Invitation to view Anne's Picasa Web Album - Pensacola Beach

You are invited to view Anne's photo album: Pensacola Beach Pensacola Beach Jul 19, 2009 by Anne 1st trip to the beach View Album Play slideshow Message from Sensational Image Consultant: Check out our family at the beach. If you are having problems viewing this email, copy and paste the following into your browser: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=AnneBaehr&target=ALBUM&id=5360333321418723121&authkey=Gv1sRgCJ2Js5uiy4Xr5gE&feat=email To share your photos or receive notification when your friends share photos, get your own free Picasa Web Albums account.

Trip to Pensacola Beach

A lady from Pensacola Beach took pictures of our family and made this Smilebox.

Please watch it!


http://smilebox.com/playEmail/4d5441304e5463314e6a6c384d6a45774f546b784d446b3d0d0a&sb=1

Disappointment

Sometimes how you expect someone to treat you and talk to you often don't happen. What do you do when not only your expecations are not met? What do you do if you feel like you have been treated unfairly? Do you speak out or do you wallow in your disappointment and dismay? Do you retailiate or stand in silence? Do you cry the tears swollen in your eyes or force them back with all your strength?

Braves vs. Stars

Tonight we went to Trustmark Park to watch the Mississippi Braves play against the Stars. Even though Jeremiah and I stood in line at the concession stand for over thirty minutes, we had a wonderful time. Jasmine and Jacob enjoyed the clapping and shouting. They really had fun watching the players and seeing the baseballs fly. It was a really great deal. Admission into the ballpark was free if you donated items for the Salvation Army. We also received wonderful souvenirs and a free hot dog and drink for the whole family. If you haven't been to a Braves game, you are truly missing out. I understand why Sandi loves it so! People were everywhere. Children were playing. It was so nice to see families together. Here are a few pictures I took and video of the game. My iPhone 3GS is so awesome!

Thinking

As I smell the french fries, sizzling in the hot grease, my mind drifts off to thinking. I am really excited about Trustmark Park today. Not sure why. We have been before when Kwandis was giving tickets by Comcast. Jeremiah had a field day there too! It was pretty cool. I hope it cools down though. It is so hot today!

Graduation Announcement

Cassandra Leann Hawkins-Wilson of Water Valley, MS will graduate with a Master of Arts degree in English from Jackson State University on Saturday, August 1, 2009. She has a Bachelor of Science from Jackson State University in Psychology and a minor in Political Science. She is the daughter of Rev. Tommy Leland Hawkins and Rev. Louise Mosley Hawkins and a graduate of Water Valley High School.She is currently a special education teacher for Jackson Public Schools. In addition to teaching on the secondary level, she teaches two enrichment courses at Millsaps College. Currently, she is affiliated with Sigma Tau Delta International Honor Society, Modern Language Association, National Scholars Honor Society, Mississippi Council Teachers of English, Mississippi Fashion (founder), Professional Women’s Network of Metro Jackson (founder), Jackson MS Momslikeme.com, Get Fit Mississippi, and MS 4Ws Writing Institute. Other affiliations have included Association of Image Consultants International, Toastmasters International Public Speaking Club, Dress for Success Metro Jackson, Madison the City Chamber of Commerce, and JUMPSTART-AMERICORPS.Beyond the teaching realm, she owns an image consulting firm, Sensational Image Consulting INC., and works as an Independent Mary Kay Senior Consultant. Cassandra resides in Brandon, MS with her husband, Kwandis, and their three children. Future plans include attending law school in August 2010. She is also finishing the Master of Fine Arts in Fashion Merchandising graduate program at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA.

Living MY Life

Now What?

No more writing and reading about Edgar Allan Poe. No more revising,
editing, and stressing. So, what's next. Not too sure about what I
want to accomplish next. I do have a list of things I would like to
do. Perhaps, I will feel an incredible sensation. Then, will I know?

Cassandra Hawkins-Wilson
Sensational Image Consulting Inc
www.sensationalimageconsulting.com
www.marykay.com/cwilson77
Sent from my iPhone

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Working together

Jeremiah on the computer

Jacob on his computer

Jasmine on the computer.

