Christmas

Oh, Christmas time! My favorite time of the year is hands down Christmas. All the beautiful Christmas decorations, lights, seeing family & friends and so much more. But the magic of Santa is the best, especially now that I am a mother to a curious 2-year-old. She now recognizes Santa in pictures from the last two Christmases and is now starting to point him out in stores as the shelves are starting to be filled with the holly jolly man named Santa Claus. But one thing I notice now that I am a mother, I see Black Santas. And when I do, I scream with excitement. Why? Because growing up, I always thought Santa was a Black Man just like the...

As I crawl out of bed I spy my little one lost in a dream. A typical Christmas morning to follow it would seem. Reflections of Christmas lights dance across his face. To search for toys from Santa soon he will race. Visits from loved ones will bring joy throughout the day. Cookies and candies will be his favorite part I would say. Laughter and joy echo as everyone gathers around. But someone will be missing, it's me that won't be found. I wipe away a tear as I say goodbye. Yes, after years in healthcare, leaving on holidays still makes me cry. As I drive in the dark I place myself with the Lord. I must remember some children won't be home a Christmas more. Upon entering the doors you...

It's early November. I am sitting in my son's room watching him play with his baby sister. She’s 10 months old and doesn’t take crap from him. She plays with his trucks, superhero figures and whatever else she can get her hands on. I’ve just begun thinking (and researching) what we will put on their Christmas lists. The Usual... These kids are pretty lucky. They do not need toys, so for birthdays, Christmas and any other special occasion (potty training, baptisms, etc.), we tell family (when asked) they can give money for the kids' college funds or gift cards to Baby Gap, Old Navy, Carter's and Target. I keep an Amazon wish list for the kids if anyone wants to purchase...

Disclosure :: This post was sponsored by Party Time and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. Party Time, Chocolate Making and Some Inspiring Holiday Chocolate Recipes Can you believe the Christmas holiday is officially upon us? Knowing this has me already running around making sure I have all those last minute gifts and holiday plans set. One thing that I am certain of is that making chocolate candy this holiday season has never been so easy, thanks to Party Time! Party Time & Candy Making Did you know that Party Time's owner, Donna Travis, has been making homemade chocolate candies around the holiday season for more than 30 years?  It continues to be a family tradition, even within Party...

With the hustle and bustle of travelers lining the interstate, here comes the lineup of holiday gatherings with a BANG! Last Christmas, my crew traveled to EIGHT different family gatherings in two days. Please don't get me wrong, I realize it is a blessing to have so many loved ones eager to see us and our kiddo. I also understand many people would be thankful for just ONE home-cooked meal with their families. With that being said, the lineup of gatherings one after the other on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day can be exhausting for the little one (okay who am I kidding, it's exhausting for us big ones too)! It's hard to maneuver the territory of holiday family time. Feelings...