Go Chrystal It's Your Birthday!!! (Yay me)

So 33 years ago, September 20, Henry and Annie Chapman, gave birth to one of the world's most gorgeous babies....ME!!:-) Seriously, today's my birthday and just like a kid, I'm excited!! If you know me, you know that I absolutely love love love celebrating!! This year is a little different than most for me, this year I am happier than I've been in a long time to see this day arrive. June 16th of this year, I became ill with a fever, earache, strep throat. I figured hey I'm a mom of quite of few little people, there is NO WAY that I have time to slow down, I'll just go get checked out, take the meds prescribed and I'd be just fine. WRONG ANSWER!! Fast forward a couple weeks later, I've lost hearing in that ear and my ear is completely swollen shut! Days later, a develop a crazy pain in my head that can best be described as feeling like someone was stabbing my brain! A couple days after that, my vision starts to blur and I'm seeing double. Now I can't drive because my left eye has completely crossed! An ER visit while on vacation in which no one could tell me what was wrong, followed up with more antibiotics and ear drops! My first ENT visit, it's noted that I still have the infection but it has gone behind my eardrum and I have lost hearing in that ear. The doctor and nurse notice my eyes but say nothing. I tell them that I haven't always been cross eyed but that this has happened since I've been sick for the past month. They are CONCERNED! I'm scheduled to meet with a optometrist immediately. At the optometrist, I can tell something is really wrong because of the strange silence. I've had a stroke in my stroke in my eye and she can't understand why. As I go to check out, she stops me and tells me that she recommends I get an MRI. What the What? An MRI?? I tell her that it would not be possible for me, I don't have that type of money. She sits me down and tells me she's already called the ENT doc and they strongly suggest I get it done. They search around for a cheaper place, one that could work with me with the payments. At the MRI, I went in, got it done, and left with the image on a disc. I went into work the next day (thanks Rhu for being my chauffeur on many many days)and I was called by the ENT to come in. I couldn't I had to work, was my logic but I'd be there on the day that was already scheduled for my appointment. Okay the nurse said, see you then. I get a call a few minutes later from her and I need to come in IMMEDIATELY! Okay, a little nervousness is starting to set in. She tells me I need to begin my "treatment" ASAP. Huh? What? TREATMENT? Treatment for what? I get picked up from work and head straight there. Found on my MRI...is a mass growing in my brain!! I'm asked several questions so that they could verify that I wasn't experiencing any brain trauma. The doc is amazed that I could walk, talk and just function. I was NOT suppose to be able to do that in my condition O_o I'm admitted to the hospital to begin treatment, if that doesn't work, I'd have to have surgery on my brain. My husband and four of my children were with me for a couple of hours before visiting time was over, before they left the ENT doc was able to come in and speak with all of us. It was at this time that he made us aware that if I had not come in when I did, I wouldn't have lived. He had even spoken to the head of ENT at the Medical University about my case because it was so extremely rare! Hey I guess I'm just unique like that :-) I'm hooked up to iv's and given a ridiculous amount of antibiotics and steroids to fight off the infection. And while I'm alone in that hospital room, I have a little time to think and put things in perspective.... It's been 2 months and I'm still here, loving life way more than I've ever before, refusing to stress out about things I have no control over and the things that I do. So all in all, I thank God for sparing my life, because there are so many things that I haven't done or seen..but most of all I want to be here for the loves of my life, my children! Today I'm proudly singing, dancing, and shouting at the top of my lungs, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

Want Your Nails Did??

My sister, Carol R. Butler is a consultant for Jamberry Nail Shields. Jamberry Nail Shields are the hottest trend in accessorizing your fingers and toes. Get salon perfect nails at home, without the drying time. They are a fashion must have! Unlike nail polish, there is no chipping or toxins! Made in the USA Carol's email address: CarolBJamminNails@gmail.com Please check her out and ORDER!!

Have you ever fallen asleep in the closet?

Crazy title right? Right? lol After finally getting the kids in the bed after dinner and folding a few clothes, I took a night time pain reliever which puts me to sleep rather quickly. Me with my uber smart self decided to take a journey in my closet for a pair of shoes I haven't seen or worn in a while to wear to work. I'm digging and throwing things out like a mad woman, shoes and baby dolls are all over the place by now. Then I sat still. Big mistake!! With half of me in the closet, propped up against a bunch of random you cram in your closest if you don't know where else to put it....I dozed off to sleep. Unlike R.Kelly, I wasn't "trapped in the closet" but I was asleep in it!! ROFL

Remember when I said I was TIRED...

