So, Lets Talk About Moms!

Last night I could not sleep. My “Moms” were on my mind. So I got out my writing tablet and pencil and began to write, in the dark.

So, Lets talk about Moms!

I think we all have many moms in our lives, for me, a birth mom, a stepmom, a mom-in-law and even a grandmother who filled in at times. Each of my moms has had different impacts on my life. We will start with my birth mom.

She brought me into this world, which was a great miracle for her. You see, before bringing me into this world, she had lost two others. My brother and sister, born a year apart, both died after birth. This was so traumatic for her; she developed a condition called paranoid schizophrenia. Over my life, there were many times she was unable to care for me. As a teenager I felt like I missed out on things other girls were doing. Although she could not do for me things other mothers could do, she taught me how to understand others. I learned from her what today helps me understand people who have mental disabilities.

God sent me my stepmom when I was a young teenager. She came alone when I needed a mom during the teen years. She was the one who helped me in the most vulnerable days of dating. She was the one who made sure we went to the beach each year. She was the one who took me to pick out the prom dress and sat with me as we waited on my first date to arrive. She helped me through my wedding and the birth of my children. Without her, I am not sure where I would have been today.

Then there is my mom-in-law. She is the mom who is always there. She cooks lunch ever Sunday for us. She puts on the big Christmas for us. She keeps her grandchildren and goes on trips with us. She is the glue that holds our family together. I am truly blessed by her love and care for our family.

My precious grandmother had a huge impact on me. Actually she was the one who brought the discipline. No, she didn’t have to actually spank me, but she taught me the values that I live by today. She brought out the bible and taught me to live by it. Even today, when things come into my life that would not benefit me, my grandmother’s words come to me and give me guidance. I truly miss her now that she is in Heaven, but I know I will see her again one-day.

Now I am a mom. Not only do I have the privilege of being the mom of two great children, I am blessed to be a mom to many children through foster care. I feel like all the moms in my life have had a great impact. I hope I have learned something from all of my moms to help me become a better "Mom".

I am blessed beyond measure and I don’t take it for granted. I love them all and thank God for what He has done for me.

New York Pictures!

New York Trip 09

My trip to NYC was super great!!! Brookley and I went with our two friends Kim and Kayelyn on a Toney Tour. We left on Thursday morning at 5:00am from the Walmart parking lot. We stopped twice to pick up other people. We arrived in New Jersey where we stayed at 9:45pm. It was a very long drive, but it was not bad. The hotel was so nice and the breakfast was great.

On Friday, we left out after a delicious breakfast to go to the city. We visited the Empire State Building and it was so windy and cold that you could not stay out there long. We had to travel up 86 floors to get to the top. When we came down, we found out that Celine Dion was up there with us. We whet out as she did and she was so sweet. Brookley started crying because Celine is her favorite and she couldn’t believe she was there with her. Celine rolled down her window and waved at us then she rolled down her window again and winked at Brookley. I like her even more now.

After we left there, we went to the Tavern on the Green for lunch. We had chicken and salad. It was very good. When we were leaving, the other teen we were with bumped into Jerry Seinfeld. She wasn’t even sure who it was, but Brookley recognize him. It was so funny. Of course, they didn’t have a camera with them, so we have a picture of his car, but not of him.

Another funny thing that happened, we rode the Staten Island Ferry out to see the Statue of Liberty. There were about 30 drunken Santa’s on the ferry. They were loud but funny. That is the first time I have every seen a drunk Santa! LOL. While we were watching the drunken Santa’s, the tour bus left us! We looked everywhere for it, but it was nowhere in sight. When we spotted it, we had to run around an entire city block to catch up with it, because the buses can only stop in designated areas. We were laughing the whole way and Brookley was videoing it.

We went to two musicals. One was the Rockettes and the other was WICKED. Both were absolutely great! I will be ready for another trip next year! We had a great time!

We stayed one night in Maryland. The place was not as nice as the Fairfield, but it made the drive seen shorter.

On the way home, we stopped in Washington at the Smithsonian where parts of “The Night at the Museum” were filmed. It was fun seeing all of the airplanes.

We came home on Sunday. We arrived back to Walmart around 9:30pm. We were tired but happy!

Movie Night!

I just submitted the full draft of the research paper! Whew! I hope I did okay. Brookley and I leave for NYC on Thursday and I really don't want to work on this paper while traveling. At least it is an online class, so I can work on the road.... if I must. : /

Another week of school, then four weeks off! I will be so happy for the break!

We are watching "Night at the Museum 2". It is pretty good. Family night in front of a good movie makes for a good end to a long week. I am about ready for bed though. : )

Christmas shopping is almost done! Think I will finish in New York. Tiffany is calling my name!

NYC.... yay!!! Gonna be fun!!!