Wednesday Wow: Water birth

This past week has been amazing. I helped deliver a baby in water. My son came home from college and I got impregnated! Well, that last one is a stretch, as I am creating something greater inside of me. It’s not a human baby, but it’s almost as incredible. I’ll tell you more about that later. But, now, about that water birth……

What hospital did Adam take Eve to in order to deliver Cain and Able?

Just like it sounds, a water birth is giving birth in water. You may choose to deliver in a bathtub, hot tub (with the temperature turned down), or other pool of water. You can have a water delivery at home, in a birthing center, or in a hospital.

Water is believed to help the mother surrender to the birth process and create a feeling of tranquility

“Amy”, my assistant organizer went into labor. I waited for the call forever seems like, but when it came, the first thing came in my mind was, “pray!” She was more collected than I ever imagined her to be. But I knew the path we were taking was taboo in our current day, social group, and age demographic.  “Amy” had a water birth. No drugs or other excessive procedures were used.

This isn’t “Amy” I just wanted to add it to this post. But it does a great job showing the baby coming out of water.(owners link attached)

When she asked me to be her birthing partner, I jumped all over it. On the morning that she delivered, I pulled out all the tools I could think of, from the relaxing oils, gentle rubs, mind soothing affirmations, forehead compress, minerals infused water, and labor ball-everything!

As her contractions came, she continued to breathe and cruise right through them. Sure, she was in anguish but her when I see that petite thumb of hers pop up from under her, I knew she was doing great. Her loudest moan was at the ring of fire. (That’s right before the baby crowns)

“The power and intensity of your contractions cannot be stronger than you, because it is you.” ~ Unknown

When baby “BP” came out, it felt “right.” I had 9 births but none of them compared to what just happened. “Amy” allowed her body to follow baby BP’s lead. He flowed out when he was ready.  No one yelled “PUSH! “or “HOLD it till the team gets here.”  It was all about “Baby BP”, as nature intended.

Right then I knew without a doubt that we, moms were highly connected to GOD.

So happy to say that mom, baby and placenta are all doing well. I wish that more moms would open their minds to it.

I could get use to this. Hmmm “Kelle The Doula….what a nice ring to my ears!

BIRTH WITHOUT FEAR! He’s here! Welcome to the World “baby BP!”

Resources:

START HERE- POWERFUL LOGIC AND ONE MOM DECODED TO CHOOSE WATERBIRTH

Stars that water birth their baby’s

 Water birth pros and cons

Research documents on waterbirth

Watch videos here on water births

Documentary of couple’s journey to baby and all the tricks they used to get to he water birth.  (a real good one)

I heart dance! National Dance Day in the QC

NATIONAL DANCE DAY, a grassroots initiative that encourages the nation, young and old, to move!  Individuals, families, organizations and communities from across the nation come together through their creative expression in dance.  Any style of dance is welcome and imagination is recommended in order to get the most out of this celebratory day.

I was so excited to get the invite to bring my family out to a day of dance! I really didn’t know what to expect. Because I really like to dance! I knew that we were in for some type of treat.

And were we! There in downtown Charlotte was the biggest interracail, family oriented, multi age dance floor ever! We watching so many different styles of dancing! Looking at faces and different speeds, gestures and costumes of dancing is loads of fun.

Oneaka Mack

I don’t know how I have gotten to the point where I’ve deprived myself from dancing, but I made up for it last Saturday.

I would’ve felt even better had I worn a good sports bra and lyrca pants. But all’s well that ends well. Everyone had a favorite act. Each one was just a bit different than the other. What more could you ask for? Videos? ( ok, You got it! click here! )

I really have to get back on track!  Dancing is amazing! I secured a few videos, so be sure to peek at them on my YouTube channel. National Dance Day always takes place on the last Saturday in July. We can’t wait till next year!

We’ll I gotta go swing my hips! Look out for Wednesday post on water birth.

Till the next swing, QC Supermom

Friday Four: Friend Codes

In elementary all through high school, I’ve always been the anti-clique.

I never have seen the use in hanging with other people. It always seems to be too much work just to fit in. Accountability is good, but gosh, I barely wanted to answer to my own parents.

Since becoming a mom, I’ve learned the value of connections. Even more so once I started working from home. Today, I wouldn’t say that I’m cliquish, but I am grateful to have the handful of girlfriends I have. It has taken me 30 something years to find women that I like, respect  and appreciate. Without a doubt, I treasure every moment that I can spend with them; which is few and in between. In a way, I guess it’s true that with age does come wisdom.

