FEBRUARY: The month of love

FEBRUARY. It's the time of year where you find out if you're truly loved or not. It's the month in which relationships are confirmed or denied. It contains the day in which men better get it right or face the wrath of the woman they do wrong. It's when a relationship makes it or somebody breaks it.

Ok, I'm kidding......kind of.

VALENTINE'S DAY. February 14th. The day most women look forward to and a lot of men wish they could avoid. It's the day true romantics get to shine on and real critics get their whine on. The most hated, love-filled day of the year. Although critics of Valentine's Day do make valid points, it's not so serious that they need to rain on the hearts and candy parade lovers choose to participate in. True, if you're in a relationship, you should show, give and receive love every day. However, there is nothing wrong with acknowledging the existence, participating in the fun and indulging the ones you love, just a bit more, for the sake of Valentine's Day. Sure, Hallmark (and other companies like it) makes a killing, some people go overboard, some people miss the mark entirely and others get depressed. However, it's not the (designation of the) day itself that is to blame; it's all about perspective.

As a kid, I loved Valentine's Day because it was a day in which you found out who liked you, how popular you were and who gave the best valentines. It was a day for which you gained permission to interact with boys with no consequence and, most of all, it was about how much candy your stomach could tolerate before nausea set in.

As a teen, Valentine's Day became a tad bit more serious because a competitive component was added. Between the ladies, it was all about whose boyfriend gave them the best gift or whose crush was most bold and creative. If you had a boyfriend but didn't get anything for Valentine's Day, that was grounds for a break-up. If you had a boyfriend who gave you and someone else a Valentine's Day gift, that was grounds for a fight (between you and his other amour). If you didn't have a boyfriend, or at least, a crush, for Valentine's Day, it was simply a bad day.

As a young woman, I learned I should reciprocate the love on Valentine's Day. I expected to get gifts and be treated extra-special; however, I had to find a way to do the same for my valentine. This is when Valentine's Day got better and worse. Better because more thought went into celebrating this special day, therefore more fun was had. Worse if it came around a time when I didn't have a valentine or my relationship was in a bad space. It was during the bad times that I determined Valentine's Day wasn't just for lovers. I could do something special with/for my daughter, my mother, sisters or friends. Not as much fun but still an option.

As a mature woman (ok, older woman), I see, and understand, Valentine's Day from many different perspectives. For some, it can be a love-dipped, soul-stirring, boot-knocking, body-rocking, heart-stopping, irresistible, kissable kind of day; for others, it can be a fun-filled, lighthearted, self-loving, self-indulgent, me-time kind of day; and, unfortunately, there will be those for which Valentine's Day will be heart-breaking, disappointing, disjointing, misunderstood, mistaken or just plain miserable. I have experienced Valentine's Day on all three levels. Currently, I am single....and no, I'm not happy about it. Like most women, I would love to be showered with sweet cards, gifts, candy and experiences by an attentive lover. But just because I don't have one, doesn't mean I have to wallow the day away. I know, I know..... I still have 12 days to be shot by Cupid but that's unlikely. So, I've decided to be my own valentine.

Not only will I treat myself to something beautiful, loving and sweet on February 14th but I am going to do those things every day of this month (and aim to keep it going every day I am blessed to be alive). There are many ways one can show love and, starting today, I will consciously do something, daily, that is loving towards my self. Every day, I will find a way to make myself happy, my life better or my outlook brighter. Each day of the month, I will rise up to the challenge of replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, redirecting unfulfilling experiences towards uplifting ones, reshaping unfavorable circumstances into more appealing ones and remembering that happiness, love and joy come from the inside of me.

In addition to treating myself, I will also treat you (my readers) to a reading experience filled with love through stories, poetry, music and more. Throughout the month, I will post about love lost, found, ignited, unrequited, appreciated, underestimated, incomparable, unbelievable, unforgettable and most regrettable. If you'd like to share your love story, please do so by sending to buttaflydiaries@gmail.com and be sure to put 'Love Story' in the subject line. I will not publish names, unless asked to do so.

In the meantime, keep living, laughing and loving!

MERRRRRRRRRYYYYY CHRISTMAS!

