Almost Back to Normal

CJ and Mommy are both back. Today Daddy had to work and then tend to some family business. So by the time he arrived home he was able to see CJ awake for exactly a minute. Until proven otherwise, Daddy will believe that CJ waited up for him to come home. I gave her a kiss then laid her back down so she could get some sleep. Mommy informed me that she stayed up late last night so I did not want to make tonight night two.

SO Cj is sleeping and Daddy is still praising God for the blessings he send his way. When Daddy sees no way God make a way and he deserves both Daddy and CJ's praise. With our hands lifted up and our mouths filled with praise, with hearts of Thanksgiving, I will bless the oh Lord.

You all continue to pray. Prayer still changes things, people, and situations.

Home Alone

It is a Friday night. We went out to diner to celebrate CJ's Pop Pop's birthday. Diner was delicious and now Daddy is home. The only problem is that their is no sound of a baby. CJ is not up and roaming. CJ is not even sleeping peacefully in her crib. CJ is not here nor is her Mommy. Most guys would be overjoyed and head out to the club with the guys or to the bar. Not this Daddy, he would rather have his Princess and the Queen of the house here with him. The heat does not seem hot enough. The bed will not feel comfortable enough. The pillow will not be plump enough, and I will not know what to do with myself when I wake up and have no one to look over too or kiss good bye. For Daddy this is the first time he is not with CJ at night and he is home. So what to do, the only thing he can do is deal with it.

So I wonder if CJ realizes Daddy is not with her?
I wonder if she realizes she is not at home?
I wonder is she was sad when I left?
I wonder if she will misses me period.
I wonder if she will miss me kissing and hugging her when she wakes up?
I wonder if she will miss me from hanging out with her on Saturday morning?
I wonder if she is sad because she wants her Daddy?

Daddy has a lot of wonders. The one thing I do not have to wonder about is that wherever we are CJ loves her Daddy and Daddy loves his Princess CJ.

So now I will try to go to sleep without the comforts of my wife and without the snoring from my daughter. Though both loud they bring satisfaction to the end of a day. So you all pray Daddy gets some sleep. Prayer changes things, people, and situation and will get Daddy through the night.

NOTE TO CJ: Even though this may be the first time you are away from your Daddy I want you to know that your Daddy misses you anytime we are not together. From the moment you get dropped off at the baby sitter he begins to feel empty. You are part of the gasoline that helps him to run smoothly. I love you and miss you tonight!

The Reason Why

So we found out why CJ is not eating diner. The babysitter provides add ons to what Mommy sends for lunch. Not a bad thing, CJ likes to eat and will try a lot of different things. Daddy was a little worried thay she did not like his cooking. If she did not eat what he cooked she might get slim waiting on her Mommy to cook.

Tonight was Daddy bath night for the first time in a while. CJ is a lot more cooperative these days which makes it quick and easy. She fought her sleep a little longer than usual but Daddy doesn't mind that at all.

CJ did make it to Mommy's school for the Cth gtade Halloween Party. She dressed as a pirate and was a cute pirate too. She did not stay to long though, the noise and abundance of high octane teens was a bit much for her.

She is now sleep and resting up for her reign of terror to come prayerfully tomorrow. Keep praying folks, prayer changes things, people, and situations.

A Brief Encounter

Today was not a full one for CJ and Daddy. The most interaction we had was when I picked her up from the baby sitter she ignored me for a a good while because she was eating Lucky Charms. She kindly made me wait until she was done and when she was she told everyone bye bye and proceeded to the door. Being the adult in the situation when she hit the door I followed her out.

Daddy had to work tonight so he was not home to hang out with CJ. When I arrived home she was asleep along with her Mommy. So as for Daddy he finished up what he needed to complete and will soon be off to sleep himself. Before I do I will pray and I remind you all to join me as well. prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Quick Update

Real quick, Daddy is investigating the reasons why Cj might be uncomfortable in her car seat. She scream bloody murder when she is in there as of late. This is also the second day in a row that CJ chooses to only eat vegetables for dinner, when she has other options. Have I created a future vegetarian? Who knows, welp that is all today. Keep praying folks a breakthrough is on the way. prayer changes things, people, and situations!

