tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91589322254678274822024-03-13T07:38:16.364-05:00the quirky writer...helping you find love unusual Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-26039431111076197732017-06-27T20:30:00.004-05:002017-06-27T20:32:27.590-05:00<br />
Dear Mommies,<br />
<br />
So school's out and here it comes, the dreaded summer cold. While it's 80 degrees outside, you're shivering under a pile of blankets inside. You can thank all the kids, set free from their classrooms to spread germs far and wide.<br />
<br />
Treatment options include: drinking lots of fluids, resting as much as possible and take in a few fashion movies. These movies are pure eye candy, they won't make you cry (you're eyes aand nose are probably already running), they won't make you think too hard (your head hurts any way) and they may just make you sleepy--here are some of my favorites:<br />
<br />
1. Devil Wears Prada<br />
<br />
2. To Catch a Thief<br />
<br />
3. The Dressmaker<br />
<br />
4. Pret-a-porter<br />
<br />
5. YSL (Yves Saint Laurent)<br />
<br />
6. Singing in the Rain<br />
<br />
7. My Fair Lady<br />
<br />
8. Grace of Monaco<br />
<br />
9. After the Ball<br />
<br />
10. Supermodel<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJZ7y3y9U5I/WVMGnfS8sxI/AAAAAAAAAig/Qgk8KjyHyjEDxyJw9GyBx8kCkKe0PfAHwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJZ7y3y9U5I/WVMGnfS8sxI/AAAAAAAAAig/Qgk8KjyHyjEDxyJw9GyBx8kCkKe0PfAHwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN0742.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYAaONILAFs/WVMF0uJSucI/AAAAAAAAAiY/mgYKXQruOIE6CAbYlnLX1X945D0dg3a6gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Also fashion documentaries: "Dior and I" and "Iris." Below are surprising movies wear you'll see pretty clothes. A lot.<br />
<br />
1. The Blindside<br />
<br />
2. Magic in the Moonlight<br />
<br />
3. Marie Antoinette (2006 Academy Award for best costume)<br />
<br />
4. Breakfast at Tiffany's<br />
<br />
5. The Handmaiden<br />
<br />
6. Great Gatsby (both versions and newcomer: Live by Night) - All flapper inspired costumes.<br />
<br />
7. Personal Shopper<br />
<br />
For TV episodes there's Sex in the City, Lipstick Jungle, and Pretty Little Liars. What are your favorites?<br />
<br />
Seriously though, get some sleep & relax mommies you've got this.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-37750584658233976102016-12-29T05:00:00.000-05:002016-12-29T05:00:26.540-05:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8HfPz2OpEBo/WGRfXzyI7jI/AAAAAAAAAhw/Dbd7F6uFuzgRW14oT0WgYqmL9njWh-D_gCLcB/s1600/CarrieFisher.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8HfPz2OpEBo/WGRfXzyI7jI/AAAAAAAAAhw/Dbd7F6uFuzgRW14oT0WgYqmL9njWh-D_gCLcB/s320/CarrieFisher.jpeg" width="320" /></a><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I was once
told in my young, teen-ish days that I looked like Princess Leia. I
considered the compliment wildly inaccurate. But still, it was nice to
hear. Carrie Fisher who was Princess Leia has passed away. But, I’d
like to add my voice to the chorus--specifically what she did for girls (and writers)
everywhere.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Before
Princess Leia, most princess characters were fluffy, frivolous and in
desperate need of rescuing. Leia Organa turned that trope on its head. Born
into royalty, Leia became a general. And, over the 39 years of
<i> Star Wars</i>, Fisher showed those in the industry that a tough little girl
who can take care of herself (thank you very much) actually resonated with movie goers worldwide. She became a perennial hero. Also due to talented writers,
gritty female protagonists who made the most
of their horrible situations were often box office smashes. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I'm sure this
archetype inspired the writing of Disney’s movies. Heroines like
“Belle” of
<i>Beauty & the Beast</i> chose a more noble path than most characters who came before her. Like Princess
Leia they chose the better path, resisted when necessary. They put themselves on the line for those they loved. They fought with brains and guts and
sometimes weapons. These female characters who took chances and endured the consequences
without bawling for a knight in shining armor are the types
of characters to whom every girl can relate. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Besides being an actress and a writer, Carrie Fisher was called in to be a script doctor. These wizards of words were called upon by industry executives to take a
screenplay and/or script and polish the piece until the director (and everyone
else) is happy. She was rarely credited for
any work she did in this regard. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Fisher, was
also a mother, as was her character, Leia. Both the woman </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">and the character </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">
played a rather hands-off role in the raising of their children--for a
variety of reasons. There's no telling if this was a good decision. I won't make excuses for
Carrie Fisher, but I know she battled addiction. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Fisher’s
tough princess gives a lot of us non-princesses a role we can aspire
to. Not the cleanest, mother of the year, glamour queen, but a real, down-to-earth broad, who admitted her frailties and sins and
challenged herself to get better, be better. It’s the least any hero can do.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Relax Mommies, you've got this. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-85116752561226549792016-12-19T06:30:00.000-05:002016-12-19T06:30:02.089-05:00Why my kid?<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>They wouldn't let poor Rudolph join in any reindeer games!</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9GLTRMo-Bw/WFSuyXHuJhI/AAAAAAAAAfw/LEnAyGGuRDMT7sq5Q_5ea8DgiEzYaQjqwCLcB/s1600/reindeergames.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9GLTRMo-Bw/WFSuyXHuJhI/AAAAAAAAAfw/LEnAyGGuRDMT7sq5Q_5ea8DgiEzYaQjqwCLcB/s1600/reindeergames.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aw, who needs 'em anyway...</div>
<br />
There will be a time as a mom when you'll see your child getting the short end of the stick.<br />
<br />
<br />
There are many children who excel in academics, sports, the
arts--you name it. But there are just as many who don't. Chances are,
your child may be one of the ones not picked for basketball. Your child may be
bullied for being bad at sports, mocked for having a lisp, called stupid for failing math; left out of the reindeer games.<br />
<br />
It won't feel so good. You'll have to stand by and watch your child not do well in things. It may range from the silly--being laughed at for not coloring in the lines or the serious--being diagnosed with autism.<br />
<br />
You may be tempted to protect your child, to remedy the situation. But as painful as these situations are, they are life lessons. It's your chance to teach your child, she may not succeed at everything she tries. But she is still valuable and lovable. Remind her every day how special and irreplaceable she is. It never gets old to be told you're one of a kind. She doesn't need perfect A's in English to be a great kid.<br />
<br />
If she's mocked, tell her she doesn't need to retaliate, she can ignore the bullies and move on. Some of the most painful things she may hear can come from peers or teachers or siblings.<br />
<br />
An insult may be only temporary but it can last a lifetime. We tend to hang on to hurts. Help her deal with them now before she grows up. Without balance and forgiveness, a hurt child can grow into bitter adult.<br />
<br />
<br />
