just go to Sleep! --- iWISH!

i Really do wish that going to sleep was something i could do when i got ready!! i even tried giving myself a bedtime{1030p}. I've not made it. Well, today is Sunday night, and it's GO time! I am taking two courses to complete my B.S. in Marketing and let me tell you... This has been the toughest semester session {they're only 8 weeks} yet! I can't seem to get control of my time. Summer is now here and the kids must be entertained, hubby calls and i run , and by golly Micah runs our house!! lol.



Here's a picture of he & i that i took while i was up late last night writing a paper. {yes, he is doing the 'motor boat', his dad taught him that! been spittin' every since #yuck #boys

Tomorow is VBS again and the girls are pumped! I will make a conscious effort to keep this week from being too eventful. Again, that session I was talking about is coming to a close and I must focus. To top this weekend off, my cousin is getting married at the Trevisio and I am so excited for date night, it'll be great! #motivation

Until Next Time.. Good Night!

E

hold YOURSELF accountable!

this post is Literally going to make me laugh, cry, & SCREAM! i'm thinking, i've been working It, working Out for a little over 4 months now and THIS>>>
Seriously, i MUST do Better! .. i KNOW much better than to think I can work out and that's it! my eating habits have been nothing shy of Horrible! grab a hold my friend, grab a hold..

Yes, I breastfeed, pump, nurse {whatever you'd like to call it!} & i have GAINED more weight and weigh more now than i EVER have in my life.. Over eating and indulging in sweet & savory foods {more than often} will not get me there! funny thing is, those that Really KNOW me know that I have always been very conscious of my food intake!


Let's face it! I got comfortable. but this Too shall Pass! From this day forward, here's my pact with myself! i Already know that 80% of your body's makeup is based on what you EAT! if you know better, do better. now it's 2 a days and even more whole grains, green leafy stuff, Tae Bo, pilates, & Power Pump. Sweat, Burn, & Sweat. But ultimately, put the chocolat chip cookie dough dip down! #blast #realness # accountablity #honesty


Oh, and yes, I cut my hair, Again! i absolutely LOVE it! Can't stop the hubby from gazing & .... ! {weight gain or not} lol, time out for Foolishness!

Signed,

EDBD - Erika Dianne Brown Duckworth

take me to the Water..

Today has been a day of utmost gratitude for our family! Our oldest child and daughter, Dior, was baptized this afternoon and the support she received from our family is phenomenal. When we arrived to the church she realized that she was nervous, but has often made it very clear that she Loves the Lord and has accepted Him as her Lord and Savior.


Here's a picture of Dior and family. What a joy it is to know that parenting can be this rewarding! My hubby and I have Always agreed we would raise our children under the fear and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4



Dior's Papa ( My Dad) took this shot from his seat! I was up there with her full of His love. There's no other love that will compare. All those trips to church as a kid paid off! lol..

Now to get ready for my first full week of summer with three kids at home. I plan to have them so busy that they can't see straight! LOL.. no really, it'll be a great summer I'm sure. We have lots planned and I am grateful that I am able to be with them as they grow. God bless you all and thanks for your interests!

My Marvelous, Mother's Day!

First thanks to ALL of those that called, text, and told me Happy Mother's Day. So Super Sweet! My whole weekend was Absolutely Perfect and I honestly couldn't be happier!!! My family surprised me while Micah & I were home {taking a Marketing quiz} ... Micah enjoys sitting outside and well, no pictures.. b/c my life is Way too busy right now for me to remember to take snapshots. Anyhoo, we were sitting in the driveway enjooying the breeze and when they drove up they got out with this :-)

i LOVE surprises :) {pleasant} I couldn't wait to get inside and put my yellow roses in flower and eat those yummy, wummy, white-chocolate covered strawberries. Oh, and can't forget my 'Happy Mother's Day' butterfly balloon! #AbsolutePerfection. Here's my own display table I created:

Sunday was church, and family dinner prepared by the best barbq chef I've known, My Grandpa! No rippin' and runnin' this year. The.End.

Talk about Some TheRapy!!

This weekend has been pretty uneventful for us (which is nice)! Well, I say that but we had both the girls games this morning.. i.e. soccer for Meg & volleyball for Dior. Then we went to lunch at a seafood spot we love with family. My parents came down from Spring to watch the girls games... When we got home everyone wanted to relax.. including me and Micah. He was exhausted and I took advantage. I got some folding done and then my cousin's daughter called and asked for the girls to come over for a sleepover. But by golly, distance is an issue! I just did not feel up to the drive! So, I had to resend my yes response. Dior was disgusted so I thought of an even better idea! Why don't we bring the Sleepover Party to you!?? I text a few of Dior's friends and one responded right away... So far, so good! I have gotten SO much done and it's kept the girls very preoccupied! Dedrick & I can chat in peace and life is good! One thing I can say about having 3 kids is it's ultimately important to keep everybody busy!!! .. -that's all for now! Time to get these girls to bed.

