Friday Flicker

Good day all, I will be very brief tonight. Not because I am lacking material but because I want to enjoy a Friday evening relaxing and watching television. This morning we woke up and Mommy had to be convinced to go to work despite a bad storm heading our way. Daddy promised her that she would not be left in Perth Amboy and that he would not get stuck in traffic with no gas. He let her know that at the first sight of snow he would leave work. Well 1:00pm came and Daddy received a text that read,"I guess I was paranoid for no reason." Not a drop of snow to that point. Now I am sitting here at 8:27pm and counting and no snow is visible. I canceled two meetings because people were concerned with the weather. All I kept saying is that, they mentioned this storm could go in two directions. One that would dump snow on us and the other would miss us. At this moment I am thinking the latter.

There is one good thing that comes from this. That is that I get to spend a lazy Saturday with C.J. and Mommy. C.J. will be up too because I followed Mommy's lead and put her to bed, even though I usually let her stay up until she feels like going to sleep on Friday nights. So tomorrow I am primed and ready to hang out with her. Have some tummy time, some basketball game time (She has to catch up) and some rest time. As we look at the anticipated snow fall through the windows we should be like Peter in Ezra Jack Keats' Snow Day...enjoying the time together as Daddy and daughter.

So I will go now, but make sure you remember to pray because prayer changes things, people and situations!

We Cool

Today was a good day for C.J. and Daddy. We followed our normal routine by getting up before the sun even began to shine. Daddy went to work, Mommy went to work, C.J. went through her long day at the babysitter, and then the day came to an end. Daddy left work, Mommy finished up her school work and C.J. was picked up. As usual God made provisions of safe travel for us, and we are so very grateful for that.

When I picked C.J. up today, I was glad to see her in the same clothes that I dressed her in this morning. This meant that all her food went in her mouth, and she did not get too messy. I like what we put on in the morning. It is usually hooked up and with style. We all know how much into style Daddy is, and he is training C.J. to take after him. (I think I will need a raise before she gets older and has a hand out for my wallet) Mommy is definitely the mild one when it comes to dress. I will not say conservative because Mommy has her ways. Daddy, on the other hand, likes to coordinate and be innovative with his style.

So C.J. came home today and wanted to be her usual loud self. While her Mommy was on the phone, C.J. let her grandmother know that she was alive and kicking. She made her funny sounds, she laughed and laughed some more. It is really exciting to see her so happy. I enjoy it because that means she is like her Daddy, full of charisma, spunk and energy. I have said this before but I can not wait until she is walking and we can get into trouble together.

Finally it was Daddy bath night. Today was fairly easy. We are getting much better with that. I did not even have to call Mommy in for help. I bathed her, dried her, greased her up and then dressed her for bed. The reading tonight was from a book entitled, "1001 Things Everyone Should Know About African American History" by Jeffrey C. Stewart. I figure since it is Black History Month, that should be the theme. I will have you know that we do not isolate our history into a month in this house. I am a history buff and we celebrate our heritage daily. We ended our bath time with prayer. Tonight I asked C.J. to pray. She made a sound of some sort so I know she communicated with the man upstairs. Then, I continued for us both. Tonight was the first time I really felt a spark when we prayed together. It is something C.J. and I will begin to do more often together. Maybe when she wakes up we will pray together as well.

So tonight C.J. went right to sleep once she hit the crib. Now Daddy will prepare for tomorrow himself. Now before I go, I will urge you to always pray because prayer changes things, people and situations!

What is CJ's Favorite Snack?

Daddy enjoys eating. For snacks he will have peanut butter and jelly. Some times popcorn is my option. However, my favorite snack of all is raw chocolate chip cookie dough. Now C.J. prefers a rather weird snack. No it's not a bottle of milk. It is not a jar of baby food, and it is not even a teething treat. Princess C.J. prefers to snack on her toes.

Every day I watch her, and it gets more and more humorous. She will bend her legs up and try to eat both sets of toes. One day she will share with us what the fascination with her toes is. Until then I guess we have to make sure her feet are clean so she does not put anything funky down her throat.

