Category Archives: Outdoors

Our Arbor Day Tree Costume

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Arbor Day – let’s take care and appreciate our trees.  We love our planet.  The Morton Arboretum in Lisle had an Arbor Day costume competition. To celebrate this day my mom made costumes that looked like trees.  My mom has been a seamstress for years..as children all our clothes were handmade by her (all six kids). I still remember the girls having the same style dresses on many occasions (took the headache out of recreating).  In the last 10 years she suffered three strokes but, thanks to Jehovah she still has mobility.  I am very happy she was visiting from Jamaica. Thanks Mom!

For this costume we got the material from Hobby Lobby.  My mom did measurements and then stitched all these together.  I  think she did an awesome job.

The highlight of this day was not the competition but, helping to plant a tree. Children learn from different platforms and this was an excellent opportunity to showcase the importance of trees and its effect on the planet. It was also another great day to play at the Morton Arboretum.

They had so much fun we made two trips – in the morning and afternoon.

Fresh Air and Play Time

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Fresh Air and Play Time

Our little daycare with a ‘Big Heart’ spends many hours outdoors.  Outdoor play is very important to us.  Children are happier when outdoors.  They have the freedom to explore, play and make countless discoveries. I am happier when the children are happy.  Want a stress free day?  Let the children play outdoors…don’t just watch them play but, get into the play with them. Release the stress and anxieties of a day by playing, dancing and exercising,  boost your feel good endorphins.  Another bonus is that the days go by faster.

It doesn’t matter the season..we dress for it and make the best use of the outdoors.

Walking – The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

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Walking – The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

People need people!

This weekend, I had the opportunity of walking with some amazing women, men and children.  All were here to give back to the community. We walked in solidarity against Breast Cancer. The Avon Foundation raised $4.7 million in Chicago – I am very grateful to everyone that supported my fundraising drive.  1 in 8 people are affected by Breast Cancer.

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Never Give Up the Fight!

 

Registration / Eve of the 2 Day Walk

I made a commitment to raise $1800 for this charity though,  I fell significantly short ($1000). I knew I was going to walk because with God all things are possible.  I had strong faith that, I was not going back home without getting my wrist band. I either had to raise the balance in two months or pay from my pocket.  It was very challenging raising the $789.30 in those three months I signed the contract and I also knew I did not have $1,000+ to give. So, I decided to ask others who were at the registration eve for any extras to help meet the $1800.  Having my children with me that day empowered me not to give up.  A teachable moment like this had to prove positive – I could not walk away defeated.  Children live what they learn and I had to teach them to believe in God and remain determined.  I made a little poster sign and walked the floor asking for contributions and re-wrote the deficit needed as I advance until I needed $0.  My kids kept giving me a thumbs up each time I screamed with joy after receiving another donation. My  peddling activity helped me make the numbers.

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From $1000 to needing $0

 

 

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We made it! Mommy is going to Walk :)))

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Got the name tag – I am walking:))

 

Garage Sale 

I am very thankful to all my neighbors and others that came out to support this journey. We raised $172..thanks to my persistent daughter who is a budding business woman with excellent interpersonal skills.

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Community Support

My Children

My Children cheering for me.

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All donations Welcome!

 

First Day of the Walk

My fundamental belief is that family is extremely important and having them as the wind beneath me allowed, me to soar even when there were doubts.

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My Gorgeous Family – my support partners!

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I am ready to do this.

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Walked 13 miles and ready to re-fuel. This is Linda she was a solo walker like myself and we completed the walk together.

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Thanks Cadillac – you encouraged me to press on.

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Yes I did it – I walked 26 miles on the First Day.

 

Day 2 of the Walk

 

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My kids always by my side.

My handsome husband.

My handsome husband.

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My son was my number one fan who kept telling mommy to exercise every morning! The kids were so happy for me.

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Standing in solidarity Against Breast cancer.

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The statistics.

Thank you all who supported my efforts.  I had a burning desire to do this walk as I did 10 years ago and I did it.

My hope is be involved in at least one charity drive yearly. More so, I want to have my children involved.  I have always loved working with orphanages – I think that’s next on my agenda.

 

Digging for Worms

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The kids digging for worms:). I can not express my fear for these slithery creatures… I simply back away as unnoticeable as I can when they take it near me.

Their observation of the worm –
It has no feet!
Where are its eyes?
Does it walk? – no it slithers!
Where does it live? – in the dirt!
I don’t think it has head.
Where is it’s belly?

With all these questions I think it’s time to dissect a worm..

When I ask open ended questions their imagination comes alive. These children are little biologists:).

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How to handle your toddler at the Mall?

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Let them flirt with the Ladies!

One of my favorite store at the Yorktown Mall is the ‘Limited.’ Maybe 70% of my clothes come from their sale rack. I love browsing but my son is like many men…. Impatient with the shopping experience.

I shut him up by allowing him to be a show off!

Once he get the attention he craves he is good for only a couple minutes.

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