Life Has Taught Me...

To embrace who I am

That resilience is a gift from God

That all things are possible if I can believe

To stay true to who I am

To embrace my flaws

That friendship shouldn't be taken for granted-as not everyone is blessed with TRUE friends

To love with all my heart

To TRULY forgive those that have done me wrong

To put the NEEDS of others before my WANTS

That I have to set clear boundaries, or else people will cross the line

To take care of home, as those are the people in my life that matter the most

That everyday of my marriage will NOT be PERFECT; but as long as we have GOD we will have each other, as HE is the glue that holds us together

That it’s OKAY to AGREE to DISAGREE… everyone will not share your view all the time, live with it and move on

That purchasing an item on SALE feels so much better than paying FULL PRICE

If I want an honest opinion about something to ask my five year old… children have a tendency to give it to you straight-no CHASER, adults tend to make sugar out of feces

That sometimes tough love is the best remedy

That people will talk whether you’re doing good or bad

That God’s opinion of me is what matters most

That nothing compares to the love of GOD

Not to give up on my hopes and dreams

Not to apologize for my feelings-apparently I feel the way I feel for a reason

To appreciate the simple things

To stay AWAY from credit cards-and to purchase ONLY the things I can AFFORD (hence the reason
I love a  good SALE)

To learn from the past and look forward to the future

That anything worth having is worth waiting for

That just because I don’t agree with someone’s decisions, doesn’t mean I have the right to judge them- who the heck am I to judge anyone

That Love concurs ALL

That somethings are NOT worth a “By all means necessary” attitude-sometimes things don’t work out because they are not meant to be-why force it

My Commitment To You...

 Recently I received some feedback from my daughter that really made me reflect on the way I do things from day-to-day. Although she's only five years old, she's very opinionated. I took her to Blanchard Park, Wednesday, after picking her up from school. As I held the phone to my ear with one hand and pushed her on the swing with the other, she attempted to say something to me. I held my pointer finger up, and gestured for her to give me a moment-I couldn't understand what she was saying because I was so engrossed in the words that were radiating through the phone line.  Honey, this conversation was good, okay {and no, it wasn't gossip, it was just a plain ole good conversation}! After, several minutes of chatting on the phone (with different people), I looked back at my daughter from the rear-view mirror and then glanced back at myself as I pinned my cellphone to my ear, to make "just one more phone call" (as I explained to her). Later on that night during bath-time, my daughter said to me, "Mommy, I miss talking to you- you're always on the phone now. I really wanted to tell you that I still remember what a veterinarian does, and that someday I'm going to be a veterinarian, so I can take care of the animals when they get sick."

Hearing these words from my daughter really made me re-evaluate my priorities.  As I flipped through my phone log, I realized just how much time I spend on the phone-short of the long, it's A LOT. I know as parents we need to have our space; and we want to be able to communicate with our outside circle-there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. However, there is a time and place for everything. I realize and accept that I don't always have time to hold those forty-five minute conversations (although, I wish I did), especially when the children are awake and yearning for some motherly love and attention. It's totally not okay to neglect their needs (although sometimes they can be a little over-the-top). I have decided that I will only chat on the phone four days out of the week- and that these phone conversations will only take place when the children are not in need of my attention,  which will be mainly after seven-thirty, when my daughter goes down for bedtime, or during errand time when I'm out- and-about w/o the kids. Sometimes in life we have to make sacrifices, and this is one sacrifice I am willing to make.

So, tell me, has your child given you any feedback lately? 

Good Things Come in Small Packages...

What a lovely surprise!!!! Can you say Christmas in September-isn't that something.  I was fortunate to receive this beautiful gift in the mail the other day, This is such  a plesant surprise.  Thanks a million cousin, I'll be sure to wear it with style.

Outfit Of Choice...

Just wanted to take a moment to share another Outfit of Choice

Simply Chic...

What I'm Wearing:

Earrings- Simply Vera (Kohls)

Necklace- Simply Vera (Kohls)

Shirt- Ralph Lauren (Outlet)

Jeans- Guess (Macy's)

Watch-Michael Kors (Nordstrom)  

Shoes- Boutique 9 (Ross)

Handbag- Juicy Couture

Hello Monday!

