It's been awhile!!!

I feel as though i have abandoned my blog :( It has been way too long since my last post, and so much has taken place since then, that it would take me weeks to get caught back up! So , why not pick up where I left off....

Well, I survived NYC! Our Convention was great, and what little I saw of the city was fantastic. I worked 12 hour days, and being way pregnant, that pretty much started and ended my day. We stayed at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, so my room view was amazing!!!( That pic was what my room overlooked!) Even though I was tired as could be, I still got to go back to my room every night and check out this view. I did get out and walk around Times Square, and visited the staple touristy spots: Hershey's , M&M store, all the gift shops, and I ate a hot dog from a street vendor :) ( which the baby loved! I saw Central Park on the way to the outing we had, it looked nice from the bus. I had to chaperone 140 kids at the Natural History Museum: which was crazy. I ate at Roxy's Deli and Carmine's- which was fab! I think the scariest part was the taxi ride to the airport. I white knuckled it the whole way. Overall, it was a great time, but I have to go back when I actually get to see the city.

I will be returning to posting more frequently now that I am back into the mix..so check us out! It's great to be back!!! Chow!

BGS Headed for the Big Apple

Sorry i have been M.I.A. lately; work has been beyond hectic, and there is not enough time in my day for everything! A girl needs her sleep :) I will be headed for NYC this week, and will not be able to post until next week....but don't worry, my journey will provide some wonderful feed :) It's a work function that brings me there, so everything is pretty much free :) I Love NY!!! Chow!

Janitor reads historical book on KKK...

This was an interesting story out of Indiana University. A 58 year 0ld white janitor who is majoring in Communications was accused of racial harassment over reading a historical book entitled "Notre Dame vs. the Klan: How the Fighting Irish Defeated the Ku Klux Klan." ...."The book's cover features white-robed Klansman and burning crosses against a backdrop of Notre Dame's campus. It recounts a 1924 riot between Notre Dame students and the Klan in which the students from the Catholic university prevailed."

Kevin Sampson said he tried to explain that the book was a historical account.
"I have an interest in American history," Sampson said. "I was trying to educate myself." The school's officials compared his bringing this book to work as the likes of bringing pornography to work. "You used extremely poor judgment by insisting on openly reading the book related to a historically and racially abhorrent subject in the presence of your black co-workers," Lillian Charleston wrote in a letter to Sampson.

Civil liberties groups and bloggers who took up his cause said Sampson had been wrongly cited for reading a book that is carried by the school's library. "I am sure you see the absurdity of a university threatening an employee with discipline for reading a scholarly work that deals with the efforts of Notre Dame students in the 1920s to fight the KKK," American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana attorney Ken Falk said in a letter to a university lawyer.

The university responded with an April letter to the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education and the ACLU, in which Chancellor Bantz said that he regretted what had happened and that the letters written to Sampson were not in his personnel file.
But Bantz didn't apologize to Sampson until last week, after a column in The Wall Street Journal sparked renewed criticism. Bantz also wrote to the others involved in the incident, including the co-worker who filed the complaint, said university spokesman Rich Schneider.

Sampson, who still works for the school, said that he accepts the university's apology but that he was hurt by the allegations and has not enjoyed being in the spotlight.
"It's really frustrating for me because I am not the kind of person that they were painting me as," he said.

Books featuring Biracial Kids and Families

I am always on the search for books, magazines or movies that feature biracial children or families. It's hard to find dolls, let alone books that represent a biracial or multiracial background. I have recently stumbled upon several that are wonderful and deserve some recognition! Enjoy!

The pattern on a young girl's quilt comes to life at night and becomes the backdrop for her dream. Although the artist rarely depicts adults in her picture books, she most likely used her own biracial (African-American/white) daughters as models for the children in her books (all published by Greenwillow) which include: Holes and Peeks (1984), The Trek (1985), Now We Can Go (1986) and Where Can It Be? (1985).

A small boy and his sister like it when Daddy's adult sister comes to live with them. The aunt (who is white) finds a place in this happy biracial family: she plays the trumpet and gives the boy and girl lessons. She splashes with them in the biggest puddles. Daddy paints her picture. She helps Mama with her weaving, and they laugh together and listen to the radio. But sometimes the aunt is sad and stares out the window all day. She misses her home, Mama says. Soman's pictures in watercolor and pastel are fresh with the summer greens and flowers of this comfortable house in the country. Words and portraits of the casual, funny young woman are affectionate and poignant, true to the child's viewpoint. Many kids will relate to the story of an adult they love but whose sadness they can't fully understand.

