better not say a word about it either, or I am raiding there closets and finding my receipts.... 

My mom bought them tons and tons of clothes and shoes....

If they never get another toy or gadget in their life they would make out alright....

I am not THINKING about them right now....LOL

But, knowing me I will come home with something for them.  Then dh will yell at me ....

I have to smuggle all the bags in...

Am I the only one who does that?  I keep bags in my trunk, for days until dh goes to work or leaves, then I will bring them in and put them away....

I got that from my mom!  LOL  The shopping queen!  My mom is a total professional shopper.  But she's a bargain shopper.   We call her the "power shopper".  My mom will drive miles for a good deal!  She shops every single day!  She has more shoes than Queen Elizabeth.  My poor dad had to build a closet in the garage, because my mom has all four closets full of her clothes and shoes.  The Guest closet is full of her coats.  We have to put the guest coats on the bed in the guest room....LOL   Now mind you, my mom has a 4 bedroom house and WE ARE ALL GROWN AND MOVED OUT....  My mom has literally taken over all the other rooms.  One room, is her dressing room.  This is where all her jewelry, and most of her shoes are housed....LOL  I call it the accessory room!  She has a full length mirrors every wear, even the closet doors are mirrored.   This is the place she puts her make up on too, so she has a vintaged vanity set in there. Beautiful room.   The other spare bedroom is nothing but perfumes, handbags, and other clothes.....  The other bedroom, is her bill room, its where she sits down and calculates all the damage she has done with those credit cards of hers...dad is not allowed in that room....LOL    We just laugh at her, but hey she deserves it.  She took care of us, and we dressed QUITE WELL, and now it's her time....  

My mom is very extravagant, she has very extravagant taste!  I could never in a million years keep up with her, as my money does not STRETCH that far....LOL  

All my friends talk about my mom...

They all say "She's one jazzy lady!"  All I can do is agree.  LOL 

So, I have inherited my mom's shopping addiction...

In fact all of my sister and brother too!!!  In fact, my brother shops more than my sister and I...LOL

He lives in the mall...LOL

That is really unheard of in a MAN....LOL

Well, I have rambled on enough...

I am off to make a list of all the places I want to go in the mall and stick to them.  I will not stray! I will not stray! I will not stray! 

Adrienne, I did get my hair cut in the bob....So go on your computer tonight,  so we can Ichat an you can see it...

Until next time....

Saying Goodbye to 2007...

and HELLO TO 2008!

This has been one crazy, fun, insane year!

Let's see dh and both turned 33!

The kids turned 15,11, and 8!
Which equals no babies....booohooo!

I have a bittersweet relationship with the New Year.

I love new beginnings, second chances, and renewal. But, I hate watching my children grow up..... Do you know Bee will be 16 in 2008? WTH? I can remeber when I was 16 years old. Time really flies!

It seems like just yesterday, we were toasting to 2007 and now 2008 is upon us...

Let's see, what happened in 2007.

I bought my very FIRST HOME!

I finally got an expedit and I love it

Jaree decided she wanted to be a cosmetician when she grew up

We were invaded by little nasty alien creatures knows as Cicada's

I realized that my oldest son Bee was not a baby anymore

Bee went to his very first Homecomming dance

I became an aunt yet again to Ms. Aya


Although we had a lot of fun in 2007, it had it's down. I lost two important people in my life. My uncle Marion and my aunt Beverly. I had several bouts with depression this year. Dh and I had some rocky times. The kids drove me nuts, especially my teenager, found out who my real friends were, and found out what makes DANA tick!

This year was full of both laughter and tears,

But through strife we find strength...

2008 will have it's good times and bad times as well, but God is Good, he is real, and he will bring you through...


I made some really good friends through blogging, I don't have to say anything you know who you are....Most of you have been with me since I started blogging and I love you dearly...

to my cyber sistahs

I LOVE YA AND HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

PEACE AND HAIR GREASE!!!LOL

Jaree's Christmas

According to the boys, this year was Jaree's Christmas. So here is Jaree's Christmas: This couldn't be further from the truth. Jaree just got more quantity wise, but the boys gifts were FAR MORE expensive.

Bee wanted money (alot, alot, alot of money) and a video ipod. Jariel wanted a cell phone, a video ipod, 2 remote control cars, games for his psp, a nerf gun, and the flytech dragonfly....that was not cheap! LOL

Even though Jaree got MORE, she really got LESS...KWIM?












By now I am used to all the complaining, this year I told them if they don't like what they have, we can always give it to charity. They straightened up real quick...LOL

More pics soon!





ETA: WHY DIDN'T ANYBODY TELL ME, it would be that freaking hard to find a African American baby alive doll, went to 6 different stores for that dumb doll, it would be nearly imposible to find bratz life with the bratz dolls, because it's in the electronic aisle, and that I would lose my mind trying to find the littlest pet shop paws off diary because WALMART, keeps it on the end caps, and that the bratz snow lodge ice cream making machine, requires a VISIT TO THE DAMNED GROCERY STORE on Christmas morning. Yes, Jaree drove me crazy!!!!!

Whew.......its been a blast!

a very busy blast...

What has been going on since the last time I blogged!

Let's start with the good:

The children had a very, very, very wonderful Christmas!!!!
My living room looked like Toys R Us sent a shipment of toys to our house, instead of Toys R Us...LOL

Let's start with Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve, my siblings, our kids, and I, always meet up at my parents house around 5pm. We have a light dinner, we have a champaigne toast, we exchange one gift (which is usually pj's), we sing Christmas Carols, and have mimosa's and egg nog coloda's, oooo so yummy. I even had a tequila shot. Why, did I let my uncle talk me into that. I was toasted guys. Usually, a wine cooler will make me tipsy, so just imagine I had 2 mimosa's, 1 egg nog coloda, 1 shot of tequila, and one glass of champaigne. I was feeling no pain when I left....LOL

Santa Claus, almost didn't make it! Truth be told, if It was not for Bee (my oldest son), there would have been no Christmas for Jaree and Jariel. He took all of the toys from the attic and set them up. He says he tried to wake me up several times, but I was sleep. I didn't even here him. I woke up at 3am, still fully dressed and in my coat. Baptiste had to work Christmas Eve and he didn't get home to 1am, he said he took one look at me... and he took a whole lot of pics. Let's just say, those pics got deleted really quick...

I did have enough energy to bake cookies, brownies, and rice crispy treats. I don't know how they tasted, but they were made.....LOL

The kids woke up around 8 am and woke me up, before they went down stairs. I got up, hangover and all.....LOL NOw these kids are so different than I was when I was little, they couldn't put me to sleep with anesthesia on Christmas and I was always up by 3am , tearing up my gifts....



Jaree was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo happy!
Of all five billion, 999, 365, 989, 156 toys she got....she zoomed in on one item

BABY ALIVE!!!!! If I had only known! Well, I can't say that, she was excited about her Bratz Kids SEcret Snow Lodge Ice cream maker, and her littlest pet shop paws of diary!

