Happy Friday and cheers to the weekend. I have had a crazy week, but Friday is here and it’s time for some family time. Is anyone else feeling the crunch of Summer. There are a million and one ways to end it. Now as a parent I am doing my last minute back to school shopping. FYI, I started in June but there’s always something else to get. So, here’s to a long-deserved family weekend and more.
Friday Bonus Episode of Conversations with Toi
KHALIFA WHITE (Nala). “To whom much is given much is required.” Broadway: Caroline or Change, Off-Broadway: Little Shop of Horrors (Ronnette), School of Rock 1st Nat; Aida (Aida), Ain’t Misbehavin, The Bodyguard, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Dreamgirls, Beehive, Hairspray, HKDL|WDW(Nala/Tiana/Kibibi)/NCL, #TheSearchForRoxie, UCF Alumknight. Thank you God, family, friends & Dave. Check out “You Ok? (Black Girl)” on all streaming platforms. IG Tiktok:@Lifaland, www.khalifawhite.com. -For Mommy, my Expressionist.
Red, White, & Royal Blue Friday Movie Release
Today is the new Amazon Prime movie, Red White, & Royal Blue movie premiere. Michael Lopez directs it, and it’s based upon the novel by Casey McQuiston. It follows the son of the President of the United States feuding with the Britain’s Prince. Their feud turns ugly in public and drives a wedge between both nations. As the sparks of their feud get higher, their relationship takes an unexpected turn. Watch it now and let me know what you think. We were invited to see the movie and have celebratory drinks at Royal Boucherie. So, it was night of fun and reunion with my girls.
Auntie Mode (AT)
As much as I love being a mom, I love being an aunt. My nieces call me AT for Aunt Toi. I love those girls and they know I will do all that I can for them. This past weekend I made an extended weekend to take all three of my girls for some AT time. We went to the Franklin Institute and Diggerland. In addition to dance parties, staying up all night, eating, and playing. What I know is that I have some amazing nieces. I love hearing them talk, laugh, and just have so much joy. This is why I know how important aunts are. It warmed my heart that they had a countdown until I came. My oldest daughter kept texting them every 30 minutes until I picked them up. They were on the porch waiting for me with open arms.
None of them wanted to call home. This meant they were having a fun time. Do not worry I kept the parents up to date with photos and videos from our weekend. I got to meet two of my nieces’ pets and we really bonded. I pray to be involved with them always.
Back to School Prep
I am in the middle of preparing the kids for back to school. Like most parents that means clothes and supply shopping. I started in June. They do not go back until after Labor Day. So, I am not in a full rush. However, for back to school we also deal with back-to-school anxiety. I have my oldest who is starting high school. The other younger two will be together for the first time without their oldest sister. Transitions are being made. How do I help with that? We talk about how they feel, and they will be having sessions with a therapist to make sure all angles are covered.
So, I encourage you if you have access to a therapist and know that your kids deal with elevated levels of anxiety, get them set up. This is your reminder that anxiety comes in many forms from upset stomachs, hair falling out, behavioral changes. For instance, kids will start having issues with sleep right before. I am the parent that adjusts the kids sleeping patterns 2 weeks before school starts.
This way it’s not a cultural shock to go from waking up later to having to get up early. Lastly for preparation for school I also made sure that I took the kids to see their doctor, eye doctor, and dentist. I want to be sure they are at their best before school begins. FYI parents a reminder that if your child is dealing with headaches get them checked and take them to see an eye doctor not just having their eyes checked at the doctor’s appointments. I had their eyes dilated and all to be sure all was well.
That is all for now. I will have the recap of Diner en Blanc tomorrow. The night was absolutely one to remember. I am still recovering. So, make sure that you interact with the video content, listen to the brief bonus episode of the podcast and more. Happy Friday and cheers to the weekend. This is a beachy weekend so look for content from that early next week. You know beaches are my self-care go to for the summer.
