Never The Less, She Persisted!

Dee Dixon just celebrated 25 years of  community, empowerment, lifestyle upgrading, and love for the African American community  at Pride Magazine. I received the media invite via Neph  Estrada Best and know I had to be there. I have wanted to sit with  Dee Dixon, Lawanda Beacoats, and share a ‘Hey Girl’ from Mrs Best for a while and to have them all in the same room was overwhelming exciting!

The Pride team did it up! It was lovely! I have been to many award events from here to New England, this one was A+. A feeling of welcome met us upon our entry. I could have sworn there were tiny angels with arrows shooting people in the face. EVERYone was smiling!!!!

The panelist included Alma Adams, and you guys already know how much I admire her! I know she shared incredible nuggets of wisdom with the generational selected panel and crowd. I remember her sharing a few yester-year stories with us (Momsrising) in her office last year.  She pretty much said the road isn’t meant to be easy. And to be a problem solver, you must understand the problem as well as the ability, willingness to solve it.  I didn’t have to be there to hear everything that was shared on panel. But i’m sure it was profound. Because 4 of the women involved in the gala, I know first name persists on a daily basis.  I’m talking about Representative Alma Adams, Dee Dixon newlywed, Neph E. Best, and the illuminating Lashawnda Beacoat.

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Unfortunately,  I didn’t get to talk with Ms. Dee Dixon during the gala, yet I was able to take amazing pictures with both her and representative Alma Adams. I also had the honor of having my son as my date. What more could this blogging mama ask for?  Nothing.

So I’m running with it! I’m re motivated. I was motivated before. Lost a bit of it. But I’m filled up again. YES – RE MOTIVATED! I’ll use that as fuel for NCSheroes. It’s on March 18th 2018.

NCSheros is an award ceremony Momsrising has created to honor North Carolina women during Women’s History Month. We want to share these amazing women with other so that they too can be inspired to be better neighbors, mothers, entrepreneurs, healers, growers, politicians, HEROS!

Friends, we are still looking for your NCShero. Give her the flowers while she can still smell them. Nominate her today. More information is in the link below.

(CLICK HERE)

Event title: NC SHEROES: Nevertheless She Persisted!
Date: March 18, 2018
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: Beatties Ford Library
2412 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC

Disney on Ice Presents: Follow Your Heart

It’s that time of year again friends! Disney On Ice is coming back to the Queen City! You can’t miss this one. It’s all about following your heart. It’s just about impossible to think about Disney and not feel some sort of sparkled dance across your skin. The magic of childhood comes alive in every heart, no matter your age, at just the mere mention of the word! 

Disney on Ice Presents: Follow Your Heart

It will be showing at the Time Warner Cable Arena / September 28- October 2, 2016

. “Each element of this show was carefully planned so our fans could experience favorite Disney moments while believing in their own destiny.”said Executive Vice President of Feld Entertainment and Producer of Disney On Ice

Follow your heart straight to adventure at Disney On Ice! Just keep swimming with Dory and new pal, Hank from Disney/Pixar’s “Finding Dory” as they set out to find her parents. Cheer with the Emotions from Disney/Pixar’s “Inside Out.” Venture to wintery Arendelle where Olaf and Kristoff help reunite Anna and Elsa and learn love is the most powerful magic of all.

See the Disney Princesses achieve their dreams through bravery, kindness and perseverance. And celebrate true friendship with the “Toy Story” gang. Make unforgettable memories with Mickey and your Disney friends when Disney On Ice presents Follow Your Heart skates into your hometown!

 

I’m a frequent Disney on Ice fan. I think they are one of the best entertainment values out here.

Follow Your Heart allows families to join in on the deep-sea adventure as Dory comes off the screen and onto the ice. Way to go Feld Entertainment . I am clearing my camera’s memory as I type.

Tickets are now available. Sure you could buy them now, or go to my Facebook page for contest details! 

 

 “Hoo-hoo! Big summer blowout!” – Oaken

Friday Four-Finding Childcare Alone

Mainstream childcare is expensive! The good news is that help is out there! You just have to know where to find it. You have to open not only your mouth to ask, but your home to give back as well.

