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.

Dear Mommy, these are for you.

I want to take a moment out to thank everybody who takes their own personal time to read or engage in my blog whether it’s new to you or old. You are appreciated.

I did want to remind you that my first affirmation book (Dear Mommy, these are for you) is available on Amazon paperback and kindle and if you don’t have access you can also visit OkadaBooks.com

Please support my book. It is a collection of affirmations that can uplift any mother at any given time, if you are a mom, know a mom, or simply want to share words of encouragement with anyone you know. Please buy or download this book.

It’s available Internationally as well via the Amazon of your choice.

Check it out & enjoy.

Links for the U.S.A, U.K and Okadabooks below

https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Mommy-These-are-you/dp/B09ZCVYQNQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=1M9AJKPHFJAG&keywords=dear+mommy+these+are+for+you&qid=1654453222&sprefix=dear+monmy+these+a%2Caps%2C638&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dear-Mommy-These-are-you-ebook/dp/B09ZH2BSFQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=meredine+akerele&qid=1654453281&sr=8-1

https://okadabooks.com/search?query=Dear%2520mommy%2520

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.

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?!

The White Wall

My children have both learned to have a new found love of coloring and they both do it so well for their ages. They stay in the lines and play with colors, I love to see it.

When I was away for one my work assignments, because of my anxieties I decided to buy an adult coloring book (they are fun but lost importantly relaxing) they really do calm me down at times I feel away and alone from my family and it’s also an accomplishment seeing your fully finished work. I have the most intricate book.

Anyways, when I got back home, my children saw it and of course they wanted it all to themselves. First I was hesitant, because I just wanted the book for myself and my other assignments in the future but then I figured “nah” let them have it and enjoy the ocean patterns and animals, I can always get a new one later.

They really do love that book, as detailed as it is, they figured a way to color it in their own way without getting caught up in the small spaces. They’ll run to me when they have done one page each “mommy, look” I’m amazed. I love it & thinking to myself 💭 these children of mine are smart because I could spend hours on one section and look at them! Done in twenty minutes lol

Their masterpiece.
Mr. Puffin

The White Wall. . . What exactly am I talking about – well, we all have a white painted wall somewhere in the house/apt right! Did you ever think of how children look at a white wall? It’s a big piece of white paper! & what do children do on paper, they draw and color on it.

My daughter has marked her territory on these walls. I have cleaned it up time and time again, but her mind goes back to the drawing board. I tell her “please don’t write or draw on anything,” she’ll agree until I see the next mark where it’s big suppose to be 😩 my son doesn’t get a pass either! I’ve seen his work too.

I’ve decided to leave this matter alone not because I’m giving in but because of the creative perspective! My only rule is that ONLY in their room. What if he/she is going to be the next biggest painter, or a architect the world has ever seen.

Now c’mon I’m not silly… I will NOT tell them, only in their room is where they can get creative (never, lol that’s a set up) but, it means for me, I won’t get as upset as I used to because I’m looking at it all in a different perspective. . .

Am I wrong?

What are your thoughts about this, do you let your own children be creatively free or is there a limit?

After all, walls can always be painted again. I’m not bothered right now and I’ve cleaned up worse mess than you can imagine.

I’m not say it a free for all draw on the walls either, but I need to save my voice box parents, it’s already raspy enough 😅

The social media break! (The most necessary)

At the moment I am currently on a social media break and let me tell you, I never knew how much I needed this!

We don’t realize how consumed we get by online and the bs it comes with. At times, we see the good & at times without a choice we see the bad but both are still embedded reads in our subconscious.

I know how many hours I can shamelessly be on an app scrolling none stop. One day, I woke up and simply had ENOUGH! I deleted them all. The break I needed.

I have been happily in my own motherhood/wife life/self love and getting closer to God world for almost two weeks.

I have more time to pay attention and stay focused on many things. It’s amazing how much focus you can put towards something when you are simply not distracted.

Remember that book of mine that was suppose to be released last year “Dear mommy, these are for you.” Well, I FINALLY made time to correct and finish it (Amazon approved finished) I took the time to make sure it was right, whereas before I would see one “error” close the tab and never looked back till I felt like it, just wow! (Clap for me)

Social media is dangerous, dangerous in the fact that it can drive us away from so much. Scrolling so much, you forget to eat or (I’m the queen of this lol) take pictures and boomerang’s of our meals before we eat them.

Even time with my children. I am Mrs. Do the most with my kids especially when we travel but sometimes at home, I can be in myself not engaging fully to what my children are doing because… (I’m sure you know the answer,) MY PHONE. I’ve had time. Whether their stories are gibberish or not lol, whether it’s their interactive play, or anything they want to do, I just have time for it.

Books! I will be the first to admit, I’m not the fastest reader in the world, but I do enjoy a good book. Since this social media break, I’ve read four books! I mean… me! Before, never. I’m on the quest to find out what kind of book reader I am. Fiction/non-fiction and it’s just a fun bit of discovery for me.

Without me going on and on about this, the bottom line is, FOR EVERYONE… take the social media breaks. Delete the apps! They are not going anywhere and for ourselves, it is necessary for our mind/soul/conscious!

I am not saying I won’t go back, I absolutely will and continue to be myself on there as I always do, but I have now trained my mind to not be addicted to things that have nothing to do with me online (blogs/stories/images) I’ve just tuned it all off and I pray for myself that I can really keep this up. (I will try, but it’s not easy)

If I can pull these breaks off monthly or every two months, I think I can find a better balance than be a “phone zombie.”

