Mama's Hiatus

Hey guys,

This is Mamma just checking in to let you know I will be back in 2011! I am enjoying time with family and friends. I am also making new plans for So I'm The Mamma for 2011!
I'm also preparing my end of the year six list. I say join me and make your own six list. You guys know how I feel about the infamous six list right?

Give me about a day or two and I will be back.

Don't ever forget that  Mamma Loves You!

Til Next Time,

Mamma (Y've)

I AM THAT,..I AM ...

 

 

My Eternal Self In Human Form

I am only human so when I get mad cause the bag of turtles I bought are tiny tiny tiny chocolate dots of caramel shaped like turtles...I'm just being human.

I am only human so when I love you even though you hurt my feelings and you don't know you have and I snap I'm just being human but I still love you.

I am only human so when I need to share the touch of a human being ..the breath of another on my face helps me feel alive I am only being human.

I am only human so when I want to charge like a raging bull when my children are hurt to protect them...I am just being human.

I am only human so when I happen to cry when life seems unbearable like I cannot go on and the tears are like salve I will not apologize I am just being human.

I am only human so when I stand up against all that seem to knock me down when the fights seems to great I go within to give birth to the new story. MINE

I am only human so when I make a mistake know that I am not perfect and just like you I am perfectly imperfect working on total perfection knowing I will never get there but enjoying the journey I AM HUMAN.

I am only human so when I choose to love you unconditionally no matter how you treat me that does not make me insane or crazy it makes me only love you more. I am human.

I am only human born to make mistakes and born to correct them never to make them again only to make new ones to learn from.

I am human so when I seem to live in a world that you do not understand know that it is my journey not yours that is my focus and that I will do all I can to enjoy my journey WITH you or WITHOUT you I am human.

I am only human so when I do something that you do not understand...don't judge me this is MY journey the one I came to honor and learn and grow from respect where I am ....I am only human.

I am only human an eternal being living in a body that will fail me one day learning to accept the clay I chose and love it. I am only human.

I am an ETERNAL BEING living a human experience in the class called Earth in this time space reality giving my very best to get it RIGHT. I AM ETERNAL.

I am an Eternal Being choosing to live this existence and squeeze the life juice out of every moment of what I chose before I return to where I came from. ETERNITY...........

...and so now..NOW that I know what I know. The challenges are not challenges, the tests are not tests but rather me sticking my head out of the cab window "ENJOYING THE RIDE" - LIVE, LOVE, BREATHE

 

Let the New Year BEGIN,

Mamma (Y've)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get Wicked Fresh with Tom's of Maine

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Toms of Maine. All opinions are 100% mine.

Tom's of Maine has been a mainstay in my household for years. I was always the odd ball out when I was living in my hometown of Milwaukee and now Camden, Arkansas hunting fown Toms of Maine toothpaste and other oral care products.

Tom's Of Maine has a great mouthwash called Wicked Fresh that I just found out about when I went to buy more toothpaste. To help promote the Wicked Fresh Mouthwash Tom's Of Maine is having a contest that you guys don't want to miss!

You get a chance to win $500 and other prizes by tweeting about your most Wicked Fresh moments at ThatsWickedFresh.com! How cool is that? Simply go to That's Wicked Fresh contest page and tell everyone about your Wicked Fresh experience.

Tom's of Maine is the best at keeping my mouth fresh and my entire family so I am going to keep using their products but now there is mouthwash that is Wicked Fresh to go with the "wicked fresh" toothpaste and earth friendly packaging.

Keep up to date with Tom's Of Maine on Facebook and/or follow them on Twitter @TomsofMaine.

Keep it fresh ...No No.....Keep it Wicked Fresh!

 

Till Next Time,

 

Mamma (Y've)

Pier 1 Imports For The Holidays

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pier 1 Imports. All opinions are 100% mine.

Pier 1 is at it again but then I am not surprised at all. No matter if it is the holidays or just a regular day Pier 1 always has the best gifts and decorating ideas I have seen. I love going to Pier 1 and just taking a look at all of the wonderful things for every room in my house.

I'm a candle freak so Pier 1 has been my place to go for my candles and even some of my dinnerware. So throwing a dinner party is going to be on the agenda with me pulling out candles and my Pier 1 dishes to show off a bit.  I would have to have the Tiered Glass Platters this year though because I could put cute cupcakes all over it and have a cupcake tree as a centerpiece.

