Learning How to Braid and Natural Hair Care

I am not even going to write this blog over. If you would like to read what I use on my daughters hair and how I learned to braid visit:
http://thegoodtimegurlz.wordpress.com/

Mega HELL Trip: 16 Hours Only To Go To Hampton, VA

First thing first; Do you like our new page? Do you like our new header? More importantly, do you like that we are back? I tried recreating a new blog on Wordpress but frankly, I think blogger is much easier to use. So, I am in the process of moving those blogs to this one or, I will just post the links in individual blogs.

Anyway.

For those who do not know, which is quite a few, for the past three months, my family has been separated. I will not get into detail here, that is for another blog, but due to a recurrent of events, we had to evacuate our apartment in NJ and live separately; I am living in Brooklyn and my husband was living in PA. Due to another event, we decided that this was the best time to pack up, start over and move to VA, more specifically, Virginia Beach. We discussed moving back to the Hampton roads area for years and when ish hit the fan in NJ, we thought now was a great time as any to give our children a better life and that is what we did. We now have a house (rented) in Virginia Beach. My husband and children are there while I am still working in New York, trying to figure out the best way to let my boss know that I have to resign from my position. Several factors come into play:

1. My husband finding a job and soon. This makes it a little more complicated because the girls are with him. Long story short, I kept running into dead ends in regards to finding daycare in New York. They were either too expensive or the last resort, subsidy program, will not start until September. We thought it might make sense to have them go to daycare in the area which they now reside. Of course, I miss them terribly.

2. Me, finding a job. This tough. I haven't had much luck in this area. It may be easier to find a job when I am actually in the location. Human resources see my VA address but notice I work in New York.

3. Money saved. We do not have much saved as a cushion. We are working on that though.

So, that is my life thus far in a nutshell. Crazy right? So, I decided that I would visit my family for a bit until I make the permanent move to Virginia. The most inexpensive option was to take  MegaBus. MegaBus (and I say this lightly now), is a good alternative to Greyhound. It is affordable, free wifi, hence why I am able to write this post, and the people are not too bad. I am sorry, I have run into some ratchet people on Greyhound that has made my journey very unpleasant.

 I know this Megabus UK but the caption summarizes my trip

The only scheduled bus heading to Hampton (not VA Beach), was at 12:40am. I left Friday at 11:00 just to be toward the front of the line, which was a success. The bus was a couple of minutes late, but that was no big deal. Unfortunately, I did not get a sit to myself, I had the "pleasure" of sitting next to this college student who talked to his girlfriend half the night and gave me no room to go to sleep. However, he was the least of my worries.

After I decided to get a nap in, I woke up and notice that we were in the City of Philadelphia. That was strike one. The route to Hampton does not stop in Philadelphia. Even with that in mind, the bus driver had the nerve to take forever in a day to unload luggage and do God no what else.

Strike two and this a a HUGE strike, I decided to take a nap again only to wake up to miles and miles of traffic. I couldn't even tell you how long we were in traffic but by the looks of it, the driver wasn't bright enough to get off at the nearest exit. I overheard customers discussing that they had to change to another bus in D.C. Something told me to check my ticket and sure enough, I too had to transfer in DC. This wouldn't have been a problem if the bus did not leave at 6:30am and here we are STUCK in TRAFFIC nowhere NEAR DC and it is, yup, you guessed it, 6:30am. I was no longer getting to Hampton at 10:45am.

Finally, the bus driver to decides to take an alternate route. Actually, he had no choice because the remainder of the I-95 was closed off.  Rather than let the customers on the bus know what was going on or even apologize, the bus driver decides to keep driving, even though it is apparent, he has no idea where he is going. It becomes more apparent that he lost, when we arrive at a military base.

We arrive in Washington DC at 9:30am. From 12:40 to 9:30am I was on the bus.

I wish my journey ended there.

The next bus was to arrive at 10:45AM. I immediately called Mega Bus customer service to let them know how upset I was. The representative, nonchalant told me to express my complaints via email. I hung up. Then, the Mega Bus employees in the station told us that we would have to pay a $5.00 surcharge to get on the next bus. All hell broke loose which changed the employees mind from us paying $5.00 to nothing.

10:45 came and went. We did not load the almost full bus until 11:44. By that point, my back hurt, my legs were cramped, I was hungry and my lips were dry. With major traffic between DC and Richmond, I did not arrive to Hampton, VA till 4:45PM. So lets recap; 12:40AM Friday Morning, to 4:45PM Friday afternoon. 16 HOURS!!!!! 16 HOURS!! But oh no, my journey did not stop there. I was so glad that my husband and my children were on time because if I had to wait one more second...It wasn't going to be pretty.

