Meet Santa Larry

Okay…I’m laughing as I write this post. I just can’t help it. Let me just start with: I’m glad I don’t live in the U-S of A.

Folks, meet Larry Jefferson. He’s a retired U.S. Army Veteran from Irving, Texas.

If you live in the States, you’ve probably heard of him on the radio or seen him on the news. I actually learned about him on one of my Facebook friends timeline a few weeks ago.

While this story is almost three weeks old, I thought it was still worth mentioning because I just can’t stop thinking about how ludicrous this whole story is.

Why is Larry Jefferson headline news? He was the first Black Santa to ever grace the Mall of America in Minnesota from December 1^st -4^th. Apparently a lot of Americans had a hissy fit about this whole ordeal. 

Here are some of the comments I came across on the internet:

A sampling below from CBS and Twitter:

 

This one is my favourite:

These Americans need to relax and remember that Santa is not real. 

I wrote a post last year titled, “Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy aren't real?” about parents lying to their children about these fictional characters. 

While I did take Zendaya to meet Santa Claus twice over the past few weeks, I still plan on telling her when she gets a bit older  that Santa is not real.

Does it really matter what colour Santa Claus is? 

I’ve read articles in relation to this story about how there should be a Santa to represent all the different nationalities. I’m sure this suggestion was coming from an adult and not a child because children don’t care.

I thought about how I would react if I took Zendaya to meet Santa Claus and he happened to be black. I know I would be shocked at first but I would have her take pictures with him just the same because after all, Santa Claus isn't real.

To all those angry Americans who threw temper tantrums, get over it.

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In Everything Give Thanks

Yesterday was one of those days that I just wanted to scream. I was feeling very overwhelmed.

To make matters worse, my car wouldn’t start while at the grocery store. Everyone I called didn’t have a jumper cable. Everyone I asked that was leaving from the grocery store also didn’t have one.

 I finally called one of my clients who came to our rescue. Once my car was up and running again, I just started to complain in my mind.

When I got home, these four words came to me – “In Everything Give Thanks”.

My day could have been worse but it wasn’t.

With so many deaths this year, I've really had to examine myself. So many times I've asked myself if I’ve accomplished everything I want to in this life. Most importantly, if I were to die right now, am I ready for Heaven? I believe that I am so let me continue to live life and do the best that I can while I still have time.

So many started 2016 but didn’t get to see the end. While the year isn’t quite finished yet, I thank God for bringing Zendaya, my family, my friends and myself this far.

With the recent passing of Alan Thicke, I was reading the details of his death online. I came across this quote he posted on May 29, 2012 on Twitter:

“Live life so completely that when death comes to you like a thief in the night, there will be nothing left for him to steal (anon)”

Powerful words and so true.  

It doesn’t matter what kind of year, month, week or day you’ve had so far, just remember, "In Everything Give Thanks".

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The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is such a powerful thing. When you can forgive someone, there’s a sense of freedom that goes along with it.

On the flip side, it’s not always easy to forgive. Carrying bitterness and anger because of unforgiveness can destroy you.  

If we want to maintain healthy relationships with others, forgiveness is a must.

When I struggle with forgiveness, there are two scriptures that I always turn to but find hard to live by: 

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive you your sins.” 
~Matthew 6:14, 15 (NIV)

“Get rid of all bitterness rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ forgave you.” 

~Ephesians 4:31, 32 (NIV)

I know when I've had a hard time forgiving someone, I found it hard to pray. I didn’t see the point. How could I ask God to forgive me of my sins knowing that I was holding bitterness and malice towards someone? 

I always had to remind myself that no one is worth the stress or the headache. I refuse to lose my soul over anyone because of an unforgiving spirit.

Forgiving someone doesn't mean you'll forget the pain. It just means that you're no longer allowing that person and situation to control you. 

The next time you struggle with this sin, just remember that there's no better cleanser for your mind, body and soul than forgiveness.

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About that birth plan...

It’s hard to believe that tomorrow will mark six months since I was in the hospital anticipating Zendaya’s arrival.

I went in with all these ideas about how my labour and delivery would go. Being the organized woman that I am, I had put together a birth plan.

I remember giving my birth plan to one of the nurses. She looked at me, smirked and started reading it.

I was hoping for my water to break naturally. There was a possibility that they would have to break it the following morning because my contractions were only 45 minutes apart on the eve of Zendaya’s birth.

I was determined that I wasn’t going to get the epidural even though I have zero tolerance for pain.

I was praying that I wouldn't have to have a c-section because I didn’t want them to cut me open and deal with the pain for six weeks or more.

I wanted to cut the umbilical cord.

I wanted to hold Zendaya immediately after delivery.

