Reflections on 2014

As this is the last day of 2014 I reflect upon what this past year has been like for me and my family.  It has been a crazy year, but it has been a good year.  It has been a good year because of the simple fact that my family and I are alive and healthy.  We were blessed this year with the ability to experience life every single day that the sun rose this year.

Now I would be lying if I said everyday was perfect, because of course it wasn't.  I just don't believe that it is possible for everyday to live up to the unattainable perfection that we sometimes place upon ourselves.  But, everyday can be an adventure.  The adventure can end on a high note or a low note, but as long as you lived it was a good day.

We have had our share of struggles, but our triumphs outweigh anything bad that may have occurred in life.  This year my family and I got to spend a lot of quality time together and that is the most precious gift that we were blessed with in 2014.  We played games, visited family, explored every inch of the House of Mouse our feet would allow, we met new people, and we close out this year as the Gambles 5.

Are there things that I wish my family was able to do this year?  Absolutely.  Are there things I wish my family had?  Of course.  Am I sad that all my desires for myself and my family weren't realized?  No.  I am not sad because tomorrow is a new day and it is the start of a new year and with a new day and a new year brings new possibilities.  Most people believe that the start of a new year is a chance to start fresh; a chance to create new beginnings and new memories.  However, I believe that everyday that you wake up provides that opportunity.  Why wait for a new year to make a new memory, or to try and make a new start, or to meet new people, or repair relationships.  Those are all things that can be done in the here and the now.  I have learned the hard way that when you continue to wait to do something or make something happen that it may take a toll on you in a way that you did not expect.  It is a lesson that I take to heart and will try to reconcile within myself.  It will not be easy, and I will falter in the things I want to change as a result of this lesson and other lessons that I have learned, but I know that God is with me no matter what and that is what really matters.  I know that my husband and my kids and my family love me and support me no matter what and for that I will forever be blessed.

The year 2014 has afforded me the opportunity to do a lot of self-reflection.  It has afforded me the chance to experience things that not everyone in life gets to experience.  I reflect upon a year that has brought ups and downs, but has given me a beautiful journey to treasure.  That journey is called LIFE!!

I Love You Spring 1998: The Majestic Heirs of The 25th Legacy

Today is a special day because it marks my 16th Deltaversary. What is a Deltaversary? Well it is a day that members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated celebrate each year as the day they marched into Deltaland. Sixteen years ago today myself and 16 other amazing women became members of this amazing sisterhood and have been in the bond ever since. These women who I went through hell and high water with will always and forever have a special place in my heart.

I have learned many lessons from these women. I have learned that you can be a woman of faith and still be stylish and have fun. I have learned that it is ok to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. I have learned that you have to take life one day at a time. I have learned that there is nothing wrong with being a little selfish once in awhile and doing something for yourself. I have learned how to be a better woman and friend. I have learned more than you can possibly imagine and I know that as life goes on the lessons I will learn from my line sisters will continue.

Each one of my line sisters is accomplished in their own right. Some of them are very talented dancers, choreographers, and singers. Some are accomplished attorney's and health professionals. Then there are those who have chosen to help mold students of all ages as school administrators, guidance counselors, and college advisors. We even have an engineer, women who have worked on Capital Hill, and women who work for worthy non-profits. All 16 of the ladies that I call my line sisters mean something dearly to me; especially our fallen Angel Charmane.

Charmane was a very intelligent, accomplished, beautiful, stylish, and loving person. She had a smile that could light up a room. I remember road tripping with her, Aseelah, Nikki, and Erica to Tiffany's wedding. It was a blast and it is one of the trips I will never forget. I also remember when her, myself, and Nikki stayed up all day and night at FSU's Dance Marathon. We were tired as hell, but it was well worth it and yet another memory to cherish. This fallen Angel, and Dani, will always be remembered because they had so much still to give but we honor them everyday by remembering who they were and what they stood for.

When you become a member of Delta Sigma Theta you become a member of a great sisterhood, and as a Soror who came through Kappa Epsilon you have an even tighter bond with the other women who have had similar experiences, but your line sisters mean so much more. They are the women you have formed a special bond with that can never be broken. Before I came to Florida State I never really had a lot of female friends, much less close friends. The last really close friend that I had was in high school. Then I came to Florida State and was chosen to become a member of this illustrious sisterhood along with 16 other women and instantly gained sisters for life.