Queen City Stay At Home Moms are open to watching each other children when needed. They work as a team. Every mom in the group understands what each one is going through and the obstacles to finding  suitable work, and affordable yet adequate childcare. They also offer their members  a discounted childcare service rate through The Big Sister.

Not everyone is in Charlotte, but the concept could work ANYWHERE. Here’s what I would do as a parent without local/ willing relatives or other support:

• While out with the kids, observe the other moms. Notice if they would be someone you would want your child around. If so make a connection with them. If your child naturally navigate toward their child encourage them to introduce themselves….make friends. Then dive in on the parent. Go on exchange mommy cards.(Create your own mommy cards here)- please 🙂
• Look for mom groups that match your lifestyle. A good moms group will make your journey in motherhood much more blissful. Of course you get what you you put in it, but building your mom tribe is never a bad idea. If you are active within the group, (keyword is active) you pretty much have created your own childcare system, especially if they have teen children… (In Charlotte? Click Here)
• Speaking of teens- HIRE ONE! Retired women maybe an option too.Right now in Charlotte, are non certified sitter can get at least $9/hr. Add CPR beatification, more experience and other professional training and your rate goes up even more. If promise to feed them well , you may save even more. But don’t assume.it will happen with “busy-hard to listen little ones” No one wants to watch brats ..not even family members.
• Find a job that offers free child care benefits. They are out there. Try FlexJobs.com.

I will tell you this, the better behaved your child is, the least they have to do, the easier you are to work with, the better your chances are for securing both affordable and adequate childcare.

2016-17 Graduation- Family Milestone

I am floating on cloud nine right about now!  By many accounts, I should not be where I am. I should not be married. I shouldn’t have smart children, nor should they be graduating, especially from college! BUT GOD!

This year, I have been honored to have not one, but 4 graduates to celebrate. My husband, my oldest son, and two of my daughters. It was not planned or budgeted. But think goodness for the life style we have. Because of that reason alone we are gonna celebrate in the most grand way possible. After all, how often do you get 4 graduates in one year?

 

My graduates- Raj- Husband- Army Veteran, Central Piedmont Community College/CPCC –  Elementary Education major

My oldest son- Jervon                  Basketball MVP, Hampton University, Hampton VA.  B.S. Liberal Arts

Below is a clip from one of his recent games at Hampton University. Watch here!

 

My 2nd oldest daughter- JC        Working Teen, Hemingway High, College bound- She hasn’t decided what she wants to do as of yet. 

My 3rd oldest daughter- DeeDua , teenpernuer,  Providence High School Trade School Paralegal Studies 

 

I’m so proud of each of them. Each of them were born with obstacles to overcome. From being the child of a single mom to starting life on this side some 4 months early. As they say the tassel was worth the hassle. They made it! Who else is celebrating a graduate? The video below is of a Momsrising friend of mine. She was sharing some motivational tips for my daughter DeeDua. Listen in!

I am so proud of each of my scholars. I know they are prepared for whatever life throws at them. My hope is that the younger one will follow their path and not mine as it relates to student loans. Going to college for free is a blessing. My husband education was sponsored by the Veteran administration. My son attended all four years under a athletic scholarship. My daughters had to search and apply for hundreds of grants and scholarships. The money is out there. You can get some too!

Get FREE Money for college! Click the  image below to see he most current collection.   

Do NOT Touch My Child! Child Abuse Prevention Month

The month of April is devoted to celebrating everything we can do to transform our community into a place that cares about – and actively supports — families and children. By ensuring that all parents in our community have access to quality childcare, affordable health services, parenting education resources, and substance abuse and mental health programs, we make progress toward what the month stands for: April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Here is a list of simple tips that can have a positive effect on the well-being and healthy development of children, families and communities. Print it out! . !

For your family:

• As a parent, block out 15 minutes a day to play one-on-one with your child — doing anything he or she wants. We know from studies that the more parents engage in positive activities with their children, the less they use negative physical and psychological discipline.
• Tell the children or youth in your life how much you care for them and appreciate them.All children deserve to have someone who is “crazy about them” and loves them unconditionally.
• Work with the kids in your life to explore their heritage and learn their family’s story.Every family has a rich story to tell and our connections to our past help us carry forward our values and traditions.

