JetBlue & Others Assists The Orlando Pulse Families.

This just has me in tears I couldn’t imagine this being the last text from one of my Babies “Mom I’m gonna die”‪

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — It had been an evening of drinking, dancing and drag shows. After hours of revelry, the party-goers crowding the gay nightclub known as the Pulse took their last sips before the place closed.

That’s when authorities say Omar Mateen emerged, carrying an AR-15 and spraying the helpless crowd with bullets. Witnesses said he fired relentlessly — 20 rounds, 40, then 50 and more. In such tight quarters, the bullets could hardly miss. He shot at police. He took hostages.When the gunfire finally stopped, 50 people were dead and dozens more were critically wounded in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Mateen, who law enforcement officials said had pledged allegiance to Islamic State in a 911 call around the time of the attack, died in a gun battle with SWAT team members.

Thank God for JetBlue & other local organizations:

JetBlue is providing free seats on its available flights to/from Orlando for immediate family and domestic partners of victims who were killed or injured. Those family members and domestic partners requiring travel assistance can contact 1-800-JETBLUE for details.

Today, JetBlue announced the offer on its blog and Twitter under the banner #WeStandWithOrlando. “Our hearts are with the victims, their families and friends and the Orlando community,” the blog post read. “This weekend’s events are felt by all of our 19,000 crewmembers, many of whom live in, work from and travel through Orlando—one of our focus cities—at Orlando International Airport, our Orlando Support Center and JetBlue University.”

“Like many of you, we continue to watch reports of the Orlando nightclub shooting with great sadness. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.

We want to do our part to help the victims of this tragedy, as well as support the Orlando community through this difficult time.

o JetBlue is providing free seats on its available flights to/from Orlando for immediate family and domestic partners of victims who were killed or injured. Those family members and domestic partners requiring travel assistance can contact 1-800-JETBLUE for details.

o A fee waiver is in place for customers traveling to/from Orlando who need to make last-minute changes to their travel plans.

o For JetBlue crewmembers impacted by this event, we have activated resources to assist and are offering a donation program. Crewmembers can visit our internal website, hellojetblue, or talk to their crewleader for more details.

o JetBlue will make a charitable contribution to support the victims and their families.”

Deadliest Shooting In U.S. History: Suspect Purchased Guns Legally, ATF Says

Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Florida   Local law enforcement agency · 13 hrs ·

We thank the legions of supporters who are reaching out to the Orlando community!!
As the investigation remains active and open in the horrific Pulse nightclub mass shooting, here are some resources and links available to the public.
•Orlando officials are identifying the victims and notifying their families. The names of the victims will be added to this link:http://www.cityoforlando.net/blog/victim….
•The Department of Veterans Affairs is providing emergency mental health assistance to Veterans, employees, and the general public in wake of the mass shooting. An Orlando VA Medical Center Mobile Medical Unit is located at the Beardall Senior Center, 800 Delaney Ave, Orlando, 32801, or call 321-277-6672.
• Blood donations — OneBlood has reached capacity for blood donations, so no further donations are immediately needed. However, anyone interested in making an appointment to donate in the near future can go tooneblood.org/donate-now/ or call 1.888.9Donate.
•Funds for victims and families — Equality Florida has set up a GoFundMe page at Gofundme.com/PulseVictimsFund.

For a complete list, visit http://cityoforlando.net/victims

 

No matter what Omar Mateen’s reasons or ties were, he was a terrorist who committed an atrocious hate crime against the LGBTQ community at an Orlando gay nightclub, Pulse.

This is a massacre of persecution.

Grieve all you need however you want. But do not let hateful people make you live in fear.

Wednesday Wow: Sister SoulJah in the QC

Happy Black History Month people! My month of reflection began last week when Sister SoulJah visited the Beatties Ford Rd. library in Charlotte NC. It was like a dream come true. I now have one less thing to accomplish on my Bucket List!

I believe in divine interventions. I believe that you are where you are, sent elsewhere, drawn toward something or some one beyond your conscious efforts. It’s like the minute you intentional strive to be a certain way, your path opens up! The I decided that I would be the best mom I could be. So I sought support. I know I wanted  to connect with people who have taken various paths in life to become the incredible leaders they are today.  (In this video, it’s another great woman, Cheryl LittleJohn of Gastonnia)

During a recent visit to my local library, I seen a flyer saying Sister Souljah was coming to Charlotte for a book signing of her book The Coldest Winter Ever  (you can buy it on Amazon via the high light link)

This was perfect because I had just received her first book from my daughters. They found it in a bin at a local book store for free!