One day C.J. and I will snack together. That is when snacks for Daddy will consist of carrot sticks, cucumber slices and celery sticks dipped in peanut butter. We will always have fruit snacks in the house, and water will be the drink of choice. I want to make sure she is healthy and well balanced. Daddy is doing better with it now...he even bought some salad to eat the other day. For C.J. to be healthy, she must see healthy lifestyles, and Daddy will be an example.

So that is it for today. I am snacking now on some hot tea that calms me so I can sleep comfortably. C.J. is fast asleep and hopefully will not wake up for a snack. We will have to synchronize our watches when she gets older to sneak into the kitchen for snacks while Mommy is sleeping. Until tomorrow my friends, continue to pray because we all know that prayer changes things, people and situations!

C. J. and Daddy Time!

OK, everyone told me that when I became a father that my needs and wants would take a back seat to my child. Of course I emphatically said that would not be the case. I would still get everything I wanted, when I wanted it. Slowly I am coming to learn that I, Jamal T. Johnson, was wrong.

Now I am not saying that I can not get what I want. The desire is simply not there. For instance, today I had the opportunity to roam the mall for two and a half hours alone. With the mall full of shoe stores, places to buy suits and ties, and sneaker stores, I am sure I could have thought of one thing I wanted that I could buy. However, that was not the case. I walked in the mall and I see the baby clothing store so I walk in. I did not see anything worth spending money on, so I made my way to Macy's, but not to the Men's section or the cologne counter, but the baby section. After Macy's then I decided to look for some sneakers for C.J. I promised to get her the Kobe's so I looked for them and found them. After the purchase I was content. I walk towards the exit and bought me nothing. Now you know my life has changed if I can go to the mall and leave with nothing for me. C.J. is taking over.

Now Mommy and I differ about her sneakers. Mommy wants her to be cute, while Daddy wants her to have proper basketball attire. So C.J. having a pair of Kobe Bryant and Lebron James sneakers is only fitting. Mommy says they look like boy sneakers. Daddy only sees the sport! I will admit I will have to think about what she wears because I do not want her looking too much like a boy. I should have no problem since I also like to buy her dresses and skirts. The only rule, be it clothes or shoes from Daddy is, NO PINK (if I can help it).

So this evening Mommy needed some time to rest so C.J. and I caught up on some bonding time. C.J. and I enjoy our time together. We laugh, we smile, we hug and we play. Today Mommy asked me to make sure C.J. had some sufficient "tummy time". I obliged and C.J. was on point today. She rolled over on her own, and stayed on her belly for a long time. She was very active on her mat and even scooted a bit. So I give her a A- today. I do not want to give her an A+ because then she would be a master of all we want her to do.

So I am feeling good tonight! C.J. is developing well. I am getting stronger and all is getting better. So you all continue to pray because we all know that prayer changes things. It's funny, I am actually listening to Prayer Changes by R. Kelly. Here is a link to the song, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNd5M456OtY&feature=fvw) and I will leave you the lyrics as well. Enjoy!

"Prayer Changes" R. Kelly

Somebody just look back over your life and
See where he brought you from
How many of you know?

Prayer changes (I heard that)
Prayer changes (I believe that)
Prayer changes (I know that)
Prayer changes things
Prayer changes (I heard that)
Prayer changes (I believe that)
Prayer changes (I know that)
Prayer changes things

Now I was in a real bad abusive relationship
Knowing that, that was no way for me to live
A young girl like me, raised up in a good family
Way too young to endure such misery
And every night I cry myself to sleep from all the pain
And the more I prayed for sunny days it seemed to rain
(He hit me) at any given time
(He hit me) no reason at all
(He hit me) so so hard
(He hit me) my God, sometimes I'd fall
Mama asked what happened to me
And I'd take up for him
She said that devil's a liar
And pray get rid of him
And now I'm going to school
Hitting those books
I'm doing fine
He's out my life
I'm not confused
Got peace of mind
Man I tell you

Prayer changes (it changes)
Prayer changes (oh it changes)
Prayer changes (I'm a witness that)
Prayer changes things (said I know)
Prayer changes (it changes)
Prayer changes (it changes)
Prayer changes (I'm a living witness that)
Prayer changes things

