Only The Beginning

Well here we are, December 31st, 2009. Most people are around celebrating a year that is ending. For some this is the end of a decade. (This is up for debate in a lot of circles, whether or not there is one more year to go in the decade or not.) For some, the pledge to change what they do in the new year. So I ask myself, how do I view this day? As I have matured I see this day as another one granted by God that I am thankful for.

A lot of people I know are about to get dressed and head to New York City..the city of bright lights, the city that NEVER sleeps. They are going over there to see the big ball drop in Times Square. Daddy, however, is going to kiss the girls and then head down to the House of God to bring in the new year as my ancestors did, in prayer.

(This next bit is for C.J., I have to make sure she is educated on why we do things.) The Watch Night Services in Black communities that we celebrate today can be traced back to gatherings on December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve." On that night, Blacks came together in churches and private homes all across the nation, anxiously awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation actually had become law. Then, at the stroke of midnight, it was January 1, 1863, and all slaves in the Confederate States were declared legally free. When the news was received, there were prayers, shouts and songs of joy as people fell to their knees and thanked God. Black folks have gathered in churches annually on New Year's Eve ever since, praising God for bringing us safely through another year. It's been 141 years since that first Freedom's Eve and many of us were never taught the African American history of Watch Night, but tradition still brings us together at this time every year to celebrate "how we got over”.

Now with that said, I will reflect on this year of trials, tribulation, triumphs and defeats and all I can say is, "We serve an awesome God and through it all He brought me through." I thank Him for all the good times. I thank Him for all the bad times. I thank Him for putting up with me in spite of me. I adore Him and lift my hands in adoration. I praise Him with a voice of triumph and I worship Him with all I am. Most of all I thank Him for the baby he blessed my home with at 1:17am on August 7th, 2009. She has helped bring a change in me that was very much needed.

Honestly that is all I have to say today. The clock will strike twelve, and guess what, 60 seconds later all the hoopla will be gone. The year 2010 will be a minute old. The one thing I pray is that this minute, the next, today, and if God sees fit tomorrow, my steps, C.J.'s steps and my families steps are ordered in the word of God, and that His will is the only one governing our lives. WITH GOD 2010 will be AWESOME!

As I go, I have a list of people who have solicited prayer tonight. As I always say, we know that prayer changes things and people. Whatever it is these people need I am turning it over to God to handle. The same with my life...do God what you want. Lead me and I will follow. Lead those that have solicited to the place you would have them to be. To my readers, always remember to pray because prayer, even today, still changes things.

Slobber

If it is one thing I have yet to adjust to with C.J., it is her slobber. When she was a new baby it was not bad. However, now C.J. creates slobber. Some say it is because she is teething. You are all wrong, my girl produces it. She loves to keep her hands in her mouth, which in turn, brings the slobber. The problem is that she makes her slobber take up residence on Daddy...on my face, arm, hand, shirt, pants and the floor. Today she had wet me so badly that I had to pass her off to Mommy.

Now I love my child America but this slobber can lead to problems. I can already see it. Daddy is running late for church while holding C.J. and then it comes, all on my suit jacket or on my tie. Then I have to change what I am wearing and be late for church. So I told C.J. tonight that I am going to create a baby retainer for her so she can hold that slobber in a little bit.

So C.J. is teething. We have some sleepless nights ahead because she already is restless during the day. One thing I noticed today is that C.J. always has her eye on me. It made it click for me even though I already knew this but today sealed the deal. I am her model and whatever I do she will think is correct. So I have to make sure I walk properly, talk properly and act properly so she always has her eyes on a great example of not only a man but a person.

One more day in the year 2009, God is truly GREAT and AWESOME! When I think of all He has done for me just thinking about 2009 would not do justice. 2009 was great! He blessed me with C.J. and entrusted her to my care. However what is in store is even greater!

Things Happen

Today was an interesting day. We woke up at about nine (oh how I am loving this), watched Maury of course, and then got dressed. All we had to do was make a routine trip to the doctor's office. Today it was for Mommy. Now you have to understand that it was freezing outside and the wind was vicious, which made it seem colder than it was. C.J. is all bundled up and we headed outside. This is when the day goes bad. Of course I look ahead as we walk towards the car and notice the truck has a flat tire. Just my luck. I already need to fix a bumper, the front windshield, and some other minor things and now this. Thank God we have another car that was available to use. I did not want to have my babies, C.J. and Mommy, out in the cold.

So the day was not too bad; we just had to make some adjustments. C.J. and Daddy had a good day together. Tonight was Daddy's night to give C.J. her bath. My objective was to stay dry. Her objective was to splash as much water onto Daddy as possible. I am proud to announce that Daddy was successful tonight and remained bone dry. I will admit it is funny to see her kick the water all over the place and then snicker, but I was not having it tonight. I stuck to my guns and won the fight.

Today C.J. learned a valuable lesson. She was taught that she cannot always have things her way. C.J. prefers to eat and then be changed. Daddy has bought into this process. Mommy, on the other hand, chooses to do the exact opposite, which annoys the heck out of C.J., so of course she wines and cries. I know you all probably expect me to have sided with the kid, but I did what any other good daddy would do. I used this as a teachable moment and explained to C.J. that things will not always go her way, and when they do not, she can not yell, kick and scream. After I educated my Princess, I did what any great father would do for his daughter. I picked her up and consoled her. All Mommy could do was smile and shake her head.

So the day started off good, went a little sour, then ended with C.J. falling asleep in my lap soundly. Tomorrow the objective is to fix the flat tire, fix the light and get the truck back up and running so C.J. and Mommy can ride comfortably. So as I go, I solicit your prayers as I always do because we all know that prayer changes things!

Rest and Relaxation

I just realized today that I have not been at work for two weeks now but I still have been on the go. Today, Daddy, C.J. and Mommy stayed indoors and lounged all day long. I mean for the first day in a long time I did not step foot down the stairs at all. For Daddy this is a good thing because he can always find a reason to head outdoors. So when he sits inside and gets true relaxation it is a very, very good thing.

I said to Mommy today that when it is time to return to work I do not know what I will do. C.J. and I have been hanging out for a bit now and we both seem to be getting really comfortable with that arrangement. Unfortunately we both know it must come to an end and we will have to get back to our busy lives of going and coming.

As I sit and relax at home I can only think about balance. At this point in my life I am involved in a lot of things. I can truly say that I am not balanced though. I am working towards balance but I would have to grade myself with a C-/D+. Balance is something I want C.J. to see as she grows up. It would be my prayer that she is pretty active in a variety of things. However, when one is pulled in a number of directions that person must be able to give 100% towards all in equal intervals of time. I have to master that now so she will have a strong example at home.

There are some things I have to still delete from my schedule. Some events I will have to miss. I have to read more at home, do constructive work at home, engage in exercise and recreational activity. All of this while going to work, doing what I need for church and making sure the family spends time together. It is important that I promote a balanced lifestyle now so C.J. is able to grow right into the mold. Which in turn would help her be successful in whatever she puts her mind to.

So another day is coming to an end. It has been another day full of blessings from the man upstairs. I know that with him balance will be achieved and C.J. will have her example when she needs it. Please pray for me...a lot is on my mind. I am turning it all over to God so I know things will be alright. So remember to pray because prayer always changes things. Be blessed.

Note to C.J.: When you are really involved with a lot of different things you must balance your time. When you start something you finish it and you must put 100% into all you do. So plan carefully so you do not get overwhelmed and begin to cheat yourself and not put your all into what you are doing. I love you very much Princess C.J.!

A Family Affair

What I did not know was that today was the last Sunday of 2009. So of course I was glad that the Johnsons of Old Bridge spent it in worship. I am so thankful for many things this year. I know I should not rank blessings but God really hooked me up when he did his thing yet again and blessed me with another woman in my life. I was born to my mother thirty years ago. Then almost eleven years ago he sent my help mate to me and almost five years ago allowed me to wed her. Then this year he blessed me with a princess to love, protect and nurture. When I think of all the rough spots I have gone through, just thinking about C.J. alone reminds me of how awesome God is.

Today in church during worship we were reminded of how incredible God is. This evening my family came together to remember our family members who have been called home. We had fallen out of touch for a bit. Many had never even seen C.J. before today but God is incredible and C.J. was able to meet a lot of her family today. Family is very important to me and I want her to know where she came from and where her support is at all times.

So of course that meant a lot of passing and holding which bothers Mommy and Daddy sometimes, but we bear with it. I even met the grandmother of a potential suitor for C.J. He is a little younger but he comes from a good home and a loving grandmother who understands my plan to have my princess already prepared with a kingdom while she is young. I know how to contact her so we will see if this goes anywhere.

So today C.J. and Daddy were both filled with Worship. We enjoyed our time in church and C.J. had the loudest toy for the "Toy Blessing". This is where Pastor MP3 reminds the children that their parents work very hard all year to get them some of the things they received for Christmas. He also reminds them that the birth of Jesus Christ is the true reason we celebrate on December 25th. As you know this is a message that I want C.J. to know from now until forever!

As I part ways with you tonight an older man, I implore that you always remember to pray because we all know that prayer changes things!

C.J. I want you to know that you come from a rich legacy of strong individuals that make up your very large family. When you get a little older I want you to take the time to talk with all of them. Your mother, father, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and anyone else to learn about who you are and the long journey that your ancestors travelled that all make you who you are today!

Happy Birthday Daddy

My first birthday as a father was great!