However she received the following from us, cough ...I mean Santa....LOL

1 Baby Alive doll, with extra food, diapers, and clothes
1 Sky wishes My little pony
1 Littlest pet shop diary
Bratz Life
Bratz kidz icecream maker snow logdge
Bratz Magic Makeup
Bratz Full Body Makeover
Bratz Pampered Pups
Walking Bratz with dog
Bratz Fashion Stylist in Makeup Artist, Nail Tech, and Beautician
Bratz Winter Kids
Bratz Winter Doll
Food for Easy Bake Oven
Bratz Make up kit
Big Kidz Bratz Music Stars
and last but not least
The shaker mp3 player


Now, why is 95% of that, still in its package.

I guess you are wondering what could the boys possibly have gotten, because Jaree's list was so long.

Well, Jariel rec'd

One new cell phone, with mp3 player, camera, and video recording
The shaker
Camaro gas car
The Terraniac by Tyco
Fly tech Dragonfly
Some Huge whopping nerf gun
100 dollars
1 pair of air force one gym shoes
short list, but more expensive than Jaree


What did Bee want? Money!!! 500 dollars! Sweet!

Dh and I always exchange gifts in January, but I was shocked to recieve a full body back massager, money, Passion fruit pop basket from Victoria SEcret, smells sooo yummy, and a promise to get a manicure and pedicure on Friday!

So I had to go and get him some Antonio Banderas cologne, a case for his laptop, and a 100 dollar gift card too Guitar Center, his favorite store. He was so happy.

I hope this means I still can get my camera in January....LOL

That is what I really wanted for Christmas, my camera finally bit the bullet!!! LOL

The kids got so much stuff from my mom it was ridiculous, mainly clothes, my mom does not believe in buying toys, she says that is our job.....LOL My sister got them all gift cards, so they have been bugging me to get to Target, my brother got them absolutely NOTHING....not even a Merry Christmas, but I already expected that. I did get all three of his kids gc's but it's all good. My mil got them a whole bunch of stuff, as well as their aunts and great grandma.

Now here's the kicker, their god parents all called and want me to come get their gifts today....

I guess I wasn't thinking I bought all that crap, because now I don't know where I am going to store this stuff!!!!

They don't need a nother toy or clothes, or shoes for 25 years.....LOL

They enjoyed it though.

They got in on the gift giving too, each one of them spent their own money and bought family and friends gifts!!!! I teach them that it is better to give than to recieve. I don't think Jaree quite gets it yet....LOL



Later that night, went to mom's for some good food, good company, and good conversation. My mom had it decorated so elegantly. My mom really should have been a interior decorator, she has such good taste...

Now for the bad.....

Jaree had yet another seizure a few days before Christmas. IT WASN'T A BAD SEIZURE, like last time, but now she has to go back on trileptal. Which is something I hate. I have an appointment today to see her neurologist, and I am going to express my concerns. I don't feel Jaree has epilepsy, she has never had a seizure, that didn't accompany a fever. They are all febrile seizures. So please pray for my baby!

Also, do you ever feel like you step 2 steps forward, only to take 10 steps back. Well, you should always follow your first mind. Something told me to stay at my mom's, while my dh and the kids visited his family, but instead I went. Only to regret it later. First of all, when I got inside my sil's house, you could cut the tension in the room with a knife. Everyone was dry and acted like they didn't want to speak to me, and I don't KISS BOOTY, OH NO....NOT DANA!!! So, once I spoke and said Merry Christmas to everyone, I went into another room with the people who I felt comfortable with. As soon as my Bee, walked into the door, my younger sil was all over him, take your hat off, do this, do that..... Hey, he's a teenager leave him alone. She starts talking about his clothes, oh we don't do skulls.....because he had on a hoody with a skull, that zipped all the way up, with a matching shirt and pants, and skull earrings and necklace. He looked damned GOOD, if you ask me. She just kept picking at him, so long story short, I checked her really good and she didn't like and decided to leave. In my mind, I was thinking where the hell is Baptiste, because after all, this is his family, he claims, he didn't hear what was going on....but sometimes, you should put your own family in their place, because when I do it, you may not like it. I don't PLAY when it comes to my kids. Mess with my kids, you are likely to get hurt. She was just badgering him for no reason!!!! I just don't get it. This particular sil normally doesn't act like that (when she's by herself),but when she gets with her family she pretends to be TOUGH TONY and it pisses me off. Keyword, PRETENDS, she won't bust a grape at a fruit fight! I gave her a real good tongue lashing and continued on with my day. Some people can dish it out, but can't take it, kwim?

However, she picked the wrong kid to mess with!

My kidz are always WELL DRESSED, WELL GROOMED, and WELL MANNERED! I think that his family thinks that we are too extravagant. But what I do with my kids is not anyone's business. I just think she's A HATER!!!!

I came home and talked to dh about how I felt and it's like he's OBLIVIOUS to what's going on. It makes me so mad sometimes. I want to SCREAM! But he said, whenever I or our kids feel uncomfortable, we come first and he will leave! But, I somehow have my doubts. But, I am not going to get into that. Long story short, my dh needs to cut the freaking umblilical cord already, he's a total MOMMA'S BOY! LOL That can be so trying sometimes!!!!!


Last but not least, after I left my mother's house, my crazy brother and my mom got into a HUGE FIGHT, over none other than MONEY!!! He owes my mom so much money, but continues to borrow money and my mom finally said "HELLLLL NO"....lol

and this was all on Christmas.....LOL

Can't tell you enough how forward I am looking to the NEW YEAR!!!

Sorry for the long post, maybe I should have posted a disclaimer or something...

Hope your Christmas was Merry and Bright....

Dana

Ups and downs of winter

Had a slight break today...so I decided to blog! Another one of my goals is to blog more. I seem to always feel better after I do.

So I am participating in today's blog challenge
Challenge for today is:
What are three things that you enjoy most about the winter season? What three things do you dislike?

Interesting thing, because I always have had a love/hate relationship with OLD MAN WINTER!

If I had to choose three things I love about winter:

1. Time indoors. Time to reflect, to get reaccquanted with family, more time for reading, scrapbooking. Hot chochlate, chili, beef stew, chicken pot pies, (btw, I only eat these foods at winter)fuzzy socks, flannel pjs, and fleece blankets.

2. Snow fun! I love to go to war with kids, I can throw a mean snowball. Just call me Sammy Sosa baby!!! LOL Sledding! Sledding! Sledding! and more Sledding! Building a snowman with the kids.

3. More snuggle time with dh. When you're cold, you tend to snuggle with someone to get warm. Who better to snuggle with, than my baby! LOL

Now there's a downside

1. Driving in the snow and even worse driving in an ice storm. It's horrible, I try to never drive in any of these conditions, if I don't really need to.

2. Shorter days and being cooped in the house with kids. That is why I love summer!!!!LOL

3. The cold, The cold, the cold. I live in the MIDWEST...the windy city. We have really bad winds. Which makes it a whole lot colder than it actually really is...We may have 20 degree weather, but if we have a windchill factor of -8 then that is what it feels like.....LOL


What do you love about winter, what do you dislike?????



