Single Mother of 2 on Mother’s Day…

Happy Mother’s Day Mommies!

1 day before Mommies Day, and I can not wait!! Although everyday is Mother’s Day for me and most women who play motherly roles, I still look forward to this time of the year. Its a day where we’re able to truly reflect on who we are for our children and what we offer them. It’s a for sure opportunity to spend QT with the little ones. It’s a day to celebrate being a mother and all that you do.

As a single mom of two children, one five and the other just two months old, life can become a bit difficult. The enemy would have single mothers to think we are worthless w/o a partner in our life. If you have experienced these feelings in any way, shape or form, I am here to tell you to STOP! Look at all you have in your life.. You are blessed beyond measure. Your children love you w/ their whole hearts. I know it gets tough and sometimes may feel like you want to quit. Don’t quit! Keep pushing..Continue to be the best parent to your children as you know how to be.

God Bless! and Happy Mother’s Day!

Gift from God.

Feb 23 2012, Life changed…again. For the second time around, I became a mom…….again! A blessing to say the least. I think back to the day I laid on the operating table. My brother was by my side, as we both waited anxiously for the arrival of my son Dominic.

Hearing his cry for the first time was amazing..I cried tears of joy and happiness. He was finally here for me to love on and introduce to the family.

I didnt expect to have those feelings of love for my son, ONLY because of the circumstance that lead me to that place. I honestly felt I would feel the complete opposite for him. I thank God daily for replacing the fear and doubt with assurance.

I am so happy that DJ is here and I wouldnt have it any other way!

God’s gift to me. Thank you Lord.

TAW

4TH Annual SKYLINE DAY. Saturday 6/8/2011

 

Come out and support 1lyfe! An organization focused on Suicide Awareness & Youth Suicide Prevention

Communications Corner by TIA:When you fall, get back up!

 http://www.hiddenstrengthsministry.org/

Look out for the new post!

Mommy & Daughter “chopping it up”

We always talk, but today I decided to record one of our many conversations. I told my daughter we could talk about anything that was on her mind, and we did.. I gave her the opportunity to speak about whatever was on her mind.

Check it out:

http://www.zshare.net/audio/89106641aab0c9ca/

I don’t always have the time to engage in detailed conversations with my daughter, but when I do I try to make it worth it. It matters that she gets all the time from me that she needs. Find time for your children, even when you think your schedule is too hectic. Those few minutes or so will make a world of difference in their little lives. 

 As a parent, one thing I have noticed over the years is that THEY SEE AND LISTEN TO EVERYTHING! My daughter takes it all in and remembers everything.. She will remind me about some stuff that happened that I thought she wasnt even paying attention too.. Watch what you do/say..Our kids ARE paying attention! I encourage you to open the lines of communication with your children now before it’s too late..

Love ya-Lata-Tia

God blesses in many ways!

Have to share..

As you know, I moved to Atlanta from MD about 1 year ago to attend CAU. I stepped out on faith in coming here but in my heart I always knew something great would come out of this new journey I had decided to embark on. Well, in the past year I have been faced with some difficulties, to include eviction notices, turn-off notices, and most recently my electricity being disconnected. Its been tough but we’re getting through it with God’s continuous love and support.

I met a lady a few months back who was selling her old school mustang..I’m looking for a used and reliable car so her and I began to talk. We exchanged numbers and kept in touch with one another through email, and phone.

Well, since she knew about me looking for a reliable car, she put me in touch with her neighbor. Him and I spoke, I test drove the car, loved it, got daughters approval and settle on that being our new car. I thank God every day b/c this gentleman said he would save the car for me, cover it, start it up every week and when I got the money, it was mine.. This was great news for us! We would soon have reliable transportation!

So..I called the lady who introduced me to the man selling the vehicle and I asked her if she knew anyone looking for some help in the yard, office, etc.  I was looking to make some money so that I could purchase the vehicle.

She asked me to send her an email with my information that states I wanted to work. I did exactly that and in no time, someone replied to her, asking that I get in touch with them.. I did..

This new lady that I had never met before was interested in me babysitting her children. I guess I am a babysitter..I have a 4-year-old and I am comfortable with watching my little cousins or friends children with no problems. I’m pretty responsible, if I can say so myself.

So anyway..we (the mother and myself) begin to converse via email.. trying to figure out what was needed, getting schedules in order, so on and so forth.. Then she ask me what my rates are,, HUH?!?!

My rates? My rates for what? Oh, for this babysitting service??

Now, check me out.. I’m used to babysitting for FREE..I dont charge, however this is a different situation.. I’m a full-time college student and single mom trying to make it in this foreign town.. I need money! LOL.. I tried to get my game face on before sending the response but I was lost.. Completely LOST!

I called about 5 ppl to ask them the same question that was racking my brain.. What should I charge this lady? I didn’t want to high ball her or low ball myself. I wanted it to be worth my while but I also wanted to help her out. Ya know? I’m sure most people are like Girl, if you don’t just tell her a price and get on with it.. but it was much more difficult for me..

