My dream job

For as long as I can remember, I have loved the elderly and children. I also have fondness of animals. I have always dreamed of having a daycare center for children with a petting zoo. I would love for the elderly to come and interact with the children. My grandmother passed away of Alzheimer's Disease in 1996, and this was very difficult for me. She was in the nursing home very briefly before she passed away. She was in the hospital for months prior, and needed long-term care and the hospital suggested she be placed in a Nursing Home. My whole family was against it, but we knew that we could not give her the 24hour care she needed. I was very diligent about visiting and found that so many of our elderly are just thrown away. I found my self splitting my time with other patients who did not have visitors. My eldest son, and only child at that time, would often come along on my visits to see my grandmother. The people their loved him. Their eyes would light up, everytime I would come visit with my then 3 year old son. He was very fond of them as well, and had more grandmas and grandpas than he could count. I believe that children and pets are great therapy for our elderly. Even though my grandmtoher was in her final stages of Alzheimer's, she lived to see her great grandson.
I would also like to work to find a cure for Alzheimer's. I have lost my grandmother and uncle to this horrible disease. I would love to work actively to find the cure.

I would also like to be in the scrapbook business. It brings me so much joy. Everyone wants a job that they enjoy working and nothing brings me more joy than preserving my family's memories.

Dana

Truths Revealed

How do you think you scored? This was so much fun!!
Things highlighted in red are false:
10 facts or fiction about me;
1. I am a stay at home mom
2. I am in love with LL Cool J
3. I love green peas
4. I have 4 children
5. I love horror movies
6. I love to exercise
7. I am a great swimmer
8. I have been married twice
9. I love to dance
10. I am a great housekeeper

Most of you guys were pretty darned close. I hate green peas, once my grandmother told me I could not get up from the dinner table until I was done eating my peas. By 10:30pm, she realized I was just not going to eat them. Especially since, dinner began at 4PM. I only have 3 children, that I birthed, but I feel maternal towards more. I have only been married once and he's not going anywhere 16 years and counting.... I hate to clean, I do it, but hate it.


You think you know, BUT you have no Idea.....

My husband is such a sweetie!

I love him to no end! He came home with the biggest stuffed puppy, with a rose in his mouth and biggest Russell stovers Heart filled with chocalates. We are also going out to dinner on Tuesday night. I love him so much! Love teddy bears and chocalates. Dana

My husband is surprising me with my Valentine's gift today!

This is the love of my life. My husband of 8 years. In my life for 16 years. This man means the world to me. He is what gives my life meaning. I love him so very much. There is no place I would rather be than in his arms. I am truly blessed to find someone who is as wonderful as he. He adores me to no end. I feel like I am the only woman in the world as far as he is concermed. When we gaze into each other's eyes, the earth stands still. Nothing else matters. I have found my soul mate in him. Today, he called me and told me he already had my Valentine's gift and he wanted to give it to me today, because Tuesday, he plans on spending Valentine's day with our daughter Jaree. She is such a daddy's girl. I can't wait! I will be counting down the minutes until he gets off of work. He is such a sweetheart. He spoils me rotten! Gotta love this guy! He is so sexy and handsome! Isn't he?

Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction

Truth and deception.....how fun! Let me see how convincing I can be in my tales of what's real and what's not real..

10 facts or fiction about me;

1. I am a stay at home mom
2. I am in love with LL Cool J
3. I love green peas
4. I have 4 children
5. I love horror movies
6. I love to exercise
7. I am a great swimmer
8. I have been married twice
9. I love to dance
10. I am a great housekeeper

Can you guess which 4 are not true? I will post which ones are false on Tommorrow...stay tuned....... Dana

These are my babies!

I totally love these pictures and just wanted to share. This is my beautiful daughter Jaree who was diagnosed with epilepsy this month. She is such a ham. I don't know what happened to my other 200 pics I uploaded, but we will see if they post. 

Defining Dana

My name is Dana Brooks.
def./ Dana- morning glory. That is the definition of my name. But If I had to define my self with letters in my name, I can come up with a more intimate view of who I am ...


D- Devoted. I am devoted in every walk of my life. As a mother, wife, scrapbooker, child of God, I am devoted in all things I do.
A- Addict- Yes I have an addiction. My addiction is Shopping...lol

N- Nurturing. I am a very loving person, not only to the children I birthed, but to a sleuth of other individuals. Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Friends of my children. I love children and it brings me joy to be around to help, guide, and love.
A- Atrticulate- I am very bright and intelligent. I value education.


