tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43006176313632563272024-02-07T18:36:26.311-08:00MOMMY-MORPHOSISMOMMY-MORPHOSIS
Join me on my journey from sexy girl in the city into totally uncharted territory - Motherhood. A collection of thoughtful and amusing essays written by a new mom. It's a fantastic ride full of new discoveries about myself and the world around me. Maybe sharing my story will help you turn into the "Haute MaMa" you want to be and hold on to a bit of fantastic, free-spirited, it-girl fun!ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-73315456663691140182015-06-21T19:42:00.000-07:002015-06-21T19:42:57.171-07:00MommyMorphosis 3rd Annual Father's Day Special Edition 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In 2013 I began what has become one of my favorite MommyMorphosis traditions. Once a year, on Father's Day, I turn over the reins to our partners in parenthood. It's important for me to shine a light on the Dads, Daddies, Pops, Papas, Babas, Papis, Fathers and Father Figures that make our lives more full. Individually, we may recognize the impact of the men who raised us; we may be thankful for the fathers of our children, but more often that not super Dads just don't get their due. I share these words written by fathers themselves, as a tool to change the narrative around modern fatherhood. These men are not bumbling idiots, clueless about caring for their children. Conversely, they are digging in, learning the ropes along with mothers. Changing diapers, sleep training, correcting homework, cooking dinner, providing and aspiring to greatness for the benefit of their offspring. Men actively creating a legacy. Growing and evolving into first class parents, just as much as women. They are men who are loving and accountable, firm yet fair; men who live as the antithesis of deadbeat, misogynist, disconnected stereotypes. The truth is I know just as many incredible fathers as I do awe inspiring mothers. Today we celebrate you! Please enjoy this collection of essays written by wonderful fathers, along with some additional memories and dedications shared by friends on social media.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Melvin O. Pearse a.k.a DJ Majesty - 35 yrs</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<a href="http://www.iamdjmajesty.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.iamdjmajesty.com/</span></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnwBqGe3dqCU3YBU1zKol5fvwUYOuJGXGPWXlKHEQB8lfOnWcnobOMGP6zepnCqDEJ3cs6hddJliT5CVBDXZMoe5pw-ROJLTFBfDSfCFv1ez5NXR53pohhz1esNuuFrkmF9SuerRHw0xj/s1600/IMG_0681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnwBqGe3dqCU3YBU1zKol5fvwUYOuJGXGPWXlKHEQB8lfOnWcnobOMGP6zepnCqDEJ3cs6hddJliT5CVBDXZMoe5pw-ROJLTFBfDSfCFv1ez5NXR53pohhz1esNuuFrkmF9SuerRHw0xj/s320/IMG_0681.JPG" width="240" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm a Database administrator full time and also A Professional Disc Jockey which means I have a passion for music. I love to play soccer and basketball.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've known my wife for 7yrs and we are married going on 2yrs now with 2 beautiful kids.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The best part of being a Dad is being able to support my children through education, emotionally, discipline , putting food on the table and putting them on the right track. My dad was never there for me and I don't want to make the same mistake my dad did with me onto them. Therefore the best part of being a dad is to be the best dad I can be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5OK41PpWWlrLoU3prZV2P8unHtksobVlxK5BBp2pd3ZKqVsG3J-DZL4dKl9RnbYVFEvKS00yopF6woDfwrfd1Mg-4LErSdOKzKaNWkWkChwUxccmCsTrMtzaqMYD2h2xR4Tgvf2u27tX/s1600/IMG_1320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5OK41PpWWlrLoU3prZV2P8unHtksobVlxK5BBp2pd3ZKqVsG3J-DZL4dKl9RnbYVFEvKS00yopF6woDfwrfd1Mg-4LErSdOKzKaNWkWkChwUxccmCsTrMtzaqMYD2h2xR4Tgvf2u27tX/s200/IMG_1320.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The difficult and frustrating part is not having enough time to focus on myself because most of my time is dedicated to them and work. I guess it comes with the territory..lol</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Becoming a Parent has changed me in so many ways compared to my old life. I'm more responsible and more careful of the actions I take and it's been great following that path. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My children would describe me as a hero , great and best friend.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Some of you may remember an awesome post last year by father of triplets, Robert Griggs.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rob Griggs (34 years old. Cancer LOL) Chicago, IL</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Business Consultant, President and Founder of For Husbands Only</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Married (6 Years) with 3 year old Triplets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best Part of Being a Dad:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The best part is the positive influence that I’m having on a person’s life. When I see my kids sing a song I taught them or play a game that we learned together, it makes me feel proud. Also, there’s no greater feeling then when you hit the door and your kids run to you and let you know they missed you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkUag8sX3XIJugheCXoCRrBxsPbpCA-qt2TtUekKhyxTjA8pGkTGmUQh_mGLa4zfJ5xcBOvntqs23klplCToAIdtIgYZRziA9AKjSlSCDuFK0zYmoJAS2_vOPpQVKjQKpC8Q_DSkRZHif/s1600/r+griggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkUag8sX3XIJugheCXoCRrBxsPbpCA-qt2TtUekKhyxTjA8pGkTGmUQh_mGLa4zfJ5xcBOvntqs23klplCToAIdtIgYZRziA9AKjSlSCDuFK0zYmoJAS2_vOPpQVKjQKpC8Q_DSkRZHif/s320/r+griggs.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Frustrating Part:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The toughest part about being a Dad is that people are shocked that a man knows how to take care of his kids. Or that we know intimate details about our children. This should not be a surprise. A lot of times I feel like I’m proving that I know my kids to people when I really shouldn’t have to.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What Have I Learned</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’ve learned that you are stronger than you think. When you have a child and they need something, you don’t think about how tired you are, or what you need or what you have to do…you just take care of their needs. Before we moved to our current home, my wife and I lived on the 3rd floor. Our washing machine was broken and we used my parents’. I would carry the 3 babies up and down the stairs, with 3-4 loads of clothes and never thought twice about it. It was just what we had to do. Could I do that now?!? Probably not…because I no longer have to.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I strive to be a Father that is involved in my kids’ lives. I want to know my kids’ favorite cartoon character, their friends, and their favorite TV shows. But I don’t want to be their friend. They’ll have enough of those…but they’ll only have one Father. Hopefully, my kids can talk to me about those things that scare them or confuse so I can give them solid advice. But I’m a very involved father now. I’m pretty good at anticipating my children’s needs. And I learned very early, each kid is different and must be treated differently. That takes more work, but it’s definitely more effective.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He and his family are thriving. Keep up with him at https://twitter.com/ForHusbandsOnly <a href="http://www.forhusbandsonly.com/">www.forhusbandsonly.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuvSrTFrSIk5RYVyBAAnsE_lhbt4cqtT__ifiPvwnjd62FXxsK0ZZkxo0KpySmGcc4i4Pog5M5ewiejHs5qhBrI7-bT2X07LPGgNuf4SplIKDxo8Cob3Zrz4WGARZF-YcSorKLBd_LDHj/s1600/rgriggs+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuvSrTFrSIk5RYVyBAAnsE_lhbt4cqtT__ifiPvwnjd62FXxsK0ZZkxo0KpySmGcc4i4Pog5M5ewiejHs5qhBrI7-bT2X07LPGgNuf4SplIKDxo8Cob3Zrz4WGARZF-YcSorKLBd_LDHj/s320/rgriggs+2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Jason Wells shared this reminder.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhBrECtZDk7MPa24a7Z9TpuhbjXrXHfD-00-OgCFE59JRzgAGpfYee9f80wsk1SBpFi47nrxjOzGQxmDpKHYw8hEkPImNMi3e-6kTrG6DGpVwFjrdZu1PIYNH1e6jFUu_9n-VZgQAgG9U/s1600/jayson+wells+boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhBrECtZDk7MPa24a7Z9TpuhbjXrXHfD-00-OgCFE59JRzgAGpfYee9f80wsk1SBpFi47nrxjOzGQxmDpKHYw8hEkPImNMi3e-6kTrG6DGpVwFjrdZu1PIYNH1e6jFUu_9n-VZgQAgG9U/s320/jayson+wells+boys.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">"Fellas with all the negativity going on in the world it starts at home, being a father is not only a privilege, but it's our responsibility. Future change for this and the next generations to come depends on us and how we raise our children. Happy Father's Day Gentleman and keep striving for greatness. Enjoy..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF89e9Y6SRi6OyROcw-y-aQkCfJueUP6wyxdiU3DalhITF4KfDbeTvE-idg7dnmQEZSeS-2r_TOMgMbrFRb1UtGSBhBNkPXo8n6nTnEoYWL4kqBJB9zbf2-bT02UvKfzElCROKmnNchZF0/s1600/Wess+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF89e9Y6SRi6OyROcw-y-aQkCfJueUP6wyxdiU3DalhITF4KfDbeTvE-idg7dnmQEZSeS-2r_TOMgMbrFRb1UtGSBhBNkPXo8n6nTnEoYWL4kqBJB9zbf2-bT02UvKfzElCROKmnNchZF0/s200/Wess+2014.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><b style="background-color: transparent;">Wess Walters</b><span style="background-color: transparent;">, Owner and founder of </span><a href="http://www.marketingmassive.com/" style="background-color: transparent;">www.marketingmassive.com</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> , a video production company that bridges the gap between video Social Media. My professional goal is to take away the frustration of social media management for small to medium size business owners.</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The best part about being a dad is to witness change and growth within my children. The most scary and difficult thing is watching them feel pain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Being a parent has really thought me to master time management. I am at the helm of my family and my goal is to provide, profess (my love) and protect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How would your children describe you? “The best dad ever”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTIdrzC4cBasvFs_JhWsytwZZw-mzvXAuSehJW5r2zy4QWZpw76pGw6HG5LsRmvzTAgsC0JffdVF-QSQfVGz8le6uM8bbFbe1_rUvEj7FE9UAZxIweJR1x0ixbtP5t9kDGjdaNuTIhehn/s1600/boo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTIdrzC4cBasvFs_JhWsytwZZw-mzvXAuSehJW5r2zy4QWZpw76pGw6HG5LsRmvzTAgsC0JffdVF-QSQfVGz8le6uM8bbFbe1_rUvEj7FE9UAZxIweJR1x0ixbtP5t9kDGjdaNuTIhehn/s200/boo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Charles Clemons wrote about how his heavenly father influences his responsibility to his family.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTIdrzC4cBasvFs_JhWsytwZZw-mzvXAuSehJW5r2zy4QWZpw76pGw6HG5LsRmvzTAgsC0JffdVF-QSQfVGz8le6uM8bbFbe1_rUvEj7FE9UAZxIweJR1x0ixbtP5t9kDGjdaNuTIhehn/s1600/boo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AU7QdLS45DQvz69Cxgw2a96QrGCRCmICxwvwXrwfhtiUZHTdvTd3rhGAeA8dUX9X_kJCgwN57QR4Yb0O-iFLOfq8DOxlknFJUgu97BNnhpZO78Z-qK-cePUxzOHxhCubVC8zPXIyClNj/s1600/boo+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AU7QdLS45DQvz69Cxgw2a96QrGCRCmICxwvwXrwfhtiUZHTdvTd3rhGAeA8dUX9X_kJCgwN57QR4Yb0O-iFLOfq8DOxlknFJUgu97BNnhpZO78Z-qK-cePUxzOHxhCubVC8zPXIyClNj/s200/boo+kids.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">This day is special not because I could celebrate being a father but because it's another opportunity for me to recognize God for His daily provisions and entrusting my wife and I with Deztiny and Trinity's care. Thank you all for the Father's day wishes and Happy Father's day to all the fathers and father figures." </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11zXm6szrTNyT037L8BF4Jh-_iY5wAMscSVPMEO7A1TYRoQmEB5fHt96VytsPjD8qG-qACHVlfZwf7osM3jKf7IATUuOfAr1EB_GEEfmPm96oydH5Ye2znlORROPAikr7Wi-b0_R6ThaM/s1600/ed+kim+fam+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11zXm6szrTNyT037L8BF4Jh-_iY5wAMscSVPMEO7A1TYRoQmEB5fHt96VytsPjD8qG-qACHVlfZwf7osM3jKf7IATUuOfAr1EB_GEEfmPm96oydH5Ye2znlORROPAikr7Wi-b0_R6ThaM/s320/ed+kim+fam+2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Ed Kim</b></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black;">My name is Ed and I’m 35 years old. I currently reside in Springfield, IL, but was born and raised in Chicago (city proper). I’ve been married to my wife, Amanda, for 8 WONDERFUL years, but we’ve been together since 1999. We have two very handsome sons, Carter and Spencer, 6 years and 2 years in age respectively. I am a very proud parent. Oftentimes, in public, I certainly become my own father as I am speechless by the love and adoration strangers will show towards my children. That is not the best part of being a father. Rather, I love reading to my oldest and listening to him read back to me. It seems just yesterday Carter was learning how to walk. <o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"></span><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"></span><br style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Being a father is not easy. I am constantly in flux with my parental role as role model, provider, mentor, peer, and disciplinarian … among many other roles. As much as I would love to continually provide my kids with anything and everything, I look at my oldest and sometimes feel angry at his propensity to be thankless for all the material goods he’s acquired. Yet, I’m never angry at him, just the actions and behavior. Of course, I view much of me in him and I know how I was as a kid. So, I really try to step back, allow my child to make/commit mistakes and see if he will learn from them. I then try to emulate/embody the great values and characteristics that create a great person hoping that Carter will pick up on the best behaviors.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"></span><br style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /></span></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I guess the toughest part of being a dad is watching my kids deal with the consequences of their actions (i.e. Spencer standing up and leaning to reach for something, but falls hard to the ground). A part of me wants to just make all the decisions for them or make everything alright. Sometimes, there’s nothing that a parent or adult can do to fix anything, but simply hopelessly watch as kids make their choices and deal with the related consequences.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"></span><br style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /></span></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I guess Carter would describe me as one to not disappoint. I take misbehavior seriously, not as bad as my own father, and always make sure Carter learns <em>something</em>. I think Carter is beginning to learn the lesson of making an impression and exercising judgment. As much as I would love to see a lesson learned much easier, I know that nothing is easy in life in order to succeed. I can only hope that I remain close to my children for the rest of my life. I’d hate to alienate any of them simply because I love them too much to see them fail.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"></span><br style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /></span></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My children are the love of my life, second only to my wife and best friend. I can only hope that we, as a family, can develop and grow the best qualities and values as time passes us by.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"></span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong><span style="color: black;"></span></strong> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKmR-eY18oV83FzeUl8QOrbaSdcID9cbqbFbNIJKckjXMPmh-PSqDE4lo3J-o28pAIrCuYgT91nzt7XpjgQxrfn6XP9TDisv6Vypd9XRsDGs-L7g2mh9lzxr_lV0QAmX_xYwaHEeDsMTl/s1600/chika.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKmR-eY18oV83FzeUl8QOrbaSdcID9cbqbFbNIJKckjXMPmh-PSqDE4lo3J-o28pAIrCuYgT91nzt7XpjgQxrfn6XP9TDisv6Vypd9XRsDGs-L7g2mh9lzxr_lV0QAmX_xYwaHEeDsMTl/s200/chika.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Chika Chukudebelu</b>, BET producer, host and<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> creator of the inspirational leadership podcast, The Blueprint Show <a href="http://www.blueprintshow.com/">www.blueprintshow.com</a> ,</span> shared this sentiment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; outline: none; width: auto;" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption" data-gt="{"timeline_og_unit_click":"1","app_id":"124024574287414","action_type_id":"282366618453208","object_type":"instapp:photo","unit_id":"447280888645770","og_ref":"ogexp","is_intentional":"1"}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; outline: none; width: auto;" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption" data-gt="{"timeline_og_unit_click":"1","app_id":"124024574287414","action_type_id":"282366618453208","object_type":"instapp:photo","unit_id":"447280888645770","og_ref":"ogexp","is_intentional":"1"}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthkaVRtm7_1TZD_R2f1RJ_yJOsw_s5Q4wbpHlDIApZWTTWXolS4NSjlzLKvof_OzmogqjcpS6L19ZVPsuXkJQnB-o9kbkxmUdP6pXEbtHR-bzPAXhU0Bl-TNiUbzA7kN-ItaSfalszwQ8/s1600/chika+dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthkaVRtm7_1TZD_R2f1RJ_yJOsw_s5Q4wbpHlDIApZWTTWXolS4NSjlzLKvof_OzmogqjcpS6L19ZVPsuXkJQnB-o9kbkxmUdP6pXEbtHR-bzPAXhU0Bl-TNiUbzA7kN-ItaSfalszwQ8/s320/chika+dad.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; outline: none; width: auto;" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption" data-gt="{"timeline_og_unit_click":"1","app_id":"124024574287414","action_type_id":"282366618453208","object_type":"instapp:photo","unit_id":"447280888645770","og_ref":"ogexp","is_intentional":"1"}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; outline: none; width: auto;" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption" data-gt="{"timeline_og_unit_click":"1","app_id":"124024574287414","action_type_id":"282366618453208","object_type":"instapp:photo","unit_id":"447280888645770","og_ref":"ogexp","is_intentional":"1"}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; line-height: 18px; outline: none; width: auto;" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption" data-gt="{"timeline_og_unit_click":"1","app_id":"124024574287414","action_type_id":"282366618453208","object_type":"instapp:photo","unit_id":"447280888645770","og_ref":"ogexp","is_intentional":"1"}">"The hardest working man I know. From Nigeria to Heidelberg, Germany to NYC to Chicago, he paved a new path for our family. This is what reliable looks like and I'm grateful that he's who God gave me. Happy Father's Day, Daddy!"</span></span><span class="fbPhotoTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftTagList" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; line-height: 18px;"><span class="fcg" style="color: #9197a3;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Clayton Harris, CEO and Founder of </span><a href="http://hitekconsulting.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">HitekConsulting.com</a></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6ec4wW0SXmkkPmLpu07UTs4w04s0f6c_qjFcWPMh26eY66g9N2UIce8U5dVB7vFDTFz35P9ErZYstrUlcK4NbFsQAA6jVAMjRH3M-oP84y8F14hyphenhyphen-KDArA_peYweDX41TYiGG-kVuCzz/s1600/clayton+harris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6ec4wW0SXmkkPmLpu07UTs4w04s0f6c_qjFcWPMh26eY66g9N2UIce8U5dVB7vFDTFz35P9ErZYstrUlcK4NbFsQAA6jVAMjRH3M-oP84y8F14hyphenhyphen-KDArA_peYweDX41TYiGG-kVuCzz/s320/clayton+harris.jpg" width="240" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What I love most about being a Dad is watching my daughter Michelle learn how to do things on her</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> own. What I love even more is how she looks at me when she's having a hard time learning something, or when she's scared or unsure of her steps, and I'm there to guide her. <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's who can relate. </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/she?source=feed_text&story_id=1083748271653319" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">She</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">sTheRealMVP</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>One of our regular contributors and hilarious favorites is back this year, Ugo Nwokolo</b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPk5EPCLks7WnxFKkJwEKl_lZqIUdL157_a6izcWYkuubJZX2FncJiUYDgmZ03A0UqT7b5GrI4sBg83gxv1chDhXDD9Rihnqsx6D7sfer6G1SfD8t8eiMifvGe5r4o-b4bV3oUG4h9q9UQ/s1600/ugo+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPk5EPCLks7WnxFKkJwEKl_lZqIUdL157_a6izcWYkuubJZX2FncJiUYDgmZ03A0UqT7b5GrI4sBg83gxv1chDhXDD9Rihnqsx6D7sfer6G1SfD8t8eiMifvGe5r4o-b4bV3oUG4h9q9UQ/s200/ugo+pic.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My name is Ugo from the House of Nwokolo. Husband to a Supermodel, Black Belt in Taekwondo Semi-Pro Beach Volleyball player and Father to Ronke, Kosi and Ugo 2.0. This is my 7th Father's Day. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-37dfc51f-18a7-c839-3211-e3a77e8987cc" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Best thing about being a dad:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I think it is the power. My words and actions are altering my children's perspectives and way of thinking. I am the arbiter of their world view. I have phenomenal cosmic power! </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have... Aww they are so cute... </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzpUAj554nMHQ2u7crZBTzBfvvqT5Hj_Cdn5rsgwh-sbPaGuxqhaErP5jLHxyvCw_O9SuxD4zdS8YT0K41Hl9btC_fOqukku99Ua5Oks7zb_qFKWFkFBr4Dbi5NWmHB4M7Js2xArazm4O/s1600/ugo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzpUAj554nMHQ2u7crZBTzBfvvqT5Hj_Cdn5rsgwh-sbPaGuxqhaErP5jLHxyvCw_O9SuxD4zdS8YT0K41Hl9btC_fOqukku99Ua5Oks7zb_qFKWFkFBr4Dbi5NWmHB4M7Js2xArazm4O/s400/ugo+1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px; line-height: 1.38;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px; line-height: 1.38;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="line-height: 1.38;">I also love it when any of my children seek to lie on me for comfort or reassurance. I love being a place of comfort and security for my kids. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-37dfc51f-18aa-d78d-1145-559e9f02a465" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love hearing the word Daddy. Usually said with joy or surprise. Sometimes said in an whiny irritating voice but I will never get tired of it. I am their daddy. It is one of the best sounds in the world. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another thing about being a Dad are the games I made up for my kids. 25 kisses, the why you! Game and the Surprise hug. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">25 kisses is when I grab a child and declare that is to receive 25 kisses and proceed to do so in rapid fashion. All my kids laugh with glee and </span>Ronke<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"> usually asked if I had done all 25 for me to get more in. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kosi loves it and even Ugo 2.0. I feel it is something that I will keep on doing til they get too old but remember it fondly. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbLGygceJ8xftVbQvMI2OI_H27MSP6xwq-3kuGcJp5iIVIlDRxJh2gGPblZVuaZBw20X_pZD_4VHPF6HlIsqd6IwUmwr2UyA6k1mYY8Bi5Qu4gt4qJnU0WcWYaEXgaDFuFSmhJ36NOzvZ/s1600/ugo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbLGygceJ8xftVbQvMI2OI_H27MSP6xwq-3kuGcJp5iIVIlDRxJh2gGPblZVuaZBw20X_pZD_4VHPF6HlIsqd6IwUmwr2UyA6k1mYY8Bi5Qu4gt4qJnU0WcWYaEXgaDFuFSmhJ36NOzvZ/s400/ugo+2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Why You game involves picking me kids and lobbing them onto my bed. When that game starts, it is like a workout. 3 kids wanting their turn to be thrown onto my Bed. I can't just throw them, I need to say Why You! In mock indignation before throwing them otherwise it doesn't count. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-37dfc51f-18ab-a14f-1207-634e6104796f" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Surprise hug is simple and self explanatory but I know my children love being surprised by a hug from their daddy. Sometimes they even try to trigger a Surprise hug. You cant activate a Surprise hug. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It comes when You least expect it. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Frustrating Part:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keeping calm when all children are conspiring to get on my last fragile nerve. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Trying to find the time to spend with my </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Supermodel Kung Semi Pro Beach Volleyball player. I love my kids but they can be chronal black holes. I can't imagine life without them so it is that frustrating struggle to give everyone the time we all need to flourish. I am a jealous husband. I want time with my preciooouuussss. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lastly, I wish the bar wasn't so low for fathers. It is always weird when I get praised to just being a basic father to my kids. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What I have learned:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1: Each child is unique and you need to make sure that you don't force the lessons you learned with one child onto the other. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2: Each child needs individual time together with you. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3: The wife I had before my first child isn't the same after the birth. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are new dimensions after every new child. Make sure you truly connect to find out where you are as a couple. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kids are great but your relationship is Paramount. Kids need to learn that Dad considers his wife his Number 1 option. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My name is Ugo from the House of Nwokolo. Husband to Funmi and Father to Ronke, Kosi and Ugo. This is my 7th Father's Day. I am very blessed man. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">I also have a vivid imagination. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bdNzumKI7-YoZs9xFZVVL_sOi49QHPUN3C03mkrPdwYM_C7TYvl8TkLgFfve4mqrROxvxH12z-LHny9RJ5rNqyuapn2Zjz37WOpF9n3TIw1Cz290I6K-urNUrvUycVw3_BcK_L_iku0j/s1600/joe+carlos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bdNzumKI7-YoZs9xFZVVL_sOi49QHPUN3C03mkrPdwYM_C7TYvl8TkLgFfve4mqrROxvxH12z-LHny9RJ5rNqyuapn2Zjz37WOpF9n3TIw1Cz290I6K-urNUrvUycVw3_BcK_L_iku0j/s400/joe+carlos.jpg" width="300" /></span></a><div style="line-height: 1.38;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.38;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.38;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 20.2399997711182px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Joe Carlos eloquently expressed his father's example and shared a photo of his adorable little one, Sage Harper. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.6666669845581px; line-height: 20.2399997711182px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.2399997711182px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">His examples were those in his mind. And so, he did the best he could with what he had. He worked tirelessly. He walked circumspectfully. He lived and breathed integrity. He expected our best, and poured his energies into providing whatever we needed to succeed.</span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's not easy being the son of a revered person. It's not. It's not easy when you bear the same name. The expectations are higher than you could imagine because of all that you've been fortunate enough to experience <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">and have. And still, despite that, my father has loved me and my siblings and taught us lessons that will endure, and shown us the world.</span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
We spoke on Thursday about Hamlet. And he purposefully mispronounced a character's name. And I corrected him by saying "Polonius". He lives for that. For that affirmation. He lives for the delight of shared knowledge. And he passed that on to us, and we will do the same.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
My father delivers babies for a living, and he's one of the absolute best at it, anywhere. Because of this, and because of the way he approaches his work, he is one of the most respected people in his field, and definitely in our sleepy little town of Dallas, TX. And despite all of the things he is to so many people; the Deacon, the proud grandfather, the counselor, the prayer partner, the trustee at Greenhill and Lakehill, the consummate uncle, the loyal Boule brother, the avid Cowboys, Rangers and Mavs fan, the Alpha, first and foremost he'll tell you that he's a child of God. And being a child of God, is what rules and guides his life.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Happy Father's Day to my role model and the man that I'm blessed to call my father, and Sage and Izzy's grandfather."</div>
</span></div>
<span style="line-height: 20.2399997711182px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 20.2399997711182px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>First Lady Krystal Taft reflected on her husband's dedication to the Lord and their family. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.6666669845581px; line-height: 20.2399997711182px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNB6aJ3-7fYrDXAky3p4p8mfh_FlnHmkArZBkgvfzqISH28_pGk48-VvMQOrv0n5Rltc0PZLj70Kqzb7rgJBe11JLJ2Qymu6cFfC2o8Kp-Fw1y9goZ6OP-_8Mox7gaEXcSRLBMX2rYs9o/s1600/taft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNB6aJ3-7fYrDXAky3p4p8mfh_FlnHmkArZBkgvfzqISH28_pGk48-VvMQOrv0n5Rltc0PZLj70Kqzb7rgJBe11JLJ2Qymu6cFfC2o8Kp-Fw1y9goZ6OP-_8Mox7gaEXcSRLBMX2rYs9o/s320/taft.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.2399997711182px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.2399997711182px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[Pastor Taft Q. Heatley] "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">William loves standing in your shoes so much to the point that I have to wrestle them away from him when you are not home. I know that one day he'll be big enough to fill your shoes, and when that day comes I know that he will be the loving husband, father, son, brother, friend and most importantly Man of God that you are teaching him to be. I love you and Happy Father's Day!!!"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWayIP6EioLoDj3Fu2VADceb6nfapJywD9OG8w1dIIrV_rT-hFnRGpML9yjMpjqHHLG0hIReGaSVBFHy_K9bqg_RWKoIAKF0wcsXeLkVadWxNvW9YOou_89JuICjVNOPt5PYKT6tHl1BkY/s1600/me+and+daddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWayIP6EioLoDj3Fu2VADceb6nfapJywD9OG8w1dIIrV_rT-hFnRGpML9yjMpjqHHLG0hIReGaSVBFHy_K9bqg_RWKoIAKF0wcsXeLkVadWxNvW9YOou_89JuICjVNOPt5PYKT6tHl1BkY/s200/me+and+daddy.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">This quote sums up how I feel about my father, confidante and kindred spirit.</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDO7e8cfs4C7TVe84iYMi2xZZYtOavSqEWVFuArLA1KbkE3sPCnvkmVGdCO-I8-yNHWPOzMmbJClinYuPTVvAbzZvtrq8RIaYZa3U1nyPXR1Vaf07MpMEe2wck1uNNF4BbCweFQHXufyy7/s1600/switch+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDO7e8cfs4C7TVe84iYMi2xZZYtOavSqEWVFuArLA1KbkE3sPCnvkmVGdCO-I8-yNHWPOzMmbJClinYuPTVvAbzZvtrq8RIaYZa3U1nyPXR1Vaf07MpMEe2wck1uNNF4BbCweFQHXufyy7/s320/switch+off.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #141823;">“They say that from the instant he lays eyes on her, a father adores his daughter. Whoever she grows up to be, she is always to him that little girl in pigtails. She makes him feel like Christmas. In exchange, he makes a secret promise not to see the awkwardness of her teenage years, the mistakes she makes or the secrets she keeps.” </span><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">— Everwood</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Finally, Happy Father's day to my wonderful husband, Marvin! Thank you for being the best Daddy to our children, showering them with love and affection. Thank you for knowing when they need a kind word over a stern hand. Thank you for understanding that for them to live life without limits they still need boundaries. Most of all thank for loving their Mother :-* </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6KvSXvKVe6dKNQRQqEXiLWmK5VooDqMfBQ90wwK9Er6JPbnkAK_1OsKYYajiMWOFR094rCP8cm2SkMxpVB7yvvW3ak3yrU5t1gmJnrFT7XwBwfDzcoy7eJwKL6o19Tf8j9DwIzvGsQyb/s1600/marvo+camping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6KvSXvKVe6dKNQRQqEXiLWmK5VooDqMfBQ90wwK9Er6JPbnkAK_1OsKYYajiMWOFR094rCP8cm2SkMxpVB7yvvW3ak3yrU5t1gmJnrFT7XwBwfDzcoy7eJwKL6o19Tf8j9DwIzvGsQyb/s640/marvo+camping.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I also salute the men in my extended family; my uncles, grandfathers and family friends that offer an immeasurable amount of love and guidance - not only as father figures to me, but to my kids as well. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We Love You All!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope to continue working with fathers as guest bloggers, so Dads, if what you read in this post inspires you to pen something of your own please send it to mommymorphosis@gmail.com </span></div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-26112713963360784872014-11-25T11:09:00.002-08:002014-11-25T11:09:31.489-08:00A Case For Economic Activism: No Black Friday spending is just the start. How about a complete anti-commercial holiday season? #HandsUpDontSpend #BlackOutBlackFriday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">America has had a rude awakening. The masses now
understand that we are far from being a “post racial” society. What has been
revealed are the racial assumptions and socioeconomic judgments floating just
beneath the surface of our conversations, confrontations and political decisions.