It’s called, No DISRESPECT.  It took me 3 weeks to read it. Not that it’s a hard read or anything, it’s just that I wanted to break it up in sections to use as a conversation piece while taking my girls to school across town in the mornings. It proved to be an asset. Our conversations were deeper. They opened up about the peers and day environment more easily. It’s because she is so relative, approachable, and in sync, I know her books will always  have a place within my family’s book shelf.

It was a honor to be in her presence with my teen daughters.  Sometimes when we tell our children things, they don’t always “get it!” Even if you experience it and crying your eyes out to warn them. But when it comes from another person. that speaks to them on their level. Spitting out a”  MF*”  here and there….. they tend to get it!

Here’s my short handed-cliff notes. I wrote them on the back of the paper I had signed for two mama friends. I wrote what she said. Do not let your child read it before you.

Sister SoulJah

 

 Sister Souljah

October 5, 2015 ·

It’s been a long time. I haven’t wasted even a second. Been writing, editing, learning, teaching, and traveling the globe. This year, from 11/11 onward, is for the readers and book buyers. We will meet face to face. Share thoughts and converse meaningfully, and become better than we were before, each and all of us, InshaAllah.

If you want to sing your book and listen to her in person, meet her at her next book signing: click below!

http://www.sistersouljah.com/tour/

Taxes Smaxes! My Tips for SBO

It’s coming. Are you ready? If you are like me and own a small business, this time of the year can be a headache if not organized! Yes, you have until the 15th of April, but why wait? Here’s some tips to get you on the road to a low stress tax filing season!  The goal  is to pay the lowest tax you are legally required to pay.  This will help! This post is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult his or her own attorney, business adviser or tax adviser with respect to matters referenced in this post.

 

Small Business Owner Check List

✔ A copy of the last three year’s Federal and State tax return

✔ Articles of Incorporation, Partnership Agreement, Operating Agreement, etc.

✔ Copy of current period balance sheet, income statement, trial balance and general ledger

✔ Prior year financial statements

✔ List of all business owners including: ✔ Name, ✔ social security numbers, ✔ address, ✔ percent of ownership, ✔ date ownership acquired and ✔ detail of distributions

✔ Schedule of owner fringe benefits received

✔ Schedule of loans to/from owners including loan agreements

✔ Details of any related party transactions

✔ Copies of all payroll forms and 1099 forms for the year

✔ Amounts of any estimated tax payments

✔ Listing of interest and dividend income

✔ Vehicle information and use, including vehicle leases

✔ Information on any employee benefit plans including retirement plans, health insurance, etc.

✔ Details of meals and entertainment expense

✔ Any Internal Revenue Service and Department of Revenue correspondence received during the year

✔ List of any activities in other states

✔ Details of fixed assets and depreciation schedules

Schedule C, Self-employed Checklist

Income 

List of bank deposits 

All 1099s 

Other income (interest etc.) Cost of good sold 

Beginning inventory 

Purchases of goods sold 

Materials & supplies 

Ending inventory Auto expense 

Lease payments 

Auto insurance 

Interest of auto loan 

Repairs & maintenance 

Total miles driven 

Business miles driven 

Total gas purchases 

Date car purchased 

Model and make of auto Salaries & wages 

Total gross wages paid 

Company paid FICA 

Federal unemployment paid 

State unemployment paid 

Worker’s compensation paid Expenses 

Advertising 

Commissions paid 

Liability insurance 

Interest paid 

Legal & professional fees paid 

Office supplies 

Rent paid 

Dues & subscriptions 

Travel expense 

Meals & entertainment 

Utilities 

Bank charges 

List of assets (cost & date acquired) 

Health insurance premiums Office in home 

Total square feet of home 

Total square feet of office 

Mortgage interest 

Real estate taxes 

Utilities paid 

Home repairs 

Home insurance [1040 General; Schedule E, Rental property checklist

Ready to do your taxes? Get a 50% of code. Request your Turbo Tax code here!

Wednesday Wow: From Old to New

Did you know  that n 2010, the average American generated more than 1,500 pounds of waste over the course of the year (and only 551 pounds of that amount was recycled or composted). Over seven billion pounds of PVC plastic are chucked every year, while only one percent of that amount is recycled. Whether you’re an Earth Mama or a proud SUV owner, the truth is we’re throwing away too much stuff.

