TEN THINGS WORTH SAVING...

1. Happy memories
2. Take-out coupons
3. Money
4. Maternity clothes
5. Old report cards
6. Baby clothes
7. Past tax returns
8. House Deed
9. Marriage License
10. Your Marriage

Cleaning like a pro...

I checked out a book to make sure I was cleaning everything I should be and to make sure I was cleaning things the "right" way. This book is called the Queen of Clean's: Complete Cleaning Guide by Linda Cobb. This book is jammed pack with cleaning tips. Here are two tips for making your own furniture polish:

Combine 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of olive oil in a clean container. Shake before use.

Combine 1 cup of mineral oil and 3 drops of lemon extract. Shake before each use.

She even has a website: www.queenofclean.com. I have learned so much about cleaning.

David and Goliath: A lesson on faith

Today's activity was a lesson on David and Goliath. The children and I discussed the story. Surprisingly, Jeremiah was well educated on the subject. I was very excited. The children painted a picture of David, slaying Goliath. Jasmine kept saying David. I think her favorite book, No David, came to mind. When they finished painting picture, they created a drawing about the story. It was fun to see them concentrating so hard.





Meanwhile, Jacob decided I wasn't feeding him fast enough. I guess me talking with the children about David and Goliath was taking away from him. The most interesting part was that he held the spoon with his right hand. He put the large put in the container and actually dug the food out. I couldn't believe it. He is growing up so fast.

Today I...

Today was a very interesting and busy day. Here's what I did...

1. Made Jasmine a dress for church: I used the Clarion Ledger to make a pattern and went to work.
2. Cook breakfast before church.
3. Dress myself and three children.
4. Pushed a car in peeped toe heels and silk wrapped dress: A family in distressed were sweating profusely in their car, after running out of gas in our subdivision. I went home and got some gas we use for the lawnmower. I helped her husband pushed the car out of the street in heels and a dress. Ironically, people just stared and drove by. No one offered to help. They were so shocked that I stopped and helped. The man mentioned "small town values." I am originally from a small town,where everyone knows everyone. I remember so many times my father and mother helping people out. They instilled that into me. I hope that my children were taking notes. However, all I could hear was their arguing over Jacob.
5. Went to church.
6. Wrestled with two children at church. We had to leave early. No one could hear the minister for my irritated and crying children.
7. Searched Ebay for a phone.
8. Feed the pets. We are still trying to figure out how Princess keeps getting out of the dog pen.
9. Coaxed Jazz to sleep.
10. Indulged in some quiet me time.

I am sure if left some things out. I was truly amazed at how much I multi-task. Being a mother sometimes is overwhelming. Yet, today I just took care of business. How much business was taken care of is sometimes still amazing.

Last Day of Kindergarten

It was just like yesterday. I was crying, when my son was off to his first day at kindergarten. Today is the last day of kindergarten. It's surreal that a chapter in my son's life is about to close. The Class of 2020 is growing up.

Yesterday, we were about 30 minutes late for school. Today, he was ready and we were 30 minutes early. He really wanted to go to school today, even though he will be dismissed in an hour and a half. Hearing him say that he wasn't ready for school to end brought back memories of my nerdy days. I really did enjoy reading, writing, and arithmetic.

I am so excited for him. He was so happy to show me his report card,yesterday. He wanted to let me know he had worked really hard. He wanted me to know that he had passed to the first grade.

I will try hard not to drill him too much this summer. It is sad when your child tell you he feels you are pushing him too hard when they are first learning to read books on their own. He broke down and cried after a homework session. I felt so bad. Have I turned into one of those parents you see on television that are micromanaging their child?

Since then, I haven't drilled him so hard. I let him figure it out on his own, and then I followed up. I just have to be really disciplined this summer not to overload on the education road. I want him to succeed, but at the rate I am trying to go, I may just burn him out.

Water T-Ball

Today, the kids learn how to play t-ball with water. They had so much fun. Playing hard and having fun, the kids were soaking wet. When it was time to go in, they went in without complaining. As I was cleaning up, I began talking to our neighbor. After several minutes, I couldn't understand why no one was coming to the door. I heard no screaming or fighting. I was very worried. Finally, I went into the house. To my surprise, they were both clean. They had taken their baths. There were even clothe (correctly). I was so amazed and proud. Before my eyes, my children are growing up.

The One Day Pet

On May 7, 2008, we found a turle on the road, coming back from dropping off Jeremiah. Remembering my father getting us one many times from the road, I stopped on the side of the road, and I put the turtle in a small laundry basket, which I found in my trunk. Taking the turtle home was really exciting. Jasmine was so elated. Having the turtle on top of my car, I hoped that Princess, one of our dogs, wouldn't try to get it. However, the turtle was smarter than me. It turned the basket over. It proceeded to crawl away.