Across the country in living rooms, barbershops and pubs people are talking. African
Americans are restless and seeking ways to resist in response to injustice. So,
what do we do? We will march, we will lend our time and talents to community
efforts, but we must also TAKE! Take back our dollars and kick the system where
it hurts – in their economic bottom line. No Black Friday spending is just the
start. How about a complete anti-commercial holiday season? Make gifts and find
volunteer opportunities for your family. Save your money, but give of
yourselves to your community. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Why Boycott
Retail?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I'm no economist, but I know the words of W.E.B. Dubois
to be true, "To whom you give your money, you give your power." Nielsen
research has assessed that there are 44 million African-Americans living in the
United States, which is 14.2% of the entire U.S. population, the second largest
racial minority in the country. The median age is 32 and 47 percent are under
35 years of age. The demographic is younger; more educated and has higher
incomes than commonly believed. With an estimated buying power of nearly $1
trillion annually, if African-Americans were a country, we would be the 16th
largest country in the world. YET, we disproportionately own fewer of our homes,
save less, invest less and spend less with small businesses in our community
when compared to other racial groups. According to Ken Smikle of Target Market
News, <span style="background: white;">"The largest single
investment that Corporate America makes in the Black community is in
advertising. That investment is about $2 billion a year, but it should be at
least twice that amount given the importance of the market and the role these
consumers play in any company's bottom line."</span> Refrain from holiday
spending to make a collective statement. The United States economy cannot rely
on our hard earned dollars while the justice system undermines the value of
black life. When you mess with people’s money, they tend to start listening. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MYibu5WB2ysld7LTy5KvWPg905GL8dmOWhc6BjHi4T6uWC4jcaCE1rcfT4-PBiElgsOKOwPhmquEPyzgQYSHeAYZyPvK8hysffRu2AwI-FM8OKn9SY4mh4PMphvLGpXIue-quQ8uUdq7/s1600/HandsUpDontSPend.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MYibu5WB2ysld7LTy5KvWPg905GL8dmOWhc6BjHi4T6uWC4jcaCE1rcfT4-PBiElgsOKOwPhmquEPyzgQYSHeAYZyPvK8hysffRu2AwI-FM8OKn9SY4mh4PMphvLGpXIue-quQ8uUdq7/s1600/HandsUpDontSPend.png" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In a few days friends and family will gather around
tables, shared delicious meals and gave thanks for all the good in our lives. This
year we should be grateful just to be alive! Exactly 24 hours later gratitude will
give way to "getititude" as scores of shoppers swarm and scramble to
grab bargains on Black Friday. Resist the norm. Do the opposite of what is
expected. Invest in yourself! In addition to economic activism there is value
to dialing back holiday spending, especially for families with young children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Celebrate The Joy Of Giving</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">BE THE GIFT! </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hopefully as adults we've learned the joy of giving, as
well as receiving. Plan activities that teach your little ones that sentiment.
It's important for them to realize that other boys and girls may be going
without. Find a local toy drive, group home, or church collecting items for the
less fortunate. Donate toys, books and clothing that can be a blessing to those
who desperately need a bit of holiday cheer. If finances are tight give your
time. Join a group that sings carols at nursing homes or spend an afternoon
volunteering at a local shelter. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Create Family Traditions Together<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fellowship, family, laughter and love - these are life's
most special gifts. Make the season mean so much more by creating traditions
with your children. Craft homemade ornaments or cards, bake cookies for your
neighbors, attend a performance of the Nutcracker, see a holiday concert, go
ice skating, host a Christmas Eve potluck, etc. Give your family something to
look forward to each year that's invaluable, immaterial and doesn't require
batteries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Teach The Reason For The Season<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Focus on your faith. Why and what do you believe? As busy
adults we sometimes take for granted the spiritual lessons imparted by our
elders. Teach your children the essence of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
Make it fun! Take part of special activities in your place of worship. Pick out
a couple of new books. Put on a play or puppet show to perform for loved ones
visiting from out of state. Although Santa has become a prominent figure,
remind your children the star atop your tree does not shine in celebration of
dear old St. Nick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-25372894323990014562014-06-15T13:17:00.000-07:002014-06-15T15:41:46.093-07:00Father's Day 2014! Special Edition with Real Dad Submissions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!</strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Today we celebrate the fathers, father figures and special men in our lives. The guys who seem like giants when we're little - all big hands and broad shoulders. The fellows who learn how to balance horseplay, straight talk and tenderness as we grow. Whether soft spoken, slick talking or the strong, silent type, Dads are there to encourage and teach the wisdom we'll need to be our best. Far too often dedicated dads get the short end of the stick. If moms are seen as martyrs, applauded for the merits of the best among us; active, engaged and loving fathers are often overlooked, and lumped in with the guys who have created a life, but have never been around to nurture or protect it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW6EyQgWRgGxcc4f7qd8W7zmXSZwHvdhLwNPUpCSbpjdHZ9yAbQqpFzGPq4kvzYkNQ6Hi1UWrEHtakxLDMf1zmF1kB-creB9eFkgFpVGGuXyIutZl0qGi1hs6fm78XncAUuimcBBEgK_o/s1600/IMG_53565869493723-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am thankful for a father who is my kindred spirit. He's a spiritually centered, music-loving romantic. A student of metaphysics, bohemian bookworm and eloquent charmer. My Daddy has always been there for me. When I'm at my worst, a call from him whips me right back into shape and provides the perspective I need to keep on keeping on. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW6EyQgWRgGxcc4f7qd8W7zmXSZwHvdhLwNPUpCSbpjdHZ9yAbQqpFzGPq4kvzYkNQ6Hi1UWrEHtakxLDMf1zmF1kB-creB9eFkgFpVGGuXyIutZl0qGi1hs6fm78XncAUuimcBBEgK_o/s1600/IMG_53565869493723-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW6EyQgWRgGxcc4f7qd8W7zmXSZwHvdhLwNPUpCSbpjdHZ9yAbQqpFzGPq4kvzYkNQ6Hi1UWrEHtakxLDMf1zmF1kB-creB9eFkgFpVGGuXyIutZl0qGi1hs6fm78XncAUuimcBBEgK_o/s1600/IMG_53565869493723-1.jpg" height="276" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On November 27, 2010 he gave me away to my husband, Marvin. Not only my lover and friend, Marvin is an amazingly kind and compassionate father to our two children. They love him to pieces and fatherhood has undoubtedly made him a better man. I also salute the men in my extended family; my uncles, grandfathers and family friends that offer an immeasurable amount of love and guidance - not only as father figures to me, but to my kids as well. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We Love You All!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Once again this year, in honor of Father's Day, I have invited men to write about their experiences and how their children have impacted their lives. I hope to continue working with fathers as guest bloggers, so Dads, if what you read in this post inspires you to pen something of your own please send it to </span><a href="mailto:mommymorphosis@gmail.com" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">mommymorphosis@gmail.com</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Rob Griggs</b> (34 years old. Cancer LOL) Chicago, IL<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Business Consultant, President and Founder of For Husbands
Only (@ForHusbandsOnly, forhusbandsonly.com)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Married (5 Years)
with 2 year old Triplets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Best Part of Being a Dad:</i></b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The best part is the positive
influence that I’m having on a person’s life.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I see my kids sing a song I taught them or play a game that we
learned together, it makes me feel proud.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also, there’s no greater feeling then when you hit the door and your
kids run to you and let you know they missed you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>The Frustrating Part:</i></b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The toughest part about being a Dad is
that people are shocked that a man knows how to take care of his kids. Or that
we know intimate details about our children. This should not be a surprise. A
lot of times I feel like I’m proving that I know my kids to people when I
really shouldn’t have to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>What Have I Learned</i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’ve learned that you are stronger
than you think. When you have a child and they need something, you don’t think
about how tired you are, or what you need or what you have to do…you just take
care of their needs. Before we moved to
our current home, my wife and I lived on the 3<sup>rd</sup> floor. Our washing
machine was broken and we used my parents’. I would carry the 3 babies up and
down the stairs, with 3-4 loads of clothes and never thought twice about it. It
was just what we had to do. Could I do that now?!? Probably not…because I no
longer have to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I strive to be a Father that is involved in my
kids’ lives. I want to know my kids’ favorite cartoon character, their friends,
and their favorite TV shows. But I don’t want to be their friend. They’ll have
enough of those…but they’ll only have one Father. Hopefully, my kids can talk
to me about those things that scare them or confuse so I can give them solid
advice. But I’m a very involved father
now. I’m pretty good at anticipating my children’s needs. And I learned very
early, each kid is different and must be treated differently. That takes more work,
but it’s definitely more effective.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here’s a pic of me and the chipmunks. This is about a year old, but it’s one of my favorites.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0uW4RadM7G9fNi1P7xrEB8cQBz4XGwHHUlnWOYLFMx_wAF65mBsL5urhzF37rTT_4AFjAeUeqpCES8xIx1olgqdkjEEMCT1YgaQ2cQuP8bg_U05Uu6NU-5BVE3ln6Xn2tF81inioyZiB/s1600/r+griggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0uW4RadM7G9fNi1P7xrEB8cQBz4XGwHHUlnWOYLFMx_wAF65mBsL5urhzF37rTT_4AFjAeUeqpCES8xIx1olgqdkjEEMCT1YgaQ2cQuP8bg_U05Uu6NU-5BVE3ln6Xn2tF81inioyZiB/s1600/r+griggs.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My kids, if they could talk, would describe me as a fun Dad,
who’s fair, but understanding. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They know
I will answer any question and take the time necessary to address their
concerns or fears.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #3e454c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;"><b>Anthony L Davis, 35</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #3e454c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;">Real estate agent and investor with Zion Capital Investments, LLC.
My goal is to renovate properties for resale and rent, allowing me the time and
resources to be a blessing to my family, church and community. In addition to
my role as leader of our church youth group, I serve on a community improvement
board, enjoy international travel and attending various sport events. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #3e454c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #3e454c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Family
description: </i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZUUeWrVRQl9R2W-OK1CDLzs6CWbXSdWq1teKZ0pFYsU8N7G-7eogytgpLFbrf1mEJoBncWnmoDvOi0R5PBt7gnP-EZhrTHoz0C4E2oFbuV1KPhQaqGnid2Qbp4ex4_JAYxAGMJhte6kA/s1600/Anthony+Davis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZUUeWrVRQl9R2W-OK1CDLzs6CWbXSdWq1teKZ0pFYsU8N7G-7eogytgpLFbrf1mEJoBncWnmoDvOi0R5PBt7gnP-EZhrTHoz0C4E2oFbuV1KPhQaqGnid2Qbp4ex4_JAYxAGMJhte6kA/s1600/Anthony+Davis.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #3e454c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;"> I am married to my wonderful wife, Alisa and we have two beautiful
children, Jonathan (7) and Alana (20 months). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #3e454c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #3e454c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Best part of being a Dad: </i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #3e454c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;">The
best part of being a dad is the love generated from my children, particularly
seeing the absence of fathers active in our communities. There is a genuine
sense that they not only want me around, but that they need me in their lives. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #3e454c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #3e454c; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Most scary, surprising, difficult, frustrating part: </i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">The scariest part of being
a dad is the fact of having children in an increasingly dangerous and
treacherous world and the fact that I cannot completely shield them from perils
out of my control or beyond my supervision. The most surprising part of being a
dad is that I don’t get nearly as grossed out with my kids bodily fluids as I
thought I would before becoming a parent. The most difficult thing is that
although my wife and I diligently invest in raising them a certain way and
contributing to their success, our children are not robots and make decisions
that we often are not desirous of. That also is the most frustrating part. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #3e454c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>What you've learned about life, love or
yourself since becoming a father?: </i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3e454c; line-height: 115%;">Being married and a parent are the two most
unselfish things </span><span style="color: #3e454c; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">I've</span><span style="color: #3e454c; line-height: 115%;"> ever experienced in life. I think that most men are
pretty selfish by nature, but having others depend on your time, consistency and
interaction can be a challenge at times. </span><span style="color: #3e454c; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">I've</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #3e454c;"> learned that life is not just
about personal achievement or adventure, but building something significant
with the ones you love. It may not make for the most interesting stories to
share with the fellas, but it’s what’s necessary to have long-term and
substantial success. Men must learn to settle down and build legacy. Being a
father has expanded my patience to levels unknown and even undesired.
N</span>evertheless, </span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">I've</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> become a better person and my relationship with God has
changed in that I see through my children how God must feel about me.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Your role
in the family, how do you fit in?: </b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;">My role in the family is that of a decisive decision-maker and spiritual priest
for my household. This took time, as I needed to quickly mature at the
beginning of my marriage and fatherhood to properly assume the task at hand. I
strive to be everything my father was and even a few things that he wasn't.
That said, my father was hard-working and a spiritual rock, but wasn't as
available from an interaction standpoint as I would've liked. I want to address
that deficiency in my relationship with my children. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>How would your children
describe you?: </b></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;">My children would describe me as a fun, protective and kind
father.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">
<br />
</span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUem03wKlqy71dPUhyOXIA3FAKjsr94c-4g79MQuXL8qzMEng_yRLOGf1Yq_buF5-RScd8mE3TmNUGkdxIFlf70IwmW44c_Z8N5sqVIBhqhvUcpyW68ZD7kpwVDGj1vchpomHfnU5zIIV/s1600/ed+kirkland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUem03wKlqy71dPUhyOXIA3FAKjsr94c-4g79MQuXL8qzMEng_yRLOGf1Yq_buF5-RScd8mE3TmNUGkdxIFlf70IwmW44c_Z8N5sqVIBhqhvUcpyW68ZD7kpwVDGj1vchpomHfnU5zIIV/s1600/ed+kirkland.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;"><b>Edward Kirkland</b> is a buddy of mine from my undergraduate days at Spelman College. He's a brilliant educator and Facebook funny guy who tickles his friends and followers with thoughtful and hilarious updates. The newlywed Morehouse man is not yet a father, but posted some jewels about his own Father. They were so entertaining and heartwarming that I had to share. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">"Because when people complain about how they grew up
"without" , I can't relate.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/hfd">#HFD</a> (Happy Father's Day)</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">Because when you retired from work, you walked me to
elementary school every day, and was there waiting when I got dismissed, every
day.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/hfd"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">#HFD</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">Because growing up, I never wanted for ANYTHING. Well, except
that Nintendo glove thing. But I'm over it. Kinda.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/hfd">#HFD</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">Because you worked hard as hell, just so I could watch The
Cosby Show and think, "oh shit, that's us."</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/hfd"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">#HFD</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">Because all those epic whoopings we got as kids were followed
up with explanations and hugs.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/hfd"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">#HFD</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">For all the times you handed me a little cash back in the
day, followed up with a good 'ole 'don't tell your mother'."</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/hfd"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">#HFD</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Kevin L. Swan - 38</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">God loving
happily married Morehouse father.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Your life's work: </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am a
financial advisor who loves to educate.
When I started my career, I did a lot of work with educators. Working indirectly in education, it exposed me
to the need for positive man of color to come and talk with the students. From that exposure, I volunteered in the
different school systems throughout the Chicagoland area. Tutoring in math and being involved with
different mentoring programs, has allowed me to pass financial education to the
students at a younger age. Financial
education is lacking in the education system, so I became JA Achievement
volunteer. I actually go into the
classrooms, and teach the economics course or have financial discussion with
the students. I salute the teachers of
these schools, the most underpaid/under-recognized profession. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love spending
time with family, traveling, reading, mining, gardening, and a lot of other
things. I like to do THINGS.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEVmNyNeqAntcnXPyEvRJJGAZYv52ANSiWqHQFsrks8nVLZ0LaijravPOp2b95m6wsYSaXEtwtoe7rroUhPJ13GwhqBS9EsHWebGmao4nvvzoegt_J6ilnjrCr_VV4LBLgmCre7HdYTbj/s1600/KL+Swan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEVmNyNeqAntcnXPyEvRJJGAZYv52ANSiWqHQFsrks8nVLZ0LaijravPOp2b95m6wsYSaXEtwtoe7rroUhPJ13GwhqBS9EsHWebGmao4nvvzoegt_J6ilnjrCr_VV4LBLgmCre7HdYTbj/s1600/KL+Swan.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Family description: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have been
happily married for almost 11 years to Yolanda Swan (McCullough) and I thank
God for my Queen.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We have a four year
old son, and our second son was just born.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A great Father’s Day gift.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Best part of being a Dad: </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Seeing
yourself in your children</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Most scary, surprising, difficult, frustrating
part: </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was
surprised at how natural the instincts came, when we had our first one.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How becoming a parent has changed you? </b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I became
a father, I instantly knew that it was not about me anymore. If everyone could apply that as a principle
in his or her life, the world would be a better place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What kind of Father you strive to be, etc?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A role model,
because I have one.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My father is a
father to so many other people.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A Great
Man, if I could be a tenth of what he is, I will have done well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How would your children describe you?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Not from this
planet</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Ugo Nwokolo</b></span><br />
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hXlLf_AZM62MStCBpcjBFzjqQ02RAlAaHgNcobGx059WDznM8iD-_c0NlNSRi6JN7PaQVpnXdqYDLDP_TnVJDkFt7gKTzjaEFl0H6w-K5AyrqSbvHOGnl6_CmcL7BiS4csNJ3cEcGVpc/s1600/nwokolo+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hXlLf_AZM62MStCBpcjBFzjqQ02RAlAaHgNcobGx059WDznM8iD-_c0NlNSRi6JN7PaQVpnXdqYDLDP_TnVJDkFt7gKTzjaEFl0H6w-K5AyrqSbvHOGnl6_CmcL7BiS4csNJ3cEcGVpc/s1600/nwokolo+kids.jpg" height="160" width="200" /></span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My
name is Ugo from the House of Nwokolo. Husband to Funmi and Father to Ronke,
Kosi and Ugo. This is my 6th Father's Day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Here
are some things I have learnt along the way.<br /> </span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It
doesn’t matter what Daddy does at work. All they know is that he leaves and
they are happy he comes back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Each
kid responds differently to your individual attention. Especially girls.
