Who knew?

I did not start this blog for money or for fame like some do. I decided to open my heart and use this

This is me!!!

as an outlet for myself to hopefully relate to someone other than myself. No one focus, just raw honest truth. Allowing myself a platform to inspire others to do what makes them happy.

Writing has always been a way of expression for me, when I feel like I cant say what I feel I just write. Most don't know this, but I have always been afraid of judgement against me. A fear of people not excepting me for ME! Even though I seem like I have it all together and could care less what people think of me, I really and truly have always cared. That is something I am constantly working on. Writing is just one of many of my loves.

When I was younger I wanted to be only one thing (a teacher) because I thought that, that was all one could do... ONE thing!!! I mean who knew that people could juggle more than one love? I sure as heck didn't. That is until I graduated from high school and went through the loss of my first pregnancy. I was not sure if my loss had me confused about the career I wanted or if indeed there was no one particular job out there for me...

For a while after my loss, I battled with career paths. A few months after my miscarriage I found out that I was expecting again. While I was scared and nervous about being pregnant once again, I knew that I wanted a career. I needed a career, after all I was expecting a blessing. So, I started college. I was going to be a teacher. While in school I noticed that I was not that satisfied with the career choice that I had chose because honestly teachers are over worked and very much underpaid.... I decided that I was going to change my career because I was unhappy with my choice. I meet with my career counselor to help me set up courses that I needed to become a crime scene investigator. I started my classes only to find myself saying "girl you cant pass the physical portion of this job" so guess what I did???????

Yep, you guessed it... ON TO THE NEXT CAREER.... I made sure that this time I was not going to waste my time but get that education I wanted so that I could have the career I have always dreamed about. I met with my career counselor again and talked about some options for me.

Now by this time I had already had my first child and was now pregnant with my second. I not only wanted a career but, felt like I needed it more than ever. I went to school during the summer and did very well, but once I had my second daughter I decided to stay home and put my career on hold.

I loved being a mommy, but hated that I felt like a complete failure. While all my other friends were at college I was at home raising babies and letting my man take care of the household financially (ladies I felt like a complete and utter mess). That was until one day a great friend of mine that went to school to become a Medical Assistant told me all about it. I instantly was in love. Who knew that in less than a year I could have a job in the Medical field and still be a mom and a wife?

My friend went with me to check out a school and helped me to get on track to start my career. I signed up for school and let me tell you I did very well. I was a mentor in my class as well as a
4.0 student with perfect attendance and honor roll. It felt great to graduate at the top of my class, but that was short lived. I put my heart in my schooling but, all the jobs out there when I graduated were not what I had expected.

Still feeling unfulfilled in my career path, I chose to go back to school. I was so excited because now I was going to go and work hard to become a Physician Assistant. Yes, honey I was going to provide a better life for my wonderful family. Until, the school I lived by didn't offer any classes for my career of choice. I would have to drive well over an hour and a half just for school. I could not do that I had two little ones under the age of 3. Again, I felt unfulfilled and defeated.

So, here I am now a mother of 3 and wanting to go back to school. I thought hey one of my favorite things in this world is cooking. I can go to culinary arts school because honey she can cook. That is until my world stopped when I found out that my favorite school on this planet wants $40,000. That is not with interest honey.... I nearly passed out and while I really was considering it, I thought to myself.... "Now Kayleigh, is this smart of you to do? How are you going to be able to pay that off? Will you be able to find a great job in this field? Will you ever have financial freedom if you take loans out like that?" This all came to my mind. So I posted on Facebook to see if anyone could give me some true insight on this school. It seems as though I had no one in my corner to help with insight even though I know people that have attended here, but that is neither here nor there (get out of your feelings girl).

I decided that I was not going to go because I don't want to put myself or leave my family in debt because I want to go this school. Then all of a sudden a light bulb came on and I finally figured out why I had to go through all of these career changes.....

Because, none of these one jobs are for me on there own. I am a teacher to my children each and everyday. From the moment they wake to the moment the go to bed. Even then I am still a teacher, because I am correcting homework and looking over at their work from the day. I am a crime scene investigator when I tackle their room (Lord help me in there, LOL) trying to figure out what the hell happened. When they are sick and not feeling well I am their Medical Assistant (Nurse Mommy to the rescue). I nurse them back to health because that is what mommies do.... Last but not least, I am my own chef. Who said that I needed to go to culinary arts school to be a chef? No one. I am chef mommy.