Wedding

Taborian Hospital

This summer I am participating in the University of Mississippi Writing Project Summer Institute, affliated with the National Writing Project I recently visited the Taborian Hospital in Mound Bayou, Ms when I attended the Mississippi Writing and Thinking Institute. I was inspired by the rich history, and I wrote a piece about it. Doing a little research, I saw that Bennie Thompson is working on a Taborian Hospital and Museum project to revive the hospital. Perhaps, you can contact Bennie Thompson like I did to get the ball rolling to reestablish its presence in the Mississippi Delta.

Here is the piece I wrote:

Wooden boards, black and deformed from the wear and tear of Mississippi heat and humidity, act as barriers shielding the world from a plethora of secrets, histories, deaths, and births of Taborian Hospital in Mound Bayou, Ms. The loud booming of an eighteen wheeler on U.S. Highway 61 replicate the possible boom the hospital once knew. I want to wrap my mind around the phenomenal presence of this forty-two bed facility in Historic Mound Bayou.

If I pried open man-created barriers, would the crumbling walls scream the frustration caused by integration? Would the creaky floors whisper why Taborian could not compete with larger hospitals in the Mississippi Delta? Would the windows provide a peep-show into the prominent African- American hospital, which thrived during an unforgettable era of segregation? Would the ghosts of the medical personnel from Meharry Medical School in Nashville, Tennessee, surround me and suffocate my breathe to serve the community?

Taborian Hospital stands silently awaiting its resurrection. Two white rusting stair rails posses a lead-infested heart in the center. Perhaps the Knights and Daughters of Tabor smiled confidently between these symbols of love for photographs after the hospital’s dedication in 1942. Maybe family members congregated on the currently deteriorating, ant-dominated steps, as their family members lie on hospital beds beyond the now boarded-up doors. Did husbands lean nervously against these rails, waiting on the status of their newborn sons from world-famous healthcare professionsl during an era of Jim Crow and segregation?

Standing in its original spot, Taborian no longer functions as a Southern Mecca of Healthcare for African Americans. Listed on the Mississippi Heritage Trust’s Ten Most Endangered List of 2000, Taborian Hospital beckons me to relish in its unique and commanding presence. The boarded remnants protect the philosophy of the hospital’s first chief surgeon, Dr. T.R.M. Howard. Can you hear the creaking of the floor as he paced from room to room, checking on patients that only Taborian would admit? Do you see his freshly starched and immaculate white coat demanding an unbelievable air of respect and awe from Mound Bayou’s community and abroad?

A brewing Mississippi summer thunderstorm interrupted my visit. Walking back to my car, I spoke a solemn, “Good-bye.” Outside of a hospital, which a “Colored Only” door did not exist, Taborian Hospital spoke to my soul begging me to find a way to revive its memory, preserve its history, and celebrate its victory. My reply was “I WILL WRITE.”

Taborian Hospital

Black owned hospital in Mound Bayou, Mississippi.

Hearing My Own Voice

Hearing my own voice, knowing that it is my voice, and including my voice in my writings, whether creative or academic, has been so powerful. I love how it sounds. When I write now, my voice speaks to me and makes it easier to focus on what I am writing. It’s now easier to accept who I am in my writing. I am no longer to trying to be “the” prolific writer with a forced voice. Amazingly, I am a prolific writer with my own voice. Not having the feelings to force my talent as a writer as transformed how I write, how I think, and how I feel about me. The adventure I am currently a part of, the University of Mississippi Writing Project Summer Institute 2009, has not only helped me as a writer but as an individual. I am now able to appreciate myself more. I am able to stop comparing what I am doing to what others are doing. Learning to embrace my own thought process, my writings, my voice in my writings, I have actually began to embrace myself as a whole. Funny how a writing institute has transformed my ability to write and transformed how I feel about myself.

Embracing the Writer Within

We were asked to think of a special place and journal on it. Having the opportunity to stay with my parents in order to participate in the University of Mississippi Writing Project, I have been inspired to remember what makes my parents' home so special to me. I am working on this piece and trying to fine tune it. I cannot wait to see your responses. Being a part of this writing project, I am trying to embrace the writer I did not know. Thanks for reading!