What a great challenge!!!! Loooooooved it!

Until next time.

Dana

Trust

....one of my biggest flaws is that I am toooo trusting.

My parents tell me this..
Baptiste always tell me this...
My friends....


And now it has all come back to haunt me.

Make a long story short:

I befriended a group of children that live next door to me. It's 10 children in all. 8 whom live at home. They are a little less fortunate than we are, so I always try to help them out. They come to my house, they use the computer, they eat, they play the video games, and I welcome that. I have always had this NURTURING and MOTHERING nature, far before I became a mother. I was babysitting at 8 years old. Ok.

Well, yesterday, I went in my room to look for the kids gifts. 2 video ipods and a cell phone. To be exact. Because I kept all the toys and big stuff at my mom's. Because my children are nosey as hell! Well, there nowhere to be found. I tore my room up, looking for it. Still can't find it. So get this feeling and I decide to confront the sister of the person I suspected. Sure enough, the first thing she said was "was Jane X in your room". I never mentioned any names.... She then told me, she would look around for the items and call me back if she found them....

Still NOTHING!

If you are wondering why I decided to confront the sister, we are really close, she is 20 years old and knows how her siblings are....

The mom, would have just beat the hell out of them all, without asking questions, and I did not want that.

I HAVE NO PROOF, that Jane X, stole anything...

Just a gut feeling....

and when I get these...they are normally TRUE!

It is my own fault. I am out of 500 dollars, because I have to replace it....

But, I take it as a lesson learned...

I am too trusting and to never allow anybody free reign over my house.

Sometimes, people mistake your kindness FOR WEAKNESS....

I don't know how I am going to make this up, it is only 5 days before Christmas, I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY, but I have to make something HAPPEN!

2 of the gifts were for Jariel. My child that has a heart of Gold. And that hurts the most. He is so humble and never asks for MUCH. He's been that way his entire life and because he is so modest, I almost always get EVERYTHING he asks for. I cried my eyes out yesterday! Because, of all the people for this to happen. I would have much rathered them steal from ME. NOT, my BABIES...

This is not the first time, something has gone missing out of my house. I am kind of ashamed to even tell you how much WAS missing, before this incident.

But, I hate to think that SOMEONE, that I considered to be like a daughter to me, TO STEAL from me...that is a HURTING FEELING...

I have to chalk it up as a loss....

but I am truly devastated by this...

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas....

.....Just like the one's I used to know.

What is the perfect Christmas to you?

For me, it is not about the gifts? It's not about receiving anything.

Christmas is not just a day for me, It's a feeling!
It is truly the happiest time of the year for me...

I really get into Christmas! Decorating, cooking, baking, ginger bread houses, I love it.

What would be my Perfect Christmas?


Snow on the ground, you know the really white snow that glistens...
Singing Christmas carols with my family
Going to my mom's on Christmas Eve, which is a HUGE family tradition, for egg nog coloda's, hot cocoa for the kids with tons of marshmellows, having my mom read "THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS" to the kids, and being able to open one gift, which is always BRAND NEW PJ'S, to be worn to bed on Christmas Eve. My siblings and I always head to my parent's for this..

Baking cookies for Santa.....
Making all different kinds of cookies, chocolate chip, peppermint, butter, sugar, and oatmeal and raisin. Making really good fudge! Making all different assortments of rice crispy treats and cornflake treats!

Watching the Christmas story over and over on Tnt! Priceless.

Being around my family...

The look on my children's face on Christmas morning...

All the thank you's and kisses I receive from the kids......"Thank you mommy and daddy, a gazillion times...

Going out at night to throw reindeer dust so that Santa can find his way to our house.

Being blessed to still have both of my parents...Who are healthy and so full of life! I thank God for that!

Still having CHILDREN, in my household, who I can play Santa for. Our children are only children for a short while, before they are all grown up and that is so scary for me. My oldest child is 15 years ...... They grow up so fast! Jaree is the only child that still believes in SAnta! I probably have another year or two, before that is over..... So that makes me sad.

Believe or not, I love the hustle and bustle of shopping. The thrill of the hunt. Running all around to find that perfect toy, for me this year, it was that darn blasted Baby Alive doll in African American. Hello, toy companies, African American people do exist, can you send more ethnic dolls to Wal-mart.....LOL

I love gathering all the kids up and driving for hours to look at all the cool Christmas decorations...

Keeping my radio on 93.9, listening to all the cool Christmas carols...
My favorite Christmas carol is :This Christmas, by Donny Hathaway....Chris Brown just remade it. While, I love his version too, I love the original.


Then on Christmas day, IT'S ALL OVER! so quick! Sometimes, I get a little sad.


One of my fondest memories of Christmas, was the year I got my CABBAGE PATCH TWINS, oh my God! That was the best Christmas. My mom had her friend build me a crib and dresser, and the dresser was full of clothes and diapers, and crib, had a musical mobile. I was too excited. It was also the year, I got my puppy Dutchess! I got so many other things, because my mom always WENT ALL OUT for Christmas, but I remember that day, because I woke everyone up at 4am, to come look what Santa had brought. My grandmother, really made a big deal out of those twins. She played with me all morning! She always made me feel so special, and that EVERY WORD I said was IMPORTANT. I remember getting into so much trouble too, because Dutchess kept crying, and I put her in my bed and she took a huge dump right in the middle of my floor.....LOL She was only a baby... I sometimes, wish I could go back to that time. Come to think of it, all of my Christmas' as a child were SPECIAL. There was not one, that I can think of that was disappointing. But even as a child, it was not the gifts. It was being around my FAMILY. Fellowship! Sure, I was so excited, anticipating what Santa would bring me that year, but I can honestly say, my fondest memories, were not the THINGS I RECIEVED....BUT THE MOMENTS....

the moments I had with my Grandmother who is gone on to glory...
going to visit my Aunt Plump (no that is not her real name it's Virgie, but that is her nickname) and having my older cousin Darcel play dolls with me, she is now dead.... watching my uncle and aunt get toasted and dance the bop together , now they are gone, laughing at my uncle James, who could not drive to save his life, almost hit our dog, each year, because he was doing 100 up the drive way, now he's gone, laughing at my uncle Roger, who would get so sloppy drunk, that he would say every thing in three's "Hello, Hello, Hello" How you doing, How you doing, How you doing", then he would go outside and slip on the ice and lay there, like nothing happened.....priceless! Sneaking into the champagne with my favorite cousin SEan, who was murdered back in 1991. Laughing at my uncle Bill and my dad, as they argue over topics that didn't even MATTER, then laughing because my uncle Freddy D would agree with both of them, "Wendell (my dad), you right, you right".....Buster (my uncle Bill) you got a point there", Now we all know they both can't be right. Watching my uncle CArl, snooping around to see if any one's watching and then sneak a sip of his Martel.....my aunt Josie didn't like for him to drink....listening to my uncle Marion talk plenty of CRAP when he's winning a game of Bid Whist, slapping his cards on the table, he just died on 7th.


While those are moments that I will never get back, they are MEMORIES THAT I WILL CHERISH FOREVER.....

