.

2011-11-25T19:33:00.000-08:00

I haven’t blogged in almost a year, but this event I want to remember. A baby shower brunch at my house for my sister in law.

Party Favorites of Bath Beads

Fruit Drinks

Words of Wisdom Tree

Soooooooo… my sister-in-law is having a baby. We are all so excited for her and I’m just glad it’s not me. I’ve done the baby thing and I didn’t like it. I even did it twice; C.J. & Will. Ok, so in a weak moment, I volunteered to do a shower brunch for her. Yes, let me repeat… In a weak moment, I volunteered to do a shower for her. That shower is tomorrow and I have dreaded this event from the day I sent I out the invitations. There are several reasons for this anxiety I am feeling tonight (the night before the shower).

1. I’m not really that friendly with new folks.

2. I don’t like inviting folk in my home.

3. I don’t like to cook ……or clean.

4. I like to just sit around in my pajamas on the weekend.

5. I don’t have anything girly in my house, since it’s all boys but me. It’s all about wood and iron.

6. I never go in the guest’s bathroom; it’s the same bathroom the boys use. Can you imagine the shock when I walked in tonight?

7. I have not finish putting up my Christmas decorations.

8. This is my Thanksgiving break and I just want to sleep.

That’s just a few reasons, I am not enjoying this moment. I am confident, things will be fine at 11:00 in the morning, but tonight I just want to go to sleep and wake up on Sunday morning, Just sleep past Saturday and the shower.

Radier Nation

2011-11-12T19:28:00.000-08:00

RUN BABY!!!

MAIS AAA Div. 1 Champions for the 3rd consecutive year.

2011-11-10T12:17:00.000-08:00

OMG! 25 years

2011-02-12T15:43:00.000-08:00

I'm in the process of helping classmates plan our 25 year class reunion. I just can't believe I have been out of high school 25 years. I must to have graduated at 10 years of age. I'm excited about so many of us using Facebook. Can you imagine what's that like? 40 year olds conversation on Facebook about what it was like in the old days. I sound like my momma! Oh well, can't turn back the hands of time. Just gonna enjoy every moment of the time I have left.

2010-06-19T06:24:00.000-07:00

I have accepted the fact that I am a surfing addict. It's like a scavenger hunt and the winnings are finding the information you need at that time. I have been scanned and warned of this virus and have the opportunity to delete it. But, What's the risk?

I have a running list and will list it later....

I'm Back.......... I think.

2010-06-18T21:23:00.000-07:00

It's 11:16 at night and I am trying to update the "Youngsters Forever" blog. Since my last post, I have opened a Facebook page (I know I'm behind others), gotten a new HTC Hero phone which is a mini computer, been to the mountains twice, and am on the verge of starting a new business. Now, who has time to blog all of that stuff?

I have learned so much about blogging, Photoshop, and marketing in the process. Francis Bacon was so right when he said "Knowledge is Power". I'm so dangerous now, I have six blogs. Yes, six!!!!

Oh my Goodness!!!!

Will someone please remember to read this at my funeral? When ever it is ...

2010-05-22T11:05:00.001-07:00

You can shed tears that she is gone,

or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back,

or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her,

or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,

or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her only that she is gone,

or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind,

be empty and turn your back.

Or you can do what she'd want:

smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

David Harkins

I'm still undecided...

2010-05-16T17:55:00.000-07:00

Henson Gathering

2010-02-16T19:03:00.000-08:00

WOW! Snow in Mississippi

2010-02-15T06:09:00.000-08:00

The morning of February 12th, we woke up to 5 inches of snow. School was out and Will and Gerald took advantage of it by playing in the snow.

Hot Chocolate Run

2010-02-03T20:14:00.000-08:00

January 30, 2009
Foundation for Rankin County

My moment of Fame!

2010-02-01T16:01:00.000-08:00

This past Friday I had the opportunity to host a Reality Fair for the kids at our Learning Center in our school District. It was a great event!

2009-11-27T10:25:00.000-08:00

We had the opportunity to enjoy a great Thanksgiving with family and friends in Liberty, MS just east of Philadelphia, MS. It was a day of joy and laughter. We were deep in the country which gave us the feel of the "good ole days". Like many family, there was more than enough to eat. Neighbors stopped by and visited. Of course, we could let them leave without taking a plate with them. We are thankful that we had the opportunity to spend one more day with family and friends.