This Christmas

So today was C.J.'s first Christmas and of course I have a story to tell. Not only did she sleep until 11:00am but she was so not into gifts this year. She is only 4 months old, so anything we gave her she put in her mouth. She did open a musical drum and another musical cube, along with her soccer ball and basketball. So that means she still has about 90% of her stuff remaining under the tree. Now we chose not to make a big deal out of getting her stuff she would not need. One reason is because she will not remember this Christmas. The other reason is that she is not old enough to tell us what she wants anyway. This was so not a big deal that we chose not to even bother wrapping C.J.'s presents. Daddy, just being Daddy, I wrapped one and we will see how long it will take for her to tear the wrapping paper off before I go ahead and do it for her.

I have to tell you about one gift though. Of course it is the most meaningless and the one that you would think she would toss aside. However my girl C.J. actually used her feet to kick her soccer ball. I bet you will not believe it so I have a picture that will be up soon that will prove it. It is these moments that excite me because she is starting to let her athletic side peek out just a bit.

Today was a first for C.J. too. She had sweet potatoes for the first time and Daddy fed them to her. To my surprise she ate them and enjoyed them immensely and did not even make a mess. She smiled as I would feed her spoonful after spoonful until she decided to call it a day and ask for her milk.

Christmas 2009 and C.J.'s first was great. We stayed home as a family and remembered why we even celebrate this day. We made sure to offer up thanks to God for blessing us with Jesus Christ. I also again let C.J. know that this day is not about receiving gifts it is about spreading love. C.J. and I also watched basketball for the majority of the day. Our team, the Lakers took a loss but we enjoyed the game anyway. As I sign off for the last time in my twenties you all remember to pray because we all know that prayer changes things!

Note to C.J.: Today marks the countdown to our tree trimming date next year. 2010 we go live and we go early to make sure we have the proper white blinking lights on our tree. You seem to have enjoyed your parents today along with your foods. Daddy played soccer with you too. I love you!

Twas The Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, Mommy and Daddy are stirring, and we better not have a mouse. I just put the Princess down for the night and now Mommy and Daddy have to arrange all of her stuff under the make-shift tree. We have the tree lights that I traveled the earth to find and the Christmas music playing in the background.

As I listen to the Christmas songs loop 'round and 'round, I think to myself what this is all about. This year has been a trying year for me and the holiday season has not been merry and as joyous as I would have wanted it to be. I know a lot of people have said that with the birth of C.J. this would be an exciting time for us as a family and it is. To be honest C.J. and Shatema are what fill my life with substance and purpose now, that along with God, of course.

So today as we ran around looking for things to put under the tree for C.J., I have to admit that I was losing interest all throughout. I had become a part of the masses that were out last minute shopping for no purpose. It is my desire to always be able to shower C.J. with stuff. However I want this to occur year round, not because the status quo has labeled a certain period of the calendar as such. I want her to know that this holiday is a exaggeration of a more important event, that being the birth of Christ.

Some may say I am saying these things because I am in a funk but this is part of my upbringing, which as I grow older just makes more and more sense to me. Never will I get so strong that I deprive my child of the enjoyment and the excitement that this season brings but she will know the true feelings that should be possesed during this holiday season.

So as the night fades, I forgot to make the cookies, lol! For real as I sign off I do pray that the joy I have from my leading ladies is the joy that I can spread to anyone I come in contact with. It is love, peace and good will towards all men that should be what this season is all about.

As I go, please always remember to pray because we know that prayer will change things.

Out and About

I know it is late. I had to unwind from a pretty busy day. Today C.J. and I could not sleep to late. We both had to get up and dressed so we could go be displayed at mommy's job. Since she went back they heard all about C.J., what she did, how she looked, mommy even shared with them her contemplation over a pair of boots she happened to wear today. The visit would not be easy, C.J. was acting like a diva from the moment her eyes opened this morning. This means I do not want to do anything for myself daddy and I want to be held. This is a problem because I can not shower or dress holding a fifteen pound baby.

To make sure mommy was aware of her daughters actions I informed her that if we were late or did not make it would be due to her diva daughter. (Notice how she is not cooperating so I do not claim her, lol) Mommy was OK with that and I guess she anxiously waited to see if we would show or not. C.J. did finally get it together so I could shower and dress and then I bathed and dressed her. We had to put on our good clothes so mommy would not be ashamed of us.

When we get to Perth Amboy we have to walk a few blocks to get into the school. Who ever built a school with no parking in the middle of a residential neighborhood was crazy. I guess way back when the building was built the teachers still lived withing walking distance of their jobs. Once we finally got it and met mommy the tour began. We went from room to room, this teacher and that one until we settled in mommy's classroom where the students were really nice surprisingly. One girl was thrilled with C.J., so much so that she told Mrs. Johnson that if she left her for a second she would take her. I must say she knew quite a bit about children and probably would do a great job with her. She went on and on and on about babies and how she thought C.J. should be a model and how she will have long thick hair. I guess we will see in a few years if she really was an expert in the area.

From the school we went to visit Ma Lucy (the babysitter) before she went on her trip south. C.J. has not been to the sitter in two weeks due to her being sick and daddy being on vacation. Ma Lucy was very happy and genuinely missed C.J. I told her not to get to comfortable in Atlanta because we need her to come back. She is so great with C.J. and I am glad that God blessed us with her.

From there it was back home to take a picture for C.J. Pop Pop and then it was out and about to finish the little bit of Christmas shopping we needed to do and get some groceries. As usual C.J. was great as we were out, she is such a great baby! I know she had to be worn out by the end of the night and she proved it by coming home, eating and then going to sleep. It has been fun with it just being C.J. and daddy. Now mommy is home and the two will become three. Hopefully she will let us get into a little trouble. When mommy is home she is the Sheriff and we are the crooks! We wil be on our bext behavior! You all continue to pray for us as we continue to develop a great father/daughter relationship.

As I beat the clock and sign off always remember to pray. We all now that prayer changes things.

Just The Two Of Us

Even though it is only Tuesday it seems as if the week has been long. C.J. and I have been hanging out and it has been fun. This morning I think we slept until we could no longer roll over anymore. This morning we were really lazy. We laid around and watched television for a bit. Even though we both knew we had things to accomplish before it was time to go pick up Mommy from work.

Now, even though C.J. and I have been bumming around, when we leave the house we have to be put together. Mommy has style and hooks C.J. up, but Daddy wants her at 100% at all times. So yes, he called Mommy on the job because C.J.'s outfit would not be complete unless she had a particular pair of shoes. Mommy directed him to them and all was good!

So the two of us bundled up and left out for our evening journey. We stopped and got Daddy a nibble to eat. We picked up Mommy, stopped by the mall, and then sat with Mommy at the doctor's office. Through all of that the two of us became one because C.J. went right to sleep as soon as she hit the car and remained that way until we arrived back home. That must have been some good sleep for her. I am sitting here praying she will sleep tonight.

As I was typing I just could not help but hum to myself Just The Two Of Us by Will Smith. I know he was singing about his son and I have a girl. To me, though, the same feeling came over me from the moment the doctor (nurse) placed C.J. in my arms. So tonight I leave you with those words to reflect upon the relationship with your children. If you can not relate to the song then I would beg of you to add your relationship with your child or children into your prayers tonight. We all know that we should always pray because prayer changes things!

Will Smith Just The Two Of Us lyrics

(Now dad this is a very sensitive subject)
(Just the two of us, yeah)
Just the two of us (Just the two of us)
Just the two of us (Just the two of us)
From the first time the doctor placed you in my arms
I knew I'd meet death before I'd let you meet harm
Although questions arose in my mind, would I be man enough
Against wrong, choose right and be standing up
From the hospital that first night
Took a hour just ta get the car seat in right
People driving all fast, got me kinda upset
Got you home safe, placed you in your bassinette
That night I don't think one wink I slept
As I slipped out my bed, to your crib I crept
Touched your head gently, felt my heart melt
Cause I knew I loved you more than life itself (life itself)
Then to my knees, and I begged the Lord please
Let me be a good daddy, all he needs
Love, knowledge, discipline too
I pledge my life to you
Just the two of us, we can make it if we try
Just the two of us, (Just the two of us)
Just the two of us, building castles in the sky
Just the two of us, you and I
Five years old, bringing comedy
Every time I look at you I think man, a little me
Just like me
Wait and see gonna be tall
Makes me laugh cause you got your dads ears an all
Sometimes I wonder, what you gonna be
A General, a Doctor, maybe a emcee
Ha ha I wanna kiss you all the time
But I will test that butt when you cut out of line, tru dat
Uh ah why you do that
I try to be a tough dad, but you be making me laugh
Crazy joy, when I see the eyes of my baby boy
I pledge to you, I will always do
Everything I can
Show you how to be a man
Dignity, integrity, honour and
And I don't mind if you lose, long as you came with it
And you can cry, ain't no shame it it
It didn't work out with me an your mom
But yo push come to shove
You was conceived in love
So if the world attacks, and you slide off track
Remember one fact, I got your back
Just the two of us, we can make it if we try
Just the two of us, (Just the two of us)
Just the two of us, building castles in the sky
Just the two of us, you and I
Just the two of us, we can make it if we try
Just the two of us, (Just the two of us)
Just the two of us, building castles in the sky
Just the two of us, you and I
It's a full-time job to be a good dad
You got so much more stuff than I had
I gotta study just to keep with the changing times
101 Dalmations on your CD-ROM
See me I'm
Trying to pretend I know
On my PC where that CD go
But yo, ain't nothing promised, one day I'll be gone
Feel the strife, but trust life does go wrong (life goes on)
But just in case
It's my place
To impart
One day some girl's gonna break your heart
And ooh ain't no pain like from the opposite sex
Gonna hurt bad, but don't take it out on the net, son
Throughout life people will make you mad
Disrespect you and treat you bad
Let God deal with the things they do (things they do)
Cause hate in your heart will consume you too
Always tell the truth, say your prayers (prayers)
Hold doors, pull out chairs, easy on the swears
You're living proof that dreams do come true
I love you and I'm here for you
Just the two of us, we can make it if we try
Just the two of us, (Just the two of us)
Just the two of us, building castles in the sky
Just the two of us, you and I
-repeat-
Taking on the world taking on the world
(I'm always here for you)
Look over your shoulder I'll be there
(Whatever you need just call on me)
We gonna rise we gonna shine
(Whatever you need I'll be there for you any time)
Just the two of us, we can make it if we try
Just the two of us, (Just the two of us)
Just the two of us, building castles in the sky
Just the two of us, you and I
Daddy loves you daddy loves you for the rest of your life
(This is a really good song dad, how much am I getting paid for this)