So anyway.. I thought and thought and thought some more.. I finally came up with 10 bucks an hour.. What the heck! I didn’t know what to say.. I hoped that she would be comfortable with that rate and that we could move on with it. So I sent her this longer than normal email ASKING if 10 was ok and that if she thought of another rate that would work better for her to please let me know and that rate would be fine.. (such a sucker at heart, )

She emails me back (Mind you, we barely know one another.. Matter of fact, we DONT know each other) and says she paid the last person 12 an hour but she thought that was kind of low, so she is going to pay me 15 an hour..WHAT!? To God be the glory! Literally! Now, I am at school right now as I sit and type this b/c I had to let you know just how good my God is.. I read that email and immediately started to burst out in tears! In the cafe.. People starring and all.. Come on now! Tell me our God is not good? I’m just so happy.. My prayer to God has been that he blesses me in ways that I would have to know that it is Him and no one else.. In ways that I would have to literally STOP what I am doing and take time to praise all that He has done for me, both seen and unseen.. both known and unknown.. And this was another instance where He worked it out!

Goodness man! I just had to share. I honestly pray that this particular blog allows you to pray honestly to God about where you are in your life today, through all the hurt and dissapointment.. From everything you have gone through and everything you are going through at this moment.. My prayer is that you seek the Lord’s face and cry to him your needs and desires and that He will provide for you in a major way, showing you just how great and awesome He truly is..

Here is the email communication from me and then her response..Check it out..

(MY EMAIL TO HER)

Hi,
 
Thanks for the email! Those dates and hours will work for me.
 
To be honest with you, I have no idea. My first thought was 10 per hour, however I know you said your children were pretty self sufficient. What do you think? Make me an offer and we will work with that…

10 per hour would be a perfect rate in Maryland, but I also know GA rates differ. So you let me know what your thinking and we will go from there.
 
Also, I have a few questions and we can probably talk when we finally meet in person..The questions are pertaning to the children.. bedtimes, diets, activities, homework routines, etc..I want to make sure I am keeping things as normal as possible..
 
Hope to hear from you soon..

(HER EMAIL TO ME)

Hi Tia,

 

I paid the last person that came to help with the children $12/hr., but I think that’s kind of low, so let’s go for $15/hr. (When I was in school, I helped out with children for $10/hr, and that was ages ago!) If you can come early on Friday, that would be nice. I can spend some time showing you around and telling you about the children. My daughter and I are just going to a Hawks game, and we probably won’t leave until about 7. 

 Thanks!

And 4 real, it seems as if she’s just paying the blessing back. She recognized a blessing from God way back when, as she puts it and now it’s her turn to do God’s work and “return a favor”..And Lord knows I am forever greatful..

Goodness man! I just had to share. I honestly pray that this particular blog allows you to pray honestly to God about where you are in your life today, through all the hurt and dissapointment.. From wverythgin you have gone through and everything you are going through at this moment.. My prayer is that you seek the Lord’s face and cry to him your needs and desires and that He will provide for you in a major way, showing you just how great and awesome He truly is..

Love yall!

T

Lights out!

As I begin to panic, wondering what will I do..  She’s making puppet figures with her hands.

While I pace the floor, contemplating my next move,..She’s telling me to sit down..everything will be ok.

When I think there’s no way I can do this..She’s excited about her candle-lit bubble bath.

We pray before bed and she peacefully falls asleep..Ask if to tell Mommy, She’s ok and not to worry..

I was raised by a single mom who nurtured and protected my brother and I to a point where when there was pain and hurt and turmoil and grief and loss and drama and depression and all that , we never knew about it.. As a mother, I want to provide the same for my children. My biggest concern is causing her to worry…I don’t want her to worry AT ALL.

Who would have thought a 4-year-old could bring so much joy and life to such a difficult situation. She unconsciously brings light and humor to some of the most complicated circumstances that I have had to deal with. As a Christian, Single mother, Full-time Scholar, Part time worker, Dedicated friend and lover, and all the other titles that I can’t think of right now, I deal with a lot. When stress hit..it hits hard! I don’t know what my outlet has been, but what I do know is my daughter has been my biggest motivator. (Maybe she’s been my outlet) She encourages me to push forward, on those days when I want to give up. She continues to push me to that limit. I love her for that.

There have been situations where the fears and struggles I have in my life, I had to be the adult and the one to encourage and motivate her to not be afraid..to push through this thing that she may believe in her mind that she can’t accomplish. In turn, I, am the one being blessed by the lesson being taught.. As I coach her through this thing, I take a step back and realize that I needed the lesson more than she did..-My God! Its amazing how He works through our children..I’m sure other parents know exactly what I’m talking about.. J

Appreciating my daughter’s life that much more.. 8/22/2006 JMR, Love you boo-boo..-Mommy.