Tasca Hopping

The other day while one of my three daughters (the Eldest), was working on the final touchs of a skit at our local Library. Me, myself and I decided to park my car on the Main street and walk around our little downtown area. What a surprise, all the new little shops! Clothes, jewely, you name it. The area that I had grown up and moved away from, had now revitilized itself. My family and I have now lived here for three years. But, this was really my first getting out alone and just taking a casual troll. Upon turning a corner and looking around, I felt almost like I was back in Madrid, Spain. Little eatories (like Tascas) that were on every corner in downtown Madrid. It was a wonderful site to see. Just as I was about to turn back to meet my daughter at the library. An older gentleman in his 70's or 80's was beckoning me to come and have a look see. He kept pointing to this one Tasca in particular, I kept waving and saying "Gracias" (Thank you in spanish) but he kept persisting! Waving like he was saying come in, come in have a seat. All this without saying a words. Just as I thought I'd broken away from his friendly smile and gesture to return another day (which we all know probably would not have happened) My neighbor whom I've known for years, but have never had the pleasure of just sitting and chatting, came out of the little latino resturant. She was just sitting, having a nice relaxing morning. Peering out the window, watching people walk slowly by and sipping on a cafe con leche. She invited me to sit with her, then quickly poured me half of her fruity mango cool refreshing breakfast drink, that had just arrived to the table. We chatted, catching up on each others summer and how quickly time and summer had passed. Her son was away in Ecquador with his father, and my children were keeping busy with local activities. After about fifteen minutes, we bid our good-byes and vowed to get together like that again. Hopefully next time on purpose! Wow, what a wonderful interuption, I thought as I walk back to my car and drove around the corner to the Library. Wouldn't it be nice if we took a little time to enjoy the view.

Call a friend that you have not seen in a while and go and enjoy lunch together.

Tata for now!
-Nubian

Long Term Goals

“You must have long term goals to keep you from being frustrated by short term failures.” -Charles C. Noble

I've been working outside my home now for four weeks. Missing my family already, I do enjoy the car rides back and forth from work.

Peace and Quiet, but only if I... Decide to turn off the music!

Have a Great Day and a Great weekend!

-Nubian

Homeless Family In Virginia

Hello My Brothers and Sisters In Christ:

A family in need!

Each one teach one and many will follow.

Please watch this video!:
www.youtube.com/user/nubianqueen04

"Homeless In Virginia"

In His Name

NubianQueen


Family of 12 children and two Adults, Father lost his job! Now house has mold and mildew, the Mother and children are getting sick from mold! They are having to walk away from the house and are now homeless! Living in a church. In the video, I said 10 children their are 11 children living with the parents in the church. Most of the children have mild disabilities.

Feature blog for Coloquymoms!

"katjrobertsonHey how would you like to be featured next week for @colloquymoms launch party?"

"katjrobertsonI just need a bio, a photo, and a post of your blog. :)"

O.K, don't panic! I can do this!

As I sit down to try and attempt to write my first official brief Bio and short (ha, ha) blog entry... I reach down on the floor of the Dining Room and pick up a pencil, now... for a clean piece of paper to start off, with no crayon drawings or magic marker hand prints! You see, at my house we have organized chaos! I know where everything is it just does not have a permanent home, yet.

We have no cable, satellite, or Internet. So, I would have to write down my thoughts and feelings then drive to my parents house and use their computer. Which does give me a few moments away from my lovely children. Yes, of course I love my children and family! I would not be able to Homeschool them for the now 9th year if I did not.

Let me start again by introducing my self, on the Internet I like to be known as Nubian or NubianQueen. I've been a stay-at-home Mom for 12 years give or take a few weeks of seasonal work like the U.S. Census. For the most part I've been home, what I hear a lot of is, "Oh, how fortunate you are to be able to stay at home." Well it's mostly been about making sacrifices! But, yes I do believe it has been a joy and a blessing!

New chapter of my life does begin tomorrow, Monday is the BIG day! I begin a job outside of the home! Although, I would love to be one of those Mom's with wildly successful blogs or stay at home jobs. This blogging thing is all new to me! So, it ain't happening yet! "It's time to make the donuts." (That's from an old commercial, if you are younger then thirty you may not know or remember it? LOL ;)

So, with my background being in Communications in the Air Force (Served during Desert Storm). I set out to fill out some job applications! Do you know how intimidating that was. After almost 12 years of no employment! I was forgetting dates, having to just wing it! But, sticking to the truth and not fudging. The hardest part was filling the missing dates when I worked here and there for a few weeks at a time. Well, it all paid off, Monday is Orientation! Don't want to say to much I still have to pass a week of cramming in information! Plus go home and cook, organize my children and get ready for the next day! Welcome to the real world (right).