I love recycling, re-purposing, and saving the lives of good stuff that would otherwise end up in the dumpster. To me, living within our means includes getting every bit of life out of everything we own. I think just about everything can be recycled into something new and amazing!

This is the flow of our home.

1. I buy or receive something and the family love it, or at least like it…….for a while or until it’s  destroyed (that time is rarely more than 3 years TOPS)
2. My husband takes in out to the back yard while the children and I are away.
3. I find it, get anger and bring it back in the house.I may or may not hide it.
4. I  quickly go to Pinterest for ideas on how to reuse it if I don’t have one already in mind. For example, my old couch cushions.

My current project is to convert our old couch cushion pads into a . I will convertible bed/chair, for our middle age boys room. It will look something like this.

The only difference will be the using a pillow protector. These zippered cases go directly on the pillow, beneath the pillowcase. Protectors are typically affordable and prevent moisture and some allergens from reaching your pillow, keeping it healthy and sanitary longer.

This is a ZippySack. It’s where I got the idea from If you want ,you can buy yours here* from Amazon.

I’m also getting an Angry Bird cover to use as the first slip case. I’ll share the completed project on my Facebook page.

Earth911 has  info on recycling pillow’s!

The Greatist has incredible tips for just about everything!

How often do you swap out your pillows? What uses have you found for the old ones? Share below!

Friday Four: Is Your Birthday December 25th?

A lot of people are gonna hate me for this one. Some businesses will too, but it must be said. Christmas is not your child’s birthday, why do you struggle over one day? It completely defeats the spirit of the season.

I had great Christmas as a child. My parents got us something every year. Not huge things, like a car or the latest sneakers but nice gifts. I remember my ET doll, the handheld Nintendo games, the Pretty Cut and Grow doll and  as I got older,  cash. Now ask me about my birthdays and I’ll tell you how special I always felt that one week in October! I’m so grateful they kept it in perspective for us.

With kids, it can be tricky and sometimes pointless to explain your budget, goals and situation. But you gotta do it. I’ve seen first hand how the good intentions of parents and other loved ones can quickly go bad. …… Yeeees, I’ll explain why.

1. Parents are teaching their children to be materialistic. If you are gonna shop, buy something they really need. Something that will make them a better person spiritually, educationally, nutritionally, physically, financially or even environmentally.

Give, Me Give Me Give Me. I know a parent that has one child. The child does no work in school or at home but trust and believe, that child has over $1200 in Christmas gifts coming to him. I asked why would you spend that much on him and he’s not doing the basic chores of being a child and the dad said because he’s my only son. After that comment, I reached for my glass of tea, like Kermit.’

2. Parents borrowing money to buy expensive gifts.  Would you believe that some parents take out loans for Christmas shopping? Showing love should never be so crippling. Debt is a form of slavery you know. 

3 Are you really gonna give someone else credit for putting that huge smile on your child’s face? (I can’t do it. I work waaaaay to hard for that to happen)

4. You’re lying to your child.  There is no Santa! It’s ok,  to teach your children that charity begins at home.

Langston Paterson- from South L.A.

I already know that the in laws, aunts and uncles are gonna  buy them something.  When it happens, we will  graciously accept it. Then say, “I’m surprised by your present. We had agreed not to do this, so I don’t have one for you in return.” Thank you.”  Make sure not to buy the person a gift in return (until their birthday or if out and see something really affordable that hey need or like). Your word is your word; be true to it.

To me, Christmas is about spending quality time with my family, listening to the kids play and argue, cooking with my children and getting some extra sleep while the older kids and/ my husband take the smaller kids out.  All of the years that I spent buying Christmas gifts were not lost, it just took me time to evolve into appreciating time with my family as the most important gift that I could possibly receive and give them. (After loosing a daughter you realize that time is the most precious gift! )

It’s also about serving others in need. As a matter of fact, myself and a few awesome humans are going scarf bombing this weekend in a local park.  Wanna join us? CLICK HERE!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Jabela, QC Supermom

 

Spiritual Wellness

Spiritual Wellness is a personal matter involving values and beliefs that provide a purpose in our lives. While different individuals may have different views of what spiritualism is, it is generally considered to be the search for meaning and purpose in human existence, leading one to strive for a state of harmony with oneself and others while working to balance inner needs with the rest of the world