I wouldn't be that selfish and only get candles and dinnerware for myself though I would have to get holiday gifts for the people I love of course! I took a look online at the virtual catalog and found gifts for as low as $1! Talk about great stocking stuffers. So knowing Mamma and others out there are working on a holiday budget, you can find holiday gifts like scarves, mugs, candles, collectibles and childrens items. I mean for my aunt there are the cool pots for only $24 in colors that would match her kitchen then for the kids there are journals and cute little mugs. I even see more candles and even potpurri all under $20! I mean with the holidays upon us why not make a one stop and get all your last minute shopping done?

Pier 1 is perfect for me because it fits the happy, cheery style I have in my house of large plush pillows all over my couch, colorful dishes and loud scented candles everywhere. Pier 1 covers all of my decorating needs and I don't have to break the bank to do it either.

You know Mamma certainly loves a gift or two and there is this peppermint candle set that is just too cute. So anyone out there that is thinking about getting me a gift, HINT HINT!

Pier 1 is helping those in need this season too. For all of November and December you can drop off an unwrapped toy or make a cash donation to Toys for Tots at the register. Go ahead to Facebook and "Like" Pier 1 Imports to get exclusive updates on all kinds of products, specials and deals. For every new fan they get, Pier 1 will donate $1 to Toys for Tots! How cool is that?

 

 

I've got my candles and holiday gifts already from Pier 1 Imports. You know you have last minute gifts you have to get. You might as well go ahead and take care of all of them right there at a local Pier 1 near you.

 

Til  Next Time,

Happy Shopping!                        

Mamma (Y've)       

When You Leavin? (When Enuff Is Enuff)

I thought I would take this time to talk to the folks out there that are waiting on a miracle. You know who you are. You are waiting on acknowledgement (LADIES) from him to be or do or say the right thing.
You been there five, ten, fifteen years looking for this man to step up and commit. Interesting 'cause I've been there. Well I can't say that I have waited for anyone ten years or even five but Lord knows I have waited.
You know the words he says when the topic of marriage or a life long commitment comes up. "I'm just not ready for that right now" so you wait. 'Cause he has all the qualities you looking for.
He's great with the kids, he pays the bills, he spends time with you. He just won't settle down with you.
Wait a minute what about the ones of us that are looking for the silver lining in the level of neglect and abuse that he puts down? Like ummmmm.....leaves you stranded waiting for days for him to show up or call or contact you and you all share bills, house notes and everything else between. He hides his cell phone so you don't hear it ring or never leaves it on when he is around you. He has yet to invite you to his family outings and events and for all the years that you all have been together you have never met his friends.
Oh girl you don't see the red flags? They are all over the place... they are waving in the air telling you like the airport traffic guy on the ground waving the flags guiding the jets to the runway.
The flags I am talking about are the flags that make you feel emotion. You hurt, your heart is heavy, you are texting, calling, leaving messages on his voice mail and driving by places you know he would hang out without you.
Im curious....when you leavin'?
No no I'm serious when are you leaving to save yourself from another moment of not being in control? Because right now he has all of the control and you have nothing but strings attached to you that he manipulates to get what he wants when he wants from you and then leave your there until he is ready to deal with you again on HIS terms. Are you insane? Have you bumped your head? When did his needs become more important than yours and that of any children that may be involved?
So lets look at it again, he won't commit to you, he has been clear without saying a word that you will not have his last name ever, you are not good enough to be seen with him in public with his family and his friends don't even know that you exist. Keep believing that you are the ONE if you want to.
This is enuff. Come on you can say it "Enuff is Enuff!"
I know it hurts, I know its hard to believe that this is really happening to you but stop letting it happen to you and take control. Ok cry, be angry, don't get even, just get silent, get strong, and get gone.
So now..."When You Leavin?"

Let Me Know....I'll Be Here

Mamma (Y've)

Start A New Tradition In Branson With The Hiltons!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hilton Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

Branson, Missouri is beginning to look a lot like Christmas all over that place! I spent time in Branson, Missouri with friends during the summer and totally enjoyed the shopping. Now Branson is starting to be the place to be during the holidays as well. It's really making Mamma think that it might be time for a new tradition for my family.

Being completely lit up with Christmas lights and holiday shopping is just really a few hours drive away for me since I'm just one state over. I love the fact that even though the holidays are here that doesn't mean that the entertainment in Branson, Missouri stops. They really go out of their way to make it a wonderful place to be for the entire family.