Thank God for social media and the World Wide Web for helping me keep these relationships intact.-Kelle

For my daughters, I want them to know how to be a friend at a very young age, and find friendships where competition and insecurity are replaced by encouragement and trust. No clique, just good pals.

Deiyda, Cassie & Adore

The bridges they build today can open up amazing doors as they get older. I hope these four nuggets of wisdom and will serve them well.

1. True girlfriends are those who take and give in equal measure – but always remember to measure over the length of a yard and not over the length of an inch.
2. Don’t flirt with her boyfriend, spouse or love interest.
3. If you find a friend that can make you laugh so hard you pee….don’t let her go.
4. Apologize when you screw up, because you will.

2 Bonus nuggets:  

1. Be trustworthy”A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” (Proverbs 11).
2. You have been placed in each other’s lives with great purpose. Cherish each other.

I’m watching the kids grow up so fast before my eyes…..and I like it. 

Well. till the next adventure, take care, QC Supermom!

Guide to Movies on the Lawn- FREE!

Enjoy a summer evening outside viewing a FREE family-friendly movie.

CHARLOTTE

Movies in the Park at Ballantyne
Bring a chair or blanket. Free popcorn, bottled water and face painting. Third Friday of each month through August. Movies begin at dusk. Ballantyne Corporate Park, Brixham Green Connector Tent. moviesintheparkballantyne.com.
Aug. 16: “Madagascar 3”

Movies on the Lawn
Join family and friends for movies on the front lawn. Free popcorn and lemonade, bring a blanket or chair. Free. 8pm. Kilgo, 2101 Belvedere Ave. 704-334-7348. kilgoumc.com/movies.cfm.
Aug. 10: Movie TBD
Sept. 14: Movie TBD

Movies on the Green
Promenade on Providence, corner of Providence Road and I-85. promenadeonprovidence.com
June 27: “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted”
July 19: “Wreck It Ralph”
Aug. 2: “Rise of the Guardians”
Oct. 25: “Hotel Transylvania and Frankenweenie”

Movies Under the Stars
Symphony Park, 4400 Sharon Road. 704-364-4411.
August 2: “Rise of the Guardians”
August 9: “The Croods”
August 16: “We Bought a Zoo”
August 23: “Madagascar 3”
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CORNELIUS
August 7: “The Avengers” at Kenton Place
August 17: “Madagascar 3” at Aquesta Bank
August 21: “The Amazing Spider-Man” at Kenton Place
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DAVIDSON
Concerts on the Green.
Fun and free concerts on Davidson’s Village Green. Downtown Davidson. concertsonthegreen.com.
August 18: Too Far Gone
September 1: Backbeat
September 15: Davidson Symphony and Jazz Ensemble

HARRISBURG
Movies in the Park
Family-friendly films shown this year on a NEW much larger outdoor screen with a super sound system. Free popcorn and soft drinks. Pre-show activities for kids includes face painting, temporary tattoos, sidewalk art and much more! Free. Harrisburg Town Park. Preshow activities from 6-9pm. Movie begins around dusk. moviesintheparkharrisburg.com
Aug. 23: “The Lorax”
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HUNTERSVILLE
Movies in the Park.
Enjoy the latest and greatest family friendly movies on a huge inflatable outdoor movie screen, accompanied by a top-notch sound system and free popcorn and drinks. North Mecklenburg Park, 16131 Old Statesville Road. moviesintheparkhuntersville.com.
August 23: “Hotel Transylvania”

Movies@McGuire.
Enjoy a movie on a large outdoor movie screen from the lawn or from your boat. McGuire Nuclear Station, 12700 Hagers Ferry Road. 704-875-4000. duke-energy.com.
July 26: TBD
August 23: TBD
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KANNAPOLIS
Movies in the Park.
Come early for live music before the movies. Free. Movies start at 8:45pm.. Village Park, 700 W. C St., Kannapolis. 704-920-4343. cityofkannapolis.com.
Aug. 2: “Hotel Transylvania”
Aug. 16: “E.T. The Extraterrestrial”
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PINEVILLE
Movies at the Mall.
Free popcorn, pre-show entertainment including music and performers, then a movie in the courtyard. Free. 7:30pm, movie begins at dusk. Outdoor courtyard by REI, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. 704-542-4111. carolinaplace.com/events.
July 27: Family Choice Night TBD

Rockin’ and Reelin’ Summer Movie and Music Series.
Free. 7pm. Pineville Lake Park, 1000 Johnston Drive. 704-889-2400. townofpineville.com.
June 28: Too Far Gone
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TEGA CAY
Tega Cay Concert Series.
Live music, plus a kids area with jumpy castles, popcorn and cotton candy. 6-10 pm. Runde Park, 5110 Windward Drive, Tega Cay, S.C. myfortmill/festivals.html
Aug. 17: Vintage Soul Band
Sept. 15: Joey Bishop and the Newz
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Wednesday Wow! It’s Easy To Be A Fool!