Relax mommies, you've got this.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-32610630288064927512016-10-21T18:21:00.001-05:002016-10-21T18:21:02.435-05:00Yay, Fall!<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JcmRCkd68Fc/V_GWWUmEVlI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/z80oEh1nOewFOMenHbxtlAHU3Ib1Z2vAACLcB/s1600/Pumpkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JcmRCkd68Fc/V_GWWUmEVlI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/z80oEh1nOewFOMenHbxtlAHU3Ib1Z2vAACLcB/s320/Pumpkins.jpg" width="294" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I heart Halloween…part 2</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">And of
course, it’s time for the great pumpkin! You’ll see the pumpkins being
harvested. One of my favorite veggies (a squash by birth), it really is
abused. Carved, baked, processed, pureed, tossed smashed,
and then after the end of the year--ignored. During Halloween, the
pumpkin is called Jack o’ Lantern. The alternate name change also
changes its persona. Once a fat little squash it suddenly becomes mean
and nefarious. Horrible faces gleam from its surface
and inside its gleam seems unworldly. I prefer an intact squash whose
color is warm and bright and reminiscent of an autumn sunset.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I love the
softness of Halloween. The warm, worn memories. The feast and festivals
were never meant to be scary or edgy. The living commemorated the dead,
they had a comfort with death. They did not run in
terror of the knife-wielding, zombies who sort of resembled their
loved-ones. It was a time to remember those who went before you and to
remember them fondly, not of hauntings and “boos” but, laughter and a
few tears. Good times.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Leave Halloween alone. Keep your gore and screams. I’ll take the leaves and the warmth and the memories of my loved ones.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-91782913428781372222016-10-07T06:00:00.000-05:002016-10-07T06:00:00.139-05:00Yay, Fall!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-76VmMGRwXHI/V_GS56U0nZI/AAAAAAAAAe0/EvNbxm04_MYDUCo4SQRcXo6d_zgi7BmqwCLcB/s1600/DSCN1061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-76VmMGRwXHI/V_GS56U0nZI/AAAAAAAAAe0/EvNbxm04_MYDUCo4SQRcXo6d_zgi7BmqwCLcB/s320/DSCN1061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I heart Halloween…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">But not for the reasons you think.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I’m not a big horror movie fan—so you won’t find me watching
<i><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT446_com_zimbra_date" role="link"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT447_com_zimbra_date" role="link">Friday</span></span> the 13<sup>th</sup></i> or even <i>Halloween</i>
on Halloween. I don’t do haunted hayrides or field of screams. I don’t
like blood and gore. I worked in a trauma unit so I’m good (for rest of
my life). I don’t even buy candy for trick or treaters'.
We stopped getting little ones a long time ago. We do take our kids out
to another neighborhood for a safe trick or treat experience. There are
no sidewalks where we live. I’ve had maybe one or two Halloween parties
and that’s fine with me.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I love
Halloween. The real thing—the whole thing, the before and the after, and
the true meaning of it, because it is the best part of fall. The term
Halloween is a corruption of the words, “All Hallows' Eve.”
It marks the night before All Saints Day, followed by All Souls Day.
These feasts got a little bigger and turned into festivals. Many
cultures developed all manner of traditions accompanying the festival.
No need for a history lesson. There are other things
I love about this time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The
temperature is decidedly cooler. The daylight is shortened naturally
(and man-made daylight savings time). Leaves turn and the fall colors,
which typically reach their peak in October, are glorious--bright
yellows, deep reds, and rusty browns. The oranges, golds and purples
add amazing depth and richness to the foliage. If you’ve never been
outside during fall, you’re missing the best show ever. And it’s like a
series, always something different.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ruH1-W7zXg/V_GVJ2CWTMI/AAAAAAAAAfA/5TSuvcoRIyEyxeRK8mApRdaiU49o5jzXwCLcB/s1600/DSCN0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ruH1-W7zXg/V_GVJ2CWTMI/AAAAAAAAAfA/5TSuvcoRIyEyxeRK8mApRdaiU49o5jzXwCLcB/s320/DSCN0453.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Halloween
indicates the end of the harvest and the beginning of the thanks for
produce; plentiful and sustaining. Whether you can or freeze, there’s
nothing better on your table than homemade sauces and soups
(and healthier too). The apples are picked now in earnest, and can go
until mid-November.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">There’s the
harvesting of the corn, soybean and hay before the crops go dormant.
The grape harvest and subsequent wine-making is another favorite of
mine. When Halloween arrives, it marks the time for frost
wines. Grapes are picked on or near the first frost. The chilly
crystals sitting on top of the grapes is supposed to add a delicate
taste to the wine. Either way, the wine tastes good whether or not you
can detect the difference. Some wines are bottle but
others are uncorked.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">(And there’s more next week…)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-47055525105757830762016-09-30T21:57:00.000-05:002016-09-30T21:57:09.249-05:00Enjoy the Season<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Fall is Here!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Fall is a great time of year—but it can be so tough on a mom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The summer
is over and the kids are back in school. It might be quiet(er) in the
house but you’ll still be busy. There’s a ton of school events; meeting
the teachers, field trips, concerts, plays and fundraisers.
If you’re a home-schooling mom, you’ve got lessons and projects and
planning galore.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">It also
reminds me that my children are getting older, they are going into the
next grade and doing “bigger” things with more responsibility and less
hovering from me.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Yet, it’s
time for the harvest, piles of leaves, canning, hay rides and pumpkins,
and the best weather ever—sweater weather. There’s fun sports for the
little gals and guys— soccer, cross country running,
football and hockey. And then, we’re closing in on the end of another
year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">What a rush to get it “over with” -- silly retail stores have Halloween and <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT89_com_zimbra_date" role="link"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT92_com_zimbra_date" role="link">Christmas</span></span> decorations side by side. Pick one and enjoy it.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8ByurtpN4I/V-H1z327zuI/AAAAAAAAAeE/if7O3vL7UEUdcfnV8dUGCRmgSbIZ-6LbQCLcB/s1600/DSCN1297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8ByurtpN4I/V-H1z327zuI/AAAAAAAAAeE/if7O3vL7UEUdcfnV8dUGCRmgSbIZ-6LbQCLcB/s320/DSCN1297.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Halloween cupcakes-taking goodies to a whole new level.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I love
Halloween—the quintessential fall festivity! I love everything about it.
The costumes and parties and all the activities that bring you outside
to enjoy weather that doesn’t involve sunburn. I don’t
mind the drama of selecting the right costume. One that’s popular, but
not so popular that everyone isn’t trick or treating in the same thing.