For friends and neighbors:

• Compliment a father — someone you know or even someone in public — on something positive you see him do with his children. Dads contribute uniquely to children’s development.
• Offer your time to baby-sit for the child of a friend, neighbor or family member. All parents need help sometimes — even if it is just to rest or “recharge” for an hour or two.
• Mentor a young dad you know in growing his relationship with his kids. Some young dads may need help with transportation or in identifying helpful resources for their children.Dads provide qualities and benefits for their children no one else can.
• Support parents looking for a job by offering your professional knowledge and experience in resume writing or preparing for a job interview. Financial stability links directly with family stability and can have a big effect on the emotional well-being of caregivers and their children.
• Encourage single mothers you know, whenever possible, to support the involvement of children’s fathers in their lives. When non-custodial dads work to be involved in the lives of their children, they need the positive support of the child’s other parent or caretaker to encourage the development of that relationship.
• Build community trust and togetherness by inviting friends to participate in a meaningful cultural event in your life. Helping people learn about your culture may help them understand that despite some differences, we have a lot in common — especially the need for support now and then. See Queen City Stay At Home Moms
• Arrange a potluck event in your neighborhood to get to know other parents and their kids. Friends and neighbors can give outstanding support to families in times of need or stress.

For your community:

• Sponsor, volunteer at or participate in a cultural event in your community. Families come from different cultural backgrounds that all bring value in creating caring and compassionate communities.
• Do volunteer work for a youth- or family-serving organization in your community. Some families just need a little help from time to time, and community organizations are designed to do just that.
• Take action on legislative issues that affect children and families. Call your elected representatives, join demonstrations and be sure always to vote to show that you support services to help families raise healthy children. (See Momsrising)
• Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Caring and connected neighborhoods can be powerful in reducing neighborhood violence and supporting struggling parents.
• Create a “Safe Children Zone” in your neighborhood. Host a community meeting with your neighbors to talk about what each of you can do to help create a sense of safety for the children in your neighborhood.
• Volunteer at or donate resources to a local preschool or daycare center. Early education builds the foundation for a lifetime of healthy brain development.
• Ask yours or another faith-based organization in your community about donations — even small ones — that can be made to support families in need. Some families need help providing for their children’s basic needs.
• If you have reason to believe a child may be at risk of harm in their home, call your local child abuse hotline. Anyone who is worried about the well-being of a child can call to report their concerns.Individuals who report concerns have the right to receive a letter later to know what happened with the case.

To report concerns of child abuse or neglect, visit or call your county’s DSSChild Protective Services agency.

Call 911 in emergencies. (I’ve done it before. It’s okay and the child will thank you for it – later.)

Facts about Child Abuse

Tip Sheets for Parents and Caregivers

((photo credit for cover photo………not sure who created it. I found it on google images.))

Wednesday Wow: Harlem Globetrotters

They’re coming BACK!!! Don’t miss the Harlem Globetrotters Saturday, March 28th
at UNC Charlotte’s Halton Arena

The iconic, world famous Harlem Globetrotters are coming to UNC Charlotte’s Halton Arena on Saturday, March 28th for games at 2 pm and 7pm, during the Harlem Globetrotters 90th Anniversary World Tour, presented by Krew Mobile.

On the court, fans can expect to see some of the greatest athletes and entertainers on the planet, with a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm – plus female stars TNT Maddox and Sweet J Ekworomadu. The Globetrotters’ one-of-a-kind show is unrivaled in the world of  family entertainment. Every game will showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction. After the game, Globetrotter stars will sign autographs and take photos with fans.

Tickets are now available at ticketreturn.com, the Halton Arena box office, or by phone at 704-687-4949.

My family haven’t been there in 3 years. (This year and this year) That calls for a celebration! Join us! I’m giving away a family four pack! To get them just follow me & comment!

On Twitter- Click Here!

On FaceBook- Click Here! 

On Instagram- Click Here!

On Periscope- Click Here!

On Google- Click Here!

AND Comment  below. Thank you in advance!

Simple instructions right? Don’t miss any link ya’ll!

Winner will be notified on Friday,the 25th! Good luck!

Wednesday Wow: TobyMac is Back in the QC!

