Wednesday Wow: Pre-company clean-up tips

This is one that has been in draft for a few weeks.

I don’t know about you, but when company is coming over, I tend to get a little bit stressed out…I’m the type of person that likes needs my house to be decent. Mess stresses me out after a while, and yes, I’ll admit, I like people thinking my house is clean. Cluttered but,clean. I recently began evaluating just how much effort I was putting into the . I have narrowed down what I feel is necessary for clean-up when preparing to entertain guests.

First, I’d like to give you an idea to consider before I get into the checklist..

1. Consider the guests, and stick to where they’ll be!!!

This tip is HUGE for me! I found myself frantically cleaning every inch of my house whenever ANYONE would be coming over. Then, after dealing with panic ulcers over wondering if I remembered to wipe the top of my dryer (I wish I was making this up…), I started to consider my company and which rooms of my house they’d be likely to enter….For example, will your moms club be hanging out in your son’s room (Gosh I hope not!), Will the couple you’re having over be using the master bathroom? If someone isn’t going to use a room, don’t freak out about it! Most likely, company will never be headed into your master bath, so skip it! If kids aren’t coming over, don’t sweat cleaning your kids rooms! Narrow your checklist by only cleaning the rooms that will be used!

Chasing Supermom’s Company Clean-up Checklist

• 1. Get the dishes out of the sink and dishwasher! Don’t leave a sinkful of dirty dishes for your guests to see! Clean as you go. While you are preparing the meal/snack for your guests, clean and put away the dishes as you go along. I cannot recommend how important it is to HAVE AN EMPTY DISHWASHER when you’re having company over for dinner! Being able to just stick the dirty dinner dishes right into the dishwasher is HUGE. No one wants to sit and look at your dirty dishes, and you won’t want to mess with them when company leaves that night. Plan ahead and run the dishwasher with enough time to unload it prior to company arriving!!
• Vacuum! Vacuuming is a great and simple way to tidy up a room. A freshly vacuumed floor looks welcoming and inviting (and in order to vacuum, you have to first pick up the little toys and clutter that can accumulate on our carpets and rugs!)
• Wipe down the guest bathroom! Grab some vinegar and water wipes and quickly wipe down the counter, sink, and toilet. Lift the toilet lid and wipe any pee stains…yuck!! No one wants to see where your little man (or big man) missed! Also, check the bathroom floor! Nothing takes away your appetite like seeing someone else’s “private” hairs on the floor! Sit on the potty in your bathroom and see what part of the floor you can see…If your eye goes to it, so will theirs! Wiping down the floor with some spray or a wet wipe is quick and easy (and a great job to give older kids!)
• Sweep the kitchen/dining room floor! People tend to congregate in these rooms, so take a minute and sweep up the Cheerios, dog hair, and little bits of this and that that are all over your kitchen floor!
• Spray your kitchen counters/island/dining table! With a wipe or your favorite spray, quickly wipe down all major counter-tops and the table in your kitchen. Make sure there are no sticky spots on the table, or leftover spaghetti stains from lunch. Your company doesn’t want to stick their arm in goo or dried up mustard. (Also a great job to assign a kid!)
• Make sure the kitchen/guest bath trash is empty! I have a habit of throwing diapers in the bathroom trash, and let’s face it…no one wants to smell my kid’s old diaper…so, take out the trash before anyone has to use it! My husband is really good about taking it out.
• Stock the guest bath with toilet paper! I cannot tell you how many times I have used the bathroom at a friend’s house, only to find there is no more toilet paper. I check the normal places extra rolls are found, and have come up empty so many times! No one wants to rifle through your trash hoping for a used Kleenex, so stock up!
• Light a soy candle! A fresh and inviting scent can really make your guests feel at home. A nice smelling house is a friendly house.
• De-clutter/Pick up toys! People are coming to your home, not the toy store…Have your kids pick up their mess.

Divide and conquer. Assign a task or two to your husband. Get your kids involved! My kids (12,11,5 & 3) do a lot of this stuff on their own! I’m a big believer in getting kids involved in chores EARLY!  Don’t sweat the things like washing the windows and dusting every knick knack. Hit the major areas, and call it good. Happy entertaining! Thanks for keeping it clean with QC Supermom!