Home Is Where My Heart Is
By Cassandra Hawkins-Wilson

Footprint like messages lead up a steep driveway guided by specially placed rocks. Reminding me that it rained the day before, my muddy footprints cross the sheltered carport and stop at the bottom of the largest concrete block stair. I quickly catch the aroma of one of my favorite place, taking care to remove the fully-covered muddy shoes. My parents’ thirty-three year old home is one of the most comfortable and loving places I know.


From the wooden front door to each bedroom, I am amazed that many things look the same as when I lived him, a mere nine years ago. Walking through the threshold, I escape into another world. Crossing into a world of peace and serenity, I take in the open kitchen and dining area. The wooden table, which once was adorned with a tablecloth hand painted by my creative mother, is cluttered with a variety of things and functions more as a desk than the Mecca of family time and celebration it once was.

Not far from it, just to the side of the table lies a corner stand snuggled closely with the wood paneling. Filled with antique what-nots and opened mail, this corner stand has always operated as the communications depot. Even after I moved out, I would visit the corner stand to find out what I have been missing since away at college. Most of the time it was unwanted junk mail, credit card statements, and cell phone statements.

As I walk through the doorway to the living room, I remember the cowboy saloon swinging doors that once functioned as a room divider. Dividing the living room from the dining area, these swinging doors were the object of our affection. Before their unfortunate destruction, we were warned to not play with them. Yet, the saloon style doors could not survive the harshness of our tender young hands. It’s so unfortunate that they were unable to grow to a ripe old age.

Within a few feet stands a wooden oak glass cabinet housing the precious objects not to be forgotten. The crystal vases, a variety of colorful plastic flowers from the funerals of loved ones long gone, sacred white and black spotted jersey cows, staring at the human-like figurines mimicking important acts related to my family, positioned nearby symbolized the preservation of family. The faded designs of the linoleum, the replacement ceiling in the living room, the old remaining ceiling, the gas heater lacking the gas (we never used it), the recreated fireplace, which will make you sweat with the smallest fire, all scream the validity I need to know that I am where I always have loved to be: HOME.

Week #2

We have been living with my parents for a week now. Studying at Ole Miss this month, I have been amazed at how hard my parents work on their farm. I don't remember all the back breaking labor involved in the everyday functions around a farm. Maybe it was there, and I didn't notice it because I was too busy with my nerdy nose in a book. Yesterday, Daddy killed a water moccasin snake. Possessing a horrible oversized length and a camouflaging color, the snake could have scared me out of my mind because I would missed it. I would have never seen it coming. Today will be a fast-paced day. More research and reading will encompass what I need to accomplish. Tomorrow I defend my thesis. I am not too excited about that, especially since I received another email from an instructor about what my thesis lacks. I guess that is just apart of it. I will definitely be glad when it is over.

Thesis

I am so upset right now that it is ridiculous. I really don't know of any options for me. I can't understand why nothing I send to her is good enough or to her liking. Woke up and decided to check email. Yes, I sleep with my phone. I know that is something I must work on. Anyway, I looked at it and found an email that basically told me that only one chapter was sufficient. What the crap? I made all these changes you suggested and only one chapter fits your liking. There's absolutely nothing I can do. She is the head of my committee. The department chair can't do anything about her disliking what I've done. All I can do is make changes to the changes to the changes. I am so tired of this. I can't even enjoy the students being away from the school. I can't even finish reading and begin anticipating for the writing institute at Ole Miss next week. Now it is 4 am, and I am trying to work on this stupid thesis. I have been working on this thesis now for over three years with the same person. I want to give up and say forget it. Is that what she wants? I just don't understand why she is making this so difficult for me. I have neglected myself, my children, my life, things I enjoy, things I want to enjoy, and life in general to satisfy all that she is asking. I am so upset right now. I can't stop crying. I am just so tired of this. There is nothing I can do about it.

