Beware of Mama Bear

When most people describe me, I often hear kind comments.  I've been called a sweetheart, cute, kind, loyal, friendly, and the list goes on.  No, this does not go to my head and I'm not here to toot my own horn.  Rather, I'd like to showcase a different side of me.  Today I present to you, the rarely seen "mama bear."

While I dearly love the fabulous Berenstain Bear family books and tv series, I'm not referring to the lovely and wise matriarch of the family.  I'd like to think I'm both of those things, but that's not what I'm talking about today.  The instinctively protective nature of most mothers can bring out the bear in even the mildest mannered mommy, myself included.

Since I became pregnant with my oldest child, I've been presented with various situations that have brought out the grizzly in me.  If my children are threatened in any way, I can become a ferocious defender.  Yes, every inch of my under 5' frame has the ability to fill with adrenaline as I stand up for my offspring.  I'm not rippling like the Incredible Hulk, but I believe that the love for my boys would make me a strong adversary.

Truth be told, being a mama bear is not about physical strength.  It's about love, heart, determination, and protecting those you love.  The situations that provoke this portion of our personality come in all forms and do not usually result in a physical altercation.  I should clarify here.  Honestly, I've never been in a fight.  In my younger years I stood between people to stop them, but that's as far as it goes for me.  My kids need me to keep them safe in whatever way that applies.  At this stage in their young lives, it is my responsibility (and my husband's) to keep them away from people and out of situations that I feel would be unhealthy for them.  If I didn't do that, what kind of mama bear would I be?

Are you a mama or papa bear?  Do you feel it is your responsibility to protect your child?  Does that mama/papa bear feeling ever go away?  How far would you go to protect your child?

Beware of Mama Bear!

Today Is Not Monday

Wow!  It's not Monday!  The plan was to blog yesterday, but life had it's own ideas.  Beyond the thunderstorms that flashed, boomed, and shook homes, we had a few unexpected items on our to do list.  It involved stripped beds, pillow cases, and couch covers.  We cleaned carpets and used up a can of lysol.  All of this was a result of our oldest son coming down with a case of pink eye!

We had a nice visit with some of our East coast family this past weekend.  It wasn't nearly long enough, but we enjoyed every bit of our time with Grampa & P.  We celebrated my father-in-law & M's birthdays during their stay with us.  The boys had a hard time saying goodbye.

M's birthday is today!  My sweet baby boy is 5 years old!  Time goes by so quickly.  When I think back to the day M was born, I remember anxiety, excitement, and anticipation.  M's birth was scheduled, due to the complications of my previous labor and delivery, so it didn't hold the same amount of surprise as my first.  However, it was the day that my family became complete.  My husband and oldest son were the only ones (besides hospital staff) to hold M before I did.  While I was being stitched up and recovering from surgery, they bonded with M.  I felt so blessed and grateful to hold that little man in my arms for the first time.  I cannot believe how quickly 5 years goes by.  Happy 5th birthday M!  I love you!

It's been a whirlwind in our lives lately.  Birthdays, holidays, illness, end of the school year activities, and the list goes on and on.  As Summer vacation is fast approaching, I've decided to make some blog changes.  From June 1, 2010 through September 2010, I will be blogging once a week on Mondays.  My Monday and Wednesday blog schedule should return to normal in October.  Much like my previous "Holiday Blog hours,"  there may be unpredictable blog posts scattered amongst the Summer days.  Possibly even a craft induced post.

I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  Thank you to all of our veterans and the families who support them!  *  Happy Birthday to my father-in-law (yesterday)!  Happy Birthday to Diane tomorrow!

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY TO M!!!

Sticking With It

This morning I delivered a thank you gift to the staff of my son's school.  As a PTO representative and school volunteer, I've had the opportunity to see all of these wonderful people in action more often than some parents.  I'm so grateful for all of the time and energy the teachers and staff put into the education of our children.  However, working in the school goes far beyond teaching kids how to write, read, and do math. I appreciate the positive example these adults set for my children and was able to provide them with a small token to acknowledge everything that they do.


Saying the words thank you, or a simple gesture of thanks, show appreciation.  You can encourage and invigorate the spirits of those who work so hard with the smallest actions.  Everyone needs a little pat on the back from time to time. 


A tin from Target's dollar spot, $1.  Scrap paper, ribbon, and a paw print punch already owned, $0.  Old fashioned candy sticks (40) in school colors from Cracker Barrel, $4.  A little time and thoughtfulness to say, "Thanks for sticking with our kids this year!," priceless.

Is there anyone you need to thank today?  Someone who needs a bit of encouragement?  

Let someone know you appreciate what they do.

Love Me... Loves Me Not...

Those you love the most, can ultimately hurt you the most.  They have the power to shatter your heart, because they have a piece of it.  Family is often full of "loves me... loves me not..." relationships.  This sentiment rings true, with a loud and clear bell, when it comes to siblings.  