The Primping Begins

So today was a big day for C.J...she had her ears pierced! So now the process of becoming my little princess begins. With her ears now pierced, earrings must come to fill the holes. I will say the process was not as smooth as it could have been. Since Mommy, Daddy and the doctor are all perfectionists, the second hole became a project, but on the third attempt the hole was set perfectly. Now I know you make think we put the baby through unnecessary pain. Halfway through Mommy felt the same way and could not take anymore. However, this Daddy worked with the doctor to make sure his princess was as perfect as she could be. As the good doctor said, "This is a once in a lifetime moment, and it should be done correctly". Daddy agreed!

My girl C.J. took it well. I believe she only cried because she hates being on her back. Mommy contends that it was due to the clicking sound of the piercing gun. Whatever the cause, my girl took it like a trooper. I really am beginning to like her tough personality. It shows me she will be willing to persevere through what ever challenges come her way.

So the saving begins. When she turns sixteen I have to have a pair of diamond studs for her. As long as she is doing her best in school and staying out of trouble, it is my prayer that I will be able to adorn her with them. I am not trying to spoil her, I just want C.J. to be the Princess she was born to be.

Today on Tyra all they talked about was menstruation. That topic, along with the ears being pierced, just reminded me again that I have a little girl and I have a long, long, long road ahead. So you all always remember to pray and pray for me to continue developing patience and understanding. We all know that prayer changes things. I also have to throw this in tonight...prayer works on and fixes people and situations. C.J. and Daddy will be just fine.

A Determined Daddy!

As the holiday season continues to roll along, Daddy's customs almost got the best of him today. Since Mommy and Daddy have been a family, they have always put up trees for Christmas. The only problem is that Daddy always waited really late to do so. Last year he waited so late that they decided to do without a tree.

Now this year Daddy could not pull that stunt. He did wait a long time but there would not come a point where he decided not to put one up. This year C.J. is here and a tree must be put up. Now Daddy knows that the tree is not what Christmas is about. He is a preacher, he should know. Also C.J. will know from the beginning that Santa is a commercial advertiser, and that we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. With that being proclaimed, as a child nothing was better than on Christmas morning Daddy leading his troops down the stairs and swinging around the pole to see what was left under the tree for them. Daddy's grandparents would come in the wee hours of the morning to put the gifts under the tree. (I found that out sooner or later) Man we would rip the wrapping off and throw it everywhere. We would over look gifts, forget gifts, find our favorite and leave the rest and take gifts from each other just to be mean, lol. I want C.J. to have that same opportnity so I had to put up a tree.

So we needed lights, and with 4 days to go, they were scarce. However this daddy was determined to find some lights to put on the tree. Not only would the tree look better with them, C.J. would be stimulated when they were on. So he drove here and there looking for lights. He called Mommy to ask her to call around but no one had lights. He was getting discouraged but kept trucking. Mommy called him and told him to give it up and to come home. Daddy paid her no mind and continued to search for lights to put on C.J.'s tree. The journey had become personal...he did not care if the roads were icy, the night grew dark or the cold became bitter. Daddy had made up in his mind that he was going home with some lights no matter where he had to go.

Then finally (In his Rock from wrestling voice) Daddy pulled up to Shop Rite. He walked in the first of what would have been three stops at this shopping center. After already looking in 15 or more stores this weekend he saw them. They were not the single strand white flickering lights that he prefers, but they were lights. Actually a net that drapes right over the tree but lights nonetheless. Daddy had done, C.J. has lights on her tree, and Daddy is satisfied and can enjoy looking at the tree with C.J. as when it is lit. The tree will probably be the ugliest one she ever sees but Daddy will always remember the Sunday evening he spent on the road for those lights all so C.J. gets the experience he wants her to have.

All in a day's work for Daddy! So as we end this weekend and look forward to the week ahead let us remember sometimes it is the simple things that matter and that a daddy should be willing to search all four corners of the earth if it means his Princess' happiness. As I go, you all remember to pray because prayer changes things.

Note to C.J.: Next year daddy will put up the Christmas tree on the first Sunday evening of December. We will start a new tradition for the Johnson's of Old Bridge. We will have snacks, music and decorate stockings too. Daddy has already put it in his planner and on his calendars. Love you baby!

Back On Track

The past few days I have been out of sync. Not being in front of my home computer made completing my blog a little more difficult. I have already made this an item of concern for anytime I travel from this point on. So today I am back home, and since Mommy proclaimed this as a day of vacation, I was with the Princess for the majority of the day.

When we finally got out of the bed, C.J. and I watched Saturday morning cartoons for the first time together. Now I will admit that the cartoons today are not like they were when I was a child. We ended up watching Arnold with the focus today being on different holidays. I did appreciate that we were able to learn something during our time together this morning.

After the morning faded away, the objective was to put up C.J.'s Christmas tree. As a directive from her grandma, we went with an artificial tree because we do not want the fresh pine to make C.J. sick or break her out. She has very sensitive skin. So I went and bought a tree during the beginning of a snowstorm. While I was out I did not buy any trimmings because I knew we had some. To my dismay when I returned home I could not find them. Somehow they are missing. (I will not go on record to say that I believe Mommy threw them out.) So I went back out in the middle of the snowstorm to get ornaments and lights. Well, as you can imagine, not one has lights in the short radius where I traveled, and the ornaments were scarce. I did manage to get ornaments though, blue and silver just like we always do. I will have some lights by the end of the day tomorrow if I have to make some myself.

So the day went well with C.J. and I hanging out. We ended the day watching the Rutgers vs. Central Florida St. Petersburg Bowl, the Penn State vs. Texas Women's Volleyball Championship, and the North Carolina vs. Texas Men's Basketball game. Not too mention Duke beating up on Gonzaga earlier today. I know you all probably say he is going to create a monster, but she really enjoys sports, so I will always watch them with her.

So it is good to be back home with my baby. I missed her a bunch these past few days, and today was a great time to catch up. Usually I am away on Saturdays in meetings or at some functions but that will all be changing. Gradually I am ironing out my weekend schedule to hang around with C.J. a lot more. This weekend is ending with a really bad storm that has hit the east coast, but at least we are close to a "White Christmas"! As I go, please always remember to pray because as you will learn, prayer changes things.

Explanation

I had to post on yesterday and the clock was approaching midnight so I pressed submit early. I will do two today to make up for it. One in the AM and the regular the other at the regular time.

C. J. is Better

For the past week C.J. has been feeling under the weather. She has been a trooper though. Still smiling even though she was not at 100%. I had to leave her for a bit but when I returned she got my first 1/2 kiss. The other 1/2 went to mommy of course. So I finally get home and my girl is kicking and being vocal like shhe normally is.

C. J. is Better

For the past week C.J. has been feeling under the weather. She has been a trooper though. Still smiling even though she was not at 100%. I had to leave her for a bit but when I returned she got my first 1/2 kiss. The other 1/2 went to mommy of course. So I finally get home and my

December 17th - Can't Wait To Get Home

I tried to send this yesterday from my phone but it did not work, so i am posting it now. I will have you know that I did keep up with my daily blogging though.

December 17th Can't Wait to Get Home!
...
Thu, December 17, 2009 11:44:34 PM
From:
"jamaltjohnson@yahoo.com" [Chat now]
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To: "go@blogger.com"
So I am sitting here in Charlotte, NC. Away from C.J.and mommy for a few hot shakes. When I left they both were sleeping quietly so I prayed with them both and kissed them as I always do when I am leaving out.

Today I understood the meaning of time away. When I got into my room at the hotel no sooner than I laid my head to the pillow I zoned out. This was the first night moment where I could sleep without listening out for C.J. I'm not saying that she makes me lose sleep but the sleep is quite different when I am home. I have to send mommy somewhere, if she would go so she can get some true rest from the hustle and bustle of being a parent. We all deserve it from time to time.

So now I am thinking about my baby as I am not home with her. Even though the rest was great and the sleep so needed. I wish I was in bed right next to her crib listening to her make her little noises and moves as she tries to find the right spot to fall asleep in. I can not wait to get back to hug and kiss C.J. I really miss her.

