A gift idea: For the woman who has everything

Has this ever happened to any of you? Finding a gift for a person who has everything.  Recently, my mom celebrated her birthday.  Actually it was 3 days after mine.  I always tell her I am her forever birthday gift.  Now you know that’s about cute for a few years, then mom wants you to pony up and get her a real gift.

This year I was at a lost.  I could do the “old” reliable, a gift card.  However, I did that last year.  So when it doubt ask someone who does not know your mommy.  I was talking to my friend Denise and she suggested an idea she saw on Pinterest.  Eureka! Why didn’t I think of that.  My friend suggested I do a hand print craft featured on TresFrenchhens. Here is a picture.

 It is a really cool idea. So I set out to make it happen for my mom.  My first task, find an affordable frame big enough for our little family project for mom.  I went to Goodwill.  This actually was my first time in this thrift store haven.  I racked up not only a good-sized picture frame, a chair for my girls room(my next revamp project), a plate, tambourine for less than $20. Score!

The first thing, I traced all of my families hand prints on coordinating colors of scrapbook paper.  I actually had some on hand(no pun intended).

The frame I purchased for $2.75 actually had a picture inside mounted on heavy cardboard. I did not want to move it because of its durability, instead I used scrapbook paper left over from our hand print and covered part of the picture.

Next, I used Mod Podge to glue down each hand print starting with the biggest down to the smallest. I can tell you it was not easy tracing the hand print of a 2-year-old. We had to do it at least three times. I opted not to put our name but instead my favorite Bible scripture, Proverbs 31:28, “Her children arise up, and call her blessed…”

It was a super easy project and I like how it turned out. You can see my pictures below.  What do you think? In His Super Grace,

Ro:)

                         

Reading, Writing & Arithmetic: What I do not miss about school

Little “Ro” as a 5th grader, at least I think. It was so long ago.

This week’s writing prompt from Mama Kat’s poses the following question: What about school do you miss the least?  How apropos (check me out using my SAT words) as my 6-year-old graduates from Kindergarten this week. I always enjoyed school.  People laugh when I tell them I really enjoy learning. You can laugh now too.  Seriously, even now in my thirties, I enjoy learning new things, storing the info in my brain so I can later share it with others.  Nerdy, yes but it has been beneficial in those awkward moments on the elevator (Here’s a random fact: Did you know: A mosquito has 47 teeth.  And only female mosquitoes bite, they need protein from the blood or their eggs? Feel free to use the next time you are at the family cookout. Special thanks to Random Facts.)Well let me get straight to the point.  I do not like Math.  As a child it just seems like I could never wrap my brain around subtraction, multiplication, division, algebra, calculus. I hated it. I actually would get a sinking feeling in my stomach.  You can imagine I was just as sadden when I discovered in college as a mass communication major I had to take statistics and macro economics.  Really? Torture. And it seems every time I had a math class it always involved the hardest teacher ever! For example,  my first year taking stats, my teacher was known as “Terminating Turner”.  She had a reputation of actually preventing Seniors from graduating.  She was known for giving pop quizzes with one problem.  Rarely wrote on the board and would not go above and beyond to work with you.  I shudder just to think about that woman.  I had to take that class over.  The next year I had a biker chick named Robin. She insisted we called her by her first name. Robin was cool but she was very supportive.  She stayed after class, held office hours and had an attitude that she really wanted me to get this and not glory in tormenting me in this subject. I passed stats that year with a “C”. Hallelujah!As a thirty-something mother of 3, I still don’t like math all that much. Matter of fact, when my husband and I newlyweds, we met with a financial consultant, I refused.  Talking about money with results in talking about math still is not fun.  However, I enjoy being a business owner and talking about profits, which again involves math. Umm, maybe I am growing up.Anyway, my  6-year-old has discovered the wonderful world of math this year.  She is smart cookie. I know I could be bias. However, some of the math problems have been difficult, especially when you have to plug-in the missing number.  For example: 3+blank=7. I saw her frustration. I even got frustrated at times too.  But one thing I had to keep reminding myself is to “not making her hate it.”  I remember as a child my parents sitting with me at the table going over math problems.  My parents became frustrated because I was not getting it, I became frustrated because my thought was “why doesn’t my brain work.” From that point I started to hate math.  So, I had to get in it with her and even though I rather do reading comprehension(Reading/English were my favorite subjects) I had to help her push pass “the hate” and see that with a little time and effort she could get through it.  And we did! Thank you Lord!This week’s writing prompt has me looking at things differently. Instead of saying I hate math maybe now that I have grown up I can say I do not enjoy math but can appreciate why we have to learn it. Now that is maturity speaking there folks(haha).