Are we all perfect? No of course not, but then again nobody is. Do we always get along? Again, no we don't and if we did that would make life a little boring and dull. I may not always like what some of them has to say either to me or someone else, but I value their opinions and feelings nonetheless. I think that I can honestly say that all seventeen of us are strong women with strong opinions about many things and that can often create a little friction, but if you were always around people of the exact same mindset as you then you would never grow and you would never change, and these women have helped me to do that.

Change has always been hard for me. Even though change is good, for me it is still hard. Each one of these women at some point in my life has supported me through major and minor changes and even coaxed me into making changes for the better. Like the decision to move. Many of them have been telling me for years that I needed a change and my husband and I should move out of Tallahassee. Well, I didn't listen for many years but we finally made a move to the Central Florida area and it feels good. My line sisters, as usual, were right.

The picture above was the pictoral tribute my front, Wendy, created for our line last year on our 15th Deltaversary. These women have been there through birth's, marriages, job changes, death's, and so much more. I know that our bond can only get stronger if we continue to confide in one another, open up to one another, and love one another. Of course everyone has someone they talk to more often than others, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, at our core we remain the same. At our core we remain smart, talented, strong, independent, beautiful, stylish, fun-loving, creative, amazing, and extraordinary women. I could go on and on about these women because they mean so much to me and I will tell each of them individually how I feel because they are part of my heart. But for now let me say that the world should continue to look out for The Majestic Heirs of the 25th Legacy because the KE Spring 1998 line is not done yet!! Happy Deltaversary Wendy, Yeura, Brischelle, Chantina, Tiffany, Raishell, Erica, Charmane (our fallen Angel), Dechauna, Rasheedra, Alero, Kim, Morneque, Aysha, Nikki, and Aseelah. I love you all and I wish you all of the happiness and success that your heart and hand can hold.

Easter: What is it about? What do you do?

The holidays are a terrific time to gather with loved ones and celebrate special occasions. This past weekend people across the United States celebrated Easter, or as many have come to call it: Resurrection Sunday. The purpose for celebrating this holiday is to honor the sacrifice that Jesus made for all mankind. He gave his life and died on the cross so that all sins could be forgiven. Over the years families have developed their own traditions for this special holiday and even intertwined some secular events with the holy day. For example: the Easter bunny, Easter egg hunts, and every child's favorite the Easter basket.

There are some who may not engage in the secular portions of the holiday for one reason or another, but primarily for religious reasons. Just because a parent gives their child an Easter basket or takes them to an Easter egg hunt does not mean they don't believe in the sacrifice Jesus made. They are simply allowing their child to engage in something fun that brightens their day. There is nothing wrong with letting a child have some fun and some treats as long as you also make sure they understand the reason for celebrating.

Of course every parent must make their own choice. But, do not prevent a child from Easter egg hunts if you still put up a Christmas tree. Do not refuse to give them an Easter basket if you let them dress up and go trick or treating on Halloween. My husband and I have chosen to allow our kids to participate in all of these things, but we also make sure that our kids understand the reason for celebrating every holiday and that they know what is most important is being with loved ones. So remember next time you think about what you do to celebrate Easter, or any other holiday, always remember your reason for celebrating; but don't be so high and mighty that you can't have a little fun too.

Update on Life

My last post was in December 2013 and a lot has changed since then.  Most importantly my family and I have made the move to the great city of Orlando.  Orlando is one of my favorite places to visit and now I live here.  So instead of travelling all the time to a vacation spot I live in a vacation spot so that means I can staycation; which will be just as much fun.  My kids have transitioned well and next year my daughter will finally be starting Pre-K.  The hubby is liking his new job.  It is stressful, but he loves it just the same.

The things I don't like between Orlando and Tallahassee are the fact that I spend more time in a car because it takes longer to get everywhere.  I also do not like the tolls.  After awhile I will be adjusted to the distance between point A and B and the tolls will become part of life.  However, the trade-off living in a bigger city is the amount of things to do.  I love that there is so much to do here and that there are other families and couples in the area that we can hang out with.