One that fits and works an keeps them covered and lasts for just a few
hours. Until they get home and go into candy
comas.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD_McWZJvik/V-H2j4t_RSI/AAAAAAAAAeI/zhNtrk3eF3Q2Vkx4euxotXlei7hIrgVpgCLcB/s1600/DSCN1314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD_McWZJvik/V-H2j4t_RSI/AAAAAAAAAeI/zhNtrk3eF3Q2Vkx4euxotXlei7hIrgVpgCLcB/s320/DSCN1314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Fall is so
beautiful but so brief. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Don't you wish Fall were longer? I wish we could just
savor the last few days of warm summer-like afternoons and frosty-breath
evenings next to a bonfire. Instead, we’re rushed past
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT90_com_zimbra_date" role="link"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT93_com_zimbra_date" role="link">Thanksgiving</span></span> with light speed and then smashed into <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT91_com_zimbra_date" role="link"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT94_com_zimbra_date" role="link">Christmas</span></span>. Why not just enjoy each season? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I beg you mommies, let this be the year you send a pumpkin to someone. And jump in a pile of leaves. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Relax Mommies you've got this! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-16691380728506403552016-09-23T06:00:00.000-05:002016-09-23T06:00:10.751-05:00A Loser's Lessons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bHeKMCCBzZQ/V-Hx7sQnRnI/AAAAAAAAAdw/SXt4h7aVULc5NY2L3KnADdEfg2o8lrXPwCLcB/s1600/DSCN0934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">What motivates you to try?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bHeKMCCBzZQ/V-Hx7sQnRnI/AAAAAAAAAdw/SXt4h7aVULc5NY2L3KnADdEfg2o8lrXPwCLcB/s1600/DSCN0934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bHeKMCCBzZQ/V-Hx7sQnRnI/AAAAAAAAAdw/SXt4h7aVULc5NY2L3KnADdEfg2o8lrXPwCLcB/s320/DSCN0934.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I was never
a big fan of slow and steady. I can’t slow down -- I’m raising
children! It’s a sprint ‘til college. You go, go, go every day. You take
care of them, try to keep them safe, fed and educated. You
try to capture the milestones, do your best to plan and arrange to make
things special for them. First birthday parties, Christmases, monster
cupcakes for the Halloween classroom festivities; everything has to be
made with love. And still, we blink and there’s
so much we miss. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I recently learned the hard way I need to slow down and take one day at a time. In everything I do.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I wanted to
lose weight, but was never consistent with any eating or exercise plan.
At picnics and parties, there was no way to eat anything healthy except
the crudité—usually served with luscious ranch dip.
I accepted food I didn’t want to eat out of politeness. When I was
feeling down, I indulged in self-pity eating and creamy lattes. I had a
rotten relationship with food. Like most "clean plate" moms, I hated to see food
wasted and became the leftover-eating queen of my
house. Last year, after receiving ugly cholesterol numbers, I knew I needed to
change.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">As
motivation, I entered a Biggest Loser Challenge at work. It was a
12-week challenge. I had done it before and lost a grand total of three
pounds. This time, I promised myself, it would be different. So
I asked advice from the previous BL winner. They told me: Treat the BL
Challenge as a marathon. As a long and grueling race. One that you may
not win, but one that you will finish. Most of all--stay the course;
keep your emotions steady. Ew? Was the advice?!
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The BL
coordinator offered this: Eat healthy, exercise and have fun! She made
it sound easy. For more motivation, we were divided into two
teams—the winning team would get some cash. I rushed into
the Challenge thinking all I needed was a little self-control. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4e3ece3y0E/V-Hy2wOYNbI/AAAAAAAAAd4/XfnwWOjWZlwQmFp_hhwZCAA3iu8fp9DpQCLcB/s1600/runner0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4e3ece3y0E/V-Hy2wOYNbI/AAAAAAAAAd4/XfnwWOjWZlwQmFp_hhwZCAA3iu8fp9DpQCLcB/s320/runner0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Towards the end, just when I thought I was doing great, I stumbled.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">In the
final weeks, I behaved as though I had already crossed the finish line. I
was sliding the medal around my neck, celebrating, happy dancing. And
then sabotaged all my good weight loss efforts by rewarding
myself with food treats, letting an exercise session or two slide away.
The pounds crept back on. Any marathoner will tell you this moment of do or die is the
dreaded “mile twenty” -- with less than several miles to go, within sight of the goal, you
lose focus and muscles start to seize up. Many
runners end up quitting. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">So I slowed down. Literally.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I ate
slower, I walked instead of ran. I sipped rather than gulped my coffee.
And I thought of all kinds of ways to make this BL thing a permanent
lifestyle change, not a once and done competition. I learned
that without any sort of external stimulus, significant weight loss is
hard to do. We need something external to reset our internal compass.
Whether it be a gym membership, walking the new puppy every day, buying a
new wardrobe, or getting a cholesterol panel—it
has to be an intimate and important investment of your time, talent and
$$ or you’re setting yourself up for failure.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I also
noticed that while encouragement from the Team (people in the same boat)
is great for weight loss, it can let you down. A weight loss buddy or fitness app will help keep you accountable. And you’ll get support. But here at
work, where the atmosphere is already highly-competitive, when someone
won a week or a month, there were very few good wishes or encouragement.
Teams were starving themselves, “hangry” and
aching to quit. We all hit our “mile twenty” mark at the same time.
Team members stopped talking to each other. They deleted the weight loss
support emails. A few team members went AWOL during lunch (the office is right
next to: McD’s, BK, Dunkin, Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, Red Robins and Taco Bell)
instead of working out together. Team players became team haters. There
was a black cloud of bitchiness that hung over the office scale.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">This
negative behavior was a priceless life lesson for me. I cannot lose
weight to make other people happy, gain their acceptance or good graces.
They’ll dislike me skinny or fat. I have to do it for myself.
I have to want to make the change in me. Or else, I’ll be eating a
breakfast burrito, an enchilada and a double-cheese-bacon burger all
before lunch. And be dead before dinner.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Above all, I
reminded myself, we’re moms! We can always slow down and hug our
“motivators!” Words like, “I love you mommy,” get me through nearly
every life “marathon” I will encounter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I want to lose weight for them. Because I want to be able to have the energy and stamina to be with them—fast or slow--even beyond college.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Relax Mommies, You've got this! </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-69964855439506319432016-08-29T09:00:00.000-05:002016-08-29T09:00:38.329-05:00School for kids, work for mom<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GZJO7-btmg/V6lK7jJ3vuI/AAAAAAAAAdM/SgihHlQcmlQBwq7LfokUy9Do1oZrV33SgCLcB/s1600/DSCN0425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GZJO7-btmg/V6lK7jJ3vuI/AAAAAAAAAdM/SgihHlQcmlQBwq7LfokUy9Do1oZrV33SgCLcB/s320/DSCN0425.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dear Mommies,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">It's that time of year when the kids go back to school. It can be pretty stressful before the school year even starts. The kids need the nicest backpack, the cutest shoes, the sweetest iPad cover. And can we talk about the drama of buying jeans?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">As moms, we
are always going to make our kids look good. And do good. We want them to excel. We’re going to give them
the encouragement, resources and opportunities to shine. We then blend
into the background while our little ones take flight.
Rarely do we mothers push themselves forward. Pushy show moms, aside--we don't take center stage.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">We’re happy to stay in the shadows with our yoga pants
and messy pony tails. We don't want our pictures in the school yearbook. We'd prefer to hide. But maybe this is the year, we should be recognized.