Up To No Good

CJ is becoming more and more exploratory as the days come and go. The problem is that she likes to explore anything that can be deemed hazardous to her health or can cause breaks, bumps and bruises to her body. She seems to get her kicks from roaming the house and looking for things to get into. You know she is up to no good when you do not hear her. However, make no mistake about it, CJ is not one to be shy about what she is doing.

On the ride home today CJ was making a lot of noise for no good reason. She was not hurt in any way. She was not wet and she was not hungry. So Daddy needed to figure out what would shut his kid up. Then it came to him, turn on the radio. When the music came on, almost instantly CJ smiled and began to bounce up and down in her car seat to the beat. Then Jill Scott's Cross My Mind came on so Daddy felt like scatting a little bit. So he sung, yeah, yeah yeah yeah yeah! Usually the car is silent but today CJ decided that she would follow her Daddy up and sung out loud, yeah yea yeah yeah yeah! Mommy and Daddy both looked up and smiled. Daddy did it again and CJ followed him up again. I know I do not need to say it but Daddy was all smiles. As he told Mommy he is soaking it all up while he can and while CJ loves everything about him. He also notes that a day will come when she will not really feel all he says.

She went to sleep rather quickly tonight, I guess she had a long day. So as Daddy watches the Giants play Dallas and wrestling simultaneously you all remember to pray before you call it a night. Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Taught Well

CJ's grandfather told me that

Suddenly Silent

Tonight we had company over. So Daddy prepared dinner and Mommy laid out the appetizers. Mommy really knows how to entertain. She pulls out all the stops and swears she does not like to have folks over. Anyway CJ did not want to wait for the guests. She wanted to grab all the cheese she could. She also wanted to drink from the empty cups Mommy put out. She decided she would eat the napkins too. Mommy fussed with her a bit but CJ with her determined personality kept going back for more.

The odd thing today was that CJ went silent. CJ usually has the gift of gab. She will get personal with people rather quickly. Tonight when the guests came one her cousin she decided to stay close to her Daddy. I was taken aback because CJ is a bit more extroverted than that. The behavior was new. I will also report that by the end of the night she had warmed up a lot. I guess they had to meet her approval.

So CJ, after staying up way past her mothers desired bedtime for her was taken immediately to bed once the door was locked. Mommy of course fell asleep to. She always does. So I will remind you to pray folks. Prayer changes things, people, and situations. Good night.

NOTE TO CJ: CJ, remember to always greet people when they enter into a place where you are. You should make them feel welcomed!

A Nice Ride

Today CJ and Daddy spent their quality time together in the truck riding back and forth. Mommy was a little under the weather so it was just Daddy and CJ who had to venture out today. As we traveled CJ sat in the back and bounced to the beat of the music. I get excited when I see her respond to music, she seems to really enjoy it. that is a good thing because her daddy is really into music and will dance around by himself if need to.

When I arrived to pick CJ up from the sitter she looked like she was having fun. So much fun that she acknowledged my presence and proceeded to do what she was previously engaged in. One of the kids was playing a boxing game and CJ was displaying her skills. I let her be for a few then asked her if she was ready to go home. She actually turned around and say clearly, "No!" Both the sitter and I snickered. I then asked if she wanted to go see Mommy? Again, CJ, this time without turning around said, "No!" I am really glad she enjoys her time at the sitter but want her to like coming home too. So finally I told CJ bye bye and opened the door. She heard it open then started to come towards me, then bypassed me, said, bye bye and proceeded out the door.

The evening was spent keeping CJ out of everything. Mommy was trying to straighten up he house for company tomorrow but you all know CJ, anything that she can get into she will. She went to sleep without to much fuss tonight. It has been a long week so my poor baby must be worn out. Now Daddy is just listening to what he calls his oldies but goodies. From time to time Daddy needs to listen to real music since their is not much of it left these days. So folks, keep praying, I am a living witness that prayer works. It changes things, people, and situations!

NOTE TO CJ: If you keep your room clean as your Daddy and Mommy ask you to, when company comes by you will not have to be up all night prepping. You can do something more fun with your time.