The reason I wanted to write this today is because I feel like someone needs to hear this (well, technically read this). Your life is not over because you have had obstacles in your way. Look at it from all angles. I promise that it will all come together in the end.

Am I the only one?

It seems like there are not enough hours in the day to do all the things you want to and need to do. You wake up get yourself ready and then the kids. Give them breakfast, drop them off at school (if they are in school) and then run errands. By which now it is time to go to work. You do your job then get off and get home around 9:40 pm or later, eat dinner hop in the shower and sit down to relax and realize you didn't get everything accomplished.

Mimi and Riah!!!

Am I the only one that feels like this? I cant be!!! I would not change my life for anything even  though I am sure I have big bags under my eyes, half my makeup smeared off and I'm sure my kids are climbing up the walls, lol. I am just kidding people, calm down already................

Well now that the kids are out of school and its time to prep them for next year. I am so excited to be having two children in elementary now. Riah just got her final grades in and she has made me very proud. She made Honor Roll again. That makes for all year!!! My baby is doing so well in school. I couldn't be any more proud of her.

Mimi is counting down the days now till Kinder. My big baby girl has been so patient when it comes to school. She is already 5, but because of being a December baby she had to wait. She keeps asking "Is school tomorrow?" LOL!!! My big baby girl cant wait.

Logey Bear!!!

Logey Bear is finally walking everywhere. You cant get that boy to sit, but when he is sleeping. It is the cutest thing ever in life. He kind of runs while walking, if you can picture that. It is a beautiful thing. People always say that each baby is different and it is so true. This baby is truly a boy, Wholeheartedly. He lets you know when he is mad. I am working on him right now with his cute but very hard attitude. He has a thing for hitting and throwing things when you tell him "no". So, with that being said we are working with him right now.

My life is so full right now and I am truly blessed. Regardless of the craziness I call "LIFE" it is my life and I am grateful to be in it. I love my beautiful family. It is all mine!!!

I love you for reading and I hope that you enjoyed... Till next time... Peace, Love and Blessings!!!

"YOU ARE A MOTHER"!!!

From the moment you think "I might be", to the moment you find
out "I am" "You are a mother". Even if you never heard the heart beat "You are a mother". Just because you didn't get to feel their kick "You are a mother". Even though you never will get to take them home, "You are a mother". So what you had to give them up for adoption "You are a mother". If you didn't get the chance to watch them grow because they got their angel wings earlier than expected "You are a mother". Its okay you had to play mommy and daddy. "You are a mother".

"I am looking forward to seeing the kind of person my son will be. His little personality and his little smile. I am a mother".

"I hate the teenager years, the mood swings, the "mad"itudes for no apparent reason. I am a mother".

"They are my motivation to pull through in life. I am a mother".

"I hate that because I have spoiled them rotten that when I say I don't have it, they don't understand. I am a mother".

"I love the unconditional love that each kid gives to me. I am a mother".

"I hate that I cant protect them from the pain and hurt in the world. Having to let them make their own mistakes. I am a mother".

Regardless of your situation "you are a mother". Some say that if you don't
physically have the child you are not. I say other wise. I celebrate each and everyone of you today. "You are a mother".

"I love the thoughtful things my children do/say without being asked. I am a mother".

"I am not looking forward to the dark thoughts I know will come at night. That I am not able to be the mommy I want to be. I am a mother".

"I love that becoming a mother exposed me to the world of holistic health care. I am a mother".

"I hate mommy wars. I am a mother".

"I love the simple joy that my daughter finds in life, like bubbles and flowers. I am a mother".

"I hate the first trimester of pregnancy. All the sickness its awful. I am a mother".

In life we have obstacles. Some that are easy and some that we really have
to work hard to overcome. Becoming pregnant is one of those obstacles. For some there mere thought of a baby gets them pregnant. That isn't the case for everyone. Some may never get to experience the joys of motherhood through the womb., but by adoption. "You are a mother".

"I love the immediate indescribable love you feel for your kids. I feel it most at night while rocking mine to sleep. I am a mother".
"I hate that I cant ever give up. It is especially hard when I have so much going on in life and I cant deal. I am a mother".

"I love seeing my child apply something that I taught. I am a mother".

"I hate that my kids are old enough to make their own decision and I have to accept them, even though I know the are making a mistake. I am a mother".