'Twas The Night Before Christmas: A Mistress' Tale

'Twas the night before Christmas, I felt like a fool

I had given away one of my most precious jewels

my heart was taken with lies and wet kisses

I was seduced into playing the role of his mistress

Our days were filled with mystery and hot passion

not thinking of his family or consequences of our actions

I told him I loved him, he told me he cared

he bought me gifts aplenty, deep secrets we shared

He spent nights at my house, most days I spent alone

staring out the window, listening for the phone

Upon his arrival, I'd run to the door

welcoming and delighted in being his whore

The night before Christmas, I heard a terrible noise

out on my front lawn were his wife and two boys

she screamed and she yelled, she wanted to fight

he ducked behind the door, trying to stay out of sight

She approached me and roared, "Bitch, get out of my way!

I came for my husband, with me he's gon stay!

'Get out here' she demanded, as she lunged for the door

 He came out from hiding and I knew she had scored

I looked at him, pleadingly as he looked away

straightened up his clothes and walked out

to my dismay

I stood there shocked in spite of what I already knew

he had a home and his family he was returning to

As he got in the car and drove off with his wife

I stood frozen as the pain cut like a knife

I shuddered as reality suddenly set in

I'll  be spending the holidays alone

once again

c. Sameialika Tarver 2005

Jesus is the Reason for the season

The Christmas holiday season (November 1 - January 2)  is my favorite time of year. All the holly, jolly goodness that gets spread around warms my soul. The decorations, the music, the smiles on people's faces, the shopping, the cooking and of course, the wonderful gifts (given and received) bring joy to my heart. People look forward to spending time with family, traveling, eating, drinking and having a merry good time. However, what often gets lost, overlooked and ignored is the true meaning of Christmas. Then there are those who don't even know why the holiday is celebrated but they celebrate anyway. Some children are brought up in families where Christmas is a day of the year on which they get to wake up and receive beautifully wrapped presents, for no pparticular reason. Not much, if anything, is said about the birth of our Lord Jesus, who is the reason for the season.

I believe in Jesus Christ and He is, indeed, the savior of my soul. Growing up, I was always involved in Christmas programs, at church and in school. My maternal grandparents and paternal grandmother provided me with a strong, spiritual foundation. I attended Sunday school, went to church, sang in the choir and recited many a poem and scripture. I learned bible lessons throughout the year, but especially during sacred holidays. Christmas involved the participation in several programs and celebrations where the story of the birth of Jesus Christ was told in various ways. I was taught and have always known that Christmas is the day we celebrate our savior's birth.Yet, when I became head of my own household, His story took a backseat in my holiday celebrations.

Imagine that. It's your birthday yet all of your guests receive gifts and party while you are left sitting in a back room. Or worse, you're not invited to the party at all. 

Christmas is a day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, a son God sent to atone for our sins. He performed miracles that provided healing and relief to people. He used his life for the betterment of the poor and less fortunate. Jesus Christ was a perfect, shining example humanity. This holiday is not only meant to commemorate Jesus' birth but, also to remind and  inspire us to be more 'Christ-like' in our ways. It serves as a reminder to be thankful and grateful for who we are and what we have; to be stewards of love, kindness, compassion and understanding....not just on Christmas day but all year round. The Christmas season is a time to give more of one's self for the happiness & benefit of others. It's a period when offerings of service, skills and time are just as (if not more than) appreciated as material gifts. There are many people who will be alone at Christmas; families whose homes are not adorned with beautiful decorations and sparkling Christmas trees; parents who can't afford to buy their children gifts or even a holiday meal; men, women and children who don't have a place to call home. So, as you indulge, enjoy and partake of all the wonderful things you have been blessed with this Christmas season, please remember those less fortunate. Please share your bounty and give of yourself and your time. Pass on the story of Jesus Christ to your children and fellow man; teach them that the spirit of the season is to not only count your blessings but to be a blessing. Remind them to wish the savior a Happy Birthday, in deed and word. Celebrate Christmas in a new way this year; invite Jesus into your heart and home. It is then that you will receive perfect love, joy and peace that only He can provide, the kind that will sustain you, on Christmas day and all the days of your life.