B- Beautiful- Inside and out. Beauty fades, but your personality speaks volumes about who you are. I try my best to treat others the way I want to be treated
R- Reliable- When anyone is in need, I am there on the double.
O- Open Minded- I am open to anything. I try to keep a clear head and think things through. I hate judgemental people.
O-Obsessed- With taking pictures of my children ..they hate it sometimes
K- Kind Again, I treat others with the respect I want to receive in return
S- Scrapbooker - That little word speaks volume of who I am ...Scrapbooking is not just my hobby. It is my way of life. It's always on my mind and I do something scrapbook related everyday. Wheter its looking in idea book and magazines or going to a crop, scrapbooking is very much a part of who I am ...

Those words are but a small glimpse of who I am ...
but speaks volumes of who I have become

Dana

What's the dress code?

Wow, what can I say, I am love fashion. I am very trendy, but I love to put my own spin on things. I am also a trend setter. 3 years ago, I brought back furry boots and leg warmers and now I see it everywhere. I am a denim queen. I have went to thrift store, bought denim jeans and jackets, bleached, ripped, studded and added sequence and have gotten more comments than I have on things that I bought out of the store. I like to be unique! I like to stand out. I always have to wear what I call a "conversation piece". Whether its a piece of jewelry, a purse, boots, a belt, it something that I have that is unique. I am a big purse and shoe fanatic, so I receive tons of compliments on my purses and boots. I am also big on 30's and 40's fashion, love the glamour and glitz. I wear the flowers in my hair, the sequins, the pearls, the beads...

Just last week I went out to the movies, and I just threw a little something together..
It was a green t-shirt with gold and bronze sequins letters that spelled out sexy, a cut off jean jacket, boot cut jeans, gold and bronze sequins belt, gold and bronze hoop earrings, gold and bronze beaded hand bag, with matching boots, gold and bronze sequins hair clip, my make up was even gold and bronze.... I could hardly get into the movies without someone complimenting me about my ensemble.

I will throw some of the most bizzare colors together, and I don't always color coordinate. I admit, my shoes don't always match my purse, because I want one of them to stand out. Often times it is my purse! I have over 300 purses and counting! I love designer handbags, but don't get it twisted, I have found some of my trendiest handbags at stores like Target or Dots!

I love costume jewelry. The bigger the earrings the better! Right now I am into long beaded necklaces. They are really fashionable. I always rock something in my hair, whether its chineese sticks, beaded hair pins, flowers, cute hair clips, its always a must.

I am passing the torch, because my daughter is quite the fashion diva! I get tons of ideas from Glamour, Style, Life and Style and Essence Magazines..

Things that bug me!

1. Impatient people
2. Dishonest People
3. Rudeness
4. Jealousy
5. talking behind my back
6. People who don't take care of their children
7. People who try to be something they are not
8. Bigotry
9. Infidelity
10. people who drive slow in the fast lane


whew...
Dana

She's back!

My daughter is feeling much better because she is as BAD AS EVER! She's a one woman hurricane. She is very mouthy and fiesty as ever. Guess what? I am happy, because she is finally back to normal. I was so scared that my baby was going to morph into some type of zombie. I have heard so many horror stories about Dilantin and I was stressing big time.

Today, for the first time. She did not sleep alot. I am so happy. She played well with her brothers and cousins. She didn't doze off once. Plus, the pharmacist told me that she is not on a high dosage anyway. I'm counting down the days that she will be off medication for good.

I thought she would be sick and tired of me by now. I hug and kiss her and tell her I love her, every 2 seconds. I am just waiting for her to say "Mom, no more kisses and hugs please". Until then, I am going to kiss her and hug her every chance I get.

I will never delete the memories of that horrible seizure....It's a miracle she is here and I am not going to take for granted another second of her life. She is my precious angel.

Dana

Moments of bliss

Today, I woke up on the RIGHT side of the bed! I got up early had some coffee cake and cappucino. Got the kids ready for school, got in the shower, layed in bed for a bit reading O magazine, one of my favorite non-scrapping magazines. My husband, who is still giving me the silent treatment decided to touch my arm. I know he wants to make up with me, but his pride is getting in the way. Thought I would break the ice and kiss him on the cheek. He couldn't resist and gave in and gave me plenty of kisses and cuddles. Bath and Body Works Breathe line always does the trick. No man can resist a woman who smells good and feels good. Love the way that line makes me feel.

We got up and went to the flea market, then to Best Buy, to get a new printer, turns out our printer was still under warranty and we ended up getting a new HP PSC1610, we originally had an Epson,but that was the second time it broke on us. So we decided not to go with that one anymore.