The way my Kosi responds to me while we are alone is really different
when she is fighting with her sister for my attention.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
<br />
Parenting is great but our American culture seems to make it more important
than the marriage. Not good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj502yaXqqROifnt-4Yo7TadUmYn33xn8l1QGlVv3eLZCqMRrwHEPJSUGus-M6wFNAe6pS9hNWZRfgIYu1I3WeATZFPRUnEAfyFZGl3b1FdZ21vxylJZfsUe7AFnS8IR59jTMtHvycUy0aM/s1600/UGO.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj502yaXqqROifnt-4Yo7TadUmYn33xn8l1QGlVv3eLZCqMRrwHEPJSUGus-M6wFNAe6pS9hNWZRfgIYu1I3WeATZFPRUnEAfyFZGl3b1FdZ21vxylJZfsUe7AFnS8IR59jTMtHvycUy0aM/s1600/UGO.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></span></a></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> After
3 kids, you almost feel like you are standing back to back with your spouse
trying to manage the household.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
<br />
You need to turn and face each other. A glowing healthy marriage is such
an important lesson for your kids to see.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
<br />
The thing that I fear about is the Big mistake. I think every parent does it. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They
do or say something to their kid that sort of messes them up.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> It
could be an innocuous statement of what kind of work ethic we
expect or something said in anger that sears in their souls. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
<br />
My words and actions are so powerful to how these children grow up.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
<br />
The older my kids gets, the more I need to provide a structure that they need
to model. I am the archetype that they need to build on.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You
want neat kids. Get neat.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Your kids are your mirror. Model that behavior that you want.<br />
<br />
I am a Father. I am not a replaceable part of my family. I am
integral. We are a big deal. Like Larry Winget said, Our kids are
our own damn fault. They are also our own great joy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><b>Rayy Horton</b> is a 41 year old graphic designer, from New Jersey currently residing in Atlanta, GA. Rayy participated in this project last year. Today I'm sharing a loving sentiment he received from his teenage daughter. You're doing something right Rayy!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYjo_bvMSi1C3ElGbhVgWORNHTxqahMebE4ivlFkcx8mjicJBYhLlVQqYv5OFFMI_-yrU0wpXKpAquosDZWGJvtHftviNs7NkfBUcr64wFwl1ONuH-UNbJZY_TP1LEvUPV7UxBfjoqXbg/s1600/Screenshot_2014-06-15-10-28-10-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYjo_bvMSi1C3ElGbhVgWORNHTxqahMebE4ivlFkcx8mjicJBYhLlVQqYv5OFFMI_-yrU0wpXKpAquosDZWGJvtHftviNs7NkfBUcr64wFwl1ONuH-UNbJZY_TP1LEvUPV7UxBfjoqXbg/s1600/Screenshot_2014-06-15-10-28-10-1.png" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Stephen Llorens, 36</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHDsrHWXKaIjR1FMqp_xTWIpRCYT1j1rWq07uLr3gPLT88GCgQOFS5gtHcJm8fyja5YFE-C7cJzg_ypQEjxPZw-O8WJ59ViDOsDFbzle5JXXtkjK02tjMBITu2Gjj5TcPLd-yPX7dy7RB/s1600/s+lorens+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHDsrHWXKaIjR1FMqp_xTWIpRCYT1j1rWq07uLr3gPLT88GCgQOFS5gtHcJm8fyja5YFE-C7cJzg_ypQEjxPZw-O8WJ59ViDOsDFbzle5JXXtkjK02tjMBITu2Gjj5TcPLd-yPX7dy7RB/s1600/s+lorens+1.jpg" height="320" width="185" /></span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am a writer. Mostly screenplays, but looking to get into
print. My hobbies include sleeping and sitting still and not doing anything. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I cherish the twenty minutes a day I get to indulge in my hobbies.</span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My family consists of me, my better half, and our two children
Zoey and Malachi. </span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The best part of being a dad is hearing my daughter refer to me
as “daddy,” even though it is often followed by “can I have” or “I was thinking
maybe you could” or “I’d like” or “make me some”. My son doesn't speak yet, but
I love holding him in the morning while he smiles and moves and says things I
don’t understand but can feel.</span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nothing’s scary about it, but the most frustrating part is
making judgment mistakes. Each time I've done something I wish my parents hadn't said/ done to me, I've gotten frustrated with myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Parenthood has changed me almost completely, and I learn more
about myself every day by watching my children and witnessing my reactions to
things they do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnIm683bSKNgKdNShqKOnMqo_S_SlVUNF3T_Kw35BzD6y3XC4JPcvfDnUh4o7aav3tCa12aoFx2r9JxZAI6LfaSnDHnA84PP5QikWC81EJLx3OJJXy6TxjJ0pIKp48HFw2TbTqvtq468L/s1600/stephen+lorens+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnIm683bSKNgKdNShqKOnMqo_S_SlVUNF3T_Kw35BzD6y3XC4JPcvfDnUh4o7aav3tCa12aoFx2r9JxZAI6LfaSnDHnA84PP5QikWC81EJLx3OJJXy6TxjJ0pIKp48HFw2TbTqvtq468L/s1600/stephen+lorens+2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My role in the family is the cook. I cook most of the meals.
That’s probably the only thing I do that their mother doesn't (as often). I
strive to be the kind of father i am: willing to change, malleable, and open.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My son would probably describe me as that guy who holds him in
front of the mirror and smiles with his eyes. My daughter would describe me as
the guy who makes her breakfast and lets her watch TV in his room. I would
describe them as my favorite two people in the world. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Stephen and his son Malachi share the same birthday!</i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><b>Wess Walters 36 </b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Creative Director at </span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.marketingmassive.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">www.marketingmassive.com</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A lover of life, people and all the joys wealth brings. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGo5mlbrgKG2ZVymZ-ASZsjorYUFvt2AVRFXxcHEPsIB9f-EyYCWP-EMLdBFQk_b7x95M7Ihs5DpbdG_RHCmJvQxXvmmKyjciSN2q9EgewcDwvxN8VgZEeiNmukBKfYvgY_dwuYKvzlyO/s1600/Wess+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGo5mlbrgKG2ZVymZ-ASZsjorYUFvt2AVRFXxcHEPsIB9f-EyYCWP-EMLdBFQk_b7x95M7Ihs5DpbdG_RHCmJvQxXvmmKyjciSN2q9EgewcDwvxN8VgZEeiNmukBKfYvgY_dwuYKvzlyO/s1600/Wess+2014.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGo5mlbrgKG2ZVymZ-ASZsjorYUFvt2AVRFXxcHEPsIB9f-EyYCWP-EMLdBFQk_b7x95M7Ihs5DpbdG_RHCmJvQxXvmmKyjciSN2q9EgewcDwvxN8VgZEeiNmukBKfYvgY_dwuYKvzlyO/s1600/Wess+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>Hobbies:</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Roller blading, snorkeling and quiet Wess time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Family description:</i></b> Single dad<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Best part of being a dad:</i></b> </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Watching your kids grow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Most scary, surprising, difficult, frustrating part: </i></b>So little time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333;"><b><i>What you've learned about life, love or yourself since becoming a father? </i></b></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One word-PATIENCE </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333;"><b><i>What kind of Father you strive to be, etc?</i></b></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">I'm the leader and the kids are the troopers on the team. I try to be a perfect mixture of Malcolm X, Bruce Lee, and Cliff Huxtable. </span><span style="color: #222222;">I strive to be like the image of Malcolm X, with the discipline of Bruce Lee with the humor, compassion and the ability to express love like Mr. Huxtable. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333;"><b><i>How would your children describe you?</i></b> </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"The coolest dad ever!"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What I've learned over the year [Wess contributed in 2013 as well] is that if I chase the money, it will forever be elusive. If I chase the dream, the money and time with the kids will be automatic. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-M2PaE-sflEI%2FU5325EzvhyI%2FAAAAAAAAAjU%2FGFrinzjUp0o%2Fs1600%2Fr%2Bgriggs.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0uW4RadM7G9fNi1P7xrEB8cQBz4XGwHHUlnWOYLFMx_wAF65mBsL5urhzF37rTT_4AFjAeUeqpCES8xIx1olgqdkjEEMCT1YgaQ2cQuP8bg_U05Uu6NU-5BVE3ln6Xn2tF81inioyZiB/s1600/r+griggs.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-WDbrJEymJU0%2FU53oulbyLVI%2FAAAAAAAAAiA%2F9v-qyeDVPm4%2Fs1600%2FWess%2B2014.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGo5mlbrgKG2ZVymZ-ASZsjorYUFvt2AVRFXxcHEPsIB9f-EyYCWP-EMLdBFQk_b7x95M7Ihs5DpbdG_RHCmJvQxXvmmKyjciSN2q9EgewcDwvxN8VgZEeiNmukBKfYvgY_dwuYKvzlyO/s1600/Wess+2014.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-psUZejPqck8%2FU530SeNI9vI%2FAAAAAAAAAjI%2Ff67AQKRgQsM%2Fs1600%2Fstephen%2Blorens%2B2.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnIm683bSKNgKdNShqKOnMqo_S_SlVUNF3T_Kw35BzD6y3XC4JPcvfDnUh4o7aav3tCa12aoFx2r9JxZAI6LfaSnDHnA84PP5QikWC81EJLx3OJJXy6TxjJ0pIKp48HFw2TbTqvtq468L/s1600/stephen+lorens+2.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-SYkT2oGXehI%2FU53qZej-QSI%2FAAAAAAAAAiM%2FVVF67CIbvpg%2Fs1600%2FAnthony%2BDavis.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZUUeWrVRQl9R2W-OK1CDLzs6CWbXSdWq1teKZ0pFYsU8N7G-7eogytgpLFbrf1mEJoBncWnmoDvOi0R5PBt7gnP-EZhrTHoz0C4E2oFbuV1KPhQaqGnid2Qbp4ex4_JAYxAGMJhte6kA/s1600/Anthony+Davis.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Dm_BILeSXuM%2FU52vaDgzJ0I%2FAAAAAAAAAhw%2F7EHwnFnznEQ%2Fs1600%2FIMG_53565869493723-1.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW6EyQgWRgGxcc4f7qd8W7zmXSZwHvdhLwNPUpCSbpjdHZ9yAbQqpFzGPq4kvzYkNQ6Hi1UWrEHtakxLDMf1zmF1kB-creB9eFkgFpVGGuXyIutZl0qGi1hs6fm78XncAUuimcBBEgK_o/s1600/IMG_53565869493723-1.jpg" -->ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-62840373195627554642014-05-24T07:21:00.001-07:002014-07-07T15:22:27.207-07:00Brazil Bound! Nigel Shoyoye is headed to the 2014 FIFA World Cup as a McDonald's Team USA Player Escort #ImLovinIt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyXruQAvTCsoTGJbHf2kWK_yGuxOCmV61z5Mt60p4xv_OOx_0wDq9Ri21A8Xw2iNRAywr5234ZxtcyBMA3R9Qei9xLLZBPF-me_TxoVmKgfR3iVKJYLmI5KdrmDU3p9f5TlNy61SR0n5N/s1600/spread+and+fly+player+escort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyXruQAvTCsoTGJbHf2kWK_yGuxOCmV61z5Mt60p4xv_OOx_0wDq9Ri21A8Xw2iNRAywr5234ZxtcyBMA3R9Qei9xLLZBPF-me_TxoVmKgfR3iVKJYLmI5KdrmDU3p9f5TlNy61SR0n5N/s1600/spread+and+fly+player+escort.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.” Sophia Loren</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUn8PA64TyMRe937xa9rw95vq2Qiap_XiPxDWJ32pV9DbPB88igr67vKmZGbQR_stIH3to-MgaAsycFGpwsjG3FaRDKb74xk8q8CeEg_0mgHKk_oJ2fpMYUda3xqYsv5wl06gOrAwFTBM/s1600/20140522_202341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUn8PA64TyMRe937xa9rw95vq2Qiap_XiPxDWJ32pV9DbPB88igr67vKmZGbQR_stIH3to-MgaAsycFGpwsjG3FaRDKb74xk8q8CeEg_0mgHKk_oJ2fpMYUda3xqYsv5wl06gOrAwFTBM/s1600/20140522_202341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUn8PA64TyMRe937xa9rw95vq2Qiap_XiPxDWJ32pV9DbPB88igr67vKmZGbQR_stIH3to-MgaAsycFGpwsjG3FaRDKb74xk8q8CeEg_0mgHKk_oJ2fpMYUda3xqYsv5wl06gOrAwFTBM/s1600/20140522_202341.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ain't that the truth. I think at least four times - once for my children, once for my husband and again for MY mother and myself. ShoMommy's mental check list kicked in at McDonald's in the Lithia Springs WalMart about a month ago. I was craving a large $1 libation to keep me cool and help me chill while I grabbed a few items from the neighborhood superstore. However, my desire for a refreshing sip of sweet tea wasn't the only thing on my mind. Printed on the cup and the receipt I saw an ad for McDonald's annual World Cup sweepstakes. Parents were encouraged to register their elementary age children for a chance to win an all expense paid trip to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Cue the proverbial light bulb.</span><br />
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEtJ68UkD6LiBTlZUAXhfxyqLrZRCfChZ_W_Q-oMYEiRPqhg1ALN1MpuYMZwvmpF9mBVbd-kF-jR1Fp1wxnYzjdf0jA0mt_Msn239igYNht895XtpLDjy5-57xgaKGMwwik-VMp7b0Qhy/s1600/20140522_184901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Shoyoye family has soccer in it's blood. My father-in-law was an incredible student athlete who secured a college futbol scholarship that brought him from Nigeria to Ohio in pursuit of higher education. That's where he met his lovely wife to be; the mother of his future children - their oldest son being my husband Marvin. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0l1iJQb0D2eba6G_TUIUwJ5_QJKrM2MmPftnoIi0aC1_fW0ak-5vpJ50zgJw6UFXCEEXd16LxY4ULIlAirGh0Zu3DcwF2GljpIrCi5_TUviu_oFU8L2akjEpYwrH3OJzwyZz1mD8MLAN/s1600/20140522_184901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0l1iJQb0D2eba6G_TUIUwJ5_QJKrM2MmPftnoIi0aC1_fW0ak-5vpJ50zgJw6UFXCEEXd16LxY4ULIlAirGh0Zu3DcwF2GljpIrCi5_TUviu_oFU8L2akjEpYwrH3OJzwyZz1mD8MLAN/s1600/20140522_184901.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My 7 year old Nigel played soccer for a couple years in Chicago. This summer we decided to kick it up a few notches as a family. The kids joined a brand new league in our Atlanta community, Olympic Atlanta Soccer Club. Both Nigel, and our three year old daughter Morenikke, joined age level teams. Strangely enough there weren't an overwhelming amount of soccer pros clamoring to coach the 3/4 year old squad. I volunteered to take on the job, figuring that the wee ones wouldn't catch on that we'd be learning the game together as beginners. Given my new role as Coach Sho and my son's renewed interest in the sport, I submitted an entry for the Mickey D's Player Escort contest on behalf of Nigel. Rules allowed for each parent/guardian to enter once a day for a one week period, so registering Mom and Dad boosted our chances. I told a few folks about the promotion in passing and didn't give too much thought to Nigel ACTUALLY WINNING. Fast forward to my stunned husband taking a quick call from a McDonald's rep. "Babe. We really won," he said with cautious enthusiasm. He and Nigel will soon be taking the trip of a lifetime. I'm looking forward to a lifetime of them telling the story and thanking me for being brilliant enough to enter. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span id="goog_1992315169" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After three weeks of verifying the legitimacy of their win, the tedious process of renewing passports and requesting visas, Nigel's selection as one of 25 McDonald's Child Ambassadors and Team USA Player Escorts was official! On June 16, 2014 Nigel will escort players from the Men's US Soccer team onto the field before they face off against Ghana in Natal, Brazil. Set your DVR! At the request of the sponsors we had to keep things hush hush. Hard to do with lots of thrilled family members and an exceedingly astute first grader. Eventually we picked a date for the big reveal, May 22nd. My birthday! How fitting that on the day that I celebrate my life, my son is given an extraordinary gift. It made the day so very special for my family, and brought me an indescribable amount of pride and joy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ300wyFUIVj7cMuUIaLfcEOPTHyREJmHrlZPbrbTHuGRHfxOAsJJFJ97Rqa1VZSkG_QEDhH4JmcIrSk0N60Apwnc2QT_yOuNKt9wrJZmgVZr-W5sn6qlXtfNHKdRwoNoaz1zQc1urQear/s1600/20140522_185248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ300wyFUIVj7cMuUIaLfcEOPTHyREJmHrlZPbrbTHuGRHfxOAsJJFJ97Rqa1VZSkG_QEDhH4JmcIrSk0N60Apwnc2QT_yOuNKt9wrJZmgVZr-W5sn6qlXtfNHKdRwoNoaz1zQc1urQear/s1600/20140522_185248.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are blessed and eternally grateful! School is out for summer and Nigel ended it with authority. He was promoted to Wolf Cub through Boys Scouts of America, portrayed a munchkin in his school's presentation of The Wiz, then received a Principal's Award and Literacy Honor for finishing first grade reading at a seventh grade level. For working so hard and being such a smart, sweet boy; he deserves this magical moment! We're already planning for the trip. He'll embark on this journey with a new camera to capture his memories, and a notepad to write down his thoughts and take down email addresses for the friends he'll make on his first international excursion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Local news media was on hand to document this unforgettable announcement. Check out the links below and share, share, share in support of my sunny boy :-D</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Footage of Nigel hearing the news for the 1st time</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/sM6J6A6f3aU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">News segment from Atlanta's WXIA NBC local station</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ROAaA1aBoYY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Article from Atlanta CBS station channel 46 </span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.cbs46.com/story/25594526/7-year-old-fairburn-boy-chosen-to-attend-world-cup?autostart=true">http://www.cbs46.com/story/25594526/7-year-old-fairburn-boy-chosen-to-attend-world-cup?autostart=true</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">News Segment from Atlanta CBS 46</span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/RBNUaqjNr6o?list=UUWavi2DDclebln8PZph_1Mg" width="560"></iframe> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">AJC.com Sports News Now Article</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-georgia-sports/2014/05/27/7-year-old-atlantan-will-be-on-field-during-world-cup/">http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-georgia-sports/2014/05/27/7-year-old-atlantan-will-be-on-field-during-world-cup/</a></div>
</div>
<br />
<h1 class="yt" id="watch-headline-title" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="watch-title long-title yt-uix-expander-head" dir="ltr" style="-webkit-user-select: auto; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: -0.03em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="TwinSportsTV: Nigel 2014 FIFA World Cup Trip Surprise sponsored by McDonald's"><br /></span></h1>
<h1 class="yt" id="watch-headline-title" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="watch-title long-title yt-uix-expander-head" dir="ltr" id="eow-title" style="-webkit-user-select: auto; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: -0.03em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="TwinSportsTV: Nigel 2014 FIFA World Cup Trip Surprise sponsored by McDonald's">TwinSportsTV: Nigel 2014 FIFA World Cup Trip Surprise sponsored by McDonald's</span></h1>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/s4XRq3geXgc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Cscript%20type='text/javascript'%20src='http://api.worldnow.com/feed/v3.0/widgets/118043?alt=js&contextaffiliate=1045%27%3E%3C/script%3E" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://www.cbs46.com/slideshow?widgetid=118043" target="_blank">Nigel Shoyoye's Trip to 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil - Follow Up from CBS46</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4asJxU2EYLloelWABOe3G5Mlt14l4I-aAr7k68-egqZlZtvPr-vqOnClTNJBfYvbRuWjal8PiUnyrquccyr9Gu_xN5PMcYRhCu72JnCvuew_pJ4jb3_1u1WSrD7QRgJOlSPl4VUxT87fm/s1600/Player+Escorts+in+Brazil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4asJxU2EYLloelWABOe3G5Mlt14l4I-aAr7k68-egqZlZtvPr-vqOnClTNJBfYvbRuWjal8PiUnyrquccyr9Gu_xN5PMcYRhCu72JnCvuew_pJ4jb3_1u1WSrD7QRgJOlSPl4VUxT87fm/s1600/Player+Escorts+in+Brazil.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
Nigel escorting USMNT member DaMarcus Beasley</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xPy1Kw4wUNTU7x3QgJ0wkI32CqaZ8UKeVta01kzeX9eS1Bdd9vGIeY4MP-NEn6TtOHSCGRnTORvoPm0Ul2O164T_XHRi-Rwq_iuzUAifOqFJ2Xh0tUYPpMaq1784Z9ldNP1lWmy5JfL8/s1600/db+and+ni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xPy1Kw4wUNTU7x3QgJ0wkI32CqaZ8UKeVta01kzeX9eS1Bdd9vGIeY4MP-NEn6TtOHSCGRnTORvoPm0Ul2O164T_XHRi-Rwq_iuzUAifOqFJ2Xh0tUYPpMaq1784Z9ldNP1lWmy5JfL8/s1600/db+and+ni.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-z0o9anPw8AM%2FU3_5GpZ2SCI%2FAAAAAAAAAhA%2F988gtFh6BQk%2Fs1600%2F20140522_202341.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUn8PA64TyMRe937xa9rw95vq2Qiap_XiPxDWJ32pV9DbPB88igr67vKmZGbQR_stIH3to-MgaAsycFGpwsjG3FaRDKb74xk8q8CeEg_0mgHKk_oJ2fpMYUda3xqYsv5wl06gOrAwFTBM/s1600/20140522_202341.jpg" -->ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-3654487132172734722014-05-11T15:08:00.000-07:002014-05-11T16:27:31.686-07:00A Motiviational Mother's Day Message <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Mommy-Morphosis mission is to celebrate motherhood 24/7/365.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For all the love, wisdom and effort it takes to raise children, we surely deserve it.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On this day especially, you "better recognize"! (In the words of my own Mommy) </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I haven't blogged in a while and actually planned on skipping an obligatory post today, but the message I received at Sunday service was too good to keep to myself. The powerful, hilarious motivational speaker Les Brown electrified the congregation with his tribute to 'life's greatest treasures" - Mothers. "Mammy Brown's baby boy" often details how blessed he was to be adopted by a truly incredible woman. Despite her son being mistakenly labeled as "educably mentally retarded", Ms. Brown spoke greatness into his life with faith, love and determination.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here's a brief recap of his message, with a little ShoMommy embellishment:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>M</strong></span> - Mental resiliency</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Motherhood isn't all roses and chocolate. It can be a tough, dirty job that requires us to be strong and brave. There are times when Moms must make a way where there's none. We face our fears and shed our tears, but always find a way to do what's best for our families.<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>O</strong></span> - Open your heart<br />More than ever a mother's love can be used to combat our culture of rudeness and insensitivity. Be kind because you can. It will make your children better people.<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong> T</strong></span> - Take care of things that matter</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mother's help us learn what's really important in life. Let's remember (and teach) that success isn't only material. Relationships that we've built and memories we've created will carry us through the difficulties we will inevitably face. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>H</strong></span> - Hold a place for hope in your heart. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hold your head high, always! Mother's help us see the light inside when everything looks dim. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When life gets hard and we're disappointed or heartbroken, Mom's unconditional love reminds us that the best is yet to come.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"> E</span></strong> - Enjoy yourself! </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Live, love and laugh! It's the best medicine. Have fun with your children, don't take things so seriously. Joy is invaluable to our lives; share it with those who matter most.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">R</span></strong> - Remember what's important and forget what's not.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Forgiveness is remembering without anger." Let go, or be dragged. Not every mother has been there when their children needed- some by choice, others by circumstance. It's never too late to make peace, and if nothing else, give thanks for the gift of life. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Happy Mother's Day to all Moms, Godmothers, Grandmothers, Stepmoms </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and Mother figures!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I pray you feel appreciated for all that you do daily. Please take a moment to be grateful for the opportunity you have to impact the world. The wisdom, strength and encouragement you pour into the children you love will eventually overflow into our collective future.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58AL5Y8sTJP83H2RtZOucK0Q9ke2qzWsD2jsw85ESsukNMrWofTfEN4X_UvwEhFdOGfATz-LzkdcbSG31VA2wKhWeCDzOKZpellT-Fay_msNS1vlzOvripvYkTFsg9hP85YCMpkFISO82/s1600/Screenshot_2014-05-11-19-06-33-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58AL5Y8sTJP83H2RtZOucK0Q9ke2qzWsD2jsw85ESsukNMrWofTfEN4X_UvwEhFdOGfATz-LzkdcbSG31VA2wKhWeCDzOKZpellT-Fay_msNS1vlzOvripvYkTFsg9hP85YCMpkFISO82/s1600/Screenshot_2014-05-11-19-06-33-1.png" height="285" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-34621095733359730902014-03-05T14:18:00.000-08:002014-03-05T14:23:57.105-08:00What is Ash Wednesday? Why do we commemorate Lent with sacrifice?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWX-IFDQN8kaAVCc69OQMnTbzjTe6rvF60_v8Sks43XY8xSLre5h04iATrL99BsLZ_1Hi1_EcFRxpMoF8e41ChLqgxhyphenhyphenuU6uedL3I6f4oXZEy-1U4UgHtANiq8X25L6N7LWmf8VCgjlv8N/s1600/ash-wednesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWX-IFDQN8kaAVCc69OQMnTbzjTe6rvF60_v8Sks43XY8xSLre5h04iATrL99BsLZ_1Hi1_EcFRxpMoF8e41ChLqgxhyphenhyphenuU6uedL3I6f4oXZEy-1U4UgHtANiq8X25L6N7LWmf8VCgjlv8N/s1600/ash-wednesday.jpg" height="320" width="308" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"What's Ash Wednesday even
about?" Why do we give up stuff for Lent?" You may have been asked
these questions by your children over the last couple of days. While t<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e;">alking with my kids about the Easter season and
it's accompanying traditions, I realized I was unclear about some of
the history and religious symbolism myself. This video by www.bustedhalo.com is