*sighs*

*sighs*

Working on my thesis all holiday weekend, I finally submitted it to my
chair. This process of writing a thesis has been so disheartening an
discouraging. I can not see the promised land. I was suppose to have
heard from my thesis committee chair by now. I have not. I can only
hope that not hearing from her is good. I found put today that my
grades for this semester in my fashion courses was an A and a B. Guess
that is pretty good to have so much going on. Was a great relief not
to have to make the children play in another room so that I could
write. Really looking forward to next week. Starting the writing
institute hopefully will be a life changing event.

Sent from my iPhone

Two Headed Snake

Sometimes believing is seeing. I was so amazed to see how real this was. We took the students to the MS NATURAL SCIENCE MUSEUM on last Thursday. We had a great time. Sent from my iPhone

Summer Reading List

These books are on my summer reading list:

The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois
The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud
The Shipping New by E. Annie Proulx
A Day Late and A Dollar Short by Terry McMillan
The Book of Virtues by William J. Bennett


I recommend reading:

Jubilee by Margaret Walker
Black Boy by Richard Wright
Basic Black by Cathie Black

Angry At God

Yesterday's Sunday School lesson was about being angry at God. When circumstances overwhelm us, we tend to become angry. However, do we ever have the right to be angry at God? Asking questions about God's ability to save us from our present unfavorable situation, we tend to only focus on what we are currently experiencing and not on what those around us could be experiencing. Remembering that God is all knowing and has a set time for everything in our lives, we can withstand the long endurance of our often seemingly unbearable situations. Anger and bitterness towards God will not change our mishaps and situations.

Here are a few questions to think about:

1. Do we ever deserve our affliction?
2. Do we blame God or feel abandoned by our God when we are afflicted?
3. Is there an ultimate purpose for our suffering?
4. Does our suffering change us?
5. Did we suffer for God's glorification?

Obsessions

Everyone has a list of obsessions, which inspire, control, transform, hinder, ruin, and infect their thoughts. I am learning how to transform my thoughts and improve my writing ability. Sharing my obsessions, I am exposing things that have previously been oppressed.

1. Luxury cars - Porsche Cayenne, BMW 750, Mercedes E Class, and Land Rovers
2. Handbags - Chloe handbags are truly fabulous.
3. Chocolate - I have eaten chocolate for stress relief and for comfort.
4. Parenting - I desire to rear my children successfully
5. Success - I crave being successful at all my endeavors.
6. Relationships- I am obsessed with having loving relationships with others.
7. God - I am obsessed with living a better and righteous life.
8. Fashion - I am obsessed with looking great, knowing the current trends, and helping others look great on a budget.

What are your obsessions?

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne

Wanting

Sometimes, I am overwhelmed by the material things I want. Lately, it has been a new SUV. Thinking that it would alleviate much of the complication associated with the daily journeys the children and I take, I am convince that having a new vehicle is more of a need than a want. But is it? Today I stopped at Higginbotham Mercedes after church. I like to visit car dealerships when they are closed because I don't like the hasseling that occurs. I saw a Porsche Cayenne, and I believe that it's calling my name. On the sales tag it says that it is 32,600. Being the research nerd, I have found out online that it is only 29,500. Talking about a great deal or is it a great deal. However, there is a catch. I owe a substantial amount on my current car. If I tried to get the Porsche Cayenne, I would be "upside down," which in laymen terms is a bad deal. What is a girl to do? For me a want eats away at the core of me and transforms in to an incredible need. I am trying to relinquish this feeling, but it keeps knawing. What is a girl to do?

Educating Mississippi Minds

Educating Mississippi Minds
By Cassandra Hawkins-Wilson
April 17, 2009

Transforming mindsmotivates me daily. Their minds, in the unique word,of their own understandingmust be groomed and cultivated.

I cannot remove the pressuresof inferiority, superiority, and minority.Yet,in the realm of educationI can belittle the prevalence ofignorance, while battling the understanding of the transformation into a unbelievable society of race and class discrimination.
Determined to eliminate the blasphemous stereotypes affiliated with dirt roads,paperless schools, and backwards thinkingI cringe tobe invisible as an educator.A small world of its own,Mississippi, doesn’t blow away the mindsof students to pave the longwinding dark dirt roadsmade of scorching hot red clay.