Habits

When your child is around many different people: children, adults, strangers, family, and many more, you have to watch carefully the habits they pick up. Today I noticed CJ doing some things that I did not particularly care for. Mommy feels they may be developmental but Daddy believes they may be bad habits she is picking up. So we will be monitoring her actions to make sure she is not going too far with anything. Other than that today was another day CJ and I did not get to play much. Daddy had to work so all he saw was her draped in a blanket sleeping.

So keep praying, prayer changes things, people, and situations!

The Bright Side of Things

To sum up my day, it sucked. It is really difficult producing with the devil abiding at work as well. It was so bad I needed to leave the office early to collect myself. The ride home was quiet. No music, no text messaging, no smiles or anything else for that matter. I could feel my blood boiling on the inside and I needed to calm down. All I knew was that I was beat down, beat up, beat over, beat through, and beat under. In my mind nothing would could change my feelings. As I left the office the last words I uttered was that I needed to find the bright side of things.

When I arrived to pick up CJ the bright side started to peek out. Whenever I see CJ's radiant smile it changes my day. As Sam Cooke sung, "I know a change gonna come." So I needed to feel better about myself today so I went to get a haircut. This is where God stepped in. As I sat in the chair the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir video concert was on. I Never Lost My Praise was the song that played and that is my testimony for today and the message I want CJ to always lean on. I am currently beaten, scorn, played, upset and a whole lot more but through it all I still give God the praise for all he has done and does for me. I will bounce back in the way he would have me to.

So once we arrived home CJ entertained me. Her attentiveness to the educational shows we watch and her dancing around the house always is a pleasure to see. Oh, to be a child carefree and enjoying life. So she picked up her Daddy's day. She may not know it but I thank her for helping turn my day around. So folks I've never asked this before but I am now. I am praying that God reveals his plan for me... where he is leading me, and what he wants me to do. He has better for me and is humbling me to prepare me for what he has. Pray I get out of the way, I lay pride aside and allow him to fill me with what he needs me to be filled with. Pray that I have the courage and faith to accept what this NEW thing in my life will be. A breakthrough is on the way, he would never leave his children in a place where they are not appreciated and taken for granted and used as a mule for others satisfaction. I thank you in advance for your prayerful support. Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

NOTE TO CJ: Days like today will test you. Your Daddy was at rock bottom and needed to be picked up. I want you to know that God is always in control. We may not know and understand his moves but he is moving at all times. All we have to do is trust him.

Simply Sleep

This will be quick but honest. When I dressed CJ this morning she slept. When I dropped her off at the babysitter, she was asleep. When I arrived home from work, she was still asleep. I did manage to hear her voice when I called Mommy to check in on them.

So the schedule is still tight but God is implementing that change as I type. Keep praying folks, prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Goofy CJ

Well the highlight of today could not occur in the morning because CJ slept through getting dressed and waiting on Mommy and Daddy to get ready. Then she proceeded to sleep all the way to the baby sitter's house. So when does the excitement come?

Well today when Mommy and Daddy arrived to pick CJ up we found her trying to leave with another family. One of the babysitter's friends came by and I guess CJ took a liking to her. Then once we arrived home it was all bets off with CJ. For the past few days CJ has had a fascination with the broom and the garbage can. Now I am happy that she is grabbing at the broom and when she gets it understands its function. The garbage can is another thing. She figures that everything she gets her hands on belongs in the garbage. The list includes, mail, barrettes, teething rings, toys and a few other items. We try to catch her but CJ acts quickly and can be a silent assassin at times. Daddy figures he will get her a kitchen set so she has her own broom and garbage can. That way she can put whatever she wants in there. I would bet a few bucks that whatever we can not find will be in her garbage can for safe keeping, lol!

Now we are going through some growing pains right now. CJ's back teeth are growing in and they are causing her loads of discomfort. She is in so much pain it took her almost an hour to go to sleep tonight. Mommy has already prepared the remedy for us so we should be good. Now do keep her and her agony in prayer and Daddy and Mommy too. We know that prayer changes things, people, situations, and can bring CJ through her teething battle. For now signing off, CJ's Daddy!