a quick and easy to use teaching tool!</span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/m3L3c23MfC0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-78109983512321297392014-02-26T09:59:00.003-08:002014-02-26T10:13:53.930-08:00Hip Hop Classics That Can Revive Black History Month: 11 Songs of Freedom, Revolution, Power and Pride<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmMC9vGauPWt7jV5_yzFoPfZber0CDgnv1GrE2pbMcs7_dBrkNjui3wSpgAQpc9W2rvVbv_qpJpnHNG5WSN0DtItJkAiGnq79JJk2dI_Oah-SbYqHJwNMHPx_ZKrG3_Md4BTns5UZU4qd/s1600/c-g-woodson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmMC9vGauPWt7jV5_yzFoPfZber0CDgnv1GrE2pbMcs7_dBrkNjui3wSpgAQpc9W2rvVbv_qpJpnHNG5WSN0DtItJkAiGnq79JJk2dI_Oah-SbYqHJwNMHPx_ZKrG3_Md4BTns5UZU4qd/s1600/c-g-woodson.jpg" height="200" width="125" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 1926 <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">Carter G. Woodson</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"> and the </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">Association for the Study of Negro Life and History,</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"> announced their plan to designate the second week of February "Negro History Week." Blacks living in America, having survived the horrors of slavery and endured inhumane treatment post-emancipation, had no roots to their African homelands. Woodson contended that if Black history was not properly acknowledged America's future generations would be in tremendous jeopardy. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: start;">"If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated. The </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: start;">American Indian</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: start;"> left no continuous record. He did not appreciate the value of tradition; and where is he today? The </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: start;">Hebrew</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: start;"> keenly appreciated the value of tradition, as is attested by the Bible itself. In spite of worldwide </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: start;">persecution</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: start;">, therefore, he is a great factor in our civilization."</span></span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdUKQGxkjTWfPmDXDd_aEPahx-J_3LO2flWTYisOpNQaw2ZJgxh26sUP72vfw6pGyjrCBWJKNxFFuPejZvq-ttnSGh5hT5czcQbGaGoHLYOgPSCqI9oxKwhRjw6orCZsEAmJO7xE6hQEJ/s1600/BHM+kente.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdUKQGxkjTWfPmDXDd_aEPahx-J_3LO2flWTYisOpNQaw2ZJgxh26sUP72vfw6pGyjrCBWJKNxFFuPejZvq-ttnSGh5hT5czcQbGaGoHLYOgPSCqI9oxKwhRjw6orCZsEAmJO7xE6hQEJ/s1600/BHM+kente.jpg" height="146" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span>
The annual month long celebration of African American history informally began in the 1960s at the urging of Kent State University's Black United Student organization and was eventually recognized by the U.S. government in 1976. As a child I was apart of the 1980's and 90s enthusiasm that swept through elementary and high schools everywhere. African kente cloth prints inspired fashion. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The lives of King, Parks, X, Tubman, Douglass informed special assemblies, poetry, HBCU apparel and cultural anthems. Communities celebrated pride in blackness year-round, but with extra vigor in February. But, as time has passed, the reverent regard surrounding Black History Month has diminished so drastically it calls into question it's </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">relevance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The need to separate African American historic achievements from that of the larger population is becoming more frequently debated. We've elected our first biracial President, a globally popular figure of African and Irish descent. The masses complain about the redundancy of slave narratives, no matter how poignantly they are told. Due to the glaring disparity in accounts of African American contributions to the construction of our nation and it's economy, I personally believe the commemoration is still very necessary. General knowledge of African American history barely skims the surface and recent events have sorely reminded us that the lives of black people, especially young men, are often valued less than their Caucasian counterparts. I am not yet convinced that we are not living in a post racial society. <a href="https://maryclaremontchronicles.wordpress.com/2013/07/18/when-race-class-and-culture-collide-the-obliteration-of-our-post-racial-america/">https://maryclaremontchronicles.wordpress.com/2013/07/18/when-race-class-and-culture-collide-the-obliteration-of-our-post-racial-america/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What can be done to make black history month less mundane? Ideally we can use this time not only to remember our ancestry, but also to evaluate our present position and establish priorities for our collective future as African Americans. But how do you engage individuals who might not understand the gravity of connecting the here and now with days gone by? Music is always a great place to start. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIiRZ9z27xpnj_wnxSIzZSZEwG8My_JPiHtvhI1oJgwWt0G9h2JhlieU1cwHQu3L1IiTqt_bH4oajH61IYlnFCTmKapU5EnfBL38GuTTzjNWOt1dglPai0vsmXw0sltbzDckloeRg3q7n/s1600/yyy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIiRZ9z27xpnj_wnxSIzZSZEwG8My_JPiHtvhI1oJgwWt0G9h2JhlieU1cwHQu3L1IiTqt_bH4oajH61IYlnFCTmKapU5EnfBL38GuTTzjNWOt1dglPai0vsmXw0sltbzDckloeRg3q7n/s1600/yyy.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hip hop culture has flooded mainstream America. But, with commercial appeal a sense of consciousness has been lost. There was a time when an emcee could move the crowd and inspire a movement. As a parent who enjoys rap music, I am constantly looking for opportunities to introduce kids to a side of hip hop culture that is less misogynistic and more motivational. When wordsmiths use their craft to make hip hop the poetry of our people, they can ignite our sense of personal and communal power. Using your discretion, consider the lyrical content and age of your audience, then share these songs and videos below with a new audience. Remind them that knowing where they come from and what those before them came through, can help them navigate their own journey to greatness. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You Must Learn - KRS One and Boogie Down Productions</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">Teach the
student what needs to be taught / 'Cause Black and White kids both take
shorts</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">When one
doesn't know about the other ones' culture / Ignorance swoops down like a
vulture</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px;">KRS</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16px;">, an acronym for “Knowledge Reigning Supreme”, aka Teacha is the preeminent </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16px;">conscience emcee. </span><a href="http://rapgenius.com/Boogie-down-productions-you-must-learn-lyrics" style="line-height: 21px;" target="_blank">From BDP’s 1989 album Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip Hop, KRS-One tries to instill in his listeners a love of African American history.</a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/RDd7UbJmdmw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">U.N.I.T.Y - Queen Latifah</span></b><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 26.390625px;">U.N.I.T.Y., Love a black woman from i</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 26.390625px;">nfinity to infinity.</span></span></i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before becoming a Hollywood powerhouse Queen Latifah reigned supreme as a hip hop female force to be reckoned with. <a href="http://rapgenius.com/Queen-latifah-unity-lyrics" target="_blank">The single, released on January 6, 1994, spoke out against the disrespect of women in society, addressing issues of street harassment, domestic violence, and slurs against women in hip hop culture.</a> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/f8cHxydDb7o?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I Can - Nas</b> </span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Before we came to this country / </span><span style="background-color: white;">We were
kings and queens, never porch monkeys</span></span></i><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: black;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; orphans: auto; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">There was empires in Africa
called Kush / </span></span><span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; orphans: auto; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Timbuktu, where every race
came to get books</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; orphans: auto; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; orphans: auto; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">To learn from black teachers
who taught Greeks and Romans</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; orphans: auto; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; orphans: auto; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Asian, Arabs and gave them
gold </span></span></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; orphans: auto; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">When g</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; orphans: auto; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">old was converted to money it
all changed / </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; orphans: auto; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Money then became empowerment
for Europeans</span></span></i></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">One of Nas' h</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">ighest charting singles to date, this ditty is </span>definitely for the kids. Nas taps into his paternal side and <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">drops so historical gems along the way. He </span>encourages children to f<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">ollow your dreams </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">and recognize that they can do anything they set their minds to. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/eUqLGRMrFAg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Free - Goodie Mob</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;">Many are blind and cannot
find the truth / 'Cause no one seems to really know</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I won't accept that this
is how it's gon' be / Devil, you gotta let me and my people go</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goodie Mob is a
hip-hop group from Atlanta, Georgia that consisted of breakout star Cee-Lo
Green and his Organized Noize brothers Khujo, T-Mo, and Big Gipp. This intro
set the tone for their debut album Soul Food in 1995.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/GgJG5S_zyiw/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/GgJG5S_zyiw&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/GgJG5S_zyiw&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></span></div>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Proud To Be Black - Run DMC </span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: center;">God bless the next baby that comes in this world / </span><span style="text-align: center;">The world's full of hate discrimination and sin</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">People judgin other people by the color of skin / </span><span style="text-align: center;">I'll attack this matter, in my own way</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Hollis, Queens New York trio<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"> is possibly the most influential act in the history of </span>hip hop culture<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">. From the 1986 Raising Hell Album, Proud To Be Black was a militant black history lesson for their legion of fans across cultures. </span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/E-CJPBdK5MY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep Your Head Up - Tupac</span></b><br />
<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: center;">I remember Marvin Gaye, used to sing ta me / </span><span style="text-align: center;">He had me feelin like black was tha thing to be</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">And suddenly tha ghetto didn't seem so tough / </span><span style="text-align: center;">And though we had it rough, we always had enough</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tupac's legacy lives on in his lyrics laced with outspoken social commentary. There was a lot more to this "rose that grew from concrete" than the thug life motto he's become known for. As he recounts his childhood and affirms black women, Pac is both critical and grateful to his mother, former Black Panther Afeni Shakur. Despite her shortcomings it's clear that activism helped shaped his incendiary passion. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/zBhm7GcEk6E?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Fight The Power </b><b>- Public Enemy</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Our freedom of speech is
freedom or death / </span><span style="background-color: white;">We got to fight the
powers that be</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Lemme hear you say / </span><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Fight the power</span></i></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://rapgenius.com/Public-enemy-fight-the-power-lyrics" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 21px;">This anthem, originally from the soundtrack to Spike Lee’s </span><nobr style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-color: rgb(28, 125, 255) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; font-style: inherit; padding-bottom: 1px !important;">classic movie</span></nobr><span style="line-height: 21px;"> </span><em style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Do the Right Thing</em><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> and later on PE’s seminal album </span><em style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Fear of a Black Planet</em><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">,</span></a> Chuck Dee doesn't worry about the push toward political correctness and puts his point of view front and center in this classic composition. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/M_t13-0Joyc/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/M_t13-0Joyc&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/M_t13-0Joyc&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Freedom (Theme from Panther)</span></b><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">S</span>lung from the belly of the
beast / </span><span style="background-color: white;">Used to speak African tongue</span></span></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;">So I showed her next one bolder / </span><span style="background: white;">Slung the devil over my
shoulder</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />
<span style="background: white;">I'm getting over 'cause I'm
bolder than the next / </span><span style="background: white;">I'm enlightened 'cause I speak
the real truth from the text</span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">"</span><b style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">Freedom</b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">" was a </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_in_music" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="1995 in music">1995</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"> song released on </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_Records" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="Mercury Records">Mercury Records</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"> featuring a chorus of over 60 </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African-American" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="African-American">African-American</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"> female artists and groups of note in hip-hop, pop and R&B music including </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaliyah" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="Aaliyah">Aaliyah</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanessa_L._Williams" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="Vanessa L. Williams">Vanessa L. Williams</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_J._Blige" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="Mary J. Blige">Mary J. Blige</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MC_Lyte" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="MC Lyte">MC Lyte</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coko" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="Coko">Coko</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/En_Vogue" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="En Vogue">En Vogue</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SWV" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="SWV">SWV</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">, </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TLC_(band)" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="TLC (band)">TLC</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Lopes" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="Lisa Lopes">Lisa Lopes</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">, and </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monica_(entertainer)" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; line-height: 19.1875px; text-decoration: none;" title="Monica (entertainer)">Monica</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/SvO97MwjJS0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Umi Says - Mos Def</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>My Umi said shine your
light on the world / Shine your light
for the world to see<br />
My Abi said shine
your light on the world / Shine your light
for the world to see</i></span><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>I want black
people to be free, to be free, to be free</i></span><span style="background-color: #ccccdd;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brooklyn Muslim <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">Dante Terrell Smith</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"> is better known by the </span><span style="color: #0b0080;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">stage names</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">Mos Def</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">and </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Yasiin Bey. The recording artist and actor performed with the groups Thermo Dynamics and Black Star before establishing his solo career with the </span><i style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Black on Both Sides.</i><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"> "Umi Says" was a spirit-filled, radio friendly hit that reminded listeners of their luminescence</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/CsihHoyqwWY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Liberation - Outkast</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;">If your ass don't move, and
the rain don't fall</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />
<span style="background: white;">And the ground just dry</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />
<span style="background: white;">But the roots are strong, so
some survive</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">Outkast teamed up with </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">Erykah Badu, Big Rube, Cee-Lo in 1998 to </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">combine a variety of musical styles, including </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">gospel</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">,</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">jazz</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">, blues, and </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">world music</span> on a <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">song that included rapped vocals, while also featuring soul singing and spoken word styles. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquemini" target="_blank"> </a></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquemini" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">Lyrically, the track utilizes images of slavery to symbolize f</span><span style="line-height: 21px;">reedom from hatred, inequality, and all the obstacles people face in their community (and music industry) that can distract from their goals and true objectives.</span></a></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/MWSfHDASZbE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes We Can - Will.I.Am</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;">Yes we can to justice and
equality / </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;">Yes we can to opportunity and
prosperity</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />
<span style="background: white;">Yes we can heal this nation / </span><span style="background: white;">Yes we can repair this world</span></span></i><span style="background: #CCCCDD;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Produced by Black Eyed Peas member Wil.I.Am, </span><i style="line-height: 21px;">Yes We Can</i><span style="line-height: 21px;"> was created to mobilize youth voter registration and turnout for Barack Obama's first presidential campaign. Will.I.Am sampled sound bytes from </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">Obama's concession speech</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"> in the 2008 </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">New Hampshire</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"> primary</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/jjXyqcx-mYY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">**After your hip hop black history lesson make sure your kids know the words to <i>We Shall Overcome </i>and<i> The </i><span style="font-style: italic;">Black National Anthem!</span></span></div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-73706781696406728232013-12-20T11:51:00.000-08:002013-12-20T11:51:09.244-08:00Combat Christmas Consumerism - 3 Ways To Remember The Reason For The Season<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The holiday season is here, whether you're ready or not. Less than one month ago friends and family gathered around tables, shared delicious meals and gave thanks for all the good in our lives. Exactly 24 hours later gratitude gave way to "getititude" as scores of shoppers swarmed and scrambled to grab bargains on Black Friday. The season of comfort and joy has become more about flat screen televisions and hard to find toys.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last year I blogged about my own child's sense of Christmas entitlement. <a href="http://mommymorphosis.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-christmas-spirit-of-sharing-and.html">http://mommymorphosis.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-christmas-spirit-of-sharing-and.html </a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This year our family has worked hard to counteract consumerism and instead teach virtues of true holiday spirit. While I want my little ones to enjoy the thrill of receiving gifts from their wish list; it's equally important for them to learn the magic of giving, creating traditions and being spiritually grounded. It's easy to get caught up in the commercial hoopla! Use these tips to add meaning to the most wonderful time of the year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>1. Celebrate The Joy Of Giving</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VUTSefhZ9Vgb8Vjk9dQ3hBG28yMYWHumcXrGIF7LiIhfWOZpUElWgjxr_1koKR9RPr6ySf2FYEpYC1_gAM9jaYXkMnnl4pKOsGIoOvM7u-IrzQmTGRN1nY44Vg_185qikLJfaTl7TotX/s1600/GrinchQuoteBlogImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VUTSefhZ9Vgb8Vjk9dQ3hBG28yMYWHumcXrGIF7LiIhfWOZpUElWgjxr_1koKR9RPr6ySf2FYEpYC1_gAM9jaYXkMnnl4pKOsGIoOvM7u-IrzQmTGRN1nY44Vg_185qikLJfaTl7TotX/s200/GrinchQuoteBlogImage.jpg" width="160" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We all look forward to the smiles that follow unwrapping beautiful boxes on Christmas morning (Hanukkah and Kwanzaa too)! We save, shop, sneak and stress to get our loved ones what they desire most. Hopefully as adults we've learned the joy of giving, as well as receiving. Plan activities that teach your little ones that sentiment. It's important for them to realize that other boys and girls may be going without. Find a local toy drive, group home, or church collecting items for the less fortunate. Donate toys, books and clothing that can be a blessing to those who desperately need a bit of holiday cheer. If finances are tight give your time. Join a group that sings carols at nursing homes or spend an afternoon volunteering at a local shelter. Be the gift!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1TgcSdza9B2kN3cxHGCzKNfdwwy1PxsQ59ocMoqzlbQoIc8PHNM9kTe6n53YJ3nyLjeqlu7g68T-8bUlpZwtxvGNRPsA0mbdFy2VdGqM4YgsB1z_2Gjs0UuiaKLzubXBBB3_GHWYjwCa/s1600/xmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1TgcSdza9B2kN3cxHGCzKNfdwwy1PxsQ59ocMoqzlbQoIc8PHNM9kTe6n53YJ3nyLjeqlu7g68T-8bUlpZwtxvGNRPsA0mbdFy2VdGqM4YgsB1z_2Gjs0UuiaKLzubXBBB3_GHWYjwCa/s200/xmas.jpg" width="166" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2. Create Family Traditions Together</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fellowship, family, laughter and love - these are life's most special gifts. Make the season mean so much more by creating traditions with your children. Craft homemade ornaments or cards, bake cookies for your neighbors, attend a performance of the Nutcracker, see a holiday concert, go ice skating, host a Christmas Eve potluck, etc. Give your family something to look forward to each year that's invaluable, immaterial and doesn't require batteries.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Teach The Reason For The Season</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Focus on your faith. Why and what do you believe? As busy adults we sometimes take for granted the spiritual lessons imparted by our elders. Teach your children the essence of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Make it fun! Take part of special activities in your place of worship. Pick out a couple of new books. Put on a play or puppet show to perform for loved ones visiting from out of state. Although Santa has become a prominent figure, remind your children the star atop your tree does not shine in celebration of dear old St. Nick.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQgEp1R41c3qDu8uOOUzEItTjK2w2SJlZKTth8NVYG4YQ2oxyR_hxH6HGnqLNkcYbrwrlDQcaIa1pCnoXLnbLWdxPcpw1cV95l_-RDOxy6lHrDn5tM1Y9PoYXpGZgI7aM2rtaeHrNQvSD/s1600/spirit+of+christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQgEp1R41c3qDu8uOOUzEItTjK2w2SJlZKTth8NVYG4YQ2oxyR_hxH6HGnqLNkcYbrwrlDQcaIa1pCnoXLnbLWdxPcpw1cV95l_-RDOxy6lHrDn5tM1Y9PoYXpGZgI7aM2rtaeHrNQvSD/s400/spirit+of+christmas.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-82906820076761266252013-12-05T18:40:00.000-08:002013-12-05T18:40:08.640-08:00Rest Well Father Freedom ~ Remembering Nelson Mandela's Legacy as the Regal Revolutionary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G1pwg_3POwjsJEXk_W0i_STVfJMWrxHNO0KZ9w_sszGiLjDR-d4aBf82mq-fQc1EzBPNR2cZn3aGBq8kWtCrYK6Ie7MEt0ksy6FXUwyYgGPh1lm12EkhmNIajr7rmy9fCI46Oec0GHn4/s1600/Nelson-Mandela-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; line-height: 19.1875px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G1pwg_3POwjsJEXk_W0i_STVfJMWrxHNO0KZ9w_sszGiLjDR-d4aBf82mq-fQc1EzBPNR2cZn3aGBq8kWtCrYK6Ie7MEt0ksy6FXUwyYgGPh1lm12EkhmNIajr7rmy9fCI46Oec0GHn4/s320/Nelson-Mandela-.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19.1875px;"><b>Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, </b>95 year old statesman, Nobel Peace Prize winner and anti-apartheid revolutionary, died leaving behind the love of his family, nation and the world. T</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">he son of a Tembu chief, he was named Rolihlahla, meaning “troublemaker,” until his first day at school where his teacher dubbed "Nelson" to conform to the British bias in education. Drawn to politics in his teens, h</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">is civil rights era fight to end apartheid (a system of racial segregation enforced through Dutch colonial legislation) resulted in Mandela serving almost three decades in prison. After his hard earned release in 1990, Mandela led negotiations that abolished apartheid and established a multiracial election in 1994. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">Subsequently he went on to become the first black South African to hold the office of President</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">. In t</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">he same year Mandela's autobiography </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19.1875px;"><b>Long Walk to Freedom</b></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19.1875px;"> was published </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">profiling his early life, maturation, education and 27 years of incarceration. </span><br />