To wake up concernedabout the ever-evolvingbut slowly changingrevolution of racial tensions,I bathe my perceptions in the understanding of perseverance, confidence, and determination.
Removing the dead cells of stupidity,I fill the tiny stomachs and minds with educational solace,thrown among the remnants of a sometimes foreign placewithin a familiar home.

Black minds, throw upwhite words, white mindsthrow upblack words.Even though I am not deadthe phenomenal beginningsof a struggling existenceis almostburied among the solid pine coffinoverfilled withthe historic beliefs, memoriesof a struggling state.

I live to educate
I move to educate
I believe to educatethe minds inthe unforgotten world unique toMississippi.

Thankful

Today is the last day of school for our students. Beyond the relief of having a much anticipated break, I am so thankful. I am thankful to have a job which impacts so many lives. I am thankful to be able to assist those students with special needs.

Taking the children to the museum yesterday was fascinating and tiring. However, I cannot complain because so many of them had never been. They have hot had the opportunity to be exposed to things like that. Can I say that's a shame? I could. Would that be fair to say though? It would not.

God has blessed my life and my family in so many ways. Often times, it's easy to think of those blessings you want and forget the ones you have. Even if it seems so dismal and no light at the end of the tunnel, there are blessings in the situation.

I am thankful, blessed, loved, and respected. If I keep my eyes on what I have right now and not want I want, God will continue to bless me, and I will have his favor. Realizing the unconditional love of God makes my heart glad. What are you thankful for?

Today

Having spent so many months with an always full calendar of things to do and places to go, I was overwhelmed with the reality that I have one less burden. Today, I felt like a new person. Saturday was my last day of class with the Academy of Art University. I am not taking any classes this summer, so I did not know what to do with this new found time. I finally was able to enjoy cooking, reading blogs, and just lounging around. Only a few more days left of the chaos surrounded with my lovely teaching job. I am so excited. What are your plans for the summer? What is one thing you will not be doing this summer? For me, I will not be working ANYWHERE! I can't remember the last summer I did not work. What are your family plans for your children?

Losing Teeth

My oldest son has lost another tooth today. When I was little, my parents kept our teeth in a little treasure chest from the dentist. Matter of fact, I wonder if they still have them? Eww...probably not! Anyway, I was wondering what do you do with your children teeth? The last few times after the tooth fairy visit, I tossed them...I think -side bar - At least I hope I did - end of side bar - Do you keep them in a special place, or do you toss them?

Potty training 101

Potty training felt like it was so easy with Jazz. However Jakie has been a different story. Tonight I discovered that Jakie was out of pull-ups. Not feeling like driving to the store, I put him on a pair of underwear. I placed the timer on every fifteen minutes. I also ran water while he was using the potty. I am debating on sending him with underwear on. His teacher takes him to the potty a minimum of 15 times. I just don't want to discourage him. I guess I will play it by ear in the morning.

Date #2

Today is my turn to plan our date. It's amazing how one week has improved our marriage. Maybe I should have listened to Sandi a long time ago. Anyway, we are going to the reservoir and talk. I live to be in chill mode even though it doesn't happen often. I hope he enjoys this because I am craving intimacy. Wish me luck.

Personal Development Classes at Millsaps

There are spots still available for the Personal Development Classes I am teaching at Millsaps College on Saturday, April 25, 2009.
Call 601-974-1130 to receive a complete brochure and to sign up for the following courses! Transform your image today!
Looking Great on a Budget: Makeover Your Closet
Many of us are not equipped with a set of instructions to help us look our best on a budget. This exciting class will help you discover how to look amazing, regardless of your size or shape, while on a budget. You will find out great fashion secrets on choosing the right styles, colors, fabrics, and accessories. Discover how to make the right choices on color and quality when shopping for clothes. If you need an instruction manual to shopping for your body, this is the class for you.
Cost: $25; Sat., April 258, 1:00-3:00 p.m.; 1 class meeting.
Instructor: Cassandra Hawkins-Wilson
Enhance Your Professional Image
Learn to be at ease during an interview or when selecting your business attire. In this class you will learn about: dressing for an interview, body language at an interview, dressing for the job you have, and/or dressing for the job you want. The instructor will offer many other tips to help you acquire the image of a well-polished and successful person. Have all of your questions answered!
Cost: $25; Sat., April 25, 10:00 a.m.-Noon; 1 class meeting.
Visit www.sensationalimageconsulting.com to learn more about the instructor.