Better than any gift I could ever receive...

If I can say something to touch you today...

Know that life is not about THINGS.... Life is about the MOMENTS...

LIFE IS SHORT, LOVE ONE ANOTHER, LEAVE THE PAST IN THE PAST, AND ENJOY THE MOMENT....

Have a safe and Merry Christmas....

I probably will be super busy over the next couple of days, so I don't know that I will be blogging much after today, but I just wanted to say to my blogging sistah's

I love ya!!!!!!

Until next time

Resolutions

My good friend Adrienne, blogged on this very subject. You can read it here. She had some really great resolutions.

Do I make resolutions? Yes! Do I stick to them? NO!


But this coming year, I really plan to stick to my GOALS, DREAMS, AND DESIRES....
Maybe, if I look at it in this light, or using this terminology, I will stick with it.

One of my biggest Resolutions, this year:

Is to spend more time with family. Life is so short. We had so many deaths in the last couple of years, that you start to realize your own mortality. I am a family oriented person, but I don't see my family like I should. I am not speaking of my immediate family, I see them all the time. I am talking about my aunts and cousins. My extended family.


I plan to schedule outings, for the family, atleast once a month. Movies, museums, zoo,dinner, skating, bowling, get togethers at home, things like that.


Life is PRECIOUS, I want to spend mine, surrounded around people whom I love and who I know love me.



Another one of my goals, is to finish my MASTER'S DEGREE. I only have 18 hours. Why I haven't completed it, I don't know. I will take my time, take a class or two, and see how it works. But, I know I need to go ahead and get my Master's. My parents are definitely riding me, about this. LOL



Another one of my goals, is to take more DANA TIME. To focus on me. I am always so entralled in my husband, my kids, my parnents, friends, siblings, nieces, nephews, that I barely take the time to focus on ME. As most of you know, I battle with depression, and I need to take the time to get DANA toghether.



Another one of my goals is to start BELIEVING in myself more. I have alot of THINGS that I am talented in. I am a hell of a writer, I have great business skills, I am damn good BAKER, I really need to get off of my butt, and get my business up and running. 2008 is my year!



Like Adrienne, I didn't scrapbook as nearly as I would have liked too. I will definitely be scrapping more in 2008 as well as submitting, which is something I have never done!


This year, I want to learn to knit and sew.....
My mil says she will teach me as she does both quite well
Watch out Adrienne.....LOL


My last goal is to get more health conscious, I am overweight. I need to lose about 35 lbs. I need to start eating right and exercise. Because I want to be here for my family. Don't get me wrong, I am not severely overweight, because people laugh when I say that, you know to BLACK FOLKS, THICK is in.....LOL But, I know I need to lose some weight. You know when your body isn't right, and I think I would feel alot better about myself if I shed some of this excess weight, I have gained 3 kids later. LOL I don't want to go back to my high school weight, which was 110 lbs. No way. BUT 125, to 145 is right up my alley. I am not trying to get back into the daisy dukes and stretch pants....LOL No halters and tube tops for Dana, but I want to start shopping in the front of the stores and not the back. I am size 14-16 and would love to be a size 10. So I need to do what needs to be done! Stop talking about it and start being about it. So, dh and I bought two memeberships to L.A. Fitness. I am a great swimmer, so I was told that is a great source of exercise, because it works every muscle in your body. We both have personal trainers and we start this Wednesday. I don't want to do it the easy way, I have been to the "fat doctors", where they give a b 12 shot and fat burners and water pills. I dropped 45 pounds in 3 months, and kept losing weight rapidly and started to look like skeletor from Heman, so I had to quit.....LOL This was few years back, but this time around I am going to do things the right way.


So ...now that I have told you my goals, what are yours?

Until next time...

Dana

After a very long and sad week....

.......DANA IS READY TO PARTY!!!!!!

This week was so EMOTIONALLY DRAINING. We laid our dear sweet uncle Marion Odell Pleas to rest on Saturday. I am so drained! My surrogate baby little Marion, took it soooo hard! Oh my God, at one point I thought we were going to have to call the ambulance. He's only 19 years old, and his biological mother died when he was almost 3. She died in childbirth, along with his sister. His father was never a part of his life much before she died and THEN NOT AT ALL, after she died. So my uncle Marion and my aunt Plump adopted him. So, basically, this is the only FATHER little Marion has known, HIS GRANDFATHER/FATHER. So he is clinging to his GRANDMOTHER, my aunt Virgie, who is already in her 2nd stage of Dementia. He kept saying I love my grandparents so much! He broke EVERYBODY down, including the FUNERAL DIRECTORS, who have seen COUNTLESS funerals. It took us forever to leave the mausoleum, because he just layed across, my uncles casket and cried and sobbed. We finally, had to just remove him! I was just getting over the stomach flu and still woozy, so this just about did me in....LOL

I was sick as 5 dogs and 10 cats, Thursday and Friday. Saturday, I had only got 3 hours of rest, because I was up throwing up my gutts. The funeral was at 9 in the morning. I still had to get up, get 3 kids ready, and do Jaree's hair. I just pulled my hair back in a pony tail. It was no way, I was trying to curl my hair. I just wet and pulled it back in a pony tail and just wore it wavvy. Something I hate to do. I was so sick and all of that crying, just sent me into a massive migraine. I hardly ate anything at the repast, and was sooooo weak. I got to my aunts house and laid in bed and took a nap. All of a sudden, I felt someone lay in bed with me, (now I am one of the scariest people in the world! I was scared to open my eyes, because after all it was my uncle and my aunt's bed, finally, I opened one eye, and it was little Marion, he layed on me and went to sleep too!) He has always been my baby. I took care of him at a very young age. He is my surrogate son after all! I love him so much! I love him just as much as my own children. He knows it too! My kids don't even say that he is their cousin, they say that he is their BIG BROTHER, and they all rallied around Marion, kissing and taking care of him.

I thank God, that we have such a close and supportive family, because we got through it together.

Now, I am ready to go out and shake a tail feather, and get my grown and sexy on....LOL.

I am like my dad......I NEED A DRANK! not a drink, but a DRANK! lol

Wednesday, all the girls are going to get together at my cousin's house for drinks and movies. Just the girl. I have 19 cousins, that are all my age, and we always get together and act a fool!!! Even after we left the funeral, my cousin Tonya, had us in stitches, because she can act just like Tina Turner. So we were re-inacting part of the Movie "What's love gotta do with it", and we did "Proud Mary", I thought my aunt Plump was going to bust a vessel, she was laughing so hard, but she NEEDED that. We can find humor in anything!

I would like to thank you all for all your well wishes and prayers. Some might say, that it is over, but it's really just the beginning......

Today, I am just going to relax!!!!! I had 10 children at my house, Saturday and Sunday. My nerves are frazzled! I am going to kick back and DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! and enjoy it!

Until next time....

It's Friday Baby....

and you know what that means...

Throwback Friday


This video I chose, was one of my favorite songs as a teenager. Hell to this date, this song is still killin...LOL

Allow me to take you back, How back.....way back...