Traveling Souls

Motherhood is wrapped in many cultural meanings. Birthing and nurturing new life physically has led to a conflation of “feminine,” “maternal,” and “feminine spirituality” in many cultures and religious traditions. Motherhood has been painted as a sacred and powerful spiritual path.  

One of the beliefs of the people of Ghana is that if the mother’s labor is difficult, she has done something wrong to a person and needs to go back to that person and make the problem right. Childbirth is the number one asset of womanhood in Ghana. Matter of fact it is believed that without birth womanhood is incomplete. Children are the parent’s old age security. Delivery is normally done in the home in the bathtub because it is easier to clean. The placenta is buried near the family house so that the child will not grow wayward. Forty days after delivery the child is deemed safe and then is named during a special ceremony.

But what about reincarnation?

The concept of reincarnation, that of an individual dying and then being reborn into another body,

The Hmong people believe that when a man dies he is reborn as a woman and when a woman dies she is reborn as a man. Every child is seen as a reincarnated soul. The Shaman puts the soul into the child after he is three days old and places a silver necklace around his neck to keep the soul from wandering. If the child dies before three days no funeral is planned because the child had no soul.

African religions believe reincarnation manifests itself only in humans, not so much in animals or things. African reincarnation is vastly different than that of Asian religions. Hinduism and other Eastern spiritual beliefs weigh heavily on the need to obtain redemption or salvation.  Hindu followers and others find the Western perspective problematic and unjust. Reincarnation, however, in Eastern traditions is based on morality, meaning a soul that has been reincarnated lives a life according to the way it lived its past lives. African reincarnation is based on the continuation of power through ancestry because in many beliefs, a soul is reincarnated into the same family.

Another scholar says that partial reincarnation is also prevalent in Africa, meaning that a part of a soul is reborn through features and personality traits of babies, while the other portion of the soul continues to live in a separate existence.

Now why would I be thinking about this topic??? It’s time to take a pregnancy test. 6 years ago, my oldest daughter past. We had a son. 2 years later, my mom past; we had another boy. About two years ago my grandfather died……and guess what? Yup, another one. Well, I just found out that one of my favorite aunts is in hospice………..we’ll see!

Friday Four:Short and Fast February

This is the busiest month of the year for me yet & it isn’t even half way  through yet.  No complaints though, we are loving every minute of it!  No couch potatoes under my roof! Yet even faster than the month, is our lil Tehun. Look what  he’s doing now. (see below) Is that the new pregnancy test?

Here are a few other things going on this month. You should join us!

1. PUMC Black History Program (Deanna& Cassie on schedule)

Each Sunday this month, the youth will introduce an amazing African American unsung hero. My girls chose to do theirs on their great-grand father;  Bro. Kelly Cesaer Pressley Sr. I couldn’t think of a better man to choose.  He was incredible! Here’s one of his favorite quotes: “An empty wagon makes a lot of noise.”

Mr. Pressley                                         February 19 1917 – January 23 2009

• In his budding town, he was a founding father of the chapter #358 lodge masons.
• Self taught shoe repair man and barber.  His skills benefited both his children and community folks heads and shoes.
• Built & ran a couple of different businesses, from foundation to accounting.
• Purchased land for all of his 12  children.
• Was known as a dynamic person of integrity, humor and respect.
• Became an honorary sheriff of his home town,Nesmith, SC.
• Hunted for the bulk of his family meat, although he was afraid of snakes .

2. Huggie Potty Dance Party– February 25th  I’m hosting a party yall! It’s for moms who will be starting potty training. They’ll get exciting and  FUN tool to use including The Pull-Ups^® Potty Dance dvd, stickers, charts and other incentives. The parent- child dance routine help everyone get started and stay motivated along the way.

3. The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. presents Go Kids Go from 9am-12pm every Saturday in February! Go Kids Go is a FREE community event for children ages 0-12 and their families which aligns with the JLC’s Healthy Child Initiative. The program encourages and educates children about fun ways to stay active, eating nutritious meals and leading healthy lifestyles. At each event, kids will participate in various fun-filled

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  physical activities, learn about nutrition, safety and disease prevention.

