Thanks Phyllis!

Phyllis from "A Day in the Life of My Dolls", had a birthday giveaway earlier this month.  She was kind enough to give away three different beautiful dolls.  I was blessed enough to be the first winner.  Yay!  I chose the Tris Insurgent doll because I've been admiring her on other blogs the past year or so.  I particularly love her short hair.

Not sure why Mattel didn't make her fully articulated.  Her legs are articulated but not her arms.  So irritating.  I have a Made to Move body with her name on it.  Not sure who she will be yet in terms of character.  I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks again Phyllis!  Such a lovely gesture.

My Own Little "Julian"

Today is my (step)grandson's third birthday.  My (step)daughter sent me pictures from his birthday party this past weekend.  I was first floored at how big he has gotten, and then my heart jumped out of my chest at all the cuteness.  I titled this my own little Julian, because Danielle's son, Julian, is the little heartthrob in my doll town.  His real name is Carmelo.  You met his big sister, Carmen, here on my blog, a couple years ago.

Future business tycoon.

He spent his birthday at Chuck E. Cheese.  That's my daughter holding him and her daughter Carmen is standing beside her.  I guess the other little girl is a party guest.

Remember this?  Julian in his Batman costume, which was handmade especially for him by a Flickr friend, kitsunamint.   Little boys and their capes.  Love it.

So that's my little heartthrob.  I'm so sad that they live so far away.  I've spent the morning trying to figure out when's the earliest I can fly to go see them.  

Will There Be Dinner? (Photostory)

After church, Ron and Robin head home.  They are expecting family members to stop by and visit.

Robin's sisters Tanisha and Chandra, and their cousin Kimani, stopped by hoping to get fed.

"Ladies I think we should take this party outside.  It's so nice out there."  (Kimani)

"I wish I had remembered to bring my bathing suit"  (Chandra)

Looks like Courtney successfully got her wish to have Taylor over to play.

"I'm going to put the food in the stove."  (Taylor)

"Okay.  Let me see what we have in the fridge that we can cook."  (Courtney)

Ron was supposed to be changing his clothes, and getting the grill started.  If you listen closely, you can hear the football game playing in the background.

"Looks like we are about to get busy again.  I wonder what type of dress Nikki will want."  (Robin)

"I can't picture her in the typical traditional wedding dress."  (Jackie)

"But she might just surprise us."  (Jackie)

"She seems the type to have bridezilla tendencies."  (Robin)

"Now, now.  Let's not be so judgmental.  She might be the nicest bride ever."  (Jackie)

"I hope so.  It makes the process so much easier."  (Robin)

"I'll be right back.  Let me take these plates to the girls."  (Robin)

"Lunch is served ladies."  (Robin)

"What are we having?"  (Courtney)

"Grilled cheese and fries.  Your favorite.  Take a seat while I go get your juice."  (Robin)

"So are we still going to the movies tonight?"  (Chandra)

"Yes.  I can't wait to see the new Michelle and Barack movie.  Maybe I can pick up some pointers on how to get a man."  (Kimani)

"Did I hear, right?  Someone's looking for a man?"  (Jackie)

 

"Hey auntie.  We were just talking about going to see the Michelle and Barack movie.  Would you like to come?"  (Kimani) 

"Yeah, mom.  You should come hang out with us, especially since Daddy's out of town."  (Tanisha)

"I may take you up on that offer.  Although curling up with a good book sounds like an even better option."  (Jackie)

"Oh mom, come on.  You need a little fun in your life."  (Chandra)

"Right now I need a little food in my life.  I'm starving."  (Jackie) 

"Where on earth is Ron?  He is supposed to have this grill going by now."  (Jackie)

Ron has gotten even more comfortable watching the football game.  Hmmmm?  I wonder if they are going to get the dinner they were expecting?

Baby Talk (Photostory)

 Danielle is so ready for her little girl to be born.  The baby's due date is right around the corner, and it can't come quick enough.  Danielle is hanging out in the nursery again.  Rod has taken the boys to the park.

Danielle is tickled pink at the little girl baby clothes she recently purchased.  She is excited about having a little girl to dress.

She starts talking to her unborn baby.  Lately they have been having some great bonding moments.  

"So little mama, what do you say you introduce yourself soon?  It's getting more and more difficult to sleep as you continue to grow.  I know what you are saying.  Sleeping is not going to be any easier once your get here.  At least I will have your daddy and your grandma here to help.  Have I told you what a wonderful daddy you have?  I agree, you are going to have him doting all over you."  

She gets up and takes the clothes over to the changing table. 

"I can't wait to see who you look like.  I imagine you will be have the best parts of me and your dad." 

Danielle continues talking to her little girl.  She and Rod have not chosen a name yet.  They have a few in mind, but Danielle wanted to wait until she sees the baby before making any final decisions. 

Danielle is wearing a new Sparkle Girlz outfit I got at Walmart yesterday.  The minute I saw it, I felt it was the perfect maternity top.

Here are three other outfits I purchased.

Walmart also had new Olympic swimmer dolls for $5.00.  I only bought one because of Simone Manuel, the first AA woman to medal in the history of the Olympics.  She tied for the gold this year.  I was lucky enough to see that race.  She wasn't even on the radar to win.

These were $3 each.  Now I have a total of four girl scout uniforms (and cookies) to form a little troop.

After Church (Photostory)

Church service has concluded at Beulah Baptist Church.  Several attendees have already left, but most are meandering and conversing with friends and family.