<div style="line-height: 19.1875px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.1875px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An international political and social icon, Mandela lived for nearly a century wholly dedicated to freedom, justice, education, combating poverty, HIV/AIDS prevention and inspiring all people to live their dreams and create their legacies. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.1875px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZe1E_xXJr5zZaEh8sGvfuigHJnZmkQ-p8plt1NHb-eofmG45GAHg7fRf6Vb7fOzcPZEWHfH_h0nNMgpJgsgvj9Fc2PZUcdyUOYDib9dywpvQoPt3zwjgG8BGA-z8OBQjuio1aL3iRVsGO/s1600/handprints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZe1E_xXJr5zZaEh8sGvfuigHJnZmkQ-p8plt1NHb-eofmG45GAHg7fRf6Vb7fOzcPZEWHfH_h0nNMgpJgsgvj9Fc2PZUcdyUOYDib9dywpvQoPt3zwjgG8BGA-z8OBQjuio1aL3iRVsGO/s320/handprints.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Coming of age in the 1980s and 1990s I was aware of Mandela's mission for equality, the impact of his life story and how his words and ideas influenced a new generation of world </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">changers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the wake of his transition from this Earth, please share the lessons of this luminary with our youth so that they too might shine their lights and lead the less fortunate out of the shadows of injustice. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: justify;">1. "</span><span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24.296875px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24.296875px;">liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmt4by3PGg6P_7ElqczVnDGUHQig8Qo_EAogmvfnKAa5S38j3bbIECsA76-X3bg2OHjgW-s8-J4hAQE2hiR5tZOmN7faQfENBD5-29KzyefVYT6BhinxO1RwbZilKa_e80wTzCOYThf_R2/s1600/nelson-mandela-frases-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmt4by3PGg6P_7ElqczVnDGUHQig8Qo_EAogmvfnKAa5S38j3bbIECsA76-X3bg2OHjgW-s8-J4hAQE2hiR5tZOmN7faQfENBD5-29KzyefVYT6BhinxO1RwbZilKa_e80wTzCOYThf_R2/s200/nelson-mandela-frases-14.jpg" width="163" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24.296875px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">2. "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">3. "It always seems impossible until it's done."</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">4. "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">5. “There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7UC5jzbLyfdoDQp0P9HWXLR6RxkqpEYqSTBLxAzEs0p9XBoTtSYF3lVMWB-vbhHpBMa5HYZEDG00xqmbdajiueCmOn80wkoTdGbneW38EGzzxqilFowH7xLIHvaUBP6yFY1BbP9SykhX/s1600/rugby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7UC5jzbLyfdoDQp0P9HWXLR6RxkqpEYqSTBLxAzEs0p9XBoTtSYF3lVMWB-vbhHpBMa5HYZEDG00xqmbdajiueCmOn80wkoTdGbneW38EGzzxqilFowH7xLIHvaUBP6yFY1BbP9SykhX/s200/rugby.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">6. "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">7. "Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again."</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHGZPrDKTrazpl_XgvVY8pVBzh5uKX-F7_SVVNMzfawyacjwP0GDKRcaNWmOeUeLXugeBOuoHnVsIbgtqYxN4xLt50Rn8xAe4E4YCv_MP_VSoZ9vD-ShxPHtl71pWHZ1OVDd3Y4SDPp22/s1600/prisoner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHGZPrDKTrazpl_XgvVY8pVBzh5uKX-F7_SVVNMzfawyacjwP0GDKRcaNWmOeUeLXugeBOuoHnVsIbgtqYxN4xLt50Rn8xAe4E4YCv_MP_VSoZ9vD-ShxPHtl71pWHZ1OVDd3Y4SDPp22/s200/prisoner.jpg" width="143" /></a><span style="color: #181818; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. “A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">9. “When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw.”</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">10. “I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.”</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">11. “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9zSidsqNmHACDyBtDqiygTDjoqpyenvv7a1IcYTzWOoUzLyXZ6NZ-JJ87pa2hmigwl-RS9q3qiEoUQ5tf9veqWAZkhfmVzeQk8STR3LTrzlY9d2XPN2EVoBuSTyhDoUyM1cXhFVTmvtz/s1600/n_50069_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9zSidsqNmHACDyBtDqiygTDjoqpyenvv7a1IcYTzWOoUzLyXZ6NZ-JJ87pa2hmigwl-RS9q3qiEoUQ5tf9veqWAZkhfmVzeQk8STR3LTrzlY9d2XPN2EVoBuSTyhDoUyM1cXhFVTmvtz/s320/n_50069_4.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">12. “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">13. “As I have said, the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself... Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty, but humility.”</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGknGg5SR8zsnoNJM_K4zreh9FPfGHzzYLrg2h6cRYHLiU3sFICiNXn_QrDXh8OCnIHtNZcifJmwdPghE9PohHmM9-ES070yqJF5_ph0xHQ9jIvRKEL7JEs7Z0GCGRzQmbIOe2UOGCFjZ/s1600/garb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGknGg5SR8zsnoNJM_K4zreh9FPfGHzzYLrg2h6cRYHLiU3sFICiNXn_QrDXh8OCnIHtNZcifJmwdPghE9PohHmM9-ES070yqJF5_ph0xHQ9jIvRKEL7JEs7Z0GCGRzQmbIOe2UOGCFjZ/s200/garb.jpg" width="141" /></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">14. "Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front."</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">15. “As I have said, the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself... Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty, but humility.”</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">16. “Where you stand depends on where you sit.”</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">17. “It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.”</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdNIpN3vK7gd1zf4S8m6_1Ix1Tw-d3b9gR4mdAywVCEM1-E-2Lod2zrav7dGNh_H_6uahaw0CVBbyXctWadIl5kOCQOa0TQ326vxcmoKbZLwW1zHl1wKyAN_e7Cs2qsJKz0-M0JhNNXjH/s1600/south+african+flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdNIpN3vK7gd1zf4S8m6_1Ix1Tw-d3b9gR4mdAywVCEM1-E-2Lod2zrav7dGNh_H_6uahaw0CVBbyXctWadIl5kOCQOa0TQ326vxcmoKbZLwW1zHl1wKyAN_e7Cs2qsJKz0-M0JhNNXjH/s320/south+african+flag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">18. “There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.”</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">19. “After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.”</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">20. “We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?”</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
</div>
</div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-71162995813247596192013-11-01T10:38:00.001-07:002013-11-02T13:45:33.416-07:007 Super Sized Life Lessons From Our Favorite Superheroes!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As a little girl I spent most of my time playing with Cabbage Patch dolls or with my nose pressed between the pages of a Babysitter's Club book. Sure, He-Man and She-Ra were on my radar, but I was nowhere near the superhero aficionado that my 1st grader is. When your child develops a healthy interest in something its only natural that you dig in too. Comic book buffs aren't the only ones getting caught up in fantastic feats and fearless heroics. The cinematic success of classic characters have taken Marvel and DC Comics mainstream. Now larger than life superheroes are everyone's latest obsession. Not only is my six year old son fascinated with the super human icons, but my baby girl and the whole family have been sucked in by the brave men and women who save the day with style and sass! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3f7bc0XmzJGy8J3Drh-10tFWuaWra9AazJbr6zOQFG-LL9iKLDUbXaWtbFOMGuVC44qWAZlVGSu1_7GLXeZuXyH6RKIeKhV6_VVxTLxY71ZE-KpTmg78N8QR35Xu8SiQQ_X2gns9Q4f4/s1600/IMG_1159075615320.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3f7bc0XmzJGy8J3Drh-10tFWuaWra9AazJbr6zOQFG-LL9iKLDUbXaWtbFOMGuVC44qWAZlVGSu1_7GLXeZuXyH6RKIeKhV6_VVxTLxY71ZE-KpTmg78N8QR35Xu8SiQQ_X2gns9Q4f4/s320/IMG_1159075615320.jpeg" width="243" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We catch summer blockbusters, add trilogies to our DVD collection, order life size wall stickers for Nigel's room and plan fun hero themed Halloween costumes and birthday parties. I've found this superhero stuff has a little more to it than custom capes, evil villains and impressive gadgets. Beyond their incredible strength, speed and epic awesomeness are lessons that can build your child's character and confidence. Some of our family's favorite superheroes teach the young and young at heart about courage, commitment, justice and more.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Spider Man aka Peter Parker </i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ImhU-_mIW7Gcq78FsYMwG79rphcom0YxQRWJGRm-m3Ps-BAdIymrUmwmJrD_0eb46LXEgxVw2fxyvTte94EuDdmXCKb-VlCocSq3QOoPyosvm8T5JIksLB1rswY1eu2-ai3gDCoX_y1r/s1600/spider-man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ImhU-_mIW7Gcq78FsYMwG79rphcom0YxQRWJGRm-m3Ps-BAdIymrUmwmJrD_0eb46LXEgxVw2fxyvTte94EuDdmXCKb-VlCocSq3QOoPyosvm8T5JIksLB1rswY1eu2-ai3gDCoX_y1r/s200/spider-man.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">By day Peter is an unassuming, geeky tween with a penchant for photography and Mary Jane, but thanks to a radioactive spider bite he's a web slinging, wall scaling, local crime fighter.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Lesson: Say it with me ... With great power comes great responsibility. Peter has learned the hard way that when power goes to his head, he loses sight of what's most important. He's lost loved ones along the way and though it hasn't been easy, he understands that he can be a benefit to his community. Through hardships and grief we must always press on and and remember that our gifts are to be used to make the world a better place.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The X-Men</i></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqxiqI2oEYTvBXZuFiyAAQZL9dN-kZjrTI4Vph3T0saA-14uulQF5ITqhfVReP8QbONHNNGorNv5zrrmsLZwMSnmoEJrXbAOAuPBCqMorkke_ofGREjm8Wn7a0DcjijG9h6If-yY2OXuo/s1600/x-men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqxiqI2oEYTvBXZuFiyAAQZL9dN-kZjrTI4Vph3T0saA-14uulQF5ITqhfVReP8QbONHNNGorNv5zrrmsLZwMSnmoEJrXbAOAuPBCqMorkke_ofGREjm8Wn7a0DcjijG9h6If-yY2OXuo/s320/x-men.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Led by the omniscient Professor Xavier, this motley c</span><span style="font-size: large;">rew of mutants use awe inspiring abilities to protect the world from evil doers in and outside of their ranks.</span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The Lesson: Being unique is incredible - not awkward. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">If you're struggling find a mentor that nurtures your talents and helps you realize that despite how much people misunderstand you - you are perfectly made. Storm, Wolverine, Magneto, Rogue, and scores of teenage X-Men outcasts have personal pains and individual journies. The storylines explore alienation and prejudice, and they show their audience the devastation of fear mongering. Most importan</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">tly, X-Men teach fans that being different is to be celebrated.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxo7AJL3DohC9zTkifcu0UNFa44wl0UKezPvoovNkjlVthK_KBKKIF5yaEzGnZAUtADIs78OSJuW7RMoHtS5lTFNskeHwxDTllSy3MkFjB4J-lGXbam5ZpmTQFjWFesb_f9Gk1vd-gTosB/s1600/tmnt-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxo7AJL3DohC9zTkifcu0UNFa44wl0UKezPvoovNkjlVthK_KBKKIF5yaEzGnZAUtADIs78OSJuW7RMoHtS5lTFNskeHwxDTllSy3MkFjB4J-lGXbam5ZpmTQFjWFesb_f9Gk1vd-gTosB/s320/tmnt-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What's old is new again and now my children can enjoy these characters that I thought were pretty cool back in the day. I'm not the only one who still knows the theme song by heart, right? "They're the world's most fearsome fighting team; they're heroes in a half shell and they're green!" Evil Shredder is still around and so is the support of their adoptive dad, Splinter. Who'd have thought a human sized rat could be so lovable!? These turtle brothers use their martial art skills to mix it up with bad guys.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Lesson: Family sticks together no matter our differences. Each of the teenage brothers have unique strengths and weaknesses. They never go about things the same way, but when in a pinch they always look out for one another. TMNT have each other's back and the support of their doting Dad. Ultimately, their best chance to defeat vicious enemies is with teamwork</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">*<b><i>The Incredibles</i></b> also teach a similar lesson.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4y5oLbqVQVSnb7e1mjyPhQq36nJ5AROIqMPa2VaWbsbEKxQ49zu9qz2K7RvfUC9CJ2vOOqbX14BEYU002sPbCr37RHaAKA3zN6if5-DoLF9SzS0i-bC4WVe6xAmuTTxFO7WlHD8NjnZw/s1600/th-1.bin" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4y5oLbqVQVSnb7e1mjyPhQq36nJ5AROIqMPa2VaWbsbEKxQ49zu9qz2K7RvfUC9CJ2vOOqbX14BEYU002sPbCr37RHaAKA3zN6if5-DoLF9SzS0i-bC4WVe6xAmuTTxFO7WlHD8NjnZw/s320/th-1.bin" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thor aka Thor Odinson, Prince of Asgar</span> </i></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The God of Thunder and Lightning, Thor, is hunky in a </span><span style="font-size: large;">Nordic Viking kind of way. He wields one of the greatest weapons ever made, the enchanted hammer Mjolnir. The Asgardian warrior is trained in the arts of battle, has immense fighting ability, super strength and scant vulnerabilities. In fact, Thor' s greatest weakness is his arrogance, part of the reason he was exiled to Earth to learn lessons in humility.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgBH1IcaCMKIhqxaQuQcJJAu5-UKaDQbcucxzegREXSn3nbCVSO5P75TfTsWMlsoMANP5W9iCHjzbgO_Ld0ndNwa47v3zKXh5Awx0JerfcRTndUQpKn1Oz0O5QHj0_CKsl7EjnWbuLRSi/s1600/3143070-4320513677-thor_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgBH1IcaCMKIhqxaQuQcJJAu5-UKaDQbcucxzegREXSn3nbCVSO5P75TfTsWMlsoMANP5W9iCHjzbgO_Ld0ndNwa47v3zKXh5Awx0JerfcRTndUQpKn1Oz0O5QHj0_CKsl7EjnWbuLRSi/s320/3143070-4320513677-thor_.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">The Lesson: </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 28px; text-align: justify;">While on Earth, Thor is stripped of many of his powers. He is served a hefty </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 28px; text-align: justify;">piece of humble pie, but gains an appreciation for humanity </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 28px; text-align: justify;">and the simple sentiments we hold dear. The value in his story is the reminder that even the mightiest among us have room for development, and the strongest have a duty to defend the weak. Befo</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 28px; text-align: justify;">re you can lead others, you must first learn how to lead yourself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Wonder Woman aka Diana Prince</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Possibly the most famous superheroine, Wonder Woman is a warrior princess who put unconventional fierce, savvy women on the comic book map. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSco6iYzYzCxmtHlFHPJZmv_Z9QdMlV8rdava4E7kkSTYGTdTCg2Pg_ELSP63X-J5frAQsdDXhMqwqklonvKCsVE-lMGtw6lrvMHd8MTnfBIVk9VegblEiSEMOTw3sP03TQ72_pHvJZ7K5/s1600/wonder-woman-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSco6iYzYzCxmtHlFHPJZmv_Z9QdMlV8rdava4E7kkSTYGTdTCg2Pg_ELSP63X-J5frAQsdDXhMqwqklonvKCsVE-lMGtw6lrvMHd8MTnfBIVk9VegblEiSEMOTw3sP03TQ72_pHvJZ7K5/s320/wonder-woman-02.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">She's a champion for gender equality. Plus, no one could tell me that the Lasso of Truth isn't one of the coolest superhero weapons ever created.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Lesson: All you need is love. She's as powerful as they come, but she has a special weapon for helping villains reform: compassion. "With it's great gift, I can change human character; I can make bad men good and weak women strong."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Iron Man aka Tony Stark</i></b></span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We meet Tony Stark as a brilliant businessman known </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGK8xZTo1QePQ8MNMYHZ6ZvbD72A3InGXGIbh8eBdiIYTEqBnsXbnNwiECIlxaUDYOERsHgre2eMRt9Bp7lZ2AlJi0tIyo7sYfBQ6cEJa8NjbCG0T8kJ6ONUKSVzK7SMQBXrNEG1X1x2A/s1600/iron-man-tech-news.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGK8xZTo1QePQ8MNMYHZ6ZvbD72A3InGXGIbh8eBdiIYTEqBnsXbnNwiECIlxaUDYOERsHgre2eMRt9Bp7lZ2AlJi0tIyo7sYfBQ6cEJa8NjbCG0T8kJ6ONUKSVzK7SMQBXrNEG1X1x2A/s320/iron-man-tech-news.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">as much for his playboy lifestyle and non existent moral compass as his technological innovations. A</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">fter a near death experience with a weapon he designed he quite literally has a change of heart. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Tony begins to see that he can contribute more to the world if he keeps his flair, but abandons some of his selfish ideologies.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Lesson: Once Tony Stark becomes Iron Man we witness him evolve from a self consumed egomaniac into a philanthropist ready to champion for justice. Talk about letting that light inside of you shine! We can be redeemed. It's never too late to become a person who cares more about others than he does himself. As an added bonus we see that scientists can be as cool as rockstars and lead pretty exciting lives!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Green Lantern aka Hal Jordan </i></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_75roHfgeHPuO9NUkUJI857Zrx-PcYwXvnDPNT01xrg2ikCOpOyNuSO0u3AA3ZltIZ4KXhZDlVzKEeBAVw0lFpFvxBC9aSpB2hrLLCL0JMlfwDxmxA03p29dy2YDNrO5r-atitVUCwUu/s1600/green-lantern-article.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_75roHfgeHPuO9NUkUJI857Zrx-PcYwXvnDPNT01xrg2ikCOpOyNuSO0u3AA3ZltIZ4KXhZDlVzKEeBAVw0lFpFvxBC9aSpB2hrLLCL0JMlfwDxmxA03p29dy2YDNrO5r-atitVUCwUu/s400/green-lantern-article.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Bad boy fighter pilot Hal Jordan always pushes the envelope. He abhors authority and lives on the edge, but still can't shake the bit of fear that holds him back from his true potential and sours his relationships. Once the power ring selects him as the first human in history to join Green Lantern Corps, our reluctant hero goes on to do great things for the good of the universe.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Lesson: Whatever Green Lantern creates with his mind's eye, becomes reality. As a person who believes strongly in New Thought faith principles, I can relate to the theme that our thoughts give us ultimate power. Hal begins to visualize the solutions to his problems, internalize his capabilities and believe that he can turn figments of his imagination into fruition. The larger lesson is that our divine will is always strong enough to defeat our fears.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Superheroes are an inspiration to transcend our mortal limitations and become exceptional. Their adventures are sensational stories with more to teach than what's on the surface. Enjoy the thrills and have fun on the road to becoming a super YOU! Nigel and I wrote a little poem about it. Wanna hear it? Here it go!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/S1cpVXlQYQ0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-86848326269867473922013-10-10T11:13:00.001-07:002013-10-12T15:05:04.051-07:00Update: Nigel's reaction to his Naughty or Nice 90 notice - Classic!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A couple of weeks back I blogged about using a 90 Day Naughty or Nice Notice to help tighten up my son's behavior as the holiday season approaches. You can catch up here: <a href="http://mommymorphosis.blogspot.com/2013/09/nigels-naughty-or-nice-90-day-notice.html">http://mommymorphosis.blogspot.com/2013/09/nigels-naughty-or-nice-90-day-notice.html</a><br />
<br />
On September 25th I snuck the envelope in our mailbox and had him grab the daily mail. Apparently nothing rocks a kid's world like a threat from the North Pole! A mom's got to get her laughs somewhere, so of course I videotaped his reaction. I gotta admit I enjoyed having a little fun at my son's expense. It wouldn't be fair to not share the twisted comedy with my MommyMorphosis readers! Check out the clips below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/QqtvkSFaifY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Once inside he reads the letter amidst lots of baby sister distraction.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/oAjR8jb9BZ0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
No worries, I'm already working on Nikke's letter for next year. But, as you can see she's a tough crowd - her notice may have to come straight from the big bellied benefactor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/gpTY_Ib_Mgw/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/gpTY_Ib_Mgw&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/gpTY_Ib_Mgw&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<br />
This parental prank is all in good fun, but not a substitute for everyday boundary setting and discipline. Still, it's been very, very effective :-) Many of you have tried this with your own kids, please feel free share your stories in the comment section.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-75642551293537724232013-09-27T11:30:00.001-07:002013-09-27T11:30:28.904-07:00Nigel's Naughty or Nice 90 Day Notice from North Pole Behavior Bureau<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My son is a pretty sweet kid. Never gives us any major trouble, an angel at school, etc. But from time to time, especially since his sixth birthday, he struggles with a bit of Know It All Syndrome. His smart brain can lead to a smart mouth. We've been trying a couple discipline techniques, and seeing some improvement, but not a ton. Last week after a scolding I heard him grumble to himself, "Now, I'm never going to make Santa's nice list!" Light bulb moment! I decided to have a little fun with him and use the approaching holiday season as an incentive. I wrote the following letter and addressed it to him from the North Pole Behavior Bureau. It should arrive in the mail today. I'll share an update this weekend!</span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe"
filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_13" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="http://www.balcomagency.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blog/images/blogs/1211-list.jpg"
style='width:445.5pt;height:116.25pt;visibility:visible'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\owner\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="1211-list"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnNeesUNvObrx_9l177USlEcWIqPyBhAilZ0AALsBNDdY9nsA65zhMZi9NwX_T4UzFuk39C9pJbkMvfX4qiRce4h-35l4ZIuzHK0CU8dG1HhcVXlChef9PsKjjqsS4_N7IdJo-hQiwkM7/s1600/naughty+or+nice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnNeesUNvObrx_9l177USlEcWIqPyBhAilZ0AALsBNDdY9nsA65zhMZi9NwX_T4UzFuk39C9pJbkMvfX4qiRce4h-35l4ZIuzHK0CU8dG1HhcVXlChef9PsKjjqsS4_N7IdJo-hQiwkM7/s320/naughty+or+nice.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">September 25, 2013 North Pole Behavior
Bureau</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Naughty or Nice List
Status <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>90 Day Notice </b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dear Nigel Ayodeji Shoyoye<span style="font-size: small;">:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This letter is written as a
reminder that Christmas is just three short months away. It has come to the
attention of the Chief Elf in Charge that your behavior has been mostly nice,
but just a little naughty. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This news is quite a shock for Santa and
his crew.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Since your first Christmas in December 2007 you have been one of the best behaved boys in North America! We have always been very impressed by how hard you work to be kind, well mannered and a good friend. I am sure that you will make the
proper adjustments to </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">guarantee</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> that you will have a very Merry Christmas full
of peace, love, joy and lots of cool toys. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May we suggest:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Playing nicely with
your little sister.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Working hard to have
excellent behavior at school everyday.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Using a respectful tone
and polite language when speaking to people – especially parents, grandparents
and elders.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It is very important to
follow your parents instructions the first time, maybe the second, but
definitely not on “Nigel Time.” (Yes, </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">we've</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> been talking with your Mom)</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please do not shout, whine or stomp your feet when asked to take a bath or go to bed.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Keep your room tidy and
ask what you can do to help with house chores.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Santa
believes in you and he knows that you are a very good boy. Smart too! Remember
he sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake; he knows if </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">you've</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> been bad or good – SO BE GOOD FOR GOODNESS SAKE!</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Benjamin
Lee Elf, Chief Elf in Charge<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">North Pole Behavior
Bureau</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-11484954077750325002013-09-21T13:55:00.002-07:002013-09-22T13:31:48.986-07:00Commit To "Me Time" - 6 Ways To Make Time For You!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLZh0LhNEqHnp08YX2ht5X8dnLlmZJXc0ICeYFHiyT7iJJ_QMfsLRU2cL0U54xXN3zUF4EIYiCF9tlRMcMMi4cwIOp38TSpb7g3GJ3Zn4cHafOeiXV-iuKq6tV-ZcAzf8tZ_kkB9aM9-4/s1600/me-time+arrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLZh0LhNEqHnp08YX2ht5X8dnLlmZJXc0ICeYFHiyT7iJJ_QMfsLRU2cL0U54xXN3zUF4EIYiCF9tlRMcMMi4cwIOp38TSpb7g3GJ3Zn4cHafOeiXV-iuKq6tV-ZcAzf8tZ_kkB9aM9-4/s200/me-time+arrow.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
As CEO of your home you have an endless list of responsibilities and obligations. At work you and your spouse juggle client meetings, work travel and can't-miss deadlines. Your child's schedule is bursting with projects and activities. The hustle and bustle just doesn't stop, leaving most of us in dire need of a little personal time.<br />
<br />