My own boys showcase the classic sibling rivalry one minute, and are "best buddies for life" the next.  Those sweet moments of holding hands while they walk, an unexpected hug, and the other random actions that show brotherly love are priceless.  Then there are the times when the words, "you ruined my whole life," slip out.  As they grow, I hope to see them hold strong to their bond as brothers and best friends.  

Whether it's siblings, friends, or a significant other, when the final petals fall, I hope your flower says 

"loves me..."

Who in your life do you feel will always fall in the "loves me..." category?  

Is there anyone who lands in your "loves me not..." list?

Happy Monday!

1 Year Blogger-versary

The celebration of my 1 Year Blogger-versary begins by reflecting on 5 of my most memorable posts in the past year.  While other posts pop into my mind as well, these five stand out to me. 

My 5 Most Memorable Blog Posts of the Past Year (in no special order)

1.  Good News!   Good News is simple and sweet, but it ranks high on the most memorable blogs of the past year simply because it was the first step into my life as a blogger!

2.  Meet Me On Monday: Romantic Notions  Sharing a part of myself through "Meet Me On Monday" is something I need to do again soon.  This particular post is such a special memory for me and I can't help but lovingly reflect on how I felt during that time in my life. 

3.  Never Forgotten   I made a promise that my friend, Dennis, would never be forgotten.  I wrote this blog post in honor of his sacrifice.  He was killed in Iraq in July of 2006.

4.  Breaking The Chain of Domestic Violence  When I decided to blog about this topic, I felt that sharing my story might make a difference in the life of someone else.  No matter how difficult the subject matter was to tackle, it was worth posting if it helps just one person. 

5.  The Family Lighthouse  This small tribute to Nana was certainly a very memorable post in the past year.  What an absolute blessing it has been for me to be able to know my husband's Nana.

Leave a comment under this post and let me know what memorable posts (these or others) you enjoyed this past year.  OR What is one of your own memorable moments (or blog posts if you are a blogger) over the past year?

Happy Birthday To Me

Me & my 2009 Arnie's birthday cake

No matter how young or old you are, birthdays are important.  In fact, each year is special and priceless, because you'll never get those days back.  Those that wish they could spend just one more day with loved ones will be some of the first to tell you how precious a birthday is.

When I celebrate my birthday each year, I think about my Mom.  This is not just because my birthday sometimes falls on Mother's Day (or only days different).  Giving birth to my first child opened my eyes to how special that day can be for a mother.  My heart fills with pure joy when my boys' birthdays occur each year.

Last year, I hit a very big milestone in my life (not the only one of the year).  I hit the big 3-0!  If you remember correctly, Mother's Day fell on May 10th last year, so I shared my day with all of the other moms in this world.  My celebration, with my Mom, husband, and boys, was quiet and special.  Those that remembered my day made it even more cherished.

Today, I will party like a rock star as I turn 30 again!  Okay.  Fine.  I won't party like a rock star.  I'll have another peaceful and blessed birthday, unless my husband and boys have been hiding something really big.  Admitting that I'm getting older shouldn't be a big deal either.  People still mistake me for a teenager on a regular basis.

How do/did you celebrate Mother's Day?  Birthdays?  Do you have special traditions with Mom?  Are birthday traditions different for yourself, your spouse, your kids? 

Happy Mother's Day to all of my Mom readers... especially my Mom!

*****

This week is full of celebrations!  Just to name a few:  Mother's Day, my birthday, & of course my 1 year Blogger-versary!!!  Would you like to celebrate with me once again on Wednesday?  Will there be prizes you ask?  Of course there will be!  What's a celebration without presents?

Oh, and don't think I'm going to forget this past weekend...

*** HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MARYBETH!!!  ***

Children Are The Future

With 6 weeks left of school, the accompanying whirlwind has hit our lives!  Students everywhere are growing excited and impatient throughout the final complete month of the school year, and my children are no exception.  Teachers are busy trying to fit every last piece of required learning into their schedules.  Final field trips, talent shows, and extra activities are filling up the previously unscheduled moments rather quickly.

Beyond tying up lose ends, districts everywhere are also preparing for the upcoming school year that starts in the Fall of 2010.  Re-enrollment forms have gone out and Kindergarten registration is in full force.  In fact, my youngest son will be among those entering the class of 2023 when September rolls around.  Due to this fact, my days will change immensely when Summer ends.  It's certainly one of many bittersweet moments I'll face in my life.

Over the past few weeks, we've learned of many other alterations that will occur in our school district when Fall arrives once again.  We are not alone in these fluxuations, but they are disheartening none the less. People I've come to know as friends are losing their jobs, classroom sizes will increase, and an abundance of adjustments will be made.  As our communities face an array of questions, I keep coming back to one thought.  Something has to change!

If you are a teacher or a school staff member, I applaud you!  Thank you for all that you do for our children today!  You are appreciated!!!

What can our government do to improve the situations that are now affecting our children and their education?  How can we keep the educators that are a positive influence on our kids?  What can we do to help?  What are your thoughts on the budget cuts that have caused a major overhaul in schools?  If you have not yet done so, contact your state representatives with your concerns.

Children are the future!

I used to love singing this song and thought it fit today's post.  Enjoy!