My daughters grew up in the church. They attend children’s church, children’s choir and even ushered when they were old enough. The other day my daughter told me that I don’t pray in front of them any more. If she feels this way, I can only imagine what my poor son think. See, we left our home church a few years ago and have yet to connect with another one since then. I wanted to see if my husband and I could nurture their spiritual wellness inhouse. Since we have books, and fairly spiritual (not religious) parents. For a while it worked until the conversation with my dad popped up. He asked if I was still connected with my church family. I told him yes. Then he went on to say why he wished his grandkid would have their own relationship with God. He said that sometimes kids miss parents messages, but it’s amazing what they pick up from other people’s mouth. I couldn’t do anything but agree with him after my daughter comment, so I sat down and made a plan. I will take them to church this coming sunday and see how it goes. I also created this collection to get the children on the right track. Here you go——

 

(INSERT CHILD’S PICTURE)

I love you from the bottom of my heart. I also know that I will not be here for you in times of need. This was created just for YOU! I wanted to give you hope for all things good bad and ugly. Enjoy

 

William Murphy

Praise Is What I Do lyrics

Solo

Praise is what I do

When I want to be close to You,

I lift my hands in praise.

Praise is who I am,

I will praise Him while I can.

I’ll bless Him at all times.

Chorus

I vow to praise You

Through the good and the bad.

I’ll praise You,

Whether happy or sad.

I’ll praise You

(This is my testimony)

In all that I go through,

(Somebody said why)

Because praise is what I do,

Cause I owe it all to You.

Verse 1

(Come on church)

Praise is what I do

(Come on church)

When I want to be close to You,

(I lift my hands-somebody lift Him)

I lift my hands in praise.

(Somebody say it so the devil will hear you)

Praise is who I am,

(Come on praise the Lord)

I will praise Him while I can.

I’ll bless Him at all times.

Chorus

And I vow to praise You

Through the good and the bad.

I’ll praise You,

Whether happy or sad.

I’ll praise You

(Somebody lift your voice and say)

Verse 2

Praise is what I do,

Even when I am going through,

(See I’ve learned…)

I’ve learned to worship You.

(See I want to let the devil know tonight, even though…)

Though my circumstance doesn’t even stand a chance,

My praise out weighs the bad.

(So I vow to praise)

Repeat Chorus

Now somebody lift your voice

And just go to praising him right now

Somebody lift your voice in this place

Lift up your voice in this place

My Prayers-

Morning Prayer:

Thank you God for waking us up this morning. I know you didn’t have to do it, but  you and only you did. I’m so grateful for the use of my limbs, brains, and will. Thank you for keeping us as we slept last night. I know not everyone received that blessing. If it’s your will, please look over us as we go on through our day. Bless our going outs and coming in. In your name God, we praise you always. Amen.

Grace and Mercy:

Lord thank you for keeping me and my family. So many people are going through hard times. I know you could never be pimped so I’m asking you father to please give them understanding. Please bring them comfort and a peace of mind. I don’t know what to do, but you do. I don’t know how to make it better but I know that you do. I don’t know how to fix it God, but I know that YOu DO because you have do it before. And your will will always be done.  You God are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Because you are already in tomorrow, I know it will work out for them. Thank you God for being a help in a time of trouble.

Prayer for Strength:

I am perfect and wonderfully made. There is nothing that will happen to me that you will not sign off and my faith in that will protect me. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I am More than a conquer.

Prayer for a healing

God you know I have things to do. What lesson am I to be learning? I’m listening. My mind and body is now ready to listen. I’ll rest, learn, and listen as I recover. Thank you God for loving me enough to slow me down.

Prayer Of  Thanks

THANK YOU God! You really be showing off with me, don’t you? You’re the real MVP! Please allow me to continue to bring you honor!

Spiritual Wellness Play Mix:

This collection leaves me in tears. Praise feels so good. I builds , maintains  and protects my spirit. I hope it proves to be a blessing to you.