It is SO Easy to be a FOOL!

Tuesday morning, my daughters and I were talking about foolishness. I was trying to explain to them that it’s easy to be a fool and that being wise and productive requires more effort. Like many moms, one of my biggest fears for my children is that they will fall in mainstream society and fail to recover.

My daughters are 13 and 14, so they pretty much know right from wrong, but they are entering that ring pass not “pushing stage.” So, as we rode down the lovely streets of Charlotte, one of them asked why their dad is so hard on them….and Boy did I let them have the answer.

The first thing out my mouth was, “Being a Fool is Easy!” If your dad didn’t love you, he would not be here, or correcting you. His delivery maybe off, but he is valid in what he’s telling you. If you listen, you might learn something. Why be sugar coated? That’s unrealistic. In the real world when you are given watered down responses it weakens you. I want you to be mentally prepared for any challenge, may it be physically, mentally, socially, nutritionally, educationally, environmentally, or spiritually.”

Man, I was on a roll.”The point of it all was to get them to see that anything worth having deserves both mental and physical effort. I went on to say chanting,  “It’s -Too- EASY- to – be- a -Fool!  You can literally wake up, and not do a thing to achieve it. I don’t want ya’ll to be a fool so let your skin thicken up and keep it moving.”

I was on a roll. I think I talked the entire way to our destination and back. But it paid off. As soon as we got home, they apologized to their dad and we haven’t had any problems yet. It just goes to show you that a teaching moment an happen at any time. For our children to know, we must take time, over and over again to teach and remind them. It’s not always easy, and you’ll want to quit but don’t sell yourself or them short. Why? It’s Too Easy To Be A  Fool.

Wednesday Wow: The Car Auction

Okay, so I like cheap thrills. The other Saturday, my husband took me along with him to look for another vehicle at the Sheriff’s auction. I have never been to an auction before, with no surprise, I made sure to take in everything so that I can come back and tell you all about it.

My 1st time at the car auction. Come along!

Do your due diligence. Use an independent source to determine the wholesale and retail values of your target vehicle. The most frequently used sources for this are, DriverSide, Edmunds,Kelly Blue Book, Classic Car Trader and Nadaguides. Nadaguides is owned by the Automobile Dealers Associations so their pricing is always most favorable to the dealer – not the consumer.

 Upon arrival, I had to check in with my identification and application. They processed it, gave me a number(bidding card), a list of vehicles there, rules and a smile! Easy right?

Find out the market value for the car and don’t bid above this price.

These folks on the top level speaks so fast, and they know how to engage for a quick sale. It was a husband and wife team hosting this auction.

 Once on to the auction yard, we toured the listings. I learned that all auctions aren’t the same. Some will let you crank it up, while others will only let you look inside and out.  There were at least 15 vehicles including motor cars to snatch up! Our plan was pretty simple. See what they have to fit our needs and bid. We  already knew what we going to spend and what we were looking for.

• find out as much as you can about the car’s history by checking the entry form attached to the windscreen
• ask the auctioneer if you can have a trial period if you buy the car.

Because my husband is a mechanic and have been to auction before, we did have a slight advantage.  Then the bidding began. I didn’t realize how hypnotic it was! Be mindful with that bidder’s card, it is too easy to get caught up in bidding war.

Get an inspection done at the auction house, if it’s available. That’s a Buyer Protection Plan for major components. If there’s anything wrong, you can go into arbitration and the seller can lower the price or you can choose not to take the vehicle.

She bought this car for $2100

I seen the funniest bidding war EVER! Dude was bidding with his chin. I loved it! But did we buy anything?

Yes, they were auctioning this too. Roger said they can make money off the parts.

 

OOoh, my husband wanted that sweet ride right there SOoooo bad!

NOPE.

 We were out bidded by another lady, or was it the guy with the turban on? Not sure but, Oh well, next time!

It was a great experience! Here are some more tips:

Is it wise to buy a car at auction?  

Rule #1 has to always be to be prepared to walk away and know your prices. I’ve seen people buy food items in an auction for MORE than they’d pay in a grocery store. Says, Uncle Sam! 