Sunday - Business Not As Usual

Now usually I will inform you all about how CJ behaved in church. Why not, it is Sunday right? Wrong. Today was not the typical Sunday in the Johnson house. Daddy was up early as usual to make the third Sunday eight o'clock Men's Day worship service. Today Mommy and CJ were not up with him. So he prayed and kissed them both on the foreheads as he usually does when he leaves out and made his way to church.

Also different from any other Sunday, Daddy was only staying for the eight o'clock service. Daddy is in the process of forming a mentoring program and has someone that may be interested in helping with some funding. That meant that Daddy needed to complete an informational piece that explains what the program is all about. We are happy to report that Daddy did accomplish what he set out to do. He has a few kinks to straighten out but we are confident the document will be completed when it is needed to be.

Once he was finished Daddy cleaned the bathroom and put the new accessories in. I add this just so you know Daddy does have a domestic side to him. He does what he can around the house. This will help dispel the gender roles that some people tend to promote. CJ already sees something more progressive, a Daddy who does the majority of the cooking and that decorates and accessorizes the bathroom. One role that has to stick is the garbage. Mommy, nor CJ, will need to do that task as that will be left for the man of the house.

After the bathroom it was time to hang out with CJ and I have to report that we went at it today. CJ insisted on doing what she wanted, when she wanted. Daddy wants to help her understand that when Daddy gives instructions, they are for a reason and she needs to comply with them. I know some of you believe she is too young to understand what Daddy wants but I know differently and will challenge theory and any opinions anyone would like to share. I have realized that I need to explain more instead of repeating things over and over again. Clearly that method has not worked effectively.

So today a lot was accomplished. Now let's see when this living room and bedroom get cleaned? I will be the first to say that your scheduled is altered when you have a one year old full of inquiry around. Things are looking up for CJ and Daddy though. We are growing more and more each day. Remember us in your prayers folks, ask God to continue providing the bricks that will allow us to build a strong foundation. We know that when we pray things, people, and situations WILL change.

Bad Hair Saga

Yesterday I mentioned CJ's bad hair issues. Well today they continued. After a Saturday on the job Daddy came home with the hopes of taking CJ and Mommy out for a ride. It would have been all well and good but one look at CJ's hair and Mommy said it was a no go. If CJ was a good girl and listened to her parents she would have been able to go out today. However, CJ does not like to keep her hat on therefore everyone would be able to see her jacked up hair. By the time Daddy came home today she had breakfast, lunch and who knows what else in her hair. Luckily Mommy showed mercy upon her head and washed it, greased it, and put two cute puffs in it. Now at least she could go out in public.

Daddy wishes she could have gone out. He believes that both Mommy and CJ get a little antsy when they stay in the house all day. If CJ is as much like her Daddy as everyone says she is then I know she is restless and ready to break out. We will have to work on our scheduling so that CJ gets some outside time on a daily basis. You all pray for that and it will happen for us. We will be praying too because we know that prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Wipe Me Down!

Today was different than many Friday's. Mommy decided to stay home because she felt ill. The not so bright decision she made was to keep the Princess CJ Johnson home with her. I felt it was not a good look but went along with it. I was online with Mommy during the day and the report was, Mommy was ready to hang CJ! CJ is a handful when you are well but when you are sick she is two hands full.

When Daddy came home he peered around the stairs to surprise CJ. She couldn't see him when he called for her attention but when he came up the stairs she knew who it was and smiled. While Daddy had his snack of nachos he provided CJ with some Golden Grahams so she would not come take his. After snack time Daddy washed CJ up a little and dressed her so she could accompany him to the mall. While they were gone Mommy would be able to relax with no baby to chase around. CJ's hair was a mess today. The braids that were in were taken out and anyone that knows hair can imagine what my poor baby looked like. Daddy found a hat for CJ and told her that she had what is called a "Bad Hair Day" and that she should keep the hat on. CJ did not agree and wanted to show everyone in the mall her hideous hair do.

Now the highlight of our evening was that Daddy was able to go to the mall, on payday, with CJ, and purchase nothing for her. Usually CJ gets something on a trip but Daddy was self-centered tonight and focused on his needs. Now the question is can Daddy make it through the weekend and not swipe for CJ? We shall see. Now Daddy and CJ were out a little longer than they intended to be. Daddy had just given Mommy loads of credit for actually relaxing and not calling to check up on her Dynamic Duo or Treacherous Two. (Something she always does) NO sooner than Daddy smiled and gave her mental dap the phone rang and guess who it was? Your right it was Mommy, we will just say she really missed us.