The middle child in a interracial (black/white) English family compares herself to her siblings, speaking matter-of-factly about differences in skin color.

There are two Mrs. Gibsons in this young girl's life, and she remembers both of them lovingly.The older Mrs. Gibson has skin the color of chocolate, big hands, and a big voice, and she gives big, fat hugs. The younger Mrs. Gibson has skin the color of vanilla, writes Japanese, and cooks the family food from her homeland. It is not until the end of the book that readers discover that the first Mrs. Gibson is the girl's grandmother, while the second is her mother. This probably will be a surprise to those too young to figure out the relationship, but even without that pertinent bit of information, children should enjoy getting to know these women. The story does get repetitious at times; however, sturdy, detail-filled paintings will help hold attention. An author's note tells readers that this is Igus' personal story.

A biracial (African-American/white) girl helps out in her family's bakery on Christmas Eve.

The narrator enumerates qualities inherited from her parents--a face that's ``a little dark, a little light,'' somewhere between Mama's ``chestnut brown'' and Papa's fair skin; hair that's ``halfway in-between'' blond and black A mixed-race child celebrates the rich inclusiveness of her life in a joyful picture book. "Just right!" Each double-page-spread shows how members of the family are individuals with likes and dislikes, hobbies and habits that move beyond stereotype. Mom orders vegetarian; Dad orders ribs and bagels; the child likes it all. Mom does ballet; Dad dances to rap. Mom likes African masks; Dad goes for modern art; the child loves the Egyptian part of the museum. Each page has a rhyming refrain that ends, "just right". In keeping with the upbeat text, Trivas' energetic illustrations are full of movement and affection.

Ethnically "Diverse" Show

Ok, so it looks like FOX has tired of the constant criticism for its lack of diversity in its line-up of TV shows and cartoons. Not to worry, we will be getting a spin-off of the Family Guy, (which I have yet to view, not particularly my forte) to debut in 2009. It does feature an all star cast set to play the character's voices: Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long and Kevin Michael Richardson. However, the real debacle is the voice of the lead character: Cleveland Brown, whose voiced by a white actor. It will also feature what they consider to be a "colorblind role" which will feature Kevin Michael Richardson as a "redneck." Hmm...not sure where they are headed with all of this? Our only hope is that this particular satire doesn't miss the mark as the New Yorker did with Obama.....it's only funny when the underlying theme is understood as a whole by a majority of the people, not just a handful.

It's our Anniversary!

If I wasn't so tired right now, I would make this a tad bit longer. But I can barely keep my eyes open, and my couch is calling me for a nap; such is the life of a pregnant woman :) Today is our wedding anniversary...5 years married, although we have been together for16 years. We met at the young age of 18, and well...I'm sure you can do the math. He truly is my better half, and I feel blessed to have such a wonderful man to walk through life beside me. My desk calendar features a quote that seems appropriate for today: "When two people choose to become one, you become something even greater than that if you ask God into the circle,"for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer." Because when times are better, God blesses you, and when times area worse, God will bless you even more.

Biracial Best Friends

I have spent a lot of time pondering how our daughter will respond to her first day of kindergarten. She seems to get the general understanding of what lies ahead...but I can't help but be a little skeptical. Her very best friend in the world is a little girl in her class that is also biracial. Our daughter and her act as though they are old lost souls. I always wondered what drew them together. They have a large class filled with many diverse kids, but they have a connection that is unbreakable. Lately, our daughter has been wondering why her friend will not be coming along on the journey to her "new school." Her eyes fill up with tears, and she seems lost when I try and explain to her that she will be able to make new friends. While I know that we will always stay in touch with her best friend; I am praying that her new class will be just as diverse as her preschool, and that there will be at least another little girl who our daughter will be able to relate to. As we watch her grow, a new sense of reality is starting to set in and realize soon enough the challenges of what lies ahead.