The one other good thing about this is my lil soldier guy will have to wean from breastmilk, WooHoo! Oh, did I say that out loud! At the rate he was going, he was going to be asking for milk on his wedding day! "Mother, may I have a sip of milk from the bitty, please Mother Dear"!
Well, that is all for now! Tata! Sorry for all the exclamation points, but, I am a very excitable person!

chow for now,
-Nubian

Last Free Weekend...

Yes, you read it correctly! This is my last weekend as a stay-at-home Mom.

Although, I do have mixed feeling about this. For the most part, I've been home for about 12 years, married 22 years. But, with the present economic situation and an ever decreasing budget, I must now return to work.

In March-April, I did work for almost 4 weeks. My job was collecting Data for the U.S.Census Bureau (or better known as "The 2010 Census").
But, that ended early when all of our work was completed ahead of schedule.

So, now lots of thoughts are running threw my head. How will I continue Homeschooling and work? Will I have to rely on some sort of Menu planning like: "for the love of chaos" twitter@katjrobertson and @colloquymoms? Will I need to re-read wifely tips by Jen twitter@fruitfulvine2 ... ? (To keep my marriage in tip top shape). Only God in Heaven knows, but I do know he will not give me more then I can handle.

Orientation is this Monday morning! Please keep me and my family in your prayers ;)!

Chow for now!
-Nubian

Off to Bed Without Nusing!

Now this was a first, my son off to be without Nursing! Praise God!

He has had a busy few day, running, jumping, rolling down hills at the water park. Or, was it the shower and a really good hair shampoo with scented oils added plus conditioner? It could just be that he is getting older. I'm not sure, but, I'm willing to repeat the shampoo and bed-time routine again on tomorrow evening. ;)

Chow for now,
-Nubian

Amusement Park!

This day was long anticipated by children and us Adults! My DH took off the evening from work and we were looking forward to this fun family adventure!

We started preparing the evening before, when we received a phone call asking if we would be willing to leave Thursday night and stay at a hotel 10 minutes from the park. The Girls were just arriving home from VBS (Vacation Bible School) and once they found out the good news they were elated! We started packing. Our goal was to be out of the house by 10pm. Well, we pulled out about 11pm. That's not bad for two Adults and five children. We had bathing suits and towels plus all the necessities. We were even asked to bring our cast iron frying pan for Homemade pancakes by our gracious host. They had booked a room, once they arrived the room was not up to par. So, they were upgraded to a suite with an attached room and they offered it to us! WooHoo!

The next morning! We ate the best Gluten free, soy free, wheat free, rye free pancakes we'd ever had! That was worth the traffic delay we had experienced on our way to the hotel. Plus, freshly cut up fruits including: Pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, mango, apples and a tray of watermelon and a tray of honey dew melon! It felt like a little touch of Heaven! We washed it all down with a glass of Orange Juice.

Then off to the water park! We spent all day there, lots of fun for the kids. The older three Girls were permitted by us to venture off on their own, with promises to stay in touch by their cell phones. This worked out great, we took the little tots to their special kiddy section. Great fellowship too! We finished the evening with a catered dinner all you can eat! We practically rolled out of the park! We can't wait to do it again next year!

Chow for now,
-Nubian

Have You Woken Up too see a Bat Flying...

Have you ever rolled over and heard a noise at night? Pausing for a second, I thought I'd heard a weird sound... Opened my eye's and a bat (you know, black, long wings, etc.) Flying over my head! I was like what the...heck! At first you lay perfectly still..my son was right beside me sleep, so I got up slowly trying to think of what to do next! Leaving my son (my shadow) behind on the couch. What was I thinking! Here it is 1:00 in the morning, my shadow guy jumps up as if he has sensed something wrong and he is down the steps behind me. Grabbing him, I nearly fall down the steps, catching my balance. We make it to the bottom of the steps and hide out for a few moments in the bathroom, while I catch my breathe. Of course, so nervous that I had to take a potty break. I'm thinking "I know I live up North and another friend had just shared with me that her friend in Maine, had just experienced a "Bat" the other night in her bedroom also" but this is ridiculous. What is it "Bat" season? Or is it because of all the rain we've had? Don't get me wrong, this is not our first "Bat" in this house. I'm feeling like we need to call "Ghost busters/"Bat Busters or something". Then...I remembered I am not home alone! Besides my shadow, still glued to my hip, their were four sleeping beauty's upstairs with their bedroom door shut and (Thank God) my DH (Dear Hubby) was sound asleep in our room. Now, you might be thinking "why did I not think of DH right away"?! Well, because he works nights and just by the "Grace of God" he was home! WooHoo!