2009-11-16T07:37:00.000-08:00

Last night, I attended the viewing of

at dreamz of Jackson. The show explored obesity in Black America. Star Jones took viewers straight to Jackson, Miss. One of the cities carrying the heaviest burden of this epidemic.
Through the intimate story of people fighting obesity, and insight offered by health experts, HEART OF THE CITY: DYING TO EAT IN JACKSON, reveals the socio-economic, cultural, and lifestyle choices that cause so many people in the black community to suffer poor health because of their obesity.
One the success stories were Mrs. Hugh and her sisters. She is the mother of Patrice Williams, 4th grade teacher at NWRE.

To learn more go to
http://www.bet.com/OnTV/BETShows/heartofthecity/

2009 Youth Hunt Weekend in Mississippi

2009-11-16T05:52:00.000-08:00

Youth hunt was this past weekend November 14th and 15th and ALL my boys went. They lived in the woods for two whole days. CJ shot two deer! He was so excited. He returned Sunday night with his chest stuck out. He thinks he has become a man now!

I have to put this!!!

2009-08-02T17:59:00.000-07:00

Ok. I got to add this to my blog. So, my lovely family and I decided we would take a mini vacation before school starts. Don’t want the teachers asking my boys to write a paragraph/page (depending on if they get a teacher who came up in the summer to work and how much work she/he has to do before the end of the day) on “What you did on your summer vacation” and them having to write a lie. Cause you know they will. (who’s your mama?) We packed enough for three days and headed to the coast. Duuuh…the coast of Mississippi for those of you who think I went to Florida. We in a recession incase you didn’t know. So we headed out Friday and figured we would just get a hotel in Gulfport. NOT!! How about all the hotels are filled. AAAAAALLLLLL the hotels filled. Not one hotel had a room. So me and my high tech self get on the internet on my phone (CJ added this to my phone last week without me really knowing and I can’t wait to get my bill). I called Expedia and yes!!! I get a room. So we good to go…. We get settled in our room with ONE king size bed. OMG!!! I think to myself. This is not going to work.
It’s late Friday, so we just stay in for a fresh start tomorrow. The next morning, I decided to get up early and enjoy the scenery of the overpriced-last-minute room. Maybe I should have gone to Florida for this price. Not much to see, so I do what I do best….go shopping. What a mistake!! While in ROSS, my favorite store…. a major storm comes through. The power goes out in the store. People screaming and babies (some dads) crying. I think the dads were crying cause they were so ready to go. They just came to babysit. Should have done like Chris, stayed at home with the kids. Oh, did I tell you it was tax free weekend. You would have thought taxes were 50 cent on the dollar the way these folk were out and buying. It was crazy!!! And here I was among the madness with all the fools. The line was from the cashier back to the dressing room. Oh, the dressing room is in the back of the store. I have a buggy of things that took me 2 hours to find and I refuse to put them back. So I wait…. and wait…. and wait…. and wait….
When I get to the register the power goes out again. Guess what? They cannot do credit card purchases. Is there any other way to purchase? Cash you say. Who has cash? So, I wait until the machines come back up. Lord, we are so dependent on electricity. Is Obama doing something about that too? Oh, back to my story. So I finally check out, save $15 in taxes. A big deal huh? It was really worth all the pushing and waiting.

Now, I can’t go outside cause we are in the mist of major winds blowing and raining. People just waiting to go to their car because of the rain. Now, I am not too happy. Ok, it final slacks up a little on the rain. I run to my car with a plastic Ross bag over my head and my huge bag in my hands. You know Ross won’t let you take their buggies out the store. You might decide to take one home with you.

I’m in the car and I am soaking wet, while my lovely family is sleeping soundly in the bed in the hotel room. As I pull out of the parking lot, I notice that the traffic has stopped. Now the power is out at the light and the entire shopping area. Oh, just before this I get a call from CJ to “Bring us something to eat”. I know this child has not look outside to see that I am in the midst of a major storm. So I pulled up to several fast food restaurants before I realize they can’t serve me because they don’t have power.Not my fault! See if I ever go back to them again…
I head back to the hotel with no food and on the way I call to tell them the power is out. I think I heard disappoint in their voices. Well, my goodness I am soaking wet and tired. When I pull up the hotel and within 5 minutes, it has stop raining and the sun is shining. My lovely family walks out with all smiles. (Fresh and clean) Now they want to GO get something to eat. Ugh…Sit down and eat!! I have been up since 7AM I am tired and stinky (yes, rain makes me stink). But being the nice sweet mother I am, I just say “Sure yall jump in, let go have a lovely brunch/lunch!” Unfortunately, I can’t write my true thoughts on the www. Information might get in the wrong hands.
Needless to say, this was not the mini vacation, I was hoping far. Consider this as my response to “What you did on your summer vacation”

Book signing wth Robin

2009-06-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

"Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts signs her book for me: From the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By on Sunday, April 29th of 2007 in Jackson at Books A Million. She actually took out a few minutes to really talk with me. She even asked me for contact information. I had read her book and I really enjoyed it. I would put it in my list of top 10 ten books to read.

