Saturday Outing

The kids and I went to the Phoenix Zoo this morning with a woman I met at church named Lorie and her three children: Kayla (12), Olivia (3), and JD (2).

We started out at the carosel ride and NyCee was not to keen on the ride at first. The animals were way too big but she saw Olivia getting on one so she decided she would try it. All was cool until the ride was set in motion and the animals went up and down. Lorie had to hold on to her the entire time and remind her that it was safe.

Of course when the ride ended, she wanted to ride again - isn't that always the case?

The Phoenix Zoo is really very well kempt and easy to maneuver. NyCee and Olivia had the most fun running down the hills.

As we walked around we made it to the Fisher Price play area where NyCee and JD were in heaven. What is it with kids who'd rather play with the sand than the toy sculptures?

Tyler slept most of the morning.
I have probably lost 5 lbs from all the walking - not complaining.
It was a beautiful 76 degrees today. The sky was clear and blue. It was a little chilly but with all the walking, we warmed up quickly.

To God Be the Glory

The deal for a new mini van did not pan out.

The transmission is kerplunky on my truck.

I don't know what I am going to do. But I know that God has provided for me and my children all this time. He knows that I have to go to work. He knows that I need a car to do that. Because He parted a sea and the Israelites crossed on dry land and then closed the sea which drowned their enemies, He will provide transportation for me. And when He does, it will be in such a way that only He gets the glory!


So I'm not giving up. How could I! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on me, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for me. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (The Message)

Familiar Scene

NyCee at nine (9) months old:

Tyler at nine (9) months old:

The difference:

NyCee screamed and screamed until she finally feel asleep in that position.

Tyler plays quietly in his crib during nap and bedtime and then just falls asleep.

With training, parenting does get easier. The first kid is the test case. HA!

Slight Pang of Guilt

Tonight, I decided I would have a date night. After all, I deserve some alone time. Plus I believe it is healthy. With that noted, I went to have a pedicure and a manicure. This was really a treat for me as it has been nearly two (2) years since I have been to the nail spa.

There was a time when that was a bi-monthly routine. But other things became a priority.

As I walked into the spa, I felt a little pang of guilt. I began to think, "Really Dayna, this $40 could be used for something else." But I really couldn't think of anything that was needed with the $40.

I went shopping for the kids' summer clothes last week. (It will be in the 80s beginning next month. Again, this is why I traveled through the wilderness to get to the Promised Land-Ha!) But seriously, as a single mom, I am constantly thinking of my kids and planning ahead. I very rarely buy myself anything anymore.

While I recognize that is not healthy, it's my reality. First God, then my babies. But after wrestling with my mind that it's okay for me to spend the $40, I sat in the chair and relaxed. It's amazing how much more you appreciate something when it is gone and then restored.
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On a different thought, I was trying to decide what to do with Smurfette when I take delivery of the new mini-van. (A few months ago I picked out a name for my new car. Her name is Fabulous. Because God is just so tremendously FABULOUS!) Anyway, I didn't want to sell or trade-in the car. So I surfed the Internet and found the perfect solution.

As many of you know, my cousin Cari is a breast cancer survivor. Additionally, two of my co-workers at my weekend job are survivors as well. Because this illness has touched the lives of people dear to me, I support breast cancer research anyway possible. I buy products with the pink ribbon if it's an item I need and I only buy breast cancer stamps from the post office. Yes, these things may be slightly more expensive but the proceeds benefit thousands of woman and their families.

With that said, Smurfette will be donated to cars for breast cancer.

Be generous: Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns.

Don't hoard your goods; spread them around.
Be a blessing to others.
Ecclesiastes 11:1-2a (The Message)

"Did you know?"

"Hi. Did you know that Martin Luther King was black and he was shot?"

I was greeted with that question this afternoon. It was asked by my 7 or 8 year neighbor.

I replied, "Yes, I did."

I smirked to myself as I saw her mother turning beet red.

Kids really say the darnest things.

Tuckered Out

Dinner time + quiet crib play time + a warm bath + an 8 ounce bottle =


one tuckered out little boy!

Tyler had his 9 month check up yesterday. He is a perfectly, healthy, little boy. He didn't cry when he had to get a finger poke or one immunization shot. The nurse commented, "Wow, he is such a good boy!"
I was proud of my little man. He didn't even flinch when the nurse administered both shots. He just wanted to play with the blue band-aid that was placed on his finger.