Just a little bit, other than the obligatory thanks from teachers and staff. Maybe this year we should dress as nice as our kids for the first day of school.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">A very wise man once questioned the purpose of high school graduation
parties. He asked why, a child who just turned into an adult without trying, is rewarded with a party? This celebration comes
after 4 years of the child doing something that’s just barely considered
work. The party, this man argued, should be for the parents. <br />
<br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">As mommies
we have a tendency to underestimate the amount of work it takes to raise
a good child. (It’s easy to raise the bad ones—you just ignore them). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Recently, a salary data service estimated that moms should be paid $65K a
year (more, if you have more than two children) to compensate us for what we do. It’s
not just bottle and diapers. It’s work. Waking them up. Putting them down for naps. Feeding them, teaching them to feed themselves. Dressing them and trying to teach them to dress themselves. Coaching them through the walking and talking phase. Taking care of boo-boo's. Getting them to doctor appointments, soccer practice, piano lessons, and parties.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">You should be proud of the work you do. Because you do more in one day than many people do in a week. So when anyone who asks if you have
a “real” job, always respond: Yes, I’m raising children. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Relax mommies, you’ve got this!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-6079658905014334582016-08-12T09:00:00.000-05:002016-08-12T09:00:01.595-05:00Headaches & Life Lessons<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M2TGLDqoOJo/V6lDh5UurGI/AAAAAAAAAc4/yPit2J0MwGImXsgrtpharycXdolP6pGogCLcB/s1600/DSCN2211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M2TGLDqoOJo/V6lDh5UurGI/AAAAAAAAAc4/yPit2J0MwGImXsgrtpharycXdolP6pGogCLcB/s320/DSCN2211.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Is this you during your migraine?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dear Mommies,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Ever had a headache that felt as if there was someone with a sledge hammer pounding on the inside of your skull?</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Or a migraine that felt like you were hit by a truck? Ever had severe headache pain?</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Headaches—the
serious kind--can drop us to our knees. Make us nasty, irritable, and just plain
non-functional. We can become awful to everyone around us. Often we're rendered useless, crawling into bed and hoping the world will go away. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Head pain is different than other
kinds of pain. It's not like carpal tunnel or joint pain. Headaches are right where our brain is positioned and where most of our senses are
located. Take those out and we’re pretty much debilitated.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The way we
handle head pain is also a predictor of how we treat life’s problems. Do we whimper and whine? Hide? Go right for the extra strength pain killer? Or just
muscle through? No one way is the only way. In fact, depending on the “headache” we may do all three.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">There are three things that we should do with each of life's problems:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span>1.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Vent. Talk through
it. Make sure you don’t end up in a kvetching session or a blame game.
Honestly communicate your issue to someone who isn’t involved. And seek advice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span>2.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Don't become part
of the problem, or make the problem worse. It seems counter intuitive to
bang your head against the wall when you have the mother of all
headaches, but that’s what we often do. Rushing into action can make a problem worse. Give it some time and thought before you rush in to fix it. There's nothing wrong with sleeping on it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span>3.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Do. Sounds simple,
but once a solution is in place, work through it. Even on your worse days you're still the mommy and there are kids and laundry and dinner. Sometimes just doing a simple task can take your mind off your headache. And help you realize, no matter how bad, no pain lasts forever.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Relax Mommies, you’ve got this!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-14496372025173853592016-06-28T09:00:00.000-05:002016-06-28T09:00:00.708-05:00Parenting: Never Risk-free<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QAE1xpESzGI/V3HiKNagM3I/AAAAAAAAAcE/_AsRRd230D89Ae1UF2i4qeKcAl9stNREgCLcB/s1600/DSCN0414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QAE1xpESzGI/V3HiKNagM3I/AAAAAAAAAcE/_AsRRd230D89Ae1UF2i4qeKcAl9stNREgCLcB/s320/DSCN0414.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #002c53; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Each Day of Your Life is Precious</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #002c53; font-size: 11pt;">Lately, I've shut off the news—it’s usually depressing and frustrating. And if you’re chasing or carting your little ones from place to place,
who has time to sit and watch violence, erratic
world markets and bratty starlet meltdowns? And who wants to? When
we travel, happy music fills our vehicle, not breaking news from CNN.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #002c53; font-size: 11pt;">I
broke my fast from news to follow a tragic story about a dad and his kids
who drowned off the coast of Florida while sailing along the coast.
Usually I blog about happy things and silver linings.
But I am taking a few moments here to remind you that life is
fragile.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #002c53; font-size: 11pt;">This
father had no idea that a routine jaunt from one Florida harbor to the
next would be his last. The children didn’t know. No one knew. They
expected smooth sailing.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #002c53; font-size: 11pt;">I
don’t think we truly realize how much power we have over our children.
Their safety is often based on what we do (or don’t do) as parents. Even
the tiniest decision can have a lasting effect
on a child. I read a blog (<a href="http://nicolemcaruso.com/motherhood/bernadette-dalgetty" target="_blank">http://nicolemcaruso.com/motherhood/bernadette-dalgetty</a>) and when
speaking of her dressed-down attire of old yoga pants and messy bun, one mom
said: “I realized I have the power to embarrass my children.” The little
things make a difference. I'm now
more conscious of how I look when I’m in public with the kids. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #002c53; font-size: 11pt;">I’m
sure there were a million things that this father could have done to save
his children. But like so many parents, myself included, he just assumed
things would go without incident. I’m equally
sure he will be posthumously criticized for his lack of parenting. In
his defense: </span><span style="color: #002c53; font-size: 11pt;">Parents are only human and can't foresee all dangers. </span><span style="color: #002c53; font-size: 11pt;">Who knows when a truck will hit your minivan, a virus blaze
through your family, a tornado tear up your neighborhood, floods, fires
or any manner of disaster? Devastation doesn’t
wait for parents to be fully prepared.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #002c53; font-size: 11pt;">All parents should love and respect their roles as mommies and
daddies—you are so critical to a child's life. Your safety, health and happiness are directly related to theirs. By the same token, you want your child to take risks, leave the nest and not be afraid of their own shadow. To be
cautious and be encouraging is delicate balance for parents. But you can do it.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #002c53; font-size: 11pt;">Hug your babies every day. Kiss them and tell them they are so precious, whether it be calm seas or stormy weather.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-88292933150097154582016-05-12T06:00:00.000-05:002016-05-12T06:00:02.272-05:00Everyday Joys<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_mKD_Krges/VzKZZFiJGqI/AAAAAAAAAa0/DT6mtEXTWl87lpOlwifLrX8WYIcq78jnwCLcB/s1600/DSCN0277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_mKD_Krges/VzKZZFiJGqI/AAAAAAAAAa0/DT6mtEXTWl87lpOlwifLrX8WYIcq78jnwCLcB/s320/DSCN0277.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Every little kiss... </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dear Mommies,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I’ve
challenged my siblings to find a joy every day. And write it down. (I
challenged myself, too) They gave up by day two.
