My MoodaPie..

When your little girl is no longer a little girl.. Sighhh 

My daughter traveled over the holiday break to our hometown to spend time with her father and his family. I'm always ok with her going, I'm just never prepared for the length of time. ( Long distance Co-Parenting blogs soon coming)- she returned Sunday and it felt like it had been an eternity. Yes, I talked to her daily, face timed daily but it wasn't the same as having her right within my touch. 

I try not to tell her this but she's my little best friend some days. I look to her to find the strength to keep being great because ( although my son is watching) she's actively watching and taking notes. 

I'm always amazed at how mature she's becoming but the conversations we've had since her return have seriously blown my mind. I'm always plucking her brain. ----> I digress: Yesterday, I had a friend to ask why was I interrogating him and it made me later think. Was I? But it's really just my human nature. To properly communicate, we must ask questions and because I'm A parent, I sometimes find myself using those techniques more than I should. 

Anyhoo, the more I talk to my daughter, I realize that she's like me but better. She has the potential to be better because I refuse to settle for anything less from her. I was worried with raising her without her father being in close proximity but I'm realizing we're doing fine. We have a village and although it's made of mostly women, I have awesome men as well who look out and who are genuinely concerned for both Li and Matthew( it does not replace her father but it eases my mind). 

I'm preparing to go back to school and as we talked about how our lives will change just a little, she reminded me, "Mommy I have your back and I'm so extremely proud of you". She also said, " I'm going to stay on you about getting your homework done and I'll keep Matthew quiet while you study". My heart was full. 

I also understand that sometimes, she's an ear hustler! Lol but it's ok because it keeps me on my toes with monitoring my conversations when she is in my presence. I try my best to live my life the same in front of her and behind closed doors, it's the only way. She said to me yesterday, "Mommy you are my best friend. I get it, you're my mom and you don't want to be my friend but sometimes I have so much fun with you". Just talking about her and watching her mature brings tears because there's been times where I wanted to give up but her love for me kept me going. 

Our 1st year in Georgia was hard. We moved twice within our 1st year. I never really talk about it but I questioned my move my 1st year. It was just the 2 of us literally. I didn't work the 1st 6months by choice. Once I started working and meeting ppl the load became lighter and I now know, it strengthened us and grew me up. 

Oh my babygirl Li, who will turn 12 in about 2months, I thank God for your life. I'm thankful that I get to look at you and watch you grow. Sometimes, I cannot believe how much you've grown since we moved to Georgia. My little girl who's now taller than me. I Love you my little Mooda Pie and although I'll never openly admit it, you're my best friend too. 

Signed, 

Simply Your Mom ❣❣❣

I don't want your Money..

Growing up, my brothers' friends were always at our house. I think we were the convient house of the neighborhood. Right across from the Community Center and everyone called my mother "Ma". 

As I became a little social bug, my friends also started to hang out at my house. I never understood why my mother never said "No", until I became a mother. 

I believe what we give may not come back directly to us in our lifetime but if we sow into good ground, our off spring will reap from the harvest. 

I'm the neighborhood mom that if someone is acting up at the bus stop, I'll get them together really quick. Last year we had crazy winter weather. I would be the mom to load the kids in my truck and drop them off at my daughter's school.  

I guess one would say I'm in the right business of serving Families( especially single parents, they have a special place in my heart). But I look at it this way, what I put out in the universe will benefit my children. 

I've learned to not always expect something in return but to genuinely give of my time however I can. 

This month alone, at least 6 of my friends have prepared their daughters to move into college. One in particular is veryyyyyy far from home ( but Aunti Nek got her covered). I've watched their moms cry and the dads say hey I'm just a phone call, drive or flight away. While the girls are ready to start new chapters in their new found independence, the challenge for the parents have now become, how will my child adapt to life without me( yup you read right lol).. 

I believe this is where what we've given to the world will now return to our children. I've committed to my friends and their daughters to be readily available to them. No, I cannot take the place of mom but if you need a home cooked meal, a visit to the mall or hair salon or just in need of a motherly figure, "I got you". We're only as strong as the village we help to build. 

Today my lovies, if you're a parent I challenge you to trust that what you've given to the universe will now give to your children. What you have sown may not be for you but a plenteous harvest for your children. I'm excited for all of our children's futures because I have some amazing people in my village. 

Signed, 

I Give because I Care