So you all pray because we know prayer changes things and it will also get me through as I am away from my princess for a bit.

Note to C.J.: When you are away from home. Opt not to go to the Cracker Barrel. Love YoU!

-- Sent from my Palm Pre
Mr. Jamal T. Johnson

The Aftermath

I could sum this up quickly by just saying that, "C.J. is spoiled!" Today was the first time I spent the duration of a day with C.J. Usually I am at work and she is at the sitter but since she is sick I stayed home with her. Whatever you do for this child, nothing is fast enough. If you're preparing a bottle, changing a diaper, administering medicine...you are always too slow for C.J.

We did make it through the day without any problems though. She even managed to sneak in a few naps. Mommy called as promised. In fact it was so many times, I lost count. As she puts it, the calls were not about me, they were about her baby. I suggested that she just take off from now on because the calls were a bit much. I mean, I understand how she feels, but she could have at least made it hourly and not the crazy frequency she chose. Funny thing is that she was supposed to be working. I wonder how much of that was completed today?

C.J.'s health is continuing to improve and Daddy is happy with his medical service today. I still think I would prefer to keep her on well days. We could have a lot more fun then. So I am off to get some sleep, a busy next few days for me. So you all remember to pray because prayer changes things.

The Calm Before The Storm

Have you ever watched how during the summer you will have a chain of calm days? No breezes, no turbulent winds, everything is still and the sun rises and sets without any event. The tide comes in and goes back out and the waves roll in a nice rhythmic pattern.

Then all of a sudden the thunder roars and the lightning flashes and then the rain falls. We are in a full blown storm. Well my friends that is how this week has been thus far. As you know, C.J. has been under the weather. On Monday her grandmother came to sit with her and, on today, her aunt. They were the calm. They were happy to be in C.J.'s presence and did what good mothers would do. Now tomorrow the storm is brewing. C.J. and yours truly, her daddy, will be at home all day together, which will call for quite an interesting day.

Now we have spent time together but never under these circumstances. C.J. is sick. Mommy has to work. Daddy is taking off and C.J. is nursing herself back to 100%. So I figure we will start our day with Sports Center. We must stay abreast on all the happenings in sports to be literate in all conversations we may find ourselves in. Then, we will watch both episodes of Maury, even though C.J. certainly knows who her daddy is. We will watch just to humor ourselves with the shenanigans. At about that time it will be time for brunch, so oatmeal and toast will be the meal of the day. Now you know if C.J. is with Daddy, she has to get her education time in. So we will read some historical text on tomorrow to keep her mind flexible, and to diversify her content knowledge. Then we will have to get C.J. to take a nap so Daddy can catch up on all he needs to do. If not, oh well, C.J. and Daddy will play until we get tired.

Now some of you are questioning how tomorrow will go. As Mommy always says, "It seems like she is having a free for all in here." I guess one could say that. Daddy likes to have fun and C.J., being his little girl, has probably inherited that trait. So just as Daddy is excited about being home with his lil homey, I guess she is excited about the prospect, too.

Now we know we will have to contend with our loving Mommy as she worries about us while at work. I guess she will worry about how Daddy is dealing with C.J. and how C.J. is treating Daddy, lol! She loves us and is only out for our best interest. We will have her know that her checkpoint will become a part of our Blog, so the world will know how much Mommy loves and misses C.J. and Daddy!

So you all remember to pray because prayer changes things! Pray for C. J. and Daddy that they do not wreck the house. Also pray for Mommy so that she does not worry about us too much. Then pray for the aftermath which we will have for you tomorrow!

Note to C.J.: We have managed to get into trouble with Mommy before, and I gather we will probably get in more trouble tomorrow. Just remember what I told you...use your pretty brown eyes and give her a juicy kiss, and all will be OK!

Recovering Well

You really have to thank God for family. With the stupid girl sending her son to spread his sickness we decided to keep C.J. home this week. So her grandmother and aunt came down to watch her during the day so that we could work during the day. Just to give you a report on C.J., she is doing well. It is late so I can not stay up much longer so continue to pray for C.J. as she gets back to 100%. We all know that prayer changes things!

Splitsville

OK, today was the first day I had to preach with my mind someplace else. So when I left the house this morning I had to get my mind right because with C.J., sick or not, God's word must go forth with power and clarity. And PRAISE be to God, that is what happened.

I will admit that the drive to church was solemn this morning. I longed for Mommy's nagging and C.J.'s periodic sounds. Somehow they make me feel at ease and ready for anything I encounter. So this morning I had to settle for KISS Inspirations to get me ready for church this morning. I made sure I lifted my baby up in prayer, too.

Now today I actually felt separation anxiety. I was not too worried about C.J.'s health because I know she will be fine. The issue I had today was being away from her. Now I am away from her on most days and a lot on weekends but today was different. I was so antsy with being away from her that I did not even stay at Ma's house for dinner. I got some plates to go and back down to the Bridge I went.

So the stage is set and the sitters are all in place. Daddy will be able to go to work but you better believe she will be on my mind. So I will deal with my separation anxiety. I think I can tame it to make it through the day though. So please you all keep me in prayer and do not forget to pray because as we all know Prayer changes things.

Note to C.J.: Daddy wants you to know how much of a trooper you have been during your little sickness. You remained tough and active even though your body was weak and you were coughing more than smiling. I am very proud of you and know that you are already a strong girl that will turn into a strong woman.

Sick Saturday

Well what we thought was confirmed. C.J. is sick. The good thing about it is that her doctor told us to come in to his office so he could see what the deal was, instead of toughing out the weekend and coming to him on Monday. I, for one, was very happy about this because you never want to see your baby sick. I will have you know that my baby has been a trooper through this all. Her appetite is not where it usually is, but she is still the happiest baby you will find on the face of the earth. C.J. is still all smiles despite feeling pretty bad.

Today was the first day my plans were altered due to my baby but you live and get over it. One thing I really hate is when people do not keep commitments. Until today I never understood it. I felt really bad about having to cancel but my family is my first priority in life and duty called.

Now to the things that really upset me today. After we left the doctor's office we had to go fill a prescription. Part of the prescription called for some machinery. Now I go to work every day. Last year I was forced to pay a part of my insurance plan and this year I had to take furlough days by force, so of course that means money out of my check, all in the name of politics. I am taking one for the State of New Jersey. So when I go to the pharmacy and the pharmacist tell me that the insurance company is not going to cover my sick child's stuff you know I was fuming. I work hard every day and this is the thanks I get. All I ever think about is how we bend over backwards for those who do not work and we who do get kicked in the behind daily.

Thank God for family though because we have what we need and did not have to fatten the pockets of some big time company to get it. C.J. will be fine, and Daddy will be OK for now, until Horizon gives him another reason to get ugly with them. I am sure they will.

We had to inform the babysitter that C.J. would not be coming this week. I wish the stupid girl who sent her sick son last week could read this. We are keeping her home so the other kid does not get sick as well. It is what you are suppose to do as a parent, young lady. Now because of her I have to take days off of work but I will because I am a RESPONSIBLE parent.

So C.J. is resting a lot more comfortably tonight. She will be back to her normal self in no time. Just in time for her week with Daddy. Now that she will be in recovery mode, we will need to scale back some of what we were going to do, but we will have fun nonetheless. We have a GIANTS picture to take that I have been looking forward to for a while now.

So as I go, you all remember to pray because prayer changes things.

SICK

At the doctor earlier this week, Mommy asked when C.J. would get sick for the first time. I thought it was a rather odd question but listened for an answer nonetheless. Unfortunately, Mommy did not have to wait long for her answer. Though not anything severe, C.J. is battling her first cold. Now you know Daddy could have gone a long time without seeing his baby sick but the time is here, and one has to act accordingly.

Now I must throw in the bonehead parent who sent her child to the sitter with a full blown cold on Monday. Then, against the sitter's wishes, sent her son on Tuesday with another person in true hoodlum fashion. Now, do not get me wrong, I understand having to work and all of that, but when other parties are involved, you can not be so selfish. This morning C.J. coughed once every 1/2 hour it seemed. The ride to work was crazy. All the way to the sitter I wondered should I just call out and chill at home with C.J., but she had no symptoms. Mommy called the sitter all day and I was on standby just in case she actually was sick. I was out of there like a bat out of hell. The good thing was that she made it through the day, no coughing or anything but you could see it coming on and when we arrived home, the sickness came out. It is not bad but it's the first time, and of course as a new mommy and daddy, we are overly cautious.

So the weekend is a wrap. C.J. will be inside and staying warm. The weather changing, and her being around that sick kid, took a toll on her. We are going to get her back to 100% and get ready to enjoy our time together during the holiday break. So tonight I am going to get off early and tend to my lil princess. You all remember to pray because prayer changes things. Even the sick report!

Thoughts of C.J.