So we are all back at home enjoying the Cosby Show. Dinner was Five Guys and CJ ate all of Daddy's fries. She really enjoyed them. Daddy enjoyed his time alone with CJ, its been a while but we have a football game next week to look forward to Lord's willing. So folks please remember to pray and put someone in front of you tonight. Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Pass

Today was a normal day in our household. CJ and Daddy had fun. Not much to add tonight. So keep praying folks it changes things, people, and situations.

Pause for Chile!

This morning I woke up to the sound of exuberation. As I began my day I was privy to God at work as methodically the Chilean miners were being pulled from the depths of the earth one by one. These gentlemen whom I do not know have been on my mind all day. What faith they must have is what I thought to myself as I got dressed.

My CJ highlight today is her saying, "Bye Bye Da Da" as I arrived at the babysitter's house. She is beginning to utter those words daily. When I hear them I freeze and soak the moment in. Those simple words help me get to work through the hectic traffic I have to face. I am so excited about the feat that I share it with anyone that will listen. I am glad I am scribing this so she will know just how important she is in her Daddy's life. He goes through a lot during a day and having that point to recall does wonders. I will soon have to record it so I can play it whenever I need.

When I came home from work I did manage to let her know I was in. I think she waited until she heard me to lay down and actually sleep for the night. Again, something to add to my catalog of CJ moments that makes Daddy melt. I also am happy that all 33 miners have been rescued. God is all that and some more. Now as the day fades away remember to pray and add someone who you don't know within your prayers. Prayer changes things, people, and situations, even if it is through a small hole in the ground.

The Color Pink

I think everyone who comes in contact with me knows how I feel about the color pink with regard to CJ. I wanted to clear the record on my behalf. I have no problem with the color pink. In fact, I own several different pink shirts myself. Some people believe that Daddy wears the color well too. The issue I have with pink comes from by sociological background. Daddy has issues with gender identification. The color pink is associated with girls, why does that have to be the case. When you walk in a store for shoes they mess a good pair up by accenting with pink. I went to Macy's when she was first born and everything in the store was pastel pink. I mean how about some variety? So when CJ was born I vowed not to push the color pink on her simply because she was a girl. Yes I bought her boy sneakers because they were hot! I bought her a Giants jersey because that is my team. Yes she wears Jordan's and the color blue too. This is not because I want make her a boy but that blue is one of Daddy's favorite colors and CJ and I have been watching football together since she came home from the hospital. Frankly, I feel that some folks need to give it a rest and live a little and brighten their child's wardrobe with splashes of color, like CJ. She wears, brown, black, purple, orange, red, yellow, blue, neon green, and whatever other color clothing items look nice in. It was funny when we picked CJ up from the babysitter today her daughter did CJ's hair. She pointed put that she put a pink bow in her hair but she did have the color purple for me. I was just happy her hair was done and it looked cute. My rule has always been, CJ will wear whatever anyone purchases for her but Daddy will not buy her anything the color pink. OK, her soccer ball has pink in it but that is for her athletic enrichment.

So there you have it people, live and direct from the horses mouth. You probably think I need prayer right about now so pray for me. Prayer changes things people, and situations. I almost forgot CJ now attempts to say thank you when you hand her something. My Princess is balancing her rough demeanor and her daintiness quite well.

NOT TO CJ: The same person who everyone scolds for buying you a football jersey and Kobe Bryant sneakers need to realize that I am the one that picks out dresses and jewelry for you too! Love you baby, whatever makes you happy!

Little Diapers

Not much to report tonight. I caught CJ by surprise when I was early to pick her up. I found her in her onesie and socks. For business purposes Daddy had to run up north and CJ was ill prepared. When we got to East Orange we realized that CJ had no pampers. Daddy asked his mother whether or not she had any pampers and not to my surprise she did. The problem was that they were for a baby a third of CJ's size. One look at the pamper and Daddy knew that would not work.