Every once in a while, I’ll get a job that makes scratch my head. I love adventures and discovering new things. For example, TobyMac. I have never heard of him in my life.But I’m going to his concert this week.

 I did google him and learned that he is a Christian hip hop recording artist, music producer, hip-hop and pop artist, songwriter and author. It was said that he is one of the first and best-known Christian rappers. (cool right?) 

Another awesome thing I learned about him is that he’s humble. After taking home the award for the Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for ‘This is Not a Test.’

He said, “So honored, so grateful, so humbled and soooo thankful for all who labored with me on this project. To God b the glory,” he wrote. “I try to write from real life experiences. It might be about things God’s Word is teaching me,” he told CBN News. “I always say I write about trying to stay in hot pursuit of holiness in this crazy world.”One of the main lines of the song is ‘There ain’t no practice runs in life.’ This is it…today. Don’t just intend, get on it,” he added.

I like him already! https://youtu.be/Dy1vjNWnDlM

To get into the swing of things and not feel completely odd, I youtubed some of his music. I found one that I really LOVED. It’s ‘Speak Life!’

I then asked a few of my Facebook pals which were their favorite. Below is what they said.:

 Liz A Beth ‘Do You Know’ is my fave from him.

Donna  ‘Me without you’

‘Feelin so fly’
‘Back seat’

‘Speak Life’

 ME: He’ll be in town on Friday. I gotta come up w/a contest tonight, to post tomorrow. I’ll be sure to let ya’ll know about it.

 Brittnye  Speak Life. My favorite

Donna  ‘Lose my Soul’

Okay so now I have something to work with! I maybe able to sing along at the show If I listen to them enough tonight.

So now I need your help.It’s clear that he has a reputation for putting a good song in your heart. But I wanna know, how would you describe him? If someone who has never heard about the life and music of TobyMac,what would you say? Which song would you suggest they listen too? Was he in a group before going solo? Do he have any famous friends, children, or spouse? Like QCSupermom, here, here, and pleaseeee here. THEN post it below and I’ll enter you in the contest. Winner will be announced on Thursday night. HURRY!!!!!

Show Blurb: Known for his dynamic live show, six-time GRAMMY® winner TOBYMAC and K-LOVE/AIR1 are presenting the talent-packed, multi-artist HITS DEEP TOUR. Leading the nationwide run alongside his DiverseCity Band, the multi-platinum selling artist will be joined by Britt Nicole, Colton Dixon, Building 429, Capital Kings, Finding Favour and Hollyn, promising a night of non-stop hit songs. The tour’s theme and multi-artist package will undoubtedly make for some special moments on stage. “This tour is going to be exactly what most people want to see when they go to a concert – a show where you know every song,” said TobyMac. “Big hits that hit deep! Not just hits because they are sonically a good listen, but because they’ve spoken deeply to our souls. These artists are all headliners in their own right, but we’ve come together to serve up the hits that have become a part of people’s lives.”

Ticketmaster/Buy Link

Wednesday Wow: Family Valentine’s Day Party GiveAway

Want to win tickets to the 3rd annual Family Valentines Day Party this Saturday in the QC? I hope so because this contest is too easy!  The perks of being a small time blogger is paying off for you.

We are having a “Sweet Minion” Family Valentine’s Day Party! As a mom, finding affordable opportunities for my family to enjoy together is a priority. It’s rare that we go out ALL together, but when we do, it has to make sense, and it has to be safe!  This is it! We’re having:

• A live DJ (Julie Brim)
• A Real Magician (Houdini’s World)
• A Vegan based Dessert bar (Cassie’s Sweetz)
• A $5.Gift Shop  (various vendors selling brand new items for $5. or less!)
•  Fun  games, photo opportunities 
• A SAFE family event with Free parking! 

Here’s how to get some of these 32 tickets. If you belong to any of the following categories- read up!

Note: These offers excludes goodie bags and reserved tables. We want to make sure we are serving the ones that need this the most. And because our entertainment is so amazing, we want to have a good crowd for them to absorb the loving energy!

So be sure to tag your favorite business, organization, club, and group. This is gonna be huge!

If you have a non profit, like our page and we will give you a family four pack.

If you own a daycare, like our page and we will give you a family four pack.