Now it is your turn. What do you miss least about school? Go ahead and fuss up.

In His Super Grace

Ro:)

Thank You for Helping Me Grow

Teacher Appreciation Week was last week at my children’s school and I am late. There is a lot happening here at SuperMOMdel World Headquarters.  Matter of fact, I have not even posted a Freestyle Friday Craft in more than a month.  Do you forgive me?  Thank you , I need lots of grace!

My children have really great teachers.  Next week, is the last day of school.  Last night, I starting my “Growth” project.  Now here is my disclaimer.  I do have a “supplies” list but as the project progressed it took on a life of its own. I made a lot of adjustments mid way but still want to give you options.

Materials: Chalkboard paint, small flowers pots purchased from The DollarTree, Mod Podge, foam brushes, pipe cleaners, white spoons

I purchased a set of 3 small flower pots for $1.  I used chalkboard paint I picked up from Lowe’s.  It took about two coats, less than 20 minutes to dry. Around the rim of the flower paint I used white acrylic paint to cover the areas where the chalkboard paint spilled over.

The after picture of both flower pots painted

My 4 year-old daughter says it looks like a flower and that is all that matters. 🙂

When I started this project I had my own ideas on how to make a flower out of a pipe cleaner. As you can see from the above it came out “ok” but there is a great tutorial online.  Thank God for Google.  You can watch the video here.  I followed the tutorial. It was very easy but I thought the flower would be too busy.

The finished product: Still not sure I am going to use due the size of my flower pot

Now that the flower pots are dried it is time to mix up the “Dirt” pudding for the inside. I first heard about “Dirt” pudding when I was working freelance at a Law Firm. We were having a party for one of our colleagues and wanted something fun. One of the women made this pudding in a bucket and served it with a shovel. Super cute presentation, trust me on this one. Mine is the quick and “dirt(y)”, (no pun intended) version. You can see the “real” recipe below. This would also be very cool at a little boys birthday party.

I used store brought pudding but I will mix in chopped up Oreo cookies, everything is better with Oreo cookies, right? And of course you can’t have dirt without worms…gummy worms that is.

I lined the flower pots with clear wrap, so the teachers can eat right out of it. (Smarty Pants). I filled it with the pudding and cut around the edge to make it look a little cleaner.

Finally, I covered the top with chopped up Oreo cookies and added two gummy worms. I also work in chalk around the flower-pot: Thank You For Helping Me Grow.

So, what do you think? Is this a good idea?

In His Super Grace

Ro:)

DIRT DESSERT

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Lg. flower-pot or sand bucket 2 pkgs. Oreos, crushed 2 pkgs. French vanilla instant pudding with 3 1/2 c. milk 12 oz. Cool Whip, thawed 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese 1 c. powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla

You want to make sure the cream cheese and Cool Whip are really soft, makes it easier to mix. Also, note the mixture stays fluffiest if instead of mixing the cream cheese mixture in with the pudding, you fold it in.  And you can use more Oreos than called for.

Mix Cool Whip, powdered sugar, vanilla, softened cream cheese; mix pudding mixture separately and then add to other mixture. Use foil in bottom of clay pot. Layer Oreos, then pudding mixture, ending with Oreos on the top. Plant with artificial flowers and gummy worms. Serve with sand shovel.

Mother’s Day: What this Mom Really Wants

I need to fold laundry. I need to mop the kitchen. Instead here I am writing a blog post about Mother’s Day.  I know every mom blogger has written or will write a blog post about Mother’s Day.  Well, here’s another. As a mother of a 6,4 and almost 2-year-old I usually get a lot of handmade gifts from school and church.  No complaints here. I love handmade gifts.  However, I have a list of some things that would make me a happy mama this Mother’s Day.