Since having children I've worked between 20-40 hours a week, spent 3 years as a full-time graduate student and completed a year long internship. I assumed that my most recent stint as a stay-at-home mom would provide an opportunity to do all the things I was previously too busy for. My experience has been quite the opposite. There's always something to do at home, an appointment or errand, homework to review, meals to plan, etc. People may assume I having an easy go of it (cue the soap opera and bonbon stereotype) when in reality my days fly by faster than ever with hardly any time alone. The expectation is that stay-at-home parents have all day to themselves, but realistically we've been dodging telemarketers, taming tantrums, in the kitchen or shuttling kids in the car all day. Working hard to keep my family healthy, happy and high functioning isn't a complaint. As an adult I recognize we all have duties to fulfill and sacrifices to make. Whether you are a working professional or full-time homemaker, it's often hard to prioritize even just a sliver of time for the things we WANT to do instead of NEED to do. Making time to relax and recharge can relieve stress, improve your interactions at work and home, positively impact your physical and mental health and help you sleep better at night. But how do you find the time?<br />
<br />
<b>1. Become an early bird</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSX05qjDGXUN0J7dtorNQk5tmWZCKhBcr6kVzhNnmRTeMbRTMNIyMMZi9iv_pnxWbqaqPVTPJKkI6cvECpshSdetAIf9xhZ_tEBBddel04NvE4ozuS3SJ4XsKkqjwci512YZOpyS8nl843/s1600/black-woman-meditating-cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSX05qjDGXUN0J7dtorNQk5tmWZCKhBcr6kVzhNnmRTeMbRTMNIyMMZi9iv_pnxWbqaqPVTPJKkI6cvECpshSdetAIf9xhZ_tEBBddel04NvE4ozuS3SJ4XsKkqjwci512YZOpyS8nl843/s320/black-woman-meditating-cartoon.jpg" width="318" /></a>When I go to bed exhausted the last thing I want to think about is waking up an hour early. However, if you're desperate for a little peace and quiet one of the easiest ways to get some solitude is to rise a bit earlier that the rest of your household. Set your alarm for 5:30 or 6 am. Use the stillness of dawn to meditate, deep breathe and start your day with positive affirmations. Stretch, take a run or do a little yoga. Make a cup of coffee or tea and grab fresh air on your porch or balcony. Starting your morning with peace and balance may allow you to carry those feelings throughout your day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>2. Give yourself a gift card</b><br />
Lack of time can keep us from doing the fun stuff we enjoy, but sometimes it's a lack of funds that prevents us from taking advantage of an opportunity. Be prepared when the free moment presents itself. Once a month buy yourself a $50 gift card to your favorite spa, retailer or restaurant. When you see a great Groupon deal buy it! That way when you have a sitter or a free Sunday afternoon you won't have to worry about blowing your budget.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>3. Standing salon appointments</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPWBjGntQAITlZHUKReDseOylp6kBPQDwzZ9TEgGfJeC9IVc_QqephaDjjHVsXcjEGVk2W1ceW_44EjNyKnxOgX5aobpQBeu1fkH-EmICVd1UMv7OHh8tKOqnzg5-jFayQdMR7YF74ZpE/s1600/wife+me+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPWBjGntQAITlZHUKReDseOylp6kBPQDwzZ9TEgGfJeC9IVc_QqephaDjjHVsXcjEGVk2W1ceW_44EjNyKnxOgX5aobpQBeu1fkH-EmICVd1UMv7OHh8tKOqnzg5-jFayQdMR7YF74ZpE/s200/wife+me+time.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Going to your hairstylist or favorite manicurist doesn't have to be a single girl luxury. If you patronize a popular salon scheduling can already be a headache; couple that with tying down a sitter for Saturday morning and you could find yourself struggling to get serviced every two weeks. Talk to your spouse, babysitter or extended family about committing to a regular time (preferably a weekday) when they can keep the little ones busy while you're getting beautified. Maybe your neighbor takes the boys to soccer practice every other Tuesday afternoon. Or, Dad does breakfast and school drop every Friday so you can keep your 8:00 am standing appointment. When you look good, you feel good. Don't deny yourself the simple pleasure of a little pampering.<br />
<br />
<b>4. </b><b>Find a gym with childcare</b><br />
I dream of a life where I hit the gym twice a day and get back to my pre-baby body in no time, but two and a half years later I'm still carrying a bit of belly bulge. I thought putting my career on pause would leave lots of time to focus on my physical health. Having to find childcare during workouts has been a hindrance (and an excuse), but there are ways to fit in fitness. Lots of people have success using DVDs at home or taking jogging strollers on their runs. I encourage readers to explore these options, but I've tried and they're not for me. I enjoy exercising in a gym - taking classes, using the sauna, access to a trainer etc. Now lots of facilities offer free on-site childcare for members. Do some research online, find a gym in your area and give it a try. Of course, take you and your child's level of comfort into account. If they're not used to the setting start off with a short workout and increase the length as you both become regulars. If you have older children try to schedule separate classes that meet at the same time. That way being active becomes a family affair, but you each have solo time to exercise and socialize with peers. <br />
<br />
<b>5. </b><b>Buy tickets in advance</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKKrVU37VHulf1FJrIbWMsn_Kcv9_Q2kQcyZVyrRA8KgACh4NYJiFSjc3hBWrrhLjrEasawG_aTVC5jnW_j_Qahtwtr0Vm4Hwp0XTx2tnIwUoz1d4lqRxmkbRrokyKYfjwiD7zBowuM-o/s1600/Me-Time+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKKrVU37VHulf1FJrIbWMsn_Kcv9_Q2kQcyZVyrRA8KgACh4NYJiFSjc3hBWrrhLjrEasawG_aTVC5jnW_j_Qahtwtr0Vm4Hwp0XTx2tnIwUoz1d4lqRxmkbRrokyKYfjwiD7zBowuM-o/s320/Me-Time+heart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Keep up with your favorite performer on tour, sports team or production at the local theater. Professionals may take for granted the benefits of mental stimulation and grown up experiences. But, full time parents know what they're missing. There's only so much Veggie Tales and Barney one person can take. Consult with friends and buy tickets to a event well in advance so it can go on the family calendar right next to all the other activities.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>6. Take a class</b><br />
I'm raising my children to be lifetime learners. What better way to practice what you preach than by beefing up your resume or adding to your skill set with a class or workshop? Sure you could use free time to take in a movie or visit old friends, but enrolling in a new field of study is just as rewarding. Again, you have the benefit of a schedule to aid in planning for regular childcare. Classmates and instructors can become a part of your network, or even new friends. The intellectual and creative activity will be a great joy, and your family will think it's cool seeing Mom or Dad as a student. You'll enjoy having something fresh to share at the dinner table.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-47071219868944556612013-08-17T23:22:00.000-07:002013-08-18T07:16:17.858-07:00Girl Power! Don't believe the hype. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfm8Mhmn0-OhruNIhrt7G1UQH6Klfjcy9dkkIOtAwTTJ3IcfZ6q1OVzp_vu1yE11aGoX_urcvxxREa2yyQP5oYNO28x85PqrE7pmPu2WKY7-8fjqyytfwFyY1isrzs5ZPPPy4f6JSqb1T/s1600/IMG_20130818_000308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfm8Mhmn0-OhruNIhrt7G1UQH6Klfjcy9dkkIOtAwTTJ3IcfZ6q1OVzp_vu1yE11aGoX_urcvxxREa2yyQP5oYNO28x85PqrE7pmPu2WKY7-8fjqyytfwFyY1isrzs5ZPPPy4f6JSqb1T/s400/IMG_20130818_000308.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-23337651081957282982013-08-16T11:45:00.000-07:002013-08-16T11:45:06.207-07:00Sho Family relocation. Change is good!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Que pasa Momtourage? (Dads too) I hope everyone is having an epic summer vacation and making memories that you will cherish for years to come. Sorry I haven't posted anything lately, but my family has been in the midst of a huge transition. We've relocated from Chicago to Atlanta and I've been busy getting us grounded and settled in. Change is good and I'm excited about our new beginnings!<br />
<br />
It's an ongoing process, but I promise to be back with new posts next week! I'll have lots to discuss about the school system in Georgia, blending big city likes with suburban Southern lifestyle, evolving personal and professional goals, keeping family bonds strong across miles, supporting your spouse through a shared vision for your family, helping children build new friendships and much more :-)</div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-26052477313500387882013-07-04T12:10:00.000-07:002013-07-04T12:10:14.337-07:00Happy Birthday to Malia Ann Obama! Our fabulous first daughter!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmWgd5pgZHlopwZ9RGCMoNYuWBulqWUeRykn76YBvtesZsVWtg_vyrO2A0VuivhAWbotZ9yC4vh9PSAKlMmh3uO7ztO3mg1_KG4arQar40tIu-uK2zvCuj9EWACwMIEuQDXbJq_KzskDQ/s905/malia-obama-dating-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmWgd5pgZHlopwZ9RGCMoNYuWBulqWUeRykn76YBvtesZsVWtg_vyrO2A0VuivhAWbotZ9yC4vh9PSAKlMmh3uO7ztO3mg1_KG4arQar40tIu-uK2zvCuj9EWACwMIEuQDXbJq_KzskDQ/s320/malia-obama-dating-1.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
Today while we celebrate the birth of our great nation, let's take a moment to send a birthday wish to the eldest FDOTUS. Today Malia Obama, daughter of President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, turns 15 years old. The country has watched the socially conscious, sports loving teen grow up in the White House. Not sure if she's spending the day at a backyard Bbq with friends or relaxing with her family following last week's trip to Africa, but wherever she may be let's hope she's enjoying herself in true stars and stripes style. </div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-46784836905038782332013-06-29T12:01:00.002-07:002013-09-15T13:05:42.114-07:00New Rules, New Baby, New Shawn Carter. Jay-Z talks fatherhood in "Jay-Z Blue" on upcoming album Magna Carta Holy Grail<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XgiAWKxFq50oFvrSfI8xnChJRN0tD6T67fqZx_fBi8idDRePxA9lpIHpdie5RYv5AGKO3g6S-1BBl5g6gMHqyQyg2o-bRg6_bjfD20Thy5tGErwHCvfOGH80lvHfKBGukQBeWvmc8_Nn/s1600/jayz-and-blue-ivy-july-17-ftr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XgiAWKxFq50oFvrSfI8xnChJRN0tD6T67fqZx_fBi8idDRePxA9lpIHpdie5RYv5AGKO3g6S-1BBl5g6gMHqyQyg2o-bRg6_bjfD20Thy5tGErwHCvfOGH80lvHfKBGukQBeWvmc8_Nn/s200/jayz-and-blue-ivy-july-17-ftr.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jay-Z, hip hop titan, mogul, Beyonce's Mr. Carter and father of 1 year old Blue Ivy, has been giving Samsung Galaxy users a taste of the creative process through which he crafted his 12th studio album Magna Carta Holy Grail set for release July 9th. In an unprecedented cross industry deal the "business - man" has partnered with <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Samsung who bought the first million copies of the highly anticipated album and plans to give it to the first Samsung-users who downloaded the Magna Carta app in advance for free on July 4th. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 19px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vr_9lpQvPs5zNfbVqIq4wgwqkWn51Hff25_HCaGIP8blgmFXDxp1N0e46slz8FcBeaZOaULp523JmyKazVF3h64gbw0uR5kegjcCQZrIqzARZPPReLjgVT-x_AenMUV__sqWIDBRjikm/s1600/BIteSz-CcAEksze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vr_9lpQvPs5zNfbVqIq4wgwqkWn51Hff25_HCaGIP8blgmFXDxp1N0e46slz8FcBeaZOaULp523JmyKazVF3h64gbw0uR5kegjcCQZrIqzARZPPReLjgVT-x_AenMUV__sqWIDBRjikm/s320/BIteSz-CcAEksze.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Like scores of other Android using fans of the Jigga Man, I've been checking the app daily for early insights into MCHG through song lyrics and behind the scenes videos filmed throughout the project. Recently we were introduced to "Jay-Z Blue (Daddy Dearest)" in which the rapper reflects on how his own father's absence informs the choices he now makes as husband and father. A sneak peek into the lyrics reveal a vulnerability and personal paradigm shift that often effects even the most successful and capable of us once we become parents. </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cdn.rap-up.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/jay-z-blue-lyrics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://cdn.rap-up.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/jay-z-blue-lyrics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Footage of Jay discussing the track shows a side of him I don't think we've ever seen. When sharing his worries about failing his daughter there is a hint of anxiety, a bit of awkwardness, that I find endearing coming from the consummate cool dude who appears always in control. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was young so he [Jay's Dad] didn’t teach me how to be a man nor how to raise a child or treat a woman. So of course, with my karma, the two things I needed I don’t have and I have a daughter. It’s the paranoia of not being a great dad.” </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/71X06QMGqK0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">It seems having a baby really does change everything. </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
</div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-54762044897566519572013-06-16T13:24:00.000-07:002013-06-16T13:32:21.190-07:00Father's Day Special! Fatherhood Reflections from Real Dads<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!</strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Earlier this month I started contacting some Fathers to create a special Dad's Day project. As to be expected MommyMorphosis typically focuses on the transformative effect becoming a parent has had on my life, as well as offer my take on issues in child rearing, education, relationships, etc. Today I'm doing something that I've been thinking about for a while. Most often Moms are presented as the authorities on parenting; but doting Dads have a voice too! In honor of Father's Day I invited men that I know to be loving, active Dads to write about their experiences and how children have enriched their lives. I was overwhelemed with the number of men willing to assist me by sharing their family stories; it goes to show that there is a lot of love and emotion just under the surface of the most masculine exteriors. I hope to continue working with fathers as guest bloggers, so Dads, if what you read in this post inspires you to pen something of your own please send it to </span><a href="mailto:mommymorphosis@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">mommymorphosis@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Take the time to today to celebrate Dads that are making a difference and don't get the recognition they deserve!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6JcxneFXVa9vRD4wCg5SVlwaHq1rmgup6CUzNzaG6Fwh_6CkbwaPnOMsREt-hp7iuBa-dOGjFdMNRV4KhwpMwodp2ExISBf85UMaIMpY6CmnqhNMTNI3GjDg0CsqHd0GSWkySAWusIOO/s1600/ugo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6JcxneFXVa9vRD4wCg5SVlwaHq1rmgup6CUzNzaG6Fwh_6CkbwaPnOMsREt-hp7iuBa-dOGjFdMNRV4KhwpMwodp2ExISBf85UMaIMpY6CmnqhNMTNI3GjDg0CsqHd0GSWkySAWusIOO/s320/ugo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ugo Nwokolo </span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My name is Ugo from the House of Nwokolo. Husband to Funmi and Father to Ronke, Kosi and Ugo. I am 36 yrs old. I am working to be a Network Engineer and also a kickass photographer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We have been married for 8 lovely years that I wouldn't trade for anything. The only way it could be better would be if I could clone my wife and marry her again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Best Thing about being a Dad: The Super powers. I love being able to get my kids to do things that their mommy couldnt do. For 6 months, I had the ability to silence my 9 month old with a look. I could make her eat the same cereal that she previously refused and she loved my hugs. I love being a Super hero to my kids. They think I am soo awesome and they make me be and feel that I have to be better to live up to their adulation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love the way my girls nestle in my arms and rest. They feel safe in my arms and I will contort my body into crazy uncomfortable positions to keep them sleeping soundly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I think the best thing about being a Dad is teaching your kids things that their mother wouldnt or couldnt teach them. It really hits home how important it is to have that Male/Female model to raising your children. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Most Scary thing about being a Dad: Worrying about making a mistake. Scared that I will make a decision that will affect my family in a way that I cant rectify. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Most Difficult thing about being a Dad: Recaiming the time with my wife. Children are natural cockblockers. They suck up all attention and parents can easily fall into the trap of putting all your time with your kids and ignoring the Marriage aspect. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I find that a new role of the father is being the Protector of the Marriage. Working to make sure that you find creative ways to be together and have that intimate Husband/wife time that grows your marriage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Daddy lesson learned: I dont have to worry about having enough love for all my kids. My heart grows with each child. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There are two requests that I should always agree or pay attention to:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1- Daddy, can I sit on your lap? -- This is a request that you must always acquiese to.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2- Daddy, please look at me! -- You need to always listen to your girls when they ask that. Your attention is very important to them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My role in the Family: I dont know how to respond to this. I am the Daddy. The bringer of the fun. The discipline enforcer. Co bread winner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I want to be the Father that my kids call almost everyday to solict my advice and companionship.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">How my kids describe me: The Best daddy ever</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Chris Davis</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm Chris Davis of course... currently I'm 33. I own my company PNKSLP LLC (like us on FB, follow us on Twitter and IG). I personally designed a table top network marketing board game. I've been married for 11 years and have 5 boys no girls! (yay) My wife and I have 4 boys together and I had my 1st son while in college.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKShK3LUkLiMh5KE1DHgLjHLeiigJtRFmOHKowxMEw_n-Z00e-qMS8Z_KGdPssJisd4q-tNH744pFddfpE_7WL5sdy-cfd-hDIIs_Am-7lOrSBzxW0toUpsZ7eLiFu_9Cq-5_HP8qYW1TI/s1600/Chris+Davis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKShK3LUkLiMh5KE1DHgLjHLeiigJtRFmOHKowxMEw_n-Z00e-qMS8Z_KGdPssJisd4q-tNH744pFddfpE_7WL5sdy-cfd-hDIIs_Am-7lOrSBzxW0toUpsZ7eLiFu_9Cq-5_HP8qYW1TI/s320/Chris+Davis.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The best part of being a dad is knowing that I am raising boys to be men and one day they will be able to thank God for having a father, dad, and man in their life. The scariest part of being a dad seeing them 1st come out and wondering if you will be able to take care of and provide for them. The most difficult part is knowing when to and when not to discipline. It's also difficult to know whether or not you are doing the right then at the right time. It's super frustrating to see your child struggle and know that it's up to you to all them to grow through the struggle because the struggle will make them better. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Becoming a parent has changed me tremendously. I hug more. Go to school and help with projects and prior to having my own I probably wouldn't have ever been involved at such a high level. Since becoming a dad I've learned that you teach train and love as much as often and as hard as you can you don't stop until you are gone from this world because all children male or female need their dad's perspective and his keen eye. I've learn that you must give your children affection, attention, approval and affirmation. I strive to be the dad that is tough and loving at the same time. Gentle and caring but firm and I'll whoop that ass if you fuck up again after I've told you to get right! My children would describe me as a loving mean, caring dad.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Donald Andrews</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My name is Donald Andrews and I am Senior Sales Associate for the Byers Auto Group in Columbus, OH. I live in a small town right outside of Columbus, OH named Pickerington. One of my goals that drives me the most is developing a rehabilitation center for the homeless, addicted and afflicted. I'm talking about job training, ethics training, interactive life training, etc. I want to prepare those individuals that need help transitioning into society for the first time and those that need help that have tried and failed.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbbmC2SaLCJNC-3ZD1tv-RNHXhEZ8IW-4uvSpjk2omJUtJNnSPQ5gP-kXxopSMHOZVt7J3a7_SKfGmvCqtZd_6fQ0MdnP3NQ4yUeN5-8zNZlgShkWCnNyu0g9SpegUoXo5l0-0vvmGyHi/s1600/Don+Andrews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbbmC2SaLCJNC-3ZD1tv-RNHXhEZ8IW-4uvSpjk2omJUtJNnSPQ5gP-kXxopSMHOZVt7J3a7_SKfGmvCqtZd_6fQ0MdnP3NQ4yUeN5-8zNZlgShkWCnNyu0g9SpegUoXo5l0-0vvmGyHi/s320/Don+Andrews.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have a fiancé and our two children. Both of my children are by the same woman, who I intend to spend the rest of my life with. I have been married once at a very young age, but I never gave up on the idea of love and family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The best part about being a father is watching all of the wisdom you attempt to instill in your children manifest itself when they are away from you. I have a daughter and its different than having a son. I see my daughter as someone I have to protect. I see my son and see all my faults become perfect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The scariest thought of being a parent is having my children away from me in the presence of IMMEDIATE danger. I rarely get frustrated and nothing seems difficult. I am only concerned with their safety. The one thing that changed me because of my children is realizing what I missed out on with my father. They have alerted me to a void that I didn't even realize that was there. Learning that two opinions are better than one. The way I rationalize my actions completely revolves around my children. The love you have for your children cant be described in words. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have always depended on myself because my mother has had to do the same. I do all the laundry, cooking and cleaning because I trust me to do it the best. I work and work hard. The way I show love to my children is by teaching them ethical values, being appreciative and never take things for granted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My daughter would describe as a warden. I do not let anything slide with her. On the other side of that coin she would say that I am her protection. Nothing and I mean nothing happens to her without it happening to me first. If it does, pray. My first born is my baby girl. My son will tell you that he can talk to me about anything. He is 5. Male to male, we have a bond that is unique. I see him and see perfection. If you asked him, he would tell you that I am the best daddy in the whole wide world. He tells me that every day no lie. Crazy thing is he never wants anything when he does say it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Bottom line is that as I matriculate through parenthood, I learn something everyday. My children are my most precious aspect of life because they need me to feel that way. Purpose. As a parent I used to wonder what life was like before them or why it mattered before them. Now I know that everything I have ever been through was to prepare me to lead my family. Footprints in the sand doesn't come from one generation. The journey is real. With proper guidance and the instillation of thick moral fabric, my children will be in the best position to leave noticeable and positive world footprints that effect lives and communities here and abroad.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Darroll
Lawson </span></b></div>
M<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">y name is
Darroll Lawson, 43, and I’m a 25 year resident of Atlanta from East Lansing, </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Michigan and
am a graduate of Morehouse College.</span><o:p></o:p></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8vP9UljfeImh_9tBCMcmiHQzcgykQsxFXl4Ami5Y5eyzvlFWPGIT7eZKnK4VDuaNFyqmsAViDBuCE3ItHp414DKVj1O9QwvHN8mk72epYZuILBDhn5ubM3JYBUqjDKdiku3RKpksUfjR/s1600/Darroll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8vP9UljfeImh_9tBCMcmiHQzcgykQsxFXl4Ami5Y5eyzvlFWPGIT7eZKnK4VDuaNFyqmsAViDBuCE3ItHp414DKVj1O9QwvHN8mk72epYZuILBDhn5ubM3JYBUqjDKdiku3RKpksUfjR/s320/Darroll.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Your life's
work: Occupation, professional or entrepurnial goals, personal cause or</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">passion, voluteer, hobbies...</span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m an IT executive for a fortune 500
technology company that delivers best-of-breed software and professional
consulting services to major corporations. My passions evolve around the social
sciences. Specifically, I’m extremely intellectually curious about religion,
psychology, sociology and how these things integrate into our day to day lives
and politics. As a hobby, I’m an Author “Options Solutions to the (Good) Man
Shortage”, an internet Radio Host (the PhilosoG’s), Documentary Film Writer
(Currently working on a project on the Impact of Excess in American Culture on
Love & Relationships) and I’ve done a couple of viral youtube video animations
on social phenomena. I also coach my sons in AAU basketball, teach them piano 4
days a week, coach their football team, teach their children’s Sunday School
class, help with Teen Night at my church, and supplement their tennis lessons
with “daddy lessons”…lol.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><strong>Family
description: Tell about your family make up. Married, divorced, military,
single dad, blended family, etc .</strong></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">I’m a
married (11 years) father of three children ages 16, 9 and 7. My oldest
daughter is mine, though officially my step-daughter (I see no distinction);
but, for the purposes of accuracy, we are a blended family.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><strong>Best part of
being a Dad:</strong></span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">The best
part of being a dad is the process providing value in their lives and seeing
their growth, happiness, and appreciation as a result. For example, I love when
they jubilantly scream “DADDYY!” when I walk through the door from work or an
overnight trip out of town. I love seeing them beam with personal satisfaction
after being recognized for excellence in academics and/or sport. I love to see
their response from encouraging cheers after reciting a scripture in church.