"I love that when I am down and out and thinking negative thoughts about leaving this place, just thinking about my kids saves me. I am a mother".

"I am not looking forward to my post-partum body. I am a mother".

Being a parent is a different experience for everyone. Sometimes we get pregnant and we don't feel like it is our time to become a mother. We aren't ready. We think about "do I keep it, get rid of it, what am I going to do"? Adoption becomes an answered pray to some family. "You are a mother".

" I love seeing her every morning and every night just smile at me. I'm finally a real mommy, and it's such a great feeling. I am a mother".

"I hate that he is so far away and there is nothing I can do about it. I never regret my decision to place him for adoption, but sometimes I wish circumstances had been different when he was born so I could have him now. I miss him so much, and there will always be something missing in my heart, but I know I gave him the world. Had I kept him, he probably wouldn't be in my custody now. I am a mother".

"I love watching my son grow. Watching him reach milestones and seeing his personality shine through. I am a mother".

"I hate I feel like I failed my daughter, because I picked a man wouldn't be my husband or a father to her. I am a mother"."

"I am looking forward to breastfeeding. I know it is going to be difficult, but I want to bond/connect and look into her eyes. I am a mother".


"I hate people questioning my parenting especially when I didn't ask for an opinion. I am a mother".

Just because things didn't play out the way you wanted you haven't failed. Sometimes life gets in the way. We do things we aren't proud of, and make choices we soon regret. "You are a mother".

"I love that we will always be a family despite our situation. I am a mother".

"I hate the anxiety that comes with motherhood. I constantly doubt myself, am I doing everything right. I am a mother".

"I love spending time with my daughter, watching her grow and blossom into the young lady she is. I am a mother".

"I hate feeling alone with our kids even though I have a husband home. I am a mother".

"I love that I am able to witness her many talents. She bring joy and
happiness to my heart. I am a mother".

"I hate my pregnancies are so hard that I never get to enjoy them. I am a mother".

     Psalms 127:3 

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

No matter how you were blessed with them, they are your gifts. Love them and cherish the moments you have together. It may get rough, you may lose sleep. But, their are women dying to have the opportunity to become a mother. Don't take it for granted.

No one may ever tell you this but only once a year, and to me that is not enough. We moms are under appreciated. From one mother to the next I will celebrate you and this wonderful thing we get to call motherhood. Lets make a difference in the world. Not judging each other but uplifting one another. I love you all and believe in you. No matter what circumstance you are in or have been in.
                                                             "YOU ARE A MOTHER"!!!

 

 

 

.

How to keep the balance.

I asked for people to name topics that they wanted me to blog about for them to read. Long and behold most actually had the same concerns. Some expressed them on my "daily mom confessions" page and some in boxed me. Either way I automatically knew this is something I want to blog about.

We all handle things differently because we are not built the same. Physically, mentally and emotionally we all run on different levels. What may make me feel unequipped and get me sad and depressed might not even phase you. 

They only way I was able to keep a balance is because I battled with what one would call PPD "postpartum depression". I had a very bad case of it. Now I wasn't affected by this after Sariah, but with Kamille. It knocked me straight on my ass. Everything in me was fighting it, but nothing worked. I didn't know what to do. I ended up in the hospital so many times because I literally thought " I am dying, today is the day. I feel it". PPD is that bad. It causes you to have panic attacks and very bad anxiety. It isn't a joke at all.

Finally I took myself to Mental Health (yes I left by pride at home). They sent me to a psychologist because they said "you don't belong here, your not crazy". Well I sure felt crazy as hell. I started seeing a psychologist but noticed this is not going to work either. He was weird as ever wanting to talk about when I was a baby. Like I remembered that. LOL.

I was so lost and had no one that I could talk to about it. I've learned that a lot of people are afraid to be themselves and be open. I am not. You ask me something and I usually am an open book. What I went through I believe is to help someone else.

I went to my primary care physician and expressed my concerns about what was going on. She recommended Medication. At this point I was willing to try anything to get better. I had two kids depending on me. The first medication she started me on made things worse. I felt like the walls were caving in on me. Yes it is that bad.

Finally we found a medication that actually worked for me. The only problem was now I was sleepy all the time and hating life. I had to figure out what I could do. I decided that I needed to find an outlet to help me.

