Growing up in a West Indian house I was thrown into situations with NO WAY OUT.
For example, having to eat Liver for dinner at least once a week. Now, it was either you ate that liver with your white rice and liver gravy or you ate that white rice with liver gravy and took your happy butt to bed. There was no arguments, no questions asked, no making of something different. We where told that Liver was good for us (WHO KNEW) and we had to eat it.
Come to think of it I always saw my dad cooking the liver, my mother sharing out the plates to us, but I never witnessed them actually eating this meal. HMMMMMMMMMMMMM
Anywho, lets fast forward to about 20 something years later and include my three children to this equation. There has seemed to be a shift in the matrix's when it comes to certain things. For example, EATING LIVER BECAUSE IT IS GOOD FOR YOU.
Now, my parents play a major role in my families dynamics. One of two pick up the little ones (Ari and Tonio) after school and often prepares dinner for my entire family before I get home from work. While I am very thankful and blessed to have such amazing parents in my life I'm left to wonder WHAT HAPPENED TO THE LIVER??
Since the birth of my son 16 years ago I can't recall my parents cooking liver not once. So I decided to ask my mother one day why she no longer cooks her famous once a week liver?? Her answers amazed me.
Me: Mom, why don't you guys cook liver anymore?
Mom: Because you are grown
Me: WHAT?
Mom: We only cooked it when you guys where younger because they said it was good for children
Me: Did you eat the liver when you cooked it?
Mom: Heck NO, that stuff is disgusting
Me: WOW, so you just feed it to us.SMH
Mom: Yup, but your health now right!
Me: Hmmm, so why don't you cook it for my kids?
Mom: Because I don't want to punish them. I'm their NANA so I get to spoil them. If they want Pizza for dinner then that's what we are having. If they want Shrimps and Mac/Cheese for Dinner that's what we are having. I cook now based on what my grandbabies want.
Me: WOW, MOM
Thursday, 28 September 2017
Thursday, 24 August 2017
What A Summer
This was the first summer in years that all my children stayed in New York for their summer vacation. Mind you, they all had plans of what they wanted to do and where they wanted to go before school let out. (Who Knew?)
So I asked my children what they wanted to do for their summer break and this is what I got.
Anthony: I'm going Florida with my cousin for 2 weeks then I'm coming back home to find a summer job so I can have my own money for back to school.
Antonio: I'm going to Trinidad. You have to send money so I can have a birthday Party by my auntie pool again and when I am ready I will come back home.
Ariana: I want my crib and my Ipad.
It's an amazing thing when children have such great imaginations. Because this is exactly how their summer went.
Anthony: Did not go to Florida, Did not find a summer job and only left his room to pass Go and collect money for food, games and a few outings with his friends.
Antonio: Did not go to Trinidad, We celebrated his birthday at Chucky Cheese and every day he asked to go to either Hawaii or Mexico.
Ariana: Went to school every day, missed all the weekday pool adventures with Antonio and only got to use her Ipad when she came home from school.
Moral of my blog, SEND YOUR CHILDREN AWAY FOR THE SUMMER. It's less expensive and you won't become addicted to Wine.
Wednesday, 7 June 2017
Vacation for your Vacation
This past weekend I took my children on a surprise vacation.
(Mom tip #3B - When taking your kids out and you don't want to hear 1 million questions weeks, days in advance just don't tell them anything until you reach your destination.)
As your children grew you realize that they really don't pay too much attention to what's going on in the house. Hence why I was able to pack 2 suitcases full of clothes, shoes and toys and no one knew anything was missing. (Who Knew)
The day of the trip everyone went to school as normal and when they got home I advised them that we had to go out for a few. A cab was called, luggage was loaded and we where off to the airport. At this point not even my older son asked where we was going because he so busy with what was on his phone, Tonio only wanted to know why he had to take his book bag and the baby just wanted her pacifier. Our flight left from Newark which meant it was about a 90 min cab ride. On the way there my younger son started to ask questions.