Baller on a Budget

It seems that unless your Oprah or Bill Gates, the rising cost of gas, food, and other commidities will have you re-thinking your budget. In our family, we try and watch our spending by eating out with our Entertainment Book, which will typically give you 50% off one entree, or buy an entree and get one free. We go to movies at the local dollar theater, and subscribe to Netflix, where we get a great rate for unlimited movie rentals per month. We also make frequent trips to the local library, which is a great resource for books, cd's and movies, all for free!

Check out these sites for a few extra ways to save your money!

http://www.thegrocerygame.com/ coupons, tips and ideas on how to save money at the store!

http://www.thecouponclippers.com/ start keeping track of your coupons

http://www.craigslist.com/ it's one big garage sale...and a whole lot more

http://www.potterybarn.com/ i only shop the clearance...it's 75% off, and a great way to update your home without breaking the bank

http://www.overstock.com/ they have a great assortment of everything, plus shipping is always cheap

http://www.platoscloset.com/ if you have a teen that was born to shop...fab consignment store

http://www.ouac.com/ Once Upon a Child stores carry everything from baby gear, kids clothes, and maternity

http://www.aaa.com/ i cherish our membership and if you plan on traveling, they have wonderful deals on family vacations.

Cocoa Babies...

I stumbled upon the cutest baby and kids gear last night, and want to share with everyone! The website is: http://www.cocoababies.com/ ; and they are very reasonably priced. Here is a sample of some of my favorite picks

Skin Color in the World of Modeling

I just finished reading a not so surprising yet still disturbing article out of Newsweek on Sunday. It focused on the latest edition of Italian Vogue. This month's edition featured all black models, which is supposed to give impetus to other magazines and modeling agencies to hire more diverse models, other than the standard iconic Barbie type. This article is a must-read. I know how important building self-esteem is in young girls, and we have to get past this steroeptyped beauty that is only blond hair and blue eyes. Just when it seems like we take one step forward....

Please click here to read full article...

Congrats to Venus!!

We always like a good match at Wimbledon...But when the Williams sisters take center court, we pay attention! They are nothing short of phenomenal, and they are always on point when it comes to this dynamic duo match-up. They are great role models on and off the court, and for that: we say thank-you and Congrats Venus!

Happy 4th of July!!!

Backyard BBQ & Desserts

Rocket Pops: http://www.kraftfoods.com/

Firecracker Cupcakes: http://www.kraftfoods.com/

Midwestern Style Brats: http://www.foodtv.com/

BBQ Spareribs: http://www.foodtv.com/

Individual Fruit Pies: http://www.foodtv.com/

My Top 5: July 4th Fashion Finds of the Week

http://www.jcpenney.com/

http://www.target.com/ http://www.nordstroms.com/

http://www.oldnavy.com/

http://www.macys.com/

Jacquelyn Johnson...BGS Girl of the Month

A big congrats to our first BGS Girl of the Month.

Name: Jacquelyn Johnson

Brief Bio: A four time NCAA heptathlon champion from Arizona State University; she has qualified to go to Bejing on this year's 2008 Olympic Track & Field Team.

Fun Fact: She loves chicken parmesan from the Olive Garden; and eats it at least one time during the week of her meet.

Check it Out!!

I stumbled upon this website this morning, and felt compelled to share. It is a new up and coming magazine that is devoted to all races. It will circulate in select newspapers around the country, ( just like Parade, for example). This magazine is a great way to showcase diversity and focus on the positive and uplifting ways it can bring us together! Here is their website: http://www.usariseup.com/index.cfm Chow!

Mixed Families....Different but the Same

What a great weekend! Even though it's about to be Monday soon, at least I am comforted by the thoughts of a short work week, thanks to July 4th. Add that to my doctor's appt. on Thurs., and we are sittin' pretty with a 3.5 day work week! Yeah!!

This weekend we had a bday party to attend for our good friends' 2 year old twins, who are absolutely adorable. It was wonderful to see a lot of our friends there, we always have a great time hanging out within our "circle of friends." As a few of my gal pals and I were sitting around the table chatting about life, kids, and marriage, it was brought to our attention that all of us are in some type of "mixed" marriage; resulting in at least one child. It's so ironic that within this close knit group of friends, that race or color is or has never been a focal point or issue. It brings me to the phrase..."Different but the Same." Because that is what we represent: black, brown, white, and the spectrum between, different cultures, backgrounds and races. We are a sacrament to the American Melting Pot. What makes this group so different than anybody else?
We all are hardworking, caring, dependable, loyal, respectful, funny (well, maybe not everyone.. :) honorable and dedicated to our families. Wait a minute, where exactly is the difference? ...... Point in case...we're not. What's different: color, race, ethnicity and backgrounds. And that my friends is the beauty of friendship, bringing together differences and similarities. The yin and yang of life. Chow!