A time when dressing like a boy was sexy, rocking an a-symetrical hair cut or a feather was cool! Box cuts and high top fades were too cool!

This is my all time favorite female rapper. She was my idol.


I knew this song word for word. Still do ....


so with out further ado I give .....


hell I will just give you a hint

L-Y-L-L-Y-T-E

I AM THE LYTE!

Adrienne you betta bring it...

CHAAAALLLLLLLLLLENNNNNNNGE! lol

Just to let you know I will not be posting this weekned. Won't be back until Monday, the funeral is Saturday and I will be relaxing on sunday.

Love you all...

cya soon!

It's Friday Baby....

It's time to go back, how far back...lets go back to the day when dressing like a boy was hot, a-symetrical haircuts and box cuts were hot, the days of yo mtv raps...can you go that far back. WEll, this is to this day one of my favorite female rappers. I still know every word of this song.


Chaaalllllllllenge! Adrienne you know I love you girl! But you betta bring it!


I am the lyte....l y l l yte.....LOL


Sit back, step inside my time capsule and enjoy!

This weekend will be busy for me, the funeral is Saturday, so more than likely I won't be blogging again until Monday!

Have a safe and fun weekend.

Love ya....

I was so inspired by...

this post by BonnieRose, that I decided to post 10 of my own greatest joys in life:

1. The birth of all 3 of my beautiful children. They bring so much joy into my life. It's hard to imagine life without my children.

2. Finding out I was having a girl after having two boys first! I was so ecstatic.

3. The day dh and I got married. I was so happy. So, so happy. My face hurt from smiling so hard.

4. Spending time with my mom. She is truly my best friend. I love her dearly.


5. Snuggling with my dh. It just feels soooooooooooooo good. Kicking back in the bed or on the sofa snuggling with my baby. I love him so much.

6. Bathing.....I love to bathe. Kicking back in the tub, with some great bubble bath and nothing but my thoughts. So relaxing and stimulating.

7. Spending time with my siblings. I love them sooooooooo much. We have so much fun together.

8. Joking around with my dad. When I was a teenager, my dad and I had a love/hate relationship going on, but now as a grown woman, I love my dad soooo much, he is still very protective, but SUPER FUNNY. No one makes me laugh like my dad.


9. Hanging out with just the girls. Girls night out. Every woman should plan these outings atleast once a month.

10. Graduating with honors from College. I was told by someone that I would never amount to anyting and I was sooooo honored to prove that person wrong!!!!!

These are some of my greatest joys....
some BIG...some small
but all give me great joy...

Thanks for the inspiration Bonnie~~~

Feeling a little blue...

not depressed....just blue. It's really hard for me to get in the Christmas spirit. I am not even done with my shopping which is so unlike me. Usually I am done by now. I still have to get 3 more gifts for Jariel and 2 more for Jaree. Bee wants money, still have to pick his card. After the passing of my uncle things have literally gone to shit. My room is soooo messy, the floors need washing. I am not a total neat freak, but my house is always presentable. I would hate for someone to pop up now. LOL

I am going to muster up enough strength to mop all the floors and clean my room. I will dust this weekend. I am just not feeling it .....

The kids know it too!!! They tried to cheer me up by getting me to sing Christmas carols, a family tradition in our family. Felt good for the moment, but soon after the reality of my uncles death hit me. All the drama surrounding his death is just UNREAL.


So much is going on, keep me and my family in your thoughts and prayers.....



Dana

My uncle passed....

away peacefully yesterday. Please say a prayer for our family. This is a very difficult time for us being that this is right around Christmas. He passed from lung cancer and complications of pneumonia. He waited until everyone left, to go home to shower and get dressed, he held out. He did not want us to see him die. He died only 3 minutes after everyone left. He fought a good fight. Now he's at peace. He's not suffering. He has gone on to be with the Lord. Uncle Marion, you will be very deeply missed and never forgotten.

Until we meet again sweet uncle...

Dana

Today's the day!!!

I woke up late, haven't checked Adrienne's blog yet, so here it goes. I loved this group, and let's just say this is my dh and I's break up to make up song....LOL

I am not dead.....

LOL....

So much has been going on... I just have not had a chance to do anything. But, today I said I was going to make sure I got some Dana time... Guess where I am? If you guessed Panera Bread you are CORRECT! Yes, I am eating as I am typing...LOL

Since the last time I blogged, my cousin Cherrone was admitted to the hospital, because she had to have her gall bladder removed. She was in so much pain and I can so relate, because I had to have the same surgery. I was even worse, because I had gall stones, with bilary colic, which means I was throwing up Bile.....It was horrible. I would rather have 10 babies at one time than to have GALL STONES...LOL

Also, my uncle Marion, was admitted to the hospital with Pneumonia, he has double lung cancer and he is terminal. They are going to start hospice care at home. This is sooooo hard for me, because my uncle Marion, was so funny. He looks and acts just like Bill Cosby and just to see him like this is heart breaking. What's even more heartbreaking is to see my aunt and my nephew Marion (he's really my cousin, but he's always called me auntie, because of the age difference)he's taking it sooooo hard. I mean he just broke down on me. Marion is 19 years old and I have helped raise him, because his mom died when he was 2 years old. I have always looked after him. I was only 16, but I took care of him like he was my own and I have always looked after him. He sometimes even calls me Mom, but I always remind him that he has a mother, and she loved him dearly. My aunt and uncle Marion adopted him and raised him as their own. Marions deadbeat ass dad was never a part of his life, so all he has is his grandparents..... so imagine how he feels...no mom, no dad, and he's going to lose the only father he knows, his granddad. It's heartbreaking.... So please, say a prayer for my family!!!!!

As for me, I have been doing well. Depression free. Staying prayerful! Talking and walking with the Lord. If not for God, I would not be here. I swear. So much has been going on, with me, that I do not even want to get into right now, but I just pray!

On a brighter note, I have been enjoying my children. WE have been snowed in the last couple of days, so we have been watching movies. Finally got a chance to see the MESSENGERS and it scared the living crap out of me. Now that is one scary movie!!!!! LOL We took the kids to go see This Christmas with Chris Brown and it was sooooooooooooooooooooo Good. Jaree is growing up so fast, because she has a big ole crush on Chris Brown. Her dad is less than thrilled, that his little princess is growing up.....LOL


Dh and I finally went to go see WHY DID I GET MARRIED? Oh my God, why did I wait so long to see this movie. It was soooooooo good. I will definitely be buying this movie when it comes out on dvd. Angela, was the best character in this movie. She reminds me so much of myself. Fiesty and not taking no crap!!!! LOL


Today, I am going to chill out relax and help Jariel with his project that is due Friday. I swear I sometimes feel like I am still in school. These teachers come up with the craziest projects.....LOL

I just wanted to let everyone know that I was alive and well...Just taking a break from things and spending time with family.

Much love to all my blogging sisters out there...

To my sister Adrienne, I am praying for you, I love you, and you will get through this.....stay strong, and know that you are in my thoughts, my prayers, and you are sooooooooo loved girl!!!!!!


Until next time...