I was a freshman in college and uh
I had just made it on the basketball team
I had all the skills it took to make it
But on my grades I would get nothing but all D's
And the coach came to me
And had a talk with me about my career
Said if you don't get your grades up
I'm gonna have to sit you down this year
Man as tough as I was I broke down and cried
'Cause everybody knows me
Knows that basketball is my life
(Algebra) I studied hard
(Chemistry) I gave my all
(Calculus) oh my God
(English) so many flaws
Playing ball didn't look to good for me
My future, could not see
I had lost all my beliefs
And gave up on all my dreams
Then I went to church on Sunday
And the pastor began to preach
It was like he was talking to me
When he said I can do all things
In Christ that strengthens me
And for me that was enough
Now that I went from a D
All the way to an A plus
I tell you prayer changes things

Prayer changes
Prayer changes (prayer)
Prayer changes (it changes things)
Prayer changes things (oh)
Prayer changes (said it changes)
Prayer changes (things)
Prayer changes (I'm a living witness that)
Prayer changes things

Me and my wife had a few problems
We thought that nothing could solve them
Listening to family members and so called friends
Man I tell you that's just how the devil creeps in
We were separated at least for a month or two
She was wilding in the clubs
And I was out there doing wrong too
And we would walk around the house
Putting each other down
I mean right in front of the kids
We would curse each other out
Then I was in a bad accident
And almost lost my life
And guess who was there for me
My wife
Now ain't it funny how He makes a way
When we said there was no way
I'm out the hospital and back at home
Planning another wedding day, I tell you

Prayer changes (it changes)
Prayer changes (prayer changes)
Prayer changes (prayer changes)
Prayer changes things (things, I'm a witness that)
Prayer changes (change)
Prayer changes (prayer changes)
Prayer changes (prayer changes)
Prayer changes things

Now all of these things were happening in one family
But that's okay, cause there's nothing God can't achieve
I don't care what the problem in your life may be
Cause who the Son sets free, is free indeed
And if you didn't know, now you should know
All you have to do is take this family life for example
Now Mom and Dad are married again
Four kids now, cause they just had twins
Little sister all grown up now
She's a lawyer, married with one child now
Two years, big brother's out of college
And man he's got his hands full
Blessed with skills, blessed with knowledge
Now he's playing for the Chicago Bulls

Prayer changes (I'm a witness yeah)
Prayer changes (prayer changes)
Prayer changes (prayer changes)
Prayer changes things (woah when it looks like)
Prayer changes (you can't go on)
Prayer changes (I know that prayer)
Prayer changes (changes things)
Prayer changes things
Prayer changes (in the middle of the storm)
Prayer changes (prayer will calm)
Prayer changes (cause it changes things)
Prayer changes things (yeah)
Prayer changes (prayer changes)
Prayer changes (prayer changes)
Prayer changes (prayer changes things)
Prayer changes things (woah)
Prayer changes (even if you're doing wrong)
Prayer changes (even if your money's gone)
Prayer changes (if you're put out your home)
Prayer changes things (yeah come on)
Prayer changes (if you can't find a friend)
Prayer changes (at your journey's end)
Prayer changes (feel you just can't win)
Prayer changes things (woah woah)
Prayer changes (you're really going through)
Prayer changes (and trouble's chasing you)
Prayer changes (Heaven's got a hold on you)
Prayer changes things (yeah)
Prayer changes (when it seems you can't go on)
Prayer changes (and all your strength is gone)
Prayer changes (hold on it won't be long)
Prayer changes things (I know prayer is gonna change)
Prayer changes (drinking or doing drugs)
Prayer changes (even if you're running the streets)
Prayer changes (even in the music field)
Prayer changes things (rock, pop or R&B)
Prayer changes (prayer will change)
Prayer changes (prayer will change)
Prayer changes (prayer will change)
Prayer changes things....



[Thanks to The_Pied_Piper6@hotmail.com for these lyrics]

Just A Touch of Love

Well today will be quick. It was one of those days where I did not get the opportunity to spend too much time with my girl. I can only focus on this morning when I dressed her. She was up and ready and smiled the entire time I dressed her. I probably could get done a lot faster but I stop to get my kisses in for the day. She is really maturing though. I can dress her and sit her down without her getting too feisty before we leave in the morning, which is good.