2008-12-26T13:39:00.000-08:00

Closing out the 2008 year!

We just couldn’t end this year without at least one or two entries to the
“Youngster Forever”
blog.

It’s been a blessed year for the Young family with many memorable things occurring.

Chris & I celebrated 20 years of marriage.

My parents celebrated 40 years of marriage.

On November 4, 2008,

America elected Barack Obama as our 44^th president.

Oh my, what an experience for us all! If only my grandparents had lived to see this moment. A moment even I never thought I would live to see. I have never been so excited or involved an election in all my life. I knew that for me and my family, this election will have a great impact.

The year of 2008 has been a truly blessed year for the Young household.

So, what if I'm 40?

2008-12-06T16:01:00.001-08:00

I wish I could at least update my blog once a week. There is so much to tell. Lately, things have been a little gloomy for me.

I turned 40 on October 26th of this year. That particular day was really nothing to celebrate. The day went by like any other day. I was hoping I could just skip over it and wake up the day after. My wonderful co-workers had a nice surprise when I came to work with everything decorated in black. Why black I wonder? Does this mean I can now begin to write my own obituary? I always thought that life begins at forty and boy was I was waiting on it; back when I was twenty.

Well, I have decided that in my forties, I going to slow down and appreciate each moment. In addition, I'm going to pay attention to something very important; myself.

*I don’t have to worry about diapers, car seats, strollers, sippy cups, monogram clothing, diaper rash, or potty training at least not for someone but myself.

*I don’t have to worry (anymore) about young men flirting with me at the mall or in the grocery store. They were really getting on my last nerve!

*I can give young ladies advice and they actual believe me. After all, I’m forty now!

*I no longer worry about stretch marks from childbirth. The rolls of fat have concealed them forever.

*I don’t have to worry about anyone noticing (including my husband) that I have gained 10lbs.

*I’m growing facial hair, nose hairs & other hairs. My youngest, said the other day in all his innocence, “Mom, you need to use daddy’s shaver”, as he uses the tweezers to pull hairs from my chin.

*I can color my hair this weekend some really unusual color like Plush Plum, Sapphire Black, or even Radiant Red, since I am beginning to see the gray and no one will question my motive.

*I have conducted my own action research on push-up bras. No matter how low your breast hang, these bras will make you look wonderful. Just pray the straps don’t break while you are out in public.

*I don’t have to worry about someone asking me if I'm going to have any more children. (But they may ask me in awe, “Are you pregnant?” because of fat that has mysterious accumulated around my waistline)

What a wonderful beginning of life!

I'm Back!!!

2008-09-27T18:43:00.000-07:00

With so much going on at work and home, it's been hard to find time to blog. Not that I don't have a lot to say. Just ask one of the office workers or teachers at school. They get to hear it everyday. Unfortantly, I am not able to fill my blog with sweet unforgettable moments, because it seems like all of the events in my life lately are worth forgetting.

Oh, they are not that bad, just that forgettable! Who wants to remember that they had a bad hair day, going from baseball practices, going to football games, rushing home to help with homework, checking not so nice e-mails from your teenager's teachers, cooking dinner (oh, I forgot I don't cook dinner), well going to Brookshires for a box of chicken, and going to bed dreaming of another day of the same. Oh, how fun!

I'm reading others blogs with so many beautiful pictures of their always so well behaved, mostly clean children. Well, I'm finding that it's a little too much trouble to remember to charge the battery for the camera and download the pictures, then make them cute for the world to see. And I don't have time to find any well behaved kids that I can put my kids faces on. Just a little too much Photoshop me!

What I really would like to do is create a blog filled with the "Real" happenings of each day; Like rushing to bed before Chris gets home so I don't have to talk to him. Those who know me no I would never do that. Would I?
Ok, I'm telling to much. I'll save these things for the book.
I would like you to check my new adventure below. Spread the word by putting a link on your blog to the site.

The Great American Story

2008-08-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

Michelle Obama in her own words.

Anniversary Party on July 11th

2008-07-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

It started at 7 pm and ended around midnight at our home. We had a great time with family and friends, but the old folks couldn’t hang after midnight.
Chris and I had the best time ever!