There are some days where I will sit and think about C.J. for most of the day. I think about how she will grow. How she will look? How she will act? What things she will enjoy and how we will both mature in this father/daughter relationship? Most of the time what comes to my head is music. For a long time now music has served as my outlet. Some of you may know a song I heard "Your Joy" at one of my best friend's weddings. It is the storyboard for what C.J. is to me...simply "My Joy". Well today, two other old school songs came to mind. The first would be "Chocolate Girl" by the Whispers. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R1L7xLMLK4

The other song today was, "You're A Big Girl Now" by the Stylistics. This song speaks of how a little girl grows into a young woman. Similar to "Your Joy" by Chrisette Michele, they present to a father his little girl maturing into a young woman. As I spoke with a young lady today it became more and more evident that C.J. having me in her life will be beneficial to her healthy growth into adulthood. It convinced me that I must continue to be the example of what a man is, what she should expect and how one should treat her. It is a tall task but no one is more equipped and ready to work at the task than me. I have attached the lyrics for you:

(You're a big girl now
No more daddy' little girl)

(You're a big girl now
No more daddy' little girl)

No more pigtail's
In your hair
No more silly looks
With a childish glare

No more dolls
For you to play
No more dumbness
In the things you say

(You're a big girl now
No more daddy' little girl)

(You're a big girl now
No more daddy' little girl)

You can love girl
If you must
You can kiss girl
If you must

But you see
Day by Day
All the realness
In your way

(You're a big girl now
No more daddy' little girl)

(You're a big girl now
No more daddy' little girl)

Baby I love you
(Baby I love you)
Yes I do
(oh yes I do now)
In all my life
(In all of my life)
You're my dream come true
(You're my dream come true)
You're a big girl now
(You're a big girl now)
Yes you are
You're my happiness
You're my shining star
(Shining star)

(You're a big girl now
No more daddy' little girl)

(You're a big girl now
No more daddy' little girl)

As I sang these lyrics to C.J. before her bath tonight I looked into her eyes as they stared back into mine. A smirk of comfort came across both our faces. We are beginning to understand each other even though she is still so young. We are creating a complex chemistry that the two of us will share the solution to solving. God, I thank you for placing C.J. in my life!

As I part, you all remember to pray because prayer changes things!

A Lot Of Work To Do

This entry today will be more of a reflection today. I have to admit, I put a lot into work. I not only give my hours but I give my heart and soul. I have chosen to make education an area that I would dedicate my life towards. The first lesson I always teach is that education is not retaining and regurgitating information. Part of my philosophy is that education is planted and then nurtured to help it grow. If someone is truly educated they should never forget the knowledge not information they gained.

All in the name of education I made the decision to move to an area where the education, public I might add is what I feel up to par. I wanted to provide C.J., long before she was thought about or born the best garden possible to grow and flourish in. With her daddy and mommy doing their watering, fertilizing and pruning and the teachers and community doing their part I believe that C.J. will have the optimum environment for educational growth. Never will it be OK for C.J. to just cram information in her head for tests and grades. I want her to acquire knowledge that she can draw from for the rest of her life.

This all stems from what I saw at work the past two days. I saw students who are not challenged, not allowed to explore different academic subjects, schools that paid more for security cameras than their course offerings. I met with students who thought it was OK, to not do well and then expect for someone not to look at their historical grades. I saw a kid who were content with mediocracy and school districts that fostered that behavior.

As a educator I want more for these children. I will continue to fight that they be challenged and given the opportunity to explore the world beyond their home cities. I will continue to advocate on their behalf that they deserve educators who are willing to take them to places beyond their wildest imaginations. I will continue to say to the politicians that more money is needed in areas of low income and poverty. I desire for all children to learn how to learn and to not be swamped with the badgering of pass the test because that is what measures what you know. Education is not nor has it ever been quantitative. When we went there we went wrong. If we valued knowledge like we should then our children would value education as they should.

So I have a lot more children than just C.J. I will continue to pray that God allows me to have her in a healthy garden where the land is tilled and turned to keep it fresh. I will also pray that the concrete jungles that have been called playgrounds be dug up to unearth the healthy soil beneath that is home to so much knowledge waiting to be explored.

Pray with me people because we all know that prayer changes things.

C.J. Daddy wants you to know that he will do all he can to help you reach your goals and aspirations. Do me this one favor always value what you know and never settle for just enough. If you challenge yourself, ask questions and read like your mommy:), you will develop a passion for learning and that passion will turn into a burning desire that will keep you going and on top for a long time. Love you baby! Your daddy.

Aw, She is Cute

OK, OK, OK, OK,OK! I have heard it enough and now I am going to question it. How many people see a baby and then tell the parents that their baby is cute and really do not mean it? Now my mother always told me if I did not have anything nice to say then not to say anything at all. So when I see a baby and I know full well they are ugly I do not open my mouth.

Now I am not going to sit here and say that my princess is not cute. What I am going to say is that some folk just have those words fixed in their mouths and really have no care in the world about how C.J. looks. To those people I say, just learn to be quiet sometimes. In the doctor's office, in the mall, on Facebook everyone says, "Aw, she is so cute!" How about another word to describe her? Try that for a change.

The next thing I want to address is, why do people feel the need to share all of their baby experiences with us? How about C.J. is an individual and her baby experience does not need to reflect that of yours? Who says yours was right? What is your resume? How many kids do you have? The ones that get me the most are those who do not have a child in the world but have all the knowledge about them. How?

I am not saying that I will not listen but you have to have some war scars before I would even consider taking your theories and practices under consideration. Hint, just let me ask you when I feel like asking your thoughts before you volunteer. If I listened to everything I heard, oh my God, C.J. would have 3 eyes, no hair and would never talk.

So now I have given you my thoughts, if you can not use another word for cute do not say anything. If you really do not mean it, do not say anything. C.J.'s daddy knows she is cute and will tell her that all the time so save your rehearsed phrase for someone who needs it.

Now please take this in the fun that it was meant, readers. This all stems from a visit to the doctor's office where the receptionist said C.J. was cute and the way we had her wrapped up could not even tell that there was a baby with us. LOL! So as I go, remember to always pray because prayer changes things!

4 Months

C.J. is four months old today. The doctors visit was great, her development is great, God is Great who can ask for anything more. I will say that C.J.'s conduct is funny. She does not like being on the examination table. Every time she is laid down she begins to cry and cry loudly. Now one might say she does not like the doctor. That is false because she is all smiles and chatty while we discuss her progress. Others may say that she is phony. You may have a point because it does seem like she puts it on when she wants too. Now daddy say's she simply hates to lye on her back. Nothing more nothing less.

Doctor's visit are fun because the pediatrician we work with is dynamic. he even let us know today that pediatrics is the lowest money maker or doctors. (OK, that was off topic but worth sharing) I guess C.J. will begin to like the visits more when they don not include needles.

All is well with C.J. though. She has a big head as measured by the doctor today. The head needs to be big to protect all that brain she has up there. Four months, my how time flies. It seems like only yesterday we started out on this father/daughter journey. As we continue on our journey to sleep, you all remember one thing. Always remember to pray because prayer changes things.

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!!!

Sometimes when I sit down to reflect on the day many things come to mind. The overwhelming question is always the same, "What is C.J. thinking?" She has been with us for four months. She has been held, kissed and hugged. She always has food in her bottle, clothes on her back, a roof over her head and transportation back and forth to the babysitter. Her needs are met but what does she really think about how things are going?

Does she like waking up at six o'clock in the morning?
Does she like her babysitter?
Does she appreciate all the hugs and kisses?
Does she really want to cuss us out when we take to long preparing her bottle?
When she is with daddy does she really enjoy watching football?
Does she think her shoes are cute.
How does she like the outfits that are chosen for her to wear?
Is her milk prepared to taste?
Is Sid the Science Kid enjoyable for her?
Does she really like to sing with her daddy?
If C.J. could answer these questions things would be interesting.

C.J. can be identified as a happy baby, she is all smiles most of the time. The only reason she cries is when she is hungry. When she hears my voice she gets excited. Today during dinner my dad was holding her and every time I would talk she would start to jump (as best she could) and screech in excitement. That sent chills down my spine because as you know I want nothing more than for my daughter and I to have a great relationship. I just want to make sure that what seems to be joy really is what she feels. Everything i do I do to ensure that she has a reason to smile. I want C.J. to know that even when she is having a bad day she can smile. My baby seems to enjoy life and living with her daddy and mommy. Her smiles and giggles make my day great from the beginning until the end. I am full of joy whenever I am with my little Princess and pray that my lil Princess is full of joy every time she is with her daddy.

C.J. this is an aside, just so you know today the Giants beat the Cowboys again. This makes them 0-2 this year. the Giants are daddy's team and hope that you will like them too!

OK my friends, as I go to bed a little early today, you all remember to pray because prayer as far as I know still is changing things!

Let It Snow!

Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no place to go
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
It doesn't show signs of stopping
And I've bought some corn for popping
The lights are turned way down low
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
When we finally kiss goodnight
How I'll hate going out in the storm!
But if you'll really hold me tight
All the way home I'll be warm
The fire is slowly dying
And, my dear, we're still goodbying
But as long as you love me so
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

December 5, 2009 will go down in history as C.J.'s first snow. Now you have to understand that daddy loves the snow. He believes that because he was born in the winter is is suppose to enjoy it. That makes no sens but that is his story and he is sticking to it. Daddy was so hyped over the snow that he decided it would be a fantastic idea to get a picture of Camille in the snow. Now understand quickly that I was not going to have my princess in the snow literally. I do have some sense. So when we came in from our day up north I asked mommy to hold up and let me get the camera to take a picture of her with C.J. outside. I took her out the carrier, wrapped of course and right on the stoop to a quick picture.

Now of course mommy was calling me all kinds of terrible things and bad names while I took the pic but oh well. these are the things we will have to look back on years from now when she is older. We can share these memories with her and together we can reminisce about C.J. as a little princess. I know for me I will always want to look back at my girl because I already do not want her to grow up. I know she has too and I am grappling with the reality daily.