Tonio:
Where we going again?
Why haven't we reached?
Are we really going somewhere?
OMG we getting on a bridge?
Can we get off the bridge?
Are we reaching in the night?
Can we go to Chucky Cheese?
Are we going to the park?
Do you have snacks?
Another Bridge Mommy?
Tonio literally talked the full 90 mins to the airport. We arrived at the airport and I advised my older son to get the luggage out the trunk and it was then that he became confused. As I proceeded to the check out counter this was the only time that everyone was quite. After speaking to the agent I gave all three there boarding passes and the smiles on their faces where priceless. Of course Anthony spent 40 mins on his phone tell his friends that he would be missing school, Tonio had 1 million more questions and Ariana just wanted her tea (Milk for Americans).
Tonio:
How did you do this?
Where are my clothes?
Is there a pool?
How big is the plane?
Did you tell my teacher?
What time are we getting there?
You have snacks?
The weekend was filled with lots of great memories and I am sure they are excited about where they might be going next. But after every family vacation Mommy needs a bottle of red wine and a mini vacation of her own.
(Mom tip #3B - When taking your kids out and you don't want to hear 1 million questions weeks, days in advance just don't tell them anything until you reach your destination.)
As your children grew you realize that they really don't pay too much attention to what's going on in the house. Hence why I was able to pack 2 suitcases full of clothes, shoes and toys and no one knew anything was missing. (Who Knew)
The day of the trip everyone went to school as normal and when they got home I advised them that we had to go out for a few. A cab was called, luggage was loaded and we where off to the airport. At this point not even my older son asked where we was going because he so busy with what was on his phone, Tonio only wanted to know why he had to take his book bag and the baby just wanted her pacifier. Our flight left from Newark which meant it was about a 90 min cab ride. On the way there my younger son started to ask questions.
Tonio:
Where we going again?
Why haven't we reached?
Are we really going somewhere?
OMG we getting on a bridge?
Can we get off the bridge?
Are we reaching in the night?
Can we go to Chucky Cheese?
Are we going to the park?
Do you have snacks?
Another Bridge Mommy?
Tonio literally talked the full 90 mins to the airport. We arrived at the airport and I advised my older son to get the luggage out the trunk and it was then that he became confused. As I proceeded to the check out counter this was the only time that everyone was quite. After speaking to the agent I gave all three there boarding passes and the smiles on their faces where priceless. Of course Anthony spent 40 mins on his phone tell his friends that he would be missing school, Tonio had 1 million more questions and Ariana just wanted her tea (Milk for Americans).
Tonio:
How did you do this?
Where are my clothes?
Is there a pool?
How big is the plane?
Did you tell my teacher?
What time are we getting there?
You have snacks?
The weekend was filled with lots of great memories and I am sure they are excited about where they might be going next. But after every family vacation Mommy needs a bottle of red wine and a mini vacation of her own.
Thursday, 4 May 2017
You take them OUT?????
IG, SnapChat, Facebook...these are places we go to showcase to the world what we are currently doing. Whether it's on vacation, at the nail salon, movies, dinner or park most of us have posted a little part of our lives on the internet. But when did it become mandatory?????
One day a friend of mine sent me a text asking if I wanted to accompany her and her kids to the Circus. But when I advised her that we already went her comment made me squint me eyes and re-read the text as if she was speaking a foreign language.
Her comment "Oh, Well you didn't post that you went on IG so I didn't know you already took your kids" made me realize how much people actual view your life through social media. (Who Knew??)
It took me 10 mins to respond to her because I wanted to make sure I came off friendly yet informative.
My response "Yes girl, I took them to the circus on Tuesday. Next time you want to do something with the kids call me because I hardly post what I do with my children and I like to live in the moment when it comes to them. We are actually at the movies right now so I will hit you up later."