Our personal theme song was "Can't Let Go" by Anthony Hamilton. My favorite part is the chorus:

"Even if we fuss or fight, try til we get it right
You are my life, I can't let go
Even if we disagree, you can put it all on me
You are my life, I can't let go
I can't, I can't let you go"

My sister Dawn, niece Nikki and my very best friend Sonya put together the best party. We listened to “old school” music from the 80’s; Michael Jackson, Run DMC, MC Hammer, Prince, Janet Jackson, Bobby Brown until way in night. I know we did the Mississippi Cha Cha slide about ten times. No one was really counting!

I think I lost about 10lbs that night. It was a wonderful surprise when CJ presented us with gifts. He took his hard earned money (from Sicily’s) and bought me a webcam and Chris a cover for his motorcycle. It was so thoughtful of him to buy us things he knew we would really want. He even wrapped them for us.

Nikki created a wonderful presentation of past pictures of Chris and I. There were pictures I did not even remember. My sweet cousin, Staci whom just in the last year I have gotten reacquainted with stayed for the event. It meant so much for them to spend this time with us. They were scheduled to leave Wednesday, but stayed for our anniversary.

Sonya and her husband, Tran worked so hard to get everything just right. Dawn who is always late decided to join us around 8:30. We fussed about her being late but let her slide when we saw the beautiful cakes she made. Hey, check out the bling bling and the motorcycle on the cakes.

Chris' close friend Earl and Cedric came too. Earl sang a very sweet song for us.
It almost made me cry. NOT! It will take more than a song to get me to cry.

Chris and I talked about later that night how it seems like just yesterday we said I do and went back to work the very same day. We had no money, no wedding, no ring, and no reception, just YOUNG love. I pray we stay 4ever YOUNG!!!!!!!!!!

It’s Our Anniversary

2008-07-08T07:52:00.000-07:00

We came to loving each other not by finding the perfect person, but by accepting and appreciating over time the imperfect person perfectly.

How much time did it take?
20 years = 7300 days = 175200 hours = 10512000 minutes = 630720000 seconds

Born to be Wild!!

2008-06-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

With the price of gas at $4.00 a gallon, this was the perfect excuse for Chris to purchase the motorcycle he has been wanting. It took him several weeks to narrow it down his final choice. It's amazing to me that he would want a bike like the one below. Frankly, I think it looks like a bike CJ should have, but to each his own. Especially, given the fact he is almost forty. But he is sporting it well! You go biker man!

The Thames' 40th Year Anniversary

2008-05-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

It is written in Genesis 2: 24 ~ 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.' This scripture implies two complete people joined together make one solid couple.

On May 17th 1968, Eddie and Willie Ruth became that one solid couple. Forty years later, they are still that one solid couple. On Saturday, May 23rd, in Philadelphia, MS, we all joined my parents in celebrating their 40th year anniversary. We celebrated in a little community call “Liberty” where my father grew up and spent all his childhood. This was indeed a special occasion for the Thames’ family. Lot’s of memories are built at this spot.

We had an old fashion picnic with family and friends. BBQ ribs & chicken, bake beans, potato salad, etc. Dawn, even set up an old fashion “Thames County Store” with moon pies, bottled cokes, old fashion oat meal cookies, and penny candy for everyone.

We listened to R & B music from the 60’ until dark. Music included tunes from singer like; Otis Redding, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Ray Charles, Chubby Checkers and many more. It was a jamming good time! I think we did the “Cupid Shuffle” and the “Mississippi Cha Cha” at least ten times.

My father’s sisters; Annie and Leola stopped by. Many of my parents’ long time friends from Brandon and other towns came to visit. Long time friends Joe and Brenda Tate even drove up from Pelahatchie. This was their first trip to visit in Philadelphia. I think they left early enough to make a short stop at Williams Brothers.

You can’t come to Philadelphia without stopping at Williams Brothers. Dawn’s in-laws, Mr. & Mrs. Elijah Jones drove in from Brandon. Even Dr. Herman Windham, my father’s nephew and professor at Tuskegee University joined us for this occasion. Around 4 o’clock we get a delightful visit from Debbie, Chris’ wife. Debbie drove all the way from San Antonio Texas to share this once in a life time moment with us. Later that evening to our ultimate surprise, my mother’s siblings; Tobbie, Liz, Norman, & Corleen drove down from Cleveland, OH.

So many community members and friends showed their love for my parents on that day. It was a day that the grandkids will remember for years to come. They just can not believe that Mema and Papa have been together for 40 years. Will said, “Man momma, that’s older than you are!” Then he pauses for a moment, thinking real hard and asks, “Oh momma, how old are you?”