I can see many great adventures in the future for the Gambles 5 and I look forward to writing about them all.

Don't Forget the Everyday Moments

Recently I have been caught up in a massive personal project creating my Vision Book.  It includes my 40 Before 40 list as well as my Life Bucket List.  Well this morning I was sitting with my daughter and I realized that it doesn't matter how many truly awesome and inspiring things I do and want to do if I don't remember those everyday moments.  For example, this morning my daughter and I were drinking tea and hot cocoa on the floor while watching the Disney film The Aristocats.  Before that we sat and read a couple of stories (well I read because she is 4 and can't read yet).  She sat in my lap and listened and was so excited.  It was a moment of realization for me.  I will continue to work on my Vision Book, but I must stop every now and then and relish in those everyday moments that make up life.

The everyday moments of life, much like the Everyday Awesomeness of God that I wrote about in my last post, are what get us through life.  They take us from minute to minute, hour to hour, day to day, month to month, and year to year.  Everyday moments can sneak up on you when you least expect it.  Some of these moments hit you right in the face.  Whether you create these moments intentionally or these moments just create themselves, always keep them close to your heart.

Everyday Awesomeness of GOD

Image Credit: Ramblings from Real Man's Land

This morning I posted a Facebook status update that said: "God is awesome...enough said."  There were a few likes but some one on one questions to me also asking what happened or what was new with me and my family.  The answer is nothing.  I was feeling at peace and just simply wanted to make the post because it was on my heart.  It got me to thinking about the times when people post status updates praising God.  There are some who post updates praising him in response to a specific good thing that has happened in their life or praising him letting people know that their storm will not last forever.  But, what about simply praising the everyday awesomeness of God.

God created the heavens and the Earth and everyday you wake up to see the beauty of this world is a blessing.  Everyday you have another chance to live this thing called life you should praise the awesomeness of God because he is the reason for everything.  God created you and he made you who you are.  He gave you a purpose and while you may not yet know what that purpose is you do have one.  Whether you choose to embrace that purpose or put it off is your choice, but God always has a reason for everything.

Even when you are in the midst of a storm you can assume there is a reason.  It could be to purge your life of things you didn't need in the first place.  It could be to force you to make a change in your life that you have either talked about or God has shown you.  It could be to get you to develop a closer relationship with God.  Whatever the reason it always turns out for the best if you believe in him and ultimately have faith.

So whether there is something good happening in your life right now, or whether you are in the midst of a storm, or whether it is just an ordinary day remember to praise the awesomeness of God!!

Vision Board & Vision Book

(Image Credit: Avram and Nikki [Team Have It ALL!]- Empower Network)

I have been attending Life Without Limits International Church in Tallahassee, Florida.  Our Pastor is Jimmie Baker.  There was a church-wide project to create a Vision Board.  What is a Vision Board you may ask?  Well a Vision Board is where you take a poster-board or other type of medium and create a vision for your life.  Members of the church created these boards and had a party to share their Vision Boards with everyone.  One of the purposes for doing this was accountability?  Accountability to who?  Well the vision is that we are all accountable to each other and accountable to God.  By creating our vision and sharing it we prompt others to encourage their fellow members to do what is needed to take their vision from the board to reality.

Sadly I came into it late and was not able to take part, but today in service the teen members of the church who create Vision Boards themselves shared their vision for their own life with the congregation.  It got me to thinking about my own life and if a teenager can create a vision for their life and commit to it then so should I.  When I started to think about what my own Vision Board would look like I realized that I had so many things I wanted to include in my Vision Board that they simply would not fit onto one piece of 22 x 28 piece of poster board.  Then a light bulb went off in my mind and I decided instead of creating a Vision Board I would create a Vision Book.

What will my Vision Book include?  Anything I want.  When will I be done with it?  Whenever I feel that I have included everything that I have had a vision for.  What is the purpose?  To take up the challenge set forth by my Pastor and the church and create a vision for my life that I write down and share with others.  Creating a Vision Board or a Vision Book is a monumental task because it requires dedication and self-reflection.  It requires a person to look at their own life to see if they are living up to the vision they have set for themselves and that has been set for them by God.  Quite simply it requires commitment.  I don't know what my Vision Book will look like or how much detail it will hold, but I feel inspired to do what I have been called to do (whatever that may be) and am committed to writing it down.  I will share my vision with my family, my friends, and my God.  I may even share it with the world.  Stay tuned.