“Seriously, you want us to find joy? Have you seen the news?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I did. And
they’re right. It’s almost impossible to find joy when all
you see is what’s wrong with the world. The news is 24/7 of death,
disease, earthquakes, fires, scandals, and heartache.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I have a need to drown my sorrows. A very
clever marketer once told me: "I sell products by doing three things: I
tell you that you have a problem. I tell you only my
product/service/plan can solve it. And I tell you that you need to get
it, now. Through guilt, sorrow and/or fear I can manipulate you, the customer, with this sales
strategy." </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">He’s right, because <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT241_com_zimbra_date" role="link"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT245_com_zimbra_date" role="link">today</span></span> I
saw a commercial for Peanut M&M’s and I decided I needed them. My problem was disappointment, my solution -- chocolate.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT242_com_zimbra_date" role="link"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT246_com_zimbra_date" role="link">Today</span></span>
was a day of disappointments. Every little thing I wanted
(even sunshine) was taken away. The beautiful sunrise was overwhelmed in clouds and rain. At work, I was told I’m wasting
my time on project xyz (which I loved). I was denied a generous discount on the running shoes of my dreams (which I loved) and I
was uninvited to a particular event (which I would have loved).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Peanut M&M’s made me feel better instantly, but I was still without joy. Happiness seems even further away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The
challenge of finding joy is doubly tough on mommies. On top of all our
disappointments, we tend to absorb the disappointments of our munchkins.
When they are devastated, we are too. So how do you find
joys when the world seems to be hell-bent on taking them from you?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Take a breath, take a step back & take it all in. And then give. Share your Peanut M&M’s. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">And the day got better. I got to see the kiddies after school, I got to talk about writing and what I love about
it. I did give (and get) hugs and kisses. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">If I keep looking long enough, I will find more joy tomorrow. And the next day. And the day after that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Relax Mommies, you've got this. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-14255660678151518722016-04-25T07:30:00.000-05:002016-04-25T07:30:10.240-05:00Toddlers as Teachers<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0XxFzZvGA9A/Vx15Oja1ytI/AAAAAAAAAZU/8LA1hsoxC4gJ7akZ21KGOoLfsByga5D_wCLcB/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0XxFzZvGA9A/Vx15Oja1ytI/AAAAAAAAAZU/8LA1hsoxC4gJ7akZ21KGOoLfsByga5D_wCLcB/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Oh, those little stinkers!</b></div>
<br />
We've always had those moments when we've been embarrassed (read: humiliated) by someone under the age of 5. And no one knows how to do it better than someone you love.<br />
<br />
Those sweet little munchkins can really push our buttons. But these are teachable moments, for us and them.<br />
<br />
Toddlers cannot be rushed. They often need to pick up every single pine cone, shell and/or bug on the ground, beach or floor. You should have been home 15 minutes ago, but you're still on your walk. Trying to hurry the process, you'll often receive very loud squawks of: "No! I don't want to go home!"<br />
<br />
Toddlers are super sensitive to pain (when it suits them). Ever try to pluck a child out of harm's way or keep them on the right path and hear: "Ouch you're hurting me!"? You look around and of course everyone has heard it.<br />
<br />
Toddlers love you in secret. Ever gotten rebuffed when attempting a public display of affection? "Ew, don't kiss me mommy your breath smells funny!" But when you're home, they won't let go of your leg, arm, or neck.<br />
<br />
For these moments, a sigh, roll of the eyes and calm quiet re-direction can diffuse the rising frustration.<br />
Yes, rushing a toddler is like trying to push a cloud--so enjoy the moments of pine cone collection, you will miss those days. The psuedo-pain vocalization is a well-timed trick to see how you respond. One therapist admitted that she's more worried about the kids who never say anything about their parents hurting them. They often hide their true bruises.<br />
<br />
Lastly, treasure those secret embraces and moments of private affection. They're only for you and they are the little gifts that you will be blessed with for only a short while.<br />
<br />
<br />
Relax, mommies, You've got this.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-44498816136137974462016-03-04T08:00:00.000-05:002016-03-04T08:00:04.174-05:00The Value of Presence<div class="WordSection1">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H1OvtNgcRng/VtesTrOIctI/AAAAAAAAAZA/3wDz8UYQYEQ/s1600/The-Crimson-Field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H1OvtNgcRng/VtesTrOIctI/AAAAAAAAAZA/3wDz8UYQYEQ/s320/The-Crimson-Field.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The BBC's Crimson Field</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dear Mommies, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">After<i>
Downton Abbey,</i> I didn’t think anything would replace my need for engrossing, well-written mini-series. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Then I discovered <i>The Crimson Field</i>. Released in 2014, the drama centers around nurses, doctors and Royal Medical Army staff at a hospital camp (think MASH + post-Victorian England) during World War I in northern France. Just the first episode was gripping and horrifying, flecked with oddly humorous moments.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">But while
most reviewers discussed the BBC’s celebration of the anniversary of WWI
or the pitfalls of the script and story threads or the history (or lack
of) or the acting (or lack of), all I could think
of was nurses.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Years ago, I
worked in a trauma unit at a hospital. This series brought me back to those days. When I saw the best and worst
of human behavior. I saw people in agony, dying, crushed—literally and figuratively.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">It doesn’t matter who you are, how much money you have or the color of
your skin— everyone feels pain. Everyone suffers. And no matter who you are or where you come from, you can help by just ... caring.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Some other things I recalled:
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I learned the difference between a good nurse and a nurse who simply worked for a pension.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> And a charge nurse has to be everything to everyone, all at once.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I learned the value of listening and offering sympathy. And just because you have a medical degree, doesn't mean you will listen or offer sympathy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I learned how precious the first few breaths of life are and how precious
the last few breaths are. We should not be born or die alone.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I learned the importance of a well-made bed. It was a safety--not aesthetic--issue in the hospital.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Most of all, I learned the value of presence. Being beside someone during a difficult time is something that can never be quantified. And that's what I remembered the nurses and the nursing aides did. There were times they did nothing more than stand beside a person's bed or touched their hands -- and that was enough.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="WordSection1">
<br /></div>
<div class="WordSection1">
You don't need to be super mom, just be there.</div>
<div class="WordSection1">
Relax mommies, you've got this.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-56984733648970094622016-02-19T08:00:00.000-05:002016-02-19T08:00:12.859-05:00No bad thing lasts forever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nkSVpyObK0o/Vrql7AqrdeI/AAAAAAAAAYo/cDneYZLRyks/s1600/iStock_000002094724Large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nkSVpyObK0o/Vrql7AqrdeI/AAAAAAAAAYo/cDneYZLRyks/s320/iStock_000002094724Large.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Feeling alone?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dear Mommies,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Are you having a tough time? Feeling really alone? Are you experiencing a serious life crisis?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Maybe it’s a
combination of many issues--money is super tight, the kids are really
sick and you’re facing a health crisis. Overwhelmed, life may seem bleak
for you now.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I promise you, no bad thing lasts forever.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Okay, so you might dismiss that out-of-hand.
<i>Sure cancer doesn’t last forever, you die. Divorce doesn’t
get a do-over, you can’t un-split. Life with an autistic child is filled
with many scary moments.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">As women,
we have a tendency to want to fix things--make things better. When they
don’t get better, we beat ourselves up, think that we have failed.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Believe me when I tell you:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: symbol; font-size: 11pt;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">It’s not your fault that your best friend (or you) developed breast cancer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: symbol; font-size: 11pt;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">If your spouse cheated on you, there was no gun to their head to make that choice.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: symbol; font-size: 11pt;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">You did not cause your child’s autism.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: symbol; font-size: 11pt;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The pain will not last forever. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Part of our
“job” as Mommies is to help our little guys and gals move forward, get
better, grow up. But growing up doesn’t end when they graduate from high
school. Adults have more growing up to do too. We need to let
go—of pain, fear, anger and move forward. Life’s trials, as awful as
they are, help us progress towards maturity and peace.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Do you want
to be happy and enjoy your life? Then choose what you want to fight
for. Your child is worth fighting for, your friend is worth fighting
for. And you are definitely worth fighting for.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Relax Mommies, you’ve got this.