Well, trying to at least keep it until Jeremiah came home from school, I found a bucket. Again, I placed it on the top of my car. Looking at the blue bucket, I could see the shadow of the turtle trying to climb out of the bucket. But, I had outsmarted the turtle. The turtle was really fascinating to me. It wasn't afraid. It's head was out the majoritiy of the time. I also didn't expect it to figure out how to escape.

Maybe, it had been captured several times before. I videotaped it breathing and trying to escaped. When Jeremiah finally got home, I told him I had a surprise. He guessed a turtle on the first try. Apparently, one of his classmates had brought one to school that day.

When we came home, Jeremiah looked at it. He quickly decided that he wanted to set it free. I couldn't believe it. Kwandis and I had talked about going to Petsmart to find a cage and keep it. I was more disappointed than he was. It clearly showed. However, I followed his wishes and released the turtle through a hole in backyard fence, protecting it from Princess.

Good Samaritans

Filling up the tank of the rental car at Kroger, I talked to my son about his day at school through the window. Making a U turn, I decided to visit the Buick store. I have been fascinated with getting something new and larger. My latest fascination is the Buick Enclave. Boy, that vehicle is screaming, "Buy me buy me buy me!" When I was on my way home, I noticed that a voicemail icon was on my cellphone. Calling the voicemail, I almost wrecked. I have a voicemail from Trustmark Bank that someone had found my debit card and had taken it to the bank. I almost wreck trying to make a U-turn in front of Whitfield. Not even thinking about the fact that I stay down from the MDOT and Highway Patrol Headquarters. I immediately call the number and quickly get a run around from a teller, who apparently doesn't have time to ask anyone if they had the card. After irrigating persistence he finally discovers that someone has called and my card is at the branch. After showing my drivers license, I once again have possession of my card.

Ok here is the deal. I must have dropped the car at the gas station. The person, who found it must have turned it in immediately. I would love to meet this person. I hope that karma is definitely on their side. If my card had not been turned in, I would have been crushed. I actually had money in the account. I would not be able to get my car out the shop and so many other things.

It's amazing that in today's society of "ME ME"and forget "YOU" that there are people who still care and will do the right thing. I don't know who are you, but if you are reading this. I would love to give them a hug, kiss, something.

Good Samaritans do still exist.

Grocery Shopping

Today was errand day and grocery shopping day. It's amazing now how much things cost. A basic red bell pepper was 1.89. A few pounds of ground beef was over 8.00. Thinking back on my childhood. I appreciate growing up with my parents. We never went without.They always provided for us. Living on a farm, there was always means available to make extra money. Sell a cow here. Sell vegetables. Sell hay. Pick watermelons.

Growing up on a farm was hard and difficult for me. I was able to escape the farm world by indulging in my education. However, I somewhat regret learning the trade and secrets of the farm world.

Watching a lady today in the grocery store, she was sorting through a few small ears of corn, which cost 3 for 0.99. I just remember watching my parents pick corn from their gardens and corn fields. Even the bell peppers, my mother would cut them up and freeze them. Being snotty and "city", I always turned her down. Now that the economy is in such shambles and with the responsibilities of providing for my family, I cannot wait to raid her deep freezer on Mother's Day this weekend. That is if she lets me.

Sick with three kids

I have been off and on sick now for about two weeks. Saturday, I realized that it is actually sinus and allergy problems. However, Monday was unbearable. The sneezing, runny nose, coughing, hard time breathing, and on and on goes the list of complaints. As I was taking my son to soccer practice, I almost wreck from sneezing. At one point, I came to a complete stop in the middle of the road (praying that Brandon police would not pull me over). Sitting in the freshly cut grass soccer field behind First Baptist didn't help at all. Within 30 minutes I was having a hard time breathing. Walking through the freshly cut grass, I just knew I was going to pass out. Then I had to convince my son to leave practice. After about four more headbutts, he finally gave in to my pleas.

Sitting in the waiting room of the MEA Clinic on Airport Road, I tried to ignore the other stares of patients and continue to wrestle with Jake the Snake, entertain The Soccer Pro, and ignore the loud whining/non tears crying of the Two Year Old, while battling sneezes. Jake the Snake decides that my Nokia PDA is a great teething ring. Not paying him much attention, I let him enjoy it. He's being quiet. No harm right? SO WRONG? My very expensive phone became drenched in baby drool. No phone. No signal. Red dot. Dripping PDA interior. That was only the beginning.

Finally getting back to the cramped examination room, The Two Year Old decides that this is a perfect time to see how loud she could cry. All the threatening, coaxing, mean mugging, and bribing failed. After wrestling with Jake the Snake, sneezing, and drying phone out on a Kleenex, I decided to give in. I somehow juggle The Two Year Old and Jake the Snake on a examining bed. As soon as the Doctor arrives the Two Year Old decides it's show time. Amongst the loud screaming, Jake the Snake crying, sneezing, coughing,and being examined by the doctor all I can remember is wishing I was somewhere else.