Reporting Live from ....

PANERA BREAD!!! As I sit here, surfing the web, eating a very tasty Chipolte chicken sandwich, sipping on some good ole cheddar broccoli soup, and buttering up my french bread, oh and not to mention sipping on my iced green tea....

I am enjoying myself! The kids are all at home watching the Santa Claus 3 and mommy and daddy got away for a quick date!!!!!

I love Panera Bread! Love the food! Love the iced green tea! Love THE FREE WI-FI!!! LOL

It's moment like this that make life worth living...LOL

Today, I accomplished so much. I cleaned Jaree's room, washed and folded 3 loads of laundry, mopped all the floors, vacuumed all the floors, and swept and cleaned the porch! I am dog tired now. When I get home I am going to relax and watch my favorite show SUPERNATURAL!!!!!!

Yesterday totally surprised me and bought home a BRAND NEW 47 inch LCD flat panel television. I was so shocked. WE had a 60 big projection screen televison, but it went out. Too much to fix, so we have been without a television in our family room for about a month. The kids were so excited. I like it because it's not as bulky as our old television. I guess he was jealous of my mom's 50 inch and couldn't help himself.....LOL My mom purchased a sony 50 inch plasma, from circuit city on Black Friday. Dh was so jealous....LOL

Now he wants one for our bedroom, I said wait buddy, I am still waiting on my brand new camera.......LOL


WEll, I need to finish my good food....

Until next time...

Feels good to be loved!

For the last couple of days I have been feeling like I am coming down with something. Every night my arms ache, my legs, and my back, similiar to flu like symptoms. I mean they ache bad. Yesterday was really bad, not only was I achey, but I felt really weak. I got into the shower and just let the hot water run all over my body, curled up and then went right to sleep. The kids kept on knocking on the door asking me if I was okay. Then dh, took the kids out to eat, so that I would not have to cook. They are tired of left overs....LOL Then he came home and rubbed my arms and legs until I fell asleep. The kids got up this morning and brought me orange juice and a muffin and asked me if I was okay, for the hundredth time....LOL


Today, my arms are still aching and I feel like I am going to get a fever. Dh says I was really warm last night, but today I feel it. I hate getting the flu. It sucks on so many levels.

I told dh to bring me home some Thera Flu. My oldest aka (Mr. Clean) didn't have class today, so he's home cleaning the whole house for me. Gotta love him. I told him he's' going to have to marry a very tidy young woman, or it's not going to work. He is a neat freak, like my mother. Too bad his little sister Jaree didn't pick up this trait.....LOL He's always getting on her about keeping her room clean. She does a good job, but she hates it!

Today, I will be in bed most of the day!!!!!!! I am going to get some reading done, and watch dancing with the stars results. It better be Helio and Mel B in the final or I am going to be pissed. Marie should have left a long time ago, in my opinion.

So long Mr. Wise, I thought he was sorta cute. I am talking about I love New york, am I the only crazy person who watches this. I thought she was going to bring Chance back ..... He's the only one, who can handle her craziness.

Well Guys, my bed is calling....

until next time ....

Happy Monday

Whew, time sure flies when you're having fun!!!!!

This Thanksgiving was a blast. Spent it with family. Good food. Good conversation! We had a blast. Friday we got up at 3am and hit the stores. First on the list:TARGET!!! They had a great deal on Bratz dolls! Next: Walmart had an even better sale on toys. Then Circuit City, my mom bought a 50 inch samsung flat pannel for $799. As if she needs another television. That so needs to come to my house! LOL Mom has it like that though. Me, I have to wait until AFTER Christmas....LOL This one man bought not one, not two, not three, not four, but FIVE televisions. Somebody's stocking is going to be stuffed to capacity this Christmas. He told my mom they were gifts, and of course one for his self. I told my mom, she should have got his telephone number....LOL

The next stop was starbucks to re-energize. Got myself the usual Vanilla Bean frappuchino with carmel sauce!! Then we went to Crispy Creme donuts. I was in Heaven. Next stop:K-MART, they had a great sale on clothing and coats. My mom bought the girls pj's, cute little outfits, and new bedding. Next stop was: Game stop, my sister wanted the Wii for the kids but they were sold out. Ended up getting 7 games 3 for x-box 360 an 2 for Jariel's psp and 2 for Jaree's Nintendo Ds pink.

So far, Ms. Jaree has the following:

Pampered Pupz Bratz
Winter Bratz
Winter Bratz Ice creme Palace
Winter Bratz kid
My little pony sky adventure
Littlest pet shop paws off diary
Walking Bratz
Bratz Make over
Fashionista Bratz
2 nintendo ds games
Bratz Magic Makeup
Just about done with her, she wants baby alive and digi makeover. Then I am done

So far for Jariel
2 psp games,a verizon juke phone, a remote control car...

Bee just wants money.

I will be finishing up with Jariel next week. He wants some type of flying computerized dragon fly, a helicopter, some nerf gun, transformers, and video ipod. I will be done!

Saturday, I went to my friend Chantel's party. We danced, got our grown and sexy on, and played CLR....didn't win a penny....LOL

Sunday, we went to the Swap-o-rama. Bought the boys some coats, Jaree a gold necklace, that has "daddy's girl engraved, bought the boys some 10 dollar jeans(gotta love the swap) and 10 dollar shirts. Got some mexican corn, ooooh so yummy. Afterwards we went to Tiger Direct, 2 different Best Buys, Circuit City, and Walmart. After my mom, bought that 50 inch flat panel, dh wants one. The picture on my 55 inch projection television is getting bad anyways, so I guess we are due. He only wants a 50 or 55 inch, and they cost a GRIP and a half. He's getting a Christmas and Exa bonus soon. I know where his money will be going. LOL Also, he gets retro pay, a walgreens settlement, and tax time is near....so pretty soon, the money will be flowing in......LOL

We came home and just conked out at about 8pm. That is the earliest I have ever gone to bed, but I was just exhausted.

Today, I am definitely going to sit home and chill. Last week was so hectic, I need to just sit back an kick my heels up.

I will be watching I love New York and and Dancing with the Stars, but you already know that.

I have alot of cleaning an laundry to do, but that may have to wait....LOL

Later taters....

Chaaaaallllllleeenge!

Hey you remember that episode of the Cosby show, where they were dancing against one another and the man yelled CHALLLLLLENGE....

Were you calling me out Ms. Adrienne. Ok, I was totally in love with these THUGGISH RUGGISH BOYS.....

Thought they were fine as all get out!


enjoy
Too-shay Adrienne

Giving thanks

I have so much to be THANKFUL for this year. God has truly blessed me this year. I cannot complain. I am thankful for so many things.

I am thankful for:

My health.
I am thankful for my 3 beautiful children and their health.

I am thankful for my wonderful and supportive husband.

I am thankful for our brand new home.

I am thankful for the beautiful relationship I have with my mom. We are so close.
I am blessed to have both of my parents alive and healthy.

I am thankful for being free of my depression for the past week.

I am thankful for all my wonderful friends I have made in cyberspace.