Traffic wasn't so bad heading to VA Beach but the only thing that was on my mind was a hamburger and sleep. I was excited, however, to see my new house. FYI, we did not purchase a house, we are renting a house with the option to buy in one year. I might add that I love my new home. It is in a quiet neighborhood and although the kitchen needs some work, I am glad that I do not have anyone living on top of me or below me.

I am glad that we have made the move to VA Beach. I think this will turn out great.

However, I will no longer take Megabus to VA Beach. I am actually flying back home and will make my ticket for the next time I visit, which will be the last time because the final time I am there to stay.

Are Godparents Necessary?

My Godmothers, May 2008 Hampton University. When I graduated college.

I have a confession; I do not have many friends. I know shocking right? How could this cool, try to be trendy, funny mom of twin girls and wife to be not have any girlfriends? To make the long story as short as possible, I trust too easily and I pick the wrong friends. No I do not have girls night out because I do not have any girlfriends and although I am part of an amazing sorority, it is my shyness and my cautiousness that keeps me away of getting too close. Another reason? The friends I do have, we do not have much in common; I am a mom and they are not, which gives them reason to not invite me anywhere but I digress. I just pray that my girls take after their father on this one; a social butterfly.

I have been putting off the girls christening for that simple reason, who would I choose to be their Godmother? I do not have any friends that I would trust with my girls and I don't think any are mentally ready or mature to carry on the role if my fiance and I should pass. I started to wonder if Godparents were even necessary in order for my children to be christened.

I have two Godmothers, my mother's best friend and their husbands automatically became my Godfathers. The difference between my mother and I is that she has best friends. I do not have a best friend. There isn't one person in the world that I can call my best friend. I am so glad my daughters are twins, best friends for life!

The time is coming that I need to get them right with God but I am at the dilemma of who would I trust? I would love for my Godmothers or my mother to be their Godparents, but let's face it, we are looking for someone who isn't going to kick the bucket anytime soon. There is also my cousin who I think would be a good Godmother and there is also my soon to be sister in law and soon to be brother in law that are mature enough to handle the girls I think.

Maybe, the title of the blog should be if Godparents are necessary to have your children christened? I know, too long of a title but there are two questions in one. Godparents role is to be that guardian if something should happen to the parents. They are granted this right during the christening. Is it still a christening if I do not have anyone to take care of my children if something should happened? What would happen if I have not granted anyone this position?

Then, there is the question if Godparents are necessary in general. My father told me recently that I have another Godfather, one I haven't seen since I was 5 months old. Almost a year ago, at my aunt's funeral, I saw him. Godparents are suppose to be a part of the child's life. My Godparents are excellent! They helped me out of financial binds, they attend almost every event. They are the greatest. These qualities are what I want in my children's Godparents, but it is hard when you do not have many choices.


Why is this important? I am a firm believer in Jesus Christ. If something should happen, I want to make sure they will see the pearly gates.

What are your thoughts? Do you have Godparents? Are Godparents necessary?

What is On Your Bucket List?

I remember reading a Facebook post from BabyCenter in which a blogger asked if parent's had a parent bucket list, things they wanted to accomplish for their little ones. I thought to myself; I do not even have a bucket list for myself. I tend to have this attitude that I will live forever, live in the moment. With the recent deaths of Shain Gandee from MTV reality show Buckwild, Jonylah Watkins, the 6 month old baby who was shot and killed on impact, I realize, nothing is promised tomorrow today.

I begin to think what is that I want to do with my life? What do I want for my children, my family? If you know me, and some of you do, then you know that I am the definition of indecisiveness; I can go through five ideas in one minute. Career wise, I wanted to be a journalist (I received my degree in journalism), then a veterinarian, then an author, then a counselor. I always want to do everything, but never accomplish it. I decided to write down my bucket list and a bucket list for my children. This is for me to share but also I find clarity when I write everything down. This isn't in any particular order.

Jamila's Bucket List

1. Get Married: June 14, 2013 is the date
2. Project Bump, Inc.: My nonprofit organization that I need to get the ball rolling. I will use my day off to accomplish as much as possible on this.
3. Go to Paris
4. Find a career I love: I have become quite passionate in accounting and bookkeeping. I am in the process of completing a certificate in bookkeeping.
5. Financial Stability
6. Move down south: Hampton Roads area
7. Buy a house
8. Make new friends
9. More involved in my sorority
10. Take a vacation with my soon to be husband
11. Work for myself: Doing bookkeeping and non profit owner
12. Have another venture
13. Accomplish everything on my list before I kick the bucket

Mya and Milani Bucket List

1. Get them into Gymnastics or Dance
2. Play an instrument
3. New Daycare
4. Learn a language
5. Modeling careers
6. Good college
7. Full scholarship
8. More space for them to run around
9. travel places
10. career that makes money

What is on your bucket list?

