My Connections to Play

Play, Play, Play........ Have you played today?

Growing up all I can remember was playing. Being raised in the city, most of my play was in the  home. I would make my mother and aunt play store. I was always the cashier. I would also dress up play dress up and have a fashion show when my cousins would come over. This is a picture of my two girls playing dress up.

 Coloring and drawing were my favorite things to do. Although my parents brought me many toys to play with but I never really liked to play alone unless is was with my Barbies and my dollhouse. This is a picture of my girls dollhouse. Mine was not quite as big. I held on to it until I was far in my teenage years. At my dad's house, him and I would ride bikes, play at the playground and work on cars. Although we were engaging in fun, it was also our bonding time.

 

 

  I am a only child but I have hundreds of cousins. We would gather at my grandparents house on many occasions. They lived on a farm with more than 50 Acers of land and it was near the water. We would go outside and play for hours. Some of the things I remember doing was playing hide and seek, red light green light, tag, rely racing, catch, dodge ball, monkey in the middle, and baseball. We would climb trees, go fishing, catch insects, and make something out of anything.

 

 

 

This is my daughter playing with butterflies that we watched grow and set free. I too love to catch butterflies.

 

My cousins and I didn't let the weather stop us. We would play in the rain and jump in mud puddles as long as it was not lightening. When it was snowing we would build snowmen, make snow angels, go sliding with anything we could find around the yard and have snowball fights. When nightfall came we would catch lightening bugs, make campfires and sit around them with marshmallows  and tell stories. In my grandparents house, we would play board and card games. Believe it or not we still do many of the things listed above today. My grandparents are no longer living but we still meet at their house regularly for great food, entertainment and most of all playing.

 

 

I think my family as a whole played a vital role in how I played. Because I come a extremely large family and even tough I am an only child, I can not pin-point one person in particular. My mother and father always supported play. They separated when I was two but remained friends and raised me accordingly. At the age of three, I was placed in a learning center. This was not the norm for children my age and background but my parents felt that this was the best place for me to grow, learn and play. Other friends and family my age were either at home or at the babysitters until they were old enough to attend school.  I felt my mom and dad were always in tune when it came to how and what I did whether it was sports, music, or just hanging with friends. Being around so many cousins who were older and younger than me also was important in how I played. We got into fights, took turns sharing, expressed our feelings and opinions, listened to each other, cried together, and laughed often. These things were all imperative ways that supported my playing and developed  me into the playful teacher and mother that I am today!

Always remember................

 



 

 

 

 

 

Relationship Reflection

Ever since I can remember, I have been building strong and positive relationships. I owe all the credit to my family. Meet my mother, she  is one of sixteen.

Yes sixteen!!! (four are deceased)

They all get along and love one another unconditionally. On occasion they may argue or disagree but always make up.My grandparents were amazing people. They instilled in their children that it is vital to stay connected and have each others backs.  My mother is one of my best friends. Ruth and I do everything together! We currently work together. Her and her sister (Pat) own and operate a day care center. I love my job because surrounded by family and co-workers whom have become family. We all want to best for the children and work hard as a team to ensure that this happens.

This photo of my coworkers/family was taken last Halloween!

 

 My father (photo'd above with my children) is the oldest out of his siblings. His name is Leonard but everyone calls him "Lenny." My dad is AWESOME!! (My friends will get that!)  My parents separated when I was two years old. Although I lived  with my mother. My dad was very active in my life. I am truly a "daddy's girl" and would not have it any other way. My father is my biggest cheerleader! His motto is "Life is good."  He is my outlet. I can call or go and visit him and we can talk for hours. Lenny has a sister and two brothers. His father passed away when is ten but I remember the times he would pick me up and we would just hangout. My grandfather always worked but he found the time to bond with me and build a relationship that I will never forget. My dad's mother is the only grandparent I have left and boy is she an amazing women! After church today, my children and I gave her a visit. She greeted us at the door with big hugs and kisses. She is probably one of the first people I developed a relationship with.

Taken today at Grandma's

Last but my least, my friends! They are the true definition of friendship. We have grown together, supported each other, cried on shoulders, laughed uncontrollably, and vaction frequently together. Many people say that a true friend is hard to come by, well I'm blessed to call several people mine. The friendships that I have with them are all different but we all trust and loved each other unconditionally.

This picture was taken last year at my birthday weekend celebration!

As I look forward, I want to set a good example for my children of what it is to be a true friend. I want them to know that everybody that they might think is their friend may not be. I also want them to  able to tell the difference.

Meet my trio: Ashton/7, Cailah/6, & Courtney/2

 

Their father and I meet in High School but didn't date. I ran back into him about ten years ago and we have been together ever since. Next year we are getting married and I cant wait. Our friendship is very genuine. Him and I know that we are role models for our children so we act and communicate accordingly.

 

Through the years I have come across some people that called themselves my friend but instead they tried to use me or hold me back for their own personal advantages. These type of people only made me stronger and if I didn't have them in my life at some point to show me how to not be that type of friend, I would not be the women I am today!