Taking a look at hotel accommodations wasn't even an issue either. I found two beautiful hotels with a residential look and feel that I KNOW I will have to stay in the next time I go to Branson. The hotels by Hilton offer connections to Branson Landing where I did all that shopping this summer. I gotta tell you I can't wait to go again. The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel and the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing are right there near Branson Landing and offer awesome rooms for you and your family during the holiday season. Talk about beautiful rooms too! Calm colors that make you feel at home right away and accomodations that are just like you were at home is what make these hotels a wonderful choice for this time of year.

The best part about this holiday season is Santa and Mrs. Claus  are coming to the Hiltons in Branson, Missouri this year! This year Santa Clause will be spending some time with children from everywhere at the Level 2 Steakhouse. From 9-11am until December 19 Santa will take some time out from getting ready for Christmas day to find out what boys and girls want this year.

This is a great time to get the camera ready and and make some wonderful memories to send to family and friends everywhere because Santa will also be heading over to the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. From 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM until December 24, your children can have their picture taken with Santa as well.

Mrs. Claus will be having Story Time next to the Christmas tree in the lobby each Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 7 pm until December 18. The best part about this is that it is free to the public! This is a great time to start a new tradition with your family in Branson, Missouri beginning this year.

If you take a look at both the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel or the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing you will notice that room service is available. I mean in my mind I'm thinking this. Have breakfast with the family in the room this weekend, plan some shopping at Branson Landing, come back to your room at one of the HIlton hotels and get refreshed. Later you can have dinner with your family at the Level 2 Steak House and have your pictures taken with Santa and then the next day after more shopping and holiday fun in Branson come back that afternoon on Sunday for stories with Mrs. Claus.

 

You know thats sounds like a great idea doesn't it? I might just take the kids and drive up and start something new for my family. Why don't you do the same? Make this your best holiday EVER in Branson, Missouri with the Hilton Hotels!

Til Next Time,

 

Happy Holidays,

 

Mamma (Y've)

Mose Hardin's "Living A Poetic Life"

Sade is playing right now, I have my headphones on and a soft candle burning for ambiance. I am about to sit down to another delicious book by poet/author Mose Hardin.
This is a very special treat for me because he speaks so clear and true through his words. I don't have to second guess them or try to write an essay to understand what he is saying. It is what it is. AND OH MY GOD......his new book "Living A Poetic Life" is hotter than any I have read. I have all six now and if you don't have them you need to get a hold to all of them.
This book is all about a continuing journey and growth and you can certainly see it and FEEL it in his words from the first book he wrote "Namaste Mose" several years ago to this new installment. Oooh I'm gushing over here because Mamma is so proud.
The pure voice I hear on "Call Me David" to "Making Love to Meshell Ndegeochello" make me cry with him and for him in victory one moment and then desire to be the person he is going to rub hot oil on while I rub my hands through his locks!
This book is a testament to becoming and accepting family, self, the you who you are and all of your perfect imperfections!
I am excited to say I am going to be interviewing him for my radio show "Kitchen Conversation Radio" LIVE. You don't want to miss this! This is going to be a rare treat to hear him speak about his books and read some of the work.
Its gonna get hot up in the Kitchen for sure with him up in there!

Join me by checking out out my widget on the side. YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!

Til Next Time,

Mamma Love You! (Y've)

Christmas Begins With Me and the Clydesdales

I just wanted to post this really fun picture of me in front of the Budweiser Clydesdale horses where I live. The kids and I were in the local Christmas parade today. We had a ball waving at people and riding on our church float. After we hung out in the cold we ran over to McDonald's got hot chocolate and went to visit the Budweiser Clydesdale horses who were also in the parade.
Enjoy the journey. Don't just live. Have fun, smile, enjoy this life.

Mamma Loves you!


Til Next Time,

Mamma (Y've)

Mobility and Safety Through The NMEDA

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of NMEDA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Everyone should have the opportunity to be mobile and in control of their lives when they are driving down the road. This include people with a handicap that my need a modified vehicle to accommodate their wheelchair or other devices they use for daily survival.

NMEDA helps to make sure that you and your loved ones only get the best in qualified wheelchair vehicles. This nonprofit organization educates consumers on buying their products from a NMEDA qualified dealer.

This is so important because there are so many companies out there online that are selling vehicles that claim to be safe or meet certain requirements however they don't. NMEDA has dealers all over the United States even in the most remote areas like where I live in Camden, Arkansas. I was able to find dealers near me in about 8 different locations!