Excitement At Every Turn

My gosh, today was a very exciting day.

The Arizona Cardinals are going to the Superbowl for the first time--ever! In honor of that victory, the EFC (I think that's correct) trophy was on display in the lobby of my office building.

The first Black Man took the oath for the presidency. (While I do not agree with many of President Obama's positions, I consider it a honor to be witness to such a historic event.)

Tyler almost sat up by himself from the laying down position. He sits up by himself but has not yet learned how to raise himself up to the sitting position. But he is getting there.

I picked out the color for my new Mini Van. Yep! That's right. I am a mini-van mama. When I post the pictures, you will be amazed. God is so awesome and has blessed me so much. My mini-van is like the James Bond version of all mini-vans. I just have to wait for delivery. YIPEE!!!!!

And the cake topper of the day: it was a beautiful 79 degrees, clear blue sky with hand painted cloud whisps against the mountain backdrop.

You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.
Psalm 30:11-12 (NIV)

Mobility Begins

Yesterday, Tyler transitioned from rolling all around the room to the army crawl. He hasn't gotten up on his knees yet; rather, he pulls himself to his destination using his arms.

Crawling will follow shortly.

Oops!

There are times when routine is a problem. Case in point:

Yesterday, I stopped to put gas into the truck. For whatever reason, the machine would not accept my debit card. So I had to go to the window and pay for the gas.

I returned to my vehicle, pumped the gas, got back in the car and pulled away.

I arrived at church, exited the vehicle and noticed the gas door was still open. I looked on top of the truck and the gas cap was missing.

My normal routine is to unscrew the gas cap, sit it on top of the truck, pump the gas and while I am waiting for the receipt to print, I secure the gas cap in place.

Because I had to divert from the routine, my sequence of steps were out of order. Thus resulting in the need for me to stop, after I picked up the kids from daycare, at the auto parts store to replace the gas cap.

Okay, so really I can try and blame it on routine but in reality, I should have doubled checked to be sure the cap was on. Needless to say, that will not happen again.

Something to do

Like my son who decided to stick his legs through the crib bars, on Saturday nights- I just need something to do. So, I still work my second job.

I do not work the job for the money. I write that because my friend called and asked how in the world do I manage to do all the things that I do with two small kids. I replied, "God's grace."

A couple of weeks ago, I sat down and wrote a letter of resignation to the nursery director because I was working seven (7) days a week. That is unhealthy. But I really enjoying working at the church on Saturday nights.

I am well cared for, which is truly a blessing. Therefore, I do not need to work the weekend job. I just do it because I need something to do on Saturdays nights.

I have modified my schedule so that I only work two (2) weekends a month. That was my compromise. Working two weekends a month allows me to continue doing the work that I enjoy and having some free time to myself for a few hours.

So, like Tyler who sticks his legs through the crib bars when he needs something to do; I continue to work my second job just to have something to do.

"Where do you live?"

As a project in school, NyCee had to select where she lives. The choices: an apartment, a house, or a castle. NyCee's choice:

A CASTLE! SWEET! That girl dreams big!

"As it is written, I have made you the father of many nations. [He was appointed our father] in the sight of God in Whom he believed, Who gives life to the dead and speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed." Romans 4:17 Amplified Bible

Un-fabulous report

I arrived at daycare to pick up the kids after work. One of NyCee's teachers asked if I had spoken with the other teacher. I replied, "No, I have not." Immediately, I am not pleased with that question.

In speaking with the "lead" teacher, I learned that NyCee decided to turn up her nose, stick out her tongue, and defy the teacher's instructions. Now, I am definitely NOT pleased.

Under no circumstances do I allow tantrums, sassy talk, or disrespectful behavior. I had to refrain from laying my hands on her in the director's office.

NyCee apologized to her teacher and I explained my position and that I support a time-out for the exhibited behaviors.

When we arrived home and I was getting NyCee out of the truck, she looked up and said, "I am sorry mommy for school." I thanked her for apologizing and reminded her of my expectations.

I was mortified to have to speak to the teacher about my child's behavior. This is not a situation to be repeated.

First Name Basis

"Dayna, may have have something to drink please?"

At first glance, there is nothing wrong with that question. However, when asked by one's two year old daughter, it tends to throws one for a loop.

While I recognize that my child is highly intelligent, I am trying to figure out when she learned my first name.