Spectacles & Honey Dos

I LOVE my honey's new specs!! Adds flavor to his already handsome look :)

Sunday, I went to church while the fam slept in.. Well, I thought they were sleeping but we moved into our new home a few months ago and are Still unpacking.. We'll get it together sooner than later...

Our FULL Weekend

It started with my first 5k run downtown Houston for the Rodeo. It was overwhelming, rapid, slow, captivating, and completely took the life out of me! But it was fulfilling. If all of that makes any sense. Well. Immediately following the rodeo runners, the rodeo parade began. My hubby did an Excellent job taking care of all 3 kids while mom took about an hour break! That 55 minutes felt like 3 hours. But here's a few pics..

Mister Micah Dedrick, tuckered in and resting well! He sleeps well as long as he's full.

Dior & Meghan said they saw mommy zoom by and really enjoyed the parade! We may not even have to go back this year :)

There I go... Kept a steady pace! .. It was taken on a friend's phone. {guess that's why it's so small}


Dior smiles in front of the horses.

February 29,2004 is a day that we actually got to share in this year. Dior's Birthday has come and she couldn't have been more thrilled about how her we celebrated her special day! Pictures coming soon...

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Meghan's 4th Birthday Party... Coming Soon!!!

On this Sunday, July 17, 2007 at 1246p, Meghan Addison will be 4 years old!!! We continuously thank God for blessing us with our beautiful baby girl. She's definitely our "Outgoing DIVA!" Meghan is and always will be absolutely Fabulous so tomorrow, we'll celebrate at "Hello Gorgeous" {an Ultimate Spa Party boutique for little girls.} Stay tuned for pics :)

*Jesus, Take the Wheel*

Dior's Birthday Party was an Absolute success of which I am very proud!

In my quiet time now days, I have been focusing on conquering this school {on ALL levels} and fasting and praying.

Here are some scriptures that I have found helpful when the devil's attacks seem unbearable.


Psalm 23:1-4
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.He makes me to lie down in green pastures;He leads me beside the still waters.He restores my soul;He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil;For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 27:3,5,13-14
Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me,In this I will be confident. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!

I hope these scriptures bless you as much as they have myself. Happy Tuesday!

Dior's ~Exclusive~ 7th Birthday " Sleep Over " Party

Despite the fact that this will be our second celebration we've given within a thirty day span! It's time to party with Dior for her seventh birthday!!! I have carefully assembled her party invitations and it was similar to an Act of Congress! Lol.. I'm not sure where I missed that you had to assemble each piece. I've taken a picture of the instructions on the back, next time I'll actually read them :) ...



This year for Dior's birthday we're allowing the girls to join us in a luxury suite at the Hilton Hotel & Resort! We'll have our own MAC Make Up Artist, Janice Shufford, come and enhance those beauties! They will also get their hair done and nails polished. Dad's also got a huge surprise for this Birthday Princess!!! I can't wait to post soon.



Last year when we got back from our Anniversary vacation we really didn't get to do a whole lot for her birthday. Dedrick & I agreed to do something really special for her this year because she's been such a huge blessing! Her grades are phenomenal. Her conduct is exceptional and she's such a great help to her mommy while daddy's traveling for work. Birthday parties for the little ones are a lot of work. But they're ALWAYS worth it! Shots out to both our jewels! Meghan, don't worry.. Your special day is coming soon! ;)

~ Our New Endeavor ~

As of December 17, 2010, I am officially a "Stay-At-Home Mom", Domestic Engineer, Full-Time Student, the list goes on. Also, SO Blessed to be the wife of one of the most selfless, loving, caring men on this earth. I am totally excited about our new life!! Meghan will still attend preschool Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursdays so that mom can study and get errands and chores done with out too much extra help from little miss! We thank God for allowing us to be able to make these kinds of transitions. We have positioned ourselves well. I should be done with school by next year.. Maybe sometime after, I'll be ready for white-collar America. But for the time being I am grateful for this opportunity! Thanks for your prayers in advance!

Love,
The Duckworths

Meghan's '1st Real, Big Girl Gymnastics' (in my Meghan Duckworth voice!)

Words can not begin to express the joy felt while gazing at Meghan and Dior together in gymnastics. Although not in the same class, they work out in the same gym. Today was Day 1 of Meghan's journey to exercise her love for tumbling and flips and back bends. Hopefully this class will teach her the correct technique and provide proper training so that she doesn't hurt herself. Then she can do flips without her parents having a mild heart attack! Lol..



Check them out as they pose in uber excitement before class begins!

