The trip we absolutely needed 💚🤍💚

The children and I just came back from a quick trip to Lagos, Nigeria and it was everything it was meant to be.

Family means a lot to me and for months I’ve been planning to see my cousin and her daughters and other family members. . . Something had to give because every time we tried to plan, it was always something blocking it (ticket prices/ Covid test travel fees, school schedules) as I said, it was always something.

I decided to make a move. Yes, there was a few days missed of school, but we booked and left. Seeing my family was the most wonderful experience ever, it was such a bonding and reminiscing moment. I just found myself looking around the room and just seeing so many beautiful things. … It was so priceless.

I am very close to one of my cousin’s and I couldn’t wait for the moment that my children, finally met her children. She hadn’t even met my daughter yet! & the last time she saw my son, he was just a baby! Now look how big everyone is.

The theme was definitely hearts everywhere! That’s all it was, my heart was full, and it is very much full.

Sometimes we can get so caught up in our own lives, we forget about what’s important. Family is important. Keeping God first is important. These are special and matter to me. What I took from this trip is i don’t want to be away from my family long.

My children had a blast, papa bear even surprised us there, which I did not expect, like I said – it was just everything it needed to be.

Traveling is so expensive these days which is another blog post on it’s own soon to come lol but, there are certain trips that are priceless.

Princess Party Planning 💗

My baby girl is about to be four years old, glory to God and she wants a princess party. I have the vision ready but will it all get pulled off on time!? I hope so.

This is my year of “make up” because I wasn’t present last year! My son had a wonderful Super Mario birthday party, all the kids had a blast and the cake 🎂 see below, it exceeded my expectations… delicious too. We had splish splash fun, & the venue rocked.

Amazing as this cakes looks, honestly, look at the details…. I just found out my cake maker is not available 😒 out of all the months, now she wants a break sigh* just praying I find someone else that can understand the assignment because I want the Disney castle so I’ll try my very best.

Till then, I’ll keep this blog as a two part thing… will I be able to pull it off??? Stay tuned.

Dear Mommy, These are for you – Pre order available now! 📚

It’s official everyone 🥹🙏🏽, my affirmation book: Dear Mommy, These are for you is FINALLY ready & available for pre order on Amazon kindle & will release May 8th 2022 (A wonderful date – 🌸Mother’s Day 🌸

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZH2BSFQ also available in other parts of the world!

Every mommy needs encouragement at times, please support me by purchasing this book, not just to lift yourself up, but for other mommies that you might know that might need it (this includes you dad’s) share this with your lovely woman.

I appreciate all of you who have continued to support my blog over the years. I do hope you enjoy this book.

Ps. On May 8th 2022, the book will also be available to purchase paperback copy 📕 on Amazon.

Thank you 🙂

Airline Wahala ☀️

(Wahala means trouble)

I’ve started planning for summer already. It’s literally around the corner. I’m so looking forward to spending a wonderful time building more amazing memories with my family.

Summer since I’ve been a child, has always been memorable and I wouldn’t want it less for my own children BUT, nobody prepared me for those flight fees 😫 completely disastrous. Of course, when you’re small it’s my parents that would be dealing with it, I’d just get on the airplane… my oh my how the tables have turned! Now it’s my children who will get on the airplane stress free, while I’m trying to figure out what the best route to take going and coming.

First of all, airlines are actually a set up for any parent! The only time they make sense with children is when they are lap infants or babies. There’s practically no cost at all. The moment they are old enough to sit on their own $$$$$$ I mean! Calm down DELTA or whoever else. I understand they use the entertainment but children are restless and they never eat the airplane food, not even kid meals are good enough.

You really have to plan well when you want to travel as a family, the up and go life can’t work unless you’re equipped for it.

The only area I have some luck thanks to my wonderful father, is that he invested in Timeshare! I didn’t understand it then, but NOW – a life saver when looking into booking a room & the deals are fantastic. The best part is you can use it in so many places around the world! What a gem. Thankfully, we can save some money in one area and not be tight in both.

Regardless, I’m absolutely going on vacation! I need it, my children need, my family needs it. I’m looking forward to our summer adventures & I know it will be worth every memory.

What are you plans for the summer readers and if you’re a parent, how do you cope with family trips?!

