The Importance of being a Parent...........

My husband and I both grew up without our fathers having an Active role in our lives. I mean we obviously knew we had one (the birth certificate says we do) but that is really about it. Divorce, the ending of the union betwen a man and woman, but does it normally mean the kids too? From my experience it seems that my mom got the kids, he got his freedom. Even exchange? He thought so. We sometimes have hilarious discussions on what we would do and say if they ever tried to contact us and wanted to reconcile. (I am so ashamed of my responses) I  mean we are both now in our 40's, we don't need a daddy, really? (my words) I mean what could you possibly have to offer now? What reason could you give that would be satisfying to me so I would forget all the years that I wondered why wasn't I good enough to be a part of your life? There are so many reasons for Parents to be a part of their children's lives. Off the top of my head, I can come up with several.....

1. They are God's Blessing.
2. LOVE.
3. They are an extension of you and your legacy.
4. Someone took the time to raise you.
5. They didn't ask to be here.
6. Protection and Guidance.
7. My personal favorite.......The saying "You're going to need me before I need you" can be applied to Parents as well.

The last one is really my reason for writing this. It just so happens that this was the case in our home just two days ago. I wouldn't say that I have any special powers (finding a good sale doesn't count, does it?) but I am a good judge of character and I spoke on this matter the day before it happened. I speak trifing so I can hear it coming from miles away. So here is the scenario:

Phone rings.....

Husband: Hello
Stranger:.....Uh hey, it's your daddy.
Sleepy Husband: Who?
Stranger: It's me Ray...
Husband: Ummmmhmmmm.
Stranger: How are you?
Irritated Husband: Fine, you?
Stranger: Not so well, see my car's been in the shop..........Can I get some change? You know money?
Husband: (Silently saying to himself, Why did I answer the phone?) I know what change is, How much do you need?
Begging Stranger: What can you send me?
Angry Husband: (an octive higher) What do you need? I'll talk to my wife, I'll let you know.
Humbled Stranger: (In a stepinfetchit slave voice) I's shol do preciate it. Thank cha, thank cha.

At first I'm like the nerve of this dude. He didn't do a damn darn thing for his kids and now lookey lookey (my Martin Shanaenae voice) here it is that he wants someone to show some kindness and help him with money troubles. I thought about all the money troubles his mom had raising 4 boys with no help. Could she have used some change? Oh yes the Mahalia Jackson she could have. Did she place a humble call to him to receive it? I'm sure she did. If nothing but pleading with him to come see his boys. Sad just sad. Happens all too often. We got to do better.

The most important question here is: Will you be just like him or better than he was to you? My husband decided to be the better one and offer his help. (This time...his words) No need to make his lot in life worse. He's already suffering. He's probably living with tons of regrets. No need to rub it in. Besides my husband called him back so that after our 17 years together, I could talk to him for the first time. If ya'll know me and my investigative questioning when it comes to money, he would have probably preferred to rob a bank for that $100.00. That was the pay back.

All this to say...If you have kids, regardless of the situation between the mother and yourself, take care of them. You may never know when you may need them to take care of you. Will they be there when you weren't. Be a Father to your child.

Had to get this off my chest. Of course this is from my perception.

Vegas Shows......

Ok so when in Vegas, one thing that you should definitely take advantage of is the shows. We were able to see two Cirque du Soleil shows which were wonderful. Definitely worth the high price they charge to see them. Just don't do what we did to try to save a dollar. That in itself is another post. Small hint: Timeshare. I will never, ever, ever, ever do that again. Labor and delivery wasn't as painful. Nevertheless we were able to catch the show Mystere at Treasure Island. It was breathtaking. From the little baby in the big diaper to the old man playing jokes on people made this show such a delight to see. There was this acrobat strength performance that left my mouth completely hanging. Simply Amazing. A Must See!!!

We were also able to see Le Reve, which was a show done completely with water. It was definitely more than I expected. The stunts that they pulled would have definitely left me gasping for breath. Which is why I was sitting in the audience instead of splashing in the water. This was at the Wynn hotel. Very nice indeed.

The other show that we were able to catch is called Hitsville Motown Revue. We really enjoyed that show. It was definitely one that you should catch if ever in Vegas. The cast really are talented with their singing ability and they put on a great show. A plus, they even let you take pictures. Check some out below.