Dior has been in gymnastics now for about a year and a half and is learning a lot! We've seen major improvements in her balance, coordination, and discipline as her last year instructor was very intense.

Meghan has been riding on Tumblebus since she started walking. Since Dior began gymnastics, Meghan was always anxious to go and actually do gymnastics in the big gym with her big sister. Since she is now three and a half she is able to take the class by herself and life couldn't be better for her! Today, she officially told Tumblebus, bye, bye! :)



Here's Meghan laughing and running during her warm-up. She's so tickled she can hardly remember which way to run! LOL.. (There I was from the outside looking in yelling, wrong way baby!!)



Dior stopped by for a drink of water and to say hello!!


I absolutely love this picture and admire the love these too sisters share! This is such a blessing, Thank God for our girls!

Making Twenty Seven!!

>My birthday was incredible!!! I really appreciate my wonderful husband, Dedrick and generous friends, Heather & Jeff. Heather and I were discussing my birthday a few weeks prior, she offered great ideas! Quickly I deemed her my party planner. She was overjoyed!! I let her know exactly what I wanted and she was kind enough to host everything for me!

Our night started at Grotto at the corner of 610 South & Westheimer. To my surprise, Heather & Jeff designated a Private Room there just for me and my dinner guests. The food was Excellent and the ambiance, just as nice. I saw friends that I had not seen since high school and family from near and far that gathered for my special day. Shortly after dinner we went to Comedy Showcase for a night full of laughter. There, we had reserved tables for myself and my guests there as well!

I thoroughly enjoyed myself this year for my Birthday! I thank God for my Exceptional friends and family. Your presence spoke volume! LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

More Birthdays with Family

This picture of me is awful, but I like the fact all 3 of us are in it!

In late July we celebrated the lives of Barbara (Mother-in-Law) and Jo Ann (Aunt-in-Law). Their birthdays are just days apart and what better way to compliment the occasion than Mexican food!!!? Yum! We went to the Houston Pavillion Downtown and had Guadalajara's for dinner, then went dancing for a couple hours.

Dedrick & I enjoying the night!

From Left-to-Right: (Jo Ann, Erika, Shemelle, Dedrick, Barbara, Reta, Eboni, Tristan, & Kesha)... There are a few others missing too!

Our entire evening was a Blast! It's such a blessing to have such a close-knit family. Not all families can say they share this bond! I Thank God for my loved ones!

Meghan's Birthday Pool Party

Meghan's Pool Party was a Huge Success!! The whole evening was a blast! There was also a great turn out! Happy 3rd Birthday to our Baby Girl!

March Madness, April Gladness

Dior & Diddy playing around after the Crawfish Festival Craze!!

Dior was wonderfully polished with this ornate and well-designed eye mask painting!

Here's my Meghan with her pretty Butterfly painting. We had a blast at the Crawfish Festival this year.

I cut all my hair off and I am lovin' it!!! It's so convenient in the morning to be able to un-wrap it and go... I think having the hair extensions for our vacation made me really dislike long hair. It was such a bother. So, for now... I'll stick with the short cut.

Dior and # 6

Dior's Birthday is February 29, 2004. Yes, she's a leap year baby! We enjoy being able to celebrate her birthday on February 28th or March 1st, or both! It works out in her best interest... Let me tell ya! As soon as we got off of the ship, March 1st, we went to her gymnastics class to celebrate.

Dior rockin' her new birthday outfit.

She's totally Excited about her ice cream cake her diddy bought her.

Here N' There... Let's Catch Up, Seems We've Been Everywherere

It's been a little over six months since I've blogged. I finally have just a moment to reflect back and quickly get you up-to-date.

February...

February happens to be the month that my husband and I officially became "One Unity" and we Thank God for it. This year we celebrated three years of marriage aboard the Carnival Fantasy Cruise Ship. We decided to take a 4 day cruise as we have small children and could not stay away from them too long. We really did miss them being gone for just 4 days! However, we enjoyed ourselves Tremendously! Before cruising Carnival Cruise Lines, we heard rumor that this was the "Party" Cruise Line. The rates were unbeatable and we're both young and enjoy having fun so we were "All In!"

While preparing to stop at Cozumel, we decided to relax and have massages on the beach. Our experience at Cozumel's 'Paradise Beach' was indelible! Dedrick & I walked the coast as the rolling waves kissed our feet, we made sandcastles in the sand, and enjoyed cocktails that were as blue as the ocean.

We really enjoyed our whole Cruise! It was absolutely Great from embarkation to disembarkation! Can't wait to do it again!

Girl's Weekend

Mom is feeling "refreshed" today. Just got back from the most A-mazing "Girls Weekend!"

Not many words can describe it.. Except, "Ahhhhhhhhh~!"

Perfect start to a great week!