GIVING THANKS

BFly's Black Herstory Month: The Single Mother

In celebration of BFly’s Black Herstory Month, I would like to give honor & praise to the Single Mom. By definition, a single mother is a female parent who is head of her household, raising children on her own (with or without some degree of outside assistance from the male parent or other relatives). I know there are some single fathers out there, raising their children on a full-time basis but I don’t know any personally. I am also well aware that there are some single (and not single) mothers who don’t give their all and are not committed to raising happy, healthy, well-rounded citizens.  I’m not talking about them. Today, I want to celebrate the women I know who do this job and do it well…in some cases, exceptionally well. Whether or not a single mother receives financial, emotional or physical assistance from the other parent residing outside the household, her job is never easy. There is a huge difference between raising a child 24/7 and spending weekends, holidays and other planned time with them.  A single parent works full-time with rare breaks and no salary. She has to fill many roles along with being a parent: she is a maid, a cook, a chauffeur, personal assistant, stylist, nurse, teacher, referee, counselor, disciplinarian and the list goes on and on.  She is not allowed to quit when the going gets tough and she has no substitute to call on when she needs a day off.  Single moms everywhere work hard, sacrifice greatly and give more than they ever thought they possibly could.  So, today, I want to give them a shout out, some words of encouragement, formal acknowledgment and thanks for making such a wonderful contribution to society in the way of raising good human beings.  To all the great single mothers out there, I say:

Bravo to you, my sister

Your job is never done

Yet you continue to put that time in

Long after age twenty-one

Long after the kids mature

And are well off on their own

Their mother is always ‘Mommy’

And to her, they’re never grown

They remember all the nights you held them close to your heart

All the baths you gave, the meals you made, the love felt from the start

Being a good mother takes more than can be measured

And the memories created, for a lifetime, will be treasured

All the lessons that you taught and the battles that you fought

Will be honored when you see how strong and tall your children walk

When they take their first steps onto the path of independence

Accomplish goals, pursue their dreams and know their possibilities are endless

It’s because of you, dear Mom, that they have drive, that they can strive

That they know how to live, laugh and love, that they can smile with their eyes

And for them, I’ll say, THANK YOU Mom, for all that you’ve done

For raising an ambitious daughter, for raising a courageous son

a child who can now face the world on her own

a child who can give love because that’s what he was shown

The most important job of all is raising up a child

Shaping them into responsible adults, making their lives worthwhile

So while it seems the work you do is hardly ever done

If you’ve raised up a child in the way she should go then your race Is clearly won

CELEBRATE YOU, CELEBRATE LIFE, CELEBRATE LOVE!

Sameialika Tarver © February 24, 2012

This poem is dedicated to some very special single mothers I know who, in spite of their circumstances, are doing a helluva job raising their children in the way they should go: My sisters, Charliez Angelz: R. Tarver, K. Tarver, S. Tarver, N. Smith, N. Tarver, A. Tarver, C. Tarver, my dear cousins, E. Brace, S. Tarver & R. Monell and sista-friends, E. Manley, M. Moore, L. Harris, C. Hines, T. Johnson, K. Johnson, T. Mitchell, K. Thomas, S. Monk, S. Grady-Moses, and L. Phillips. These women are awesome mothers of awesome children.  Today, I salute you!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Let's talk about love, baby....let's talk about you and me.....let's talk about all the good things and the bad things that may be...let's talk about love....let's talk about love....let's talk about love...let's talk about love!






Today, I thought it would be fun to do a little quiz for Valentine's Day. Please, indulge me......and have a loving, sweet, wonderful Day!

Do you prefer flowers or candy?
What is your favorite sweet treat?
What is your favorite love song?
What is your favorite romantic comedy or love story?
Who is your favorite couple (famous)?
Who is your favorite couple (non-celeb)?
What is your favorite scent (to wear and to smell on others)?
What is (one of) the best romantic moments/experiences you've had?
What is your favorite romantic destination?
and finally....
Who do you love? Are you sure? (bonus: what song/year is that from? Don't cheat!)

Single Awareness Day

S.A.D. Singles Awareness Day. Apparently, that is another name for Valentine’s Day, contrived under the notion that, on February 14, single people are strongly (and unapologetically) reminded just how single they are.  As if we didn’t know how single we are already.  I can’t help but to think, a man must’ve come up with this idea. 

Sure, St. Valentine’s Day is a day reserved mostly with the couple in mind, but those of us who are single can find ways to enjoy the day and people to enjoy it with.  Spending quality time with a loved one who may not necessarily be a lover is an option; hanging out with a girlfriend, a sibling, a son or daughter, parent or grandparent can all be fun things to do.  I know, I know, it sounds so…..so…..pitiful, right? Even I have to admit, doing any of those things pales in comparison to spending the day with a sweetheart. I’m not too proud to say: I WANT TO BE SOMEBODY’S VALENTINE! Still, Valentine's Day doesn’t have to suck and not having a valentine is not the end of the world. 