We went to Hog wild and got some Good ole Pork Chop sandwiches and roasted potatoes. It is the biggest broiled pork chop you have ever seen, topped with Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce....mmmm mmmm good! We came home watched One Life to Live. I am so mad, when the heck are they going to find out Todd's innocent and Margaret's psychotic crazy a$$ is still alive and kicking. I totally hate SPENCER TRUMAN and now I am starting to hate Blair Kramer. She is such a little slut bag!

Alright, getting back to reality ( I tend to get a little emotional over my soaps), I am going to my moms later this afternoon. She is going to Acapulco for 2 weeks tommorrow (wished it was me). I am such a momma's girl and I am going to miss her. These two years are going to seem like an eternity. My sister and I are going over to help her pack and go out to dinner. We are such big babies!

I guess I will be able to get a lot accomplished while my mom's gone, we talk 25 times a day. I am going to miss my baby sitter. She is the only one I trust with my daughter! They are peas in a pod!

My daughter is doing much better. Right now she is working on a strawberry shortcake puzzle, she received as a gift, from being in the hospital. My husband's coworkers are soooooo sweet! I am making thank you cards this weekend, so I can thank them all for their wonderful gifts and cards they gave to my daughter during the time she is ill. She loves getting cards and letters now, since she reads so well. She helps me open and reads alot of my mail. I have been reading alot about epilepsy and it's not so bad. However, I am taking her to Children's Memorial to get a second opinion. A second opinion is always good.

Overall, my day has been drama free and blissful. Wished all days can be like this. Plan to get alot of scrapping done tonight and this weekend. Can't hardly wait!

Dana

Meme Challenge 2-6-06

In all the time you have been scrapbooking, what does this hobby do for you? Emotionally? Physically? Creatively? How have you evolved as a scrapbooker? as a person? Have there been any dramatic changes in your life due to scrapbooking? Share your life here. Feel free to write about it like this: If 'scrapbooking' was a person, what would you say to him/her to thank them for all they've done for you/your family/your life?


I love scrapbooking in every aspect. Scrapbooking has changed me in so many ways. I think I have a deeper appereciation for family history, and the importance of documenting my life. I live and breathe scrapbooking. I love how I feel when I get some of my scrap goodies in the mail, that is what I would call a good mail day....I love going to Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Archivers, Joanns, or my LSS . When I get home I spread all my goodies over the bed and just gaze at them for hours. Then immediately I start making plans for layouts, and rush through whatever to get back to scrapping. I feel my appreciation for family has grown since I started scrapbooking.

I also feel like scrapbooking has bought back my youth. I feel like a child in a candy store, everytime I get some new goodies. I have to have everything! Just like a kid. Have even stuck my bottom lip out, when I can't get what i wanted...LOL I remember when I was a young girl, I used to collect stickers and spend hours arranging them in my various sticker albums, and how I used to look at my albums for hours...I am the same way when I create a new layout. It brings me so much joy!

Scrapbooking has also allowed me to tap into my creative side. I have incorporated scrapbooking into everything I do. Not only do I feel the need to alter everything, but also finding layout ideas from magazines, billboards, clothing logos., etc.

I have come along way since my first layout. I think I am pretty darned good. Not only have I become a strong scrapper, but a better photographer.

I have met so many amazing people through scrapbooking. Each day I continue to meet more and more amazing people, who share this wonderful hobby! I can't imagine what my life would be like if I did not find scrapbooking. It has truly changed my life!

Dana

My husband is driving me nuts!!!

Yesterday, As you know I went to my best friends superbowl party. My husband was invited as well. However, his cousin Allison's and her husband just moved here from Boston, and they don't have many friends. Well, Devin invited my hubby to an all guys shin-dig. I guess my husband wanted me to just stay at home and be bored. The first argument was with my choice of attire. He did not approve. I am well endowed, in the chest area so anything I wear will reveal my boobies. The second argument was that he wanted me to call him every hour. WTF? Was he serious? I guess he was, because he was superpissed when he came to get me and my daughter. I was talking to my best friend, her boyfriend, andher cousin in the living room. He starts acting ugly saying I guess you didn't miss me at all, you got better things to do I see. Right there, I was starting to get annoyed. I don't know where all this was coming from. He is usually not a jealous man, but yesterday he was in a full blown jealous rage.

I am the most faithful women in the world. I don't do much. Most of what I do is with him. When I do go somewhere its usually a crop or with my mom and sister. I am such a homebody and I think he is just spoiled to me being home all the time. I did look nice yesterday, hair done, nails done, and I was dressed up. Some guys were eyeballing me, but I am a married woman and that should be a compliment to him as a man that he has an attractive wife.

