Memorial Day Weekend 2010

Another long weekend has come and gone...weather was gorgeous and we enjoyed the outdoors. Sunday we spent the day at Point Pleasant beach with the kids and Les' sister Yali, our niece Jailene, and John. It was a busy day in the jersey shore and the sun was burning hot (I have an uneven tan all over my back and my front is still pale, lol). Monday we took the kids to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. They had fun learning about immigrants and looking up their last names to try and trace back their roots. I always find myself in a trance when I go there. I start thinking about this country and how paramount immigration has been to it. Being an immigrant myself this topic really hits home. Hearing from these people who said it was either risk it all and come to the US or starve to death or have their children be shot in wars makes me think that the whole issue of foreigners in the US is so multi-faceted. It really bothers me when ignorant people say they do not support illegal immigrants in this country. Have they ever sat down to think that these people are choosing a better, freer life for their families. That so many of them come here ready to work with blood, sweat, and tears for the opportunities the US can offer? If illegal immigrants are not welcomed I never would have been able to come here and work hard for the chance to live a good life. Not every immigrant is here to cause harm, they are running from harm most times. I guess people are going to have their perspective and I have to respect it, but I think many of them look at the issue from the surface and not from the heart. I will raise my children to know that my parents busted their behinds to come to this country and because of that decision they were born into much better circumstances then countless other children who are starving to death in our countries.

Saying goodbye to diapers....

Bittersweet joys....My youngest, Niah went the whole weekend with big girl undies. So happy that I wont have to buy diapers (or change them hehe) but at the same time facing the realization that my baby is becoming a BIG girl (sigh). She will be starting pre-k in July and boy does it feel good to no longer have the daycare bill hanging over my head weekly! After having had 4 babies in 5 years, I am happy to be going into a different stage of mommyhood. There was a point when I had 2 in diapers and 1 in pull-ups, wow thats alot of work! Soon I will be the mommy of a 2nd grader, a 1st grader, a pre-k 4'er and a pre-k 3'er. So begins their academic journey. I pray that the Lord blesses them with nothing but accolades when it comes to school. I hope they have a thirst to learn that is insatiable. The thought of them graduating from high school really puts butterflies in my stomach. I look forward to enjoying all these wonderful years watching them continue to become smart, wise, and respectable people. Gosh I am already so proud of them all, I definitely wont have enough room on my walls for all their beautiful pictures, school and sport awards, art projects....seriously they are my treasure and I thank the Lord everyday for gracing me!

Harmony...

There are so many ways I could describe myself. I am calm, serene, spiritual, simple. I love to study people and the way we build relationships with one another. I am a daughter, sister, mom, wife, friend. Each of these roles defines my existence.

God has blessed me in countless ways in my life. I am lucky to have two amazing hardworking humble loving parents, they are my foundation, my pillars, they are my roots. I never forget my roots despite my growth. To understand me and to love me, you have to know and respect this.

Seven years ago, the Lord graced my life with the most beautiful gift of all--mommyhood. I am the proud, glowing, head over heels in love mami of four precious children. They are my world, they are my energy, they are my strength, they drive me and give my life purpose.

Dominique, my big boy, my charming prince, the smartest sweetest kindest little 1st grader in the universe.

Destiny, my little diva, my gorgeous big girl, the noblest trendiest most selfless 5 year old you will ever meet.

Noah, my baby boy, my sweetheart, the warmest most tender and gentle little lovebug.

Niah, my lil yaya bear, my princess, the prettiest most caring selfless and delicate baby girl.

So many people ask me how I do it, how I work full time and raise 4 kiddies under the age of 7? In all honesty, it comes naturally. They are my balance in life and adoring them is easy.