I knew that I didn't want to be on the medication anymore. I stayed away from excess amounts of coffee, made sure to keep the house bright. Get out of the house and do stuff with the girls. I learned what worked for me. I stopped taking the medication. Now I use to keep it on me just in case, but thank God I never needed it again.


If I felt like I was about to have an attack, I would suck on a hard piece of candy, and it worked.

This is how I learned how to keep the balance.

I was always to fixated on what the girls needed that I forgot about myself. You cant do that it will only make your life miserable. Just because you become a mother doesn't mean that you die. If anything it just starts a new chapter in your book. I mean that's what we are doing here, writing our book. Our stories aren't the same ever because then the book would be boring and not unique.

When the girls take a nap, I get some "Me time in". I watch my shows, surf the web, catch up on YouTube. Things that make me happy. That make me "ME".  I noticed that when I would work I never bought myself anything. I literally got paid and took the girls out shopping. This is a good thing to a certain extent. You have to treat yourself to something. Now don't get me wrong please provide for you children, but if they don't need anything and you do, make sure to choose you this time.

It is hard, I know. I love my kids with all that is in me, but mommy has needs too. Once you stop doing for you, you've already messed with the balance. It can and will have a negative affect on you. My girls know mommy needs space and they try to help I can tell., but remember they are kids don't expect too much. This is were the saying "it takes a village to raise kids" comes in.

Never be afraid to ask for help. If you have great friends and you are loosing it, ask. If you aren't a single parent tell your husband or boyfriend what's going on. Don't bottle it up and keep it in. It isn't healthy at all. No one is going to judge you, and if they do, they aren't any good for you.

Another great way to stay balanced is find other moms with kids around your kids ages. Schedule weekly play dates and let the kids be. While they are playing you and the kids mom can have some adult time. Trust me talking to kids all day, this will do you some good. I love hanging with other moms because they get you and understand certain frustrations.

Find your outlet. It can be writing (which is my favorite), singing, dancing, reading. Anything that allows you to just openly breath and get back to "YOU". You aren't dead, you are very much alive. Becoming a mother is the best thing in this world and also the hardest., but it isn't rocket science.

In staying balanced we are all going to have our own ways. Remember are make ups are different. No two people are the same. Not even twins. I promise you it only gets easier as time progresses and you learn more about yourself and kids.

I hope this helped someone, anyone. I am always here to help talk if need be. Who am I to judge?

AH HA MOMENT

When things don't go your way, what do you do? Do you cry or hide in the corner somewhere? How about putting a smile on your face and pushing through? The last one sounds more realistic to me. As a mom of three things usually never go my way.  I mean come on just getting them ready in the morning seems like it is crazy madness. I have one upset because she wants to stay in the bath for an hour, another mad because the other one got her hair wet, and then a baby crying because he is spoiled out of control (our fault, lol).

When all breaks loose I so want to cry but that only makes things worse, trust me I know. Once in a while a cry is good though. I have cried so much (usually in the shower, were the kids cant hear me) to the point I start laughing. Honestly, because I need to make light of the situation. I am so blessed to have these kids. There are so many that cant have babies and would do anything to have them. So why am I crying? Because my kids didn't clean their room, they got juice on the carpet or because they are throwing a fit? It really doesn't matter, the fact that we all woke up should be good enough. That moment you can say " I should be laughing instead of crying", is a ah ha moment.

Things aren't always going to go the way you wish that they would. I have said this before and I stick firmly to it "there is no hand book given when the kids are born". It is all up to you as the parent to make the decision on what needs to be done. I have been trying to work with the girls on screaming when they don't get their way (yes my girls act up, they are my kids after all). Sariah is doing better but Kamille is the one I am having the most trouble with. No smacking them is not always the answer people, don't be ignorant. When kids get to certain age you have to take things from them and then you have to talk to them. They truly are sponges so whatever you do and say to them will have a great affect on them.

I am learning as I am going. Motherhood is given because God saw that we were fit to train up his children in his image.  Sometimes I wonder if I am doing good. Seconded guessing myself every now and then. This is a job that I would never trade, not even for all the money in the world. This is a gift that no one but God could give me, and I am so grateful. I only can hope that when my kids get older they thank me for raising them the way I have. To be strong independent souls. I want my kids to see me being strong, the bathroom can see me weak (for all I am not raising a bathroom lol).

I have to laugh to keep from crying is a quote to live by.

"BOOM"!!!