(I will have to continue this later, because it is now 2:30am) I'll update post later today! I's tired!

So, I ran to the back stairs near my upstairs bedroom and started calling for DH! He yelled back "Don't come up here!" Which meant he had already encountered the "Bat"! You see my family as been exposed to some real pest (more on that later). DH had gotten up to use the bathroom, was about to go back to sleep, leaning back in the bed and the same bat (probably following sound, because they are blind ;) flew over his head. He flew out of the bed and hit the floor! Crawling over to the corner of the room behind the dressers he keeps the long bee bee gun, there. All I could hear was the sound of pellets hitting stuff upstairs. After about ten ping sounds he finally hit it. No, not while flying, but when it planted it self on the wall. DH's sight finally kicked in without his glasses and he was able to focus. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. If DH had been at work, my family and I might still be huddled in that same cramped bathroom, waiting for him to return from work! LOL! God is good all the time!

When we lived in Virginia, my DH fell asleep on the couch and he awoke because he felt a snake climbing up the back of his head! No joke! He jumped up and grabbed his mache-dee (he is a Jamaican Mon) he nearly shopped up our downstairs living room in that old country house. He just kept saying don't com down here! When he did catch it, he chopped off it's head, it was still over six feet long. Just a little old black garden snake. Well thank you for reading and commenting. Happy hunting! Enjoy the rest of the summer!

-Nubian

Blueberry Jam Preserves

Oh, what a feeling! I've been wanting to learn how to can and or make jam preserves for quite some time now! The only person in my family who practiced this fine art was my Nana. Although, Nana perfected this rare ancient ritual, she did it back in the day out of necessity. Having five daughters to raise and Grandpa wasn't always around.

So, my daughters and I, along with our lil soldier boy and mz. Latina my niece, who come to visit every summer. We must have picked at least 10-15 lbs of blueberries. For our first time ever, that was awesome! That is not including the other five pounds consumed while picking! LOL. What a fun day, we did the picking about three weeks prior at a local farm in New England. How peaceful! If you've never experienced walking up and down the isles, picking berries, you must try it at least once! So, our schedules finally meshed where my Girl friend and I could get together at her house and prepare our jam! All I can say is that it is not as hard as I had envisioned. This is sure to become a family ritual of ours for years to come!

Chow for now,
-Nubian

4th of July 2009

My family and I were invited out to a lake by some friends you had just purchased their first boat! the Girls all brought their bathing suits and towels. Plus, one of their favorite things for the beach, the tent or cabana. It helps to block out the sun! Although this was a beautiful day, there was not much sun.

We had great food and fun... the girls went out for what I thought was a scenic boat ride which ended up being a fun filled afternoon of tubing off the back of the boat! If I had known, I'm not sure I would have sat patiently on the side waiting for them to return! LOL

A great time was had by all!

We then left there and went to visit my husbands family about 45 minutes away. All the family showed up! We should have get together's more often!

Chow for now,
-Nubian

Wonderful Tea Party Day

June 30, 2009

On a beutiful summer day (one of the few this year), my second eldest daughter celebrated another birthday!

We celebrated by putting out nice chairs and a table with a pink cloth for my "fashion Diva" daughter, whom always has to have everything done up in pink! She says: "That one day her whole house will be painted pink inside and out," and I believe her.

We had little tea muffins, and homemade sconce with ginger tea! With just a touch of honey of course. She also had nicely sliced up lemons on the table for just the splash in their tea. Their was a nice homemade cake (strawberry of course) with melted vanilla frosting on top!

Her sisters, her cousin, and three friend in attendance had a great time! Simple but elegant.

Until the next time...chow for now.

-Nubian

Happy 90th Grandma T!

June 26, 2009

On this very special day we (meaning my full extented family) celebrated our Grandmothers 90th birthday! Yes, the family came from all over from Florida to Maine!

What a great time we had celebrating the Birth of our Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and even Great Great to a set of twins and their baby brother!

Grandma T we love ya,
Nubian

Happy Father's Day!