Random Acts of Kindness

(Image Credit: The Carla Davis Show Website)

What is a random act of kindness?  A random act of kindness is a selfless act that one person performs for another or for a group of people in an effort to just show pure kindness, assist them, or cheer them up.  I first heard the term from Oprah Winfrey and then after doing a little bit of research I found out that the term was actually first coined by author Anne Herbert who wrote the quote "practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty" on a place mat at a restaurant back in the 1980's.  I was inspired to write this post by a sorority sister of mine, Miwako Story, who is on day 19 I believe in her quest to perform 40 acts of kindness in 40 days leading up to her birthday, a day that we share so I affectionately call her my birthday twin.

(Image Credit: Empower Network)

I have been so inspired by Miwako's efforts that I have decided when my birthday comes I will begin my own quest to perform 38 random acts of kindness in honor of my 38th birthday.  Some people may be wondering how can you perform 38 different acts of kindness or even 40.  There may even be some who think it is crazy or may want to do it themselves but think it will be too much money.  Well I am here to tell you that it does not take a lot of money; in fact it really doesn't take any money at all.  An act of kindness can be something as simple as holding a door open for someone or even putting coins in a parking meter that has expired.  The whole point is just to show kindness to another person or group of people.

(Image Credit: The Random Act Project)

When I had the idea to write this post and even started asking the question of myself about what kind of acts I would perform I did a little research on the web and found out that random acts of kindness is a big deal.  I even came across a couple of foundations whose mission is devoted to spreading the word about the value of random acts of kindness: The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation and Random Acts.  I also found several articles and blog posts devoted to random acts of kindness and ideas for performing your own RAK (random act of kindness).  There is even World Kindness Day on November 13th and Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Week taking place February 10-16, 2014.

(Image Credit: Persona Designs)

There are so many opportunities to perform random acts of kindness and there are so many things that you can do.  You just have to be willing to step out there and make it happen.  I encourage everyone to take a moment and get into the spirit, even if it is only for one day because it will warm your heart and make someone else feel good at the same time.  For all of those who have already dedicated time and energy, like Miwako Story, to performing random acts of kindness I say thank you for the inspiration and keep doing what you are doing because even the smallest act can make the biggest difference.

What Do You Do When You Can't Sleep?

(Image Credit: The Sleep Council)

I woke up a little after 4:00 am this morning and could not get to sleep.  Instead of just lying in bed trying to force myself to do something that I couldn't do I figured that I would have some fun on the internet and then do something productive.  I logged on the Facebook and checked out my news feed.  I went onto oDesk in search of some writing jobs.  I checked out my page at YCN.  Then I decided to write this blog.  Inspired by Eugene Hennie who posted one time about not wasting your energy by just lying around.  I don't remember if it was a blog, a comment on Facebook, or when he said it but I know I got it from him.  It was a brilliant idea.  Without that thought in my mind I would have just been lying in the bed staring at a dark wall since the lights are all off and I should be asleep.  I have accomplished a little bit in this time that I have been up but it has also made me realize that I have so much more to do.  I have to start writing again.  I have to start making connections again.  Hell, I have to just start living again.  This is something my husband tells me all the time, and believe it or not Malcolm somewhere in my mind your thoughts and your words are always with me.

In less than 2 hours daylight will start to break and I will probably still be awake thinking about a million things.  It is hard to actually get real sleep when you have so many thoughts on your mind.  My thoughts range anywhere from what I am going to fix for breakfast, to what I want to do with my kids during spring break, to how we will celebrate the holiday's and everything in between.  Blogging about these thoughts gives me peace of mind because instead of holding it all in I get to actually write it down and maybe my thought process will help someone out in the future.  Well it is time to go now and hold my youngest mini-me but I leave you with this thought; sleep is a precious commodity so don't waste it.  And, if you can't sleep then don't waste your most valuable precious non-renewable resource and that is time!!