"Dad, are we leaving soon?"  (Shelley)

"We're going to wait for your mom."  (Emmitt)

"Well in that case, I'm going to the bathroom."  (Shelley)

"Take these two with you.  I'm sure they could use a bathroom break."  (Emmitt)

"Daaad, why do I have to take them with me all the time."  (Shelley)

"You are just going to the bathroom.  It's not like you are going to the prom or something."  (Emmitt)

"Fine.  Come on spoiled brat."  (Shelley)

"I'm not sure he's the spoiled brat in this case."  (Emmitt)

The husbands of three ladies, Camille, Dasia, and Jacquelyn, are currently on a fishing trip together.

Just a reminder, Camille is Darius and Kendra's aunt on their mom side, and Dasia is their aunt on their dad side.  Jacquelyn is no relation to either of these ladies, but she does own the bridal shop.  Camille has happily taken baby Cameron from his mom.  

"So have you heard from Harold since he's been gone?"  (Jacquelyn)

"He called when they arrived, but they must be having a great time because I've hardly heard a peep since."  (Dasia)

"I'm sure they are just happy to be away from us."  (Camille)

The ladies start laughing.

"Girl, I'm freaking out."  (Nikki)

"Why, what's wrong?"  (Kendra)

"This wedding just got real."  (Nikki)

"The wedding was always real, wasn't it?"  (Kendra)

"Yes, but announcing it to the church, just put my nerves on edge."  (Nikki)

"Every bride goes through those jitters.  As your maid-of-honor, I'm here to help with those jitters."

"I'm counting on you."  (Nikki)

"I got you, girl.  Don't worry."  (Kendra)

**Come on mom.  I have things to do.**  (Valencia)

Unfortunately, her mom is deep in conversation with the pastor.

"Yes, I sort of came to town to be closer to my daughter, but truth be told, I just needed a fresh start."  (Dree)

"Well I really hope you decide to make Beulah Baptist your church home."  (Pastor)

China is texting both her sister, Sylvia, and her husband, Darren, but she has one eye on her daughter, Taylor.

Taylor and Courtney are plotting and scheming

"You should come to my house and play."  (Courtney)

"What kind of toys do you have?"  (Taylor)

"We could have a tea party!"  (Courtney)

"So can we go school shopping now?"  (Christine)

"I thought your dad was taking you school shopping."  (Cassandra)

"Shopping with dad is boring.  I'd much rather go with you."  (Christine)

Robyn, Jacquelyn's daughter, is waiting to talk to her mom.

"I don't know, hon, looks like she could be awhile.  Maybe you should just call her later."  (Ron)

"You may be right."  (Robyn)

Ron is secretly trying to hurry home so he can see the preseason football games.

"We should get together and do something fun.  You know the old saying, 'when the husbands are away, the wives should play'."  (Camille)

The ladies start laughing.

"I'm not sure that is the saying, but I'm all in."  (Dasia)

"I told Dad we would go out to eat with them today."  (Leslie)

"Babe, you know it's football season."  (David)

"It's only preseason.  Those games don't even count."  (Leslie)

Harrison, Leslie's dad, comes over to see his grandkids and to confirm dinner plans.

"Oh Dad, I was just telling David about dinner.  Which restaurant did you guys decide on?"  (Leslie)

"We're probably going to the Asian place."  (Harrison)

"Is that okay, or did you have some other place in mind?"  (Harrison)

"That's fine.  The food and the service are really good there."  (Leslie)

Awww, Darius has made a new friend.

Lisa finally got her chance to say hello to the pastor.  They hug briefly.  The pastor has been counseling Lisa and her estranged husband, Charles, for some time now.  The couple has made great strides to getting their marriage back on track.

"So where is Charles?  I was expecting to see him again this Sunday."  (Pastor)

"I know.  He had to go into work, or else he would be here.  He wanted me to apologize for his absence."  (Lisa)

Tina and daughter, Shantavia, are shooting the breeze and catching up a little bit.  With Shantavia's busy schedule lately, she and mom haven't seen each other in about two weeks.  

"So have you two set a date yet?"  (Tina)

"We are not in a rush.  Work is so busy right now, that I can't possibly plan a wedding right now."  (Shantavia)

"Come here, Chad."  (Jada)

"I'm here to help."  (Tina)

"Well, I don't foresee a wedding any time before next year."  (Shantavia)

"Next year?!"  (Tina)

"I know you are all excited after Darius and Nikki's announcement, but like I said, we are not in a hurry."  (Shantavia)

"Jada, please don't pick him up.  He's just about as big as you are."  (Shantavia)

"No he's not.  Look, I'm bigger than him."  (Jada)

"Okay, but I don't think his mom wants you picking him up.  We're going to be leaving as soon as grandpa Harrison comes back."  (Shantavia)

"I'm going to get grandpa Harrison, okay?"  (Jada)

"Not okay."  (Shantavia)

"Come on, Let's just all get up and go.  If we wait too long, the restaurant is going to be packed"  (Tina)

"Really Dad?  You're killing me."  (Racquel)

I don't know what her dad said or did, but she just doesn't look happy.

"You'll be alright."  (Reinaldo)

Racquel's dad is a big jokester and it's hard to tell when he's being serious sometimes.

 Beulah Baptist church in Alexandria, VA is the church I was baptized in, so it's nice to have it represented in Morristown. We may follow up with a couple of these families as they continue their Sunday afternoon.