Maya Angelou is one of the most influential poets in my life... she has taught me to shine when there is no sun, to laugh when you carry no joy, and to stand proud when you have been beaten to the ground. Her works have made me strive to be a better, more-deserving woman and have given me esteem and comfort in many times throughout my life when all hope seemed to be gone. And though many people have and will continue to question my new piece of art (on my foot) I can only say it is there representing a mighty woman who has withstood many obstacles, stood proud amongst hate and tyranny, and is a continuous reminder that I am a "Woman Phenomenally, Phenomenal Woman--that's me."

"Phenomenal Woman" by Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies,
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size,
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies,
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,
The stride in my step,
The curl of my lips,
I'm a woman
Phenomenally,
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees,
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally,
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me,
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace in my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally,
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed,
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
The palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally,
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

***My Joy***

What is in store for life a head... I was chatting with a fellow employee at the hospital yesterday about the trial and fights, let-downs and disappointments that are to come- (inevitably with children) and I am positive that I will most-definitely NOT make it through those.... I vow now to try harder and cherish every little moment I do have with them~ little and cute, cuddly and sweet, and treasure my children like the precious, beautiful miracles they are...

Caily'

And here she is! The one next to it is about to come out in the next day or two! Awwwww my little girl :)

Beautiful Caily

Caily lost her first front tooth today and now it begins.... that akward time where there's something missing in her smile *teeth* lol and it's the beginning of the transition from "Oh you are such a Big Girl!!!" to "You are growning up way too fast!" I love her so much, she's really becoming such an independent, imaginative, creative, strong-minded, determined young lady (and not in the way you say someone is strong-minded and determined because they are rude, loud, obnoxious, boisterous, or just a plain brat) but because she holds her own, has her own ideas- though open to new opens and is always so helpful, ready to take on tasks without even being prompted! She came out the other morning, had already lifted Abby out of her crib and proceeded to lay her little sister down and change her diaper and dress her for the day! My Little Mothering Princess...My BIG 1st grader! WOW how they blossom, spread their wings, and grow!