Sick and Shut In

This is day 3 of the 'Three Amigos' being at home sick. By now I feel like a caged animal waiting to run free. I couldn't wait for my husband to get home last night so I could go out and return library books and pick up some cleats for my son. That was the highlight of my day. Pathetic, I know. Handling the sick and shut in requires some creativity. Something other than videos or video games all day. Fresh air, imaginative play, reading, writing, drawing, coloring. I felt like I was homeschooling. Which isn't a bad idea, but not one I believe I'll be carrying out. So between the little ones we have strep throat, sinusitis, an upper respiratory infection, bronchitis and everyone has an ear infection and somehow Makinley got lucky and has it in both ears. Whoa-nelly! We spent the weekend battling high fever, body aches and vomiting. This has been quite the season of illness and germ sharing. I'm thankful that I'm not sick, nor is my husband or the teen queen. We are now fever free and everyone has had at least 3 doses of antibiotics. That is, after I took it back to the Pharmacy to be flavored because two threw it up and one refused to take it after the 1st dose.

I must share one really EXCITING thing that has transpired since we've been holed up in the house. Makinley has started going to the potty. Trust that we have been making it a MAJOR deal over here. The kids have been showering her with hugs, kisses, high fives, hand claps and dance parties. She's doing the potty dance and I'm doing the $I hope we can stop buying diapers soon dance$ I'm so excited and proud of her. I won't share the small incentive I've given her to continue this practice, but it's working and I'm knocking on wood and thanking God that she is continuing to do it.

I'm thinking tomorrow I'm a free woman. So I'll push the babies out of the nest, and have a few hours of free time to myself. Sleep is an option, hitting the gym would also be good, even better I can go to Barnes and Noble and tuck myself into a little corner and read my Nook uninterrupted. I'm getting excited just pondering the possibilities.

Mommy Card

What is a Mommy Card you ask? Have you ever been on a playdate and your child(ren) meet a new friend they'd like to see again? Or perhaps your at the local fun place and meet another Mom you'd like to connect with? A neat concept that has been around for a few years. I can't tell you the number of attempts I've made to exchange information without issue. Usually my hands are full and I can't find a pen or something to write on. Better yet, someone has to use the bathroom or is whining because they don't want to leave. A Mommy Card is a calling card for the Mommies of the world. We have one of the most important jobs not on the market. Vacation time and sick days have taken on a new meaning. I have been thinking about getting a Mommy Card created for quite some time now. Some of the ones I really like are way to pricey to justify, but trusty ole' Vista Print has come through once again. So watch out because you may see me on the street and I might hit you up with a 'BAM, my card' (a little 'In Living Color' throwback). Here are a few other reasons you might consider a Mommy Card:

Contact Info for Babysitter
Neighbors
Existing Friends (they are to cute not to share)
Holiday Card, Birthday Cards and Thank Yous
When dropping off your child @ someone's house for playdate or party
Just for Fun

And the list goes on.....

Venus Bolton
Mommy to Paris, Jalen, Mireya and Makinley

Sister Girls

My girls are 22 months apart. At a glance they look somewhat alike, but we are often asked if they are twins. I guess they could be fraternal twins if you look beyond the huge difference in height? Maybe it's the matching outfits? My motto lately has been 'why buy one cute outfit when you can get two?' I spend quite a bit of time doing damage control on 'why she has this and 'I don't' or 'I want to wear that too'. Dressing them alike does make that process simpler, cuts down on the fussing and I'll only get away with it for so long. I can get away with not dressing them alike, but inevitably someone is fussing that they want what the other one has on, especially dresses, shoes and pjs.