I am thankful I have such a wonderful hobby, scrapbooking.

I am thankful for being able to afford all of my NEEDS and a great deal of my wants.

I am thankful for my nephew Marion, who I love so much. He lost his mom, when he was only 2 years old and I have been a surrogate mom to him, ever since I was 15 years old. I love him so much! I thank God for him.

I am thankful for my crazy dog Goldie, who has given me so many laughs...

I am thankful to God, that Jaree has been seizure free for almost two years...

I am thankful to be alive, breathing, undertaking all of God's glory, receiving all of his blessings.
I am thankful for my siblings and nieces and nephews....

What are you thankful for this year. Please share!!!!!!!!!

Creepy fog all over Chicago land today...

Today, I woke up to take my oldest Bee to school and I had started the car from the house, so I never looked outside. When we walked outside it was like something out of a horror movie.....The fog was soooo thick you couldn't even see two feet in front of you. My oldest who is a prankster, took off running down the street screaming and he scared the crap out of me, when he came back. He's lucky because he almost caught one to the eye, lol.

We had to drive at a really slow pace, because of the fog. It was crazy and it remained like that most of the day. It's just starting to subside....

It's kind of creepy being that Steven King's new movie THE MIST comes out on tommorrow. I can't wait to see this!

The fog was so thick, my neighbors kids didn't want to walk to school which is 3 blocks away, they asked if I could give them a ride....LOL I can't say I blame them, because I didn't want to drive in it, let alone walk in it.

Today, I have a few errands to run. I forgot some stuff this weekend, when I went shopping, so I have to get cheese for the macaroni, gizzards for the dressing, and 30 pounds of stinky nasty CHITTERLINGS, I call them Shiterlings, because that is what they smell like. My kids and husband love them. So do my mom and brother. I can't stand them. I will be at the neighbors house while my hubby is cleaning them. Makes me want to vommit.


I am doing a little Black Friday shopping. I am going to get Ms. Jaree out of the way. She has a list as long as the Nile River. Last year she got 21 things, not doing that this year because she still has some of the crap in her room unopened. I told her to pick her top 10 and maybe she will get a few more things. But, I don't believe in wasting my money. Jariel wants a cell phone, too easy, and he wants a remote control car, a remote control plane, some type of nerf gun, 2 games for the psp, and some transformer toys....SWEET! Bee only wants MONEY!!!!!! I had to explain to the two older kids that we have a budget this year and we are sticking to it. Each child has a bugget of 300 dollars. I am sticking to it. Not a penny more or less! What ever they can get with that, is what they will be getting.....LOL


On another note, I am anxiously awaiting the results to dancing with the stars. Mel B, better be in the finals. I don't care if Marie or Jenny goes home, as long as Mel B and Helio are in the finals!!!!!!

It's almost time for me to pick up the kiddies....

Later taters

Happy Monday!

I had a crazy, busy, fun weekend!!!! INCLUDING GOING TO JAIL. Yes, you heard right. Seems I missed a court date, and their was a warrant issued, however when I rec'd the ticket my license was still at my old address and never went to the court date. 400 dollars later, I was released. My mom kept calling me Madea! Priceless! This was Saturday, the day I went to the club! I really got my drink on! LOL

Sunday, I went out with some friends to dinner at my favorite restaurant Hamada House of Japan. I got my favorite meal the Land and SEa. It comes with filet mignon and huge shrimp,all grilled to perfection, with onions, and zucchini, brocoli and mushrooms, chicken fried rice, and noodles. UMMMMM. I am salivating just typing about it. Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good yall! Woo!

Later that night dh and I went to his work for employee appreciation night. I was bored out of my wits! Finally, the fun arrived. We danced and the whole club did tequilla shots! Except dh, he is NOT a drinker at all. Not saying I am a LUSH, every now and again, i get my grown and sexy on!

Today, don't have much planned. Of course you know I am watching Dancing with the Stars. Cooking dinner, roast, mashed taters, and string beans. Other than that, I am RELAXING in my clean HOUSE!

LATER TATERS....

Old man winter has arrived....

Wow,

It's hard to believe that 2007 is almost over. It seems like just yesterday my kids were begging me to take them to the community pool and to the waterpark. My kids are little fish and they spent most of their summer in the water. NOw it's time to put away the swimming suits and break out the snow suits....My kids love winter too. They love having snowball fights, building snowmen, and snowboarding and sledding. Drinking hot cocoa, tomato soup and grilled cheese, chili...LOL These are all the things we look forward to about winter.

Tommorrow it's going to snow! Can you believe that. Today it's raining and tommorrow it's going to snow. The kids are already pulling their sleds out dusting them off getting them prepared! I keep telling them it doesn't mean it's going to be enough to sled, they said just in case it is they will be prepared.....LOL


Today and this whole week, I am doing some deep cleaning. Getting my house Holiday ready. I want it extra clean for the Holidays. We aren't having company, as we are going to our parents house. But I always make sure my house is extra clean during the holiday. Walls washed, dusted, baseboard, blinds, carpet shampooing. I am goign to cook. I always cook for my family. I will do my cooking on WEdnesday. We will have our family Thanksgiving with one another and then we will have Our big Thanksgivng with our family.

I don't do TURKEY, so I will be cooking two whole chickens, dressing, candied yams, greens, baked macaroni and cheese, ham, crescent rolls, sour cream pound cake, lemon meringue pie, and brownies. My hands are full....LOL

I am also preparing myself for Black Friday! We always go out the day after Thanksgiving for all the super duper sales. Last year I posted pic of my mom in the cart driving, do you remember? With the new house our budget is strict and tight. I have a bugdet of 1000 dollars for the kids. Period. Not a penny more, not a penny less. For everyone else it $500 period! I have learned my lesson with binge buying. Jaree got 21 things last Christmas and some of those things are still in the freaking box! I told them to pick their top 10 must have items. That doesn't mean that is what they are going to get or all they are going to get, but that will make them prioritize. Jariel and Jaree are still in the toy phase. Bee my 15 year old just wants MONEY. Easy and sweet!

This year because things are so hectic. My tree won't go up as planned on Friday, but maybe by December 1st, maybe before! Jaree has been trying to get me to put it up since last week. LOL.

I am getting into the Christmas spirit already! Especially when I heard Nat King Cole's "Merry Christmas", when I heard the first verse "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire....that was it! Christmas mode....LOL

I already dug out the Holiday favs, Home Alone 1 and 2, Christmas Story, National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, The Grinch, and Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer. The kids will be watching those movies feverishly. Even Bee, he is big kid when it comes to Christmas.....LOL

Well, besides cleaning, i am going out with friends tonight. Going to get my grown and sexy on! LOL Adrienne, you know about that grown and sexy don't you...LOL

I hope I can walk up the stairs to the bedroom when I get home, because after all the drama going on in the family, I am about to get my DRINK ON! lol


Until next time...

It's that time!

Sit back relax and enjoy....


I used to be so in love with this guy.....YUP YUP.....

Wednesday's ramblings...