My Gym Fun With Mya and Milani

You know what is great about having children? All the fun things you can do with them and you as a parent are able to relive some of your favs for your childhood. I am a hands on mom, hence why I did not rest while my girls were babies. I would carry them, interact, always had them doing stuff. My mother called me a drill sergeant. My girls (as some may know) were born at 32 weeks and I wanted to make sure that they were hitting each milestone. I soon realize that they will hit each milestone at their own speed.

I am a mom that likes to go places, I hate staying in the house. The more my girls grow, the more active they have become. This only means one thing, gym!! I attempted to take them to the gym when they were 12 months and that did not go so well. Finally having a free weekend, I decided to take them to My Gym in Westfield, NJ; pretty straight ride. I will not bore you with a lot of words, the pictures speak for themselves. In other words, I need find an extra $200.00 so that my girls can enjoy.

I realized I have a lot of pictures of Milani and that is because...Mya was running around so much!! Next trip, Liberty Science Museum!!

19 Month Old Update: Mya and Milani

Time is truly flying. I remember posting my 11 week old baby bump on facebook, telling the world that I was pregnant with twins, being on bed rest, sleepless nights and now, my girls are true toddlers. I am so happy for their progress and sad that they are growing up before my eyes. I am not sad enough to have another however, let's not get that twisted.

 

Mya

What to say about my Cheeks. She is a true sweetheart. Mya still has slight tantrums, but she is a great listener. If you tell her no, she will stop and go on to something else. She doesn't get upset easily. She loves to share, climb on the couch and lay there as if she belongs up there. It is actually pretty cute. Mya still doesn't look where she is running or walking and ends up falling CONSTANTLY. It drives me nuts. She also loves her Nick Jr. shows. I try to cut down on the television as much as possible, but sometimes, when I need a minute, I know her shows will calm her down. Mya, although the bigger twin, is a very picky eater. She still likes her baby food and sometimes will take table food SOMETIMES. She loves to drink her juice and milk, still loves Cheerios and crackers. Mya is still STRONG. This little girl will pick up her ride toy and bring it to the living room. It is so amazing. She loves gadgets and still loves to close doors; then gets upset when she can't get it open again. Mya loves bath time.

Weight: 27 lbs?
Height: 31 1/2
Head: I never know, but she has a big head :)

Gross motor skills: Mya is running, walking, climbing, throwing balls. She loves to jump. She knows what she wants. Mya can focus when she wants to and when she sees a bottle or anything that she wants, she lets us know.

Fine motor skills: We love to watch Mya on her play phone. She starts dialing and places the phone to her ear. She builds with blocks, puts puzzles pieces back (sometimes in the right order). Mya loves to clap and when we say "good job!" she starts clapping. Mya is so helpful, she sticks her arm out to help me put her jacket on, she helps me put her hat on and shoes. She even tries to dress her self by buttoning or unbuttoning her pjs. Mya likes to pretend she is eating a bag of chips. The bag isn't even open and she will place her hand in her mouth as if she gobbled a whole bunch of food. She pretends to put lotion on her body as well. She knows Bye-Bye and will wave. Mya eats with her hands, but not using a spoon yet.

Body Parts She knows: Ear. Mya doesn't have much of an  attention span. She marches to her own beat, when she is ready she will and excel greatly.

Words She is Using: Mama, dada, caaaaaaaaaaaaaar, dooooooooooooog (yes, she sounds it out like that). Ba.

 

Milani

Miss Feisty herself. Milani is not a force to be reckon with. She will tell you off and then make you laugh at the same time. She is such a comedian. Milani only shares when she feels like it and boy does she love to eat! Milani is like a sponge, she picks up habits from daycare and brings it  home. She has tantrums that out of this world and starts doing this piercing cry that makes you just want to put her outside. However, she is full of love and she is a fire cracker. There is never a dull moment with Milani. Milani is always on the move, she doesn't like to sit still.

Weight: 25 lbs?
Height: 31 inches
Head: I don't know

Gross motor skills: Milani is a trip. She runs, walks, walks backwards and on her tippy toes. She loves to spin around and most recently spins with one arm up. It is so funny.

Fine motor skills: Milani is extremely advance. She eats with a spoon and her fingers. She feeds herself, which is one less toddler I have to deal with. She builds and places items logically. She takes items out of the box and put them back and repeat. She loves to give things to her parents and she loves to fee me. She also pretends she is rubbing herself with lotion. Very cute. When Milani wants something SHE WANTS IT. She points to it and she whines...a lot.

Body Part She knows: Ear, eyes, feet, tongue.

Words She is Using: Back Pack, Dog and she points to the dog in the books and our dog, mama, bye, mmmm, uh (that is when she wants you to have something), she sings all the time, hi, she waves bye bye, Car, Good.

Mommy and daddy are so pleased with your progress so far. Until 20 months....

