Say What?

Hi Moms:

Albert Einstein said:

The world is a dangerous place to live;

not because of the people who are evil,

but because of the people who don’t

do anything about it.

 

So Moms, step up, speak up, stand up!

 

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

 

Disney Anniversary

Hi Moms:

Our family members are big Disney fans.  So we’re proud to announce this day in history, way back in 1928, Walt Disney's first sound-synchronized animated cartoon, "Steamboat Willie" starring Mickey Mouse, premiered in New York.  Check out the movie on-line; it’s less than 10 minutes; enjoy it with the family. Mickey never goes out of style!

Building our Village one Mom @ a Time!

Step in, Step up!

Hi Moms:
You are your child's first teacher and best advocate.  When your child gets your best, they will do their best!

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time! 

The Right Stuff

Hi Moms:
I've been told:
Spend less time worrying who's right and more time deciding what's right.

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Eyes Forward!

Hi Moms:

We hear it all the time, Don’t Text and Drive, but do you take it seriously? And using our cell phones isn’t the only way you lose focus on the road.

Distracted driving is eating while driving, putting on make-up, looking for something in your purse while behind the wheel.  Taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds can change your life forever.

Distracted driving is the #1 killer of people from 8 years to 24 years of age.

So put down the lipstick, eat your burger when you get home and no text is so important that you must send it while driving 55 mph down the highway.

Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Begin @ Home

Hi Moms:
I was so honored and surprised to see my editorial printed in the In-Box section of the October 2014 issue of Essence Magazine - WOW! My comments came from an article titled Moms on the Front Lines where African-American Moms shared how they advocate in their communities. Here's what I wrote:
As a member of the National Parent Teacher Association's Communication Committee, it was awesome to see other African-American women in "Moms on the Front Lines".  However, you don't have to be on the national stage to make an impact.  Begin at home in your own backyard. Every little bit makes a big difference!

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Stand Tall

Hi Moms:

I’ve noticed even in 2014, the definition of being a woman still has some blurred lines. It isn’t being meek and submissive to abuse and it’s not sexting nude pictures to your boyfriend.  Being a woman means showing confidence; self respect. It means letting people know what you stand for and what you won’t stand for.  Let’s show a positive example for our girls to follow.

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

The Little Things

Hi Moms:

September is National Self Improvement Month. A great time to make some great changes. Maybe we can improve our focus by not taking things for granted. I'm grateful I woke up this morning, because a lot of people didn't.  What makes you grateful?

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Faith not Facts

Hi Moms:
I've been told:
Never give up on what you really want to do.  The person with big dreams is more powerful than the one with all the facts!

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Here We Go Again!

Hi Moms:
Can you believe another school year is beginning?  This year, I'll have 2 children in High School; seems like they just entered Pre-school.  This new passage is so sad for me, but begins a new chapter for them. But just like the advice I gave them in Pre-school, the same rules still apply:

• Make New Friends
• Make Wise Choices
• Make a Positive Difference

That's good advice at any age!

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

National Thrift Shopping Day - Hurrah!

Hi Moms:

Sunday, August 17th is National Thrift Shopping Day. And as one who thinks of any excuse to go to my local Thrift Stores, having a national day to shop makes it a celebration! When you shop at Thrift Stores, you are helping many people in your community; the homeless, disabled, and those looking for jobs. So on Sunday, August 17th make a difference and shop thrifty!

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

You Go Mom!

Hi Moms:
Here's an  encouraging  poem I recently found, so repeat after me:

 

Today I will have courage,

To do one thing that is new.

 

I will be kind to another,

And to myself be true.

 

Today I will remember,

The blessings that are mine.

 

I'll live the day with confidence,

and for me the sun will shine.

                      Author Unknown

Money isn't everything

Hi Moms:

A wise Mom once told me:

When starting out, don't worry about not having enough money.  Limited funds are a blessing.  Nothing encourages creative thinking in quite the same way.

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Winning!

Hi Moms:
Look in the mirror today and say:
"I am a Winner"
"I am Awesome"
"I am Victorious"
Because You are!

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Think before you speak

Hi Moms:

I've been told to give yourself an hour to cool off before responding to someone who has provoked you.  If it involves something really important, wait until overnight.

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Missing Daddy

Hi All:
As many men celebrate Father's Day, I'm celebrating my Daddy too. Although he passed away in 2009, the memories we shared are ever close to my heart. He was loving and fun and I miss him everyday.  Love you forever Daddy!

Another School Year

Hi Moms:

As our family closes the book on another school year, we’ll begin a very exciting chapter in the Fall. Next year we’ll have 2 children in High School – how did this happen? Time has gone by so fast! And although I’ll reminisce on the many Firsts my daughters experienced, like First steps or First time they read a book.  I’ll look forward to other Firsts, like their First time driving a car or First Prom. Learn to enjoy and cherish all your Firsts.

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Follow me on Instagram at NMichelleSutton

Use Your Gifts

Hi Moms:

Most of us have heard the expression, "If you don't use it, you'll lose it".  So are you using your gift? A gift can be described as something you do well with very little effort.  You may be a great writer, a seamstress or you may have the skills to manage a tight family budget. Be proud of your gift.  You may never know how your gifts can bring joy to yourself and others until you use them.  