In the era we live in if you don't post every aspect of your life people assume that your not doing anything. If you don't post your mate they will assume your single or hiding them. If you don't post your children they assume you are not a good mother. When did having to prove something to strangers become the normal? Why would I be judged if I don't show pictures of me and my children on vacation, out eating, at an event?
The last time I checked my social media had my name on it not my children's name. Yes I post a few pictures of them but I choose what I want to post. I'm sure when my teenage son decides to get any social media account I will NOT be all over his page. LOL
I came from the era of parents who took there kids out without having to broadcast it to the world. My father was a photographer and my parents walls are filled with child hood memories. But what I remember the most is them being PRESENT and in the moment. Not stopping me from being a kid to take 100 pictures just so they can upload 1 picture to THEIR social media account. Most of the best pictures my parents have are not staged anyway.
85% of your followers are strangers and I'm sure they did not request me to see pictures of my 2 years old eating cotton candy at Coney Island or a video of my son showing me how to dab.
But hey, What do I know!
One day a friend of mine sent me a text asking if I wanted to accompany her and her kids to the Circus. But when I advised her that we already went her comment made me squint me eyes and re-read the text as if she was speaking a foreign language.
Her comment "Oh, Well you didn't post that you went on IG so I didn't know you already took your kids" made me realize how much people actual view your life through social media. (Who Knew??)
It took me 10 mins to respond to her because I wanted to make sure I came off friendly yet informative.
My response "Yes girl, I took them to the circus on Tuesday. Next time you want to do something with the kids call me because I hardly post what I do with my children and I like to live in the moment when it comes to them. We are actually at the movies right now so I will hit you up later."
In the era we live in if you don't post every aspect of your life people assume that your not doing anything. If you don't post your mate they will assume your single or hiding them. If you don't post your children they assume you are not a good mother. When did having to prove something to strangers become the normal? Why would I be judged if I don't show pictures of me and my children on vacation, out eating, at an event?
The last time I checked my social media had my name on it not my children's name. Yes I post a few pictures of them but I choose what I want to post. I'm sure when my teenage son decides to get any social media account I will NOT be all over his page. LOL
I came from the era of parents who took there kids out without having to broadcast it to the world. My father was a photographer and my parents walls are filled with child hood memories. But what I remember the most is them being PRESENT and in the moment. Not stopping me from being a kid to take 100 pictures just so they can upload 1 picture to THEIR social media account. Most of the best pictures my parents have are not staged anyway.
85% of your followers are strangers and I'm sure they did not request me to see pictures of my 2 years old eating cotton candy at Coney Island or a video of my son showing me how to dab.
But hey, What do I know!
Sunday, 2 April 2017
I'm Back....
Well hello everyone.
I'm finally back after a two year break. So much has changed in my life and I can't wait to share my new journey with you. Lets start with an update on my crazy kids.
Anthony is now a 15 year old. Yeah, that "YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND MOM" stage. The world is on my shoulders stage. The I want to give him back stage. Thank god I have a good 10 year break before I have to encounter another teenager in my house.
Tonio is now a 5 year old chatter box in the body of Sonic the Hedge Hog. From 7am - 8:30pm he is on the go. Between doing back flips off the couch and having nervous breakdowns when his sister knocks over the lego house he tries to build everyday he is never ready to take a nap.
Ariana is now 2 years old and she runs this house. I've never meet a toddler who requires 45 mins of down time after being in daycare. A change of clothes, her Boo-Boo aka Pacifier and her crib must be ready as soon as she reaches home.
My days are longer and my nights are shorter but I wouldn't change it. (Maybe for a couple of million dollars.😂😂😂😂) I'm just joking, or am I???
Time to take you back on this crazy ride with me.
ENJOY!
I'm finally back after a two year break. So much has changed in my life and I can't wait to share my new journey with you. Lets start with an update on my crazy kids.
Anthony is now a 15 year old. Yeah, that "YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND MOM" stage. The world is on my shoulders stage. The I want to give him back stage. Thank god I have a good 10 year break before I have to encounter another teenager in my house.
