a play house for grown ups...

Not only would I love to be able to create a fun and free retreat for my child to play in, but I, too, would not mind escaping to this little hide away from time to time.  Isn't it lovely?

In every real man a child is hidden that wants to play.

~Friedrich Nietzsche

{images via}

a reminder to ALL parents...

1. I will accept the talents, strengths and weaknesses of each of my children.

2. I will acknowledge that they need to go through challenges and complex situations on their own and to learn from failures.

3. I will not berate them and make them feel less valuable based on how they perform because I do not want to cause undue stress, anxiety, or resentment towards me or their activity.

4. I will let them know I am proud of them no matter what.

5. I will guide them and show them how to be better at their activity but in a manner that does not make them feel worthless.

6. I will be sensitive to my children's developing need for praise and sympathy and will limit my criticism to really important mistakes because I want them accept success with humility and defeat with determination to do better.

7. I will not mention, beyond a casual reference, the successes of other children and will definitely not use another child’s success as a barometer for my child.

8. I will be a good spectator at athletic contests and not hound on what I perceive as a missed call by a referee or coach because I do not want my child to see my participation as an embarrassment.

9. I will teach my children sportsmanlike behavior and to not laugh at or taunt another less skilled child or teammate.

10. I will make sure I always have my own adult hobby or activity to enjoy and love so I don’t have to live vicariously through my child.
 

{via}

Mmm mmm Good! Monday!

The title sounded just about right for the gentleman on my mind this morning! 

I have always loved me some Boris Kodjoe, but after seeing how in love with his wife and family he is....well, I just LOVE him more now!  Enjoy the eye-candy that IS Boris.

I think it is THE eyes...

...or IS it?  Ha!

But, now you can enjoy the eye-candy that is his wive!  I love Nicole Ari Parker too.  She is a gorgeous woman.

So, you can imagine what their off spring would look like.  But, in case your imagination is not up to par, here is the eye-candy that is THEIR family...

Where it all started...

I am dying just a little bit over here...

...from all this cuteness.  Love baby girls hair and dress...

Lovely family! 

{image credits to Black Celebrity Kids and google}

All that matters is that she’s healthy and that we love her.

I am sure by now you have all heard of the British Nigerian couple who are now the proud parents of a healthy blonde hair, blue eyed little girl.  If you have not, check out the gorgeous pictures below. 

And click here to read the full article.  It is amazing. 

While we were shocked when Miss Red Curlz blessed our world....we kinda knew to expect some type of mix or variation, if you will.  I cannot imagine the shock this family must have experienced. 

But, the title says it all. 

Does it get any cuter?

Than Matthew McConaughey and his 2 year old son, Levi, walking on the beach this July 4th?

{image via}

I don't think so either.

Embrace Life

To all of the wonderful Fathers

I salute you.  May you have a blessed Father's Day with those that look up to you most!

Sometimes the poorest man

leaves his children the richest inheritance.

~Ruth E. Renkel

A truly rich man is one whose children

run into his arms when his hands are empty.

~Author Unknown

He didn't tell me how to live;

he lived, and let me watch him do it.

~Clarence Budington Kelland

Blessed indeed is the man who hears

many gentle voices call him father!

~Lydia M. Child, Philothea: A Romance, 1836

{images via}

Red Curlz

Sorry I have been M.I.A.  I hope you missed me!  I miss you...I am just enjoying every second I can with Red Curlz!  Oh, and work.  Yeah, that has been keeping me really busy.  I don't like it, but it pays the bills.  You know those never stop.  I know you know!!!!   

Hope you all are enjoying your summer.  I will be back tomorrow with a fun summertime post! 

Cuteness, cuteness everywhere!

If you are not a member of Zulily.com, you ought to be!!!  Membership is FREE and you get exclusive sales on many brand names.  I just love it.

And you have until May 24th to pick up some super cute deals for your little cutie via Zulily.  I dig horoscopes.  I just think they are fun.  And many times, the category you fall under well represents exactly who you are.  Or how you act.  Even if you don't care to acknowledge that fact! 

Well, RS Baby has a superb deal for you this week!!  Check out these cute "sign" t-shirts.  They are on sale through May 24th for only $14.99.  So hurry up....

The Queen of the Crib for Red Curlz

That's me!  Work hard, play hard...Happy Cappy!

And always the pleaser, Virgo!

Here are some of my other fav picks!

Too busy pouting...

Sorry I have been missing in action for a while...

I have been too busy pouting.  Yes.  Like a child.

You see....my daddy is sick. 

And I am worried, just a tad. 

So, I am pouting. 

But, I am still around.  And I would appreciate all of your prayers.

{all images via}

Disney on Ice...here we come!!

Red Curlz and two of her friends are going to meet some of our favorite Disney Couples this evening!  We all are beyond excited to get up close and personal with...

Mickey and Minnie

Beauty and The Beast

Snow White and the Evil Witch

Jasmine and Aladdin

Donald and Daisy Duck

And one of our newest favorites!

Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen

Red Curlz will be wearing this...

Pictures and performance review to follow.  Stay tuned!

Christmas Past

Red Curlz Christmas beginning in December 2007.

Academy's Christmas Program - Little Angel

A Massive Christmas for not quite a 5 month old.  Ridic.

I look half dead.  Hey!  We were still getting up quite frequently every night!

Our Honey and Ethan, my nephew.

And then there are the memories from 2008 Christmas.

A little overboard, but not nearly as bad as the first.

They truly grow so fast and the pictures are proof.

I hope everyone has a very blessed Holiday Season.  A Merry Christmas to you all!