Yes, I would love to wake up on February 14^th knowing that, at some point during the day, I will be getting a nice Valentine's Day gift. A card, some Lindt white chocolates, a big balloon and a sparkling piece of jewelry would be nice. Sitting at work with the expectation of a flower delivery or a surprise lunch date or an enticing phone call would make my day go so much smoother. Knowing that my evening will be filled with smiles, kisses, laughter and whispers of sweet nothings would really make my heart sing. Oh how I would enjoy buying (or making) a card for my sweetheart, fretting about the store trying to find the right gift to buy and carefully contemplating what outfit, shoes, scent, lip gloss, earrings, hairstyle to wear. I would be drunk with giddiness to have a special someone I could send sexy text messages to all day. Looking into the eyes, kissing the soft lips, being up close on and inhaling the scent of my formidable lover would absolutely fill me with joy. BUT, I know that’s not happening……not this year, anyway. 

Therefore, I will smile ‘til my face hurts as I witness the attached ones around me receive their Valentine’s Day love.  I will say, ‘Awwwww, that is so sweet….or nice…..or beautiful…..or hot!’ all day long. I will listen to the romantic (or not) stories of my friends and relatives who have sweethearts and I will probably say (as I’ve said for too many years prior), ‘Next year will be my turn!’ I will sometimes wince, tear up and swallow knots of emotion but I will NOT be a sour grape, fun-sucker (as my dear niece says) or joy-thief. As always, I will be genuinely happy for those around me who are fortunate to have love, not only on Valentine’s Day, but every day before and after. This is not to say being single is UNfortunate, but, you know what I’m saying (right?). I plan to enjoy Valentine’s Day aka Singles Awareness Day, either with myself or with a loved one. I have no plans, as of yet, but whatever I do, I just hope I don’t end up shedding a ‘whyamI(still)single’ tear (though I’m not making any promises)! 

Do you have any suggestions on how I should spend Singles Awareness Day?  Do you know of any singles events happening in the Albany area?  If so, let a Single-but-Still-Smiling Sista know! ;-)

BFly's Valentine's Day Gift Guide for Guys: For The Lover & You

Roses are red, Violets are blue, Confused is me ‘cause I know not what to get you…..

 

 

To give or not to give?  How much is too much or not enough?  In like but not love?  Been together for so long, you done used up all your tricks?  Haven’t been together long enough to bring out the artillery?  Well, I think I have some answers for all you lovers out there who have no idea what to give to your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day.  Whether you’re in love or lust, been around for a week or a decade, here are some suggestions I think would go over well on almost anybody:

 

A year or less: Give her a card (that says more than ‘Happy Valentine’s Day’ but less than ‘Baby, I can’t live without you’) and a box of (her favorite) candy, flower arrangement, CD, book, movie (that she may have mentioned was her favorite or that she’d like to have) or bottle of wine/liquor with a set of pretty wine/cocktail glasses and dinner (restaurant or homemade). Bonus: Send flowers, candy or message to her at work.

 

1-3 years: Give her a card (that says more than ‘Happy Valentine’s Day’ and along the lines of, ‘Baby, I don’t wanna live without you’) and a nice bottle of perfume, a pair of sexy shoes and/or a sexy dress (but only if you know her correct size & taste) or tickets to an upcoming concert, play or other social event she may enjoy or a romantic, overnight stay at a nice hotel complete with dinner, cocktails and (you for) dessert. Bonus: Send flowers, candy or message to her at work.

 

3-5 years: Give her a card (that says more than ‘Happy Valentine’s Day’ and tells her how much you love and appreciate her) and a nice piece of jewelry, a romantic weekend away, a night to herself (if you have children), brunch/lunch and his & her spa treatments or pay for dance (or some other extracurricular activity the two of you may enjoy) lessons. Bonus: Send flowers, candy or message to her at work.

 

5-10 years: Give her a card (that says more than ‘Happy Valentine’s Day’ and that expresses your deep love for & devotion to her), a nice piece of jewelry and romantic night at home (that includes dinner, catered or cooked by you, complete with candlelight & music), set of sexy sheets (followed by a sexy romp that includes oils, massages & other play things/activites), a day of pampering, romantic road trip or take her to do something together that you two have never done.

Bonus: Send flowers, candy or message to her at work.

 

10+ years: : Give her a card (that says more than ‘Happy Valentine’s Day’ and nothing short of ‘Baby, I can’t imagine life without you) a nice piece of jewelry and use your imagination! Bonus: Send flowers, candy or message to her at work.