I am also very understanding, he has more female friends than I do. I mean some women would not accept that. Doesn't bother me, because at the end of the night, he is at home with me. I am not insecure, I trust him. It hurts me that he does not feel the same.

It's sad that we are not speaking to each other, over this childish crap, but I refuse to bow down. After all, I did nothing wrong.

Dana

Superbowl Sunday!

I must admit, I know nothing about football! My best friend's dad always throws the most elaborate super bowl parties. They are kinda on the wealthy side. They have some of the most awesome food. A great bar, with real bar maid. They have 22 flatscreen monitors throught out the house, karaoke, pool, everything you can think of.. I just go to eat and talk with my best friend. Every know and then I wil scream when I hear everyone else screaming, to act like I'm interested...lol

I am really looking forward to going. My hubby is going to his cousins, I wished he would have come with me, but didn't work out this way. I will have Jaree with me. I am scared to send her to a sitter, with her epilepsy. It is still very raw for me. I am not letting her out of my sight.

My nephew is here from Iraq too, so we will going to his house after the superbowl party. Alot to do today. Looking forward to it too!
Have fun!
Go Steelers....I think?

Dana

Embarrising Moments

This is a day in the a life occurence for me. Once, I was at a crop held by a good friend of mine at a church. It was one of those all day crops. So, I had tons of stuff. My dh sent my boys in to help me get all my supplies and my then 4yr old says "God mom, you are the only black person in the world that scrapbooks". I was so embarrassed. I could not believe he said that. It rolled off of his little tongue, as if he was saying hello! The ladies thought he was too cute, but I wanted to strangle him about then. OUt of the mouth of babes!
Dana

~UNBREAKABLE~

If I was asked what song comes to my mind, that would describe my life right now, I would have to say Alicia Keys Unbreakable. I have always been such a strong person. It takes alot to break me down, but if I am at a breaking point, my husband is always around to pick me up.

I am a good mother my bond with my children is UNBREAKABLE!
I am a good wife my relationship with my husband is airtight UNBREAKABLE !
I am a great daughter my relationship with my mother is undoubtly UNBREAKABLE!
I am a good sibling, I am always there for my brother and sister and that's something that will never stop...therefore we are UNBREAKABLE!
I am a good friend, I have true friends, who we would take the shirt off our backs and give it to one another, there is nothing that will come in between our friendship...that is a bond that is UNBREAKABLE!
I am a child of God, my faith guides me and shapes me into the woman I am today. With my Lord and Saviour on my side...I am truly UNBREAKABLE!
I am a strong, determined, motived, intelligent, and loving woman. I never let anyone or anything stand in the way of my goals, my dreams, my happiness...I never let anyone tear me down, or stand in the way of my aspirations. I am UNBREAKABLE!

Everytime I hear this song it empowers me and lifts me up! I sing it from the top of my lungs, much to the dismay of my husband and children..lol. I love this song! I feel happy and uplifted everytime I hear it. Once I listened to this song 13 times in a row. My dh was ready to snap the CD in half. Wouldn't have mattered, I downloaded it on every computer and also my son's IPOD. Lol

Dana

TGIF!!!

Yessss! I am so glad this week is almost over. It has been a tumultous week for me. As you know, my daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy, she had horrible seizure on Saturday afternoon. She is at home and doing quite well. I guess I brace myself for the very worse and she is doing wonderful! Yesterday, I took her to build a bear and I am happy to report I am a grandma! Jaree brought home a health baby girl cat that she dubbed Alicia Brooks. She is absolutely gorgeous a white cat, with blue eyes.....I am so proud. We bought the baby some clothes, panties, shoes, socks, a cat bed, toys, choker, and purse to come home with. My bill was $83 bucks....sheesh! But, Jaree is worth it! Her dad, promised her as soon as she got home, and was feeling better he was going to take her, and he kept his promise. I didn't want to do too much! She got on the Merry Go Round(now that I think about it, this probably wasn't the smartest move). We ate. She went to Claires (she got a whopping 37 buckaroos, from family and friends while in the hospital..wohooooo) and bought the cutest Hello Kitty purse and bracelets. She still has 25 buckarooos to go! Maybe this weekend, we'll get to ToysRus and get some artsy stuff. She loves to draw and paint, so who knows. I am just doing whatever she wants. I am happy she's home. We already planned a trip back to Build a Bear next month.