Have you ever wondered "where would I be if I didn't have my kids"? I know it is something that

always ran across my mind. Growing up and hanging out with the wrong type of people always had me second guessing everything that ever happened to me. I never knew if the decisions that I was making were the right ones. I still can vividly remember one night hanging out with some friends. I was so stupid to have got in the car because the driver was going off crazy because he had been drinking, but I didn't want to be left alone. So I got in and we drove maybe 10 minutes away  (which is far when the driver is irate and drunk). He wanted to shoot someone. I for the life of me don't know why, but the fact I was there had me terrified. When we got to are location we all exited the car. My friends were telling the driver put your gun away. You aren't going to shoot anyone. Just put it on safety and lets go.  At first he was against putting the gun away trying to pick a fight with the people around the neighborhood. Now if your from the East side of Long Beach you know fighting and guns are the norm. Sad but true.

At this point we are about to walk in an apartment complex so they told him again "put the gun on safety". As he pulled the gun out all we heard was "BOOM", next thing I knew my forehead was bleeding and I didn't know why. I knew hadn't been shot, but still I didn't understand why I had blood dripping down my face. When we got in the apartment, my ears were still ringing, almost deafening. I had a cut from the bullets shell, it literally ricocheted off of my forehead. It was scary but thank the Lord above it wasn't the bullet. Still doesn't make it any better though. That was the moment I woke up and realized this is not the life for me.

Only a short year later did I find out that I was pregnant with my first (my Angel in heaven). I was young but still I felt like maybe now my life would have purpose. I was excited to be becoming a  mother. Just as soon as I found out I felt like it had been ripped from me. The hardest thing to experience. I went on working and still spending quality time with my honey. I knew he was the man that I wanted to marry. Some may think "you were too young to know what you wanted", but child let me tell, "when you know you know".

5 months later I learned that God had given me another chance to be a mom. I was pregnant with Sariah. I cant lie and say that I was 100% excited because I was scared to death the whole time even up till the day of delivery. I had heard so  many stories about people giving birth and the baby dies. I was horrified. Sep. 08, 2008 was the best day I had ever had. Even though I was in labor for 40 hours I still was excited. It wasn't till a few days later that I would understand the true meaning of being a parent.

Sariah had to go to the hospital for her jaundice and because she was gagging so much when she would sleep. My baby ended up being in the hospital for a week straight, and I never once left her side. That is what being a parent is about. Giving up the things you want for someone else. Protecting and providing that little being with everything in you. I finally knew what I was meant to do. Be some ones mother. I finally felt like my life was complete. I didn't know that only 5 months later I would be pregnant with Kamille. Double the blessing. It was hard I cant lie, but oh so rewarding. Kamille ended up in the hospital as well for jaundice. I didn't leave her side either, even though I had Sariah at home I had to be there with the newborn. Luckily she was only there for 2 days.

I went to school while pregnant with both, but decided that I was going to stay home and put off my dreams for a while. My kids came first before anything and anyone. I can always go back to school was my thought. If anything they would be my motivation to get an education. Kids don't hold you back they push you forward. In 2011 I decided that I would go back to school so I can get my foot in the door in the medical field. I went to UEI for Medical Assistant. I told myself that if I was going to go back to school and put my girls in a daycare, I would succeed with a 4.0 GPA and I would become the mentor of my class. I believe because I had my kids that is why I was able to achieve it all. I became the mentor of the class along with a really good friend, and I graduated with a 4.0 GPA.

My life had meaning now, and I was complete because of my children. It felt good. I didn't know but in 2014 God would give me one more, my last little Logan. When I say that my life has come full circle it really has. I could have ended up with a man that would cheat, beat my ass or even be in jail. Hell or 6 feet under. I thank the Lord for my kids because they allowed me to become a better person. Now when I sacrifice the things I want I know its for a good reason. I don't just have a baby daddy, I have a husband. I don't just have my kids every other weekend. I have them everyday. This is why we decided to move and get away from the area we grew up in. Long Beach will always be the place we grew up, but it isn't home. Home is

where my kids are.

"BOOM" was my wake up call!!!

It doesnt have to be like that!!!

I didn't know if I was going to blog about this subject because it is almost like politics to me. The

problem is that it is heavy on my heart. So I know that means I must. In this crazy world that we live in, it is our duty to fully protect our children. Sometimes things happen that are out of our hands, but once we get word of the situation we are to grasp it and handle it immediately, and as adults. Please if you are going to be bias and ignorant I am asking you to leave the blog now. This is a place for me to vent and hopefully help other mothers out.