Happy Father's Day Malcolm

On February 23, 1995 I met the man who would eventually become my husband and the father of my children.  We dated on and off for seven years before we married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony before God, our family, and our friends.  It was a long time coming and the adventures we have shared together since then have been wonderful.

We drove to San Antonio and walked through the caverns.  We went to dinner on a boat floating through a river that ran between a shopping area.  We visited the historical site at The Alamo and we even went to a drive-thru safari (yes you heard me right) where we had a zebra come up to our car and were close enough to an animal with large horns that could have punctured a hole through our car.  We went to the Essence Festival and saw some great shows.  We have been ice skating and attended dinner shows together.  We went to the Alpha Centennial in D.C. in 2006 and we even drove all the way to Washington, D.C. with 2 kids for the first Obama Inauguration in 2009.

Out of all the things we have done the greatest adventure we have enjoyed together has been parenthood.  As parents we are both a work in process because as a parent you are constantly learning.  Even though we are both still learning one thing I know to be true is that you are a GREAT father.

When our first child, Malcolm II, was born you were the first to hold him, you strapped him into the car seat for his ride home, and you tended to him in a very loving and caring way.  Since his birth you have attended his soccer games, praised him for all his academic accomplishments, shown him what it means to be a big brother, and let him know that it is okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them.

When our second child arrived just 15 months after the first you walked him around the hospital, dressed him in his coming home outfit, strapped him in for his first car ride, and slept with him on your chest.  Since then you have coached his soccer team, praised him for excellent success in school, shown him how to box (in a safe and kid friendly way), and let him know that it is okay to have a lot of energy as long as you channel it into something positive that makes you feel good.

Our third child was your birthday gift in 2009 as she was born on November 20th, the same day as you.  She slept on your chest in the hospital chair, you got her dressed in her coming home outfit, and you strapped her in for her first car ride home.  Since then you have attended a father/daughter dance, went to her first dance recital (even though she didn't make it on stage), and turned her into daddy's perfect princess with a perfect smile.

Since our first was born on August 5, 2005 you have shown everyone what it means to be a father.  Anyone can have a child but real men raise their children and that is what you do every single day.  You are there with them through the good times and the bad.  You shield them from the hurt whenever you can and you sacrifice for them every single day.  You take them to the park, you take them fishing, you go on walks together, you play wrestling in the living room, you fix meals for them, and you love them like they are the center of your world.  You show them that it doesn't take money to be happy or to have a good time.  As long as you have your family and you are together then life is always good; and that is a lesson that everyone should learn.  My heart is overjoyed every time I see you with them not because you make them happy but because I know that God has blessed them with the best man that can teach them about life.  You show our boys not just through your words but through your actions what it is to be a real father and a real man.  You show our daughter how she should be treated and loved by a man and you always give her a reason to shine.  You protect our children with every fiber of your being.  I am blessed to call you my husband and I am thankful that God has made you the man that you are so you can be an example for our children.  I love you.  HAPPY FATHERS DAY MALCOLM!!

I Really Don't Know

(Image credit: Muscogee Moms)

I started to write this post today because I had not written in awhile.  I had all these different ideas about what I wanted to or should write about and then it hit me; I really don't know what I want to write about.  Is that a good thing or a bad thing?  I believe that sometimes it is a good thing because it allows a person to just be free and write down whatever words come to their mind or what ever thoughts are in their heart.  This is a time when you can get some of the most true and honest writing ever.  Why?  The reason is you are not held to a specific topic or being constrained by what you think you have to do.  You are just letting it all flow through your fingertips, to the keyboard, and onto a screen where it will eventually be read by someone.  Hopefully someone other than you.  But remember even if no one other than you reads your post you should still be happy with it because it came from you.  It is a part of you and no one can take that away.  There will be times when you may write something and then ask yourself why you wrote it; well that is all a part of life.  We are not perfect and we all make mistakes.  The only perfect being does not physically reside on this Earth, but his spirit is all around us.  I am grateful for these moments he gives me of uncertainty because it is in these moments that I have some of my greatest life revelations.