It is important that you know what type of used car auction you plan on attending, as there are auto auctions that require proof of a dealership license. Other Buyer Beware tips here

Auctions bring out diversity. EVERYONE likes to save money.

Chances are that if a vehicle has been traded in, leased, repossessed or totaled, it will find itself among the nearly 9 million vehicles that are purchased each year in an auto auction — either one that caters to dealers or one that’s open to the public.  Cars are also sent to auction when financial companies repossess them. They don’t repo unless the vehicle is worth about $5000 or more because it costs them that much to repo it, store it, file paperwork, pay someone to track it at auction, and loss they take at auction. –Edmunds

 

It is also important that you examine methods of payment accepted before you start bidding on a used car at a used car auto auction– WikiHow

As an auctioneer I can tell you from a lot of experience that everybody on this site should be looking for and attending local auctions. The people who make a living buy at our auctions and resaleing on ebay or other means is truly amazing. – Heather

(check out REPO Finder)

 

 *If all the dealers have dropped out – you’re fast approaching the ‘not a good deal’ range.

Stay away from salvage auctions if you’re looking for a primary car.

Till the next car auction, take car! QC Supermom

Moms; On 07.13.13 Trayvon Martin was found guilty!

It makes me sick to my stomach, that my son’s birthday wasn’t celebrated in a peaceful setting as it would have been. Come on, you only turn three once and inspite of what the court just ruled,in the Zimmerman trial, we have to persevere, and that we did. 

We had balloons,cake, ice cream, turkey wraps,100% juice, music, laughs, and each other! It worked. But my mind was still on the George Zimmerman case…as a mother of 5 sons alone, what else would be on my mind as someone else’s son was taken away so violently.

I don’t see it being called anything other than “Bull Crap!” “Stand Your Ground” is Not about shooting unarmed kids because you are getting your but whipped! I can’t wait for the followup charges to be filed on him!

In my opinion, last year, when George Zimmerman shot and killed Trayvon Martin it was a gun-happy wanna be cop, being trigger happy. He made a mistake when he shot and killed 17, year old Trayvon Martin. The end.

Zimmerman was not a cop, just a man outside his own house carrying a gun. A young teenager, with a hooded jacket, gets a sweet tooth and jogged down to the store for skittles… A tragedy, the young teenager couldn’t grow into a man because of a grown man’s insecurities, having to carry a gun for courage… There was not justice for the boy (may he rip).

When it got in mainstream media, it became a racial case. I will never forget listening to the verdict while sitting with my daughters at dinner. We were talking about different laws at that same time. They were very conscious of what was going on in the Zimmerman/Martin case as well..

When we heard “Not Guilty ” announced on the radio & our hearts

broke collectively. One of the girls sat quietly thinking, one was ranting “Ma,they can just kill us like that? This is wrong!”,another said “so he goes free?” For me,In that moment, it was clear that in Florida, the black life has inferior value. As a mom I stand with Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon Martin’s mom, and with all the moms who’ve lost their children to gun violence. And so does Mom’sRising.(click here for their input)

Talib Kweli Greene        ✔ @TalibKweli

Black parents hug your sons right tonight. Let them know their value. This ain’t a black or white thing this is a wrong and right thing.

This moment reminds us that we can’t look to others to see our value but we have to recognize our own value. We have to instill it in our children. This case  has caused us to notice the hope of a generation that has been broken trying to find its place in this world. We got to understand that we need to turn anger into action and pain into power.

Instead of a moment of silence, we raise our voices together. As Audre Lorde said,“our silence will NOT PROTECT US.”

It’s clear that the news of this verdict has shaken people up, and it’s definitely going to cause huge controversy with the justice system.I say BRING IT ON!

Justice for all, QC Supermom

Wednesday Wow: Just a SAHM part1

I’ve never done a Wordless Wednesday. So no need to start now. Right? Today was such a busy day. I figured I would share just a tiny bit of it with you.
I finally got a chance to try out my newest-to-me toy! We got it from a thrift store. Yes, you can find great things if you look well enough. I wiped the side of the funnel with menthol oil and my daughter slept wonderful. If the air is too dry in her upstairs run, her nose will bleed.

My 2year old took out at least 15 books for me to read to him today.It’s great he loves to read. I’m happy that he is able to choose from such rich collection of books. At this point he can “read ” many of them himself.

 

Today we worked on regrouping with my 6 year old.

He is so proud of himself. I only went through it 4 times before he had the hang of it.I did put pressure on him by placing a $10 bill over his book and told him for each question he asks, I’ll take a whole dollar off his toy money.

