• happy holidays,  jack,  motherhood,  my view,  twins

    Happy President’s Day

    February 15, 2010 /

    What’s Jack up to? Jack is doing well. Missing the Dear Twins but happy to have all the attention of the house to himself. It’s all about Jack right now… but really when is it not?

    I hope you had a nice Valentine’s day. Mine was lovely spent with the DH and seeing him sing in the male choir for Men’s day. Here’s a pic of my pretty roses that he gave me. What a sweetheart.

    In honor of the Dear Twins I’m keeping up with the French theme this week with this pic of our President and First lady on their past visit to France for President’s day today.

    So far I hear the twins are having a wonderful time, visiting Versailles yesterday one of the most beautiful places on earth in my opinion. They even got to go into more private rooms like the opera house which is not for pubic view and sit. Lucky kids. I’m so glad they are having this experience. Their teachers blog for the parents every night and send us pics to tell about the trip. It looks like a blast. Yesterday there was even a sweet Valentine message video from Versailles.


    Happy Presidents day to you. Enjoy!

    Best,
    Kwana

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  • motherhood,  my view

    Sweet Sounds

    February 13, 2010 /

    So I did hear from the Dear Twins. They both called separately yesterday evening Paris time after arriving at the homes of their host families and having dinner. Ahh… dinner in Paris how nice.
    I was out since it was afternoon in NY so the DS left a message saying his family was nice and the meal delicious. So like him to think of the meal.

    The DD reported the same and told of visiting the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. She seemed happy and tired from so far away. Even spoke a bit of french. Aww!!
    The DH and I are amazed that our babies are so far away and having this experience. Believe me it’s a long way from his Georgia and my Harlem roots.

    I’m wishing you all a Happy Valentine’s Weekend. I hope it’s filled with love.

    With All Our Love,
    Kwana & Jack
    P.S. The winner of the Cara Elliot giveaway is Lenore of Lenorevermore! Congrats. If you have not been to Lenore’s blog get over there quick. Believe me you won’t be disappointed with all the fab going on

    Go Here.

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  • jack,  motherhood,  my view

    Paris Has My Heart

    February 12, 2010 /

    What’s Jack up to? He’s wondering where the Dear Twins have gotten to right about now. Spent lots of time on top of the couch and watching the window yesterday. I’m sure right now he’s like what the heck is up and where are they? Sorry Jack.

    Bonjour! The Dear Twins got off to Paris yesterday evening and I’m trying hard not to worry too much while waiting for scattered calls. I’m hoping all goes well when they meet their generous host families and they find their ways around ok.

    Hey, maybe they’ll be like these kids here, rocking it along the Seine.

    You’ll be glad to hear I fought hard and won the battle of the tears when the bus was pulling away from the school (I didn’t want to embarrass them too much).

    But I did get in an extra hug or two. I just had to.

    Best,
    Kwana

    photo from Art.com

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  • jack,  jack pics,  motherhood,  photography,  teens

    Smart Snow Dog

    February 11, 2010 /

    So what about all that snow the east coast got socked with huh? Just what we didn’t need and the dear twins are supposed to head for Paris today with their French group. I sure hope all goes off on time and well. Please send good bloggy vibes their way.

    Yesterday the family headed out to brave the snow and do some shoveling and cleaning of the cars.

    Jack wasn’t all that thrilled with the idea and had to seriously consider stepping off the porch.

    Once he did he got into the swing of things for a bit, that is until the DH opened the car door for a moment and like a shot Jack was gone.

    Into the sanctuary of the warm car. Leaving us outside to clean up on our own. Smart dog.

    Best,
    Kwana

    P.S. There is still time to enter the Cara Elliot Sin with a Scoundrel giveaway from yesterday’s post below.

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  • life,  motherhood,  my view,  stress

    Little House

    February 9, 2010 /
    This sweet little house that is on a neighbor’s front yard is just coming out from under the snow and it looks like we’re in for a bunch more come tonight. Sigh.

    I hope the forecast is wrong since I’m as busy as all get out getting the dear twins ready for a school trip to Paris later in the week. Yep, that Paris. I’m trying to keep myself sane and not worry too much since they have never been out of the country or on vacation without me so yes, I wish I were going too to keep an eye out and hey, It’s Paris. Why wouldn’t I want to go?

    What are you up to? Is it snow are sun in your forecast?