So thankfully there was a store near by and Mommy was able to get CJ some pampers that would fit. That is all folks. Today was a simple day but one that the Lord made so I rejoiced and have been glad in it. God's will take care of all problems and situations. So folks, be sure to pray, as prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Slumber Saturday - One In A Million

Today was an interesting mix. I had to work and I wanted to see Hadi play football all while spending the majority of he day at home relaxing. Daddy would like to report that he earned an A+ today because he accomplished it all! As expected CJ woke up pretty early today. Actually when we looked over she had half her leg over her railing. So Mommy took her out of the crib but CJ was ready for action so Daddy hung out with her a bit. It was soon time for Daddy to go leave so he had to lay CJ back down with Mommy which forced Mommy to get up. (She needed to be up anyway, lol!)

Once Daddy returned home he hung out with CJ watching football as he desired to do. he allowed CJ to take a lengthy nap, something Mommy would never do. At one point Mommy let me know that CJ needed to get up. So I got her up and she went all about the house as she normally does. Mommy decided to bathe her and Daddy ran out to the store. When he returned he felt like listening to to music. (Go figure, he always does that anyway) CJ seemed to like the song so he turned it up and grabbed CJ's hands. Daddy tried to do a Chicago style two step with CJ but she was a bit to jumpy. The song was One In A Million by Neyo, link provided for you (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tpl9LtkRRw&ob=av2e) Cute little song too. So ow since CJ took a long nap it 9:00pm an she is still awake. Maybe it is my fault but I did not mean it.

So now I will go watch some more football and anything else I find on the good ole tube. Keep praying folks. Prayer still is undefeated in changing things, people, and situations.

In All Seriousness

Sometimes when you sit down to write you have to pause and think about what is going on around you. There was no coincidence that as I looked for things to watch tonight, A Raisin In The Sun was on. I caught the tail end of the movie where Sonny lost all the money but then he grew up when he would not take money in exchange for his family not moving to a new part of town. I still do not know why it has had such an impact on me but for some reason it has. There is a part of the movie where the mother asks her grandson to come watch his father sell his soul. I pondered on what CJ watches me do? I mean I go to work every day. I pray with my family. I enjoy spending time with them. I try to be an advocate of change in the community. I provide and protect my girls, and I will do anything necessary to ensure their happiness.

The question still remains what is CJ learning from me as her dad? This glimpse of television forced me to look at where we are as a family and where we are going. I'd like to say by the grace of God we are in a good place. However I know God has more in store for us. I have learned to be patient and wait on God. As as favorite song of mine says, "I can depend on God, through the storm, through the rain, through sickness and through pain, I can depend on God!" I really believe this too and I want my daughter to have the same feeling.

Just a few highlights for the day. After staying up way past her bed time last night, CJ slept in this morning. As I left for work she shifted about a bit but she did not wake up. When I came home CJ and Mommy were up and active. We are beginning to have to deal with disciplining her. I know Daddy for sure is dealing with drawing that line. Trying to decipher between what she knows she is doing versus what is developmental. It is a little difficult at this point in time but we are creating the limits and boundaries and the expectations will be laid out soon for everyone to understand. She has to learn that her pretty smile is only for the camera and to make Daddy's day when he is down. It is not meant to get her out of trouble.

As I finish up tonight remember, when you pray to include someone else in your prayers. Prayer changes things, people, and situations especially the one that prays for someone else!

Wearing Down

When I picked CJ up from the babysitter her face looked as if the week had beat her down too. She did not smile or reach out to me. She looked tired and out of sorts. When she came to she began to cry for her Daddy but that was it. She did not have the energy she usually has to be the go-getter we are use too. She was a little under the weather the sitter said so I knew she would sleep a lot when we arrived home. So when I left for church she was sleep and now that I am back home she is still asleep. So you all pray for my Princess to get well. Daddy likes her full of spunk and trust and believe Daddy knows that prayer changes things, people, and situations and can drive sickness away in the name of Jesus.

NOTE TO CJ: Get better!