It's has gotten this way with toys too. Is it wrong to have two of most things or at least a variation for the sake of peace. On one hand, you've taken the emphasis away from the significance of sharing. However, it never fails someone is always playing with something the other is also interested in playing with. I'd rather buy the two $5 dolls and have peaceable play. If we happen to go to McDonalds, I specifically ask for the same girl toys if possible. So we have no fussing, crying or whining. We are also now in a Disney Princess phase. Everything Snow White, Jasmine, Tiana, Cinderella, not so much Mulan (although Jalen thinks she is cool), Ariel, and Sleeping Beauty. The other day we found the Sleeping Beauty Polly Pocket for Reya and of course Kinley wanted one too. She picked Princess Tiana. I thought we would have drama, but other than a few squabbles they've managed to work it out. The Disney Princess Encyclopedia is another story. Kinley can't even read but man she puts up a fight for this book. We currently have it on loan from the library. I'm holding out on this one for now, but I'll probably look for a good deal on ebay or Amazon as a birthday or Christmas gift for them both. I'm certain they will outgrow this, especially as their likes begin to change. Although Reya will likely remain the Princess. She inherited that gene from somewhere.

I was never like this with my sisters. Well there was one incident I distinctly remember. My sister had to get a shot and I remember crying and begging to get one too?! Talk about twisted sibling dynamics, what was I thinking? My sisters did dolls, and all that stuff. I was more inclined to be outside playing games, riding my bike or exploring my surroundings. If it was raining outside then you would likely find me playing dolls, house or an array of games we made up as kids. My girls love dressing up, having tea parties and playing dolls, but please make sure they can dress alike, play with the same doll and have a similar place setting @ the table. It guarantees a fun time for everyone, especially Mommy who can focus on something other than being a referee.

Balancing Family, Dreams & Goals

Being at home with my children is a joy. The common theme is "there is never a dull moment." They keep me laughing and on my toes. I blogged some time ago about my love for writing. I had an opportunity recently to work on a project featuring a collection of pieces from a group of contributing writers. It was really exciting to be a part of that process and see it all come together.

I'm claiming this will be the year of completion. This year I expect to complete a project I've personally been working on since the latter part of last year. The greatest challenge is finding the time to sit and write. It takes creativity, but I'm disciplining myself to put in the necessary time and work to get this done. In the meantime, I'm beginning to blog more. I was so passionate about starting this blog and just lost focus on keeping it current. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and see what's going on in our world. I've also started writing web based articles on Skin Care and Beauty.

b.k. (before kids) and before leaving Corporate America, my background was Information Technology. I went from Systems Administration, to Project Management, then meeting a husband in the workplace, and finally IT Management. Skin Care, Spa and Wellness has been my side hustle for over 15 years. It has afforded me the opportunity to meet with and talk to a lot of people about eliminating stress, taking care of their skin and making wellness a priority in their lives. I'm very excited through this new venture to have another platform to share my experience, opinions and knowledge.

This will be a balancing act for sure. I expect that in between potty training, playdates, ball games/lessons, baths and bedtime (and even after those little heads have laid down), I'll be working hard and putting in the time to see this goal become a reality.

Called & Qualified

Professional Speaker/Trainer, Writer, Wellness Consultant, Mommy, Wife, Individual. What a tag line and mouthful. I'm not one that is big on titles. Actually just use me and allow me to do the work and the recognition could never come and I'll be fine because I don't do or seek out things for acclaim. I met a dynamic young lady a few weeks ago and she changed my perspective on a lot of things. I shared with her that her time here ignited and propelled me to things I quite frankly should have already been doing or walking in. She talked about calling those things that are not as though they were. I know this scripture well, but only applied it to myself sparingly. We have to say it, believe it and put action to it. So yes I am all those things in the tag line. I am capable and qualified to be and consider myself every one of them.