Brown Betties.....My plug of the week...

I wanted to give special attention today to a few links that everyone should check out! This cabaret show is called Harlem's Night, which is performed by a very talented and beautiful group of ladies, aka, Brown Betties, who are based out of L.A. This is a must see show if you are in the area, and even if you're not, sign up for their monthly newsletters! Here are the links: http://www.brownbetties.com/ http://www.brownbetties.blogspot.com/ www.myspace.com/harlemsstory Chow!

My daughter...the litigator

A recent conversation with my daughter has forced me into defense mode. I know, she maybe only 4, but I promise you that she is quickly rising in the ranks of promising litigator. She can turn any conversation and manipulate it to the brink of you actually asking yourself: did I just agree to that? For instance, the other day, she wanted me to read her a story. I told her that it would have to wait until after dinner was made. Her response: Ok, how about you just teach me to read instead? Ok...honey it would be the same thing. NO it wouldn't, you're helping me to read, not reading to me. How is a mom to resist? My husband fairs no better. He attempted last week to tell her that they would not be going swimming that day; and to no avail, she patiently waits for him to finish, takes a deep breath, and responds with: Thanks Dad, now is it my turn to talk? And quickly puts the spin on. I don't know if we should be exuberant about her wittiness or scared that this is a sign that she only gets better as she gets older. Either or....it makes for great conversations! Chow!

He said what?

Yes...just when you think that celebs would learn from other celebs dumb mistakes...along comes another to take their place. In an age where media, web 2.0, and tech rules....someone, somewhere will catch their transgressions and post it to youtube, facebook, myspace...or like me...blog about it. The winner of this week's "He Said What Award" is: Charlie Sheen. The ironic part of this whole story is that Charlie wasn't even caught by the paparazzi; it was his own ex-wife, Denise Richards, that outed him. It seems that Charlie left a nasty voicemail 3 and a half years ago on his exe's vm, in which he pulled out...the n-word. Seriously. Why? What ever happened to just using the word b*tch? I'm not condoning swearing, but why, why, why resort to derogatory racial epithets. What makes this act even more deplorable is the mere fact that Tony Todd, an African -American actor, served as his BEST MAN at his first two weddings. What could he possibly say that would condone his ignorant rant? NOTHING. Just like my great-grandma used to say: "You reap what you sow."

Unite for Change...

This was sent to me from the Obama camp; and if you have not heard or signed up yet, then what are you waiting for? Check out this link and find a soiree near you! In fact, I have even seen get togethers that are for Obama supporters who love dogs; as well as wine and cheese hosted events and my personal fave: BBQ's! Get out there and meet some new people and show your support! Obama 2008! Click here to view more: http://my.barackobama.com/uniteforchange
Chow!

Happy Birthday Uncle Shakes

Cheers! We Love You...

My Top 10 Hair Care Products....

This question seems to be one that is always at the forefront of not only having biracial children, but having friends who also have biracial or multiracial children...which for us, is just about everyone in our "circle" of friends. That one topic being: what products are you using? So here is my list of my top ten faves....

The heat is on....and just not in the kitchen ( or bedroom...) These 10 beauty faves are ready to help any mom and child through the toughest dog days of summer...Humidity included!


1. Ojon Shine & Protect Shampoo

fyi....a little pricey, but worth the investment (ps- don't skip the conditioner)

2. Shiseido....Refreshing Sun Protection Spray SPF 16+

fyi....this baby also doubles as sunscreen...twice the product for half the price

3. Tui Herbal Shampoo (Carol's Daughter)

fyi.... this shampoo smells so good, it's like aromatherapy in a bottle

4. Khoret AmenHair Smoothie (Carol's Daughter)

fyi....if your little one suffers from tangles, this is the BEST de-tangler out there!

5. Summer Hair Sun Bandana ( Frederic Fekkai)

fyi...great addition to throw into your beach bag...don't leave home without it!