So the snow is falling, football is on (today C.J> and I enjoyed Tim Tebow being beat badly by Alabama) Texas just came on so we are in business. It was a great day and now we are recharging to get our WORSHIP on tomorrow. So as I began I will end, Let it Snow. Let it snow, let it snow!!!

Also remember to pray because prayer changes things!

Night #2 - C.J . and Her Daddy

So two nights in a row it went down. C.J and her daddy got to spend the evening together. Mommy had to pay a visit to the hair people so we knew we were in for a long night. Now different from yesterday, today begins the weekend. So no laundry list was given to us, no rules and no expectations.

So today when we came in C.J. slept and daddy actually laid down on the couch. I was a little tired today so I needed the time out. Mommy did not call us too much either. We both know that she is always concerned when the Dynamic Duo is away from her watchful eye.

Tonight was a chill night, C.J. chatted and I listened. Daddy talked to her and she smiled and giggled. We both got a little tired so we called it a night early and laid down until mommy came home. I was chatting with a friend and realized that I was in the house, in bed and comfortable with that on a Friday night. My how things change when your life is altered. For the better of course. C.J. has taken the desire to be a busy body away I am now turning into a more serene person. I bet none of you would ever think of that word and Jamal in the same sentence. That is the joy of fatherhood, you always want to be with your baby, morning, noon or night.

Well we have an early rise in the morning so I am going to sign off for now. As i o in parting, always remember to pray becasue prayer change things.

C.J. 's Fault

Alright, have you ever heard the phrase, "That is my story and I am sticking with it"? Well that is what I told mommy today when she came in to find her daughter awake. Today was Back To School Night for Shatema, so you guessed it, Daddy and C.J. spent the evening together. Now you know their was a list of things to be completed.

Make sure you empty her bag from the sitter.
Make sure you wash her bottles and fill her milk containers for tomorrow.
Be sure to give her a bath, read to her, pray with her and have her in bed after her bath.
Also give her some water and tummy time as well.

Needless top say some of the list was omitted. Not on purpose it just did not fall into the scheme of things. I bathed her, greased her up, fed her and prayed with her. She got a lil tummy time too. I fell short when it came to having her in bed. Who needs a bedtime anyway, C.J. wanted to talk so I let her stay up.

I told her that we would get in trouble and when mommy came in and saw she was up. The scolding began. I new it would happen so I prepared my story. I blamed the kid, lol. I will make sure she is compensated for taking the blame but I was not going to take it this time. So when mommy asked I said, "It is her fault." Now you know mommy did not believe me but as I said in the beginning, "That is my story and I am sticking with it."

C.J. is sound asleep now. She stayed awake a little longer than usual but I told mommy she stayed up just to see her and mommy smiled. I also told her to listen to the voice mail that C.J. left her and that put the icing on the cake. So i think we are not in too much trouble now. Well my friends until next time, always remember to pray because prayer changes things.

Words of Wisdom

Well tonight I have to be brief. Was a long day at the office and the bed is calling. I watched today as some students lumped themselves into a crowd. Which lead me to make this statement. You are born in to the world alone and you will die alone. Learn how to stand on YOUR own two feet.

I say this because I get tired of seeing people defined by who they surround themselves with. Especially young woman who think they have to be all up in some guys face. It kills me and my prayer is that C.J. will be raised to be a confident woman who is a leader and not a follower.

This one was anger and I will continue my post tomorrow. Until then you all remember to pray because prayer changes things.

Daddy's Girl (The first of many times I will use this title)

Well, well, well, today my baby reached, OK, leaned for her daddy with a huge grin on her face. Now too many that might mean much but to this daddy it means the progression towards the day she will utter the words daddy has begun. Just noticing that she recognizes and has a preference for me at times means that the time we do spend together is equally as fulfilling to her as it is her daddy.

Today C.J. was engaged in here daily tummy time. With mommy close by and she was doing very well. Holding the head up strong, starting to try and move and she began to roll. The only difference today was that she roll one time to fast and she bump her little head. Of course daddy quickly looked up from what he was doing to see if his princess was. I am happy to report not even a whimper came from her mouth. So daddy told mommy that was enough tummy time and proceeded to go get C.J. to hold her. It felt as if fell right into place once I placed her in my arms.

I am becoming more and more sensitive to situations that affect women and especially little girls. I have developed a low tolerance for all of the nonsense. On Oprah it talked about men buying sex slaves as young as thirteen years of age. The thought of any many having that little regard for a child is sickening. I am thankful for the little gem that God has entrusted me with. I will do everything in my power to make sure that she is develops into the precious stone that God intends for her to be.

At this very moment I have her in my arms because she was not ready to go to sleep yet. Mommy would be mad at me but she is sleep so she can not say anything right now. C.J. is daddy's girl and that is the way it is and forever will be!

C.J. I am sitting here with you tonight and want you to know that your daddy is your comfort zone. When your sad he is here. If your mad he is here. If your having trouble sleeping he is here. Never feel that you have to go through anything alone. I love you! As she now is drifting back off, just from daddy comforting her.

As I go to put her down, you all remember to pray because prayer always changes things!

Thumbs Up!

The creator of the pacifier is getting no play in my house. C.J. has found her thumb and she likes it. for the past few weeks she has been gnawing at her hand. However as of late it is her right thumb. This is is in line with her development but it drives mommy and daddy crazy. Mommy says it is hereditary because she sucked her thumb as a child. I think she is just being stubborn.

Tonight I decided to play with her so I pretended to eat her hand. Of course it was the one that she likes to put in her mouth. It was funny I had her entire hand in my mouth. She tugged at it for a bit to try to get it out but I would not let go. Finally she just went to the other hand but as soon as daddy let it go she quickly switched to her more desired right thumb. It has got so bad that when i looked in the crib this morning her thumb was fixed in her mouth.

So of course I had o read up to see why babies suck their thumbs and the research was positive. They said let her be and she will grow out of it. I hope she does because daddy does not want to get her braces to fix an overbite. Well now that my thumb sucking princess is sleep so is daddy. Until next time be sure to pray because prayer changes things.

Let The Church Say Amen

Well today C.J. went to church! It was a long time coming if I might say so myself. She was dressed up and cloaked in a nice red coat which made her smile shine. Babies in church are always a big hit but we made sure to limit the fuss about and around her. We still have to be careful of germs and sanitation.

The songs were sung, the prayers were prayed and the word came forth and C.J. actually remained awake for most of it. I could hear her making noise when I would get up to speak. Once I began my sermon all was shut out because I am focused 100% on listening to the Lord.

After service she was greeted by many well wishes who have been praying for her since she was born. C.J. would smile at some but remain neutral with others. Maybe this is the beginning of her determining who she will and will not deal with. She might be onto something and I may need to talk to her to see if I should "x" some people from my lists, lol.

Finally it was off to Great-Grandma's to have dinner. Now everyone wants C.J. to get a taste of some real food but she has a little more time to wait. Today she shared the house with her cousins, three others were there. It was fun to see her interact even just for a little bit with them all. The work week begins tomorrow. Back to the hustle and bustle that is our everyday lives but as the message reminded us today, always take a timeout if needed to make sure you are in the will of God. You all remember to pray because prayer changes things!

Getting Ready

So C.J. is going to Daddy's church tomorrow! This will be the first time to Mt. Sinai and her first time hearing her daddy proclaim the gospel. Last week she went to hear her grandfather preach. I was told that she sat well so I am hoping that tomorrow will be identical.

The preparation was easier than I thought. Since C.J. is my daughter you know Daddy wants her to be coordinated at all times. So she will dawn red. A good color for church too...the blood of Jesus! Hopefully we can get through the day without much fuss. A lot of folks want to see her but I really do not want her to be some kind of exhibit.

So tonight I needed to go into solitude to get the final clearance from the man upstairs. He provides the words I just have to open my mouth and let them out. Mommy and C.J. moved their nightly ritual so I could be comfortable and have the serenity I needed.

In the future I hope to have a room in my house dedicated for sermon preparation. This will be different from the "Man Room" which will be a den of fun for me and painted black. I have prepared to preach twice in her close to four months of life, and both times C.J. has never interrupted nor made things difficult. I thank God for that because I know it is Him working through her that allows his word to come right to his vessel.

So I will not be long tonight. I want to chill and enjoy some quiet time with the Mrs., again only because God has made it possible. So you all pray for me as you pray tonight and remember that prayer changes things.

C.J., thank you for letting God use you to create the solace that your daddy needed tonight. I appreciate it very much and love you.

C.J. "The Boss Lady"

First I would like to apologize for the very quick post on yesterday. After a hearty meal and disappointing football by my Blew Crew I fell asleep by 10PM. When I woke up I had to keep my daily sequence up so I gave just a small note and went right back to bed. So again, I apologize.

So that brings me to today. A pre-arranged bum day here in the Johnson household. I for one have never been a fan of running out at all times of morning on this poorly titled day looking for bargains that really are not there. It is sad to see that my fellow Americans have allowed themselves to be brainwashed into acting as if they are just not satisfied unless they spend money on the day after Thanksgiving. I will post on another location in detail about how I feel regarding that topic soon, let me get back to my child C.J. Johnson.

