Learning Afro- Amer Train History at NY Transit Museum

Since Daniel LOVES trains, today we headed to Brooklyn to visit the NY Transit Museum. As a Kids Club Thirteen Ambassador, I was the event mayor of their ElectriCity: Powering New York’s Rails exhibit happening today.

While it was cool to be the event mayor it was more cool to learn the history of the transit system with my son.

Our first stop was to the KidsClub 13 special membership room. There Daniel learned about the different tools used to make the trains run smmoth. He even had the chance to try on a pair of spacail heavy rubber gloves used when working on the train tracks.

Then Daniel made a special train letter button. We chose the letter "D" since his name starts with the same letter. After picking his color, he stamped his latter and then waited while it was all pressed together into a button.

Then we learned about the different types of electric current and the power is passed. Daniel had the chance to conduct a mini experiment using batteries to light up tiny blubs. Then at the last table we made trains! He needed a little help figuring out to fold corners but once it was done, he was so proud. LOL

Once we were finished with the activities in the Kids Club 13 membership room, we headed out to tour the rest of the Transit Museum.

One of the exhibits that caught my eye was Steel, Stone & Backbone: Building New York's Subways.

One of the photos showed a black man, while another talked about the history of African-Americans who worked on the subways systems but were barred from the trade unions

As I toured the exhibit with my son I was proud that this history was there for everyone to see and learn about. Black Americans have contributed in many ways to so many areas of building New York City from the start. My son needs to learn his history as an American of African decent.

After touring that exhibit, we went on different buses and pretended to drive.

We learned about different gears and how they make things move on the train. We learned how energy is generated at the source and transmitted to the train system

Then it was time to go on some trains! We went to the 2nd level where real train cars from different years waited. I had fun seeing the ways the train cars have changed throughout the years. We saw how the trains had different colors, seats and even handle bars. Of course we posed for a mom and son photo in one of the trains.

Then we went up stairs to the exhibit ElectriCity: Powering New York’s Rails at the New York Transit Museum. Daniel was able to play with switches and circuit breakers and see how power travels and turns on different areas. We really liked that the exhibit was so hands on and child friendly.

Spending time at the Transit Museum was a great way to spend a mom and son Saturday.

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A Blasian Families Day Out with Thomas the Train

Today we headed to New Jersey to meet up with Ketty, John and their kids so we all can go to "Day Out with Thomas: Leader of the Track Tour 2011". Since all our kids are fans of Thomas and Friends we thought this would be a great "family" outing.

We plan to enjoy the activities, ride Thomas and then have lunch in the area while the kids ran around and tired themselves out. Sounds like a good plan right? To bad the kids didn't get the memo about their parents great plan.

Since Daniel and I arrived bright and early in New Jersey, we had some extra time till heading to the train station. That of course meant playtime for the kids. As I sat there and watched them I was amazed by their active imaginations. At one point the idea of being aliens came up and next thing I see is they're all wearing "alien" hats! I tried not to laugh when one of them tried to scare me with his "alien" face.

Soon after that we all packed into the Sudan and head to the railroad station. I will spare you the antics of the car ride with 4 kids. At some point the kids, including me, took a nap so I think the ride went well. LOL. We soon arrived at the trail road, found parking in a lot that had jacked up it's prices, grabbed the strollers and heading off to see Thomas

And right around here is where the story starts to take a turn that involves tantrums and frustrated parents. On the way to the railroad station we entered a large gift shop with tons of Thomas and Friends stuff. Clothes, bags, hat, trains, etc all geared towards Thomas and Friends fans.

Daniel was able to walk around and touch stuff and then leave without a tantrum. He knew I wasn't going to buy anything no matter how much he cried. Ketty and John's 2 boys had a meltdown when it was time to leave without buying anything. As they wrangle their kids, they decided to leave this section and get them something to eat as a distraction.

As we walked away from the gift shop area, I stopped at another area where bubbles were blowing and I could take a photo with Daniel. I thought a photo with the trains in the background was a great idea. Daniel didn't like my idea at all and started his own tantrum. While I was able to get the photo, you can tell from the look on his face he wasn't happy *sigh* From there Ketty and John took their kids to snack while I took Daniel to the other area of activities.

We stopped in a child size "maze" but Daniel wasn't sure about it. I think he worried he might not be able to get out. After that we went to the Imagination Station where Daniel got to play with all sorts of toys and trains, received a Thomas tattoo and sat to listen to a storytelling.

Then we wandered over to the petting zoo where he petted the pony and hung out with chickens. We also saw rabbits and goats but he didn't seem interested in them. LOL Soon it was time to ride the train so we reunited with Ketty, John and kids to board the train.