I believe people are called or gifted to do certain things. Whether you consciously do anything in your life with those talents and gifts, they still exist within you. Lying dormant until you encounter something or someone that allows you for even the briefest of moments to be ignited to take action. I've been ignited. I can't go another day without doing the things that will move me toward the goals and destiny I've been called to. To my purpose. My heart is to love and serve others. To be a source of encouragement and support. I also know that many of the things I've gone through were not just for me but to bless and lift up others dealing with the similar issues or challenges. Isn't it awesome to know someone else that has been there, bought the t-shirt and survived. Some of the things I've encountered or endured I don't know how or why, but God does and he has kept his hand of protection on me and my life to share.

Everyone has a story to tell and an inspiration to share. A prophet told me over 2 years ago that he saw me going out and speaking to women all over. He also shared there were books in me that needed to be written. I've known this about myself for years. Fear can keep you treading in place and moving no where. I received this word and still did nothing. Within the last year the urgency to write and finish this project has consumed me, but still I've lingered. It's a new day and I expect to complete this project this year. I'm keeping myself accountable to this timetable. In the meantime I'm also enjoying blogging and writing web based articles on Skin Care and Beauty.

Professional Speaker/Trainer: Everyone who know me knows, I've never met a stranger and I love to talk. I'm passionate about connecting with people. I've had the chance to speak before so many people over the years. Whether it was an audience of one or a audience of a hundred. I've done a lot with women's groups and organization, schools, hospitals, small businesses and the list goes on. I also developed a program designed specifically for young ladies and teens. Toastmasters is a powerful organization that enhances and increase public speaking skills and leadership. I was very heavily involved in Toastmasters, helping to charter a new club and serving as the first President of that group. The time in my life will return where I'll find myself more active. For now I visit and participate in Special Events as I can.

I'm a Trainer at heart. I started working as a Trainer about 16 years ago for a property management company. Initially I was the Training Assistant and within a year was promoted to the Training Director. I handled every aspect of training for leasing, bookkeeping, the service departments and management personnel spanning across 24 properties in Richmond and North Carolina. This was one of the best jobs I ever had. You know the one you would do for free. I loved it. Prior to leaving Virginia to pursue big things in NYC, I had a chance to put my work on film for a Training Video the company used for new hires. Training re-entered my life during my IT days. I led, developed, and coordinated training for my teams, the corporate employees and the sales force on corporate initiatives, programs and our ever evolving technologies. I've led training sessions for models on dos & dont's, runway and the industry overall. I was also selected by a local mega-ministry to train and lead classes for new members based on Rick Warren's Membership model/module. Training is something I truly enjoy. I believe I've proven myself to be an effective trainer by capturing my audience and creating a fun and positive atmosphere. This environment keeps participants engaged and allows them to learn and retain information regardless of the topic.

I've worked in the Skin Care, Spa and Wellness arena for over 15 years. Going out into the community and showing people how to take care of their skin, look younger, eliminate stress and make wellness a priority. I've used the products I sell for over 16 years and they are undeniably the best on the market. I love being able to help clients address issues they are having with their skin, or to see someone give themselves permission to take a 'pause for the cause' in a Spa Session. It is very rewarding.

Wife and Mother are my greatest accomplishments and blessings. I have the most incredible husband. He makes me feel so loved and cherished. I don't know where I'd be without him (especially with all these little ones running around). We have found our groove, our balance and Team Bolton is in full effect. My children are a large part of my blogging, so we all know the fun and joy they bring on any given day. Each of their lives is truly a gift. That is a book in itself. We went through so much to hear those sweet little voices call us Mommy and Daddy. I pray often that the Lord allow me to be all he has called me to be as their Mom. The opposition was so great in having each of them come into this world.

Parallel to all these things I have to understand that I'm an individual. A individual with dreams, goals and aspirations. I can't be like the next person. I strive to be the best me I can be. Right now I'm in a great place and I'm just taking one step at a time to arrive at the at next place of greatness for me.

Update 2011

Everyone is asleep and I'm taking a few minutes to blog =) These last few months have been a whirlwind of activities, illness and simply growing up.

