~My Connections to Play~

 “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” -Plato

“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.”  -Kay Redfield Jamison

“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning…They have to play with what they know to be true in order to find out more, and then they can use what they learn in new forms of play.”  -Fred Rodgers

I played dress up in my mom's clothes almost everyday!!!

I cooked as my mom cooked!!!

This is a talking Mickey Mouse that I adored!!!!

She went everywhere with me!!!!!

As a child playing was everything to me!!!!  My days were so peaceful and fun when i was able to play with my friends and toys.  I can remember crying when i had to go over to my aunts house because she did not like for kids to play in the house and she did not allow us to go outdoors.  I must admit that those weekends were the worst.  Not being able to play made me miserable and it also caused me to be mischievous at times.  I personally feel that so many children today are misbehaving in class because they are deprived of recess and free play to let out that burst of energy.  When I was younger I can remember going to neighborhood playground, and playing with the kids on the next block.  In today's society a lot of this has changed because it is just not safe for kids anymore.  It is really sad!!!

When I was younger my parents allowed me play at my own will.  The only things that were off limit were harmful or inappropriate for children!!!  My mom and dad would arrange play dates on weekends, with friends and cousins.  They made sure we always lived near a playground and in safe neighborhoods so the outdoor play can take place.  As for toys, I had so many our basement looked like a toy store. 

~Relationship Reflection~

Having healthy relationships and partnerships are extremely important to me for several reasons.  I strongly believe healthy relationships affects our happiness, and the ways in which we deal and cope with stress.  Relationships can have an impact on our emotional and social health as well as aspects of physical health.  Relationships bring love, support, advice, compassion, sympathy, and a whole lot more.

To the right is a portrait of my parents...Gregory and Mary
My mom is one of my biggest supporters and she is the reason that i am the strong independent woman that I am today.  My mother is always there when I need that extra push to keep me going, and she does not hesitate to put me in my place. 

My father is the greatest man alive!!! He has the ability to turn your worst day into the best day of your life with simple words and a warm smile.  My dad has always been a very patient man, and always make me fill as if I can conquer the world.  Growing up many of friends loved to come to my house because their fathers were not around and my father made every feel loved and appreciated.  
                    ~Together my mother and father were yin and yang, which represented a perfect partnership~

 
To the left is my daughter, and to the right is my son.....
Words could not express the impact my relationship with my children have on my life.  My children are my biggest supporters and motivators.  They are literally the driving force of my determination and focus. 


Although I am a single mother I still have a very good relationship with the father of my children.  Regardless of what problems or differences me and him may have, we always find ways to push them aside for the well being of our children. 

NAKEISHA, NATASHA, and GREGORY JR. (3 older siblings):  The roles and relationships I had with each sibling was different but they fit perfectly together.  Because I am the youngest sibling I got spoiled often.  Nakeisha was the sibling that helped me with homework, and allowed me to help take care of her responsibilities.  Natasha taught me how to protect myself, and she also allowed me to teach her things.  Gregory is the only boy and because we are the closest in age he taught me the true definition of "anything you could do I can do better".  My dad use to joke with his friends and say "I won't have to worry about her because Jr. got her "Tonka Tough".  Because of my siblings I value education, responsibility, and helping others.

 ****Building all of these relationships took time, as well as ups and downs.  With every relationship one must go through challenges in order to learn the dynamics of the relationship.  The road to building each of these relationships consisted of many tears, hurt feelings, arguments, pain, laughter, sadness, as well as happiness.  If I could I would not change a single experience because it is those that set the foundation of our relationships. I am thankful and blessed to have so many positive people in my life.****

****Outside of the above mentioned relationships I have countless others that has a impact just as big as those.****