Here is my list in no particular order:

1. a child who won’t puke on me or any object near me. (True story: Last Mother’s Day my son vomited all over my new outfit at church)
2. not to referee any fights especially over a doll, ball or matter of fact any toys
3. to sleep in past 7am on saturday
4. To not say the following words all weekend: “stop it” “don’t do that!” “If I have to pull this car over!” “Do your ears work?” ” You got one more time!”
5. to use the bathroom without the following happening: A) an impromptu family meeting B) Children who are thirsty and need me to fix them a drink( even though they passed Daddy in the kitchen) C) Children who say things like “We need to come in!” D) My son pressing his face and tiny fingers under the crack of the door
6. to shower without an audience(see above)
7. to wear my nice clothes without becoming a human napkin (Wipe Here 😦 )
8. not being awaken at 3am because of a tummy ache resulting in my having to share my bed with my husband and a (wild sleeper) of a child.
9. to not have surprises awaiting me when I get the little man out of the crib (I will let you use your imagination here)
10. to not yell for my husband as if I am a teenage sister…”Will you get them to stop , please?!
11. and finally, to get through a day without someone breaking down in tears due to the following: not liking what’s on their plate, what they are wearing, what someone else is wearing or “just because”

This is totally in humor. I love my little blessings.  I am laughing but I take my role as a mom very serious.  I have the task of shaping young women and men who will grow up and have their own family.  It is my desire to do the job well so their husbands and wives will thank God for me.  To all my Mom’s out there Happy Mother’s Day and if no one told you today, “Thank you for all you do both seen and unseen.”

So, if you could come up with your own list of Mother’s Day gifts what would be on it? Please leave a comment. I do read them.

In His Super Grace (God knows we need it)

Ro:)

PS. I will have a more serious post tomorrow 🙂

What’s In A Name

Hey, there gorgeous!

Today, someone called me the wrong name. It happens often.  When you have a name that is not “common” people have a tendency to well make up one for you.  My name is Roshanda, which I pronounce as Ro-shon-da.  It probably should be pronounced Ro-shan-da however, I do not like that pronunciation, and I never have, it sounds pretentious to me.  My mother and father were expecting a boy; Lo and behold they got another girl! As the name story goes, my mother says she was reading “Jet” Magazine a weekly magazine targeted toward African-American readers, founded in 1951 according to Wikipedia. My mom says she saw some person in the magazine with the name “Roshanda,” she thought it was different and decided to go with that one.  Hence, I was named Roshanda.  Now, for anyone who has ever read “Jet” each issue includes the beauty of the week. When I tell the story on how my name came to be, I say, I was named after the beauty of the week.

Growing up I never liked my name much.  Seriously, what is a “Roshanda?” I was the only one in my class surrounded by an abundance of “Jennifer’s.”  By the way, Jennifer was a popular name in the 70’s. Matter of fact, my five imaginary friends were all named, you guessed it, Jennifer.  My uncommon name hang-ups weren’t just at school, but when I got home too.  My older sister is named Lisa. Yes, you heard correctly, Lisa. My sister, like most, would torment me with the story about being adopted since my name was not as common as hers. (Evil sister!)

Seriously, what’s a name anyway?  In a day when people name their children after fruit, a color in the crayon box, or even just make it up what’s the big deal?  Well, a lot.  When I decided to have my own children a lot of thought went into the name.  I thought about it all. I said the name, I screamed the name, and I imagined what it would look like on a graduation program and how the initials would look on a monogrammed tote.  I may have been a little obsessive, but I know what it is like to have an unusual name.  My husband and I really wanted names that connected with our faith in Christ.  So when it came to our daughters name we prayed and hence the name: Jael Kaelyn.  Jael is a Hebrew named pronounced (Yah-el).  I like the Hebrew pronunciation, but knew people would not get that right.  So we call her (Jah-el). Her whole name means: strength of God delivered.  And I can testify He certainly has! All of our children have significance in their name.  The reason is simply in the Bible people named their children based upon where they were going or where they left.  There is power in a name.  I believe what we name our children has a great significance on who they will later become.

How about you? Do you like your name? If you could change it, what would you change it to and why?

 

In His Super Grace

Ro:)

Raising BOY

There are not many boys in our family. Matter of fact, especially on my side all the recent births were girls.  That was until my sister and I finally had a boy! Yeah, team blue! My son is 19 months now. He is very busy, curious, fun-loving and adventurous, really adventurous. Over this past year of raising him, he has taught me and my husband a lot about life.  This is a list of some of the things this tiny tot has taught me.  I hope this list brightens your day.  And if you have a little boy I would like to hear what you’ve learned.

1. Take a RISK: Sometime you just have to climb up on the couch and dive off the edge(even if it’s head first and your mommy is squealing and screaming “Get Down.”

2. Don’t Take No for an answer: When it is right keep asking and asking eventually you’ll wear them down or God’s favor will work on your behalf.

3. SMILE: It makes you look good and helps others.

4. Size doesn’t matter: The youngest and  smallest in the bunch does not mean anything but don’t let that stop you from rolling with the big Dawgs!