Reflections for the day

Three things I want to remember:
1. How empowering it felt to mow my own lawn
2. Buying one of my students a journal to help her control her outbursts and to begin a transformation towards improving her ability to channel negative energy.
3. Making use of every minute and second. I avoided procrastination and achieved so many things.

Two things I want to know more about.
1. Bookkeeping: my bookkeeping skills aren't as great as they could be.
2. Discipline: I believe that I could accomplish so much more if I stayed focused and was more disciplined.

One thing I wish:

I wish that I would be more financially secure. I have great potential, wonderful ideas, and unbelievable tenacity. However I have a hard time making it all profitable.

Rested, but not quite

What an amazing weekend at my parents. I attended a writing institute and was able to relax. It's so wonderful to spend time at my parents' house. I was able to sleep which was greatly needed. Although I was able to sleep yesterday and today, I don't understand how I am still so tired now. Have you ever felt tired even after long periods of slumber?

Personal Development classes At Millsaps College

Call 601-974-1130 to receive a complete brochure and to sign up for the following courses! Transform your image today!
Looking Great on a Budget: Makeover Your Closet
Many of us are not equipped with a set of instructions to help us look our best on a budget. This exciting class will help you discover how to look amazing, regardless of your size or shape, while on a budget. You will find out great fashion secrets on choosing the right styles, colors, fabrics, and accessories. Discover how to make the right choices on color and quality when shopping for clothes. If you need an instruction manual to shopping for your body, this is the class for you.Cost: $25; Sat., April 18, 1:00-3:00 p.m.; 1 class meeting.
Enhance Your Professional Image
Learn to be at ease during an interview or when selecting your business attire. In this class you will learn about: dressing for an interview, body language at an interview, dressing for the job you have, and/or dressing for the job you want. The instructor will offer many other tips to help you acquire the image of a well-polished and successful person. Have all of your questions answered!Cost: $25; Sat., April 18, 10:00 a.m.-Noon; 1 class meeting.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR, VISIT WWW.SENSATIONALIMAGECONSULTING.COM.

Birds and the Bees

Okay, my oldest child is only six years old and in the first grade. I don't know how much longer we can resist explaining the "Birds and the Bees" from him. Today, he said that a boy in his class tried to kiss him on the lips. What the HELL?!! I am teacher, so I understood when he said the teacher didn't have time to address it because the school day was almost over. However, I hope that she deals with it on tomorrow, but now I am dealing with when is it appropriate to explain about sex. Any suggestions. Looking forward to hearing comments on this one.

Feeling Refreshed

I am HAPPY to report that this weekend was fantastic! Maybe it was the weather or just being away from the hustle and bustle of life.

I started off with an early morning trip to my parents, so that they could babysit for me while I attended the 4Ws Writing Institute in Clarksdale, MS. We had such a great time discussing Tennessee Williams's work. Since I drove myself, I was able to go to the Delta Blues Museum. That was fabulous as well.

Once I got home (my parents' house) the children were worn out from all the playing with their favorite aunt (my thirteen year old sister) and their favorite little cousin. We all just passed out. I always get the best sleep at my parents' house. I don't have to worry about monitoring the kids and their sleeping habits or checking the house to make sure we are still safe.

