Master Bedroom Gets a Makeover

I am finally making my way to create a bedroom design that encompass both William & my taste in our new home.  Below is a photo of the bedroom.

ANC 5D01

Today, Vanessa and I turned in my petitions for Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for 5D01, the single member district that encompass Ivy City and the surrounding neighborhood.  What does that mean exactly?  My name will be on the November 2012 Election Ballot for Washington, DC.  This is a HUGE deal to my family.  This will be a first for us since I am a first generation American by way of naturalized citizenship. Here's to me becoming the first Lewis to hold a political appointment in the United States!

Mi Casa Board of Directors

The Deputy Director of Mi Casa has requested I submit my resume for consideration to become a part of their Board of Directors. It is a volunteer position but to be considered to become a part of such an illustrious group I am honored, however, even more so because it is for a group that CHANGED my life and allowed me to realize my greatest achievement to date. With Jehovah's grace I will shine during my interview and will serve in an official capacity as I continue informing others about what an amazing non-profit Mi Casa is.

Day Out for Family Fun

Mother and kids day out...first the zoo, now the two youngest will get a lesson in eating their pizza with a knife and fork. Vanessa of course doesn't need a lesson since she won't eat anything with her hands (even when its the appropriate method). She was more adventuresome in her dinner choice than they were though.

Capital Hill Cluster PTA Secretary

Earlier, this month Fran Ewart nominated me for PTA secretary.  Tonight elections were held and I am the new secretary for the 2012/2013 school year. 

Dibels Results

Dibels reading results are in and Vanessa scored at the 5th grade level. I am EXTREMELY proud because she is the second youngest in her class and by school system standards she should be in 3rd grade due to her December birthday but as a parent I pressed the system to have her in the same grade as those born in her calendar year and she has held her own (it wasn't easy and I often thought I made a huge mistake at my childs expense) and is now rising to levels I did not expect. I am a PROUD MAMA that is so grateful to her teachers Mrs. Ewart and Mrs. Deanna and all the truly dedicated staff at Watkins!

Blue Dolphin

Tonight, William and I participated in our first "double-date". 

For the past two weeks I have had an urge for crab cakes. My favorite restaurant for crab cakes is the well known Timbuktu in Baltimore, MD however we heard rumors that the quality has changed in the past few years and just wasn't the best place for this treat.  Instead everyone in our area ranked the "Blue Dolphin"as the leader for making this local specialty so of course we had to decide for ourselves.

I am a lover of all seafoods so of course I decided to try the broiled seafood platter that had an assortment of delicious shrimp, scallops, stuffed oysters (traded this out for an additional crab cake), crab cake and fillet of flounder served with lemon and butter.  As my side components I paired the platter with a baked potato and sauted spinach with garlic, feta and olive oil.   

What was my take on these crab cakes you ask?

Hands down the "Blue Dolphin" is the leader for crab cakes in the Washington, DC area!

Ivy City Clean Up Day

Today, the Ivy City Civic Association in conjunction with Friends and Family of Incarcerated Persons and Empower DC held our first annual Ivy City Clean Up day.  Aproximately 62 volunteers came out to pick up trash and beautify Ivy City. 

The event was scheduled for April 21st to commemorate and celebrate Earth Day. 

Vegetable and flower seeds were distributed to all participants so that they could continue to beautify their community not just today and enjoy the vegetables of their labor.

Higher Achievement Program (HAP)

Vanessa interviewed (private interview without me) for the Higher Achievement Program (HAP) yesterday evening and I got word a few moments ago that she was accepted!!!! I am so excited because it is a program I participated in from 4th-8th grade myself so I know the full effects of how beneficial the program is. I feel as if my daughter and my relationship has come full circle...she is now experiencing things that I distinctively remember. I hope she treasures the memories and friendship she makes through the program as much as I do.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Vanessa just asked me if I was smart when I was young. I told her yes and then she told me she wants to be just like me. That simple statement means so much to me. It also motivates me to be my best because my girls are watching my actions and intend on replicating them.

Housewarming

Yesterday, we welcomed friends and family over to celebrate the purchase of our new home via an official housewarming party. I felt so blessed to have family and friends travel from far and near to share in this momentous occassion with us. Below are the beggining stages of the decoration of our home focusing on the children's rooms.

Phase I of Jade's Bedroom

Jade and William's Bathroom

Phase I of William's Bedroom

Phase I of Vanessa's Bedroom

Vanessa's bathroom

118 Words in a Minute

I missed a call from my daughter's teacher. I go into panic mode thinking something happened to my child. I immediately call back. The phone rang numerous times so I became even more worried. Then it was answered and there was an extremely bubbly Vanessa on the phone sharing the news that she read 118 words on her Dibbels test. This numbers exceeds the goal of 108 that was in place. I am soooo proud of my "butterfly". She is one amazing daughter!

Anticipation 2our

William surprised me with a ticket to see Trey Songz for his Anticipation 2our. I had a blast...I did not realize how much fun I would have especially since I decided to attend alone.

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner

Its official I am running to become an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner. This is the first step on my journey to help shape the Nation's Capital and to provide the best living environment for District of Columbia residents especially those within Ivy City. I am extremely excited to embark on this new phase of my life and all that it holds.

Learning to Create a Timeless Fashion Sense

Wow, I am really feeling my pretty girl swag in my Lloyd Boston inspired Purple and Mustard dress ensemble. All of the pieces for the outfit were already owned but combined uniquely to create a new and refreshing look that is both trendy and comfortable.

100 Years of Magic

Tonight Vanessa, Jade and I continued our annual tratidional of attending Disney's Ice Capades. This years show theme was 100 Years of Magic. After having a great time at the show we feasted on Chinese food at Full Key one of our favorate Chinese restaurants in Chinatown.

Ribbon Cutting Celebration

Today, will forever be etched in my memory. For once I am at a lost for words. The only word I can use to describe how I feel is GRATEFUL.

Mayor Vincent Gray serving as the keynote speaker.

The girls, pop-pop and I before the celebration

We Closed

Our new home

Final Walk Through

Today, we had our final walk through of the house. Everything checked out okay. The only items that need to be fixed are a broken shower rod in master suite, faulty fence door and a non-working light fixture in the fourth bedroom.

I am so excited for tomorrow morning's closing!

Final Approval

Received my final approval from the underwriter. We are "cleared to close. " I am soooo excited right now. Final walk through of the property is scheduled for tomorrow at 6:00 pm and closing is Friday at 11:00 am.