Happy New Year!!!!!

Thank you 2009 for bringing the greatest gift into my life. Marley Ellington Horsford Best, I love you with my whole being. Thank you for my husband, family, friends and health. I am so grateful for what I have and what I can give of myself. I look forward to all there is to learn, grow and succeed in 2010. In the meanwhile I will reflect on all the positive experiences I had in 2009 and make tomorrow even better!!!! Wishing all my friends & Family all the Best for 2010.

Above: Candid photos of our vacation in St.Kitts

Reggae Beach

Marley's 1st Christmas

Marley's spent his 1st Christmas in Half Moon Bay, St.Kitts WI. , with Grandpa, Grand Mommie, Uncle Delvin, Auntie Tiffany, Ahmed and myself. We sat in the living room exchanging gifts , anticipating the moment Marley would open up his gifts. It's funny how children bring out the warm and fuzzy out of everyone. Marley gave us the gift of revisiting our childhood and vicariously living through his experience. He was so cute crumpling the gift wrap paper, banging the boxes, and playing with his toys. It was such a joy for all of us to shower him with love and share in his happy nature. He will be too young to recall his first Christmas, but he certainly gave us one to remember.

Tis the Season

We've arrived safely on the rock "St.Kitts". My parents are so happy to have their children home for Christmas. My brother and my sister in law arrived yesterday and now the whole clan is complete. We are all staying at my parents new home; and it is beautiful. I couldn't think of a better blessing than for it to be filled with love and laughter during the holidays. Below is a picture of our first meal together. And Marley starting his day every morning playing with Grandpa and Grand Mommy on the veranda. Look at the view!

Thanks for helping Mommy!

My friend Kelly and her cute mini pincher "Lucy" came to visit me and Marley on the day we were getting ready to leave for St.Kitts. I was up to my neck last minute packing for the both of us. I think Marley actually has more "stuff" than I do!

Since, I just completed my Cardio Barre course, I had absoulutely no time to do anything. This is when my angel Kelly graciously offered to go clothes shopping for me! Who does that?! Kelly Shew. I couldn't even fathom to think of carrying Marley in this crazy Christmas shopping crowd! And if there is one person that appreciates clothes, shoes, bags, style and taste in Coutour......equally as I do, its Kelly Shew! lol So what ever she gets, It will wear me! Thanks Kelly

P.S Happy Birthday Lucy!!!!

love, Marley

Mommy getting her Certification

The past 3 weeks I have been in training for a teachers certificate for Cardio Barre www.cardiobarre.com. It's one of the hottest fitness craze's in Los Angeles. The program is very thorough and intense. It was no walk in the park, but at the same time it was an amazing experience, emotionally, spiritually and physically. Monday through Saturday 9-5 of training and taking classes, hours of studying, memorizing and absorbing the curriculum in our bones has finally come to its completion today. Our class has taken the written exam and I have conducted a class for my certification! Fast foward.........I'm certified!

Although this has been a challenge for me, I could not have done this without my family. Days when I was just completely exhausted; I would come home to my amazing husband and beautiful son and they would welcome me home with smiles, love and some really delicious food. This was a very hard thing for me to do. I felt extremely guilty for being away from Marley during the day. Ahmed had to sacrifice his daytime to care for Marley. I am just so thankful for your love, encouragement and faith in me. I also have to thank my friend, my little sis and study partner Nadyia for holding and entertaining Marley in between study sessions and my other sister the Multi talented Mimi who introduced us to this opportunity, Thank you for your encouragement and accessibility....your heart warms me. Looking forward to joining the amazing group of teachers at Cardio Barre.

Hi, Dadda & Mamma

We are thrilled to declare that Marley has official said his first word. "Hi". He has been saying to everybody! I was so excited, I called my parents so he could say "Hi"! Now, whenever I'm on the phone he gets excited and says "Hi".

He has even blurted out "Dadda", but in all honesty everyone was Dadda. But now when I ask him where is Dadda he looks at Ahmed!!! In his loud baby voice he proclaims "Dadda"! Everyone has told me that Mama is rarely the first word they say.....but it's his third word! A couple of days ago I heard him sound out the Mmmm sound....I would encourage him, clap and say "very good baby" and he finally he said it "Mama"!