I realized that I am truly blessed. Even though my daughter has epilepsy, I thank the Lord, every single day that she is still here. While she was in PICU, I saw so many parents lose their children. One happened in front of me, and it really broke my heart. A realized how precious, but yet fragile life can be. My heart went out to this couple who ceased life support for their 7 month old daughter, who had a twin to die prior. This little girl was absolutely gorgeous! I didn't ask what was wrong with her, but she looked normal to me. Around 3pm, Sunday the took her off life support and I have never heard a scream like that. Her mother let out a scream, that was so primal, I knew the little girl had passed on. I just cried. I had to pull myself together, because as a mother, I felt for her so bad. We love these babies, from conception...and to actually give birth and bond with your child and then you have to give them back to God... forgive me but I am a bit selfish. I want my children here with me. My heart just ached literally. I just couldn't get it together after that. Not knowing what I was facing with my own daughter at that point. That could have very well been Jaree. Thank Jesus, it wasn't!

I am truly blessed. My husband was right there with me, every single step of the way. My mother and mother in law, My sister and sisters in law, my best friend, cousin, aunts, everyone was pulling for Jaree. At one point the security guard came up and asked for her autograph. I was puzzled. He said" Anybody who has these many visitors, must be famous". I told him she is a celebrity in our eyes and that we are just a close family. Jaree had 23 visitors in one night! Christ Hospital was very nice too, because she is only allowed 2 visitors at a time, and we had about 20 people in one room, but she had a private room. So that was ideal!

I can't express enough gratitude for all the people who have expressed concern and sxtended their prayers for my daughter. It helps! Thanks!
Dana

Help, I am about to commit murder...

...My 9 year old has turned into such a little whinebag! I cannot believe it. He is freaking 9 years old! He cries over anything and everything. If you say the littlest thing or tell him anything he does not want to hear he just starts to whine and cry. I am trying so hard to be patient, hoping that this is just a phase he is going through. But, my God, he is as big as I am, and such a cry baby. He never used to do this. This is totally driving me nuts. I am going through enough stress with my daughter, so now everything is 10 times as nerve wrecking. I told him to take out the garbage, and he started talking back, andI yelled at him and said "shut up, and do as I say now..." You would have thought I wacked him over the head with a cast iron skillet.

I am trying to be as patient as I can, without killing this poor kid....arggghhhhh!
For those who do not speak metaphorically, I don't mean I am going to kill him literally...
Dana

Random me!

Here we go:
1. Where were you born?I was born in Chicago, IL

2. Name something you've always wanted to do. Ice skate, when I was a child I dreamed of being a figure skater and synchronized swimmer...lol
3. What do you want to be when you grow up?Psychologist, I love talking and helping people solve their problems, so why not

4. What's the number one problem we face in the world today?Prejudice, on all levels, racism, classism, homophobia, just wished we could end this problem and just love everyone for whom they are, and not what they are.

5. If you could change the world, what would you do? End war! I am a peaceful person I would love to have a world full of peace and harmony

6. What's the most dangerous thing you've ever done?Jumped in front of a guy with a knife, he was trying to stab my brother. Didn't think twice about it. My brother threw me out of the way, and took the guy down, but my brother and I are twopeas in a pod or a bucket...lol

7. Favorite word?WHATEVER! dh hates this word!


That was fun!

My goals as a scrapbooker

Hmmmm, What are my goals as a scrapbooker? Let's see:

. I want to leave behind a true account of happenings in my life. I want my children and grandchildren, and great grandchildren, to know the importance of family history. As an African American woman, so much of my family is a mystery. My grandmother's mother passed away when she was six years old. She was raised by Mama Irene, whom I loved dearly. However, we know nothing about my grandmother's biological mothers family. Was she an only child? Did she have aunts, uncles, cousins....that has always bothered my mom. She herself, did not find about this until she was 12 years old. Back then, things were so private and kept under the wraps. I want to alleviate that mystery for my children. I am leaving them a legacy, in hopes that they would do the same for their families.

. I want to be more organized

. I want to start using my own handwriting

. I want to stop shopping so much and start scrapping more(this may never happen..lol)

. I want to document my daughter's journey thru epilepsy

. I want to start including myself in my scrapbooks

. I want to get published

. I want to start going to crops again

. I want to create a scrapbooking schedule, so I am consistent and stay current

. I want to become a IRW consultant

. I want to host my own crop and invite people who don't scrap with hopes to convert them.lo

. I want to involve my family more in my journaling, get their perspective

I guess that is about it. I live an breathe scrapbooking. It is a total creative outlet for me. I love everything about the hobby and am glad it found me.

Dana