The story I want to share with you today is a true story about empathy… So take a few moments, sit down, relax, and enjoy…
————- Up in the Himalayan Mountains, there once lived a Japanese Sage… He was someone who had dedicated his life to enlightenment, so he lived alone up on a mountain top and meditated all day long. Occasionally, he would come down from the mountain into the valley to gather food and visit his relatives. One day, while down in the valley, his sister came up to him completely distraught. She was full of anger, anxiety, and sadness over her teenage boy. Her adolescent son was a big trouble maker. He was getting in trouble at school, lashing out at his family, and engaging in self-destructive behavior. No one in the family could get through to him and he was causing the whole family to suffer. The Sage was asked by his sister to come visit the boy and talk to him. Since he was known for his ‘enlightened consciousness’ and compassion, she figured he was the only one who could help. So the Sage agreed and came to live with his sister for a while. He ate dinner with them, helped with the household chores, and did just about everything BUT talk to the young boy.  He ended up staying there for two weeks just observing the dynamics of the household. After two whole weeks, his sister started to get angry. “Why haven’t you had a talk with my son yet?”, she asked. The Sage simply told her that there was nothing to say. The boy was also very confused. He knew that his Uncle was asked to come visit to have some sort of talk with him about his behavior.  The Sage decided it was time to go, so he went back into his room to get his shoes. As he was sitting on the edge of his bed tying his shoelaces, the boy came and sat down in front of him. The boy stared at his Uncle for a few moments waiting for some kind of response. The Sage looked up from tying his shoes with tears streaming down his face.  He just looked into the boys eyes with love, not saying a word. The emotion was so intense, that the boy started crying, too. The Sage cried for his nephew. He cried because he felt the pain the young boy was going through. He physically felt the feelings of being so lost, so disconnected from oneself, and feeling so unloved.  The boy wasn’t misbehaving just to be malicious. He was acting out because he was in pain. No one else in the family understood this. They all saw him as a nuisance, as someone who was causing THEM pain and suffering. They could not see past their own self-centeredness.  They never stopped to empathize with where he was coming from… And this lack of understanding just made everything worse. Staring speechlessly into the teary eyes of his Uncle, the boy felt understood for the first time in his life.  He knew the Sage wasn’t crying because of his bad behavior… He was empathizing with his own suffering. For a moment, they both felt the same pain. From that point on, the boy changed. He had been running from his own pain and acting out because he was avoiding it.  His Uncle inspired him and helped him actually ‘feel’ the hurt that was inside. The unconditional love and compassion that he felt from the Sage changed his life. The Sage not only helped the boy more than anyone thought possible, but he also helped the rest of the family. He taught them what true empathy really is…
————– You don’t need to be a Sage to practice empathy for others. We, as human beings, have such a deep capacity for love and compassion… I think most of us just forget it’s there sometimes. I hope this story opened your heart a little today!  When you have empathy and understanding for those in your life, your relationships will blossom. I don’t know about you, but I’m really looking to create a paradigm shift in the world. A shift away from selfishness and greed, and a movement towards true empathy, compassion, and comradery. We can do so much good for the world when we stop thinking so much about ourselves, and start putting ourselves in the shoes of those we serve. Feel free to share this story with anyone you care about! And make sure you leave me a comment below to share your thoughts…

Happy Birthday to Me!

Just for Good house keeping, I'm attaching this to my blog!

Grace In Small Things!!

After Reading another blog "Grace In The Small Things."

I've decided to list a few of my own:

1. The rain: April showers bring May flowers! In June, I love to see my new flowers and vegetables come up!

2. Love spending time with my children, laughing! (Laughter is the best meicine)

3. Love being home alone.

4. Surfing the internet.

5. Gardening in the Springtime.

5. vacuuming and seeing straight lines on the carpet.

6. Love watching the cooking shows and trying the new recipes at home for my family.

7. Sleeping in...whenever it happens it is a wonderful thing.

Counting My Blessings!

Looking back on my Birthday, I am thankful for another day, good health, New Beginnings, and family!

Sunday after church my father and sister (NF) took my whole family out to dinner. This is huge to me, seeing how we are a family of six... We had a GREAT time! Not, sure how many of you have ever gone to a resturant with a toddler, pre-teens and well it can be a lot of fun ;)!

Monday the day of my Birthday, I went to the library in the Adult section! If you have kids that is huge, because you are always in the childrens section with your younger children. So, I enjoyed reading magazines and browsing the books and material that I wanted to look at. Then, I received a call from my DD (Pretty Princess) she was calling to invite me to lunch with her sewing class. My children are homeschooled, they meet weekly with other homeschooled girl friends and have lunch. Learning about sewing and make new projects. Lunch was nice, cozy and healthy!

They were not finished with their project so..I left for a nice walk downtown which was a very cute and quaint! Little shops, filled with jewely, clothes, children's toys, everything within walking distance. Stopped into a little book store and purchased a book, which is what I do every year on my Birthday!

On my way back to my car, I went into an Ice cream shop and enjoyed an ice cream cup filled with "turtle" flavored ice cream (first time) with marshmellows and fudge. Great Day! Spent with my children and Hubby!

SuperBrain Yoga

This definitely worth a try! Starting from today!

Happy Birthday To Me!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

I'm no longer 23! When I take a look around, at the world situation, the economy, the rising and the falling of the gas prices... Life aint so bad!