 

Fellas, please take no offense at the one-sidedness of this post.  I know some men do like to receive gifts but, for the most part, Valentine’s Day is a woman’s holiday. Also, because I am a woman, it was easy for me to come up with things I believe other women would enjoy.  Of course, you should take into consideration, your sweetheart’s likes/dislikes, personality and temperament.  Not all women wear perfume and not all women appreciate gifts of jewelry.  Tune into your lover and listen to what she says (and doesn’t say).  If all else fails, ask her sister or best friend.  If you take me up any of the above, come back and let me know how much your sweetheart liked it (or not)! 

 

  Please note (if you haven’t already): It’s all in the card! ;-)

 

 

BFly's Black Herstory Month: 'Foundation of Friends'

When I was around 5 years old, my mother, father, sister and I moved out of my grandparents’ home into our own.  As I understand it, my Dad purchased a 2-family house on a one-way street full of (mostly) working parents and their children.  We lived towards the beginning of the block and on the top floor of our house. Up and down both sides of our street, there were many kids whose parents allowed them to play outside, under the supervision of a few neighborhood parents, older relatives or siblings.  I don’t remember how I first met the people who would become my playmates.  I just remember how much fun we used to have.

 

For the most part, all the kids on the block got along well with each other.  Of course, there were the occasional fights, name calling and bickering but nothing that was outside the norm of growing up. There were certain people who got along particularly well with other individuals and there were certain people who didn’t seem to get along well with anyone, for too long.  There was a diverse group of families who inhabited our street: there were church-going folk, club-going folk, straight people, gay people, fat people, skinny people….there was a family full of adopted kids and families with special needs kids, there were the I-think-I’m-better-than-you families and the I-wish-I-could-be-you families.  There were all different kinds of people who managed to live pretty harmoniously together on the block. This provided an atmosphere where healthy friendships, between the kids and adults, could develop and grow.

 

I lived on the block for 7 or 8 years and in that time, I saw some families go and new families arrive.  However, the mainstays of the block became families that I permanently connected with.  Sandra, Twiggy, Kim and Camille were four girls with whom my sister and I regularly played.  From morning til the street lights went off (which was basically the curfew for me and my sister), you could find all of us together, playing jump rope, hopscotch, Mother, May I?, jacks, pick-up sticks or a host of other games & activities.  We played together, stayed together, ate together, and yes, sometimes got into trouble together.  I don’t think we knew it back then but we were building a strong foundation upon which our friendships could….and would…..grow. We forged bonds with each other that would strengthen over time…..bonds that would extend into adulthood and, undoubtedly, for life.

 

Thirty plus years after first meeting, my sister and I are still friends with Sandra, Twiggy, Kim and Camille.  Some of us have had ‘ups and downs,’ our priorities have changed, we’ve built strong friendships with other people, our schedules are filled to the brim with obligations to family, work and personal endeavors. But, we still keep in touch with each other and we do manage to spend time together. Whenever I’m around these women, I feel like a kid again.  We update each other on what’s happening in our lives and we often reminisce on the experiences we had as children.  We laugh, we cry, we argue, we debate, we agree, we disagree, we encourage and inspire each other, we support and respect one another and most importantly we truly do love each other.  I feel blessed to have them in my life.  They are like ‘home’ to me and I can’t imagine how my life would be without them in it.  No matter how much time or distance comes between us, there’s an unspoken rule that we all follow: No matter what, you can always reach out to your childhood friend. Whether you need support, comfort, assistance, a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, a movie, dinner or happy hour date.  Whenever you need a friend, a real friend, a true friend, a no-holds-barred-til-the-end friend, come back to your foundation…..come back home.

 

 

 

 

 

BFly Presents: Way Back When's Days: 'Sweets & Sweethearts'

Remember, way back in elementary school, when you used to make a list and pass out Valentine’s Day cards and candy?  There was always one, two or a few classmates you didn’t want to give a card to but you had to give them one anyway?  Then there was that one…..that one special classmate for whom you wanted to make the little card extra special. You wanted to give them extra pieces…..or bigger pieces……of candy.  Sometimes you gave them 2 cards that had different Valentine’s Day messages on them.  Ahhhhhh, those were the days of innocence……..

This Valentine’s Day, I’m thinking about taking it back to the days of innocence, when every person you liked (as a friend or more than a friend) received a valentine from you.  I have to make a list so I don’t forget anyone and my extra special people will get a personalized message so I need to get started on those soon.  Oooohhhh, I’m getting excited just thinking about it!  It’s gonna be so much fun………..I love spreading love!

What are your special plans for Valentine’s Day??  Will you spend it with a sweetheart, your children, parents…??

For Lovers Only.....