Keeping it real with Coco 💕

As some of you may know and not know, when i’m not “mommy-ing…” I am sometimes focus on my singing career. yes! I am also an artist who goes by the name Coco Benson (music available on all streaming platforms and Youtube) & yes my children know ALL my songs (even the unreleased) lol 😂 Anyways, to follow that part of my life, you would need to follow me on Instagram. My account name is @CocoBenson_

Not too long ago, I started an Instagram series called “keeping it real with Coco.” Every week once or twice I try and go live and talk about everything real. There’s no shortage of topics. I wanted to introduce everyone on here to that because it’s a way for you to know who had been behind this blog for all these years and again, I thank everyone that has liked my stuff and shared their thoughts, we don’t know each other but I appreciate you just as much that you take the time to read what I think and read my personal opinions about this motherhood journey.

Keeping it real with Coco is an in-depth conversation as I said about real matters. If you’re ever interested, you can always join me live to watch and chime into and episode or you can follow me or not follow me lol and still watch my show on IGTV.

See you there, don’t be shy, it’s a free and open space.

The happiest place on earth & the most expensive! The real cost of Disney (post COVID)

Three years later, my family and I finally made it back to Disney world! Disney is always a vibe, it always brings out happiness (which I think was Mr.Walt’s goal) it’s fun and memorable. My husband and I promised our kids this trip because we were over due for a family holiday but once again (sad mommy) I wasn’t present to another significant event, so I told my kids when I return, we’ll go to Orlando and that’s exactly what we did!

I didn’t know what to expect post-COVID affairs but we went with the flow. 7 days (three Disney parks, one water park, universal studios and islands of adventures) we weren’t playing any games and we still didn’t finish lol

I’ll start off by saying accommodations were sorted thanks to my father who has time share (brilliant investment) I know he was pleased that we were finally using it after many years & with his grandkids, cool !!! So for that, thank you daddy.

Our place was amazing, the room was huge and there was even a water park in the location (so technically we did two water parks) just like Airbnb you go grocery shopping and cook anything you please. They had an on-site grocery store, but I went to Walmart because it was cheaper and they also had a restaurant but also expensive to be eating there every single day.

Talking about the amusement parks itself, like I said in the beginning such a vibe! However, the cost of Disney is absolutely ridiculous. It always has been, and nothing has changed. It’s overpriced and if you’re smart you’ll go to the park with your own packed goods. I tried it once but in the end I still ended up spending a fortune because your children want this and that and you have a taste for something and something always just comes up every single time! You’re paying about $3.50 for a bottle of water and mind you the water is terrible but you have no choice because that’s all they have. I mean I can get a 20 pack at Walmart for $3.50 so let’s just put this into perspective. The turkey leg runs about $15 the popcorn is another $10 if not more, in the end I decided to buy the refill packaging and even at that I had to pay two dollars every refill… my daughter loves popcorn so that two dollars added up really quick. The park tickets were over $100 each time and as you saw I mentioned we went to a lot of different places so you can already imagine how much we spent for three of us. yes, I should’ve paid for four of us but I wasn’t going to do it***

*** Dear parents, if your child can still pass for two, let them stay two as long as you can. Disney is free for them!

I find it absolutely ridiculous that they would charge a three-year-old when a three-year-old can hardly ride all the rides. It’s daylight robbery so be warned, I’ve given you the “tea” just stay smart.

Surprisingly the lines were extremely fast. I really thought we would have to wait hours to ride different things but it was quick! Magic Kingdom was the fastest, universal was the worst and animal kingdom with decent. Epcot is a lot of walking so I don’t really count that as an amusement park, it’s more of like a food village with entertainment.

They say if you’re fully vaccinated you don’t have to wear a mask and if you’re not fully vaccinated you have to wear a mask, but they’ve already failed because they’re not checking any type of proof so pretty much everyone in the park is not wearing a mask. This is completely up to you and how comfortable you feel around that many people.

The worst part about going to Disney post COVID it is the fact that you can’t do meet and greets with characters anymore! That really made me sad and I was just so lucky that when we were in animal kingdom Minnie, Mickey and goofy were on a boat waving to all the children and I was so happy because my children kept on asking me “when are we going to see Minnie and Mickey” and I didn’t know what to say until I saw them in the river and they were adorable! They saw the kids and waved to them and my children’s faces lit up that was definitely one of the highlights for me.

A few other things that have changed which they fail to mention is that you have to make reservations for all of the parks. Don’t be fooled though because on the phone they told me Magic Kingdom was unavailable but when I went in for my booking it was available, so just do it on your own.