All By Myself

You knew the day was coming folks. CJ is beginning to realize that she is a big girl. She is becoming more and more independent and she is exploring her surroundings even more than she normally does. She is trying to say new words and she is learning to play. Now some of you may think that one just starts to play but one must learn how to operate the different toys and objects that they find themselves around. Daddy made a statement a few days ago that he was not pleased with how she was interacting with herself. Daddy felt that she spent too much time being around Mommy and Daddy. Her being around us helps her to advance but she needed to learn how to function alone. So this week we have watched her interaction with the things she has, her doughnut tower, her farm, her laptop, and her books. It was great to see her operate her soccer ball too! I will say that she is doing quite well with things too.

Today when we arrived to pick her up from the babysitter I guess we took too long. Within a matter of seconds CJ had made her way to and out of the door. She even said, "Bye, Bye!" So I asked if she had the keys to her own car? She gave no response. It is fun watching her begin to do more and more all by herself. This shows that she has been watching and internalizing different things she has seen while growing.

So I am pleased with CJ's progress and I pray she continues to apply all she has learned. Please continue to pray that she always seeks to be independent but that she never forgets the comforts and lessons from home. Daddy knows that prayer changes things, people,and situations.

Linguistic Development

CJ is beginning to relate words to objects. We were in the car today and she began repeating her favorite letter "E". Something different happened today though, she said something else. Today CJ began to say the word ball. Now Daddy was ecstatic because he would want a child of his to like the word ball. She can put any root in front of it, foot, base, basket, soccer, or any other type of ball for all I care. Mommy did not believe that she was making a relation but Daddy always believes in his Princess. So when we arrived home Daddy parked the car and then went to the back. You all remember the ball from Old Navy right, well it has been in the car for the past few days and today was the time for it to come out. Daddy then grabbed the ball, showed it to CJ, then asked her what it was. CJ uttered the word "ball" once again and Daddy said to Mommy, "See I told you!" She is now beginning to develop her vocabulary and it should be full of very complex words since we read to her a bit. I have to challenge myself to read to her more. You can never have too much reading time so I will read to her as soon as we walk in the door. She likes books too, I snuck a picture of her reading a few weeks ago and she was looking through her Mommy's book today. So it seems as if she has a desire for reading which is great in Daddy's book.

So tonight as your lay your head to your pillow, say a prayer for CJ...that she continues to have a love for reading and that her Daddy makes the time necessary to nurture the skill. Prayer changes things, people, and situations. I want to add this, prayer makes things right. So no matter what gets in the way or creates "busy-ness" God will make what needs to happen, happen.

NOTE TO CJ: Baby, read all you want and can read. What you can not read get someone to read it to you. Books are the pathways to everything you dream of. Books allow you to visit all parts of the world. Books are the key that opens up your mental vault and fills it with knowledge, which leads to power! You will always have a book as long as your Daddy is around, even when you do not want one or have not finished the last one, I will add another to your library. I want to be your tour guide and pilot. I love you a whole bunch and want nothing but the best for you but you MUST want that for yourself.

Green Beans, Please!

Dinner was a little late for Daddy and Mommy today so CJ was only privy to part of the meal. She was offered mashed potatoes and green beans, two items she generally eats. Today was a little bit different. I think CJ is beginning to develop her preferred palette. Yesterday morning Mommy cooked up some oatmeal and mixed peaches in for CJ. She ate the oatmeal but whenever a peach entered the mix, she took it out her mouth to see what it was and then proceeded to eat it separately. Then during dinner I tried to feed her some country style dressing. I will admit it was a different texture, very coarse but damn good. She let it touch her tongue twice but it went no further. She did not care for it at all, which leads to tonight. Mashed potatoes are something CJ loves and eats regularly. Tonight she wanted nothing to do with them, and let Mommy know by spitting them out. Instead she chose to eat a pot of green beans. Maybe she was going with the more healthy side dish. The girl is bright in her own right, you know. Maybe she was saying Mommy and Daddy, from this point on, I will only eat healthy dishes. I mean we have tried to introduce her to a variety of dishes and styles of food with the hopes she will embrace a variety of things. I guess she is now beginning to make her own decisions on what she eats. Hey hopefully next she will begin to lay out her menu so we do not waste our time, lol!

Keep praying folks...things, people, and situations will change.