Most know that I am not the nicest person when it comes to my kids. They mean the absolute world to me, and if I could protect them 24/7 I sure would. Sariah who is my oldest started kindergarten last year and I couldn't have been more excited for her. Seeing that smile on her face when I took her for registration was priceless. We all grew up thinking that school was a safe haven for our kids, but in the last few years that hasn't been the case. A lot of bad has happened to students, innocent little hearts taken away too soon. Now I understand that God is the creator of all, he writes out our lives before we are even born. Still I can never understand why the things that happen in this world do, and I guess it isn't for me to understand.

Now I would send my baby to school everyday with her hair nice, a cute outfit on and some beautiful earrings. I knew that she wouldn't come home looking the way I sent her. It is kindergarten for crying out loud. What I didn't expect was for her to come home and tell me that someone had pushed her in the mud and not one adult did anything about it. Nor did they think to let me know. Oh, and did I mention it was picture day? Yes. I went back up to that school to speak with the principal, but I automatically knew that he wasn't about to do anything. So, a few weeks pass and riri comes home to tell me that a little girl in her class cut her hair. WTH!!! Are we for real right now? How in the hell did a little girl cut my babies hair and the teacher didn't think to tell me. I didn't wait to for the next day to come, I went straight to the office and demanded to speak with someone. Of course to my surprise no one that had any authority was there.

Now I am about to be 100% honest, I wanted to beat that little girls moms ass. Then I thought is it worth it?  I believe children are the way they are because of how they are raised. If you allow them to act like they are being raised in a barn then that is how they are going to act. If you dress them like a gang member then that's what they will become. I told you don't read this if you are biased on this topic. I am giving you a moment to leave..... That moment is now up. On with my rant. Parents you are the example for you child/children. Get your stuff together and stop acting like it is funny when your child cusses, or when your child hits their brother or sister and laughs about it. I have always heard the saying " you are to train up a child", so I do blame the parents. When your kids get older they usually test the waters a bit and act out. If you did your best then they will come to a decision to either stray or get it together.

So long story short the principal still didn't do a damn thing. At this point I was so through with this school. It took a few more things to make me pull her out, but I was glad that I did. She then went to a school that was very strict on violence and academic well being. Which was an A+ in my book. Sariah did well and had no real issues until the end of the school year. When a little boy who has had numerous encounters with the office thought that he should take it upon himself to hurt my child. Sariah is usually not a timid person. She will protect and defend herself if need be. The thing is she has been learning that violence is not the answer. I went to pick her up from school and I noticed that she wasn't herself. Her head was down and she looked like she had been in trouble. ( this is where a lot of parents fail, you need to stop worrying about running those errands and getting to the mall, find out right away what happened and deal with it) She said " mommy I got into a fight", now my reaction was " Why in the hell didn't the school call me and notify me as to what happened". I immediately turned around and asked her teacher what is going on, and why didn't anyone call me?

Do you know the response I got could have went one or two ways. I decided to take the high route and listen to what the teacher had to say first. She said " I didn't know what happened because I wasn't out there". I thought to myself " who was out there then"? To my surprise the teachers were all so busy taking that no one paid attention. My daughters arm was twisted, she was pushed on the ground and repeatedly kicked. You think I should have known about this from the office. I handled the situation like an adult but inside I was dying.

How could this happen and to my baby? I send her to school to be safe and learn, not be someone's punching bag. This little boy had done this numerous times before. When is it going to be enough? The school didn't do much as to the situation because the little boy cried and apologized to her. His exact words were " I thought that it was okay". Do you not understand that we as the parents live out the examples we set for our kids. It was evident that things were taking place at home and this little boy was bringing it to school. Parents please set good examples. Our kids are the next generation. They can be doctors, lawyers, producers or convicts, murders, rapists. It is ultimately their decision but we do play a big role in their lives.

I know you all don't agree with me and that is fine, but my baby didn't deserve what happened and I believe because I conducted myself like an adult she understood violence isn't the answer. This taught me a little bit about myself. How to control my temper because I know I have a bad one. It doesn't mean that I would let someone walk all over me or my kids., but it has shown me that what I show my kids, they will turn around a mimic it... Please parents talk to your babies about what to do in this situation. Handle yourself like adults and raise them to be something beautiful.

