Hey everyone!
Sorry that I have been missing in action for these past two months...but as a Rush Hour Momma....life never stops. So, let's get caught up: One work trip out of town for a week, a trip to the beach, several pool dates/parties, and even a museum! All of this happened during the latter weeks in June through the end of July. SIX solid weeks of summer craziness!
Wildwood Beach, New Jersey:
The family trip included sand, sun, Henna tattoos, and so much more. We picked a perfect day to go on this three hour adventure with a minivan full of excited little people. We wandered up and down the shoreline capturing photos and taking in all the giggles. The kids collected seashell, swam in the cold water, took turns making their sand kingdoms, and just sat still long enough to listen to the waves.
They had a chance to disconnect from all things electronic and really use the day to play and bond with each other. And guess what....NO FIGHTS, ARGUMENTS, WHINING,
DISAGREEMENTS.....seriously. Are you as surprised as me? I mean we had a group of six young people with very strong personalities (7 yr old to 23 yr old) and not one "I'm telling Mom" or "Stop it" moments! I was quite shocked too as I watch them compromise on EVERY decision. (pats self on back....they were listening)  |
| Makai, Dierra, Destinee Trinity, Elijah, and Isaiah |
I don't come from a large family but I always stress to my children the importance of family and sibling relationships. I tell them with hopes they understand that no matter what, they are bound together by more than just their last names, or how they look....the are bound in blood! And while I can reflect to tell them how important sibling relationships are and should be cherished, I think they showed it on this trip. Woohoo!!
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| My return flight in the middle of a terrible storm in Maryland |
Cleveland, Ohio:
I had a work trip to Cleveland that took me out of my comfort zone and I flew on a plane (solo...no girl friends, spouse, co-workers) for the first time EVER!
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| 9th and Euclid Streets, Cleveland, Ohio |
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| Playhouse Square |
The flight was great! I had a window seat and really nice view. This being my first time ever on a plane, I did not know what to expect. Gratefully, I had great pilot and row mates that helped me navigate and pray. Yes, on my take off, the lady who sat beside me, never said a word directly to me but bowed her head, closed her eyes and clasped her hands. We held that moment and breathed deeply, and sat in silence. She and I never spoke a word but her energy was calming and exactly what I needed. I had an opportunity to take in some of the beautiful scenery and amazing food during this trip.
I cannot tell you how much I learned a lot about myself and my support system back home in this week away. MY HUSBAND is amazing. He stepped up and into the role of RHM (Rush Hour Momma) without batting an eye! Cooked meals, made sure the children bathed (don't laugh....they would rather skip the soap and jump right out the water!) and even enforced the chore chart. Cha-ching!! When he picked me up with all the children in the truck, I knew then how much he really appreciated me.
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| I captured this photo 7am one morning while walking to my meeting. |
Washington, D.C.
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| National Museum of African American History and Culture |
I had the opportunity to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. Now, I saved this one to talk about last for several reasons. My emotions this day was all over the place. I was so excited to finally see how the WORLD would see our history. I was nervous to see what I did not know about our history. And.....I was not emotionally prepared for the day. I spent the day listening to the voices of not just the displays but also the small, isolated conversations from my elders as they remembered the days that were recorded, as some young people laughed nervously at the pain of our past, as others continued to honor and recognize not just the conversations of slaves to their children, but how the story had been passed down by generations to say the names of the slaves that had made the journey to the many ports across the globe. This journey, for me, was a moment that I will never forget. I come from a long line of strong men and women. We have faced the worse possible outcome, and became President of the United States. We fought for our freedom and paid for it with our lives, but never giving up that WE have come so far and still so far to go.
This summer has been quite interesting and educational my family. I hope you enjoyed my little summer blurb and will post again soon.
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| Windy day but all smiles! Me and the Mr. |