All in all, of course I had the best time at Disney and I enjoy making memories with my family. There’s nothing I love more than making memories however, Disney world really comes at a cost! There’s nothing cheap about Disney and just know if you’re a family of three or more and you’re staying for over a week but even up to four days you’re going to spend over $1000 guaranteed. I had to keep on telling myself LOL the same money go to nonsense outside of this place, which is actually true but I don’t think I’ll be coming to Disney for the next three years maybe two… Well who knows but I think that having my children older and taller always helps because one thing I forgot to mention at the time was it was a bunch of rides my daughter couldn’t do because she couldn’t make the height requirement and she was so upset on the other hand, my five-year-old was a great guy and a great age and he could do loads of things. It was only a roller coaster or two that he was too small for other than that in every single park he was eligible which is fantastic so that also gives you a good example of when to go I could’ve waited five and seven but that would’ve been a little bit too long for me.

If you have any questions, send them in the comments I’ll be happy to answer them.

Amazing Interactions.

Our family decided to go to the park. Everyone around us was having a good time, the sun was starting to set, it was just a lovely summer evening.

After a nice walk, we finally got to the playground and I couldn’t help but smile and feel genuinely happy about seeing all the children interact with each other, including my own. I honestly forget about COVID and caution. All I could hear is laughter and all I could see was positive energy.

What led me to write today was the fact that while my son was playing, a boy a bit older than him asked to play. He first approached him while my son was on the swing set and he said while I was pushing my daughter, “is this your son?” I said yes. then he asked my son, “Can I push you?.” At first my son said no, and the boy said “why not” and proceeded to push.

He enjoyed it and they were both laughing at how high he could push him on the swing. Afterwards, the boy turned around and said “do you want to play hot lava?, let’s go and don’t touch the ground.” And they were off.

This whole interaction made me smile and I was just observing. I was so fascinated by it, I even told papa bear “how amazing is this.”

It’s so important for children to be around each other because they can relate to each other in so many ways and their imaginations have no limits. I’ve seen my children play that game in our home, so I know my son was excited finding out someone else knows the same game.

How can people not learn from children, I literally said to myself, no wonder God loves children because they are just so fascinating to watch. They have different personalities, they are all trying to figure out themselves and how to do something, constantly. It doesn’t matter if it’s learning at school, just building up confidence to speak to others, or do something which will encourage another.

I cherish these learning moments from my children.

My last thought of this is, the happiness of being together. I am so glad that the world is slowly going back to how it used to be because I could tell that children missed each other and I could see how many parents were happy to be outside fully with their kids, including myself. We stay cautious of course but we are some what “free” again.

Distance makes the heart.

Mommy is finally back!

I missed my babies so much! Their love and affection, their smiles and laughs, their bond, I just missed everything about them. 

I got in two days ago early in the morning, the moment I stepped in the door first thing I heard was my son crying and saying my name. It was so emotional, he was so overcome with joy he couldn’t believe that I had finally made it home and not just me, Papa bear too. This was the absolute best feeling in the whole wide world I can hardly explain it. There’s something between a bond with parents and their children that is so amazing and so beautiful. I’ve been away for almost a month again, maybe a bit less but all I know is I am so happy to be around the two loves of my life!

I mentioned before, I don’t want to miss any moments of anything and I’ve already made so many more memories with them in such a short period of time. They’ve grown so much, they are talking better, they are writing and they are so intelligent. I can’t believe my eyes and ears. I will absolutely not miss any moments so long as I don’t have to.

I already made the decision that I’m going to cut back on work because it’s almost unbearable, these days, I need to be with my children. These are the moments that they will remember and these are the times where I need to be around for them no matter what.

I pray God continues to provide for my family and continues to protect us as we grow and I know everything will work out for the better. 

My children are my life and although I also have a life outside of my children there’s nothing like their unconditional love. We are growing together and we are learning together and I’m just so excited to be in their presence once again. How I’ve missed these two voices.

The bond is so strong & for the past three days even the slightest separation, needing to go do something, they are both afraid that I’m going and I won’t come back again… it makes me feel some kind of way but I tell them “mommy isn’t going anywhere, not this time and when mommy does go somewhere, you’re coming with me.” then their face is light right back up. 

Life is so precious, and the most important thing is making memories and that’s what I plan to do. I’ve always been a hands-on mom, I do a lot of things with the children. I feel like I’m stepping into a new zone with them I look forward to everything that is to come.

Cheers to motherhood 🥂

A special message from my son via talk to text 

“Thank you airplans for bringing Mommy back I love mommy Barry so much, I love you in the whole wide wide mommy. When I when she gives me something I like when she give me snacks and food I will eat it but the things I don’t want to eat I want mommy to give me nice food. I love mommy so much.”