“I‘m Still Holding On” (1984)- Luther Barnes, Red Budd Choir

Luther Barnes Spirit Fall Down

“I WON’T COMPLAIN” REV.PAUL JONES (Extended Version) Praise Break

Through It All Andrae Crouch

‘Open The Floodgates of Heaven’- Bishop Paul Morton @ GE Patterson Church

Amber Bullock – For Every Mountain

I Give Myself Away by William McDowell

Donnie McClurkin – “Stand” MaLinda Sapp Funeral

Donnie McClurkin – Great is your mercy – Live

More on the web on Spiritual Wellness:

HERE

I had something that happened earlier that was straight from the enemy. I closed my closet  door, sat on the floor  & cried out to God…literally just cried. I had no words, just tears. I know God sees me & he sees my tears.  In closing, Trust God. He knows you  better than you  know yourself.
Peace & Blessings, Jabela

Baba Doula

A few years ago I was surfing on Facebook. I came across a name that really intrigued me. It was a guy named Baba Doula!

He had the sweetest family and the most adorable little girl. So I felt comfortable approaching him. It did help that he was  socially conscious and  knew people in high places…..(and who doesn’t LOVE Ms Erykah She Ill Badu?)

The name alone made me  search through his profile to learn more about him. I looked through pictures, comments on his timeline , and even his friend list to get a better sense what type of person he was. He checked out to be a really upstanding fella so I befriended him and quickly asked,  “What’s up with that name?  The conversation went like this:

ME: Morning Baba. Are you a doula? Your name is throwing me off.

Free em all! Lol… Allow me to try and explain Sis.

ME: Lol, I’m listening….

Did you see the post on my time line from 17 JAN about jailed father for daughters vaccination?

I didn’t  see it but I quickly went to find it. Some time later,  I engaged him again. This time it was to learn more about his passion for birthing, life and if possible, more about him as a husband.  So he shared: 

I’m Baba Doula!  My nom de plume, my moniker, which like our child was conceived / created out of love. As you know, Baba means father and Doula is one who serves a woman doing childbirth. I am a husband, and a father to a darling little girl named Tsage. It never even occurred to me the all of the struggles a woman must go through before, during, and after childbirth. When we found out we were with child, I began reading, watching, and educating myself to the point of passing out and having nightmares literally. Prenatal DVDs, cooking fine cuisines, mediation, bonding, Bradley Method childbirth class. It was King Solomon who said, “There’s nothing new under the sun.” Old African birthing wisdom, such as squatting during labor, moving around freely, being able to eat and drink freely, and relaxing has been repackaged into an expensive birthing class. But thankfully, friends of ours donated half the money so we could take it. We also procured a doula to augment my own support during labor. Lastly, we hired a placenta encapsulation specialist to ensure a smooth postpartum transition. And although I am not the one who gives birth, my politics do, and is shaped from the reality by those who did, and those who continue to bring life into this world.

ME: You mentioned ” We have slight generational and culture parenting differences.” Everyone doesn’t agree with me…… But I’m curious…… what do you think is the biggest difference?

Months later I engaged him again. He then shared.

I grew up in the 80’s and she grew up in the 90’s. James from Good Times was my “TV Dad.” While she had Bill Cosby. It wasn’t frowned upon to spank your child. Ash don’t believe in spanking, she hasn’t seen a House Party film either. So sweeping a broom over your foot, cutting the seat out of old panties, keeping a piece of salt pork on top of the Frigidaire as medicine, sayings like “don’t let the hide go with the tallow”, using a piece of straw broom as a tooth pick, etc. are all foreign to her.

Did you see the post on my time line from 17 JAN about jailed father for daughters vaccination? Yes? That was him 🙂

Baba is all man, but his foundation is reminiscent of mine. It wasn’t long ago that I stood up for all breastfeeding moms in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library. He is the type of person I would send my mommy and daddy friends to when my husband is worn out from responding to parenting and social questions. Well, the good news is I persuaded him to increase his profound presence to the ones that need it the most!

Help me welcome BaBa Doula to QC Supermom!!! We are so happy to have his perspective in our pubic, liberal,  holistic,  community! Let the fun begin!

Baba is available for family centered product reviews, daddy consultations and even speaking events! Learn more about this cool cat on our page. Click HERE !

Thrilled from The Windy City to The Queen City,

Jabela

Friday Four: Thanksgiving- FIND YOURS

Thanksgiving carries different meanings for different people. My family on my dad side host a huge dinner. Everyone gathers at an elders family member home and we eat, laugh and lounge until the belt button pops! Then walk it off with our more fit aunts! The guys usually play a round of football or basketball.  Some even ride a horse. It’s awesome because everyone is included and made to feel welcomed and warm. All the family drama is left in the glove compartment for the day. 