I also wanted to see the placenta before it was discarded.

These were only a few of the things listed on my birth plan.

After the nurse finished reading it, she looked at me and laughed. She told me that most times, what women want to happen during their labour and delivery doesn’t happen. She went on to say that I should go in with an open mind to avoid disappointment.

It was my turn to laugh.

She clearly didn’t know me. I’m all about being in control and I was definitely going to be in control of this situation. 

Fast forward nine hours.

The next morning, my OB had to break my water.

After four hours of enduring the pain, I asked the nurse how fast could she get me the epidural.

Due to some complications with Zendaya’s birth, I didn’t get to cut the umbilical cord nor did I get to hold her or see until ten minutes after her delivery.

I only got to see a picture of the placenta.

The only thing I was able to tick off my birth plan was not having a c-section.

 My nurse was right. Creating a birth plan is great but you definitely have to go in with an open mind. Never again will I create another. 

Lesson learned.

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Earning points to get ungrounded

I came across this a couple of weeks ago:

The first thing that came to mind was the Monopoly card that reads: “Go to jail. Go directly to jail. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200”. That’s how I feel this Mother is dealing with disciplining her children. If they don’t receive 500 points by doing the chores listed above, they won’t get “ungrounded”. (For the full story, click here).

How is this an effective form of discipline?

 Growing up, chores were something my siblings and I did on a daily basis. My chores included washing the dishes every other night, cleaning the washroom, vacuuming and dusting on Saturdays. As I got older, I did laundry and helped cook. These are things that every child should know how to do. Chores shouldn’t be used as a form of punishment.

You would have never caught my parents putting together something like this as a form of punishment. If you come from a West Indian home, there was only one form of discipline and I’ll leave it at that.

Living in a society where children are obsessed with technology, I now hear of parents taking away cell phones and tablets as a form of punishment. Then there’s the traditional time-out for toddlers or getting spanked with the wooden spoon.

At the end of the day, parents have to do what works for them and their children. If this method works for this family and the children learn their lesson, then kudos to their Mom.

What are your thoughts on this Mothers method of punishment?

What form of discipline did your parents use when you were growing up?

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A Baby Shower fit for a Princess #tbt

What should have been an “Around the Clock” baby shower ended up being a Princess theme shower. That was fine by me.

This post is five months late but I’m still so grateful for Lisa and Chantal who organized such an elegant shower. I can’t forget my other ladies, Amanda and Charlette and my sisters, Camille and Yvonne for pitching in. Lastly, to Jordana for always taking such great photos.

What would a shower be without family and friends? Thanks to everyone who came out and for all the clothes (it really should have been a clothes baby shower) and books (they were replaced with cards to help kick start her library).

The games were a hit (especially bathe the baby) and the dessert. Oftentimes when planning an event, I always leave the cake for last and it never gets done. Not this time. I made sure to make Zendaya’s baby shower cake my number one priority. The Coconut Raspberry cake was devoured in no time.

A few days later, I finally went through the words of advice my family and friends left for me.

Some of my favourites are:

“Read the Bible everyday to her and pray with her”

“Avoid discipline when angry”

“They grow so fast [so] enjoy each day/moment”

“Be a good role model – your child does whatever you do. Love cherish and care for your child”

“Love unconditionally, Praise always, Lead by example”

There were two that had me laughing:

“Make sure you wash the baby”

“Send Zeny to Auntie Yvonne every other weekend when she’s about 8 months old”

Now...time to print these pictures and include them with the hundreds of pictures I already have of Zendaya.

What words of advice did you receive as a new parent that you would like to pass on?

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Thanks for reading and keep smiling :)

Just like a Mother

I was the first baby she ever held. I was always known as the daughter she never gave birth to.

With Mother’s Day on Sunday, today I would like to honour my second mother, Marcia.

Marcia has been a huge support over the past year. She was one of the first persons I told about my pregnancy. She was the one I called to drive me to the hospital when I thought I was going to lose Zendaya. She was one of my labour coaches and stayed by my side from beginning to end.

During Zendaya’s first week of life, we were in and out of the hospital. Marcia was always there making sure I was eating, drinking and getting plenty of rest.

Maria is a woman who has a whole lot of love to give. Her positive attitude and advice has helped me get through some difficult situations over the past year.  

On Sunday, I look forward to spending Mother’s Day with this phenomenal woman of God.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mother’s - especially to all the Mother’s who have passed on, all the first time Moms and Mother’s to be.

Which woman has had a great impact in your life?

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Happy Jamaican Beef Patty Day!

Last Saturday, a friend of mine told me to buy a beef patty on February 23^rd because it’s Jamaican beef patty day. 