As we are leaving, the Two Year Old show continues down the corridor. I usually get annoyed when people see me with three children and they reply, "You have your hands full." This time I quickly reminded myself and the receptionist, "Yep I have wonderful blessings. She asked me if I needed a work excuse. I told her that as a SAHM I still have to report to work - rain or shine, sick or well. As we are leaving, Two Year Old says Goodbye and continues her show through the waiting room and out the door.

The Conclusion:
No cellphone, headache, sick, sneezing, and miserable. Yet, I have to suck it up. What's really sad is I didn't know what my diagnosis was until I got home and searched for the codes online: bronchitis and sinusitis. What a combination. With me nursing, all the medication is non-drowsy. Boy, what I wouldn't do for some good drowsy medication, but I am too afraid of what I would find when I woke up.

I have such a hardworking husband, but sometimes what I wouldn't give for him to have a 9-5 or 8-5. Well enough venting for me, The Soccer Pro and the TWO Year old are at it again. Jake the Snake is soundly sleepy. Hopefully, we can get everyone back on routine.

To Drive or Not to Drive

After hitting Happy Hour up at Sonic, I decided that it was time to clean up the carpet of my car. I was really tired of seeing the orange chip crumbs on the floorboard. So, I maneuver myself next door to the car wash. Pulling up to the first vacuum cleaner station,my money gets stuck. I have to pry my money out with a hair pin. Determined to clean my car, I pull up to the vacuum station. While pulling up, I run smack dab into the concrete block holding the vacuum cleaners. Hearing my fender and bumper connect with the concrete block, I cringe. Hoping that the damage isn't too bad, I get out of my car. To my dismay, the fender and bumper is crumpled up. The passenger door is hard to open. My heart sanks. All I wanted to do was clean the crumbs the children left. For a 75 cents vacuum session, I have caused almost 3,000 worth of damage to the right passenger side of my car.

However, the drama doesn't end there. I call Kwandis to explain what happen. Then I call Farm Bureau, our insurance company, and make the claim. When I go get the first estimate from Roger Dabbs, I am told to call the insurance company again. because of the contact between the tire and the damage, I might have another problem. I was told to find out about rental coverage.

Already upset, I call Farm Bureau again and tell them the situation. I am given another number to call. On the way to Capitol Body shop, I call the number. That's where I come in contact with Pam Jones at the adjuster's office. To my dismay, Pam is rude. She cuts me off several times. Frustrated with the poor customer service, I ask her why she is being rude. Lucky for me, Pam is willing to instruct me that they close at 4:30, she is working late, she just happen to answer the phone, she can't help me, she tells me to call back tomorrow, she tells me I do have full coverage for the rental car, but she still can't help me. Making a point to ask for her last name, she happily gives me her last name. Apparently Pam doesn't care if I make a complaint or not. It won't change the fact that she is working late.

What is really frustrating is I called the second number because that I was worried about having a blow-up or something with my crew of three kids. I did let Pam know that as well. Even that didn't change her disgust with me for calling at 4:30. What happen to taking care of the customer? What happened to customer service? I have been with Farm Bureau for years. Being treated this way makes Allstate and even State Farm look better and better.

After getting the same disappointment from Capitol Body (estimate still over $2000), I make one final stop at Barnett's. The receptionist was so nice. Shout out to Kasey. She let me vent. She even gave me a handful of Tootsie Rolls for the bad day and suckers for the crew. The wait was a little long, but that was okay. They were really nice. I think they found me interesting. Just hope they don't recognize me. I was so not looking like an image consultant today.

Through it all the kids enjoyed themselves. Trying to keep them busy, I had the portable dvd on. However, Jasmine even managed to roll down her window and call every man that passed by Daddy. I knew this because one of the appraisers asked a customer if she had heard a child saying Daddy. The funny part was that he was of a different race. He actually turned red.

So what a day. Well, the good news is. The crumbs are gone.

Jacob Said MA!

After three weeks of saying DADA, Jacob has finally said MA! Even though it was 11 pm, and he is trying to nurse, he knows I exist. It was so great. I called my mama! After trying for the second time, I finally get her. She is sleep, but who cares. My baby knows I exist.

Introduction

The Wilson family is composed of Kwandis, Cassandra, Jeremiah, Jasmine, and Jacob. We are a family of five. Usually when you see one of us, you see us all. My husband, Kwandis, is the epitome of hardworking. He really believes in seeing his family be a success. I am a SAHM, plus trying to get my image consulting firm running. However, lately family has been overriding taking care of business. I have a strong foundation. My parents did an excellent job raising me. I only hope that I fulfill their dreams to be successful.

My children are very important to me and my husband. We breathe and move because of them. Our desire is to provide them with the necessity while adding pleasures here and there. Our family is traditional: sickness, allergies, temper tantrums, and more.

This blog is a connector. My desire is to keep the family connected. Sharing the events of life is very important. Sharing the experiences as a family is even more important.