Now that I have a tribe of my own, I go there less often and try to establish my own family traditions. Although I want them to feel the generational love, I want to impress memories with them as well. The first dinner I did was before my 11 yr old past in 2004*. My now 23yr old son did the sweet potatoes and Mya did the cabbage. We had a simple yet delicious spread.  But ended up throwing away a large amount of meat and beans. I didn’t like that too much and knew that we had to try something different.

So now, we take a little out for the local shelters before we eat.  Problem solved.

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states.

At any given moment, I have 14 arms to hug and love me unconditionally. At any given moment,I can bend over and pick something off the floor. At any given moment, I can walk outside my door and work in my garden. At any given moment, I can go to my sink and collect clean* water. At Any Given Moment, I can give THANKS to God for my life!

Here is how we do Thanksgiving.

1. We recall what we are thankful for )loved ones, life, health, family and a peace of mind and everything in between)
2. We will not gorge on this day. For we know that we must eat  well after that one day.
3. We will find a way to bring joy in someone else life, via food, deed or both.
4. We will build on what we have and find ways to care for and our current gifts.

More on Thanksgiving (Please check out the links and book offer. Each purchase from the books justify time given to this blog- THANKS IN ADVANCE. 🙂 )

The real cost of Thanksgiving

Oven Cautions!

The Latin Kitchen- How to cook in 3 hours!

Detox your self after the fest/ eat clean during it . Follow my pinterest board.

Recipes the kids can help make!

Buy the book! Teens Gobble Gobble MAD LIBs

Charlie Brown ThanksGiving

Thanksgiving Is For Giving

Children’s Books: WHAT’S FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER? (Delightfully Fun, Rhyming Bedtime Story/Picture Book for Beginner Readers About Making Friends and Being … Ages 2-8) (Happy Children’s Series 5)

and Little Critter: Just a Special Thanksgiving “This is a very cute book with really nice illustrations and such a good story. ”

 How do you celebrate Thanksgiving? I would LOVE to know.

Gobble Till You Wobble,

Kelle, QC Supermom

Friday Four: Gratitude For All! From Tots to Teens

Everyone likes to be appreciated. EVERYONE! One of the many jobs of parenting, is to teach your children about gratitude. The world doesn’t owe them a thing. And it really isn’t that hard to do. But if it’s not programmed in them … it isn’t gonna come out of them. (Ya’ll have seen those type of children)  Even the smallest child can learn and show gratitude. Take a peek at a few ideas below.

1. STOP GIVING THEM SO MUCH!  Keeping thing in perspective, more and more children are living a lie. How is it that we are in a recession, but so many of our children are carrying smart phones and Heavily branded shoes. I tell my children all of the time, “You are entitled to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” I also tell them “I refuse to dress up an empty box.”  When you reward your child(ren) for earning “Perks” (which includes volunteering, grades, character) you are teaching them more than just gratitude.I roll my eyes  at some of the things my husband do to save money, but in hind sight the end justify his actions. (Did you see the grill on the featured image. We are still using that same grill. Sure our food takes longer to cook, but when my son get’s his own home and family, his wife is gonna thank us for the raising a grateful guy!)
2. BE A MODEL!   You already know how kids mimic EVERYTHING we do. Make an
   

   Seniors & team captains Reggie Johnson & Jervon Pressley went to Magruder Elementary school to speak to students about academics, pursuing goals, and being respectful to their parents and others.

   effort to super grateful in-front of your kids. Growing up people would always say to me…. why do you have such a frown on your face?” I really didn’t intend to look that way because I was a happy child. At some point I changed it. Last year, one of my private tutoring students asked in the middle of a lesson, “why do you smile all of the time?” “I don’t know, I guess because I’m happy.Don’t your mom smile at home?” I replied. Her response to that blew me away….. She said she does, but only when she’s taking a picture!….  (Talk about too Much Information – right?)

3. SAY Thank you!

   My mother In Law is amazed by the things technology can do. So for her birthday, we had the children make a video birthday card. To prepare, I had each of them write down 2 things they loved most about her. We then talked about their list collectively and the older ones all realized how thoughtful of a grandma she is. When we began to record, they were speaking more from their hearts and less from the list. Not only was their grandma over joyed, the kids gained more gratitude for good family members that care about them ,and they all felt warm inside by sharing goodwill.  Because of this family video below, I have learned a new appreciation for all dentist, big brothers floss.  
4. Thank them with food.