</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-75077620496155231622016-02-12T08:00:00.000-05:002016-02-12T08:00:24.679-05:00Self-care is not selfish<div class="WordSection1">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1L4Zo7blLoA/Vrqkey9KHlI/AAAAAAAAAYc/64aBqTMpqtI/s1600/DSCN1738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1L4Zo7blLoA/Vrqkey9KHlI/AAAAAAAAAYc/64aBqTMpqtI/s320/DSCN1738.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Fresh air and sunshine makes a mommy happy</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dear Mommies,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">A tweet inspired this post.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">“Self-care is not selfish.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">It’s true,
but the difficulty all mommies face, is actually doing true self-care.
We take care of everyone, our own needs usually come last. We are the
most run down, most stressed-out member of the family.
Sure, you may have taken your little guy in for his third ear infection
of the year, but I’m willing to bet you’re not feeling so good
yourself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Self-care
doesn’t mean that you grab the girls and head for the spa for a relaxing
weekend of pampers—although that sounds wonderful! It’s not buying a
new pair of shoes, an expensive bottle of wine or going
platinum blond. Those are treats—which you deserve—but not the regular
care that you need and must have!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Self-care
is going to bed early once a week to grab an extra hour of sleep.
Self-care is a daily multi-vitamin for women. Self-care is a water
bottle in the car at all times, a 10-minute power walk, decent
lip balm or moisturizer and mindful breathing. Self-care is saying no
to that volunteer request, because you’re already doing three things on
the same day. And saying no to the donuts that are offered as
breakfast—where are the strawberries?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">In essence,
self-care is the mind-body-soul balance that mommies need to take care
of themselves to take care of others. Sounds simple, but it’s tough to
do. Although I promise you, one little change (like
an extra hour of sleep) will make a big difference.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Relax Mommies, you’ve got this.</span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-21532655711618733492016-01-29T07:00:00.000-05:002016-01-31T22:15:45.333-05:00Less is Best<div class="WordSection1">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNFbvSi_sro/VqY2BbuNs4I/AAAAAAAAAYI/sGePdX9d000/s1600/Crossed-out-Calendar_361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNFbvSi_sro/VqY2BbuNs4I/AAAAAAAAAYI/sGePdX9d000/s320/Crossed-out-Calendar_361.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dear Mommies,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">So how did the first month of this year treat you?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Were you able to make it through the winter weather (or for some parts of the country, weird winter weather)?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">And how are your closets? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Ahead of the spring cleaning and yard sale
season, here are 10 steps that can help you thin out your closet and
the kids' closets. Less clutter, can mean a happier home.
Hint: Do this during nap time, toddlers watching adult closet clean may not end
well (see: <i>Find Me a Woman</i> (Assent, 2014), pp156-57).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Take everything out of your closet (you might find that missing <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT1472_com_zimbra_date" role="link"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT1473_com_zimbra_date" role="link">Christmas</span></span> present). Everything out. Dump on the bed or floor.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Limit yourself to four piles: Donate, Keep, Clean & Store, Toss (in the trash).</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Keeping clothing for
sentimental reasons equals cluttered closet. Be brutal—unless it’s
something you’ll wear in the next 3 months, donate it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Speaking of 3
months—if you aren’t going to wear the item for next season—store it or
donate it. Sweaters should be stored with cedar balls or sachets to keep
bugs away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Yeah, keep your
“fat” jeans, but not the skinny jeans. A woman’s weight fluctuates.
Having a pair of “I’ll-wear-them-after-the-diet” skinny jeans may make
you bitter and frustrated when they don’t fit. Let
them go!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Don’t be squeamish
about tossing clothes in the trash. Goodwill, Thred up and other used
clothing vendors, will toss immediately (or not even accept) any item
not in good condition.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">7.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Keep the basics. Think CJSSD — coat, jeans, skirt, shirt, dress.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">8.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Shoes, belts and
purses? Put them in a separate spot. Don’t deal with them until after
you’ve made your decisions about what to keep and toss. If anything is
missing, broken or frayed—toss it. Unless you have
a reliable shoe repair store AND are
worth it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">9.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Once you put your
clothes in your piles—stick with it. If you change your mind once or
twice, that’s okay. If you’re continuously moving items from pile to pile to pile,
you need to be tougher.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">10.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Do it by yourself.
It’s okay to have a clothes shopping buddy, but not a closet buddy. It’s your
body, your closet and your time. Things slow down if there’s more
than one opinion that’s being aired about an ugly sweater.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The point
about combing through your wardrobe in such a drastic fashion, is
twofold. First you de-clutter, second, you refresh your closet. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Relax, Mommies, you’ve got this.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-52639421359982310172016-01-25T10:11:00.000-05:002016-01-25T10:11:03.905-05:00First, dream your dreams . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EBbDBjF-pWE/Vp2XF6ifQaI/AAAAAAAAAX0/0becxADB2Cs/s1600/DSCN0434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EBbDBjF-pWE/Vp2XF6ifQaI/AAAAAAAAAX0/0becxADB2Cs/s320/DSCN0434.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Dream a little dream.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dear Mommies,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">So much to
look forward to this year. I’m sure you're looking forward to your children’s
milestones, birthdays, first words, first steps, school step up days and lots of other “Firsts.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">But what
about you? I’m not talking about resolutions, which are in Mary Poppins
words, “pie crust promises: easily made, easily broken.” The problem
with resolutions is that they tend to focus on the negative—things
we want to fix in our lives (e.g., lose weight). Or they are too
ambiguous (e.g., I will be kinder to my mother-in-law).
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I’m talking about your dreams.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Will this
be the year you take up a cooking class, learn to speak French, travel
to Seattle, knit an infinity scarf, decorate your bedroom--bottom to
top, buy a big ticket item (not replacing something that’s
broken), or start your own blog?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dreams are
different from resolutions or goals because dreams are held in our
heart. They touch on our deepest desires. Fulfilling your dreams—big and
small—requires planning and work. And sometimes saving
your pennies. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Making your dreams is as hard as being a mommy. Here’s why:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Nothing in a mommy’s
life remains still for very long. Time is an friend and a foe. You want
your babies to stay little and sweet. But gosh, won’t it be great when
they’re out of diapers? Enjoy the
journey to your dream. You can start a dream journal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In the process of
making your dreams come true, you see them in the light of day. The
flaws, the faults, the warts. You do your best to correct them. But
sometimes the dream turns downright ugly.
Give it a time out and then come back to it. You’ll both benefit from a
breather. And you can always modify a dream.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">There are doubts and
side effects. Once you begin to fulfil a dream, it’s hard to tell where
it will lead and what the impact will be on your life. This is a little
scary. But your litmus test question
should be: Will my dream make me a better person? If yes, go for it.