Today I think she woke up with her mind set to be the boss of the house. I should have known something was up when she slept later than us this morning. So daddy got up to begin making breakfast and mommy fed C.J. when she was all done she came to sit and watch her educational television for the day. The only problem was that C.J. did not want top be bothered with the Sid the Science Kid today. Instead she wanted to make all sorts of noise looking for attention. Now folks she was not crying or anything but it was the kind of noise that said, "I really do not care what your doing nor am I interested. What I want for someone to do is stop what they are doing and come talk to C.J." Now most of the time we both would come running but we both knew she was faking. Besides, how could I keep an eye out on the grits, bacon, apples, eggs and biscuits if I had to talk to C.J.? Not possible but I had to make it possible because C.J. was not going to quit today. it was her way or a lot of noise and no one would have peace.

We then move on to the afternoon. C.J. "The Boss Lady" wanted to be held and walked around. Never mind that we were all enjoying some television together as a family. She let out her shrieks and tearless cries so daddy picked her up. The only thing is that she did not stop until I got up and proceeded to walk around with her. Soon after she would take a comforting deep breath then drop her head on my shoulder. I would try to sneak a seat but she would let the rockets red glare blast again. She wanted to be in charge and daddy better had recognized and follow suit accordingly. Once she was settled the boss decided to take a nap only for a minute though.

Today was interesting. It presented a scenario that will probably play out a lot when C.J. as she continues to develop. All three of us are stubborn and we want our way. Daddy and C.J. see eye to eye until she begins to want to play unfairly. Mommy is stern and will always make sure her thoughts are not trampled over by the newly formed tag team. We will see how this all plays out. Daddy is the king and I and not turning the kingdom into a matriarchy because C.J. says so!

Remember to pray because prayer changes things and in this instance I don't know if daddy or C.J. needs it more, lol!

Turkey Day

The slogan I will teach C.J. is that everyday is a day of Thanksgiving. God is in the blessing business daily so I will never limit myself to observe a day called thanksgiving. C.J. will be taught to do it daily and the other folks in the world with just have to catch up.

Think about that and remember to pray because prayer changes things!

Daddy Failed, LOL!

Well we all know by now that mommy and C.J. have this night-time ritual that is repeated nightly. Well tonight, being the night before Thanksgiving, mommy wanted to get the house straight which meant that daddy was left to get C.J. to bed. Do not laugh at me but you all know that spells disaster from the start. Mommy and daddy just do things way differently.

So of course I did not change her clothes from what she had on. I chose not to giver her a bath. Going in the room and making it dark was not necessary for daddy and I did not lay her down on my chest. I laid her in her crib and turned the mobile on, that did not work. All I heard was giggling and when I looked in on her she had a huge grin on her face.

Next I brought her out of the room and put her in her chair. I thought she would rock herself to sleep but instead she started to get more and more excited while rocking herself. I said I will take a page out of mommy's book and decided to take her back in the room and sit in the dark.

C.J. I guess wanted to play around today because she started to kick and rock and grab and twist until I began to stare at her. The more stern the stare the it seems the brighter her smile got and the wider her eyes became. I guess mommy had enough because the next think I know she is standing over me laughing and taking her for a bath.

Now folks I know how to deal with kids, really I do. C.J. is just my little princes and she does get her way with daddy from time to time. I will have to work on this bedtime thing. Because if she stays up to late the next day will be hell for us all.

So I failed today. this is the first "F" I have received in a long time. So now I have to reassess what I do and come up with a new game plan. Funny thing is mommy failed too because C.J. is currently up making noise when she thought she was down, lol! You all pray for us now because prayer changes things!

Home On The Range

When I think of home I see place where love is over flowing. That is the sentiment I want C.J. to have when she thinks of home from now to forever. We arrived home fairly early today. C.J. had the opportunity to watch some television, eat and catch some football with dad. the game was rather boring so daddy decided to switch to SVU. The feel in the house was relaxed. We ate dinner. C.J. and I practiced some singing scales and I played Floetry so she could hear what real music sounded like.

I began to think of what a home was. Some may say a place. I beg to differ and I will say that it is a feeling. You have to feel at home. A home is when you are at peace. The distractions from the outside world are not allowed. A home is where loves abides and excitement fills the hearts of all. A home is where you find refuge from a bad day and serenity from the chaos that is the world. A home is where prayer is number one on the agenda and God is the head.

Their was a time in my life when I would keep myself busy not to go home. However once I was married the urge to be home grew and now that I am a daddy home is where I want to be 24/7. I hurry home from work, do not go out as much and make sure that every night is ended and began at home. I pray that home continues to develop into a haven of hope and layer of love and a palace of prayer. that way it will be a model home. A home that C.J. will be nurtured and grow into a fascinating young woman and more importantly a home that God is pleased with.

Every night C.J. is read to, prayed with, comforted and kissed. When I look down in that crib and see her sleeping it brings a smile to my face. I smile because another day in our home is complete and now God will watch over us as we slumber.

As I go may homes be developed in your lives may the be blessed and highly favored. Until next time always remember to pray because prayer changes things!

Sing A Song

My favorite band of all time is Earth, Wind and Fire. They have a song titled "Sing A Song" that I love to play all the time. Something about me that some may no and others do not is that I love to sing. I come from a family that enjoys singing. So of course I am going to expose my little girl to music. Country music, club music, techno music, R&B music, rap music, neo-soul music, gospel music, worship music, jazz music, band music, classical music, you name it I will play it.

Music does a lot for a person. It can help calm them down. It can help turn a bad day into a great one. It can prepare you for worship. It can also tell stories. Music is universal, it touches every ones soul.

So yesterday and today I decided to sing with C.J. i am talking a full blown one on one jam session. Now we did not get past the warm up stage but we are well on our way. I have started with a simple "ah". "Ah" for a short time "ah" for a long time. I would say sing it and then C.J. would look at her daddy and laugh. She then would open her mouth but nothing would come out. I saw her trying and I know I had a connection so I kept on demonstrating and by the tenth time she did it! C.J. did exactly what I wanted. I celebrated her success and told her to make sure she practiced at the baby sitter today.

Music is what gets me through the day sometimes and already C.J. and I have our best times listening to music. Our favorite song to listen to and dance to is "Your Joy" by Chrisette Michele. We also jam to "Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind and Fire. When we are together listening to music are hearts are in sync. C.J. in my arm, me looking at her and her looking at me. It is a magical moment only the two of us will ever be able to share or explain. So C.J.;

When you feel down and out
Sing a song, it'll make your day
Here's a time to shout
Sing a song, it'll make a way
Sometimes it's hard to care
Sing a song, it'll make your day
A smile so hard to bear
Sing a song, it'll make a way

Singasong
Singasong
Singasong
Singasong

Bring your heart to believing
Sing a song, it'll make your day
Life ain't about no retrieving
Sing a song, it'll make a way
Give yourself what you need
Sing a song, it'll make your day
Smile, smile smile and believe
Sing a song, it'll make a way

Singasong
Singasong
Singasong
Singasong

Love you baby!

Until next time good people, always remember to pray because prayer changes things!

Let The Church Say Amen!

Well, today was the first day we worshiped as a family. This morning Mommy and C.J. went to Mommy's church. This afternoon we went to see C.J.#1 be dedicated as a family, and it was a great experience. The message was about humbling ourselves so we can make it into the kingdom. What a great feeling it was to be with C.J. in the worship atmosphere! This is important because both Mommy and Daddy love the Lord and C.J. prays daily with us. She prays with Mommy daily, and with Daddy daily, and with both in our morning family prayer. I will admit we have to get better with the nighttime prayer as a family. Having exposure to worship now will prayerfully help C.J. understand that Jesus is her Lord and Savior and worthy of all her praise.

C.J. was good in church too, not a peep out of her during the entire service. This is because I know my baby was attentive to the word God sent for her on today. You may think I am nuts but God speaks to us all.

How interesting that C.J., the preacher's kid, was at two different worship services her first day out to church. It was a long day for us all but we made it through by the grace of God. Besides I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus and WORSHIP was my focus! So the two were easy because I was in WORSHIP mode. God has been too great for me not want to offer up everything I have unto Him.

C.J. I want you to know that Jesus is a gift to you from God. Daddy and Mommy will take you to church with them until you are old enough to make the decision to accept the gift God have offered you. Daddy accepted the gift for himself and Mommy for herself. However just because we both accepted the gift, it does nothing for you. You must understand that God loves C.J. and has a plan for C.J.'s life. We will pray with you as a family everyday. However, even though we pray together, there will come a day where you will need to communicate with God for yourself.

I have decided while writing that it is time to go get C.J. a bible so when she is ready to explore reading, the bible is a book that is available to her. Now we have many bibles in the house but they belong mostly to Daddy, although Mommy's collection is not too shabby. However C.J. needs a children's bible and I am going to have it for her to open as we celebrate the birth of Christ.

Well it has been a magnificent day in the Lord! I hope you all had the chance to WORSHIP and give him praise. Until tomorrow, always remember to pray because prayer changes things!

Spazzing Out!

If I were to write the following words, "After a long day at work," you could probably fill in the blank. All I wanted to do was come home and chill with my ladies. Before I left I explained to Shatema how I now had two women, C.J and Shatema. I compared how C.J. does everything to get my attention and how she could do some things to get it as well. Now her list contained a few items that would catapult her back to the pole position instead of the neck-and-neck tie she is in with C.J.