Try it for yourself, even if for two days. You’ll love it for yourself and your family or with whatever it is that you need to focus on.

I take it seriously because above everything else, I always put God first. I say it all the time, but sometimes, I might not put it into practice. This social break has got me closer to God once again and I am in love with myself for that because God can do many amazing things and most importantly bring blessings and much needed peace and rest. These are the things I seek in life (not religiously) spiritually.

Remember, online is truly a blur of “fake.” I’m not saying people don’t post their real lives & these stories whether positive or negative are not true, but most of it doesn’t help us. Sadly, many people strive to be what they see and hear online whether they want to believe it or not. Let us try and be aware of these things so online and offline can be a safer place for us.

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.

Big girl Jada 💞

The other day I got a message in my what’s app from my nanny. She said “I have a surprise for you.” I couldn’t guess what it was at all so I basically said tell me, with anticipation. It was a video of my sweet baby girl Jada writing ✍️!!!!!!!! I was in shock. It was a beautiful surprise to see.

I honestly couldn’t believe my eyes. She was holding the pencil perfectly, her other hand was placed on her workbook so it wouldn’t slide and she could trace her big and small letter (E,e’s).

Child development really happens in such a short period of time and the most important factor is her watching and learning mentally before going about it by herself! This is amazing. Jaden gets a lot of workbook tracing letter activities and when I do homework with him, she always said, “where is my own” which sometimes I had and sometimes I didn’t. She has been mentally preparing for this moment and she reached her own personal achievement when she finally got the chance, isn’t that just beautiful.

I am extremely proud of both of my children. They learn an incredible amount from each other as I would imagine. My son has now turned 5 and he just started picking up his writing skills towards the end of his four year old era! I would be lying if I didn’t say to myself “when will he start” but the minute school opened back up (another blog for another day) he picked it up and a few short weeks! I was just as happy for him as I am for my daughter and children develops skills at different times, the only difference is that she has started at the end of her 2 year old era on the way to age 3.

I end this blog by saying, let your children pick skills up without pressure. The new mom always wants to say “why is my child not doing this yet.” The veteran mom says “they WILL get it” and guess what, they do & you’ll be so proud of those moments when they do come about.

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

Four Years Of Motherhood 🎈

My big boy Jaden is about to be FOUR years old this Saturday!!! I’m literally going to be raising a four year old boy! Wow. Four years of motherhood! Four years of amazing memories. Four years of amazing growth, such a beautiful experience. Being a mommy to Jaden is the best thing on this earth! I wouldn’t change it for anything.

As I get older I realize this was always my path because I love being a mommy but as time goes by, I’ve found balance and I can accomplish everything I want to while still being a mommy. Of course there are sacrifices at times but it’s short lived! What’s important is that my kids know I love them unconditionally and that I’ll go above and beyond for them. Everything that I thought I couldn’t accomplish before or fell a part, are now coming together and it’s all God’s timing because maybe before I wasn’t ready or maybe I needed a different kind of motivation which I get from my children.

Life is what you make it and you have to enjoy the moments you can, create new memories daily and learn to be better each day.

I am so proud of my boy! Four years old! Smart, talkative, learning how to read (I just found out yesterday while we are doing night time stories) He’s asking questions, he tells me stories and sings songs and his brain is so creative! The list goes on and on. I am so blessed to be his mother! He’s a great big brother, who takes care of his sister and teaches her (good and sometimes naughty things lol) but their bond is unbreakable. I’m loving the little big boy he’s becoming and I know he’ll continue to do amazing things with God on his side and US.

Cheers to Papa bear and myself!

Another ONE 💗

Papa Bear & myself did it again. We made the accomplishment of another child surviving to ONE. Jada our little princess.

We had a fun little party at an indoor play place just like we did for Jaden at the time. Games, food & good conversation. Nothing over the top. She had a blast, her brother had a blast & so did their cousins. We both Thank God she is growing beautifully , healthy  and is already learning things at an amazingly fast pace. She knows how to say her name to her best ability and she knows how to play peek-a-boo & run if you tell her to run, she recognizes most faces she’s seen like her Nana & Grandpa and aunties, she even knows how to sing “Johnny Johnny” which by the  way is the cutest thing ever. I am happy, I don’t know anything about raising a little girl but I’m learning Day by day and if I’ve done it with my son, and continue to do so, I know I can do it….

& NOW. Down to the NITTY GRITTY.

Jada is so different than her brother, at times I thought she would be more calm… she actually more wild. She really doesn’t take  nonsense at her age. She is VERY demanding whether it be with me or her brother/father. She knows how to get what she wants just by her non speaking voice so I can only imagine when the words start coming up. Jada is adorable but she’s a handful & half. I’m catching on to her ways and I’m trying to keep up.

I don’t know if I believe in horoscopes anymore but my daughter is a Gemini & sometimes I can see both sides of her in a span of ten minutes but I’m the QUEEN of the castle & whether she likes it or not I have to firmly put my foot down lol

The relationship between Jaden & her brother  is still amazing & I think they have their communication lingo locked it. They definitely balance each other out even though Jaden will pull the big brother card at times, he has the right to though. They are both independent but also love each other’s company and it’s everything I could ever image it to be.

Jada’s development is daily and I’m just happy I can to experience it all again for the second time around… I do miss some moments, I was very on point with my son, caught everyone moment. With her, it’s just like a smooth ride of “oh you have teeth now” but for her brother it was “grab the camera, teeth, teeth, teeth.” Nevertheless I’m enjoying it all, because they are only so small for such a short time.