NMEDA also has what is called the QAP or Quality Assurance Program dealers. The Quality Assurance Program (QAP) is the only nationally recognized accreditation program for the Adaptive Mobility Equipment Industry. It is based on the principle that in order to satisfy customers consistently, companies must have a systematic and documented approach to quality. This is something that caregivers and disabled individuals should certainly look for when finding a dealer. This way you know your dealer is providing only the best equipment for your comfort and safety on the road.

Since no two disabled individuals are the same NMEDA dealers will provide you with an in person evaluation to provide to you or a loved one what is the best product for them. Not only that but they will help you learn how to use it if you need or an adjustment to your purchase. No catalog or online company is going to do that.

Independence is so important and losing that should not be an option with a NMEDA dealer near many towns all over the country and Canada. Now that mobility does not have to be lost.

Find out if there is a deal near you by going to the NMEDA website and entering your zip code for a list of dealers near you.

Let me know what you find!

 

Til Next Time

 

Mamma (Y've)

My Pay It Forward Report

Preparing food boxes

I love the idea of giving to others. It teaches my kids so much and makes me realize how blessed we really are from where we live to what we eat to what I drive.
The fact that I am able to work everyday to provide for my children is a blessing all in itself.
I took this year for the third year in a row to give during the holiday season. This year we found a church that was giving food to the hungry during the Thanksgiving holiday and joined them.
It was a wonderful feeling getting the kids up early and getting them dressed to deliver food to those who were less fortunate than us. We decided to go to First United Methodist Church in this area and were sent to a smaller church in a town about 15 miles away.
We pull up and realize that the people here were surprised and happy to see us coming to help out since there were not enough people to deliver deep in the woods.
I just so happened to KNOW where that area of the country was and so I was packed up with cooked turkey and dressing and desserts and he kids in tow and we headed off to deliver food.
It wasn't hard to do either. We were given no addresses and no names. We were just to go out and find the people that had a need and fill it. Period.
We were so excited as we drove into the country and the woods and found trailers where people lived everyone standing outside. We stopped introduced ourselves and offered up packaged foods.
This went on for about four hours. I was touched when one woman said, "You have no idea what this means. We was bout to have grill cheese just now."
I gave them the last of what was in the box we had in the car.
As I backed the car out of the drive way I looked over at Imani my sixteen year old and smiled, fighting back tears. That's a thank you I will never forget.
It was worth it to have that moment to know you came in the knick of time for someone and their family on a day like Thanksgiving.
So now I'm trying to decide what we will do for Christmas. I want it to be just as exciting. I want my children to learn that they must take care of each other and the people in their community.
I hope they learned that.

Til Next Time,

Mamma (Y've)

Single Parent Does Not Mean Dysfunctional

This is a public announcement being sent out on behalf of all single parents. Either by choice, divorce or personal design we are the sole supporters of little people. Children that are extensions of us.
I just wanted to say today how proud I am to be a single mother and that right now, my world is imperfectly perfect.
In my journey called life I became the mother of four little people that chose me out of anyone else in the world to teach and to nurture and to learn from and for the first time ever I needed to shout that from the rooftops.
I am so over hearing people talk about my life and that of others that are single parents either male or female. For me being a single parent began as a choice as I decided to embark on an entertainment career and then a career after college. Once I began to get older I wanted more from my partners however sometimes people just don't want to play fair.  Let's put it that way. So here I am having never married nor do I have a partner, man, fiancee', lover, or anything else in my life. It is just me and the kiddies.
What that does not make me people is dysfunctional. I am so over hearing about the dysfunctions of a single parent household and how we life certain ways and how we live in jacked up situations doing less than the rest of the world.
Let me just stand up for all single parents out there whether by choice or not, by death or divorce, there are millions of us out there in the world who are left to raise the next generation and influence who they become.
Wow that's an interesting thought because in the scheme of things God KNEW who to give that responsibility to. People that would teach, love, nurture, change and affect a generation of people coming up.
Sure ok there are people out there that are not living up to the standards for raising a child or children but you know what who is perfect?
No one of us is perfect. In my imperfect perfect world I am doing the best I can with all I know to be the best mother, teacher, cheerleader, and coach I can be for my children. Husband or not.
My life does not stop because I did not get the ring. It goes on. I live on and have a life outside of my children and with them as well.
My family is complete. We love each other and embrace each day and savor each moment because one day these little people will become big people and it will have been my teaching that molded them to be who they will become.
I don't get it right everyday but I sure as hell try.