Shopping.......

Las Vegas shopping caters to the Rich and Famous. Which I am not. They also have several malls that have a plethora of stores that are within my budget but clearly I was not interested in Banana Republic nor the Gap. I'm in Vegas, boo. I can see those old drabby clothes anytime. (Vegas and the alcohol definitely talking) I wanted Neiman Marcus, Gucci, LV, Christian Louboutin. (I was planning to shop like Beyonce) My wallet said "you better get on the bus and go to that outlet and quit playing" but of course I went against common sense and flew my country behind right up in those stores like they owed me something. After viewing a few price tags, I was starting to look and sound defeated as my husband sat back in amusement of my oohhhss and aahhhss over clothes that I couldn't live without (I'm still breathing) nor could I afford. It didn't help that that he had the "Oh Hell to the Naw" look on his face ( I miss Whitney) when I informed  him of the price of several items I told him that I needed. So as I was prepared to take another loss (Vegas 2, Tammy 0) he surprised me when he said, "If you want the Louis Vuitton Tammy, just get it,  get whatever you want." Really, really. Shoot boy don't play. He wasn't playing either. So after going to several upscale stores looking at the same darn purses and asking the same question, "How much is this one", I finally settled for what I felt was classy and stylish.

My husband said that this was the one that he liked. I didn't want to disappoint him, so this is the one that I got. lol

Vegas had the brother feeling generous because he also let me get the Michael Kors watch that I have been scoping for a while hoping it would go on sale.

(excuse me do you have the time, of course I do)

I didn't want to ask for anything else and I didn't until the next day (could have been an hour) but there was a beautiful choker necklace and earrings that I just had to have.

So did I get everything I wanted? Of course not, because I literally wanted everything I saw. But did my husband make me feel like he would give me the world if I wanted it? Of course he did. I'm thankful truly grateful for him and to him. He loves me. Out of all of that, he only wanted to see me smile.

(Salt & Pepa theme playing in my head.......Whata man, Whata man, Whata mighty good man, yes he is.....)

Grand Luxe Cafe.....

We ate a several restaurants in plenty of hotels but our favorite turned out to be right in our own hotel. It is called the Grand Luxe Cafe. The food was fantabulous and so were the drinks. Just a snippet of the delightful cuisine that we feasted on.

Madame Tussaud's Museum

We went to Madame Toussad's wax musuem. They really messed up when they told us we could actually touch and take pictures with the wax figures. Say nothing more, we going in DMV style........ghetto fabulous. They weren't ready!!!

Joan Rivers

Jamie Foxx

Will Smith

Halle Berry, Hallee Berrrrry

Angelina, Brad

Are you looking to adopt? I'm available.

I wish I was a little bit taller, I wish I was a baller.

Shaq Diesel

What do you mean let go Michael? We have a son together.

Stop looking at the white girl Tiger. Focus man, focus.

Do the people want the song?

She isn't the only one that can do this.

 James Brown and "Mr Brown" (Madea...get it. lol)

 The King of pop and the King of Pop Tarts. lol

 Beyonce. That is all.

Tupac. Thug Life.

 Clearly he can't smell what the Roc is cooking.

 So you just going to sucker punch Muhammed Ali?

How do you spell it again? We'll just say Prince.

Oprah, I knew early on that I was a star. I grew up in a small town named flatbush.........

Venetian....our little taste of luxury.

Our stay at the Venetian Hotel was wonderful. The Suite was beautiful and more than we ever expected. This was a perfect selection for us. We felt right at home. Almost to the point that we were talking about how we could actually live there. We weren't sleep either. Dreaming wide awake. Sometimes those dreams are the most vivid ones. Take a look at our hide-away.

Clark enjoying the comfort of the bed.

In the foyer posing. I wish I could take this mirror home.

Did I mention that we seen Kimora Lee Simmons? She was there to celebrate the opening of Carnivale. Lets just say she is tall and skinny. She didn't see us, though we walked right by her. Probably had something to do with her being 6'3 or more in heels and her nose was up in the air.

She probably would have been pissed that I had my chocolate African Prince with me but hers didn't come. Hi Haters!!!