Eyes crossing and yawning...it's time to check the kids homework and "find" something to cook for dinner. Homework done: check Searching the cabinets and frig for food: ??? Apparently no one knows that there is absolutely NO food whatsoever in this house O_o I'm talking about us grown people, you know the parents. Like with many of families I'm sure, we're on a BUDGET, so as I "write" my grocery list in my head, I'm debating on getting the name brand or the store brand of the grocery chain I have decided on making a trip to. The kids and I climb into my football/gymnastics/cross country mom SUV and head for the nearest grocery store, you know the one...the "Lion"... to shop. On the way there, of course this would happen, the gas light comes on :-) In the cart mostly the essentials: the twins :-), fruit, veggies, rice, bread, juice, eggs, cheese, milk, salad mix...stuff like that. NO meat, because it's so expensive, we'll make up the protein by eating beans cause I bought a lot!! $51 and some change was my total, I did find some pretty good deals and got tons of grocery but I could have saved much more with my handy dandy coupons. I am a coupon shopper but last night I felt totally worthless as one, I temporarily lost my crown as the reigning "Coupon SistaDiva" don't fret, I'll get it back ;-) So after our 1 1/2 long adventure, I'm reminded of the gas, when I crank up..that ultra bright yellow gaslight blinking, flashing...mocking me. My 10 yro says, "Ma, I know you spent a lot on grocery, you can use my bday money for gas" Smiling, I tell her thank you and to keep her money because we'll be just fine. What a kid???!!! Bathtime: check Dinner: check Goodnight: check TIRED....

Okay..so I've been gone a few days (from the blog)

With in the last week, I have seen my child hurt, taken her to several trips to the doctor, celebrated her 10th birthday, cheered on our youngest son at his first ever recreational football game, slept under the stars, and jumped in a jump castle, lastly I witnessed my 10 year old princess regain the smile she lost during a freaky fall! Needless to say, I am TIRED! Sometimes we as moms put on this big front that we call handle anything and everything that comes our way without anyone's help! That's not true ladies!! You need the help of a friend, family member, spouse, mate or whomever if they are truly willing to be there for you. Don't get me wrong, we ARE super women but even super heroes have a weakness. Days when you can, take in a movie by yourself...there are free movies at the library with membership, there are dollar movies...there's Redbox...there's Netflix, read a book, paint your nails, have a lunch date with YOURSELF (there are several eateries that give coupons for just signing up and sometimes you can eat for FREE--->that's what I do :-) ) If you don't allow time for yourself to regroup and take care of you, you will not be productive in your family life or corporate world. Loving myself and you too! ---Bejoe

After 15 years...

One of the best days of my life.... EVER! I am so grateful to have had those with me on this day, that supported and loved me along this crazy ride to share in my occasion!

Graduation from the College of Charleston May 2012

Sundays with Bejoe

Sunday mornings.. CHURCH I'm a Southern girl through and through, so it's Sunday morning service usually followed by a nap before the traditional dinner of baked mac and cheese, greens, stew beef and rice, some type of bread, and of course sweet tea. But today its not happening. Sunday afternoons.. Cleaning "the dungeon" (ie their room) with the kids, followed by ironing clothes for the week, now it's football practice for the 8 yro. Really?? Football practice on a Sunday afternoon, now evening. (we were the 1st here for practice that was to start at 4 o_O. Anticipating next Sunday with much enthusiasm cause I know it won't be like this one!!!

Who am I

I am a 32 year old mother of 5, two boys and three girls, they range from a high school freshman to twins in 5K. I am a wife of an art teaching sports enthusiast. (Go Giants!). I am a recent college graduate (Let's go Cougars, College of Charleston). I am the oldest of three sisters born to preaching and singing parents who have been married for 33 years! The name Bejoe was bestowed upon me by the middle sis as she could not say my government name correctly, Chrystal. I am truly excited to begin a new era in my life and tagging you along with me for the ride!

Hold on!!

For the Newly Transitioning or Those of You Who Aren't Hip to the Terms for Natural Hair

These are however not my actual definitions, since I "discovered" them on another website.



2nd day hair- Hair that looks good (at least decent) when you wake up the next morning...you don't have to do much before walking out of the house. Some are lucky enough to get 3rd and 4th day hair!

3abc/4a/4b/4c- A hair type classification system, for further clarification, see THIS LINK.

ACV- Apple Cider Vinegar (used to seal cuticle...final rinse) A hair type classification system.

APL- Refers to length-- arm pit length.

BAA-Big ass afro

Baggy - After you moisturize your hair at night, you put a shopping bag, plastic cap, shower cap on overnight.

BC - Big Chop - cutting off all your chemically treated hair

BNC- Braid-n-Curl, simply plait or braid the hair and roll the ends on rods or flexis.

