What is Your Legacy?

If your parents are still alive, you are so blessed! Sadly my parents passed away several years ago: Mom in 2005 and Daddy in 2009. I miss them every day; yet, they still live on through me, my siblings, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. My parents left special memories for our family.

Ephesians 6:1-2 reads, "Children,obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right. Honor your father and your mother..." Although my parents may not be with me physically, I still want to honor their legacy every day by:

1. Living a life that will make them and God proud.

2. Keeping my word as my bond.

3. Giving service to the family, the church and the community.

We have a responsibility to leave an endearing and enduring legacy for the next generation. How will you honor yours?

Enjoy the Holidays!

I really love the Christmas season. It may sound like a cliche, but there seems to be a different spirit in the air. People are more kind and generous; families and friends get together. Special foods are shared. But sometimes when we try to plan the "perfect" events, we get too stressed to enjoy them.  As Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year's Eve are quickly approaching, here are a few tips I've shared before with a little help from BabyCenter.com. They may make your holidays more fun and less frantic.

Scale Back:  Unless you have a lot of household help, it can be difficult attempting the perfect Martha Stewart ambiance. I mean, who really needs a wreath made with fresh cranberries? Simple decorations can still be festive.

Simplify Gift Giving: Since my family is growing and our budgets are shrinking, we decided to draw names this year; literally picking names out of a hat. We've agreed spending more time together is better than spending more money.

Collaborate on Festivities:  Ask holiday guests to contribute to the party. Let them bring hors d'oeuvres or a dessert to your holiday event so you won't be responsible with all the cooking.

See the Holidays Through the Eyes of a Child: Most children want your presence instead of a present. Making memories like singing Christmas Carols as a family can bring more delight than a fancy toy. 

Give Yourself a Break: It may be difficult to find time for yourself, however, try. If you relax, your children, family and guests will be relaxed too.

Enjoy the Holidays!

Member of Your Family

I grew up with the most adorable black poodles.  We first got Lady as a puppy, she was gorgeous and so smart. After she had a litter of puppies we kept one of her daughters; we named her Penny. These poodles slept in our beds, they traveled with us, they had special diets, sat in the grocery cart when we went shopping and they went to the groomer every month; coming home with painted toe nails and a bow in their hair. They were the true definition of Fur Babies. I loved them so very much. Even though they passed away many years ago, it still makes me sad that they aren't here anymore. Now we have a male, cream colored poodle named Chase. We love him too.

Dogs may not be for everyone. But according to the American Kennel Club, there are science-based benefits to having a dog. Dogs make us feel less alone, are good for the heart and they help us with our stress.  Maybe that's why animal shelters have had so many customers during the pandemic. 

Genesis 1:25 says, And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Pets can be a blessing for your heart and for your health as long as you make the right fit. Visit your local animal shelter to find the newest member of your family.

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!

Family Time Management

Juggling our lives can be a challenge!  Every family member has different schedules. But using your time wisely just takes a little preparation.  Iron clothes and make school lunches the night before so you won't rush in the morning.  Eliminate morning distractions; no TV before school. If you aren't a morning person, make your medical appointments in the afternoon.  Prepare in advance. I know you can do it!

Have a Great Day!

Have a Very Happy Easter!

Building our Village one Mom at a time!

The Real Life

When I see the "Real" Housewives of...being interviewed on TV and the Reporter ask, "So how do you handle your busy schedule?", I think...Please! These TV ladies have maids, a chauffeur and a pool boy.  They aren't REAL Housewives at all.  REAL Housewives have Playdates, not a Publicist.  REAL Housewives don't have a driver, but dishpan hands (maybe dishwasher hands). REAL Housewives don't have a daily Mani-Pedi or someone to put on our make-up; we barley have time to put on lip gloss. REAL Housewives live and work day to day, without cameras in our living rooms; we make our homes the best we can.  Even though we may not get the accolades and recognition of these TV women, I'll take a kiss from my husband and hugs from my children over their drama any day.  That's REAL for me.

Never too late for a new beginning!

This Week from The Mentor4Moms

  Take charge of your attitude. Don't let someone else choose it for you

Building our Village one Mom at a time!