As Martha Stewart would say "It's A Good Thing"! When you've got family and *true* friends, nothing else truly matters. Thank God for good Health, the people around me have been saying take good care of yourself. It it will pay off in the end!

Happy 45th to me! It's already a Good Day!

-NubianQueen

My Birthday is also shared with one famous actress! ... Marilyn Monroe, this would have been her 83rd Birthday!

Turning 45..Tears of Joy or Midlife Crisis?

Any words of WISDOM for a woman turning 45!

Usually I wouldn't put my age out there like this but, this is a BIG one! Thank you to some family and friends who have left me comments like:

My sister reminds me we are Blessed with good genes!

-NF

A friend recommended a book on aging well..."Nurture" by Lisa Bevere

-LP

"Been there done that, I still feel the same...Happy Birthday!"

-Friend from Tampa, FL

"Don't even stress it cuz you look great!"

-friend from CT

Another friend said "You aren't quite at your half-way point. Your later years WILL be more wonderful, more full of blessings, more full of glory than all those before. Each year will build upon the others glory."

-Missionary in Africa

"Continue to be, the best YOU, you can be, which is the best you can be to yourself. Happy Birthday!"

-VH in Atlanta

"Some words of Wisdom on turning 45. Well, this is the truth. You are young, and you will never be this young again. Keep yourself as fit as you can because it all gets harder. Eat the best foods that you can afford, and give up something else if you have to. Grow some food for your family. It will be good for you all, and working in the soil in the sunshine will give you vitamin D, and some inner peace and joy.

You are not old. Play everyday. Have enough work for your hands to do. Find some joy in each and everyday. Laugh a lot, and don't take things to seriously. Tell those you love that you love them. Take some time for yourself, then you can be better for the people you love. Keep your girlfriends. They will understand you and be there for you no matter what. Love God, love your family, and love yourself. You are not old. Don't waste your time and energy on things that really don't matter. Set aside special things for you and your husband. The kids will be up and gone before you know it, and you've got to keep that friendship going with your man. It will be just you and him when the kids are gone, so keep it strong. Stop thinking that you're old. According to the gene pool in this family, you're still considered young, a kid as a matter of fact. Think about my mother (Aunt J) and her sisters; ages 80, 90 and what (Aunt D) 97!!! Oh my, has God ever been good to us!

But, the thing is...you've got to keep it right and take real good care of yourself, and enjoy the gift that you've been given. So, my dear cousin, you must relax and love life and just know that GOd has blessed you richly. HAVE A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY!

-Love your cousin MM from Maine

"Ummmmm... Sleep on a satin pillow and with a satin cap on your hair?! LOL. Wish I had something more profound to impart. How's this-- surround yourself with like-minded, *true* friends, learn how to "weed" out those who don't meet the grade then weed them out with nary a backward glance! On a serious note, I think you've done quite well...your marriage is intact and your girls are beautiful and well rounded. And you finally have your son! You are blessed my Dear, and I am very happy for you. Let's hope that in the next 21 years of our friendship (gosh, it's been *that* long!!!) we'll be able to see each other more often.

-Love ya :-) Friend in Washington, DC

"Seperate yourself from toxic people. So that as you enter this phase of your life you can enjoy true liberty. Happy Blessed Birthday!!! -DvineExpression from twitter

Comfrey Oil: How to make herbal remedies

This will be my project for this week! Well after celebrating my Birthday of course... Which reminds me the comfrey is already cut down and waiting to be chopped up! We will tell you how it comes out.

Learning Herbs.com

Bath Time/Routine

What a wonderful journey!

After reading another blog on Mothering/Breastfeeding and the joy that she was experiencing with the different stages of her infant. That is when I realized, this is my last child, God willing! Which means that I should slow it down and enjoy! This moment will be gone, I don't want to look back and say 'I did it, but I did not enjoy the journey!"

Why should it matter to other's how long I did or did not nurse (breastfeed) my son? Is he happy? Yes. Is he healthy? Yes. Then I rest my case...

We have stepped our bath experience up a notch by adding: Scented bath oil, scented bubble bath, all from the same line of products (Unwind: by Arbonne). Then we slather on, from the same line, our lavender scented lotion. All of this in hopes, that my son would sleep all the way thru the night. Including spraying his pillow with the lavender pillow/sheet spray.

In all honesty, none of my children slept all night till their body was good and ready. But, that first night of the full treatment, he did add two extra hours onto his sleeping pattern.

Now for Mom and Dad to be consistant! (Nite-Weaning/Night #20)

Happy Sleeping,

-Nubian

"You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes"

This is a long awaited book for me!

Facts and Truths about being a "Preachers Wife", in all honesty I am excited about the author: Lisa McKay's book comming out February 1, 2010! WooHoo!