My 4 year old is learning to tie his shoes. I gave him a long string and did each step one at a time. It’s still coming along. (Bless his heart!)

That same fella broke one of my moms old pots.  It wasn’t my most favorite, but it was my moms. UUUGH! They, the boys have this Avengers game they role play in the house. The pot was his shield, and well, you know what happens in battle. Stuff gets destroyed. What can I say?

What  doesn’t a 2 year old do?  His job today was to keep our 1 year old busy but he did everything except that.At one point, he had his Elmo basket on his head as at hat. Well, that how a third of my day went.How was your day?

 

 

Affirmations, mind candy for moms

Real healing comes from within… Loving the self brings about healing on all levels and in all things.

Sometimes it’s just what the doctor ordered to get my head together. I’m telling you, words are powerful! I’ve noticed that my day does go better when I proceed into it purposely. I’ve had days that go well, then all out of the blue something knocks me off my mental game. Yes it does happen. But when I start my day, claiming peace, understanding and patience, it all works out. I’m more solid and open to anything that may arise.

Affirmations are positive, specific statements that help you to overcome self-sabotaging, negative thoughts. They help you visualize, and believe in, what you’re affirming to yourself,  helping you to make positive changes to your life and career.

While there’s limited research into the effectiveness of using affirmations in a general setting, there is evidence that the use of positive affirmations can successfully treat people with low self-esteem, depression, and other mental health conditions.

I repeat affirmations! If you aren’t using them, try it, just once. My daughter are going through a stage where they argue ALOT between the two of them. I don’t want to hear that. So this week I had them find affirmation of their own to read in the morning. They came up with some good ones. Sure, I don’t expect changes over night, but I know that they a on the right path. I’ll keep you updated.
This week try these brain treats:

* There’s a Solution to every problem.

* I deeply love, accept and respect myself

*What is looks like and what it is are two different things. I am bigger than this.

* I make decisions that benefit my health, my relationships, and my recovery. I am in charge of my life. I choose for it to be a happy and healthy one.

*Today I treat my body with dignity and respect.

*Today is a new opportunity for hope, health, and happiness. I am hopeful. I attract happiness in all that I do. I radiate health. Every choice I make enhances my life.

Did you find one you can relate with? Yes? Then gone and get the affirming!

Friday Four: QCSAHM 5th Of July Potluck ’13

Dinner parties are expensive, everybody’s busy, and with good friends, or a great mom support group you’re not worried about impressing anyone. You just want to hang out and relax. RIGHT?  Potluck parties are one of the least stressful and most budget-friendly ways to throw a dinner party. But as with most communal efforts, they work best when everyone works together. We had our annual 5th Of July Potluck today. It wasn’t a large as a crowd we had last year, but for an rainy, day. We did fine with the 12 people that made it out.

Moms love big savings! We love eating and we love other families.Here are 4 reasons to consider having or attending a potluck dinner with like minded families.

Queen City Stay At Home Moms annual potluck 5th of the year gathering

1. Know why you’re having it! If it a birthday celebration, everyone can chip in with a gift.  If its in the summer, do it at a park. If it’s cooler out, do it at a friends house.The key is to maximize the day! You could even make a fun play date out of it.

Don’t assume counter or prep space. Also if you’re hosting it, be prepared to provide the entree. Large items are typically difficult to transport and would be an inconvenience to one of your guests to bring to the meal.

2, Understand what to do. Who will bring what and how much? Where will you meet? Under the shed or by the play ground? Does everyone eat red meat? Any vegetarians?  What time?

Make a dish that is hardy enough to survive the trip to the party and can be served at room temperature.

3.Make sure you organize it. If you host it at a park, call the local Park& Rec center for permission. (If your circle is comprised off non cookers,except one & everyone wants quality food-pay that friend to cook dinner for ya’ll once a month. Surly, they are willing to chip in for a great meal with a awesome host (Hey chef, get your money in advance, use Zokos!) while its NOT a potluck any more, it’s still an organic option to enjoy food together with friends-affordability. )

4. Don’t forget to get them to label their food. A piece of painter’s tape and sharpie would  be fine–or someone might walk off with your plate/ bowl.Speaking of sporks, where will the tables and chairs come from?

You follow these 4 points and every potluck you plan from here on out will save you time, money, sanity and brain cells.

** Food Safety 2hr Rule

***Plan The Perfect potluck HERE!

* More tips and comments here!

“I suck at cooking” is not an excuse for premade food. Salads, punches, dips, etc. are all easy, readily available options that anyone can make.  Till the next oven baked turkey sandwich, QC Supermom