• February 18th:  Yoga, Open Play, Healthy Snacks Preparation, Infant & Toddler Activities, Educational Lessons, the Presbyterian Hospital Community Care Cruiser and an appearance by Chubby Checker!

• February 25th:  Athletic Drills, Gymnastics, Fruit Kabobs Preparation, Infant & Toddler Activities, Educational Lessons, the Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Ambulance and an appearance by Homer the Dragon!

Billingsville Elementary School
124 Skyland Ave.
Charlotte, NC 28222

4. Pre-teen Roll Bounce (Skate Night)-Starlight Roller Rink -I’m giving away passes to all my paid QCSAHM. It’s a night for the older kiddos to just hang out and have some fun! If you haven’t seen my other page, check it out here.

YES, I am a doting mom- watch my 1st born in a interview!

My husband is required to celebrate 02.14

 

Each and every year I have to remind my husband not to mess up. He has one day to pull it off. If he fails – punishment is a week of living hell ( at least, it could be more.)  Why would a supermom put SO MUCH pressure on one man? Because I deserve it. He has made me the Supermom that I am today. I’ve made life so comfy for him, this one day, he has to be MY Suga daddy for that one day. Not a bad trade off.

Here’s his must do list:

1. Roger must have my tea brewing when I awake in the morning.
2. He must have my grown & classy perfume, and  gift wrapped earrings before 12noon.
3. My hubby “should” take the kids for at least three hours that day.

THAT’S IT!

So, I got the earrings. You should see how that nut wrapped it. (see the slideshow on the bottom) The lil boys made me a wonderful heart with a magnet on back. The girls made me a yummy Ice Cream sand which, and my college student sent me a healthy, thoughtful professional edible arrangement all the way from Towson, MD.

We stopped by Trader Joes & a friend slipped me a dozen of blood red roses. Even a guy at the gas station gave me some pretty  flowers! Roger said that he was desperate. I say that he was “hating.” That guy just knows a hot ticket when he sees one.

What a great day I had! As you can see I’m not a traditionalist.

Never have been. I believe in practicality and being as green as possible. I don’t need chocolate, cut flowers die to fast, and I would rather have my family words  than the thoughts of someone else. It shows me that they are somewhat articulate.  Now, what did I give my husband for fulfilling his marriage duty……..well, let’s just say that we locked that door that connects our room to the kids room for the night!

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Ten Lessons for Raising a Houseful of Successful Children from R.Rock

What would you expect comedian Chris Rock’s mom to be like? Funny? Straight talking? Keeping it real? You’d be right on all three counts based on Rose Rock’s book: Ten Lessons for Raising a Houseful of Successful Children, written by Rose Rock with Valerie Graham. Mama Rock brings the experience that raising 10 children in addition to caring for 17 foster children gives you.
The result is a practical, easy to read book, that gives hands on advice that parents can begin to implement right now.

The advice given is stuff that we’ve all heard before, but that deserve repeating, for example the importance of family meals and following through with consequences when rules are broken. Also included are more controversial positions on parenting.

For example, Mama Rock feels it’s more important for you to be a parent than a friend to your child and that any weakness when it comes to that boundary is unhealthy. Also Mama Rock feels that parents should be straight forward when it comes to sex and sex education, even if this means arming our children with birth control. Mama Rock takes a pro-abstinence until you find “the one” position, but is realistic about the fact that kids still will have sex regardless.

What made the book unique was Rose Rock’s personal anecdotes that give the reader a glimpse into the Rock household. The Rock children also have anecdotes scattered along the side margins of the pages, showing just how well Mama Rock’s rules work in action.

What I really liked about the book was how it reminded me about how the small things make all the difference, like keeping simple family traditions or rituals. Mama Rock also tackles the race issue. While I don’t think it’s as simple to move ahead as a young person of color as Mama Rock implies, Mama Rock stresses the importance of parents in filling the huge gaps that schooling and society gives our children.