6. Curly Cake Shake (Blended Beauty)

fyi...you can even use this product on dry hair...and poof: the curls bounce back

7. Mixed Chicks...Trio

fyi...save some money and order the trio....you won't be sorry!

8. Aveda
fyi...detox your hair....organically

9. Bumble and Bumble
fyi...Creme de Coco...chocolate for your hair...you'll want to eat it

10. Dove Moisture Therapy 2 in 1
fyi...two great features in one bottle...for half the price

Only in Texas...

http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Racist_Obama_Buttons_Sold_at_Texas_Republican_Convention

Where to start with this one...... This button was sold at the Texas Republican Convention by a man named Jonathan Alcox of Florida , who rented a booth and thought it would be in great taste to sell these racist and ignorant pins. The Republican party is rejecting the $1500 from the sales of the pin; and is donating the money to charity. They are prohibiting any further sales from this man at any Republican Convention, which by the way, is a little too late. Don't they do any background checks on these vendors, or at least ask for a sample of what they will be peddling? Besides, haven't they ever heard the saying: "Perception is Reality?" Chow!

Get Out of Our BED!!!

Rule 1: If you plan on having your child sleep in your bed as a baby; then be prepared to suffer the consequences

Yes, we have been sleeping with our now 4 year old daughter in our bed since she has been a baby. I think she slept in her crib twice in infancy, and in our bed ever since then. She never wants to leave. We are desperate to move her out into her own bed, but she wants NOTHING to do with it. Why would she? She is going from a plush queen size bed, into a toddler bed. I know what you’re thinking….sex life? Ummm…not always good for it, she takes the bed OVER! One of us always ends up on the couch, which usually is my husband. I keep telling myself that “one day she will want to sleep in her room.” I’m open to suggestions! Chow!

Sound-Off

I would LOVE to hear from other families that are also raising biracial or multi-racial children. What are your stories? Chow!

What’s the Word

It’s finally Hump-day! Thank God! We have been doing an incredible amount of swimming over the last few days, and my daughter is golden brown. She held up her arm the other night, and said: “Look mom, you’re red, and I’m tan.” She thought that was hysterical. I totally burned like bacon in this heat. That’s one of the first references to color that she has made. In her mind, she refers to herself as “tan.” We haven’t had any significant discussions about race yet. We like to point out that she is a beautiful mix of both mommy and daddy, so we will see if that resonates for awhile :)

Rockin the Pink Shades

Enjoying the sun in AZ! We definitely have to wear our shades here! We Love Pink :)

Go Tiger!!!

anyone who was fortunate enough to watch the sudden death match yesterday: All Ive got to say is: WOW!! That was really incredible. Go Tiger Woods! If that isn’t a terrific role-model for other young mulit-racial kids, than I can’t help ya! That is one for the record books. My daughter is showing some interest in golf as well. Still undecided on which way to stear her, as she loves swimming, soccer, and softball also. Who knows, maybe she will be the female version of Bo Jackson. She also LOVES to cook. Besides the discovery channel for kids, she is an avid viewer of the foodnetwork. She has quite eclectic taste for a 4 year old. Her faves? Meatballs, spaghetti, broccoli, and strawberries, and smoked salmon. Check out our recipe section for family friendly,quick meals. What sports does your child play, and did you have any influence on them? Sound-off!! Chow!

Frustration

The frustration behind checking the infamous box of : race. I recently just registered my daughter for kindergarten, and of course in the paperwork, you must check race. I decided to choose black and white; being that that’s what my daughter is. When the administrator was going over the paperwork, she immediately told me that I had to pick just one. I am not allowed to check both. I should have known better, but how can you deny one parent completely? I ended up check marking black, but leaving the office feeling very disheartened. It was like i didn’t even exist. I’m sorry ma’am, but she can be only one race, even if you did carry her for 9 months. When will we ever catch up to the 21st century?

MSNBC Article

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24542138/ A great article to read when you have a moment. Finally, an article that is shedding some light on mixed families.

BrownGirl Byte

BrownGirlSpeak… What does it mean? A voice, a thought, a passion; a…. Long Time Coming. This blog is dedicated to ALL racially and ethnically diverse or “mixed” girls who are BrownGirlSpeak; it is a forum that is open to all parents who are raising a beautiful brown girl, and the joys and challenges that we as parents face in today’s world.