   Nothing says thanks to me like food. I just associate so much pleasure to eating, that I automatically think good things about a person who gives me food – Guys, I know I am not alone on this     Find out what their favorite type of food is and attach a nice little note telling them why it is being given to them. I like to give vegan treats from Cassie’s Sweetz!

Bonus: to really make this fun you can tell them thank you in 26 different languages.

One of my most memorable lessons in having a grateful perspective came from a salmon slicer at Zabar’s in New York City. I asked how he’d been, and his response stopped me in my tracks.

“Blessed,” he said. “I go home to a warm bed. There’s food on my table. I have running water and I can take a hot shower. I am blessed.”

How powerful is that?! Just imagine how different life would be if we all adopted this attitude and passed it on to our children as well.

Your Mom Coach, Kelle

Ani leh-dodee veh-dodee lee = “I DO!”

I believe in Love. I believe in Family. I believe in Marriage……(Even though at any given time they can be a major pain in the rear at times.)

Sample Script

I’m walking in a new pair of shoes now……. I’m a official Universal Church Marriage Officiant. After 7 years of being ordained , I finally solemnized my first wedding and it was so bitter sweet!

Although I practice a zillion times, I bombed during the ceremony. HARD! I stressed on minor things like my hair, shoes, scarf – everything! More than my during my own wedding. The couple was so perfect for each other. The husband was a gentle sweetie. Just a tall teddy bear, the wife, who hired me was a straight shooter,and a business friend i respect a lot. The bills went straight to daddy and boy did he pay up. It was a dream weekend. No stones was left unturned. NOTHING!

What I learned:

Put EVERYTHING IN WRITING. People forget what they say as the date gets closer. Having written details helps get you paid and keep confusions down. It benefits everyone.

Some brides know EVERY PART of a traditional wedding.  They have dreamed of this moment all of their lives. They could marry themselves if legally possible. SO no short cuts.

Offer my script  to allow them to make small changes and edits as desire*

Remember to ask “Who gives This woman to be married?”  (I was suppose to say:”  Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Parents:
We do.

Then the bride is given away)

Remember to say “You My Now Kiss The Bride” -(I was suppose to say- ”

Celebrant:
May this couple be prepared to continue to give, be able to forgive and experience more and more joy with each passing day, with each passing year. (Groom’s Name) and (Bride’s Name), are now beginning their married life together, we hope that they may have loving assistance from their family, the constant support of friends, and a long life with good health and everlasting love. In so much as (Groom’s Name) and (Bride’s Name) have consented to live forever together in wedlock, and have witnessed the same before this company, having given and pledged their troth, each to the other, and having declared same by the giving and receiving of a ring, I pronounce that they are husband and wife.

Celebrant: (to the couple):
You may now seal the promises you have made with each other with a kiss.

Celebrant:
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the loving couple
Mr. and Mrs.” )

Remember to only take suggestions from the one whose getting married or paying me***

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My 1st wedding as an #officiant. My children were so proud of their mommy. Walking, standingand dancing in those heels for hours were worth it. #weddingofficiant #charlottewedding #CharlotteWeddingOfficiant

A post shared by QC SUPERMOM (@qc_supermom) on Oct 17, 2015 at 8:30pm PDT

I found online these awesome tips: Some couples have wanted a sounding board to bounce ideas off of as they write their ceremonies, and some friends have needed a lot of writing and outline help to put words to their vision. But regardless of how much I was involved in the creation of the ceremony, what I found critical (and difficult!) was my role as General Ceremony Tone-Setter. See, if you’re the one standing up there, guests will be looking expectantly at you and taking your cues for what the overall mood is going to be. Even though your precise words or your outfit may not linger, how you say what you say, and how you manage the emotion and energy of the room will contribute to how they remember the ceremony.

That goes for the rehearsal, too. I found it really helpful to walk through the rehearsal with the couple beforehand, to get a sense of what they needed from me. If it’s the latter, I went incredibly slowly, repeated messy parts, practiced the walk in and out at least twice, and was the most generally cheerful Julie the Cruise Ship Director version of myself.

Ok, now that’s done, who’s next? But in the end….. As of Monday 10.19. 2015…… they are husband and wife! The original plan was accomplished.  This is fun! I get to meet awesome folks, get paid AND I get fed!