When we met her in Florence, SC., my daughters asked her if she acted like “Rochelle” in real life cause their mom does.  She  said no, but in the book, she clearly hints that she had a PLENTY  of  “Rochelle moments.”
I truly felt as though this book was  a fantastic check up for me.  I see a lot of myself in her & that’s  wonderful thing. ( She even said so)

Some atheist parents may feel put off at the spirituality chapter , which places a string emphasis on prayer, but even here , much of the information is really accessible and applicable to all, like treating people the way you want to be treated and the importance of charity, which doesn’t have to be about a higher power but just about being a good person.

Take a good week to read Mama Rock’s rules.So mamas and soon to be mamas, grab a seat, a pen and a paper and let mama rock tell it like it is.

Wednesday Wow! Our weeklong hotel diet

Today makes the 3rd day that my family has been living in a hotel, waiting for the home closing. I was at the grocery store today to pick up a few items to take back to the hole. (that’s what I call the hotel room.) The hotel is actually nice. As you know, I’m a BIG chatter. I’ve never met a stranger.  Soooooo in conversation, the produce guy asked me about the Naked Juice that I just placed in my cart.

I told him that I’ve never had the coconut water but I did know that coconut water is good for a BUNCH of things. He told me that it sound pretty good for the price.  Then I told why I had to grab the last 6 packs of it. To my surprise, he told me that he had been living in a hotel for months and have gained more weight than he liked. He asked for tips………..(people actually pay me attention. Imagine that???? 🙂

Anyhoots, I was  happy to give him my best advice for eating well while staying in a limited resource hotel.

First and far most have a diet  plan.   Lists may not excite you like they excite me (I FRIGGIN’ LOVE LISTS), but planning is super important!  Think about what you plan on eating for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and snacks for the upcoming week.  What utensils do I have to work with? If you don’t have bowls, don’t buy soup in a can. If you don’t have an oven, don’t buy raw chicken. Luckily I had access to a fridge and a microwave

2. Know your surroundings. Where is the nearest BilO.  (Yeah, you might as well enjoy the benefits of their fuel perks program & save gas while you feed your family)  Wal Mart has been a life saver for our personal hygiene, can’t find and baby related items. Knowing where the library is and free places for the kids to eat helps also!

3. Think outside of the box.  There are SOOOO many thing that you can in the room on a multi purpose need.  Here are a few. Shower rail- dryer, Ironing board and iron- grill cheese sandwich maker,  cups, tooth brush holder, Make your hotel room coffee pot your friend!

It’s not just for coffee anymore!  Pack miso soup packets or stock up on canned beans and/or soups at the local convenience store or market and heat up quick and healthy dinners in the comfort of your hotel room. This way you not only save time and money but you are sure to eat well before running out for a day of adventure.

Ice bucket, don’t chuck it!

Use the ice bucket as a mixing bowl and the ice tongs to toss dressings and sauces into salads, noodles, etc.

We’ve even been able to continue homeschool. There has been no change there.

 

Here are some additional resources:

Just a yummy list of eateries-

Everyone is looking to save a little money these days and with hectic school schedules and extracurricular activities sometimes it’s easier and cheaper ( and healthier- thanks EarthFare) just to take the family out. But taking the family out doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. Charlotte has dozens of restaurants that offer free (or very cheap) food for kids on every single night of the week.

Kids eat free in Charlotte

Kids eat free here too

 

These photos are of our dinner at EarthFare South Park and a few snacks from our suite at the hotel.

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Friday Four: Super Mom qualifications

That is one title that has been thrown around quite a bit!  So what is a supermom?   A popular term of uncertain origin for a woman who raises children, performs the household duties expected of a ‘housewife’, and has a full-time job. Is that you? Let’s see if you qualify. Can you answer I do this to each of the following questions?????

If you’re thinking right now “No, I’m not a Super-mom because…” and going into the past about something that you didn’t do “just right” or “perfectly,” or whatever, let that go, I’m gonna work with you sistah.

1. Comunicate with your children. You’d be suprise at what you both gain.

2. Seek wisdom from other moms that you admire and respect. Mine are all older with successful children.

3.  Allow your children to grow by providing opportunities outside of the norm. You will have well rounded kids for that.