Confessions of a school crazy mama

Well summer is almost over and that time of year is about to be here. Time for school to start. Even if your child has been in school before here are a few key tips for getting ready.

1. Get a full supply list for your child's school.
2. Find out if the school is uniform or free dress.
3. Check to see if the school has a policy about the snacks your child brings.
4. Know what size clothes and shoes your child wears.
5. Make your list

I believe that these 5 things will help you tremendously with getting ready for the school year. Trust me, I spent way too much at the beginning of the school year because honestly I just didn't know. So lets go in a dissect why each point is important.

School clothes at the beginning
of kindergarten 2013.

Now for me number 2 is what really makes a difference. Sariah went to two different schools last year. The one that she started at didn't have a policy in dress attire. It was openly free dress. I hated it. I found that I was spending way to much on clothes that were just going to potentially become ruined. Although they look cute and what not it still isn't worth the amount of money going in. It is school and they are going to paint, play and get messy. Now once I took her out of that school due to lack of education I put her in a Prep. academy school that had a strict dress code policy. Uniform was a must. I found that I spent less money on her clothes and she still looked cute. I wasn't worried about her coming home and having a stain, because most her clothes were dark and the stains weren't that visible. Also must of the uniforms I found to grow with the child. The all have elastic pull strings on the inside. Love it.



Only purchase what they need for home
through out the year the teacher
will ask for what they need.

I am not sure about your child's school, but I do know that the two schools Sariah went to they give you a list full of items the child has to bring. This is where I have an issue. Granted I do understand that not all parents have money, I get it. What I don't understand is why I spent way over $70 dollars in supplies for my child's class and she never once came home with homework on the colored paper, the white paper or any paper for that fact. I was very taken aback that on the first day they ask the
parents to bring in the supplies and maybe 1/3 actually do. I will go on record saying this now " I will not do this again". I did it for both schools and although her academy did use the paper and sent her home with homework I truly felt used because I was so willing to spend my money on the classroom. Keep one thing in mind the supplies that you bring are not for your child alone. It is to supply the whole class because schools are not wanting to give the teachers anything like when you and I went to school.
I put number 3 on there because Sariah didn't allow certain things to be brought. One that I saw a lot

I like to organize the snacks
so that she can choose what
she wants to take.

was hot Cheetos being taken from the children and thrown into the trash. That child would go home with a note telling the parents to please not send them to school with those. Not every school cares, because at her first school every kids brought them. I sent Sariah to school with a variety of snacks so that she could make the decision on what to eat. One day she came home and told me a teacher took her string cheese from her and put it into the trash. I am sure you all are thinking what the hell. Right, so as you can imagine I was furious. What is wrong with string cheese? I went to the school and asked for a list, that was not one of the items that weren't allowed. The teacher was just being overly strict and rude. It is nice to know that the school cares about what is going into our kids body, but it is not okay for teachers to make up there own rules. With that said make sure you know what they can and cant have so you don't waste your money on thing that are going to be asked to put into the trash.

Sariah's first day of school 2013.

Number 4 is very simple, If your child is currently in a size 6 and he/she is just fitting it perfect, don't buy all size 6. Be smart it is money that you worked for don't throw it away. I would recommend only buying maybe 2 pants in the current size and the next size up there after. Depending on how you like to do your school clothes shopping it is going to be up to you. I like to buy for the whole first part of school. So for example, Sariah will be starting school in Aug. I will buy her clothes for Aug till Dec. When winter break is over I will buy her a whole new set. Now her shoes I buy all through the year. My baby has big feet and they keep growing. Also she is rough at school on her shoes. I don't spend a whole lot of money on her shoes because I know they play and I don't want to be mad that I spent $80 on some shoes that she can only wear for so long. Now if you don't mind and you got it like that, honey boo do you... LOL
Well we have made it to the end, number 5. Simple, make your list for the items you see fit to buy. Stick to it, if it isn't on the list your probably don't need it. Saving money and saving time is something I know that I have to do. I cant go all willy nilly in target because everything is cute, or I think she may need it. I need a strict list so I don't get side tracked. Oh yeah and something that might be a bit of a tip, leave your children at home if possible with daddy. They see everything and want it all but they don't need it...

I hope this helped you out. For more tips leave your comments, add me and ill see you tomorrow...