BSL- Refers to length-- bra strap length.

BSS- Beauty Supply Store

CBL- Refers to length-- collar bone length.

Co-Wash- Using conditioner to wash the hair in place of shampoo

Cones- Are 'silicones', or ingredients found in hair care products that are not water soluble (i.e. you need shampoo to remove). Failure to wash out cones may lead to build-up, which may result in dry hair and breakage (due to suffocation of the strands).

CG- Refers to the "Curly Girl" method explained in the book by Lorraine Massey. It is a philosophy for curls that involves, no or low shampoo, cone avoidance, and conditioner washing...among other things. These are just a few of the basic tenants.

DT or DC- Is a deep treatment or conditioner. A DT is when you leave a moisturizing (or protein based, depending on your needs) conditioner on your hair for an extended period of time, along with a heat source to aid in penetration.

Dusting- Dusting your hair is a trim of 1/4 and inch or less. This method is also referred to as dusting because even though your hair is being trimmed evenly, it is so little hair, that it just looks like dust on the floor.

EO- Essential Oil

EVCO- Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (used in conditioning treatments)

EVOO- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (used in conditioning treatments)

HG- Holy Grail (Products that are tried and true)

HIH- Hand in Hair. Its a disease that causes you to always be manipulating your tresses.

MBL- Refers to length-- mid back length.

Nappyversary/Nattyversary - The anniversary of the day you became a natural

No-poo- It's just that- no shampoo. Ladies who follow this routine are CG'ers and don't use cones or other heavy/oily products that may need shampoo to remove. Instead of pooing, many ladies conditioner wash, or use conditioner in place of shampoo to cleanse the scalp.

Pineappleing- a type of sleeping technique that curlies with long hair use to
preserve/protect curls overnight so that they have great 2nd day hair. You gather all of your hair in a high, but loose
pony tail at the top of your head and go to sleep on a satin
pillowcase. In the morning you take it down and shake it out gently and
all of your curls will have been preserved.

PJ- Product Junky or someone that buys any all hair care products in sight...forever on a mission to find the next best thing.

Plopping- A quick dry method. You use a t-shirt or a curl friendly material (terry cloth towel, paper towel) to dry your hair instead
of rubbing a towel on your hair to dry it. It drastically decreases drying times.

Pre-pooing- A treatment applied prior to shampooing. It usually consists of oils and/or conditioners applied the night before the shampoo or immediately prior, with a heat source to help penetrate. This is usually performed to help the hair maintain necessary moisture during the drying shampoo process.

Sealing- Is essentially sealing moisture in the hair, specifically the ends. For sealing to be effective, you must first use a water-based moisturizer (a conditioner or cream that has water as its first ingredient), and then seal with a butter or oil. The molecules in most butters/oils are too large to pass into the hair, so they stick to the outside of the shaft, trapping in the rich goodness of the moisturizer. Reversing those 2 steps will lead to dry hair. Sealing has saved my hair.

Search and Destroy (S&Ds)- I go on S&Ds once a month. I find good lighting, usually in the bathroom, and examine my ends...whenever I see a split, a crooked end or a single strand knot, I snip it out. I only use hair scissors for this task (purchase from Sally's or Walmart)m this is key. Buy a decent pair of hair scissors and ONLY USE THEM FOR HAIR TRIMS. Dull scissors will do more damage. Every now and then (when my hair is excessively tangly), I'll do a Micro Trim, which is snipping off the last 1/4 of an inch of my ends...I do this while my hair is in twists for ease.

Slip- Used to describe how slippery a product is (usually a
conditioner or detangler)... the more slip it has, the more effectively
it will coat the hair to aid in detangling.

SLS- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (found in the harsher shampoos- the main reason that CG'ers avoid poo).

TNC- Twist-n-Curl. This is my signature style. I twist the hair and roll the ends.

Transitioning - This is the period of time since one's last relaxer.

TWA- Teeny Weeny Afro

Twist Out - Two strand twist the hair, allow to dry either by air drying or sitting under a dryer, take the twists apart, and style.

Wash and Go- Simply co-wash your hair, add a styler (gel, cream) and GO You leave the hair to air dry or dry with a diffuser. Although this style is cute and easy, my ends couldn't handle it. This is also seen as WnG, and W&G.

If you know of any more terms, please don't hesitate to add to the list!

So I'm trying this again..

Initially, I set out to do a blog and commit to it. But with 5 children, a husband, 2 part time jobs, and being a full time college student, that FLEW out the window! Now since graduation has finally come (YAY) and there is only 1 part time job (UNTIL THAT OTHER THING COMES THROUGH) I have the time to be able to do at least this one thing for yours truly 8 )