The National Harbor, The Mall and More

We're taking in the sights, sounds and eats of this popular destination just south of Washington, D.C. I've been wanting the ride the Atlanta Ferris wheel for quite some time. Go figure...I had to come to the Maryland area to do just that!

Here are more pictures if you'd like to see our journey to the top of the wheel and our mini tour of the D.C. area...

Are You a Hugger?

Growing up, I wasn't. My parents were not very affectionate at all, yet I knew I was loved by the way my mom always took care of us.

When I met The Hubs, that all changed...

We're Going on aTrip...

We're going on a trip, in our favorite rocket ship...

Love for the Lovey

He's had it since before he was born. It was a gift from a friend for my baby shower. And all these years it's been with Buddy Roller on long road trips, visits to the emergency room, vacations to see grandma, and it's even made its way overseas.

It's the love for the lovey...

These Walls,These People, and a Farewell

These are the same hallways I walked years ago that let me know I was going to be a teacher. These are the very same hallways where I've had a "love LOVE/not so love" relationship with the joys, challenges, and struggles of being an educator at a Title I school.

But today is the last day I will walk these halls...

Kindergarten Autograph Book

Buddy Roller has been pining and whining about getting a yearbook from his school. He's in kindergarten! And I'm pretty sure he only wants one because some of his classmates have one.

Chalk Talk: I'm Now "That" Teacher

When I was in high school, I remember teachers trying to connect with me and other students by making a reference to a particular song or movie. I remember not always getting that connection because I had never seen or even heard the song the teacher was referring to.

I realize now...I've become that teacher.

Out of Many One People and Five Shades of Tan

Growing up in Jamaica, I was pretty much color blind when it came to the color of one's skin. Yes, it was obvious that not all people looked the same, but as far as color was...people were just people to me.

That all changed when I moved to the United States.

Teacher Tired, Facials and Random Kindness

I have a secret.

All these years, I've heard women talk about them, and I've secretly wanted to have one.  But I never did. Until this weekend.

Mother's Day Every Day

Mother's Day. 

Geez.  Sometimes I'm amazed I got this opportunity.  To be someone's mother. I remember the days I feared I couldn't even get pregnant. And now...look.  I just hope I'm doing a decent job raising a good citizen who will someday be someone's husband. Father. A great leader. Someone with integrity and self-respect. Someone with humility. And a heart to serve others. 

Chalk Talk - What I'll Leave Behind

For as long as I could remember, I had always wanted to be a teacher. When I was a little girl, I would get all my stuffed animals and dolls to be my students, and I would pretend to be their teacher. I also had a fascination with chalkboards and loved writing on them. Too bad those became obsolete by the time I started teaching!

But.  For a long time, I put my dreams on hold...

Have You Ever?

Have you ever looked up into the sky at night and wondered if the one you love is doing the same thing at the exact same time?

Reading with Roller

Most nights I'm the one reading to Buddy Roller.  I've been trying to get him to read to me, but my request has often been met with I want you to read to me, or I'm too tired.  Then last week I made a special order at Books Are Fun and got him a set of eight new Little Critter books and the best surprise this week....a lap desk with a LED light. What a big hit this has been!

Tonight we turned down the lights, Roller chose one of his new books, and guess who was sooo excited to read to me?

I'm hoping the novelty won't wear off anytime soon!

Five Things I'm Currently Obsessed With

1. Avocados. I can't get enough of them. With a salad or a side to any dish. They are absolutely delicious sliced and with a dash of salt.

See You Again...A Farewell to the Kandiahs

My heart is so heavy.

They've been our neighbors for as long as we've lived in our neighborhood. That's almost eight years. We've gotten really close these last few years. The Kandiahs are the neighbors you can count on. And trust. From our house...to theirs...our kids have played together countless hours. When we needed a break...or they needed one...we traded kids and always knew they were well taken care of and even fed.

The early days

But now they're leaving. They're moving to New York for a new chapter in their lives. I'm both happy and excited for them, yet sad as I will miss them dearly.  It is bitter sweet.  I know Buddy Roller will miss them. And The Hubs too. No doubt. They are a part of our family. And that's real talk.

Then

Now

Earlier today, during their last day playing together, the conversation between eight year old Aveney and five year old Buddy Roller went like this.  After looking at each other for a few minutes, Roller said:

Do you want to go to a new place?

She shook her head no.

I'm gonna miss you.

She was speechless and continued to play.

I'm gonna miss you guys.

Halloween years ago

Last Halloween

In a tribute to them and all the good times we've had...from going trick-or-treating, to exchanging Christmas presents, to just playing outside and being silly...here's how they roll!

They're good neighbors. Great people.  Really great people.  This isn't goodbye. We will see them again. We've already talked about taking a trip to see them. I'm going to miss you Kandiah family.

See you again...