March 17th-24th

2008-03-16T15:27:00.000-07:00

Barak Rocks!

2008-02-12T17:31:00.000-08:00

Chris is baptized!

2008-01-29T16:40:00.000-08:00

Sunday, January 13, 2008
What a day of rejoicing! The day C.J. was baptized. As we were leaving the church after service, he whispers to me. "Mom, I want to come back and get baptized tomorrow." Nearing the door, I asked him quietly, "What if you don't live to see tomorrow?" He paused and said, "I want to do it now then."
And so it was ...

And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Act 8:39

Marting Luther King, Jr.

2008-01-16T17:55:00.000-08:00

TO BE A SERVANT

Every word from a Martin Luther King quote expresses the need for compassion and love. Martin Luther King also believed in dignity of labor. He championed the principles of racial justice.

Another Trip to the Country

2007-12-31T17:48:00.001-08:00

Talk about a FUN day!
I couldn’t keep from sharing these pictures. There is nothing like seeing happy children. At least four to five times a year, my parents’ grandkids get together in the country.
The kids had so much fun! You would never believe that these kids with i-pods, nintendo’s, and PSP’s would find so much joy digging through the country side. These pictures were taking in the old house my father lived in as a child. It is now in a pasture with cows, so we had to watch our steps. I took these pictures Sunday afternoon. The house has fallen it. It was very sad! I sneaked one picture of my sister digging through the rubbish. Some are just still pictures I wanted to capture before they disappear.

I am going back to get that old door and clean it up. It would be nice with color pictures on it. The kids even found an old car and were brave enough to climb inside it. Even one on top of it! One gift we can give our children is to find laughter and happiness in the simple things of life.

Allow children to be happy in their own way, for what better way will they find? ---Samuel Johnson

Happy New Year!

2007-12-27T09:17:00.000-08:00

Ok blog sisters, I have went wild with this generator thing! I'm having a ball with the video and slideshow making. Can you tell I am very visual? What the heck, let me get started on one for the NEW YEAR!

2007-12-25T19:36:00.000-08:00

2007-12-24T17:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

from

The Youngsters

The night has arrived. Santa will be here soon. I spent the better part to the day finishing up some last minute shopping. My nephew, Lil’ Chris, came over and drank hot chocolate with us. He and Will had a ball! I hope the boys will go to bed soon.

2007-12-22T18:46:00.001-08:00

Chris and I spent the day driving around trying to finish our last minute shopping. We started at 8:00 this morning and we didn't finish until around 3:00. I had to rush to the church by 6:00 to make 25 fruit baskets for the seniors. I had a great time with all the sisters in the church. Chris and the boys went fishing, but it was interrupted by a huge rain pour. Oh well, Chris and CJ are going hunting after church tomorrow. CJ is anxiously waiting to get his first "Big Buck" of the season.
Back to wrapping gifts I go!

2 weeks and 2 days

2007-12-21T16:27:00.000-08:00

Oh wow! It only took me four days to post this time. Ok, the boys and I
are out of school for the Christmas break and you can probably feel the excitement of being trapped in the house with 2 boys who do not get alone with each, who are always bored, and who eat everything they see.
2 weeks and 2 days to be exact.
What will I ever do? e

C.J.'s birthday

2007-12-17T21:03:00.000-08:00

We celebrated CJ's birthday today. He is fourteen and thinks he's eighteen. Where did the time go? It's seems like it was just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. He has grown in a respectable young man that makes us very proud.

Count down until Jesus' birthday. Just 8 more days!

Amazing Grace

2007-12-13T18:49:00.000-08:00

It's not as easy as I thought!

2007-12-13T15:47:00.000-08:00

Between shopping on line and shopping in the long lines at the stores, I've found little time to keep this up.
It's a good beginning, but a work in progess.
My thought for this season come from a quote by poetry writer Amanda Bradley:

“Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living!”

This is just the beginning of something GREAT!

2007-12-02T20:24:00.000-08:00

Today, is the day I started the family blog. This is a little more than I expected. I hope things will get easier as I work my way around the tags. C. J. and Will are both more than willing to help mom out. We will see what happens as the days go on. Chris keeps walking by wondering what's going on with everyone around the computer at 10:00 PM. We should all be in the bed. Oh well, just something else to keep me on the computer. I'm addicted!

Thanks for the inspiration Jenny, Kara, Emily, and Kristy.

I hope one day to become one of the Blog sisters.

Charlotte