Before getting on the train, you could take a photo with Thomas or with Mister Topham Hatt. Of course Daniel started another tantrum. For some reason being that close to everything scared him. Of course I insisted he take the photo anyway cause we traveled all this way! Of course he doesn't look happy in the photo *double sigh*

After ALL of that we finally board the train and settle the kids down next to each other to enjoy the ride. The parents were just glad to moments of peace and quiet. During the ride the kids played musical chairs and at one point all of them ended up on Ketty's side. I joked she should just accept the role of a mom with four kids. LOL.

As the kids looked out the window a train conductor walked down the isle. He first took the train tickets and then, during his 2nd round, he gave out certificates that made the kids Junior Engineer's. Yah! After the ride we all packed back in the car and headed home with very tired kids. Heck the parents were tired also but it was nice to spend some time together as a "blasian" family.

I wonder if that was the first time Thomas the Train had a families of Blasian?! I'm pretty sure it wont be the last time.

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Celebrating All Women for Mothers Day

This mothers day was a quiet one for us. We're not feeling so well so we decided to stay home and rest. Some might feel I'm missing out on the Mother's Day activities but for me I've already done enough things leading up today. One of the best things I did was once again helping 1800flowers.com ring the opening bell at NASDAQ in Times Square to officially usher in Mother's Day.

True I did is last year also but it was such a different experience. Last year I was excited to ring the bell as a mom blogger but that was just in one dimension. As I stood there I just representing myself. Plus at the time I was in favor with alot of people. But this year as some might know, I've had some drama and fell from grace with some people.

Honestly, when I saw the invite I was a bit surprised to be asked. Ringing the opening bell at NASDAQ is a very visible action. The bell ringing ceremony is broadcasting outside on the building but also televised and photographed. So this year as I stood there I thought about what my image meant to anyone seeing me.

Yes my image gave presence to the black mothers, to the mother's of a biracial child, to the single mother, etc. But it also gave an image to women who stand to make a difference...sometimes alone... for what they personally believe in.

To me being a mother is not just about having a child. Many women are "mother" figures or have taken on a "motherly" role for others. So many women have been "mothers" to me and I hope I have "mothered" younger women. As the camera's flashed and we clapped and cheered, I hoped any women, young or old, who saw me would be inspired to follow her calling and listen to her heart. As anyone can see, doing so has given me amazing life experiences. Happy Mother's Day to all Women!

Guess Who's a Disney Mocha Mom

Ever had a secret that was so wonderful you wanted to keep it to yourself? Just for a little while you wanted to enjoy whatever it was before you had to share with everyone? Well I had a secret but it got out ahead of me. Anyway, as some already know...ta da...I'm going to be a Disney Mocha Mom.

When I received an email from Disney and BSM Media inviting me to be part of their Disney African American Mom Bloggers Mixer...I thought...finally! Disney noticed their missing a princess and their ready to welcome me back home. LOL.

So as I prepare for my Disney Mocha Moms Bloggers trip I hope you'll send me positive vibes and follow along on my adventure. I plan on blogging each days event and tweeting what I'm experiencing from my other blog - The Mommy Factor.

Enjoying Playtime at Toys "R" Us

So after we did all the serious research and learning at the Disney NetPal Launch...it was time to play. Seriously how can we visit Toys "R" Us, the place considered The World’s Greatest Toy Store and not have playtime?! Not possible if you know me.

After the event we ran off to enjoy a complimentary ride on the famous Ferris Wheel. Did you know it’s 60-foot, complete with flashing chevron neon lights?! Here’s some more cool info

"The ride features 14 individually themed cars, each inspired by a favorite children’s toy or character. A portion of the proceeds from the Ferris Wheel admission price goes directly to the Toys"R"Us Children’s Fund, which supports the work of children’s charities across the country.”

After enjoying our Ferris Wheel Ride we went hung out with Lisa (NewYorkChica) and her daughter at the two-story, 4,000-square-foot Barbie® Dollhouse. Lisa’s little daughter is a fan of Barbie and enjoyed seeing all the different types of dolls.

Our next big stop was…of course…the Jurassic Park section, which features a five-ton, 20-foot-high and 34-foot-long animatronic Jurassic Park T-Rex dinosaur. I’m telling you even thought you know it’s not a real dinosaur it’s still impressive to see…and hear. We of course had to take a photo in front of it. Now while Daniel wasn’t scared of the T-Rex, I made sure to keep my distance…just in case =)

As we made our way outside we peeked in here and there at places we didn’t have the time to stop and visit. There’s so much to see and do so if you ever need a place indoors to explore…then make sure to stop there.