VALENTINE'S DAY is two weeks away and though I am single, I do look forward to it.  I know there are those out there who choose not to celebrate V-Day because 'it has become a highly commercialized Hallmark-holiday' or because they believe one should 'show love all year-round, not just this one day.'  To those people I say, 'Bah HumLove!'  Yes, many businesses seize the opportunity to make more money on this one day and yes, there are those who cold all year but attempt to make it hot on this one day.  But we all have choices on how much we buy into the commercialism of Valentine's Day and I believe that most people do show their loved ones love all year round. I see nothing wrong with taking the opportunity of this day to dish out an extra, heaping helping of love and attention on the one(s) they love. 

That being said, I don't expect any flowers, gifts or candies to arrive at my door or my work (although that would be soooooooooooooooooooo nice) but I do expect to feel loved, as I do every day.  I will likely buy cards and/or gifts for a few special someones (relatives & friends) in my life and I look forward to their reactions, as no one is expecting to get anything from me.  In relation to Buttafly Diaries, I will celebrate the 'month for love' by sharing a quote, poem, personal story or favorite love story (real or fiction) each day of February, leading up to Valentine's Day. 

Won't you join me in sharing some love?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's 2012, Dear Reader ('DR') and I don't know about you but I feel big change a-coming!  This past holiday season was great and much different from any other I've experienced.  It was my first as a grandmother, which still sounds crayyyyzeeee to me but it is my reality.  My gran'diva (as I affectionately refer to my granddaughter) enjoyed everything from Halloween through New Year's Eve.  She had three outfits for Halloween; one for her professional photo shoot (pumpkin), one for daytime at day care (orange & black outfit wishing everyone a, 'Happy Halloween') and the show-stealing party costume (Little Black Kitty).  Of course, she had no clue as to why she had to don all these outfits and be blinded by a million flashing lights throughout the course of the day but she looked good and smiled (sometimes) for the cameras.  I don't recall seeing her eat any sweets but I'm sure somebody slipped her a lollipop or two at one time or another. 

For Thanksgiving, the little turkey looked extra special in her gold, shimmery sweater dress and brown fur-trimmed booties with hair accessories to match.  She had to look good for all her special appearances scheduled for the day.  Baby had three families looking forward to spending time with her on her first Thanksgiving and, somehow, she and Mom pulled it off....dinner with G'ammi, PahPah and Nana. Whew!  I get exhausted just thinking about it.  She had a great time eating all the wonderful, soft foods her little belly could stand.  Even without a tooth in sight, baby girl savored many flavors of her first Thanksgiving Day.

Baby's First Christmas was the most charming, funny, fun and whimsical Christmas I've experienced in a long time.  It was not only special because of our newest family addition but also because my sis and niece came all the way to the northeast from North Carolina, to spend Christmas with us.  The long weekend was filled with parties, shopping and lots of quality family time.  Our little darling couldn't get enough of her first Christmas tree and the ornaments, of course.  Every day was a joy and a scramble; between her delight with and seeming determination to destroy the holiday decor, we were stir crazy! 

She may not have known what was going on but she enjoyed every bit of it.  The best part of it all was on Christmas Day, when it was time for her to open her gifts.  We weren't sure if she would do the unwrapping or Mommy & Daddy would but boy, did she show us!  There was no mistaking her unwrapping skills; she pulled and ripped and even bit the paper off of her first gift. Her enthusiasm didn't wane as she went on to unwrap her other gifts.  In fact, she was still trying to unwrap other people's gifts in the days following.....LOL   

Of course, her first holiday season wouldn't have been complete without an awesome wardrobe to match.  Check out the gran'diva in a few of her holiday looks:

Our very own little Christmas tree..

Baby's 1st Christmas dinner.....

Golden Girl, all ready for Christmas morning service.....

Merry 1st Christmas, A'shari!

And finally, I brought the new year in with the gran'diva.  No grand parties, glittery clothing and glamorous cocktails for me, this time around.  Up until the last possible minute, I hemmed and hawwed on what I was going to do for New Year's Eve: go out to a party, host a party or forget partying altogether.  I opted to just 'forgetaboutit' because I didn't want to be out on the road and not enough people showed interest in attending a house party.  So, the gran'dvia and I got comfy, sent the #1 daughter/Mommy on her way and watched a movie.  Well, I tried to watch a movie but lil' miss thang wasn't having it.  As tired as she was, she fought sleep with every ounce of energy she had and didn't settle down into a good 30 minute nap sleep until precisely the stroke of midnight.  She woke just before one but went back to sleep shortly after.....then, I wanted to party!