What's for Breakfast

As I looked for my oldest this morining, I wondered where she was and how she could be so quiet. When I finally got downstairs I found her. She had gotten herself some bread and was putting it into the toaster. She looked over her shoulder saying, "I thought I should try it myself." I said, "I was hoping you would." We had just practiced yesterday. In my whole craze over education and higher level thinking for my children, I nearly missed the window for teaching them to function on their own. But the wonderful thing about kids is that they are constantly seeking independence ---no matter how thorough you are as a parent.

For us, it began several months ago with them wanting to fix their own juice. At first, I was mad because I didn't know what was going on until it was done and there was a mess to clean up. However, I quickly realized that learning to do these things were just as exciting for them, if not more so, than education. I backed down and even moved their cups and bowls to where they could reach them easily. Their overwhelming desire to do things themselves rubbed off on me.


So I took the ball and ran with it. Like the Obamas, we implemented an alarm clock at 4 years old with both girls. Our kids are old hat at making up their beds, as well as brushing teeth and washing faces. Next we set our sights on learning to work the shower. Folding a basket of laundry and putting away clothes appears to be fun for them right now. Let's see how long it lasts. Completing these tasks requires patience and understanding, but to do it without tears is my always my goal. I'm looking forward to breakfast in the morning.


Many blessings,
Polly

Sweet Rewards

Polly & I had a great day vending this past Saturday at the Lake Arbor Elementary PTA Carnival in Mitchelleville, Maryland. I always like to go to each new vending site with an open mind and heart, ready for the giving and receiving that normally takes place between Polly & Meek and our community. This vending opportunity was no different.

When I arrived I was delighted to see the moon bounces, face painting artist, DJ and food vendors. There was popcorn, hot dogs, snow cones and cotton candy just to name a few. The DJ was very interactive, even taking a few moments to perform for the crowd, playing the instrumental of popular songs and singing the lyrics.

There were a variety of vendors as well. Ladies selling shoes and clothes, those promoting after school businesses, some selling candles and lotions. It was very fun to be among other minority small business owners out promoting our business.

We got plenty of traffic and of course sold books and our newest produce, the dry erase board. We spent a good amount of time speaking with a parent who wanted more information on how to self publish and Sheriff Michael Jackson who is running for office in PG County. Sheriff Jackson has a positive message that he shared with us, he was compelling, passionate and most of all sincere. One thing that stood out most to me was that, he included young children in his conversation and told us all that 'we are the main ingredient' and that 'we must hold our elected officials responsible. He definitely knows his stuff.

At the end of the day, Polly & I packed up with a sense of self accomplishment for a hard days work full of rewards. I cannot forget to mention the Pastor we met who came up to us and struck up conversation, gave us some great ideas for our future book, Brothers Are From Heaven Too and anointed our products and prayed success over our business. He immediately saw our book as a positive children's ministry and we saw him for the man of God that he is.

Truly a wonderfully blessed day!

Continued Blessings,

Meek

Working In the Sunshine

My email was explicit.

"Please note that I will be out of the office for a spell. If you need to reach me, call me on the cell phone."

I proceeded to pack up my things and a few minutes later, I plopped down at an empty picnic table on the playground. I only had 45 minutes while the kids were in science class, but who could tell. Every moment spent under those blue skies, breathing the crisp air was like eternity. I dragged out every second as I worked alongside nature.

A sparrow flew by and tweeted something special; nothing like the internet type tweeting that leaves you bogged down online. I handled business via a notepad and pen and I placed a few calls. It was quite different from sitting inside staring at the computer screen, phone ringing in the background and kids screaming. My productivity shot through the stratosphere!

In reality, there will be many days to come where I'll venture out with laptop in tow. But every now and then, I need to unplug and just relax while feeling the sunshine on my face.

How do you take a break from the daily grind?

Easter Monday ~ Reflecting on Easter Sunday

We hope you had a very Happy Easter. I spent my Easter Sunday in church, sitting beside my hubbie and holding my little girl as I listened to the story of how Jesus Christ suffered and died for our sins so that we may have a right to the tree of life. I love to hear the story because it reminds me that he made the ultimate sacrifice for ME. Little ole' me who never did anything so great or deserving of such a great sacrifice. Its an amazing and overwhelming feeling to know that He loved me and loves me just like that. No questions, no if, ands or buts about it. Thank you God!

After church my family and I headed to Northern Virginia to enjoy Easter Sunday dinner with my sister and her family. It has been a longtime dream of mine to have our children play together and take photos together on Easter. I remember growing up, Easter always marked the day that we could begin to wear shorts. It was our unofficial start of Spring. Sunday was no different, beautiful, sunny and warm. I pulled out capris for myself and a dress of my little one. My sister's kids were dressed in pink dresses and shorts. Of course I got the chance to get those photos that I've longed for for so many years. Absolutely priceless.

Dinner was delicious and the ham was delectable, especially after a 20 day meatless fast. We ate well but did not waste and I devoured the most lovely lemon cake that Polly made from scratch. There is no going back to store bought treats after a cake like that! Everything was wonderful. Polly gifted my daughter with the cutest little Easter basket (see the photo above).

As I loaded up my baby girl and my husband drove us home, I was simply content. I was and am so thankful that God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. I am full of excitement and happiness in seeing my daughter enjoy her very first Easter and sharing that with her cousins, aunt and uncle and so satisfied with the life that God has blessed me with. I am as pleased as punch!

Continued Blessings,

Meek