Pizza Makes The World Go Round

Hello friends, today my little bits and I created a world of fun in the kitchen. Oh, how excited they were. One at a time each of them came in and prepared their very own masterpiece. They were so committed to the process, listening closely and following direction. Today our adventure took us to Italy. Pizza Pizza was the name of the game. We have Ms. L with the ingredients, Her sister, Ms. A with her crust. Then, Ms. M sprinkled some cheese, while Ms. H poured it on. Last but not least, Mr. S reaping the benefits of the day. Z was also home today, so you can check him out later. I am only able to share a few pictures, but stay tuned for the finished products. My babies love to cook. M recently cooked kool-aid with her parents. She told us all about it. L & A enjoy cooking salad with their Aunt and Gma. While H,
gets to watch the Jayhawks cook or be cooked, whichever. (smile) GO CATS! I hope you enjoyed this trip to Italy as much as we liked sharing it.

LET ME TAKE THE TIME TO EXPRESS....

Let me take the time to expresss...I love you! As years went by, my tears, did dry. A new beginning and you, sweet Z the perfect ending. What an extraordinary book, a story untold. In a mere seven years, taking on the life imposed. Moving swift, with each twist and turn, I was to teach, yet from you I have learned. Love and compassion to each his own, resilience and mercy is what you have shown. Innocent by nature, too young to understand. This life God allowed, is the one at hand. To go through so much, at such a young age, I know our Heavenly Father is setting the stage. Setting the stage for adventures and more, setting the stage lifes an open door. Your beginning so sweet, from love you were made, no words to express the joy you gave. Its hard to write, your story is so far from done. So this little love note is the first of a sum. I'm watchin', thats right, I'm checkin' you out. Smooth intellect is what you're about. I get so excited when your future, I think. I am so proud to know you, I'm tickled pink. As I write, you read, I'm always near, my second born son... his name Zu'mere.

IF I NEVER TOLD YOU...

IF I NEVER TOLD YOU...of the love of which you were made, I'll take this time to tell you of a love that never fades. My dear son if words could only express, the love, the pride, the joy, the knowledge of your success. Yes, the standard I have for you are ones you must reach high. For if I never pushed you, what need would you have to try. On the day of your birth, to know you were my first, nothing could compare to the warmth of your stare. Wow, I could see IT in you before you spoke a word, the power, the strength, the peace that laughter would be heard. You bring a smile to every face that came and that will come. Anyone thats with you is sure to have big fun. A gentle loyalty, blessed to call you friend, Charismatic leader, honor you'll defend. Your humility supersede what is gifted in your style, it makes it clear to all, you are His chosen child. If love could be any deeper than a mother's to her child. That love would go the distance, it'd cover ever mile. Your father, I can't call it, understand it or deny. What I know, love is there, That I'd testify. It is what it is, but never you doubt. Your father love, it goes without. Without a word, without sight. Your father's love your God given right. History is clear, but not defined. What God put inside, transends the mind. So, if I never told, now you have been told. The world is here, your life set free, a price for which you were sold. Do it big, do it strong, do it with God, you can't go wrong. I loved you in the womb, I loved you at first sight. I loved you as you grew, I loved with all my might. I am yours and you are mine, family for life through signs of the times. Unconditional, without question, without reason, without rhyme, its your turn, its your time. Now, Tiovon..... SHINE.

Time Flies.....so Never Stand Still

Man, how long has it been? The last time I updated Tio was 12 and Z was 1. Well maybe not, but it sure feels that way. My goodness Zumere stareted the 2nd grade. He has a great teacher. She has been teaching 31 years and raised her own boys. She's seen it all. I have no doubt my little Z will show her something NEW!! OH, MY GOSH, Tiovon isin COLLEGE. Somebody forgot to tell me some things...who said this was easy? You guys, I left my child over 100 miles away in no mans land...Yep, I really drove AWAY...three times, cuz I kept going back! I'm askin', "Whats wrong with this picture?" I really thought he would be at home commuting to a closer school. Then at the last minute, he is blessed with a Theatre Scholarship a million miles away. Honestly, the longest he has ever been away from me is 1-2 weeks in all his 18 years. (Shut up Derrick, I heard that!) I raised him the best I could and he is a great son. I know he will do fine. Its his time, please keep him in your prayers. I know he will SOAR LIKE AN EAGLE and SHINE BRIGHTER THAN ANY STAR. Stay blessed and for Heaven's sake if you are sending your baby to college... remember to BREATHE!!!!