Well, that day is finally here.  Today I headed to my local West Indian store and bought myself two beef patties, two cocoa breads and a cola champagne.

Beef patties are most likely the number one food item that Jamaica is known for. 

Here in Toronto, most convenience stores and grocery stores sell them.

If you attend a predominately West Indian church, you can count on someone selling them after service.

For years I always bought Allan’s patties until I was introduced to Michidean patties. Ladies and gentlemen…I never went back. Michidean patties became my new favourite brand. If you haven’t had one, you need to try one. You won’t be disappointed.

The night is still young so why not head on over to your nearest West Indian store or convenience store and buy yourself a beef patty.

What is your favourite brand of Jamaican beef patties?

What do you eat your patties with?

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When you get a chance, please visit my friend Tyrone’s blog. His posts are insightful and very thought provoking. See his blog here.

Thanks for reading and keep smiling :)

My Princess is finally here!

On Thursday, January 14^th, I finally got to meet my Baby Shrimp, my Little Cupcake, my Princess.  

Zendaya Isabell  made her grand entrance at 6:34 PM and weighed 6lbs, 15oz.

She’s the most beautiful human being I have ever laid eyes on.

She’s simply perfect.

 She has changed my world.

She has changed who I am.

She has changed how I think.

There is nothing that I wouldn’t do for her.

There are no words to describe the love I have for her.

I’m looking forward to raising her and spending every second with her.

The meaning of Zendaya is “to give thanks”. Not a day goes by that I don’t thank God for her. 

I consider myself blessed that He chose me to be her Mommy.

Feel free to share this post on your favourite Social Media Networks.

When you get a chance, please visit my friend Tyrone’s blog. His posts are insightful and very thought provoking. See his blog here.

Thanks for reading and keep smiling :)

Happy Anniversary to Me!

Last Tuesday marked my one year blogging anniversary.

Blogging has always been something I wanted to do but didn’t have the time to commit. 

Last year I decided to take on the challenge to write two blog posts a week. By March, I almost changed it to once a week but decided to stick to my original plan. While I may not have written every week, I was always in search of a topic to write about.

A BIG thank you to all of you who have read my posts, commented, sent me text messages or even taken the time to call with a word of encouragement. Your support has made this journey worthwhile.

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When you get a chance, please visit my friend Tyrone’s blog. His posts are insightful and very thought provoking. See his blog here.

Thanks for reading and keep smiling :)

My Photography Journal @mo_fotography

I just love starting a new year. It’s a time when you can add a new chapter to your book of life. It's also a great time to start a new hobby.

Last November, I decided that I wanted to start taking pictures again. If I was really serious about doing this, I knew I had to put my Canon SD1100 IS to rest. To replace it, I purchased a Nikon D3300.

It stayed in the box until New Years day. That’s when I came across Project 365 on Pinterest. The challenge is to take one picture a day for the entire year.

By day three, I was ready to quit. It had started to feel like work. On top of that, I’ve been struggling with trying to figure out how this camera works. It doesn’t matter how many times I read the manual, there are still some things I can’t figure out. Thank goodness I have a few photography friends who are willing to help me out.

I’m looking forward to looking back on my photo journal at the end of the year. 

I’ve created an instagram page and will be posting my pictures weekly. Feel free to follow me as I take this journey -  @mo fotography.

 I’m also looking forward to learning all that I can about this beautiful art.

What's your new hobby for 2016?

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When you get a chance, please visit my friend Tyrone’s blog. His posts are insightful and very thought provoking. See his blog here.

Thanks for reading and keep smiling :) 

365 days of Positivity

A couple of weeks ago, I was trying to figure out what my goal for 2016 would be. I came across several posts about picking three words for the year. The purpose of the exercise is to incorporate those words into your everyday life and let it become a part of who you are.

Instead of choosing three words, I decided to choose one: Positivity.

While I consider myself to be an optimistic individual, I tend to struggle to stay positive when things don’t go my way. I’m a control freak. Not being able to solve my problems drive me absolutely crazy.

God has really been testing me over the past few months. Some days I'm positive that He's going to work things out for me and other days I'm not so sure. 

I’m tired of my moods flip flopping. It has been destroying me. I knew I needed to change.

My word finally came to me on New Year’s Eve. Regardless of my current situations and all the situations to come, I’ve made up in my mind to make a conscious effort to become a more positive person in 2016.  

How will I do that? Well, I’ve joined the One Word 365 community. I’ll be able to follow those who’ve chosen the same word as myself and see what they’re doing to stay positive all year round.

What’s your word for 2016?

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When you get a chance, please visit my friend Tyrone’s blog. His posts are insightful and very thought provoking. See his blog here.

Thanks for reading and keep smiling :)