My perfect single parent day is ending like this today: 
........So we trimmed the Christmas tree and baked Christmas cookies and the little people got ready for bed.
We rolled out the cookie dough, got out very old cookie cutters and made snowmen, trees, Santa's and gingerbread men. We are now officially fighting to get KJ in the bed because he want's to work with Mother right now at 9pm. I will let it be tonight because you know what? I'm the Mamma in this place and right now I want to enjoy the fact that I made the RIGHT decision to stand UP for what is right for me and if that meant being alone with my children since others did not want to pay the price to be with us, so be it.
Why am I saying this? Because I KNOW there is someone out there right now who believes that they have to take what ever is given to them so they do not have to be alone.
Ask yourself this........"At what cost?"
"Is it really worth it or are you afraid of what others will say?"
You are NOT dysfunctional for being a single parent. You are smart, sharp, resourceful, can make a dollar holler in tight times and the ultimate HUGGER OF ALL TIME! Who better to prepare the little people for the real world?
So ok all the laundry didn't get done today, and no maybe you didn't put all of the dishes away but you know what? Cut yourself some slack along your journey and remind yourself of all of the things you do everyday for yourself and for the little people that love you.
YOU ARE PERFECT. No more, no less. PERFECT.............

Hug yourself today and breathe.........

Til Next Time,

Mamma (Y've)

Walmart Woman Boost For The Holidays

I know some of you may not care for Walmart but I don't have many choices where I live. So when I found this video couple years back, I laughed so hard.
In time for the holidays too. Take advantage of some of the sales going on right now at Walmart. Who doesn't like saving money in this economy?
Besides the video is super cute!
I may have posted this a while back but you know who cares check it out again! Tee hee.
Happy Holidays and Happy Friday to ya!

Til Next Time

Mamma (Y've)

Detox Central Mamma Has Her Coffee DIRECT

Seeing Clear with Coffee LOL!

This has been an interesting week. I have been trying to for some time to get my body back on track since I have noticed VERY interesting changes in my skin, the twins, my thighs...need I go on?
Did I mention how tired I had been? How totally exhausted no matter what I would do I would be worn out and sometimes would doze off in the middle of important projects?
It was pitiful. So I decided that I should take a look at my lifestyle.
I had gained like 25 pounds since my surgery which is a travesty. I had stopped working out since it seemed to hurt anytime I wanted to do any kind of cardiovascular exercise. Talk about a travesty cause I miss my high from that workout.
I also decided to look at my eating and researched vitamins. Dammit I am not going down without a fight. And no one at this age cannot tell me that things are not shifting around on their bodies. Especially if you are not working like have not been in over a year and half.
I cleaned out my cupboards. No cheese curls, no more packaged foods. I threw it all out. I didn't even want to give the mess to the hungry for fear I was helping them die early.
I also decided that I needed a good colonic. I researched and found out that good a organic coffee enema was exactly what Mamma needed.
So I went out and bought all the products pulled out my IV pole I had when I was in rehab at home and hung my enema bag in my room. Got my towels out and got busy.
Now what I am not going to do is tell you what happened DURING the coffee enema, but I will tell you that AFTER for DAYS I was so alert. My vision was clearer, I was more alert.
I must admit that I also began a strict clean eating diet of no sugar no processed anything.
Imani even professed that certain foods at school lunch she just didn't want and the kids have no desire for candy or soda which by the way I WILL NOT BUY unless we go to dinner then its in moderation.
Having the coffee enemas three to four times per week has really been a great way to keep my liver detoxed and since there is nothing but pure coffee going in it was the best decision I could have made to wake up to a nice lukewarm bag. Teehee.
Mama that's nasty you say. No what's nasty is not doing something about being tired and sluggish and out of sorts to what to do and continuing to eat and drink poisonous sludge on a daily basis so that you slow your life down.
In every since of the word I am saying that I want to take my body back. I want my energy back, my good nights sleep back. You know how it is or you WILL soon enough.
In the scheme of things the exercise, clean eating and the coffee enemas along with my vitamin therapy I feel like as I get older I can slow down this process of the twins hanging lower than my belly button and my triceps not turning into wings. If I am going to fly it will be because I bought an airline ticket and not cause I waved hello to someone. lolol Ooooo. Ok thats enough for now.

Going to have a SIP of coffee....

Til Next Time,

Mamma (Y've)