Wow, can you believe Christmas is just a few weeks away adn I have not even begun my shopping. I always kick off, the day after Thanksgiving. I know it's crazy! We love the hustle and bustle and it is a tradition in our family. My kids are growing up so fast, BEe is 15, he just wants money. My 11 year old, wants a new cell phone,some games for his psp, and some jordans. Jaree is the only one I have to go toy shopping for.....and it's strictly BRATZ. Kids grow up so fast don't they? That is why, I try and cherish every single moment.

Jaree is still home from school! She still can't keep much down. She did hold down soup and grilled cheese. I don't know what possessed her dad to give her JERK CATFISH AND BEANS AND RICE....that crap erupted up out of her like a volcano. LOL Men are so oblivious to these kinds of things. I am just praying hard I don't get it! I have been bleaching and lysoling everything....LOL

Today, not much planned. Cooking dinner, watching a movie....snuggling with Baptiste.

Jaree has been in my bed since she has been sick....Today she told me she could sleep in her own room. THANK YOU JESUS!!! My back has been out of wack since Monday....LOL


What are your plans for today? Anything exciting? Do tell...

Today's challenge was if you were a flower what flower would you be...

I say a rose....doesn't take long to bloom, at it's full bloom is when it's most beautiful, smells good, but has thick thorns to stick those who are not careful....LOL

Still kickin...

I am still here....

Things are going better. Finally coming down off this roller coaster ride, called Depression. I feel like a weight has been released off my chest. And it feels good. Not trying to jump full steam ahead either. I am easing my way back into the swing of things. Don't wanna rush....

This weekend was great! My son had his little "juke party". He looked sooooo handsome. My oldest son BEe, that is... All I have to say is times sure have changed, when I was a teenager, boys did the chasing....not the girls. These girls now a days ....woooooo ... that is all I am going to say.

I ended up having 11 teenage boys sleepover..... It was all good. No problems, well...I take that back, some girls got into it, but I nipped that in the bud. It's sad that sometimes as women, we can be so darned catty....I hate that. That is one of the reason's I didn't have a lot of female friends growing up...I can't stand drama. I am a no nonsense type of person, with a short fuse, and I don't have time for bull garbage.....LOL

Today, not much planned....of course I am watching dancing with the stars....

Jaree is sick as a dog with the stomach flu, which I pray I don't get. She's running from both ends and she is totally miserable. I feel soo sorry for her. My poor baby.

I was sad to hear Kanye West's mom Donda West died,from surgical complications. So sad. She was a such a STRONG,INTELLIGENT woman. My heart goes out to his family. My cousin Cherrone knows his family well as they went to high school today, she talked to him and said he is just devastated. Kanye and my cousin used to date in high school and they still keep in touch. It's funny because mostly everyone in my family went to school with someone who grew up to be famous. I went to high school with "The Brat", My sister went to school with Reggie Theius, my mom went to high school with Dick Buckus and Minnie Rippleton and Marva Staples, and my brother went to college with a famous dj and Chicago. LOL

Well, I gotta go check on Bonnie aka Miss Jaree....LOL

Thank you all for all of your prayers and words of encouragement. They are deeply appreciated. More than you know. It feels good to know that you are cared about. So again thanks!

Love ya

Peace!!!

I hate feeling like this....

As you know I suffer from clinical depression. I was diagnosed with it in the eight grade. I have been to all kinds of psychiatrists and psychologists, for this. MOstly thru my early to late teens. At one time, I was on medication, but didn't like the way the make me feel.

Yesterday was really bad for me. A lot of crying spells. I basically laid in bed most of the day. I just feel like I have a noose on my neck, kwim? Well, if you don't have depression, you won't know.

My dh is the best, I feel so bad for him and the kids. I guess they can tell when I am having a bout, because they avoid me like the plague. Everyone, but Jaree. She clings to me more. She laid in bed with me all day. Got tons of kisses and back rubs. The boys just come and say "mom are you alright" every 20 minutes....LOL

This year has just been a bad year for me. I have had more bouts this year, than I ever have in my adult years. Alot of people make the mistake of thinking all people with depression are SUICIDAL, that is not always the case. At one point, I was, never any attempts. Not any in my adult years. No feelings of hopelessness at all. I overheard, my mil asking my dh, on the phone yesterday, she said " YOu don't think she would do anything to herself do you?". I guess that's wishful thinking on her part...LOL Just kidding! But no. It's just that I am in a funk.... It's a struggle just to do the essentials. I am feeling far more better than yesterday, no crying spells...just feeling kind of blah.

Hope it will pass soon...

On a lighter note, Today is Thursday and I am sooooo looking forward to watching SUPERNATURAL...

Not much planned, just trying to make it through the day!

Until next time

Cold gloomy day....

Old man winter has arrived....

It's all good, because Dana has pulled out the fleece. You got it! Fleece blankets, fleece jackets, fleece socks, I can't stand being cold! NOT AT ALL!!! I really can't stand for my FEET to be cold. I have to sleep with footies on my feet. I think I will be investing into a electric blanket......LOL I am the same girl, who puts her jammies in the dryer, right before I get in the shower, so their nice and warm before I put them on......i know INGENIUS!!!





This weekend was ok. I went to my aunt Beverly's funeral, which is always hard. She died from Staph Infection and it was so sudden that it really threw everyone for a loop. My aunt Beverly was married to my uncle bud for umpteen years, who died last year in July of prostrate cancer. I think she just really died of grief! She wanted to be with her beloved husband. So sad!

Sunday, we all went over to my aunt Icey's for dinner. Boy did she throw it down! Fried chicken, greens, candied yams, lima beans, okra, corn bread, and baked macaroni and cheese. I ate myself into a coma, not before I ate some sweet potato pie....

I had my niece and nephew Aaron and Aaliyah for the weekend. They had a blast! The kids had sooo much fun. Took them to Mc Donald's play land for lunch Sunday afternoon. Saturday they watched movies and had pizza, so they had tons of fun.


Today I just learned that my uncle Marion has 6-9 months to live. He has lung cancer. I am bummed.

Today I am just going to chill out watch Dancing with the stars, I love Ny, and have a big cup of tea and get in my pj's and relax!


Untl next time

15 years ago today.......

I gave birth to this handsome young man....
I went in on Sunday November 1st around 11pm, after almost 24 hours of LABOR (OUCH)..
My baby boy arrived...
He was almost a month early 6lbs 3 oz. 20 inches long...
It's hard to believe how grownup he is...

I can remember when they brought him to me from the nursery...

He was so tiny.... so fragile..... so cute...

I was so scared! So many things ran through my mind. Am I going to be a good mom? Am I going to screw up? After all, I was only 18 years old. Just out of high school, just completed my first semester of college. Even though I was young, I would not take it back. I love my son! He is my first born child. My pride and joy. The apple of my eye...

That tiny, frail, fragile, cute little baby...

Has turned into a tall, handsome, and strong young man!!!!!!

I love him so much!

We are so much alike. Although he looks a lot like his dad, we are so much alike.

Today I celebrate BEE!

My big baby....HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART!

Also, happy Birthday Adrienne and Andre....

Until next time...