Don't you know God will answer prayers by any means possible, when our request lines up with his word. The author and I have never met and I just found her blog by..."Only Heaven know" because I don't remember! But, one thing for sure it was not just happenstance. (Is that a word or correct spelling!)

My husband is a "Local Preacher" and that could quite possible make me one day, you guessed it! Well, as you can see I never did actually label myself that. It is a tall hat to fill and I'm not sure that I want it or could handle it if God brought to me. That would also make my children "PK" or Preachers Kids (I am guarding them with every ounce that is with in me).

If you are here and still reading, you would probably say this woman needs prayer you are right, and lots of it I might add. I've worked in a church as the Secretary of about 200 people in the congragation and that was harder then serving over in "Desert Storm" send me to war to defend my country at anytime! (Kidding all ready been there and done that) Pray for my sister she is over in Irag on her second tour...leaving behind her Dh and four children.

Well, back to the book: I've asked many of the women that I know that are "Preachers Wives" and they have said to me "As far as they know there is no book" Yes, it is true to let the Holy Spirit guide you, but it is nice to know that women "Preachers Wives" Like author Lisa McKay are getting to a place where they feel comfortable and know who they are in Christ and they can bear all or at least some.

The Author Lisa McKay and her new book is sure to be a best seller in the Christian community (according to me, whom is a first time blogger and first time book reviewer, before the book even comes out). Just from being a fan of her blog, I can tell this is going to be a breath of fresh air! I say bring it on my Sister In Christ! She is calling it "You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes" And Other Great Advice from an Unlikely Preachers Wife.

My Blog may be brand new and I am still getting the hang of this but my encouragement came from her blog. Go and take a look, I'm sure you will be a fan too! http://thepreachers-wife.blogspot.com/2009/05/unveiling.html

I have not figured out how to post the cover of her book, just yet! But, give me some time! This was fun...maybe I'll start my own feature friday. LOL first I have to work on getting some traffic. Have a Blessed Day, and Y'all come back now you here.

Chow for now,
-NubianQueen

Weaning and Distractions

This journey is now being looked at as an Adventure!

We have been continuing with our Night-Time Weaning! Now, we are working on disractions that work during the day-time.

1. Taking a walk
2. Eating a snack
3. Playing a game with Mommy
4. Doing something fun with siblings/Daddy
5. having breafast/lunch/dinner on time
6. BF only after bath-time
7. Let's watch tv

Any tips... Leave a comment.

Chow for now!

-NubianQueen

My Brown Baby

How funny! As a new blogger I am encountering some really funky things! Like going to update my Blog and have this logo pop up! I've visited this site and I really did enjoy it. So, I clicked on the logo and it stored on my computer! Go and visit and say you saw their logo on my blog!Chow for now! -NubianQueen

Happy Memorial Day!

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.

After knowing the exact history of Memorial Day it seems funny (or even weird) to say Happy Memorial Day! But, we do Honor and remember those who served our country and are presently serving! My family when I really think about it is a "Military Family". My grandfather served in the Coast Guard, my father in the Army (during Vietnam War), myself (United States Air Force) during Desert Storm! My sister is serving her second tour in Iraq with the Army! My brother served as a Marines. He is now in the Army Reserves and still has a bullet lodged in his leg. So, I guess I can safely say or consider my family a "Military Family".

Oh, and not to forget the love of my life: My Dear Husband served in, you guessed it, the Air Force. He has been retired for over or about 15 years now! We met in Spain, what a beautiful country. We could pack up and move there tomorrow and it would not bother me a bit, I loved it there that much! Our oldest child is now nearly 14 and our youngest is 2 1/2. We've come a long way baby!

S0, thank you to all who have served, and are still serving. It is like another friend put it in her blog, a huge sacrifice. To my sister and her family, God is with you and her and will bring her home safely. That is my Prayer! Amen.

"Old Navy"

Today was $1 Flip Flops at "Old Navy"... WooHoo!

When you are a family of 6, deals like this are a God send. It was crazy in the store, we arrive about 10:05am and the lines were out of this world....

It was fun shopping for a family of six. Why can't every store have bargains like that!

Happy Shopping!

-Nubian

Nite -Time Weaning #15

Had a wonderful night! I honestly was so tired, I don't remember if my son nursed or not! DH was at work and my lil soldier boy was in my bed. So, more then likely he nursed. Must try harder tonight!

Nite #14 of Night-Time Weaning!

Waking up this morning to the sound of my lil soldier boy crying at 5am! Now that is a sweet sound.