Mostly, I love how they assimilate the values and spiritual principles we teach
them into their everyday lives.</span><o:p></o:p></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Just
yesterday, a bully was bothering students at my son’s camp and I was told by my
wife that my son kept “running away from the boy”. Initially, my machismo
kicked in and I wanted to pound my chest and have a stern talk with my son
about “being a man” and not taking mess off of anyone. But, when I sat down
with my son, he explained that he felt sorry for the boy. He thought maybe
something was emotionally wrong with him and felt that while he could’ve easily
beat him up or hurt him, he was more concerned about his well-being and kept
“walking away”while trying to minister to him in a godly manner. He chose love
over violence. For me, that was one of my proudest father moments. I’m raising
good, kind people. That’s the best part of being a dad!</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><strong>Most scary,
surprising, difficult, frustrating part:</strong></span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">The most
scary part is thinking I won’t have enough time to teach them everything I know
or that I’ll somehow fail to properly set them up for success in life. The most
surprising part is the joy in the actual work of raising a family. I never
would’ve thought something so difficult could be so joyous.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">The most difficult part is the sacrifice
(my entire leisurely wardrobe is practically all “crosscolors” since most of my
wardrobe money has been going to my wife and children over the past 11
years….lol). Sacrifice of sleep, personal time, money, having nice things, etc.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">The most frustrating part is
whenever I feel like they don’t appreciate the sacrifice or are careless or
unthankful for the privilege they have.</span><o:p></o:p></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><strong>How becoming a
parent has changed you? Or, what you've learned about life, love or yourself
since becoming a father?</strong></span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Becoming a
parent has made me more patient, tolerant of different views, understanding,
and more communal. I’ve learned the importance of the group over myself. I’ve
learned more about my relationship with God as the parent-child relationship
remarkably similar to the Godman (kind) relationship. When my children
complain, I think of my complaints to God; when they’re dissatisfied, I think
of how I can me more thankful for God’s blessings and mercy; when my children
hide things, I reflect on my personal righteousness and what I think I’m hiding
from God. Being a parent has made me much more thoughtful and aware of what
kind of Christian I am. It’s also given me an appreciation of what my religion
tells me of the crucifixion of Christ.</span><o:p></o:p></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><strong>Your role in the
family, how do you fit in? What kind of Father you strive to be, etc?</strong></span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Happy
Spouse, happy house. My role is to provide covering for everyone in my</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">household…spiritual, financial,
emotional, etc. After that, my wife pretty much runs the house. I get in where
I can fit in with helping with cooking, cleaning, disciplining (putting down
that “man foot”! lol), being available for family vacations and trips she
plans, etc. My goal as a father is to be Christ-like….to literally sacrifice
and lay down my life so they can pick up the mantle (Paying it forward as my
mom and grandfather and ancestors have done for me).</span><o:p></o:p></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><strong>How would your
children describe you?</strong></span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">They often
tell me I’m the best dad in the world.(don’t get much better than that)</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Wess Walters </strong></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEzlvuSOqJ5jws4UDpQP23GdEnFMwQYR4j0irlbugQHTh12rSgvcI_zxHNarxJZ524NW_iWzKlsU_rCWwMtCZcPGHHu3P1AUcGN6OTdRypXTVlGYgH-kMWJVbfQiOsD2vSw9OM5Bs8p4p/s1600/Wess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEzlvuSOqJ5jws4UDpQP23GdEnFMwQYR4j0irlbugQHTh12rSgvcI_zxHNarxJZ524NW_iWzKlsU_rCWwMtCZcPGHHu3P1AUcGN6OTdRypXTVlGYgH-kMWJVbfQiOsD2vSw9OM5Bs8p4p/s320/Wess.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wess Walters, 35 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Entrepreneur, Television editor. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hobbies- perfecting my craft.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Family description: Divorce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Best part of being a Dad:</strong> Watching my kids grow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Most scary:</strong> Watching my kids get hurt. Surprising-being amazed of how much more advance my kids are than I am at the same age. Difficult- Not spending as much time as I would like because of work. Frustrating-balancing time with the world and time with them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>How becoming a parent has changed you? Or, what you've learned about life, love or yourself since becoming a father?</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Becoming a parent has made me do everything with a purpose. I’m no longer able to quit, because now if I tell my kids “not to give up”, then I would be a hypocrite.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Your role in the family, how do you fit in? What kind of Father you strive to be, etc? </strong></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I’m the head of the house. I strive to be like in the image of Malcolm X, with the discipline of Bruce Lee with the humor, compassion and the ability to express love like Mr. Huxtable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>How would your children describe you?</strong> The best kids on earth. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>How would your children describe you?</strong> “Daddy you are the bestest daddy ever”!</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Ed Kim</strong></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LOCKAY_Gd_773gMWAzOkrp4wsNjktXBG6Rz2qVxir3sY3JwcrENIp_MHhGb1ozzm3LyGTyECqikOWBzU6Sa-dneFMGcFpbzfZAKqnLOLDB9I4UlKca38D1XDdCeKA5o61jPO4lQ_Y_45/s1600/Ed+Kim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LOCKAY_Gd_773gMWAzOkrp4wsNjktXBG6Rz2qVxir3sY3JwcrENIp_MHhGb1ozzm3LyGTyECqikOWBzU6Sa-dneFMGcFpbzfZAKqnLOLDB9I4UlKca38D1XDdCeKA5o61jPO4lQ_Y_45/s320/Ed+Kim.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My name is Ed and I’m 33 years old. I currently reside in
Springfield, IL, but was born and raised in Chicago (city proper). I’ve been
married to my wife, Amanda, for 8 WONDERFUL years, but we’ve been together
since 1999. We have two very handsome sons, Carter and Spencer, 4 years and 11
months in age respectively. I am a very proud parent. Oftentimes, in public, I
certainly become my own father as I am speechless by the love and adoration
strangers will show towards my children. That is not the best part of being a
father. Rather, I love reading to my oldest and listening to him read back to
me. It seems just yesterday Carter was learning how to walk. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Being a father is not easy. I am constantly in flux with my
parental role as role model, provider, mentor, peer, and disciplinarian … among
many other roles. As much as I would love to continually provide my kids with
anything and everything, I look at my oldest and sometimes feel angry at his
propensity to be thankless for all the material goods he’s acquired. Yet, I’m
never angry at him, just the actions and behavior. Of course, I view much of me
in him and I know how I was as a kid. So, I really try to step back, allow my
child to make/commit mistakes and see if he will learn from them. I then try to
emulate/embody the great values and characteristics that create a great person
hoping that Carter will pick up on the best behaviors.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I guess the toughest part of being a dad is watching my kids
deal with the consequences of their actions (i.e. Spencer standing up and
leaning to reach for something, but falls hard to the ground). A part of me
wants to just make all the decisions for them or make everything alright.
Sometimes, there’s nothing that a parent or adult can do to fix anything, but
simply hopelessly watch as kids make their choices and deal with the related
consequences.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I guess Carter would describe me as one to not disappoint. I
take misbehavior seriously, not as bad as my own father, and always make sure
Carter learns <em>something</em>. I think Carter is beginning to learn the lesson
of making an impression and exercising judgment. As much as I would love to see
a lesson learned much easier, I know that nothing is easy in life in order to
succeed. I can only hope that I remain close to my children for the rest of my
life. I’d hate to alienate any of them simply because I love them too much to
see them fail.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My children are the love of my life, second only to my wife
and best friend. I can only hope that we, as a family, can develop and grow the
best qualities and values as time passes us by.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></strong> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">R</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ayy Horton</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxP1swWuYjr7-9azsLCplGDicsAb1zjehR1ZTa_s1gxXphlYme3FuLbZKLzC2I76EdJNOpfnP_UiWD8n4CWNJGra-6sXXD3m0EEUf1-KKfyRgv088olqtfOxfiS7Pqc3B4JotsoZxLNirZ/s1600/Rayy+Horton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxP1swWuYjr7-9azsLCplGDicsAb1zjehR1ZTa_s1gxXphlYme3FuLbZKLzC2I76EdJNOpfnP_UiWD8n4CWNJGra-6sXXD3m0EEUf1-KKfyRgv088olqtfOxfiS7Pqc3B4JotsoZxLNirZ/s320/Rayy+Horton.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>INTRO:</strong> Rayy
Horton, 41, from New Jersey currently residing in Atlanta, GA<br />
<br />
<strong>OCCUPATION/PERSONAL DESCRIPTION:</strong> I studied Visual Communications at the<br />
World Renowned Grambling State University and have been doing<br />
professional graphic design work since 1996. I'm a very simple guy<br />
that really doesn't require much to be happy or should I say content.<br />
I enjoy sports! Playing and watching mostly at my age! Not that I'm<br />
all that old but time really doesn't permit me to participate like<br />
when I was younger.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>GROWING UP FAMILY BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION:</strong> I'm the youngest of my<br />
mother's children (1 older Brother)! She re-married a few years ago<br />
but had been dating the same man (since divorcing my father in the 7th<br />
grade) whom I consider a very influential and positive male role model<br />
in my life growing up. He had two sons that I also considered my<br />
brothers growing up, both older than I; still making me the baby of<br />
the bunch. My father also got re-married and had two more children and<br />
son and daughter whom I never was very close to only due to the fact<br />
of age difference and geographical location as by that time I had gone<br />
to college and moved out of state! However, I do remain in contact<br />
with them and see them occasionally at family gatherings.<br />
<br />
<strong>MY FAMILY DESCRIPTION:</strong> I am married father of 4 girls (21, 13, 8, 5)<br />
three of which are living with my wife and I who gave birth to the two<br />
youngest. I had my first child while in college at 21 she's now in<br />
college. Years later I met the mother of my 13 year old and we didn't<br />
have a good breakup and I fought tooth and nail to gain custody<br />
finally winning for good when she was 3 and a half years old! The two<br />
youngest girls (by my as I stated earlier) were the only ones that I<br />
was actually present in the delivery room for! Those were an<br />
experience that I truly wished that I had with ALL my kids.<br />
<br />
<strong>BEST PART ABOUT BEING A DAD:</strong> I get asked this question from<br />
time-to-time and typically my response is the same. When I come home<br />
from work and they rush the door and jump in my arms screaming<br />
"DADDY'S HOME!" But since I've changed hours at work I'm the one that<br />
actually picks them up from school so now I guess the best part about<br />
being a dad is being able to kiss them goodnight everyday!<br />
<br /><strong>
THE MOST SCARY PART OF BEING A DAD:</strong> Is NOT being able to get them to<br />
open up when I KNOW something is wrong with them! Mainly that 13 year<br />
old. What frustrates me the most about being a father is knowing that<br />
no matter how well I rear my children it only takes one wayward friend<br />
to have a bad influence on them and foul up all my years of<br />
training/lecturing/teaching/<wbr></wbr>guidance!<br />
<br />
<strong>FAMILY ROLE:</strong> Since I'm the first parent that gets off of work, it's my<br />
responsibility to make get the girls from school, make sure that<br />
homework is being done and cook dinner for them. Besides providing a<br />
financial stability I try and instill a strong sense of self-pride and<br />
self-worth for my girls. Making sure that they know and hear me say on<br />
a daily basis that they are beautiful and smart and very capable of<br />
achieving anything that they are willing to work hard/smart for.<br />
<br />
<strong>HOW BECOMING A FATHER CHANGED MY LIFE:</strong> This one is kind of tricking<br />
for the fact that I've always been a family oriented type of guy.<br />
Always enjoyed being among family and friend extended or not. Being a<br />
father just allowed me to first focus more on my own kids rather than<br />
someone else's.<br />
<br />
<strong>HOW WOULD MY CHILDREN DESCRIBE ME:</strong> I think my kids would describe me<br />
as fair, firm and fun! ( </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqfbVkC5wF8" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr></wbr>v=fqfbVkC5wF8</span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> )<br />
<br />
Listen... I have ALL girls so I'm NOT the disciplinarian in the house!<br />
That role goes to my wife by design. Not to say that I won't<br />
discipline them, it's just in my head I don't want them to grow up<br />
thinking that it is okay for a man to lay hands on them. I really<br />
don't know if this philosophy of mine is gonna translate into the real<br />
world but I pray that it does because I instill in them that it is NOT<br />
okay for a man or anyone to place their hands on them without<br />
permission.<br />
<br />
<strong>IN CONCLUSION:</strong> If I had to rate myself as a dad on a scale from 1-10,<br />
I'd give myself a 9 because although I believe that I'm always there<br />
for my children there is always room for improvement.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Stephen James Llorens, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">33<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></strong></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDYidbFXCSOk1NQQGs9hehA6LXpMVNt9XhurBCDyxUaNU-Dqh381egA5NpTLI9k6fUP3TFyUS3LBlNl7Kqz8J0YbIUDGElgI57ysmvVwGkOpkRN2qMASOmHnON5Qje6a9X-zwtS1XfMKj/s1600/Stephen+Lorens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDYidbFXCSOk1NQQGs9hehA6LXpMVNt9XhurBCDyxUaNU-Dqh381egA5NpTLI9k6fUP3TFyUS3LBlNl7Kqz8J0YbIUDGElgI57ysmvVwGkOpkRN2qMASOmHnON5Qje6a9X-zwtS1XfMKj/s320/Stephen+Lorens.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">From Chicago, currently in Los Angeles<o:p></o:p></span></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I enjoy long walks on the beach, singing kumbya while playing the
guitar with a sweater around my neck and smoking a </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">pipe wearing a patch elbow jacket, saying pip-pip a lot and
watching fancy opera through tiny binoculars while looking </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">down my nose.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times-Roman","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Roman;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Your
life's work: Occupation, professional or entrepurnial goals, personal cause or
passion, voluteer, hobbies...<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am a freelance writer by trade, my goal is to keep my loved ones
joyful and thriving in abundance.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times-Roman","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Roman;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Family
description:</strong> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am married minus the ceremony and rings, and live with my girl
Patricia and our beautiful boisterous three year old<o:p></o:p></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">baby bear Zoey Denise Llorens.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times-Roman","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Roman;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Best
part of being a Dad:<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The best part of being a dad is being a dad. I love being there to
discover Z's new discoveries with her and seeing the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">world through her brand new eyes. Even when she does something to
upset me I cannot be upset with her. She's my </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">baby, so I can look past her sending emails that read
"rrrthfpodddjkzzzxxxx" to my work colleagues or calling random </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">numbers and deleting information from my phone , or peeing on the
bathroom throw-rug because she's acting a fool<o:p></o:p></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">instead of using the potty, or yelling out proudly "daddy
daddy look i took my seatbelt off" while I'm switching lanes of<o:p></o:p></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">traffic on the L.A. 101 freeway, causing me to reach into the
backseat with one hand while watching the road and<o:p></o:p></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">keeping the flow of traffic going while switching from the fast
lane across five lanes of traffic to the off-ramp, past<o:p></o:p></span></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">multiple cars that drive like we're in the Indy 500: because she's
my baby girl and I loves me some her.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times-Roman","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Roman;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Most
scary, surprising, difficult, frustrating part:<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Nothing's scary anymore, Zoey has fallen down brick stairs, fallen
and rolled on blacktop, popped her wrist out of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">socket, fallen from the bed to the floor while asleep, hurt her
teeth, scraped her knees and just about everything else that </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">comes with being a teenage skateboarder. In short, Zoey could stand
in for Jackie Chan with the amount of stunts she's<o:p></o:p></span></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">survived through. I do my best to stay away from the "fear of
the future" that comes along with parenting, because i do </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">my best to let her know how strong, capable, loving and independent
she is, both inside and outside.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am buiding up my patience, because I do get frustrated at her
inability to "follow instruction"; but at the same time I </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">have to admire and honor her desire to do things on her own and
follow her own mind and heart. So I can't get to upset<o:p></o:p></span></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">about her wanting to drink out of an adult drinking glass instead
of a sippy-cup, even if she does end up wearing most<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">of her drink than drinking it. Part of the reason I can't be too
upset is that proud excited smile that comes across her little </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">face when she says "I did it daddy! I drank it all by
myself!"<o:p></o:p></span></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times-Roman","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Roman;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>How
becoming a parent has changed you? Or, what you've learned about life, love or
yourself since becoming a father?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have learned more about myself from being a father than I ever
knew about myself before becoming a father.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Parenthood offers me some serious insight into what my parents went
through when I was a kid. I have become less </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">judgmental of all parents, mine included and have learned to cut
myself, my wife and our baby a break, because we're all<o:p></o:p></span></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">doing our best; and our best is pretty great.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times-Roman","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Roman;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times-Roman","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Roman;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Your
role in the family, how do you fit in? What kind of Father you strive to be,
etc?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My role in the family varies and switches, from breadwinner to
shopper to spa manager to babysitter to referee to cook. I </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">strive to be the kind of father I have become: the kind of father
who is always wiling to listen, and who will do my best to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">keep those around me on the path they wish to travel, the father
who loves unconditionally, feels with his mind and<o:p></o:p></span></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">thinks with his heart.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times-Roman","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Roman;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>How
would your children describe you?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When we meet people, Zoey often takes it upon herself to make the
introduction in her sweet 3-year old voice: "Hi it's me, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Zoey. This is my daddy, his name is Stephen" </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and I wouldn't have it any other way </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">:)</span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Myron Burney </strong></span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xspUYscJI5j7S5D4JrZiQ9CFaveJ_1mYr0gwTOwQK1wL8bTPAchSfhNcq5v2OmRfVWyZLlKJS57bX66xYbdu9Rf6Tg2sSRF2IkeAjv55eQoSXUenpHXMrlW1OxKht0ImTvrXraFtnSRM/s1600/myron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xspUYscJI5j7S5D4JrZiQ9CFaveJ_1mYr0gwTOwQK1wL8bTPAchSfhNcq5v2OmRfVWyZLlKJS57bX66xYbdu9Rf6Tg2sSRF2IkeAjv55eQoSXUenpHXMrlW1OxKht0ImTvrXraFtnSRM/s320/myron.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">M<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">y name is Myron
Burney ‘98 and I am originally from Chadbourn, North Carolina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am the proud father of Erin Webb-Burney
(14) and Joseph Burney (5).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am married
to Monica Webb-Burney.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My life’s work
has always involved young people and their development particularly in high
school and college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have worked in
education my entire professional career and currently I am the Director of
Student Success & Outreach for the UNC System which encompasses all 16
public universities in the state of NC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I spend many hours working with high school and college students on
being successful in their academic pursuits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also work closely with a nonprofit organization that is focused on
developing leadership skills of young people and preparing them for college
success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although my wife and I have
connected to each other for almost 20 years (we grew up in the same area and
went to rival high schools) we have only been married for six years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we are family that does most things
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We take great pride in raising
our two children and we are thankful that they do not want for anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I imagine like many other families we spend a
great deal of time trying to raise respectful and responsible young people with
some moral and ethical values.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The best part of
being a dad is being the ideal example everyday of what I want my son to become
and the type of guy that I hope my daughter will fall in love with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My joy comes from their health and happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am honored to have them as my children and
I hope they feel the same way about us as parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scary part of fatherhood is that you
cannot protect your children from every situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether that is your daughters first broken
heart or a son being cut from that team that you know he tried so hard to
make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be frustrating keeping them
humble at times when we give them so much, but we make a conscious effort to
not get carried away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have always been
a high-spirited, energetic, and patient person, but fatherhood is an extreme
test of patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most importantly, I
have learned that kids sense when things are not in order and they are affected
by the actions, attitudes, and behaviors of mom and dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, every day I strive to be a better husband
so our home is filled with the spirit, love, and happiness that all kids need
in their life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although my wife lets me
carry the title as head of household, our family dynamic is a team effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order for us to strive, we rely on
everyone to do their part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether that
is our daughter babysitting at times or entertaining her brother or me taking
the kids to school and the wife picking up, it is a group effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it is all said and done, I want to be
the father that other young men dream of being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want my actions to speak for me and the love I have for my children to
be evident in the way I live.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">I am certain my
children would say I ask a lot of them, but I give them all I have!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know they would say I act younger than I am
because I keep up with the latest music, style, and gossip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would also say I am a great coach
because I have coached all of their sports teams and I think they would say
they have fun with me most of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finally, they will tell you that I am very confident, I am a believer of
God’s word, and if mommy is not happy, then we do not have a happy home!!!!! :-)</span></span></span></div>
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: TimesNewRoman,Italic;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: TimesNewRoman,Italic;"></span></span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: TimesNewRoman,Italic;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: TimesNewRoman,Italic;"></span></span><br /></div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-75652945941684505282013-06-04T12:08:00.000-07:002013-06-04T12:08:33.622-07:00Mommy-Morphosis needs submissions from Dad's for a special Father's Day project<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm working a special project and I need extraordinary Dads to help me out. Obviously the majority of my posts are from a Mom's perspective, but I'd like to highlight some great Dads in honor of Fathers Day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've put together a Dad's Day Q&A template that will allow you to share your unique reflections on Fatherhood in a meaningful way. You may also submit an original essay. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you (or someone you know) are interested in collaborating with please contact me via email. You can also leave your information in the comments section below and I'll be in touch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thanks in advance! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Deanna D. Shoyoye</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ddshoyoye@gmail.com</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">mommymorphosis@gmail.com</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-87034482308796847742013-05-25T07:59:00.002-07:002013-05-25T07:59:22.418-07:00#SeussSaturdays - A weekly celebration of Dr. Seuss' sheer genius!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yXIBOJL4WCvsSP1ZbCQ4P_2megxHwHXHYHns76SSdPq5uoP3dho01ANBa5eua6QuiWm878SAlSyKOqaXtUsV0AHp1LsR4A7eTTlsCeMYvE6_7coP9ozu_77VyVa-1Y6Mnn3OjGM_htg4/s1600/book+nut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yXIBOJL4WCvsSP1ZbCQ4P_2megxHwHXHYHns76SSdPq5uoP3dho01ANBa5eua6QuiWm878SAlSyKOqaXtUsV0AHp1LsR4A7eTTlsCeMYvE6_7coP9ozu_77VyVa-1Y6Mnn3OjGM_htg4/s200/book+nut.jpg" width="200" ya="true" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As a book nut I simply cannot get enough of the tongue twisty, wacky wisdom that is delivered in my favorite Dr. Seuss quotes! Apparently neither can my readers - my collection of Seuss sayings is by far the most popular MommyMorphosis post worldwide. <a href="http://mommymorphosis.blogspot.com/2012/03/happy-birthday-dr-seuss-seuss-quotes.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://mommymorphosis.blogspot.com/2012/03/happy-birthday-dr-seuss-seuss-quotes.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Id_1Nc87DD2Vzk3IJ6fp8K99OhrHbhP5SlhwMgv6cLQv3DHFldgL1Ip9xZgYbh0fxMfK6iPB86x_owQSlSa38FY2x7ZG706xnV8Wcv0d1qJUmjWuZOhqQTOOtT0OmLdTYuRcKE5bxb9f/s1600/lorax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Id_1Nc87DD2Vzk3IJ6fp8K99OhrHbhP5SlhwMgv6cLQv3DHFldgL1Ip9xZgYbh0fxMfK6iPB86x_owQSlSa38FY2x7ZG706xnV8Wcv0d1qJUmjWuZOhqQTOOtT0OmLdTYuRcKE5bxb9f/s320/lorax.jpg" width="224" ya="true" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