Tonio is now a 5 year old chatter box in the body of Sonic the Hedge Hog. From 7am - 8:30pm he is on the go. Between doing back flips off the couch and having nervous breakdowns when his sister knocks over the lego house he tries to build everyday he is never ready to take a nap.
Ariana is now 2 years old and she runs this house. I've never meet a toddler who requires 45 mins of down time after being in daycare. A change of clothes, her Boo-Boo aka Pacifier and her crib must be ready as soon as she reaches home.
My days are longer and my nights are shorter but I wouldn't change it. (Maybe for a couple of million dollars.😂😂😂😂) I'm just joking, or am I???
Time to take you back on this crazy ride with me.
ENJOY!
Thursday, 1 October 2015
Questions with Tonio
Welcome Back, Welcome Back, Welcome BACKKKKKKK.
It was a cool, hot, crazy summer with the Phillip Clan. I will definitely recap for you guys in a few days.
So I was talking to my younger son Antonio the other night during dinner and decided to ask him a few questions just to see what his response would be. The answers to my questions amazed me. For a 4 year old he has an amazing understanding about LIFE. Now when I say understanding I really mean IMAGINATION.
Me: Tonio, how was school today?
Tonio: It was good.
Me: What did you do?
Tonio: Color and not listen to the teacher.
Me: Why weren't you listening to the teacher?
Tonio: Because it's Monday
Me: HMMM, OK so you like your dinner?
Tonio: Yes, I love Pasta and Ketchup
Me: But we eating rice and chicken.
Tonio: I know.
Me: Who cooks better Me or your Nana?
Tonio: Nana
Me: Who cooks better Me or Daddy?
Tonio: You because Daddy doesn't cook
Me: Daddy should start to cook right?
Tonio: No, Girls suppose to cook while the boys lay down and watch tv.
Me: OH OK
It was a cool, hot, crazy summer with the Phillip Clan. I will definitely recap for you guys in a few days.
So I was talking to my younger son Antonio the other night during dinner and decided to ask him a few questions just to see what his response would be. The answers to my questions amazed me. For a 4 year old he has an amazing understanding about LIFE. Now when I say understanding I really mean IMAGINATION.
Me: Tonio, how was school today?
Tonio: It was good.
Me: What did you do?
Tonio: Color and not listen to the teacher.
Me: Why weren't you listening to the teacher?
Tonio: Because it's Monday
Me: HMMM, OK so you like your dinner?
Tonio: Yes, I love Pasta and Ketchup
Me: But we eating rice and chicken.
Tonio: I know.
Me: Who cooks better Me or your Nana?
Tonio: Nana
Me: Who cooks better Me or Daddy?
Tonio: You because Daddy doesn't cook
Me: Daddy should start to cook right?
Tonio: No, Girls suppose to cook while the boys lay down and watch tv.
Me: OH OK
Tuesday, 11 August 2015
Uptown Kidz Mas for Kiddies Carnival BK NY 2015
Hello Everyone.
I've been super busy this summer. Here is one project I've been working on.
With everything already being so busy I decided why not continue my kids mas band I started in 2013. LOL (Yes I know I'm late)
Uptown Kidz presents "Once Upon a Bugs Life"
For any more info please feel free to contact us at uptownkidzmas@gmail.com
All costumes are affordable and go for ages 6 months - 14 yrs old.
If you are looking for an individual costume please contact us at the email above.
I've been super busy this summer. Here is one project I've been working on.
With everything already being so busy I decided why not continue my kids mas band I started in 2013. LOL (Yes I know I'm late)
Uptown Kidz presents "Once Upon a Bugs Life"
For any more info please feel free to contact us at uptownkidzmas@gmail.com
All costumes are affordable and go for ages 6 months - 14 yrs old.
If you are looking for an individual costume please contact us at the email above.
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