The household is just getting over our fair share of illness, along with the share of a few families on the block. We've gone from strep twice, to pneumonia twice, bronchitis, rhinitis, sinus and upper respiratory infections, viruses, breathing treatments to finally a week of reprieve. The last several weeks have turned our bathroom into a small pharmacy and our co-pays totaled over $400. I'm grateful that everyone is better this week and praying it will stay that way.

Watching the children get older implies that I'm getting old too. I keep telling myself and anyone else that will listen that "someone is getting older, but it's not me" that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Paris turned 18 in December. She works hard and has done a good job of maintaining her academics. This Senior Year is just flying by. Seems like school just started, yet there are only about 70 days left of school. Seniors pictures, cap and gown orders, yearbook and so on and so forth. The biggest tasks this year is applications, applications, applications. Paris hopes to play softball at the collegiate level. We've been getting quite a bit of interest of several schools for her to play on scholarship. College visits, decisions and choices. We are narrowing our options and by process of elimination getting closer to agreeing on what will be best for her. I can't believe my baby girl, my only girl for so many years will be graduating and going off to school. This realization has made me feel like everyday we have together is so precious, because the days will be arriving soon that she will not be here. That makes me very sad, but also happy for this next chapter of her life.

Jalen turned 6 in December. Kindergarten has been eye opening. Jalen is such a sweet boy. He is like his mother and is quite sensitive. His sensitivity extends to and through others. It's interesting that he is so much like me in this regard. Jalen had some struggles during those initial weeks with bullying (who knew this started in Kindergarten), and just transitioning. The difference a few months make. I'm convinced the issues he encountered early on were due to a few kids trying to find their place. In finding their place they acted out their anxieties on the kid who seemed the most caring, but that could be tormented a bit in the process. Jalen has come into his own. He is thriving and enjoying school. He also started Tae Kwon Do and really loves it. He exhibits some true leadership qualities. We continue to push him and in return he is showing us what he is made of. We are very proud of him.

Mireya will be 4 soon. She is our princess. Not sure how 'I' ended up with one of those. I was the furthest thing from it. A borderline tomboy that like to look cute. No dolls for me. All sports and fun activities. Somehow she got this princess gene. Mireya enjoys changing her clothes a million times a day. She prefers dresses. She really doesn't think anything other than a dress or skirt is 'cute.' She is very strong willed, but has very soft feelings. So you sort of have to watch, not so much what you say, but how you say it to her. She is a nurturer. She loves to take care of things and people. She is also the more reserved one of the bunch. It takes her a while to flow into a crowd because she is more observant and guarded. Mireya started dance a few months ago. She really loves it. She is so graceful, plus she gets to wear a cute skirt...so you know she is all about it.

Makinley is my ball of fire. She just turned 2 yesterday. This girl is rough and stuff, but she likes to be cute too. Kinley can run, roll and hang with her brother on one hand, then dress up, play dolls and have a tea party with her sister. She is literally growing up at a rapid pace before my eyes. Makinley is the one you have to watch. Unlike her brother or sister, she is ALWAYS in something. She typically operates in stealth mode, so more than the usual, you have to always know what she is doing. Otherwise you never know what destruction she is unleashing. If you can't see her or hear her, something is up. She definitely keeps us on our toes. Makinley loves her brother and sisters. I've dubbed the little ones 'The Three Amigos", but they all love and look up to their Big Sister Paris. Makinley started a dance class a few weeks ago. She is my "don't stop, get it, get it girl. The girl has rhythm, and loves music and to dance. It is so cute to watch the little ones out their incorporating fundamental skills with music and creative movement.

There is never a dull moment. Life remains full and fun. It's always better when we are all well and sharing love, instead of germs.

Get on Track Already

I've been so negligent! I need to get back on track with maintaining this blog. There is not a day in my house that something worthy of sharing or laughing at is not going on. I'm pledging to do better. So much has happened since my last post. Be on the look out for updates. My fingers are feeling froggy. Happy Saturday!!!