Please follow me on Instagram @ NMichelleSutton.

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Good Words - Good News

Hi Moms:
I've been told, "Never deprive someone of hope.  It might be all they have."

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Daily Blessings

Hi Moms:

When your child receives a gift from Grandma, don't you expect her to say Thank You?  When a friendly stranger offers his seat on the bus, don't you say thanks?  It shouldn't take big things to make you grateful. Think of the blessings you get everyday - shelter, food, health and much more.  What are you thankful for? Find ways to give thanks this week.

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Watch your Words

Hi Moms:

When you hear a rumor at work, at your church or in your community, what do you do? Do you Ignore it - Do you add to it - Do you help spread it?  Next time a rumor begins, why not go to the source. Ask the question, "Is it true"?  It may begin a much needed conversation and end a lot of wasted time.

                                          Building our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Sad Anniversary

So hard to believe it has been a year since I lost my Brother - so sadly and so suddenly.
Lamont - I miss you so much.  I will love you forever and pray one day we will see you again.

Sweet Sixteen

Hi Moms:
Today our Daughter Erica turns 16. I can't believe it - where did the time go?  Erica - Love you so much! You will forever be our baby.

Building our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Your Body for Life!

Hi Moms:

Most of us have heard soulful singer Aretha Franklin's song RESPECT. What do you respect? You may never disrespect your church. You may not deface your home. But how much respect are you giving to your own temple - your body? Are you getting enough rest?  Do you drink water daily? How often do you exercise? What is your temple saying about you?

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Watch Your Words

Hi Moms:

Do these words sound familiar?:  "No one appreciates me!"; This situation will never change!"; "My children are so bad!" There is power in our words.  When you use negative words, you get negative results.  So watch what you say and know God has the ability to change any situation.  Change your words to:  "I am loved!"; "My life is getting better!"; "My children have a bright future!" Wait for changes to happen as you watch your words.

Building our Village One Mom @ a Time!

You Made It!

Hi Moms:
If you are reading this message, you've made it to another day.  Some people didn't. So, now what?  How will you begin your day?  Will you begin the day being hopeful or hopeless?  Let's develop a pattern with daily personal praise; rejoice and be glad! Have a great day!

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Seek the Opportunities

Hi Moms!
Volunteering is a great way to share your talents.  Churches, Recreation Centers, Girl and Boy Scouts and PTA always need volunteers.  Do you have the patience to care for little ones in the church nursery? Maybe you can gather clothes for the homeless. Or maybe you have the skills to coach a softball team.  There are many opportunities to serve in your community.  Volunteering is also a great way to meet new friends.

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Take a Breath

Hi Moms:

Have you ever had a bad day; you blow your top at the children, break that special crystal vase that belonged to your Grandmother; burned the roast. Just remember - Nobody is perfect, not even Moms.  We all have days when things don't go as we planned. But hang in there. Tomorrow is another day and it will be a better day. So many people have faith in you. Learn to have faith in yourself too.

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time

Just a What?

Hi Moms:

When I strike up a conversation with a lady at the grocery store and ask her, "So what do you do?", then she says, "I'm just a Mom", it makes me cringe. Just a Mom; are you kidding!   Moms have a purpose. Moms impact the future of our next generation. Moms have the most important jobs in the world! Remember how your Mom affected your life?  Moms have power!

Building our Village One Mom @ a Time

Children See - Children Do

Hi Moms:

Our children are great observers.  And as a Mom, you know they will follow our actions; sometimes even closer than they follow our words. When we tell our children not to tell a lie, but then ask them to tell a caller on the phone we aren't home, what's a child to think?  We are our children's first teacher. What are you teaching your children?

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Take a Deep Breath

Hi Moms:

Let's be honest. Life can cause us to lose our temper! Bumper to bumper traffic, Bosses, Bullies! Everything isn't perfect and real people have real emotions. So when those emotions happen - take a walk, count to 100 or eat some chocolate. And when the issues are more serious, talk to your Pastor, see a Counselor or talk to a close friend. Find a way back to your peaceful place.

Building our Village One Mom @ a Time

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

Hi Moms:

Many of us are celebrating the vision of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today.  Dr. King was a man of purpose and service, who sacrificed his life for a better America.  So begin today to find your purpose.   Find ways to impact your home, your church or your community. Serve not just for today, but for a lifetime!

Building our Village one Mom @ a Time!

What's in your view?

Hi Moms:
A Mom told me:   "Always have something beautiful in sight, even if it's just a daisy in a jelly glass".
Surround yourself in beauty today!
                            Building our Village one Mom @ a Time!

Happy 2014!

Hi Moms:

For many of us, a New Year is a time for New Beginnings.  With the number of family members I lost in 2013, I’m ready to step into a new season.  But before we Renew, Replace or Retire, I’m encouraging you to Remember.

1.        Remember you survived the trials of your past.

2.        Remember you are loved.

3.        Remember you still have a purpose.

So get ready for a great year!

Building our Village one Mom @ a Time!