Sunday - Let's Get Loud

CJ hears it all the time, "enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise!" Or Psalm 150 which reads,

1Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

2Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

3Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

4Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

5Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

6Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

So I guess she asks herself, "What is the big deal about my noise in church?" If praise is suppose to be loud then I have that covered she figures. Daddy is still trying to get better in his dealing with CJ's noise. I mean it really is not all that bad but the noise comes when the sanctuary is quiet. Sometimes you can hear CJ over the choir, she sings with them too. I guess that comes from Daddy and Mommy blasting music around the house. The noise seems to only bother Daddy and Mommy or at least no one has said anything to us in our face. In church you see, the elders always turn around when they hear the slightest sound and they shake their heads. I have watched them closely for the last 30 years (You all figure that out). It always upsets me when they do that because they seem to think they are special or something. So if CJ is making apparent noise I can only guess what hey are thinking. However, you know what. Daddy needs to just let CJ be because she shows that she enjoys herself at church. Mommy and I have agreed that we would never bring toys are anything to divert her attention. We want her focused on the cross, hearing the word and responding as the Spirit leads her too. SO if she gets loud we apologize fore her being filled with the spirit but you might want to get close to her so you can feel the way she does. Then you can say it LOUD, like she does.

So CJ, you keep doing what you do. Daddy will have to learn to live with it and keep it moving. I pray you never let anyone steal your joy from you, not even your Daddy. As always he will pray about it and that will fix his situation all because prayer changes things, people, and situations. Maybe the noise would not be so apparent if others around CJ would been engaged in their own praise party. Just a little food for thought.

I Made It In!

I usually arrive home the next day after going to homecoming. Today I made it back before twelve midnight. No glass slippers here. When I left this morning CJ was asleep. When I returned she was asleep. I did hear her when I called to check in on her.

So tomorrow we will have fun! You all make sure your pray. Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Playing In The Store

Tonight once we all arrived home Daddy needed to go back out to pick a few things up. On the way out the door he informed CJ that she would not be getting anything during this trip. From the beginning it seemed that Mommy had other plans. So we wen to the mall and Daddy purchased the things he set out to purchase. While in Foot Locker mommy comes up to Daddy waving a pair of Chuck Taylor's at him and asked him to purchase them. Daddy swiftly informed her that CJ already knows that she will not be getting anything on this trip. So Mommy, with a little attitude, lol put the sneakers back. The crazy thing is that she ended up with the sneakers anyway because Daddy felt he needed to help the sales associate out with some commission.

So after Daddy was all squared away it was time for Mommy to unleash her spending fury. CJ needs a few fall items so Mommy had already made allotment to make that happen. She wen through every corner of one store then wanted to stop in another. It was in that store that Daddy at first saw a football but refrained from letting CJ play with it. He then saw this glow in the dark soccer ball that he picked up but then something better caught his eye. he saw a pink and purple soccer ball. Now everyone knows that Daddy really does not care for pink but this ball was cute. So Daddy picked it up and handed it to CJ. She grabbed it then threw it down on the ground. Daddy repeated his action and CJ repeated hers. Some customers saw that CJ was really enjoying the ball which made Daddy say she was going to get the ball. I know it was impulsive but even Daddy the master planner has a bad day. So once we purchased the ball Daddy and Cj continued to play all the way out the mall. CJ even mad e Daddy have to hustle a bit to get the ball because she threw it a bit hard and the momentum took it ways down the aisle. I decided to keep the ball in the car with me tomorrow so Mommy would not have to hurt CJ while I am away from the house.

CJ fell asleep during the ride home so I brought her in the house and put her directly to bed. She woke up a little bit so Mommy stayed in the room until she drifted back to sleep which was pretty quick tonight. So now that CJ is walking we can go outside and toss the ball a little bit. Next week will be tough so I may have to wait until a Sunday to really get down with her.

Well folks today was a great day. I was able to spend the evening with my girls so I am pleased. You all continue to pray that I get more and more time home, for one I need the rest. Secondly, CJ needs her Daddy around her as she develops. Finally it is the way it is suppose to be all work and no play would make Daddy a dull being. So I want to play with CJ every chance I get! Keep praying, prayer changes things, people, and situations.