A Scary, Yet Magical Moment In God

The video will not upload to this page as I desired. Anyway it was a video that shows the Beginning, then the death and destruction of today 911, tsunami, Katrina, etc.., then it goes to a church where the preaching is... We know not the hour of His coming..... as he preaches there is a BANG!!! The preacher and more than half of the church disappears. (IMMEDIATELY CAUGHT UP IN THE RAPTURE) The individuals left behind are wondering aimlessly about and confused, with the exception of one. He immediately drops to his knees, on his face, overwhelmed by the reality of the situation. It is truly a powerful image and straight from the Word of God. One can not help but to feel the jolt, the slap, the TRUTH.




This morning I was watching this profound, brutally honest video, when Zumere walked in. He had heard the BANG and wanted to know what it was. I told him, "God coming back." He excitedly said I want to see. I explained it was serious and one really needed to be ready. He asked, " you mean baptized?" I said, "Yes thats part of it." He really wanted to watch, so I started the video. He was quite intense, eyes glued to the monitor. It got to the destruction that is going on in the world today and he said, Um maybe I'm not ready", but continued to watch. Again, the BANG! his eyes got wide, he looked at me and said, "I don't want to be left behind." I told him, "me neither." So, I started to explain to him how we needed to change our lives, or ways, our methods, etc. I told him how much God loves us and doesn't want to leave us. Its our choice, we decide how we are going to live. It was a pretty deep rap session. I could see him thinking. Finally, he speaks....." Mom, does God come back in maybe a month and get some more? Does He come back again and again? Wow, don't we wish!! I expalined to him that when God comes back its just that ONE time, so we MUST BE READY. Praying your strength, wisdom, understanding and well being.

Shout out to my Jesus, I see You, Lord

June 18,2008, I received a phone call from a lady I worked with nearly 5yrs ago, it was 1:15am. I woke up to, "DeAnna my apt is on fire!" She identified herself and said "God told me to call you!" I felt an immediate conviction to pray, truth be told I started when the phone rang a 1:15am. She frantically talked and I listened & prayed. Her phone was dying, I asked if I needed to come & was told she had friends with her. I assured her I would not stop praying. We hung up & I cried out to God on her behalf. God took me from prayer, God's grace, mercy & protection to PRAISE. I was thanking God, clapping, praising & singing 'Great Is His Mercy.' Though I focused on her safety, God let me know her "stuff" would be ok, too. I ended my prayer & heard...Rain. I immediately began to praise God again. I was awakened so suddenly, I didn't know if it had been raining the entire time. I texted her what God had revealed and God is in control. I was so amazed by the rain, I called her to ask, all I heard was "God sent rain! God sent rain!" I thought I was going to lose my mind. God's presence was felt. I was in awe and praise again. I prayed for the other residence and went to sleep. I woke up that morning & watched the news. My mouth dropped. It was an inferno, I could not see the apt for the fire. You know thats when coward doubt creeped in. I 'm thinking how could anything have survived that? I know what God told me, I had to trust it & started my day. 6:23am she calls, "I just had to tell you, the fire stopped at my apt." Please, understand that her apt is right next door to the apt where the fire originated. I can't even explain what I felt from God, I just cried. It was humbling. She called back at 5:20pm to amaze me even more. She said all of the apts to the left of her were destroyed, the two apts to the right of her had some damage, but her apt- NOTHING short of minimal smoke damage. My God. We prayed for the other people, she was already trying to figure out how to help them. It was just awesome to see God & know its Him. She apologized for calling me b/c we had not talked in so long, but God told her to. WOW! I told her I am honored to be used by God & thanked her. (Obedience) God's infinite Glory prevails. My friends and family...Tomorrow is not promised....Let God use you today. Much love, peace & joy to you all.

INTRODUCING........THE GRADUATES

Look who made it....... Yes, Tiovon and James have officially graduated with Diplomas in hand. Both of these young men finished their high school requirements at semester, December 2007. On May 17th they each walked with their class, Tiovon-HPHS and James- THS. We are so proud of "the fellas." We celebrated with family and friends that evening, it was very special. Very special for Toiane and me, we made it clear from the beginning that its "our party", to celebrate our accomplishments. Its all about us. Shout out here.... to all the "single moms, holdin' it down!! Celebrate yourselves, Sisters. Oh yeah back to"the fellas," James has already start his under grad classes at Allen. Tiovon will start this fall. BIG UPS to both of them as they start this new chapter in their lives. Join us in congratulating them. CONGRATS, WE LOVE YOU BOTH.