4. Tell them that you LOVE them…….and mean it!

Of course there are more, but I am bound to stick to only four. Now if you need a good book to do more research on. I do strongly suggest that you pick up Rose Rocks’s Mama Rules. She is the mother of Chris Rock and has put together a very good read. I’m sure that you can find it in your local library or book store…..It’s Chris Rocks mama- you might be able to grab ir from his website. 🙂  OK, your are unoffically a Super Mom, and your badge is in the mail. 🙂

In closing, know that you are NOT alone! Motherhood shouldn’t be.

I welcome you to the beginning of the rest of your life as a Super-mom.

Namaste!!

QC Supermom

Ringling Bros.Barnum & Bailey FULLY CHARGED circus-Review

Opening Night was a BLAST!!!

It seemed as though this day would NEVER come. We were counting down the days on the c alendar and everything! ALL 6 of us. From the 2.5 yearold to the 12 year old.  When the morning of the circus came, we couldn’t leave S.C. fast enough.

Since they offered a pre-show we took advantage of it. We seen the small elephant with his easel. Amen, our birthday boy, had a chance to get spiffy in the performing cast’s creative wardobe. The kids even got a chance to get in a photo with the “tall man”, that was there.  It was AWESOME.

They opened with a huge electrical plug; and why not? the theme after all is “FULLY CHARGED!” And that is exactly what they were for the entire show. Fully Charged bills itself as the most electrifying edition of the circus ever presented, and the entire storyline revolves around energy, and boy did they have LOT’s of it!

All the performers were fabulous- costumes and all! The look of the clowns has been heavily updated to appear a bit more hip hop and less traditional. The tigers, elephants, and horses were all beautiful and behaved perfectly.  The live acts were even more death-defying ! We loved every moment of the show, and I clare it looked like a sold-out show.

EVERYONE had a favorite part of the show. Me being the mom, I appreciated the live music, the imaganitive play, and the non stop action that satisfied everyone. I’m always looking for affordable and  smart ways to nuture their social wellness and last night, by far was a winner! I can’t imagine ever missing it!

My 12 year old loved the different clowns and the animals; even the tight rope walkers thrilled her.  I honestly thought that the tiger show was the highlight for her. She was at the tip of her seat for the whole act.

My 11 year old, Cassie, she’s a bit of a critic, her’s what she said” The clowns made transitioning from one act to the next very fun. The ringmaster was good, but the clowns stole the show! The only reason I did not give this circus 5 stars was because it lacked the swinging trampeze.” (I’m thinking about getting her a blogg going. Does she have an opinion or what?) She also warns: the people selling lemonade, snow cones and cotton candy do not give change so an 8 dollar snow cone becomes 10 if you dont have exact change.

My 5 year old, Eaim- I will never forget the look on my sons face through the whole show. I didn’t hear a word from him…..and that’s a great thing. He compared himself to the strong men.  They were built like sumo wrestlers, the men performed classic feats of strength during their main performance.

My newly 3 year old, Amen  began his night sort fustrated because he got a few no’s that day, but that changed quickly & his attention was held and challenged the entire time!

Even my 19 month old loved it. He even made a new friend.

I’ve included a few bits and peices from the show, but you’ll have to grab a few tickets go your self with your lil one! MY KIDS AND I HAD A BLAST!! Hope you get a chance to enjoy it also!!!!

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Yep, we had a ball and so did our winner, Mrs Valerie Mason. I copied  and edited this from her Facebook page:

Valarie MasonWe were in section 108.. We had an awesome time… thanks again Kelle!!

14 hours ago · UnlikeLike · 1

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  Valarie MasonOur seats were superb!! I’ll definitely be a QC Supermom contest stalker 🙂 for a loooooong time coming….

  14 hours ago · LikeUnlike

                                                                                     This really is The Greatest Show On Earth.

Now folks, don’t get upset, you can STILL see the show before it leaves AND with a discount, Just  use the QC Supermom code “BIGTOP.”

Did I tell you about that guy that caught on fire & flew thru the air ?……………………………