The other side of the table 🏥

I don’t usually share what I do … unless I decide to, but this is the exception.

I tech assisted in two C-sections (single baby & twins) a few days ago and I am still overcome with emotion. It was the most beautiful thing to see. I was doing what I do on one side, and I was witnessing life being born on the other side.

Giving birth whichever form is magical and I felt all the love and good energy in the OR. It’s funny being on the other side of the room not as mommy in labor, but part of the team who assists another mommy.

Truth be told when I saw the little beautiful babies, my eyes watered up and I absolutely got caught by everyone and they laughed and smiled. It might have been the “mom” in me, it might have been my passion or it might have just been the feeling I got when I had my own children but even though it wasn’t me lying down, I felt the same joy as the mothers and the adorable fathers.

I remember seeing my husbands face when the child is put on the baby bed for the first time, it’s this look of “wow, that’s my child, wow, look how little.” & to see that all over again in other husbands was still the same fuzzy feeling. They are always so proud.

Children are really a gift, I am very blessed to be able to do what I do especially with moments like this.

6 months later… (Post Covid – but not really)

I can’t believe we have gotten to a point, were wearing a mask seems normal.

I never thought I would get used to this, I don’t know if I like it. I don’t know if I have fully adjusted just yet. The thing is, life has to go on and there’s nothing we can do about that… But be extremely cautious and careful.

I have been living my life in Ghana, West Africa for six months. This is the longest I have ever been there. It was a blessing to be in a place like that during a time like this in the world because even though the virus did affect the area, they handled it well. They took care of the people and I never felt I wasn’t safe once.

My children have been happy, I have been happy and I even got the chance to go out a few times!! Can you believe that, in a time like this I was out with people and smiling, dancing and even having a few drinks, I miss doing things like that. It seems like once the fear is gone of something you can’t even see you just learn to adapt in some sort of way.

Now; I am finally back in the United States! The borders in Ghana were closed for such a long time and I lived that life. Suddenly, things were open again. Part of me never wanted to leave and face the reality of what I have to do but just like I said, I MUST.

A lot of people have been unemployed for months and one morning I woke up and I got a message from my recruiter and work was suddenly in my front… What a blessing. I don’t take it for granted but I also thought to myself, wow! Now I have to go back to work and do my contract mommy work stuff as I said in one of my posts before.

It’s a bittersweet feeling because I know I do this work for my beautiful children and for my family and even for myself but the bitter part was I decided to leave my children in Ghana because it was the right thing to do.

Why would I pull them away from that comfort and the sun and picking fruit off their Nana‘s tree, I wasn’t ready to do that to them and I wasn’t even ready for Papa bear to take on all that responsibility so soon even though we both miss them dearly.

The time will pass and all of our hard work is not in vain. This year has gone by so fast I can hardly remember each month but all I know is that soon, I will be back with my beautiful children and eventually we will all come back to the United States as a unit but until then I have to get my hustle on and I have to do things which I know I can do to make them comfortable when they do return.

It’s absolutely crazy that this virus is still living with us !!! where is this vaccine which I don’t even believe in? Will it ever come… Or is it just the media making us afraid for something that is to come more serious? Who knows. All I know is good things come on the other side of fear… So don’t be afraid and still achieve all the goals you need to achieve. We still have a few months left till 2021.

2020 has been very unpredictable and rocky year but don’t let that overcome you because 2020 has not defeated you or me or anyone and we can do this.

Covid-19 (Who the heck do you think you are!!!)

“The next ten is about to be the best ten.”

I would be interested to know how many of you said this. I know I did. I was so excited for the new decade. 2020! It was going to be a year extraordinary blessings for everyone on planet. I knew it was going to be the year where everyone reaches their personal goals and achievements, I just felt that kind of energy…

ha! I was wrong. A virus struck. Covid-19 (Corona virus) 😠 confusing everyone… it’s contagious, we’re scared, we’re learning about it through the television (which a is a terrible source in my opinion) it’s just a lot going on. “Schools will be closed.” Every parent in the world “HUH!?” “The borders will be closed.” Every single person in the world “HUH!?” What the heck is going on. More confusion, first we laugh, then we cry and then then they start tracing the #’s of this invisible virus and it’s increasing massively and people are now DYING!!!!!
Help, Help! “How can we help, when we’re just figuring it out too.” The whole word is a damn mess.