Working on my son's Dr. Seuss themed Kindergarten graduation has been my latest reminder of the prolific children's author's sheer genius. Dr. Seuss offers a refreshing perspective on more than colorful fish and mischievous chapeau-sporting felines. If you carefully read any of his many classics you'll find just the gem you need to understand love, wanderlust, ambition, adventure, friendship, disappointment or any other chapter of life.</div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div style="border: medium none;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today I'm launching a social media campaign to commemorate the brilliance and beauty of Dr. Seuss' work. </span><strong style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">#SeussSaturdays</strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> honors the profound life lessons Seuss presented as fun sized nuggets easy for kids to digest, yet hearty enough for those who are only young at heart. </span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Look for my </span><strong style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">#SeussSaturdays</strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> hashtag on the MommyMorphosis Facebook page, also on Twitter at @ShoMommy and Instagram by following @MommyMorphosis </span></div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br />
<br />
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">*For grown-up fun play the same game with Dr. Seuss quotes as you do with Chinese Fortune cookies. Adding "in bed" to the end will definitely make you giggle</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">!</span></b></i><br />
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></b></i>
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
</div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-65972275237842169142013-05-12T22:48:00.002-07:002013-05-12T22:48:34.511-07:002013's Best Mother's Day Memes and More<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><i><b>"The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new." Rajneesh</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mommy-Morphosis celebrates motherhood daily, but I couldn't let our special day pass without a special post! Motherhood is a journey and we all do it differently. <span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;">On Mother's Day not only am I eternally grateful for my own loving Mommy and Grandmas, but also thankful for my little ones. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Having children changed my life and they are honestly the best thing to ever happen to me. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For every mother/child relationship there are unique joys and (labor) pains, but we all want one thing - to make sure our children grow up to be healthy, happy and wise individuals. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's the only job in the world where, when done right, there are no days off. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's to all of us who put in the love and hard work 365 days a year!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've collected my favorite quotes and images floating around the web this Mother's Day. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Enjoy, have a laugh and give yourselves a pat on the back for a job well done.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQL4mT7A9IKnEXPVGArewwWq4Uq5UIFIDx_FFE2rUJ7JIXiiIIHQDDvJNcJmCXRfz1gTAn2WitLCSX8wil8BArDnbEmSo0AJSJY3mDqb1ssPC2IZMuhoQONxUItHPOojR-Ch3ivOH5fol/s1600/wow+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQL4mT7A9IKnEXPVGArewwWq4Uq5UIFIDx_FFE2rUJ7JIXiiIIHQDDvJNcJmCXRfz1gTAn2WitLCSX8wil8BArDnbEmSo0AJSJY3mDqb1ssPC2IZMuhoQONxUItHPOojR-Ch3ivOH5fol/s320/wow+mom.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; text-align: left;">1. We're pretty amazing right?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMQCzj9fMhgSYI0bIqO0aenPV60u1qphw5l36Yoce4RGinG95X6Due4mUJd8S2x6sD_U9c5YTo7fihe1FXzgzc91n3H3bkjhvtnrhKw7fLS3sE-swqYPp2ndHA9iNXAVyjNke-VgqGK0M/s1600/mom+trade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMQCzj9fMhgSYI0bIqO0aenPV60u1qphw5l36Yoce4RGinG95X6Due4mUJd8S2x6sD_U9c5YTo7fihe1FXzgzc91n3H3bkjhvtnrhKw7fLS3sE-swqYPp2ndHA9iNXAVyjNke-VgqGK0M/s320/mom+trade.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">2. Not a fair trade, but it's worth it.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TiwVQB4lXbPfxzdczM9AZwCk-9vU8T0QMdmQiezbinCEbnrg4qF_JUZjroBvpPr9LbppMxg3uKVHPuQ_X3xHQUawh_P0gRUN29XcdVPUAoOknCx3rGo90h6KxC35mN7AnoIs6Mnjlp-P/s1600/mom+wish+wine+goblet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TiwVQB4lXbPfxzdczM9AZwCk-9vU8T0QMdmQiezbinCEbnrg4qF_JUZjroBvpPr9LbppMxg3uKVHPuQ_X3xHQUawh_P0gRUN29XcdVPUAoOknCx3rGo90h6KxC35mN7AnoIs6Mnjlp-P/s320/mom+wish+wine+goblet.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">3. Don't mind if I do. #1 on next year's gift wish list.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLS0GUE9If33JpQGZHedOmsMt8zo6NiSiFp2nP5fvBWgUyXjSDOoe4FE-YUZPOXPQjcE2r23jPzzp5KNWRfwPwHDWWhAntmlapb2URz-WglpK3q4zTqpogfmu9m4EGGiE0sAxPQWEvt54j/s1600/extraordinary+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLS0GUE9If33JpQGZHedOmsMt8zo6NiSiFp2nP5fvBWgUyXjSDOoe4FE-YUZPOXPQjcE2r23jPzzp5KNWRfwPwHDWWhAntmlapb2URz-WglpK3q4zTqpogfmu9m4EGGiE0sAxPQWEvt54j/s320/extraordinary+love.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">4. A pretty succinct job description :-)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yFqZ1F6AMFoS1Vu4SMaYC9HXUizzBXmv_yh0mxQm_lJpOsTRQKxA4InenmerKeNfdholG52IWDE3KpgjVTKAqxerYE-fppIDCgogTQsMFlDXG7oG2t104FGIfvCwvBci61rcxfSThKA7/s1600/supermom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yFqZ1F6AMFoS1Vu4SMaYC9HXUizzBXmv_yh0mxQm_lJpOsTRQKxA4InenmerKeNfdholG52IWDE3KpgjVTKAqxerYE-fppIDCgogTQsMFlDXG7oG2t104FGIfvCwvBci61rcxfSThKA7/s320/supermom.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">5. Shhhh, your secret's safe with me.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Q-AAUjlAOBsvgXs2wHsMpDK9eKyH2BgLD71-mVabPtYGZ3ac-Nov1QrFPBzAKIpu4Y8fCT4ubjSewbFXaEFahoMdZs1an0qvMbejic3t0dK99B0Fq1fW4eLpwaihIivVIR5sDtpaiICb/s1600/home+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Q-AAUjlAOBsvgXs2wHsMpDK9eKyH2BgLD71-mVabPtYGZ3ac-Nov1QrFPBzAKIpu4Y8fCT4ubjSewbFXaEFahoMdZs1an0qvMbejic3t0dK99B0Fq1fW4eLpwaihIivVIR5sDtpaiICb/s320/home+mom.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">6. Celebrate Mom whether near or far.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoyszVz3ZWgVd-TPh83Di1I4Tts9uv8E3wRiamp6sdHCamSyPlBrWWNTx5aJ94JwJrYgFlq6RDjgjicgE8twekb2Z-CakZarP8GO8c6UfNhVOE7FqzgJ0y26xCBUHGgsUtKOQNg4TxXvoV/s1600/flowchart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoyszVz3ZWgVd-TPh83Di1I4Tts9uv8E3wRiamp6sdHCamSyPlBrWWNTx5aJ94JwJrYgFlq6RDjgjicgE8twekb2Z-CakZarP8GO8c6UfNhVOE7FqzgJ0y26xCBUHGgsUtKOQNg4TxXvoV/s320/flowchart.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">7. If you made it through the day without hearing any of these questions you aren't playing fair.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4ANWPOBUeZcNAL1aJj1sCzwWdK3gV5n8qLJ6-tjNjrsOgo8jQpf2Y4MGsy7k2ladEkinEqqjjeyM8auIHMGjJbfMZuuJzCUvxt-QIEB-Y2Bj0fqUSvJrJSJlZLlCf4tBlESJKPcIcB4U/s1600/no+days+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4ANWPOBUeZcNAL1aJj1sCzwWdK3gV5n8qLJ6-tjNjrsOgo8jQpf2Y4MGsy7k2ladEkinEqqjjeyM8auIHMGjJbfMZuuJzCUvxt-QIEB-Y2Bj0fqUSvJrJSJlZLlCf4tBlESJKPcIcB4U/s320/no+days+off.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">8. Not sure if I'm qualified for this position...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiwDeLfkj_dzwyvqIbrfPA6r4ugX6NKQrkvQFu4GrtoceDhCcQpV3E4CPObxTViv8FBE1EqL8FfRMObTPZ7zpYlQdkVWcbtCphVYivMOFpkTPZFXPDiPIiQIQwdin5UDgJgO8v2-Zc3N2/s1600/motherhood-is-quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiwDeLfkj_dzwyvqIbrfPA6r4ugX6NKQrkvQFu4GrtoceDhCcQpV3E4CPObxTViv8FBE1EqL8FfRMObTPZ7zpYlQdkVWcbtCphVYivMOFpkTPZFXPDiPIiQIQwdin5UDgJgO8v2-Zc3N2/s320/motherhood-is-quote.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">9. It's about choices. Everyday. And we all mess it up sometimes ...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDh0fZsAtHtJaqHOpu3a0bNUjD0lY9xkyop7utKAeDQgYmueGpFl6jcQNryzqEHd_03kBamjGhtVTkoZTLZ-J6BkvLtgyZCLc22vtg-jcJpdRHs9gc3eRYbNNdYrIq1sYhgrDlZLpxJ7F/s1600/dos+equis+mom+msg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDh0fZsAtHtJaqHOpu3a0bNUjD0lY9xkyop7utKAeDQgYmueGpFl6jcQNryzqEHd_03kBamjGhtVTkoZTLZ-J6BkvLtgyZCLc22vtg-jcJpdRHs9gc3eRYbNNdYrIq1sYhgrDlZLpxJ7F/s320/dos+equis+mom+msg.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">10. Get off the computer and call your Momma!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Disclaimer - I did not create any of the above images. The words in the pictures are not my own, only the captions. Y'all know how the internet works... I couldn't find the original sources if I tried. Whoever the creators are we thank you! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-54088089258529975242013-04-19T10:50:00.001-07:002013-04-19T11:10:39.600-07:00The world is "safe and good"? I don't think ...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
How do you teach your children to believe that the world is safe and people are good, when you know that's not true? This isn't a "how-to", I have no tips today. In fact, I'm asking my readers to help me make sense of this conundrum. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://www.optimumpsych.com/images/CrazyWorldCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.optimumpsych.com/images/CrazyWorldCover.jpg" width="320" /></a>Always an optimist, always finding the positive in people - that's me. Always imaging the best case scenario admist dire circumstances, that has been my modus operandi. My bright eyed outlook comes from faith, personality and my personal experience that even when things are shaky, more often than not they work out to the advantage of all involved. Time and life lessons have dimmed these beliefs over time. At one point I thought life was fair; into my twenties I realized that wasn't true at all. The most generous of us often lose what we hold most dear, opportunites slip through our fingertips and people most deserving come up short time and again. Dastardly individuals lie, cheat and steal to get ahead. They receive the rewards, recognition and can go unchecked for a lifetime. The world has proven to be a dangerous, volatile place, but we can't keep our children home, safe in our arms forever. It is our duty to make them aware of how much they are loved and protected, that they don't live in fear. Undeniably, we'd go to extremes to keep them from harm; but they must go to school, to places of worship, to sporting events, etc. They ride in cars, buses, trains and airplanes. They visit residences of people we trust, but how well do you ever really know another person? How can we teach them to build relationships with others when it's so hard to determine who deserves our countenance?</div>
<br />
In recent years our nation, and countries across the globe, have witnessed horrific tragedy and violence. The 911 terrorist attacks, foreign and domestic bombings, unprecedented natural disasters, daily gun violence on city streets and inexplicable evil purported by sick individuals. Life is as fragile as always, but appreciation of it is disappearing. This week has been exhausting for me, like a wake up call brought on by a bucket of cold water. I'm afraid I've taken off my rose colored glasses for good. My belief that good will prevail, kindness is reciprocated and justice can be served is fading. However, my faith remains firm. My dedication to my family is stronger than ever. My duties to love and protect the innocence of my children has been invigorated. Nonetheless, I stand at a crossroads unsure whether it's in their best interest to view the world as I did at their age, or to begin making them aware, bit by bit, of the uncertain times we live in. </div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-64232688616319980082013-04-12T10:48:00.000-07:002013-04-14T12:00:24.880-07:00High Stakes Testing & Selective Enrollment Success: The Perks and The Pitfalls<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In December 2011 I shared my experience as a parent navigating the preschool circuit and high stakes testing for coveted seats in CPS selective enrollment schools. <a href="http://mommymorphosis.blogspot.com/2011/12/cps-selective-enrollment-nyc-co-ops-and.html">http://mommymorphosis.blogspot.com/2011/12/cps-selective-enrollment-nyc-co-ops-and.html</a><br />
This blog entry will update you on my experience and hopefully provide some tips for parents figuring out the system now and in the near future. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3VMNDLn3mBF9bUvHFkKuA6xpBMSW39cUQaX4JdU7TLdolZ9HKYZjl6zoQ9Ym7209viLIr3hz5eMZ07Lc0azBhAKOL2hyphenhyphenINmgbROMjTzcfquxrHS_7TSIItvVfhWRY_NNpBoAh6nJi54/s400/standardized_testing.htm" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3VMNDLn3mBF9bUvHFkKuA6xpBMSW39cUQaX4JdU7TLdolZ9HKYZjl6zoQ9Ym7209viLIr3hz5eMZ07Lc0azBhAKOL2hyphenhyphenINmgbROMjTzcfquxrHS_7TSIItvVfhWRY_NNpBoAh6nJi54/s400/standardized_testing.htm" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
We all agree that every child deserves an education that will prepare them for a lifetime of learning and success. Clearly parents' ethnicity, level of education, marital status or income don't decide a child's ability. The fact remains, however unfortunate, that these variables often determine access to the better schools, safer neighborhoods and enriching opportunities. Selective Enrollment aims to even the playing ground by allowing students with lots of potential the chance to travel outside of their neighborhoods and into classroom where they'll receive accelerated instruction. As a substitute teacher I visit CPS schools across the spectrum of performance and resources. I'm in schools where children use iPads and smartboards daily, and in others where they share 20 year old textbooks. I've been wowed by students who exhibit critical thinking skills far above their age and saddened by high school sophomores who have yet to learn parts of speech. In one part of the city I've broken up fights in first grade, while across town I've helped a 7 year old cast his own original theatre production. As an educator and a Mom it's very difficult, heartbreaking even, to witness the achievement gap within the public school system. There are times I conclude that testing is just plain unfair. If a child hasn't been able to attend preschool, even half day Head Start, how can they compete? It's stressful, and though it helps many families, exponentially more kids are left to attend sub par schools where teaching the lesson plan is secondary to teaching basic life skills. Even the most patient, seasoned teachers have to spend hours a day disciplining out of control kids, while those pupils that are respectful and ready to learn get looked over. The cold hard fact is where your child attends school matters. The concept cannot be overstated. Yes, children are resilient; the most tenacious will carve out a path to success no matter the circumstances, but they shouldn't have to fight so hard. Who's at the desk next to your child matters. Mid level achievers need to be encouraged and challenged by teachers, as well as peers. At a time in their lives when they are so easily influenced students tend to flounder or soar as a cohort. Educational equity may be something we're working toward, but we aren't there yet. The solution is complicated and the answers must involve political, economical, social and educational reform.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Each year thousands of city kids ages 4-18 test for admission into classical and gifted schools, middle school academic centers and IB programs. It can be a very uncertain time for many families. Some parents have invested big bucks in early education, hoping that their student will be able to obtain a world class education, at a top tier school - for no cost. For others, selective enrollment offers their child an opportunity to attend schools focused on academic excellence in a safe environment, free from the distractions that plague some low performing schools in struggling communities. Admission isn't determined by test scores alone. I know plenty of children who tested very well, but for demographic reasons unbeknownst to the public weren't accepted to their preferred schools. The newly employed "tier system" is organized so that every Chicago address falls within a specific census tract. CPS looks at five socio-economic characteristics for each census tract: (1) median family income, (2) percentage of single-family homes, (3) percentage of homes where English is not the first language, (4) percentage of homes occupied by the homeowner, and (5) level of adult education attainment. Lastly, they consider a sixth characteristic, the achievement scores from attendance area schools in each census tract. Based on the results of each of these six areas, each census tract is given a specific score; these scores are ranked and divided into four groups – or ‘tiers’ -- each consisting of approximately the same number of school-age children. The 4 tiers will each be given an equal number of spots in the remaining 60% of seats after top-scoring kids (gifted/classical) or neighborhood kids (magnets) get chosen. Of the tens of thousands of students tested on an annual basis, a few hundred are accepted while the others go on to their boundary assigned neighborhood public schools.</div>
<br />
<br />
My family has been fortunate to have the selective enrollment process work out better than I could have hoped. Through the luck of the draw my son got into a Kindergarten program at an excellent lottery based magnet school, Sheridan Elementary. We passed on that offer when we learned Nigel was accepted to Skinner West Classical after testing with a reading score in the 98 percentile and 99 percentile in math. Again, I know children with higher scores who weren't offered spots. We hit the jackpot. He's thriving in school socially and academically; making friends from a variety of cultural backgrounds. His homework load is challenging, but leaves enough time for extracurriculars. This year, just for kicks, I had him sit for the gifted exam again. His standard score improved by 12 points and he has been offered a seat at Keller Regional Gifted Center for first grade. Of course I'm thrilled, but find myself in a dilemma. In just a few months we've become part of the Skinner Superstars family. His test score increase is a testament to his abilities, but also the quality of instruction he's receiving daily. As an active parent and frequent substitute teacher, I've built relationships with faculty, staff and kids all over the building. Though I once considered Keller our dream school, now Skinner feels like home. Ranked number 3 and number 6 respectively among Chicagoland' s best elementary schools, both have phenomenal reputations, active principles, and diverse student bodies. They consistently blow away AYP (annual yearly progress) benchmarks. My ever practical son says not to worry, we'll check out Keller's open house together and make a decision from there. Sometimes I feel guilty. What a luxury for my family to have a choice between two of the best. What a travesty that too many have no choice at all.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjX0Pup4HQh8wl9Su71al3Ws16Qg2JvFQ6B_er9n64q4HuC8-yWtI_eEEkTs0CbvIbNl2KreoI9GY-1vRvLhmzkB1uTSLLzfBeUTCAdHK6TfR1NKGyB4XOHygXi64fT3A-eUgI1AYMC_krJcpvNIg4dc6PGQGdkaYl5=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjX0Pup4HQh8wl9Su71al3Ws16Qg2JvFQ6B_er9n64q4HuC8-yWtI_eEEkTs0CbvIbNl2KreoI9GY-1vRvLhmzkB1uTSLLzfBeUTCAdHK6TfR1NKGyB4XOHygXi64fT3A-eUgI1AYMC_krJcpvNIg4dc6PGQGdkaYl5=" width="320" /></a>Parents of preschoolers and those unsatisfied with their older student's current CPS school often ask for my advice. My honest response is simply we've been lucky, but also prepared.</div>
<br />
1. As your child advances it becomes increasingly difficult to test into selective enrollment schools. Once Kindergarten classes are full, transfers out are rare. Only a couple of seats may be open, following a family's out-of-state relocation for example. That's why testing for Kindergarten and 1st grade admission is crucial as this is when seats are most plentiful. Of course that means getting kids prepared by starting preschool by at least age three. They will gain valuable social skills, become accustomed to spending their days with teachers, adjust to varied amount of structure and so on. Whether you choose a traditional curriculum or Montessori program is up to you and your child. Homeschooling is an option as well. They say "Education begins on a mother's (or father's) knee". You must be their first teacher well before they enter the schoolhouse. You don't have to be the flash card crazed Mom, but teaching language and listening skills, introducing fine and gross motor activities, math through music, age appropriate consequences for naughty behavior, etc are ways we can start raising tiny scholars as early as 6 months old. <br />
<br />
If your child isn't admitted during primary years think about transferring in for sixth grade. Many pupils of SE schools move on to 7th and 8th grade prep programs, especially the Academic Centers within high schools like Whitney Young, Kenwood Academy, etc. This migration leaves multiple seats open during middle school years. The academic boost, if only for a couple of years, may increase your child's preparedness to test into top public high schools for ninth grade. <br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
2. Do your research. The CPS Office of Access and Enrollment provides a great deal of information about the selective enrollment process and participating schools year round on their website <a href="http://cpsoae.org/">http://cpsoae.org</a> Investigate administators, curriculum and school culture by taking advantage of open house dates, meeting enrolled families and using your network. Don't forget to include magnet school options, as they are wonderful options for a child who may not perform well during testing. Another awesome mom blog is <a href="http://www.cpsobsessed.com/">www.cpsobsessed.com</a> , it's a great resource for up to the minute Chicago Public Schools trends, policies and procedures. </div>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Keep an open mind about schools a little farther away from your home. Because of the tier system you might have a better shot at getting a child into a school several miles from your residence. They need an equal demographic mix and you can almost always get bus service, so why not take advantage? Create a check list of must haves with your child. Make sure their needs will be met and interests developed at the selective enrollment school of your choice. Is there a Chess Club, Robotics Program, Swim Team, etc? A site visit is crucial, what you have heard or read about a school may not align with the feeling you get within the halls. Are you looking for a warm and fuzzy principle, or someone focused more stringently on academics? Are you comfortable with an older building if the curriculum is strong? How important is diversity? Would you prefer your child be on a tree lined residential street or a busy downtown block? Trust your gut and listen to your child. You must feel comfortable and know your child will be safe and secure during the many school hours they'll spend away from Mom and Dad.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
3. Try not to stress. If you're anxious and losing sleep over your child's testing, those feelings will spread to your kids. If you must obsess and wring your hands (like I did), do it out of earshot. No five year old should suffer a panic attack over their school placement exam. Unhealthy pressure will shake their confidence and have them question their abilities. We never used the word "test" while getting Nigel ready, instead we treated the whole experience like a game. I told him he had been invited along with all of the smartest kids in Chicago to show how much he had learned since he was a little baby. We talked about it being a privilege and constantly reiterated that he didn't have to be nervous because we already knew he'd do his very best. Afterwards, if he tried really hard to answer as many questions with the correct answers, we'd go for a treat! During the test students will be expected to answer lots of questions in a brief amount of time. They will need to speak openly with a complete stranger and a group of other kids they've likely never met. The last thing they need is you freaking out in the car. Stay calm and use the weeks preceeding the test to get them ready. Do not drill them like crazy an hour before they go in. If they test well and end up admitted to your first choice, great! If not, so what? It is not the end of the world. Their entire academic lives are not doomed. You still have a talented, beautiful child and with your help they will thrive no matter where or what. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Good luck and know that you can help your child get into a great selective enrollment school! Please leave comments and questions :-)</div>
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "http://images-onepick-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?container=onepick&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.k12.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fblack_student.jpg" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjX0Pup4HQh8wl9Su71al3Ws16Qg2JvFQ6B_er9n64q4HuC8-yWtI_eEEkTs0CbvIbNl2KreoI9GY-1vRvLhmzkB1uTSLLzfBeUTCAdHK6TfR1NKGyB4XOHygXi64fT3A-eUgI1AYMC_krJcpvNIg4dc6PGQGdkaYl5=" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "http://images-onepick-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?container=onepick&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*&url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-jMs8ifTP5vE%2FTi0GUfnFMxI%2FAAAAAAAAF9s%2Fd4Q5p1ruHjc%2Fs400%2Fstandardized_testing.htm" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3VMNDLn3mBF9bUvHFkKuA6xpBMSW39cUQaX4JdU7TLdolZ9HKYZjl6zoQ9Ym7209viLIr3hz5eMZ07Lc0azBhAKOL2hyphenhyphenINmgbROMjTzcfquxrHS_7TSIItvVfhWRY_NNpBoAh6nJi54/s400/standardized_testing.htm" -->ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-68324318432048384952013-02-22T19:22:00.001-08:002013-02-22T19:22:25.909-08:00Get to know The Kid President - Self appointed voice of a generation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our nation is led by a man globally considered the most intelligent and charismatic world leader of the century. Highly recognizable and admired by many, we all know President Barack Obama. But have you had the pleasure of being acquainted with the pint sized, self appointed POTUS? Meet Robbie Novak, aka Kid President - the HKIC (Head Kid In Charge). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPDxLRRVNgwwXKXl1GIibSknrGMoB6wh4zHiDqx2jq4Gb1Nb4mVZ1SqoPiWhaTIuvIltMuc4PtCWAmed7ZQ7TnaMDXUmBqfhbSbAG8IXBbUkzc0hyhuH14LMcujSoZv36MMrGmn0322fj/s1600/kid+president.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPDxLRRVNgwwXKXl1GIibSknrGMoB6wh4zHiDqx2jq4Gb1Nb4mVZ1SqoPiWhaTIuvIltMuc4PtCWAmed7ZQ7TnaMDXUmBqfhbSbAG8IXBbUkzc0hyhuH14LMcujSoZv36MMrGmn0322fj/s320/kid+president.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since late 2012 Kid President and his team www.soulpancake.com, a group of viral video virtuosos, have started a blog and posted a series of inspirational videos o<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">n a mission to "make the world less boring"</span>. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The ten year old hailing from Henderson, TX has become a YouTube sensation.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is no denying the lovable <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">comedian and motivational speaker</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">. From his tiny oval office he reminds us of the candid wisdom found in children's observations of the world. His age appropriate outbursts ("Not cool Robert Frost!") resonate with messages that can motivate all those who are young at heart from ages 2 to 102. Visit his blog at </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;"><a href="http://www.kidpresident.com/">www.kidpresident.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">Adding impact to his mission to inspire, </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">Robbie was born with a condition called </span>Osteogenesis Imperfecta<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">, or "Brittle Bone syndrome". Yet, his spirit is unbreakable and optimism shines through in every address. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">He is the son of David, </span>Freed-Hardeman University <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">staff member, and Laurie Novak</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.328125px;">.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"> The videos are produced by Robbie's uncle, Brad Montague, who directs the university’s efforts in social media. Take 3 minutes and do yourself a service. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">Watch </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">my favorite, his breakout video,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;"> below. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span>
<h1 id="watch-headline-title" style="border: 0px; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap; word-wrap: normal;">
<span class="watch-title yt-uix-expander-head" dir="ltr" id="eow-title" style="-webkit-user-select: auto; border: 0px; cursor: auto; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="A Pep Talk from Kid President to You">A Pep Talk from Kid President to You</span></h1>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/l-gQLqv9f4o?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All hail the child chief! Let's rally around this young man on his quest to follow "the road that leads to awesome". Just this week President Obama asked Kid President to help spread the word about the lottery for tickets to the Annual White House Easter Egg Roll. Check it out and register before February 25, 2013 at 10am. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/VWXAEutqoAQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300617631363256327.post-76652717091618840032013-02-13T12:38:00.001-08:002013-02-13T13:52:35.287-08:00Help Get Your Favorite Blogger (yours truly) Published with Babble.com<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hi Mommy-Morphosis Readers!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />I need your help for a chance to get published with Babble.com, a wonderful parenting website that has been on the forefront of promoting the best Mom and Dad writers in the blogosphere. Recently they have launched a campaign to <b><i>"Help Get Your Favorite Blogger Published".</i></b> Babble and Hyperion’s panel of editors will choose which blog posts to invite to publish, based on editorial quality and suitability of topic — they are looking for that certain “it” factor that makes a blog post really special. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Being published would be an honor and help me take <i>MommyMorphosis</i> to the next level. I've been searching for ways to turn my writing hobby into a business - this could be the perfect opportunity! Please think back to your favorite post from my blog and find a few moments to nominate it for the Babble editors. </span></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vBzq2lmrFp0fHSh1B2Pmo2fugkny-FEW6Ej_Xb2cjuyBxhR4Y0FKgzrLPIxjbXNo8yEo6FsBA_mCOMKqkFiV61cQ9C9q8SIC46fSOdaJi478UqiCOawEFELBy58eI8jzFgKaJRejsQ2Q/s1600/babble-best-of-blogs-logo-220px.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vBzq2lmrFp0fHSh1B2Pmo2fugkny-FEW6Ej_Xb2cjuyBxhR4Y0FKgzrLPIxjbXNo8yEo6FsBA_mCOMKqkFiV61cQ9C9q8SIC46fSOdaJi478UqiCOawEFELBy58eI8jzFgKaJRejsQ2Q/s1600/babble-best-of-blogs-logo-220px.png" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Visit </span><a href="http://www.babble.com/mom/best-of-blogs-campaign/nominate-a-post/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">http://www.babble.com/mom/best-of-blogs-campaign/nominate-a-post/</a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you in advance for this and your continued support!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Deanna aka ShoMommy</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.mommymorphosis.blogspot.com/">www.mommymorphosis.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"></span></div>
</div>
ShoMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03096912328560479554noreply@blogger.com0