Stacey-Ann's Blog

Each year we get one of those Salvation Army angels to purchase gifts for.  This year we got 2 kids who are similar ages to my own children.

It's amazing to see my kids in Target running around choosing gifts for a chid that they don't even know.  It's really gratifying to know that we are raising children who understand the importance of giving back to those who have less than we do.

After we had already purchased the gifts for our "angels" I learned of another family that has had tremendous difficulty over the past few years.  I had planned to buy one more gift for one of the members of that family.  Instead, I found myself drawn so much to their story that I could not help but buy a gift for each of them.  $100 to me means the world to someone else.

I can not believe how happy it has made me and my kids to buy gifts for people we don't even know.  It's a way to re-affirm the spirit of the season and importance of giving back.

Beginning in January 2010 I implemented Pay It Forward - $150 donation to charity with every closing.

Following the successful closing of 9713 Byward Blvd, Bowie MD I am happy to report that the following donations will be made:

My Choice:

• $50 to the Mental Health Association - The money will be used to purchase cleaning products to donate to the clients in the Adult Homeless Division.  These clients are clients who were formerly homeless who are now being assisted to live independently.  Cleaning supplies are very expensive and many government assistance programs do not include them on the list of approved purchases.  If you are interested in donating some cleaning supplies toward this drive please let me know

The Buyers' Choice:

• $100 to Keep A Child Alive -  This fund provides treatment for children infected with HIV around the world.  They also provide assistance to children abandoned or orphaned.

This charitable donation is rapidly becoming one of my favorite pats of the real estate transaction.  I am excited to be able to make these donations and I look forward to making many more donations in the coming months (and years).

The family and I went to see the Gingerbread House Contest in Upper Marlboro yesterday.  As usual the entries are amazing.  One of the rules is that all ingredients must be edible.  My kids were impressed with the creative uses for candy, chocolate, and crackers.

This one was a winner in the child's category.

As avid Spongebob watchers this one was my kids' favorite in the child' category.

The adult entries were amazing as well.

This was the first place winner!!!!

Stop by the Darnall Chance Museum in Upper Marlboro any of the following days: Thursday, December 9 - Sunday December 11, from 12 noon-5 pm. Visitors will be able to vote for their favorite entries in the Viewer's Choice Award competition.

The fee is just $1/person!

 It's amazing to look back through old photos and realize how much we have each changed.  My daughter, at 8, is beginning to seem more and more like a young lady each day.  Her interests and mannerisms are less and less childlike and increasingly mature.  There is certainly incredible pleasure and pride as I watch her growing into this special young lady but I can't help but feel nostalgia when I see pictures of her as my little girl.

This Kodak moment is from our family trip to the Grand Canyon in June 2007.  As a couple that leads hectic lives it's rare when we can carve out time to get away for a few days.  This is probably the last true family vacation that we have taken (we've stolen away for a few days since but nothing this long).  The trip was extra special because my husband's parents were able to join us as we toured Scottsdale, Phoenix, & Sedona, Arizona.  It was all of our first trips to Arizona and it was such a delight to experience the terrain and climate so unlike what we have here on the East Coast.

Living here in the US gives us many opportunities.  However, it means that we spend way too much time away from the family members that we love so much.  This trip allowed us to spend time with some of that family and especially allow our children to really connect and get to know their grandparents.

Every time I see this picture I smile.  It brings back memories of a wonderful vacation spent with people I love.  Besides, what better complement to one of the World's natural wonders than my little wonder!

This post is written as a submission to the ActiveRain 'Kodak Moments' contest. I have the chance to win the KODAK EASYSHARE M580 Digital Camera

To participate in the ActiveRain contest, visit the blog post announcing the contest from Kodak and ActiveRain. 

Kenny Rogers is coming to the Washington, DC area on December 19.  I LOVE Kenny Rogers and I mean LOVE.  My dad is a huge country music lover and Kenny Rogers was the one that my brother and I liked too so the music was in heavy rotation in our house when we were growing up.

When I began the lobby to find a date to the concert (my husband refuses to go) I was constantly met with "You like Kenny Rogers, but you are Jamaican?"

One of the beauty of people is the complexity they bring.  Just because I am Jamaican doesn't mean I only like reggae music.  As a matter of fact, Jamaicans in general tend to have very eclectic music tastes.  My brother has seen Kenny Rogers perform twice in Jamaica.

Despite the shock of some people I was able to rustle up several friends to go with me and so now I am sooooo excited to see Kenny Rogers in person in a few weeks.

Some other random facts:

• I love some other country music too - Sugarland's Stuck on You, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, & even Marty Robbins.
• I also love most songs on the sappy love song channels (Air Supply is a special favorite).
• I can't dance (two left feet).  The island rhythm skipped over me completely.
• I don't drink or smoke (cigarettes or weed) and I don't like spicy food (someone should take my Jamaican card away for that one).

I'm curious what random things might people not know about you?