Even if it’s something as intangible as just being a happier person
because you travelled to your dream destination.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">No matter
what, dreams are worth having and following. You should also teach your
children to have some dreams. A child who dreams is on the path to a
brilliant imagination.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Relax, Mommies, you’ve got this.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0United States7.9199717906810623 -127.96875-17.602062709318936 -169.277344 33.442006290681064 -86.660156tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-70727926585550475942015-12-18T20:40:00.000-05:002015-12-18T20:40:00.730-05:00You Never Know . . . Hug More This Christmas.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xrIv6N403HA/VmzLIMSwv0I/AAAAAAAAAXc/lNAi23gWzs4/s1600/DSCN0643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xrIv6N403HA/VmzLIMSwv0I/AAAAAAAAAXc/lNAi23gWzs4/s320/DSCN0643.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dear Mommies,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Last week a woman passed away at my workplace.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">They found
her in the ladies’ room. Although her co-workers called EMT immediately, it was too late.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">She was dead about 20 minutes after getting in the office door. She wasn’t old or sickly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I’ll admit,
it feels kind of odd to be in the same ladies room stall as she was in her final moments.
To know that her last breaths on earth were taken in her place of work. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I don't think anyone wants to die where they work—unless it’s your
business. Even then, we want to be surrounded by those who love
us and by those who want to help us die peacefully.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I hate to
be morbid, this blog is about encouraging you in your mommyhood journey.
But I wanted to tell you that no matter what happens this holiday
season—life is too short to stress or feel negative or overwhelmed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">So, promise
yourself you’ll shop less and hug more. You’ll bake less and smile
more. You’ll tell someone that you love them even when they aren’t
acting very lovable. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Please know in your heart of hearts, your babies would rather
you around for them than hand-crafted gifts, cookies or toys.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Relax Mommies, you've got this!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-48859378145412907912015-12-14T20:29:00.000-05:002015-12-14T20:29:00.088-05:00Peace & Quiet<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8MX2jXcLHo/VmzJwDzWt7I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/hSGtTgVwBFY/s1600/DSCN0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8MX2jXcLHo/VmzJwDzWt7I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/hSGtTgVwBFY/s320/DSCN0141.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dear Mommies,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The one thing you need this <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT52_com_zimbra_date" role="link">Christmas</span>, you won’t get.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Sleep.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Oh, I know
you’ll try, but I have a feeling that like me, you’ll have a ton of last
minute things to do and gifts to wrap and cookies to box, and so on…And
sleep will be put on the back burner. You’ll promise
yourself that you’ll catch up on sleep after the holidays. You promise
yourself lots of naps on the snowy days to come. And you promise you’ll
finally feel refreshed when you wake up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Right.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The problem
with that plan is that the holidays merge into the new year. Like a
race car. And the craziness doesn’t end. You’ll still have the day to
day busy-ness of kids and house and heaven help us, the
pets. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">My advice
(and I promise to take it myself), is to go to bed early. As much as you
can. Wake up early if you still have lots to do. But it’s better to go
to bed early, than to wake up late. You can’t catch
up on sleep by sleeping later in the morning. And it’s impossible to do
with toddlers. Because of our bodies’ sleep-wake cycles and hormones we
can’t get any of those hours back. The late night feedings, colic
and/or fevers that keep our babies restless, take
away any sort of rest we may try to bank in our sleep savings account.
Add in stress, and it’s an instant recipe for sleep deprivation.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The reason
I’m pushing for sleep is that it the lack of it ruins your day, makes
you irritable, foggy and forgetful. It should be a vitamin that we can
just swallow with water. Like time—we really can’t get
any of it back. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">So this <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT53_com_zimbra_date" role="link">Christmas</span>, give yourself the gift of sleep. Early to bed—that means before 10:00pm!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Relax mommies, you’ve (yawn) got this!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-48044966605935497722015-11-20T22:53:00.000-05:002015-11-20T22:53:00.183-05:00Embrace the Crazy<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9EVnGHeKO4/VkVdYfoIxQI/AAAAAAAAAWs/kWTx2OdIAFY/s1600/Photo%2B104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9EVnGHeKO4/VkVdYfoIxQI/AAAAAAAAAWs/kWTx2OdIAFY/s320/Photo%2B104.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"> <b> You aren't in control today.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dear Mommies,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">A long time ago, I heard a very crass comment from a man about a woman being a “slave” to her hormones. That same man became my husband and has since learned to respect both a woman AND her hormones.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">It’s a tough for men—being on the outside looking in. On the surface women may appear irrational, but what's going on underneath is orchestrated chemical chaos. No woman wants to be emotionally vulnerable. We want to be in charge of our selves. It’s difficult to explain unless you go through it. Little girls can have tantrums, however, it’s socially unacceptable for a “big” girl to lose it in the supermarket because she purchased six boxes of zip-lock baggies that were <i>supposed</i> to be on sale. She wouldn’t have bought them if there wasn’t a coupon, okay?!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">On the other end of the spectrum, women on the edge of menopause are grieving. Sure, they’re elated they no longer need to deal with pain, bloating and skin issues. But, they’re no longer fertile. Their child bearing years are over. They are no longer young. It’s rough. And it’s scary too. Hair dyes and skin toners can’t erase the inevitability of death. Menopause is a due date—not the good kind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4yQgN3Ku-8/VkVdsxrYFwI/AAAAAAAAAW0/zbzosFH-res/s1600/Photo%2B108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4yQgN3Ku-8/VkVdsxrYFwI/AAAAAAAAAW0/zbzosFH-res/s320/Photo%2B108.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">No matter where you are in your mommy journey, <b>pay attention</b> to those days when Hallmark commercials make you sob uncontrollably. Or when you have just glue-gunned yourself into amazing holiday project oblivion. Or days when you’d eat raw meat (right off your ex-best friend’s leg). When I fight those powerful urges to create or destroy, I am extremely restless and frustrated. Unfortunately, I take it out on family and innocent passers-by. Working against nature is a recipe for disaster.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Don’t make me sit and balance my checkbook when I am fuming over child abuse injustices. Don’t force me to be creative when I can only think about sleeping. Please, don’t ask me to go shopping with you, when there’s a cute little burlap bag at home that I can whip up in a second. Okay, 2 hours (darn Pinterest).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I will write when I feel the urgings to write. Or I will whirlwind through the house, fueled by a mocha latte (or two) destroying dust bunnies in my wake. I will take off from work and select the best holiday dress for you—I promise.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I have chosen to embrace the ebb and flow of these powerful chemicals, which are themselves affected by even more powerful forces— the moon, age and The Divinity.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I hope you do too.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Relax, mommies you’ve got this!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-14386235486747796492015-11-13T22:41:00.000-05:002015-11-13T22:41:00.119-05:00Thanksgiving: The forgotten holidayDon't forget Thanksgiving<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwOPFNgKS-U/VkFj4QNcZcI/AAAAAAAAAWY/m6eGvrL1Ywk/s1600/DSCN0451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwOPFNgKS-U/VkFj4QNcZcI/AAAAAAAAAWY/m6eGvrL1Ywk/s320/DSCN0451.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Over the river and throught the woods...<br />
<br />
<br />
Dear Mommies,<br />
<br />