When I arrived home this evening C.J. was fast asleep. She used to stay up and wait for me. I guess now that she is older she needs her rest so she just leaves Mommmy to wait for Daddy to get in. Just so you know C.J., becausee I know you enjoy TCNJ basketball, the Lions won the game big! You would have been proud. I have attached the beginning paragraph for you below:

Ewing, NJ... The College of New Jersey men’s basketball team brought their two-game losing streak to a grinding halt as they defeated visiting Penn State-Brandywine 110-64. http://www.tcnjathletics.com/news/2010/2/1/MBB_0201104327.aspx?path=mbasket

So C.J., you get your sleep baby! Daddy will see you in the morning. Now for all of you, always remember to pray because prayer changes things and people.

The Changes We Go Through

The one thing that no one could ever prepare a new parent for is change. You know it will come. You hear about all the changes, you read about them and lore is past down from generation to generation about them. I have learned that no matter what they tell you, your experience will be unique and specific to you. I strongly attest to the fact that none of my changes have been negative though. They have forced me to keep my innovative hat on and like a chameleon I have to adapt to all of the changes C.J. goes through.

I am reminded of a visit to the doctor when C.J. started to cry. She dropped her lip and her doctor was even hip to the fact that she was full of drama. We laughed with the good doctor but we were already aware that this girl could be dramatic when she wanted to be. I always mention C.J.'s personality development and these days it seems like the locomotive is in full throttle. This girl is always doing something. The thing is that the older she gets, the more attention she demands. If Mommy or Daddy leave the room C.J. is not pleased and will let out a loud shrill to remind us of where she believes our attention should be. She also tends to be more physical. Her contact with my face is a sure sign. She likes to grab my head and then my mouth. The only bad thing is that her nails grow faster than light travels so I have to watch out for cuts.

The changes are interesting. One day she wants to hold her own bottle. The next she wants to be lazy. One day she will enjoy tummy time and the next she will cry the entire time. One day she is all giggles and smiles and the next she is stone cold to a degree. (C.J. is generally a very happy baby) The changes take Mommy and Daddy for turns but we try to keep up. The changes will tire us out but we make a good team and tag the other in when we need to. The changes will have us ready to knock her out but we remember she is a symbol of our love, and then we tend to her needs with haste. So the changes, in reality, help us all grow together. I know they help Daddy learn more and work harder to be the best Daddy he can be.

So as was the theme of high worship today, God is Good! Also he is a God that we can depend on. This is why we always pray because we know for a fact that prayer changes things, people and situations.

NOTE TO C.J.: We all go through changes in life, even you will have your highs and lows. Always remember that in your seasons of high or low that God is a God that you can rely on. Always make sure that you have a relationship with him and you will be alright.

Yucky Spit-Up

All of a sudden I felt something warm and slimy oozing down my hand. C.J. had spit-up on her Daddy again. She does this because she is exploring with her hand and she always seems to bring something up. So needless to say, Daddy was not pleased because this was the second pair of sweats C.J. had ruined today. This evening I had to punish her by putting her back in her chair instead of providing her the luxury of Daddy's arms.

Today was great! Over dinner I told Mommy that I really enjoyed my Saturday home with the girls. I woke up late and had my favorite breakfast. A boiled egg, toast and cereal. I also had the opportunity to watch "Not Easily Broken" in its entirety. I think the message at the end was specifically for me and another sign from God! The message is becoming clearer now too!

To round out the day we went food shopping, then came home, ate dinner and watched television. Now instead of lullabyes we are listening to the music of El Debarge. I keep C.J.'s music knowledge up to par. This new stuff can not be considered music at all. I figure if she is brought up on the classics and true music, when she gets older and the Soldier Boy of her time is out, she will know that it is whack.

The next time I am home I have to make sure C.J. gets her basketball IQ stirred up a little more. The past two weekends she was able to see two games live and this weekend we really did not focus on basketball too much. C.J. did not even get to see Serena Williams win another grand slam event. When she is older hopefully the Williams sisters are still playing and we can go see them live. Daddy has to look into that.

So as I go head to bed and out of my pants full of spit-up you all have a great night. Do remember to pray because prayer changes things, people and situations. When God speaks, listen. Your life will be all the much better and it will not take watching bits and pieces of a movie for three days to hear what the end was saying just for you to hear.