27th Birthday Recap & DIY: No Sewn Curtains

Today, February 17 is my 27th birthday. I know, I am one step closer to the age of 30. At first, I was nervous about turning another year older, but now, I embrace it. First, it is not like I can change the fact that I am getting old and second, I have accomplished and have been blessed in my 26 years. I have no complaints and I know 27 is going to be even better. Third, which is a reason my father came up with, some, do not even make it to the age of 27. For that, I am truly bless to see another year.

My birthday was pretty quiet, which is kind of ironic since I have twin girls. Besides the normal screams, running around and laughter; I enjoyed my birthday at home; with my girls, fiance and dog Snoopy. My fiance drew me a candle lit bubble bath, ordered food and next week my mom is going to watch the girls. It is hard to go anywhere with them these days because all they want to do is run and walk around. The rarely ever want to sit down.

There is a point to me talking about my birthday. I woke around 7AM. Everyone was still asleep, so I decided to get started on the curtains for the girls room. FYI, we moved into a new place, down sized greatly but I feel like it is much better than the place we were before, except the neighbor downstairs has a illegal day care that the landlord did not tell us about but I digress.

As a mom, I have had to learn a great deal, especially with having twin girls. The main lesson was learning how to braid, which I accomplished (thanks Youtube!) and the other is being frugal and being creative. In a previous post(click here), I discussed working on a nursery from ProjectNursery.com that gave me inspiration. The fabric from the curtains, Suzani White (can order at fabric.com), arrived at my job two weeks ago and I finally was able to go to Walmart and get the proper materials to make these curtain panels.

Now, I can sew, but with 18 month old twins, it is hard to finish a project. Using thriftyinspirations.net, instructions, I will share with you how I created these curtains panels and how simple it was to do so.

When I say simple, I mean SIMPLE. Just a little time consuming.

Materials You will Need:

1. Fabric of Your choice 6 to 7 yards will be PLENTY
2. Stitch Witchery or any fabric bonding tape. (I found mine at Walmart.com for $2.97).
3. Scissors
4. Iron
5. Ironing board
6. Measuring tape
7. Wash Cloth

Step One

Before you start cutting the fabric. MEASURE THE WINDOWS!!! You measure from the top of the windows to the bottom of the floor. I did not do that. I used the measurement of thriftyinspriations.net, however I was able to fix it. See below.

Step Two

Lay your fabric out on the floor and measure it to match the measurements of the windows. Because I am left handed, I cut on an angle, which results in an uneven line. If you have the same problem, fold the fabric in half and cut along the fold. Again, I measured my fabric to the measurements in the instructions and in the girls room, there is only one window so I made two panels. If you have more than one window, you use these same instructions, but repeat.

Step Three

Take your iron board and place one of the panels onto the board. Begin to fold 1/2 or 1 inch on whatever side you want to begin hemming the panel. Run your fingers down the fold to make a crisp crease. Plug in your iron and set it to wool. Iron along the fold to make the crease crisp.

Stitch Witchery in Crease

Step Four

Open your fold and place the fabric bonding tape along the CREASE of the fold and fold the soon to be hem over it.

Step Five

Take your wash cloth and make it nice and wet. If it is dry, the fabric will not stick to the bonding tape. The wetter the better. Place the wet wash cloth on part of the fold. Taking the iron, set it on top of the wet wash cloth for 10 seconds. Repeat along the fold. When you tug on the hem, it should not be able to peel back; It should be firm.

Step Six

Repeat along the whole panel, folding 1/2 or 1 inch, using bonding tape, iron the crease, place bonding tape in the crease, fold over the tape, take the wash cloth, place the iron on top of the wash cloth for 10 seconds.

As mentioned twice, I made my curtains longer than needed. No problem! I measured the windows, measured my panels. Cut where I needed and hemmed the bottom.

This is my results! I purchased the rod set from Ikea and the curtain rings from Amazon.com (link). When I went to Ikea to get the rod, I realized they had curtain rings there SMH. If you do not want to use curtain rings, instead of hemming the top of the panels. Take the curtain rod and place the top of the panel around the rod and hem it that way.

I didn't show the other panel, because I did not iron. PLEASE IRON YOUR CURTAINS!!! I am also going to add creases for a drapery look.

These curtains on etsy.com  was $260.00. All of my materials including fabric:

Fabric Suzani White (fabrics.com), but ordered from amazon.com: $44.88 ($748 a yard)

Stitch Witchery (Walmart): $2.97, two pack $4.00

Black Rod (Ikea): $3.99

Black Rod ends (Ikea): $5.99 for set of two

Curtain rings Set of 14: $11.98

Grand Total: $73.81

Savings: $186.19

I think it was so worth it. For my first time, doing a DIY project, I don't think I did so bad. Also, I have so much fabric left to do some other things for the girls room. Stay tune...

Room on ProjectNursery.Com

Girls curtains!

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