Anyway, I come home after hanging out a bit with my colleagues and all is well. Mommy is quiet, C.J. is quiet and I was able to come in and turn right to the football games of the night. (Sidebar, this is when I saw that Notre Dame loss to UCONN and I came to the conclusion that Charlie Wiess has to go). So I get comfortable and I play with C.J. for a bit. Mommy went to drop a load of laundry in, and while she was gone, it happened.

All of a sudden C.J. starts balling and her basketball was nowhere near her. Tears ran down her cheek. She yelled and screamed (and there is a difference) at the top of her lungs. I had to close the windows so no one thought she was being harmed. I did not know what she wanted. I picked her up and walked around with her, she cried. I turned some music on, and she cried some more. I rocked her, and she cried. I gave her her pacifier, and she cried louder and spit it out. She was out of control.

Now you already know I do not like seeing my girl like this. I do not get excited...I just continue trying to soothe her. She would stop for a bit and then start back up again, lol! Finally I am like Mommy, could she be hungry? Lo and behold a little milk did the trick. Now after we settled everything you know I told that little girl that she better not act like that again. Yelling and screaming like she did not just eat a hour and a half earlier.

This little temper I am seeing is gonna be something else. She is a little pistol when she wants her way. I guess she has a little bit of her dad in her, just a little bit. I will work on the "my way or the highway" syndrome early so she might fair a little better. We do not want her just spazzing out on people when they upset her. I will tell you all this now, though. Sometimes a quick spazz out might be needed to put someone in their place, but I will demonstrate to her how you do it without batting an eye or raising your voice so the victim looks like the one who is crazy. C.J.'s daddy is a professional at that.

Tomorrow is WORSHIP day with the believers. I get my WORSHIP on everyday so I am going to go for now. Until the next time, you all remember to pray because prayer changes things. Peace and blessings to you and yours!

Laying the Foundation

Tonight is another one where I will provide C.J. with some helpful; hints from some pretty on point people.

#1. And when you discover what you will be in your life, set out to do it as if God Almighty called you at this particular moment in history to do it. don't just set out to do a good job. Set out to do such a good job that the living, the dead or the unborn couldn't do it any better.

If it falls your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures, sweep streets like Beethoven composed music, sweep streets like Leontyne Price sings before the Metropolitan Opera. Sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry. Sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will have to pause and say: Here lived a great street sweeper who swept his job well. If you can't be a pine at the top of the hill, be a shrub in the valley. Be be the best little shrub on the side of the hill.

Be a bush if you can't be a tree. If you can't be a highway, just be a trail. If you can't be a sun, be a star. For it isn't by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

#2. "We declare our right on this earth...to be a human being, to be respected as a human being, to be given the rights of a human being in this society, on this earth, in this day, which we intend to bring into existence by any means necessary."

"Our objective is complete freedom, justice and equality by any means necessary."

"The day that the black man takes an uncompromising step and realizes that he's within his rights, when his own freedom is being jeopardized, to use any means necessary to bring about his freedom or put a halt to that injustice, I don't think he'll be by himself." Malcolm X.

#3. Ain't I A Woman?
by Sojourner Truth
Women's Rights & African-American Rights Pioneer

Delivered To The Women's Convention In Akron, Ohio - December, 1851

Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that 'twixt the negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what's all this here talking about?

That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?

Then they talk about this thing in the head; what's this they call it? [member of audience whispers, "intellect"] That's it, honey. What's that got to do with women's rights or negroes' rights? If my cup won't hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?

Then that little man in black there, he says women can't have as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.

If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back , and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.

Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain't got nothing more to say.


So C.J. one day you will read this and wonder to yourself, why did daddy capture these words for me." I am going to save you the mystery and give you a little insight. Daddy wants you be be a strong young woman, firm in your position. Daddy wants you to have pride in all you do, to be focused and dedicated to the causes you deem as important in your life. Finally the Malcolm X words. Sometime you will have to just go out there and take things you want. This is not meant in a negative way. It simply means that sometimes you will have to be assertive and aggressive to get what ans where you want.

To all my readers, I am raising a well balanced young woman so when I go off on tangents please understand why! Until next time always remember to pray because prayer changes things!

Trouble, Trouble, Trouble!

Today was the day I knew would come, the reign of terror is currently upon us. Yo have to understand something. C.J. has a big cousin, we call her Breezie. She is a child who has been here before, maybe a few times. This girl called me Rudy up until about a month ago. She knows my name too. Now when we asked her why she called me that she simply said because I wanted too. Breezie is more like a hurricane than any kind of breeze.

When C.J. was born I instructed her not to deal with Breezie. She was told that she would be the reason that she would get in trouble with daddy. Now For C.J. to get in trouble with me it would take a lot but with Breezie all things are possible. So today they are at their Great-Grandma's house and Breezie has a cookie. of course my child being the greedy girl she is eyes the cookie. So my niece decided that she wanted to share with C.J. After she was told that C.J. could not have the cookie she took it upon herself to break a small piece of to offer her. C.J.'s mouth watered and if Breezie was not stopped she would have feasted upon her first chocolate chip cookie.

It is great that C.J. will have a lot of folks to grow up with. Family is very important for me and I want my children to have the same kind of upbringing. This way they will know their family. they will form bonds and they will learn how to support one another.

C.J. and Breezie will be a force to be reckoned with for a long time. The trouble is only beginning. I know we are in trouble because when I asked C.J. about the events of the evening she looked at her daddy and smirked. So world look out! I warn you now that C.J. has hooked up with a monster and they are gonna run loose. I will do my best to keep her tame but I do not know if my best will be good enough. So in closing please pray for me and C.J. because prayer changes things. This one I have to mention before I go. Shatema made a visit during her lunch period to the sitter. She comes home and tell me that the little boy at the sitter was fascinated with C.J. , wanted to share his toys and was looking and smiling at my baby. People, mommy said C.J. smiled back. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!You all know I am going to the range soon! Again, always pray because prayer can changes things and most of all people.

Real Quick

Sometimes you just run out of time. So today I will leave a few quotes for my girl C.J.

1. Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice. Wayne Dyer

2. People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents. Andrew Carnegie

3. The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work. Mark Twain

4. Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out. Robert Collier

5. If you want to get somewhere you have to know where you want to go and how to get there. Then never, never, never give up. Norman Vincent Peale

C.J., these are some quotes that one day you will understand the underlying meaning. They all will help you develop a strong work ethic and help you achieve all the goals you set for yourself. Just know your daddy is always here for you and is your loudest cheerleader!

Child Growth & Development

In college I studied the likes of Piaget, Vgotsky, Dewey and Skinner. I will say this upfront, at the time I hated everything about these guys. You have to understand I was forced to remember every theory, every stage, every similarity, every difference, every year and more. My diet for an entire semester consisted of these men. Now back then you would never get me to believe I would use this material once I left SPED 101. Which to date is one of the most difficult classes I have engaged in because of the large amount of material packed into a semester. As a 29 year old Educator I will admit that I was wrong.

The first day I stepped foot into my first grade classroom I needed to call up my boys to analyze where my students were functioning. They all played a role in my classroom and when I left the elementary level of education I again though I would leave them behind. Again I was wrong. I refer to my boys now when I deal with my students at the collegiate level. They should be far along the spectrum but some of them (And I love them all) are still at the beginning.

C.J. also brings me back to the beginning stages of development. We now have her spending more time on her belly. This fores her to lift up her head on her own which she is doing quite well I might add. I spend a lot of time with her. Letting her grasp my hand, have her pull on some of her toys, watching her kicking her feet and trying to roll over. Since I have a little knowledge in the area I should use it with my own kid. One thing I try to do is not make her a lab rat. I do not want to watch her according to any scales or books. that would not only drive me crazy but more importantly it would drive C.J. nuts.

As an educator I once thought that I would have very critical of everything my poor baby did. Is she doing that right, is this on-time, when will this happen, when will that happen. Until I decided way before she was born to let her do her! She will do what she wants to do and let me share with you all that C.J. does what she wants when she wants. Right now it is not a problem but one day it might be and then we will have to have a sit down. If that does not work, thy rod and thy staff might have to comfort her, lol! All in all she is developing quite nicely and I am pleased with her progress. I will always refer to my prior knowledge i am just glad I have my own to draw from.

Have a great evening and do not forget to pray. Prayer changes things!

Note for C.J. Always put in the work for the results you desire.

Here's Laughing At You!

One of the greatest things to wake up to every morning is a smile. A smile can usher in a great day on the job, in school, on the road and quite frankly anywhere you will find yourself.

This morning I changed the morning routine a little. Instead of waiting for mommy to get ready and then once she was done get C.J. ready I pitched in. Getting C.J. up in the morning is a chore, she stretches, she yawns, she grunts and she makes it difficult for anyone involved. However today was a little different. After she interrupted my last half hour of sleep; you know that dimension of sleep that either makes you say you had a great not of sleep or that you did not sleep well at all. The last moments of sleep that usually cap off a great dream. The last few moments of sleep that can erase the bags from under your eyes, yes folks that sleep. I proceeded to wash her up. The funny thing is that she did not make a peep instead she began to giggle, laugh and smile. It was like she was happy she was being cleaned. As I continued my heart was full of excitement to see my little girl so happy. To me it means I am doing what I am suppose to do. I aim not to make her happy but so that she has joy running throughout her veins.

This morning was so fun getting her ready that I will attempt Day 2 in the morning. I hope the smiles and giggles come again because they helped kick daddy's week off more than she will ever know.

I am going to turn in early tonight so in parting you all always remember to pray because like I always say, "Prayer changes things!"