5. Finally: When people try to cage you in break out the box. (sidenote: This refers to my 19 month old breaking one of the bars on the crib through excessive kicking)

I could never truly prepare for mothering a “boy” however, the book by Dr. James Dobson, “Bringing up Boys” is a great resource. 

In His Super Grace

Ro:)

Freestyle Friday: The Princess Room

Every Friday(fingers crossed) I plan to post creative craft ideas done in a weekend.  Today’s post is one I am very excited and yes, Mama proud of.  For Christmas my 5 and 4-year-olds got their own room.  They affectionately call it the “Princess room.” You will see why in a moment.  At first, I had planned on doing a garden themed room however my 5-year-old changed my mind.  My husband and I are making it a priority to teach our girls they are “princesses” in the Lord’s royal court.  We want them to know just how special they are to God, us and the world.  We believe when we do this they will never compromise because they know who they are.  Thus, this is what led us do doing a “Princess” themed room.  My 5-year-old and I were talking one night. I asked her who she was. i was expecting for her to say her name, but instead she said “I am a princess.” I was on a major budget(as usual) with this project.  But with Christ as Lord over my shopping we pulled off a great room makeover, the girls love and happily show off to visitors to our home. Here are a few of my favorite things about this project:

Paint It: I painted the room in a peachy pink and mint green color.  I am so happy about the peachy paint stowed away at my parents home in my Dad’s workshop.  The mint green paint, used in the background of the built-in shelves cost just $3 bucks! Hallelujah! Tip: When shopping for paint check the paint clearance section at your local hardware/home improvement store.

Masterpieces on Display:  I purchased these wood blocks from Michaels  and covered them in princess themed scrapbook paper with a clothespins attached, so the girls can hang up artwork. I got the idea from Little Miss Momma’s Blog. This is so easy and super cheap to do!

 Ballerina Princess:  Every little girl wants to be a ballerina, right? I scored this from Hobby Lobby for less than $6. It has a crack in it and talked the manager into giving me an extra discount.  It may not completely match the colors of the room but nonetheless it adds a little pop to the decor.

Yes, You can write on the wall: I am so into chalkboard paint. I blame Pinterest! I have seen so many cool chalkboard projects. I purchased a can of chalkboard paint from Lowe’s for about $13. I did not want to do the classic square but several different shapes. I think we will add more.

Switching things Up!: I decorated all the visible outlet covers with “princess” themed scrapbook paper. I had a good bit left over from the previous project. I posted step by step instructions here.

On Display: Overall what I love about this room are the shelves which can with the house when we purchased.

And finally at the built-in desk around the trim I placed these wall decal Princesses. Mt daughters were so delighted about this find from the dollar tree, yes I said the dollar tree!

So what do you think? Did I do a good job?

In His Super Grace

Ro:)

The Importance of a Dream

Dr. King had a dream, do you?  Dr. King has been dead longer than he lived. However, it was still a life well lived.  If Dr. King was still alive today he would be 83 years old.  On Sunday, I had the privilege to host a gospel concert in my community as a wonderful tribute to his life and legacy. 

In his famous “I have a Dream speech”  Dr. King, spoke of a world where his children would not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.  Too sad, he would never see it. I strongly believe Dr. King was well aware he would never experience his dream however, was willing to pave a road of ease for the next generation. What a self-less act.  When I think of Dr. King I often think of the patriarchs of faith in the bible.  They believed with unwavering faith yet never saw manifestation.

Joel 2:28 reads:”And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.

Dr. King was the one with the dream, you and I are the one with the vision.  What Dr. King started continues through you and I.  As my Pastor says, “Whatever God stirs in your heart to do, you can not run the entire distance, there are others who need to run the distance after me.”  Will you run the distance? What’s your dream that will impact the next generation?  Just think if Dr. King never had a dream, remaining comfortable in his present?

I am most thankful MLK dreamed a dream.  He never saw it but his dream allowed this little brown girl from immigrant parents to attend a college first created for white girls, to graduate with honors and work in an industry not so welcoming to minorities.  Now I can raise children who can have the same opportunities Dr. King dreamed.  So again, I ask you “what is your dream? and how will it impact the next generation.

Thank you Dr. King, your dream is now my reality!