As the leaves finally change and collect in piles on the ground, we enter into the final months of the year. But in the post Halloween rush, retailers plunge us head-long into Christmas. Thanksgiving is only a speed bump to many stores. Sadly, many are open on the holiday, luring shoppers with deals and promises of amazing sales.<br />
<br />
Thanksgiving is one of the most important holidays that we have. For many reasons.<br />
Practically speaking, we see many family members we haven't seen in years.<br />
We get to show off our culinary skills--and surprise a few people with darn good cooking.<br />
Our munchkins finally learn how to behave at a formal dinner.<br />
We slow down, take a day off and gather around the table.<br />
We express our gratitude for food, family and all the blessings we've received.<br />
<br />
Has anyone ever been thankful for you, a mommy?<br />
<br />
It's too bad there isn't more time between November 26 and December 25. We often need much more time to be thankful for everything. Including moms.<br />
<br />
Relax, mommies. You've got this!<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-26709866507306898212015-09-04T21:08:00.000-05:002015-09-04T21:08:00.183-05:00Back to school: Feeling empty<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xF7Fu7nOP3I/VeepiSAEjwI/AAAAAAAAAV0/CKs3MwWecWQ/s1600/DSCN1243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xF7Fu7nOP3I/VeepiSAEjwI/AAAAAAAAAV0/CKs3MwWecWQ/s320/DSCN1243.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dear Mommies,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Feeling empty?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">It’s that time of year and many of you have had to let go of your babies in one way or another. Whether you’ve just finished driving your “baby” out to the college campus of her choice or you’re dropping your angel off at pre-school, you may feel like something is missing or lost.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">In her book, <i>A View from <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT504_com_zimbra_date" role="link" style="color: #087fc9; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT505_com_zimbra_date" role="link" style="color: #087fc9; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Saturday</span></span></i>, E.L. Konigsburg’s wise character, Mr Singh explains why a teacher is feeling a sense of loss after her students win a final academic victory. He points out that we cannot experience missing something if we’ve never held it close in the first place. He also explains to the teacher that she and her students are on a journey. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">And you Dear Mommies are also that teacher. You have been in preparation for the special days of “First’s.” First day of kindergarten. First day of High School. First Day of college. All that work, all your blood, sweat and tears end with each milestone. You celebrate them briefly and prepare for the next, until one by one all your firsts are gone. There's a victory and a sadness with each achievement.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Sure, you can take pictures of the bus, the prom, the college graduation. But the instant is impossible to relive. So, stop, inhale, seal the memory in your heart. Your child is on a journey with you and you need to appreciate every day. And teach your child to savor every victory.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Relax Dear Mommies, you’ve got this.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-10129279790275594102015-08-17T21:30:00.000-05:002015-08-17T21:30:00.467-05:00One Great Mommy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eV8Lw_QQLaI/Vc1Qt2T4znI/AAAAAAAAATc/-lJK0wGKgMs/s1600/55bbec0d7ff47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eV8Lw_QQLaI/Vc1Qt2T4znI/AAAAAAAAATc/-lJK0wGKgMs/s320/55bbec0d7ff47.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dear Mommies,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I want to reflect on the life of my sister-in-law. We buried her recently—her body, not her spirit. She battled cancer for 22 years. Almost as soon as she graduated from college, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. But it didn’t stop her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">She worked; managing an office. She married her college sweetheart. She adopted two boys. She became involved in school and her neighborhood. She vacationed with her parents nearly every summer at the family shore house. She travelled and celebrated life. Her home was beautiful and welcoming—much like herself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">She endured round after round of chemo. She lost and regrew her hair at least 5 times, that I can recall. She lost the possibility of ever becoming pregnant. Because of the medications she took, her body was plunged into menopause at age 30. She endured hot flashes and night sweats. She had issues with a poorly designed implant, infections in sinuses and teeth and an IV port that nearly caused congestive heart failure. She had tumors in her liver, bone and brain. One year, she spent more time in medical centers and hospitals than she spent at home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">She toughed it out. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Put cancer on the back burner of her mind. She hosted Thanksgiving dinner and holiday parties with and without hair. And each time it grew back, she became more beautiful. She attended school plays, sporting events and recitals. She attended the weddings and graduations of her nieces, nephews and her one son. She was given the blessings of her delightful, albeit mischievous boys, who kept her on her toes. A husband who was able to manage the demands of his job, his sons and her care. A mother and father who were at the ready to drive her to chemo or just hold her hand from the vomiting to the blistering heartburn. A sister who always managed a sunny, but practical attitude--in life, love and food. Friends and neighbors that always dropped in to find out who needed what—a ride to lacrosse practice, a dozen cupcakes, a snow shovel, a stamp for a letter, a shoulder to cry on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">We didn’t lose her spirit. As her 9-year-old son told his aunt: “I’m sorry you are sad. But my mommy is with me.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-73417050247935123872015-07-07T21:23:00.003-05:002015-07-07T21:23:48.622-05:00Shark Week & Goldfish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uE2Br9qLblg/VZyDRElbrZI/AAAAAAAAATE/fH70y1jJ-EM/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uE2Br9qLblg/VZyDRElbrZI/AAAAAAAAATE/fH70y1jJ-EM/s1600/images-1.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Dear Mommies,<br />
<br />
Forget about Shark Week, let's concentrate on snacks.<br />
Toddlers typically eat three meals and a snack. When they don't, or if they refuse, there can be some parental panic.<br />
<br />
No worries: As long as they're thriving, picky eaters are simply testing the waters of food likes and dislikes.<br />
<br />
Small finger foods, like goldfish-shaped snacks are often a life saver when it comes to your hungry little predator. They also munch on Cheerios, chopped fruit and pasta noodles.<br />
<br />
If you think your baby is underweight, make sure you check with your pediatrician--weight is not always an indicator of poor health. BMI or body mass index, is a better benchmark. And it's probably better to have a slender child, than one that tends towards plumpness (see <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;">Toddler weight)</span>.<br />
<br />
<i><b>What's your toddler's favorite finger food?</b></i><br />
<br />
Relax Mommies, you've got this!<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158932225467827482.post-84680122078678817172015-06-12T21:24:00.000-05:002015-06-12T21:24:00.218-05:00Best words of your life...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-de6q6LIkeIo/VW5kg-Y6SeI/AAAAAAAAASs/P0zKYMayn3s/s1600/DSCN0551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-de6q6LIkeIo/VW5kg-Y6SeI/AAAAAAAAASs/P0zKYMayn3s/s320/DSCN0551.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">NO!</span></h2>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
Dear Mommies,</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
There are words and phrases that you will hear over and over again throughout your life as a mother.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
They include (but aren’t limited to):</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
“I didn’t do it.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
'I don't want to."<br />
<br />
"No!"<br />
<br />
"Please?"<br />
<br />
"Now!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
“But [insert name] has one.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
"I promise to…"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
I'll never do it again!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
"I want it!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
“Will it hurt?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
Your reaction to them should be the same—sighs, smiles and eye rolls. But no matter where you are in the child rearing process: "I love you" never gets old. Use it often.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i>What are your most heard words?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br />
<br />
Relax mommies, you've got this!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0