Fireproof and Recession Proof

We've only been married five years. It may not be a very long time to some, but for us within those five years we've overcome so much. Yet, we still have a long way to go.

When we started our love journey we got pregnant right away. We both loved children and couldn't wait to expand our family. He's from Nigeria while I am from Michigan.

In a matter of a simple year we collided cultures. Looking back, I would advise others who date outside their culture to "court more." Learn more about the other person. Hey nowadays, even people who date within their culture need to do the same.

Baby number one popped out early, but even with the premature drama, we began working on the second baby when the first was only a year old. Within our story is never a dull moment.

So here we were with two handsome boys. Now who's going to keep them while we work to provide for them? Finding reliable childcare was very burdensome.

Eventually we moved down south, with the idea of me staying home with the boys while my husband worked to provide for us. This plan sounded great on paper.

The downward spiral of the economy affected many. Finding a full-time position with benefits became a problem. What were we going to do? We put our faith into over-drive.

Yes, there were days we argued about money and there were days when we probably both wanted to just leave. But despite what the human eye may see, we believed God would change our story. Although we didn't get it right every time, we were determined to make it together until the end.

Recession is not in our vocabulary. God will supply all of our need.

Overdrawn bank accounts, shopping at the dollar store for our everyday needs (I actually don't mind this, it's my favorite store) and cashing in coins are in the past.

And although we've had to put some of our plans on hold, like having baby #3, all things will work out in our favor in time. Patience is the key. Faith is the answer. We are going to make it, one day at a time. We're going to make it, together!

A mini vacation to Sea World 2010

The Princess and the Frog

Has anyone seen this movie? What are your thoughts?

I finally was able to watch this movie over the weekend and I have to admit, I was really taken off guard. I can't believe Disney allowed a movie with voodoo to be considered a children's movie.

After viewing this movie, I was convinced there was no way my children would ever watch it. Luckily for me, mine were busy playing Wii and wasn't the bit interested in what was on the television screen.

This movie takes place in the great city of New Orleans, Louisiana where we meet Tiana a hard working waitress who aspires to become a restaurant owner while fulfilling her late father's dream. Her goal was to save up enough money while working two jobs to one day open "Tiana's Place."

Later Prince Naveen graces the screen and is in search of marrying a beautiful rich princess because he has been cut off from his family's money.

While in La, Prince Naveen encounters Doctor Facilier; a evil voodoo magician who turns him into a frog while, at the same time, turns his butler Lawerence into the likeness of Naveen.

Facilier convinced Lawerence that all of his dreams would come true if only he were to marry Charlotte, the rich sugar baron's daughter. Once married, Lawerence would split the money with Facilier.

During the Masquerade ball, Tiana is also turned into a frog by a simple kiss from Naveen. Together they go to the bayou in search of Mama Odie; the voodoo queen of the bayou. Once meeting her they hope she can lift the curse and turn them back into humans.

As Naveen and Tiana progress in their quest, Facilier makes promises with, "the other side" of all the souls in New Orleans in exchange for Naveen's soul.

Despite the fact that Prince Naveen and Tiana end up falling in love, eventually becoming humans again and finally opening the long awaited Tiana's Place, demons take Doctor Faciliers' soul to Hell.

As a parent, these are not images I would like my children remembering.

So I would like to ask Disney, why demons? Why voodoo? Why such evil images for children?

Yes, there is finally a "black princess," but at what cost? The purity and innocence of children.

Just because you're a mom doesn't mean you don't have goals!

I've always enjoyed writing. Growing up I would write a variety of poems, plays and short stories. When I was a senior in high school I wrote and directed my very first play entitled, "Till we meet again." I remember feeling overjoyed because the autotorium was packed with paying patrons ready to see the play.

Then while I was in college, I was able to publish my first short story with the Detroit Black Writers Guild. I was even able to participate in a book signing. That was a surreal experience.

As the years progressed, I was still an avid writer. Writing has always been a way for me to express my emotions. I love to be creative and expressive with words, leaving the reader with vivid imagery of what they've just read.

It wasn't until after I gave birth to my first son in 2006 that I published my first novel, "Without Saying a Word." www.outskirtpress.com/AdrianPAjebon

I put a lot of work into that book. Although I was a new mom, I didn't give up on my dream of publishing a book. So after every three hour feeding when the baby would nap, I would be heard tapping away on my computer. Yes I was tired, but I also had a goal. I wanted to be a author.

Then in 2007, my dream became a reality. My book was published. Yeah for me! I was really happy. Was this real? Looking back, how did I do it while caring for a newborn baby?

I stayed focused. I prayed alot.

I was a published author, but I wanted to produce more. But as time went on, I had another bouncing baby boy and my time was now limited.

Could I write another novel even though I now had two children? It was hard, but nothing is impossible.

If you're wondering how I was able to complete my goal, well, I didn't sleep alot to say the least. Boys are very busy, so I could only write when they were sleeping. And I did this for months. Now I'm programmed to sleep only after two or three in the morning.

No, it may not be ideal, but that's my life right now and although I look forward to nap time, I feel accomplished. I feel as though I could conqueror the world. And I can, just let me take a nap first.