I Have a Dream Speech

Ode to Freddie: First Pet Fish

We'll Miss You Freddie:The Fish(this is not actually Freddie but a likeness)

This fish tale(I could not help it) starts off with a class lesson in the letter “F”.  My daughter is in 3K.  As a class project they were learning about the letter “F”.  All the children in class came home with a fish, “Freddie: The Fish.”   I thought it was a cleaver idea.  The grandparents the week before had already purchased two goldfish, at least that is what I think they are and it seems like we were doing well with having a family pet.  By the way, the other two fish are named Nemo and Ceelo (not to be confused with the singer Ceelo Green).  So here we are Nemo, Ceelo and Freddie:The Fish all living in one big happy fish tank.  Freddie: The Fish really was the small fish in a rather big pond.  He was much, much smaller than the other fish.  He could not eat the pellet fish food as the others, so we fed him the flaky fish food.  As my three-year-old constantly told us, ” Do not feed Freddie too much he will die.”  I guess a fair warning from her teacher.  Ok, So we watched Freddie’s food intake… until I noticed one day as a family friend’s daughter was feeding the fish, Freddie was looking; well not so FISHY! He was moving rather slow and looked rather seasick.  I know, he’s a fish, and they live in water.   But Freddie looked really, really sick! 

The next day we got up as usual and were getting the kids ready for school.  That morning we had our prayers were the oldest, the 5-year-old thanked the Lord for Freddie. Well sometime between giving thanks or maybe even before Freddie went belly up, literally.  Thank God it was not noticed.  I believe that was the Lord’s grace for all of us.   So my husbands goes to take the kids to school and I had to fish, I mean scoop poor ol’ Freddie out the tank.  I put him in a Starbucks paper cup as we tried to figure out what to do. When in doubt and in need of a good laugh, the best place to turn is if of course, Facebook. (the names are removed to protect the innocent.

 The following is my Facebook post the morning of the discovery:

Whelp, “Freddie the fish” is belly up, literally. After prayer with the kids today Jacobee and I discovered the lifeless body. Smh. Goldfish. Now I am preparing myself to get this thing out of the tank and talking to the kids. Smh. Now I know how cliff huxtuable felt like when rudy”s gold fish died on the crosby show. (sigh)

Oh…Freddie!!

 

Whattt??? I just met him yesterday. He didn’t look sick… When is the funeral?

 

Weeelll u could do what we did…take fish back and exchange it for one that looks like it. If the kids dont know its dead it wont matter….

 

Gotta stick to beta fish .. they last longer ..lol. hope the kids do ok with the news… 

 

That was the best Cosby episode….I do find myself resorting to some of Cliff’s tacktics with my kids from time to time….lol So sorry about the fish

 

Is Jael going to put on a black leotard for the funeral? : ) (One of the best TV episodes ever…)

 

Ok see that’s why I like stuffed animals! Smh

 

RIP Freddy the fish

 

we had a beta fish to die about two years ago and for a while if you even mentioned the fish name, spencer would cry. I made the mistake of getting rid of the fish while they were gone for the weekend. Grief and mourning for like a year. A funeral would be ummm….cute. lol!

As you can see the responses were pretty HIGH-larious!  My husband and I seriously thought about buying a fish, replacing Freddie before the girls got home from school.  Then we thought that would be lying. The very thing we tell them not to do.  By the way, if you have replaced a pet without your children knowing, in no means am I throwing stones.  I am just saying WE decided not to do that but rather confront the situation head on. 

This is our plan:

1. Do NOT make a BIG deal:  If we minimize it, not trivialize it most likely the children will not make a big deal about it either.
2. Be truthful: If this is what we tell them well we better model it.  Package the truth in a way they can understand and move on.
3. Honor Feelings:  If they want to cry, let ’em. Little people have feelings too.

Well, the time came to tell the girls about Freddie:The Fish.  I started off with “Girls. I have something to tell you.” This got their attention.  But for some reason the younger child, the three-year-old keep looking over at the Fish Tank.  ” Girls, Freddie:The Fish is dead.” (pause) Then, in unison they both said “Awww, Freddie…” and then came the questions. The main one where is Freddie right now? I told them he was in a paper cup(see picture below).  They wanted to see him and say their good-byes.  I allowed them and then little Freddie went floating with the fishes(again, I could not resist). Basically, Daddy flushed Freddie down the toilet.  The girls response: “He may get lost!”

R.I.P. Freddie:The Fish

 

So I want to hear from you.  Have you ever had to break difficult news to your children, maybe about death? How did you do it? Please leave a comment so we can walk this journey together.

In HIS SUPER Grace

Ro:)