Yep, it’s Monday! You know, that day that's infamous for interrupting our much sought after weekend.  I spent a lot of time disliking Monday’s, and then it hit me. Someone, somewhere is praying for another Monday. Tomorrow is not promised to us,  so for a change, I decided to reflect on the positive things that transpired this Monday

I). First and foremost, God granted me another day, he didn’t have to wake me up this morning, but he did….  Lord ,I thank you for giving me another chance

II). I got to work on time today.  For those of you who know me personally, you know that's major.   I’m proud to say that I’ve been on time everyday since I changed my schedule

III).  My morning coffee went down rather smoothly, just the right amount of sugar and creamer-gotta take time to appreciate the simple things in life

IV). I received a lot of positive feedback on my blog- thanks guys, I really appreciate the support

V). Got home from work and dinner was already prepared- I know, I know, my hubby ROCKS!!!

VI). Didn’t have many dishes to wash, so clean-up was easy- paper plate anyone?

VII). Lastly, I had the opportunity to write this post- some days I just don’t have the time, today wasn’t one of them!
So, how was your Monday?

Feature Post of the Week

Negative Energy...Ugh!!

Okay, I am sure you all have experienced that one person or group of people that just kill your positive vibe. This negative energy chips at your soul and cuts through your mood like a ginsu knife. Its draining, discouraging and downright sickening...but hey, that’s just my opinion. So I recently started this new job and of course, I go in skeptical of the people and work ethics. That’s normal, right? Anyway, my first day on the job is like “wow.” Everyone has all these negative things to say about the other and I must admit, I was overwhelmed. Well at about the month mark, all this backbiting, nagging, whining and discontent took shards of my soul.  I instantly noticed that one day out of the blue, I was in this god awful mood and my husband said it was my new job. He said, “Don’t allow the energy of others to mess your mood up.” Years ago, I would have allowed the mood, feelings and opinions of others to dictate my thought process, to take me out of my element and alter the spirit within me. With age truly comes wisdom. This is not to say that what these individuals say is false or that they don’t have the right to feel the way that they do; but they don’t have the right to impose their negative energy off on me. I am entitled to my peace of mind. Little do they know, I have taken the necessary steps to ensure that “no weapon formed against me shall prosper.” I understand that the treatment of one doesn’t conclude that this will be the treatment of all. So I say to all of you that are searching for that internal, neutral place within your spirit; simply limit the time you spend with these negative souls. speak peace into the atmosphere you reside and ask God to go into each space before you. Good luck and God bless you as you discover who you are.

Yours Truly,

Humbly Speaking

Where Did The Time Go...

15 July 2012

Today my eldest turns 15 years old! I am mystified. I don't know whether to celebrate or crawl under the covers and boo-hoo for a bit. My little man is growing into a young MAN! This is a major moment for me. I still remember looking into his big bright eyes for the first time, It was truly love at first sight. I was a ball of emotions too.  I was happy, sad, nervous, and confused… but more than anything else, I was in LOVE!!!! This little bundle of joy took my breath away and made my heart skip a thousand beats. We have overcome so much, we literally grew up together. I have so much faith in the man he will become, but I often wish I could rewind back to his infant/toddler days, we shared so many precious moments. Besides, back then he wanted spider man action figures and light- up shoes, today he's asking for shopping sprees and trips out of town… I'm afraid of what may come next.

Mommy On The GO

Hey y'all!!
I wanted to share this OOTD with you all a long time ago, but I just didn't get around to it, here lately I've been on the move.  I was going for cute but comfortable look because I had a lot of running around to do with the kids. Hope you enjoy!

What I'm Wearing
White Tank (Victoria Secret)
Skirt- New York and Co (Navy Exchange)
Belt- Michael Kors (Navy Exchange)
Bracelets- Bakers (Altamonte Springs Mall)
Necklace - Juicy Couture (Outlet)
Watch- Marc Ecko
Shoes- Nine West (Ross)