If you own a support group for families, like our page and we will give you a family four pack.

If you are a organizer for a mom group, like our page and we will give you a family four pack.

Give the passes to whomever you choose! This offer is for the 1st 4 industries to enter. That’s 16 people. Now for the public sector. We need more traffic. We’re new’ish.

 Don’t expect to be offered a chair when you are visiting a place where the chief sits on the floor. (Ghana)

So I have 4 family packs to give you!  And yes, for up to $80 per family in value, there’s a few things I’ll need from you. (trust me, it’s easier than you think)

1. Like and follow–> my blog, FB, Twitter, Instagram and then comment on this post BELOW or here on the event page. The more you like, the better your chances! Fair right?
2. That’s IT. Winners will be announced on Facebook,called & or emailed! Hurry the party is THIS SATURDAY!

See you Saturday at the hottest mom powered family event of the year!

Go Cheetah Go! Wild Kratts!

“You Mean To Tell Me”…… you haven’t heard the news?

                             The Kratt brothers are coming to the QC! 

The wildly popular PBS KIDS® television show, Wild Kratts LIVE! will be at

Animated Kratt Brothers, Martin and Chris, “come to real life” in a classically Wild Kratts story. Off “To the Creature Rescue!” the Emmy nominated Kratt Brothers activate some fan favorite Creature Power Suits to confront a comic villain. Through hilarious pratfalls and amazing animal ‘wow facts’ the Wild Kratts team rescues their favorite invention from Zach’s clutches so the animals of the creature world are safe once again.

Wild Kratts LIVE! is created for the stage by the imaginative minds of Martin Kratt and Chris Kratt from Zooboomafoo, Kratt’s Creatures and Be the Creature. The Kratt Brothers’ national tours draw tens of thousands of creature-crazy kids and their families and the not-for-profit Kratt Brothers Creature Hero Society, together with kids, has successfully protected critical wildlife habitats through the creation of nature reserves.

Network: PBS

Directors: Luc Chamberland, Eva Almos, Martin Kratt

Program creators: Chris Kratt, Martin Kratt

 

One of the things I love the most about Wild Kratts is the theme song. It’s catchy, upbeat, and makes you want to watch the show, like all theme songs should. Plus, it was made by the same people who wrote the songs from Zoboomafoo: Pure West Music.           https://youtu.be/PAXMa3w43Dk

Want to see them live in Charlotte next weekend?  I have a family four pack  to give away. Here’s how to get them!

You are now the director. Tell me what your show would be about. Where would you send the Kratt Brothers? What animals would they be? What country would they visit?

Leave your answer below. Then follow me on one of the following (increase your chances by following all of them)—>

Facebook           Instagram           Pinterest            Google             Tumbler

Can’t wait to see your entries! Start watching the WildKratts now! {Click Here}for full episodes.

Event Showing:

February 13, 2016

1:00 pm

February 13, 2016

4:30 pm

Buy tickets HERE!

*****

See you on the creature trail!

 

 

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Contest

I know 6 little ones that are super excited to see the circus next week! If last year, is anything like this year…… they are in for a treat! SEE blog post from last year

The excitement starts an hour before show time with the All Access Pre-show where your family can meet the amazing cast members and get up close and purr-sonal with their tigers and other animals. Performers include high-wire wizards, strong men, BMX trick riders, daredevils on the trampoline bungee aerial skydiving and more.

Purchase tickets here.

Show Schedule 
Wednesday January 27 at 7 p.m.
Thursday January 28 at 7 p.m.
Friday January 29 at 10:30 a.m.
Friday January 29 at 7 p.m.
Saturday January 30 at 11 a.m.
Saturday January 30 at 3 p.m.
Saturday January 30 at 7 p.m.
Sunday January 31 at 11 a.m.
Sunday January 31 at 3 p.m.

{Contest Info} Win a family four pack to the show on Thursday, January 28th at 7pm. I won’t even make you pile into a clown car – nope – just do any of the following – 1 entry per completion.

1. Comment on our Facebook post with your favorite circus act.
2. Comment on THIS blog with your favorite circus act.
3. Share the Facebook post publicly (you have to change the post privacy to public so I can see it)

I’ll draw a winner on January 25th. Good luck!