Let me explain, I slept in a totally seperate room from him and my DH. My DH was totally on duty, while I (hid away) slept in the room with my three lovely daughters. Aahh, blissful! Now if only my DH was off every evening, we'd be done with this whole weaning (thing) process. What did I put in my post the other day... "Gradual weaning is successful weaning!"

Off to the park, we now need day-time distractions and the park will do it for him every time!

Chow for now,
Nubian

Tips to Enhance Beauty of Our Feet!

This article was especially meaningful to me because of my time spent serving in the military! Desert Storm to be exact, my feet took a beating wearing those darn boots every single day for five months. My feet are now on their way back to recovery. After 18 years...

Tips to enhance beauty of our feet

Express Features by "Express Buzz"
Its painful to even imagine how grandmother could walk barefoot all around the village even in hot summers. Well, since almost none of us have that kind of strong feet, summers make sure to give foot trouble. Foot care is a must to maintain healthy and beautiful feet in these dry, humid and sweaty days.

Ventilation for feet is a major concern, specially when kept covered under shoes and socks for long. Apart from smelling that bacteria activated by sweat cause, there could be irritation, blisters and other fungal infections. A simple solution is to use two to three pairs of shoes and if wearing with socks, changing daily and wearing washed fresh ones everytime is advisable. Many tend to get rid of shoes in summer for the same reason which is good but can be risky of sunburns and blemishes if not well-moisturised or protected with sunscreens and SPF lotions.

Sandles do give enough ventilation but exposure to sunrays definitely should be taken care of by keeping feet clean and applying foot powders or moisturisers.
Also, you may look for sweat absorbing socks that keep the feet dry and sweat free.

Pedicure at parlours will feel great in summers mainly for those who complain of nail infections or corns, calluses, hammertoes etc. Using vaseline or heavy creams before wearing socks can be a good trick to prevent them. Regularly washing the feet and then drying them (very well) will also benefit. But nothing feels as good as a massage. It helps blood circulation and keeps the feet healthy, soft and supple. At home, one can scrub the feet with a pumice stone to get rid of corns and calluses. However, any serious foot trouble should be discussed with a podiatrist.
bbsexpresso@epmltd.com

13 Nites and counting!

This technically will be our 13th night on the not so consistent Night-time Weaning!

Thankful for running into a friend today, that gave me the most helpful tips since the beginning of my blogging experience.

Just remember to be consistent! Well, I know this but to hear it again, just confirms and reinforces what I know I need to be doing. Seems to be no way to avoid the crying. ;(

We will just work thru this...little by little. Inch by inch should be a cinch.

Today was a great Day, no Nursing bra for me!

-NubianQueen

Nite-Time Weaning #7-10

The key to healthy weaning is that it is gradual.

Food that helps your toddler sleep!

I am willing to try this how about you!

Having a snack that contains 'Tryptophan' may help your toddler to sleep. Tryptophan assists with the production of the hormones serotonin and melatonin which help us to sleep and then stay asleep. Foods containing tryptophan:

- banana
- beef
- brown rice
- chicken
- cheese
- eggs
- fish
- milk
- tuna
- turkey

Eating these foods with a high-carbohydrate food makes tryptophan even more effective. E.g. a glass of warm milk, peanut butter on wholegrain bread or a slice of cheese on wholegrain toast before bed may be the ticket! But remember not to let your toddler be too full before bed otherwise the body is busy digesting which can slow the "get to sleep" process down.

-Alissa http://www.is.gd/AGq6
If you would like to find out more about Eat Play Grow and how Play and Nutrition Consultant Alissa can help you and your family.
click here:

Nite #6 of Weaning!

This is definitely a process that only the strong will survive! After waking up and falling asleep at 1am and 3am, my lil guy slept till 9am. This is actually his second morning, sleeping that late! So, I am and do count my blessings!

Chow for now,
Nubian

Nite #5 of Weaning!

Grace

The race is not given to the swift...

The evenings are always met with positive thoughts of the possibility of blissful sleep! Rest for the weary or not so weary. We would all just like to see a peaceful end to such a pleasant and memorable experience (Breastfeeding). My husband being off from work, was on duty as the official tot consoler. Our lil guy actually slept till 2:15am, in his on room. Once he wakes up and realizes he is in his own bed and room, he immediately calls for "Mommy" and Daddy is to the rescue.

After about 15 minutes of crying (not bad) he settles in to bed with Daddy, who gives him some positive and very persuasive conversation. I awoke four hours later, startled by the silence and the uninterupted sleep.

AAww! That was the best four hours of sleep I've had in, well a very long time! You get the picture...

Five nights down and more to go... the thought of going thru the day without having to catch a quick cat nap is very appealing!

Chow for now,
Nubian

Nite #4 of Weaning!

