mylifejazzed

“Good boy… Mommy”

I am a woman in a house full of boys. Let me clarify that… The house that I call home has two restrooms and because I’m the minority, on most occasions one may find the seats in an upward position… So if I ever decided to walk into the comode backward with the lights off…

Don’t get me wrong I love my boys, but someone should have gifted me a manual on handling a household dominated by males.

My short list of changes:

1. I rotate my adjectives…

In an attempt to keep my boys from sounding overly sensitive. I may use words like sweet, cool or awesome. When I really want to say, “Awww.”

2. I no longer run from dogs…

Before my boys, I might have taken off like a sprinter in the summer Olympics if a dog looked at me side ways. Now that I have boys I put on my big girl drawers and stand there. I will stand and teach them to be strong despite their fears… (I pray God is always present in these life teaching moments)

3. I’ve learned to appreciate hats…

Because boys truly have no concept of the time it takes for a woman to get dressed. I plan accordingly. I have stepped up my arsenal of hats… My hats hide the occasional don’t judge me I didn’t comb my hair stares, for man she is such a trendy mom compliments. (Just warn the boys never to remove hat in public).

4. When in doubt I don’t sniff…

I will try not to be graphic… Let’s just say that as you are cleaning your home and if something smells in a certain area of your home, just assume the worse, and proceed with caution. (Masks and gloves are never frowned upon).

5. I keep MJ on the playlist…

I don’t know what it is but every once in awhile all a girl needs is a good hearty cry… However its hard to explain emotions to little boys, so I suggest to trade the tears for a good old fashion dance off. If your boys are anything like mine you will be in tears. Tears brought on by uncontrollably laughter…

I’m in house full of boys on a regular basis. I may have to fight wrestling matches and dodge objects thrown at my head, but I wouldn’t trade these fleeting moments for anything.

*** last week as I gave my youngest boy Maxx, his favorite breakfast, oatmeal. He said, “Good boy, Mommy.” I was having a rough start to the day. That moment was enough to shift my gears towards gratefulness. Sometimes its just nice to be appreciated😊****

Who have you appreciated today?

On my heart…

I would say I pray often. Whether it’s me physically on my knees, or a quick silent prayer. I feel I am constantly in a dialogue with my Creator.

Recently I have attempted be more in the moment and appreciate life for what it is presently. That means I have been thankful for the moments that God has given me to share with my family and loved ones.

We are so quick to document everything to show what we did- promote what we have accomplished, but we forget the other senses we have beyond sight.

Being present allows us to have heartfelt conversations about life and sometimes in those conversations God can reveal himself.

Speaking in my language through a friend He unexpectedly answered a prayer by simply saying blossom. How can I ignore His request?

How will you blossom?

Source: Lover of Sadness

Its Been Awhile

Its been a minute…. I feel I have allowed life to make excuses for me. Oh its the baby. Oh it’s my obligations to school, or chores at the house.

No!!! Its me. I’m too busy finding other things to occupy my time because l’m afraid of what others might think of my honesty.

Well honestly, if I had to decide what I was placed on this earth to do- the answer would always be to write.

Forgive my misuse of punctuation. My lengthy sentences and incorrect structure.

I just gotta get these ideas out of my head. God gave me this gift to share and I’m no longer going dismiss them.

Mama Styles: Summer dresses

I’m counting down til school starts. The first day of kindergarten for my oldest son is in eight days. I had to make a school run to update shot records, and a summer dress came to my rescue.

My go to this season has been the summer dress. They are so convenient. - throw it on and go. I own tons, and I style them different each time. Sandles, sneakers gorgeous jewels and accessories the sky is the limit when it comes styling summer dresses. Just because I’m a mom of boys doesn’t mean I always have to dress like a tomboy.

What have been your summer favorites?

I had the best vacation recently. The family and I journeyed one hour away from home. We retreated for, 3 days and 3 nights to a beautiful camping site in Acton, California.

I loved it for the simple fact that it was a retreat from the normal mundane rountines of life. We were surrounded by great friends that extended their family and traditions to us.

There were decked out cabins fully furnished with air conditioning and cable. We enjoyed food, games and movies. I even ate my first s ‘more. I loved it all…

What will forever replay in mind is a conversation I had with Auntie. Auntie a woman who hosted the weekend. Who has adopted so many and who is a vessel of stories. I suppose 73 years can provide insight. It can be youthful also if allow your mind and body to stay active.

With our exchange she spoke of the past. her independence, her travels abroad, her future goals. Needless to say I was drawn to her and I could have sat in her presence forever. She gave me a new philosophy , “Don’t sit still and rot out wear out. ”

I received a life lesson on my trip. Yes the scenery was beautiful but the words I received were more profound. When you are still enough you will hear the words that are meant for you- to change your life. Something about my God.

So…

outside my cabin a hour away from home at a camp site in Acton, California I vowed silently to do more because thats the only way I will be returned worn out. I have 40 plus years to catch up to Auntie. God willing.

photo title and credit :“Fort Belmont Sunset” by Aaron J. Groen

Church…

Its not just a building. It symbolizes a relationship. Old churches remind me of my summers spent with my grandmother in New Orleans. Church was everything. I could feel the overwhelming presence of harmony and peace then.

Church it represents a commitment and a sacrifice. Yet I find myself conflicted lately with my own house of worship. I’m sitting in the house of the Lord praising and listening with an open heart. I’m focused on hearing a message from God just for me. What I’m hearing is, “ This is not the building. This is not the place.Keep searching. ” I have found comfort in the familiar faces and warm embraces but my longing to join is not overwhelming. Should I continue to search?

I can remember so clearly the day my brother was born. How anxious we were to see his little face… Fast forward 20 years and I can recall giving birth to my son two days after my brother’s birthday. How I longed to kiss my son’s little face. Before being admitted to the hospital my brother made a suggestion. He said ,“Try and hold off until after my birthday. Ok? ”

Father’s Day

5 W’s Breakdown

WHO: Me and those West boys.

WHAT: Allowed our taste buds to be titillated by Cajun and Southern style cuisine.

WHEN: Sunday morning June 22nd 2015

WHERE: Long Beach at the 29th annual Long Beach Bayou

WHY: Father’s Day. We fail as a society to lift up and honor our great fathers more often. They get one day, though I know they love the sentimental gifts crafted by the kids in school. I realize great memories are priceless. I will forever remember his face as he ate authentic crawfish from Harold and Belle’s. Authentic means spicy. If he could have turned as red as them mudbugs he would have.

Not a Graduation Ceremony Dropout

I made a commitment to attend the graduation of my dear cousin Sara.

There was absolutely no backing out!!!

Dallas Rains threatened wet weather at high percentages, my significant other found his way into an extra shift at work, and my body was fighting a cold. Despite it all I was determined.

I gathered my 4 year old and 18 month old with promises of frozen yogurt in exchange for good behavior.

We sat through speeches and watched the marching of graduates. Sara’s name was called and her proud face was plastered on the large monitor.

My kids lasted long enough for us to snap a photo with the graduate as proof of attendance.

I wouldn’t recommend kids and graduations, but if you make a commitment you must be a person of your word- no excuses.