(FAST FORWARD)

Our children are at home with us every single day. What can I do as a mother to keep them entertained (my son hasn’t reached kindergarten just yet so there is no Zoom classes online like most the older students have in this pandemic. Do we read books? (yes) Do we practice writing? (yes) to we learn words? (yes) do we play games? (more than enough) But this system is on and on and on and on and day after day after day at one point things are just how they are… you’re living and surviving and just thanking God after all this time no one I care about has caught this thing!! So we stay grateful… but all in all this is crazy.

Children are so full of life, they love to do things and explore so it’s best to make the most out everything you have. Just because they are at home doesn’t mean they don’t have fun, and as time has passed and rules have relax there’s more flexibility.

I want to give shout out to all the teachers around the world! I’m sorry you don’t get paid more, you’re amazing.

(Fast forward)

As time has passed by, less confusion and more okay where is the cure… (Scientists scrambling for answers)

We understand the virus protocol. Hand sanitizers, wash your hands, WHERE YOUR MASK when you’re out. We are adjusting to this new life.

I honestly can’t believe this is the 2020 I an living in. I’m making it work and mind you, I am one of the citizen of America that is overseas, trapped. It’s been about 5 months. I’m not complaining though, I’m in Ghana. Yes the virus is here most definitely but I am safe in the home I’m in. I have help with my children and I don’t go out often unless It’s  for essentials or to see people which is just house hopping and it’s a tiny list. My business hasn’t done the best this year, but I know a lot of businesses have suffered too.

Everything is so uncertain. How can I spend money on products, when I don’t know when I’ll make money again… The bills haven’t stopped overseas but luckily, everyone understands what’s going on & work is just slow. Unemployment is by force & even my other job has been put on hold and the work that has come up is too risky!

I pray there is a big shift with Covid-19 eventually soon but in the meantime, we wait.

Everyone that has made it to this point individually or with their family. Clap for yourself because it CAN get exhausting.

I’m so thankful I’ve had my whole family together for the most part, and most importantly again – we are safe! So yes, Covid-19 has taken over but we stand! we will make it and overcome this.

A big shout out to all the doctors and nurses who work day and night to help fight this thing and a special shout out to all the parents who have been watching their kids day in an out. It’s such a hard job.

There’s been no “Me-time.” But it will get better. We’ve celebrated birthday’s during this time. We may get mad at times but we still laugh and smile.

No matter the situation always try and look at the glass half full and stay optimistic as much as you can. Everyone is facing their own problems but some are also facing it head on and making the most out of it. It doesn’t have to be a bad time, just be cautious, follow the rules and stay safe.

A Studio Dream 🎶

A lot of you may not know this but when I’m not mommy-ing and wife-ing and doing my entrepreneur work! I am an artist (singer) named Coco Benson. Music has been in my family before I was born and it definitely trickled down to me. To make a long story short, I most definitely was on a journey of a music career but it came to a stop! & then I stopped! Fast forward 4 years till now! I decided to start doing music again which I am so happy about and the new journey of it will be bigger and better than ever so stay tuned for that!

Here is where my blog title starts. The other day, I had a studio session and it was the most amazing session because my son Jaden was involved! I’ve always dreamed of taking him to the studio! I’ve always dreamed of us being on some track together one day and it finally happened!

Such a beautiful moment it literally brought tears to my eyes and continues to do so every time I listen to it! First of all it’s emotional because it’s actually a praise song to God! I did it my way, exactly how I pictured it. Authentic and loving. Then my son is on it, which sounds adorable and I even tried something new on it which is rap! (I do not rap, unless I’m rapping with Nicki Minaj or Snoop Dogg) but I gave it a go and it worked out great!

Everything about this session was just amazing… I had about a week to perfect how I wanted to sing everything, I had a week to tell my son and prepare how I wanted him to do it and he did it! Seeing his little mouth by the mic 🎤  was so moving, and he did great because he’s  only four so his attention span was eventually disappearing after telling him to do different takes but he pulled it off and I thank  the producer so much for his patients and how he arranged everything.

I’m still waiting for the final product but I know it will sound great. The way this song is set up, it will definitely be an introductory song to all the other music I do… In the music world we call it an intro.

I think the whole experience is overwhelmingly beautiful because again not only did I get to record with my son, but I would never think after so many years I would get back in a studio room and just feel more free than ever… Music is always been a passion of mine, and I’m so happy that It came back into my life.

I look forward to sharing my music with the world again because I’ve been saying “I’m breaking necks this year” LOL

PS.if you are interested in following my journey you can follow me on

Instagram: @cocobenson_

Facebook : TheCocoBenson

YouTube or Apple Music, Spotify : Coco Benson