Wednesday, the 13th

WEANING THE UGLY TRUTH:

Off to sleep and so it begins! It's like fighting in the middle of the night when you are already overly exausted! Lil guy falls asleep around 10:30pm...WooHoo!
*After bath
*Hair shampoo
*played in the park
*Good full tummy
We have our little route

Lil guy up as per usual 1am...Nurse him and tell him that is it till morning! Crying begins...one of his sisters Sleepy eyed Princess gets up and comes into my room to see if everything is all right. Yes, I say, thank you for checking in on us, sorry to wake you (go back to sleep). Little more crying and finally off to sleep for lil guy.

Weaning is like a ghostly fight in the middle of the night. Shear exaustion with no real memory of it in the morning! Any advice, I will take some...

Nite #3 of Weaning!

Well, my guest is that if I don't stick to it this time...My tot (whom I will affectionately call my "lil soldier boy") will be married with children before he give up the boob!

No really...my daughters had friends over this weekend for a sleep-over and he (lil soldier boy) was excited! We got down stairs and he was trying to lift up my shirt to show my boobs like they were his trophies! I was like...you know what! I don't think so!

People talk of no sleep or should I say little sleep. I've been a walking, talking, functions sleep deprived Soccer Mom for a very long time! My average is 3 hours of sleep (broken up of course), the next morning I just get up help with Homeschooling and pass out just after lunch. Yes, I've been taking naps, I'll admit it. Can't image life without the naps, my family and I would never have made it this long. We laugh alot! I even manage to smile...My secret, people think I'm getting a full night sleep! Boy, won't they be surprised if they ever stumble upon this blog!

Well chow for now!
Nubian

Just Remember the Password!

Wow! This blogging thing can be fun! But, when you go to sign back in, after being on numerous other accounts. Just remember your passwords!

If you are like me in this digitally transmitted new world, you have at least four or five email accounts. All with different passwords and ID names. Then you belong to www.cafemom.com, www.sparkpeople.com (have not been there in a while), don't forget www.myspace.com what is my account name over there, again (who knows), if your having a baby or thinking about it like my new twitter friend@ http://babymakingmachine.blogspot.com/2009/05/crying-baby.html (then you hang out) at www.babyfit.com.

Hey, am I getting paid for any of these plugs. no not yet, because I have not figured that one out yet. Or, there is the new craze, drum roll please! www.twitter.com maybe it's just new to me! But, if Oprah can figure it out, well we all should be on it! Did I name all my favorite spots, I'm sure I left some out. But there is always another post to my newly formed blog and there is always another day! Now let me go and get caught up on my twittering!

Chow for now,
NubianQueen

Breast Feeding Lowers the risk of Heart Attacks and Strokes and other Great Benefits

The longer women breastfeed, the lower their risk of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular disease, report University of Pittsburgh researchers in a study published in the May issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
"Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, so it's vitally important for us to know what we can do to protect ourselves," said Eleanor Bimla Schwarz, M.D., M.S., assistant professor of medicine, epidemiology, and obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. "We have known for years that breastfeeding is important for babies' health; we now know that it is important for mothers' health as well."
According to the study, postmenopausal women who breastfed for at least one month had lower rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, all known to cause heart disease. Women who had breastfed their babies for more than a year were 10 percent less likely to have had a heart attack, stroke, or developed heart disease than women who had never breastfed.
Dr. Schwarz and colleagues found that the benefits from breastfeeding were long-term ? an average of 35 years had passed since women enrolled in the study had last breastfed an infant.
"The longer a mother nurses her baby, the better for both of them," Dr. Schwarz pointed out. "Our study provides another good reason for workplace policies to encourage women to breastfeed their infants."
The findings are based on 139,681 postmenopausal women enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative study of chronic disease, initiated in 1994.
Reported in news-medical.net.
Original research: Duration of Lactation and Risk Factors for Maternal Cardiovascular Disease. Obstetrics & Gynecology: May 2009 - Volume 113 - Issue 5 - pp 974-982.

Thank you to "The Natural Child Project" blog.

Happy Mother's Day! 2009

For some people (Mothers, Wives, Christians, Homeschoolers, Gardeners) this blogging thing may come easy! I've just been very reluctant. Is my age or just the shear fact that I have not got a clue what I am doing! But, here I go.

The old saying "Ain't nothing to it, but to do it!" (excuse my english and grammer). It feels good to be off on a Brand new Adventure! DO YOU remember your very first blog!

Night #2 of slow Weaning!

This is our #2 Nite attempting to wean my son from night time nursing! Back rubs seem to side track him for a few minutes. We are not stopping cold turkey! Slowly weaning from night time. We or I need to add to my sleep tank, it's been depleted for a while.