    Best,
    Kwana
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  • inspiration,  life,  motherhood,  my view

    Surrender

    February 2, 2010 /

    Surrender : transitive verb 1 a : to yield to the power, control, or possession of another upon compulsion or demand b : to give up completely or agree to forgo especially in favor of another
    2 a : to give (oneself) up into the power of another especially as a prisoner b : to give (oneself) over to something (as an influence)

    Some days you just want to throw your hands up and not in a joyful way, but in a way of frustration, in an act of defeat. The day can be going along smoothly and all it takes is one thing, a rock in the road to trip you up and take you off course, causing you to take your eyes off the horizon and your ultimate joy and you want to surrender. To give up, to say fine I’m done, have at it world, take all I’ve got.

    But then you realize that there are some things you can’t do that with. Some instances where you can’t surrender or your stubborn mother’s heart just won’t let you. Because when it comes to your children is there really ever any surrender? Not as long as there is hope, love, fight and breath.

    So you grit your teeth and hang in for the fight. Throwing up your hands and clinching them into fists at the rest of the world if you have to because the only act of Surrender when it comes to your children, in your heart and mind, is the Surrendering to the will of God. Nothing less will do.

    Best,
    Kwana

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  • jack,  motherhood,  music,  my view,  videos

    Playing My Position

    January 25, 2010 /

    What’s Jack up to? Jack’s doing just fine. Getting into bits of trouble here and there but that’s just Jack so what’s more to say? Happy Monday!

    I made it through the Gaga weekend. Though by DD and her friends did lots of fretting over what they were going to wear I decided to play my position and go as, well, me The 40 Year Old Mother in jeans, an olive draped sweater, and my comfy Uggs. Yes, I said it Uggs. Ga-Ga indeed. But my feet didn’t hurt. Lordy I am getting old.

    But, I’ve had my days of dress-up and fun way back in the day. Saturday night I was just there to fade in the background and keep and eye on things, make sure the girls weren’t snatched up or anything.

    Of course I enjoyed the show while I was trying to fade. I did my share of head bobbing and danced a bit when I could sneaked it in without a dirty look sent my way. I particularly liked the opening act, a glam rock band called Semi Precious Weapons that my DD told me I was too old to like as much as I did. Sigh. Whatever. (insert eye roll here)

    Here was my tweet on the subject. I was having fun but am afraid the girls were corrupted:

    Lead singer just stripped and changed on stage I’m afraid girls are changed forever same as me with Prince the first time. 6:47 PM Jan 23rd from web

    Lady Gaga put in a great show. I have to say I liked her before but really like her even more now. She has so much talent and energy and knows how to use it to her advantage. Am I a little monster? Maybe.

    All in all a good time, though I could have done without the drinks being thrown down from me from overhead. I’m wayyyy to old for that crap.

    Here is a little Semi Precious Weapons for you if you can deal. ***Warning explicit lyrics.*** Not for the faint of heart. Have fun.

    Best,
    Kwana

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  • life,  motherhood,  my view,  Project Runway

    Friday Musings

    January 22, 2010 /

    I can’t believe it’s Friday already. ALREADY!! Yeesh. Slow it down there Nelly!

    Oh well. The week has flown and I feel I’ve gotten much of nothing done but have been so busy. Yeah, I’m sure there were a few things thrown in here and there, but for the life of me I can’t place them.

    Just for fun I’ll share a pic of the Dear Twins birthday cake from their party last week. I decided to embarrass them once more and use the blog pics on their cake. I think it came out so cute and it was delish too. I still can’t believe I have 16 year olds but all the teen drama tells me it is so. Sigh.


    In other ramblings… are you watching Project Runway? I am but have the hardest time remembering it’s on Lifetime now. It’s so hard to break a habit. Hey, don’t my hips know it?
    I thought Amy, Jay and Anthony rocked it this week and to me Amy made that burlap beautiful.

    Best,
    Kwana

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  • happy birthday,  motherhood,  my view,  teens

    Sweet 16

    January 15, 2010 /

    While I was sleeping you grew up, seemingly overnight
    While I was blinking you grew older and time just passed me by
    I don’t know how this happened that 16 years has passed
    It really can’t be true
    But the calendar says so, thou my heart it fights and says no
    I have to give in and face the truth
    Happy Birthday my Dear Babies, I will hold on to that right
    To call you my Dear Babies with all of my might
    You will always be my Dear Babies
    Whether you are 16 or 60
    Because you are the dearest things in the word forever and always to me
    Love,
    Mom
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