On today, I spent the morning saying it was time to go. However, I never quite made it out. The weather kept me there even longer, not that I am complaining. My gifted father fixed my horn. All my horn needed was to replace the fuse. I could do that and I did do it. He also helped me do some much need maintenance work on my car. I have to watch my tires. I am so bad about jumping in the car and driving without checking it out. Of course, my dad used this opportunity to give me a lecture on the importance of maintaining my own car. (I really needed that)

Later, my little sister and I had a little fun in Oxford. We did a little shopping and had a great time. Now I am back home. I don't feel as mentally exhausted and do believe I will get some things done since I am so refreshed. There is nothing like going to the country and slowing down. I appreciate my upbringing so much.

Being a Victim

I have to really stop coming home so late. Tonight, I had errands to do and didn't get home until seven. Pulling up in the F-150, I had to park in the driveway instead of the garage. Then, I had to get the crew out leave, leave the truck on, and get everyone into the house safely because the front porch light was off. Talking about trying to get everything organized. What I did was really kind of dangerous. It just so happened that I read an article in Parenting Magazine about being a victim of crime. What have you done to prevent being a victim? What are some things you can do to lessen the change of you being a victim?

Long Overdue

Okay, it's been about 5 weeks since my last post. Boy, do I miss blogging. Anyway, I will try to update you on the happenings around the house. Well, Jasmine turned three on February 6. We celebrated at her daycare. I bought cupcakes from Sam's Club and Capri Suns all for $20. She had a ball. She didn't get all the gifts, but no cleaning up, no party favors, and all of her friends were there. That definitely made up for the shortcomings on gifts. Then on February 12, I turned the big 2-7! I celebrated with some friends at Elixir! We had a ball.

In other news, Jacob had pneumonia last week. Then, he had the stomach virus. Next, I had the stomach virus, and I spent Friday in the emergency room because I was so dehydrated. No complaints though. I was able to get some rest. LOL! Anyway, on the way from daycare Kwandis experienced what I had - throw up in the truck. Jasmine got it. So poor Jasmine and I cuddled and comforted each other in our darkest hour. We recovered together as well. How about that for Mother and Daughter Bonding.

Yesterday was a sluggish day. We stayed around the house. Watched some television and tried to rest. When Kwandis got off work, we turned the television off and read stories. I was so impressed with Jeremiah. I read Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-tale Heart" and "The Oval Portrait." Through all the "big words" and extensive descriptions, Jeremiah understood the plot. I am so proud of little man. The other two listened in until they were asleep. It was nice to see the children so happy.

Today was even more amazing, if you will. We woke up to snow. It wasn't much, but just enough to take pictures of. Thinking it was too cold to take my little man out, we didn't make it to church. However, about 12 noon, I started feeling really good. I mean REALLY good and feeling really impulsive. I had the urge to build bookcases. Can you believe it?

The urge was so strong that I switched vehicles with Kwandis and bundled up my crew. Off to Home Depot we went. Talking to my mom the entire time, I was able to pick out the right wood, have it cut, and pick the right nails. The children, Jasmine, Jacob, and Jeremiah, all helped me unload the wood off the truck. Poor children. They are learning too early how to be great helpers and do things for themselves.

After a few frustrating moments, I realized that the nails were too big and that they needed to be replaced. So, once again, I packed my crew up. This time we hit up Lowe's in Dogwood, which should have been off limits. At Lowe's, I really was in the "building mood." Instead of just getting the nails, like I was suppose to, I picked up more wood to make another bookcase. I also picked up a tube of liquid nails, just in case. As I loaded up everything in the truck, I could just hear ROSS retail store calling my name, beckoning me to come.

I succombed to the beckoning, but I did have a predetermine list in mind. I was only to get picture frames for Jasmine and Jacob's pictures from daycare. Amazingly, I did manage to get the picture frames, along with a sheet set for my bed, two King size pillows, standard pillowcases for the children, and a pillow for Jasmine. I resisted the urge to check out the scrapbooks. I will do that on my next trip.

After our shopping adventure, I returned and finished two out of the three bookcases, changed the sheets, feed the crew, read a Junie B. book, and put them all to bed. Now, I am starting to feel the pain in my back. Evidently, I am not as young as I once were. Who would have thought?
I am excited to be back in the groove of blogging, but now I have to catch up on my list of 77 things in 77 days. I have really been slipping.