It is in moments like this that I have realized at times I have been a total idiot and at times in my life I have even been a total b****.  Do I intend on this, well of course not.  But does it happen, well of course it does.  And, I am woman enough to admit that there have been times in my life when I have done it on purpose.  For example, if someone is really annoying me or I really dislike them I have found myself looking for a reason to approach them and be the biggest pain that I can be.  Well that is not very womanly of me, but it has happened.  When it does happen I have to catch myself before-hand if possible.  If I do not catch myself before-hand then I have to do some self-reflection to see why I was brought to that point in the first place and then I am able to correct myself inward and move on.

It is in moments of uncertainty that I have also had some of my greatest ideas and thoughts.  It is in moments of uncertainty that I have realized what I really want to do at times.  I may not always know how I want to go about doing those things, but I know that I want it.  For example, right now in my life I know that I am ready for a fresh change and a new perspective.  Where that will lead me no one knows except God, but it has to lead to something great otherwise it would not weigh so heavily on my heart.  I look forward to the journey ahead, even if I do not know all of the steps that I will take to get there.  I thank God for each moment he gives me and I am blessed to be able to share each and every one of those moments with a loving husband and three beautiful children.  Life  and family is an adventure.  I really don't know what we will experience, but as long as we experience it together then life will always be grand.

Spring Break Chronicles 2013 - Day 6

Day 6 was Thursday and you know what they say, the family that plays together stays together.  The Gambles family loves to play together and have fun.  This was the first day that we did not watch any TV or play any games when we woke up.  We all ate breakfast, and cereal was the choice of the day.  We all chatted while we ate and after that got dressed and ready to leave the house.  Today we were taking a family field trip together to the Challenger Learning Center.  As it states on their website, "The Center is the K-12 outreach facility of the Florida A&M University - Florida State University College of Engineering and uses aerospace as a theme to foster long-term interest in math, science, engineering and technology; create positive learning experiences; and motivate students to pursue higher education and careers in these fields. "  They have a space mission simulator; which  we have not had the pleasure to enjoy yet, an IMAX theatre, and a planetarium/digital dome theatre.  We were  going to see a show in the Digital Dome Theatre called Perfect Little Planet.

When we first got there we had to find parking so the patriarch of the family dropped off myself and the boys and went to find parking.  While we waited for him to park and come meet us, along with the youngest member of the family, we picked up our show tickets and then the boys played outside by the fountain.  They had an urge to try and pull pennies out of the fountain, but I persuaded them to throw one in instead.

Finally, my daughter and husband met us in front of the Challenger Learning Center, but it was for a brief moment.  I had our change and he had to walk back to put quarters in the parking meter.  After all, we would hate to get a ticket from the meter maid.  While we waited my daughter got into the act of playing by the fountain.

After we watched our show we walked around The Center for awhile and  then left to head towards the park.  We went to our favorite spot, Tom Brown Park.  The kids played on the playground for awhile before we decided to take our usual hike through the woods.  We generally walk to this lookout point where they have a covered bench for you to sit on.  The view is amazing and it is very peaceful.

 On the walk back the boys always like to play with whatever is along the trail.  This time they saw a tree that appeared to be partially uprooted and thought they could uproot it the rest of the way.  We had a talk about leaving things in nature and how even things that die in nature can be useful to the living plants and trees around them.  After that they decided to walk away and leave the tree in the ground.

My daughter ended up in her usual spot towards the end of our walk, and that was on her daddy's shoulder's.  We try to walk away when she starts pushing to jump on his back, but she is very persistent and always wins in the end.

 

When we got home I mentioned that we might want to get some wood ready because it was going to be a cooler night.  The hubby tried the small electric saw but that piece of wood was thick and it said no.  We had to find another alternative to try and split the wood.

 Option #2 was to use good old-fashioned elbow grease.  So he took a mini-sledge hammer and end piece of an axe, positioned it in the right spot, and started pounding away.  Eventually both of the boys got into the act and took a swing at the wood.  After awhile the battle between humans and wood yielded a win for Team Gambles and the wood was split into three useful pieces for the fireplace.  It is hard to believe that you would need to use a fireplace in Florida in March, but stranger things have happened.

The end of day ended in the typical way, and by now you know what that is.  Dinner, movies, and a lot of fun; all done the Gambles way.

Spring Break Chronicles 2013 - Day 5

Wednesday was day 5 of spring break and it was decided we would take a little outing in nature today.  Day 5 started off with the usual breakfast, morning movie, and playtime.  There was a slight break in the morning routine this day because my oldest had a dentist appointment.  I took him to his appointment while the other two stayed home with daddy.  I am not sure what they did while they were home but I am sure they had a good time.

When we got back home I noticed that the boats we made the previous day were in the trash can.  I guess a day of floating around in our bathtub was enough.  We spent the afternoon in the typical Gambles fashion: lunch, playtime, reading, and a little bit of Pokemon.  After awhile we made the younger two get dressed so we could go to the park.  The park of choice today was one that is more situated in the woods.  The kids got to play on the playground and then we went for a walk on the trail.  This park's trail is a little different because there is a bridge that goes over a small body of water.  The crazy thing is that before you step foot on the bridge there is a sign that states there was once an alligator spotted in the water so be careful and it warned you not to feed an alligator if you saw it.  Now I don't know about you, but I seriously doubt that I would come anywhere close enough to an alligator to feed him unless he was drugged, tied down, and certified knocked out.  He won't get me or my babies.  Although I suspect that my boys would have the urge to inch as close as they could get if they saw one.  They are already talking about being like the Kratt Brothers in Be The Creature and living in nature to study bears, and other animals.  They have even taken to eating pieces of the wheat grass in our fridge.

While we were on our walk we saw turtles in the water, the reason we went to this particular park in the first place.  I forgot the cereal to feed them with, but had some other snacks in the car I was willing to part with so we could give the turtles some goodies.  It was interesting seeing them all head towards the food once it was dropped in the water.  There was a little competition with some of the fish, but for the most part the turtles got the bulk of it.  While gazing at the turtles we even saw a fight.  One turtle was flapping their flippers at another trying to turn them in a certain direction.  Not sure why, but that was a first for us.  After feeding the turtles we continued on our walk.  Unfortunately it got cut short because we felt it start to sprinkle so we headed back towards the car.

On the walk back to the car we noticed some trees right next to the parking area bearing fruit.  I have never known what these fruits were called, but I remember when I was younger having a tree by the street almost in between our house and the neighbors that we used to pick them from and eat them.  We did the same thing with this tree in the park.  It was a nice sweet little treat before departing.  We went home and enjoyed the rest of our afternoon and evening together in the typical Gambles fashion.    As spring break rages on we will continue to enjoy every minute.  As stated in previous posts, the Gambles are as thick as thieves and I wouldn't have it any other way!!

Spring Break Chronicles 2013 - Day 4

By now it is safe to say that each morning of spring break starts off the same way.  We all wake up, get our bodies going, we eat, maybe a morning movie, and then perhaps play a little bit before lunch and an afternoon of fun.  Tuesday was Day 4 of spring break and it brought out the crafty side in all of us.  Last week I purchased some paper plates for the sole purpose of using them for crafts and today we used some of them.  First the kids cut out holes in the middle of some plates and made hats for everyone in the family.  The youngins wore theirs for a little bit while I wore mine all day long.  Next we made pictures with the plates.  After we all made pictures the kids decorated some plates that would be turned into tambourines.  Once decorated I placed dry beans between the two plates and stapled them together so the kids could become musicians.

After the crafts with the paper plates myself and the boys made some boats using egg cartons.  Each one of us had a different kind of boat and they were tested in the bathtub.  They floated pretty well.  It was a lot of fun.  It may seem silly to some, but we enjoyed using our creative minds and just letting the well of ideas flow.

Malcolm II showing off his boat with a mast made from a pencil, a flag sail made from paper, and a wheel made from cardboard and a Popsicle stick.

Malik showing off his motor boat that has a shell for the seat and an x-shaped motor on the back

The family boats floating in the bathtub.

After crafts we just let the rest of the day flow as it wanted to.  We didn't make any plans.  We played outside, we watched movies, we read books, and fell asleep in our usual way by watching movies together as a family.  Every minute that I have to spend with my family is a blessing.  I have learned from my husband to try and let the day flow and just be free.  I don't always listen, but when I do the best things happen and the greatest memories are created.  The Gambles Five continue to enjoy our spring break together and we will continue to look back on the memories for years to come.