Insult to Injury

Bullying is a hot topic in today's society.  While the focus is generally on children, the fact is that adults deal with it as well.  Rumors are spread, people gossip, and whispers can be heard behind each other's backs.  Simply put, it hurts.

Physical injuries are visible and people often easily recognize your need to slow down and heal.  It's not as simple with the emotional hurts we incur.  Most are unable to see heartache without someone verbalizing it.  We all react differently to these circumstances and at times they can even change our personality.  No matter if the issue is large or small, it can affect us.

Imagine a friend, acquaintance, or someone you work with.  Now think about that person talking negatively about you behind your back.  Think about how you would feel when you found out.  What if you had put your heart into something and those hurtful words were about how you handled it?  Would it sting?  Picture a time in your life when you were feeling disheartened.  Now throw that insult to your already injured heart.  Where would you be mentally after that?  Add in that more than one person was talking about you.  How much damage is done now?

Constructive suggestions and hurtful criticisms are not one and the same.  We don't always agree and our process & actions aren't going to be exactly the same.  Sometimes we need to discuss it to gain understanding or explain our own thoughts & concerns.  Certain people are detail oriented planners, while others are the "fly by the seat of their pants" type.  Each of us has strengths and weaknesses.  The world works well with all kinds of people in it.  Where would we be if we were all the same?  Respect, teamwork, kindness, and understanding go a long way.

"If there was only one note how boring life would be.  I'm glad there are so many notes in many different keys."


When life seems to be a whirlwind of negative, how do you shut it off?  Do you have a personal pause "button" to give you time to reflect, refocus, relax, & rejuvenate?  How are you able reclaim your brain and your life?  

The Name Game

Lately, I've found myself playing the name game.  No, not "banana nana fo fanna..."  I'm talking about the name game that all parents play at some point in their life.  You know the one I'm talking about, don't you?  Not sure yet?  Okay, let me give you a couple of examples.

Mom:  "Hey O, can you pick up that book on the floor?"
Son 2:  "Ummmm..."
Mom:  Oh, I'm sorry M, I thought you were your brother."

How about....

Mom:  "I told you to stop making all that noise M!  Please stop now!" 
Son 1:  "Mom it's not M, it's me O!" 

Oops there I go again! 

I love it best when they walk up behind me and I incorrectly assume which of my boys there.  The response is either a giggle or a roll of the eyes accompanied by, "Moooommm!"  At this point, they still find the mix up amusing.

As they get older, the 2 year difference in their ages seems less noticeable.  Some people even occasionally mistake them for twins.  My older son only has a few inches on his younger brother.  They enjoy many of the same activities and toys, and dress in similar clothes.  Even their voices sound alike.  It's easy to hear one of them call for me and not be sure who is doing the calling.  Needless to say, it's easy to get confused.

When it comes down to it, my boys are very different.  However, there is no possible way to look at them and question that they are indeed brothers.  I enjoy observing all of the ways that they are alike and the ways that they are not.  Even if I mix up their names once in a while.

Do you play the name game?  How do your kids react? 

Meet Me On Monday: The O & M of CMOM

Meet Me On Monday

This Monday, and random Mondays here after, my blog will reveal something about me. All Meet Me On Monday blogs will be clearly labeled.

Warning:

The rantings of an exhausted mother of 2 young boys to follow... proceed with caution at your own risk!

You are about to embrace the Mom side of me. Being a Mom is a major portion of my life. Often, I put my children ahead of myself, as most mothers do. Some days I am Super Mom and I fly through the day with ease, always coming to the rescue when a toy is missing or a boo-boo needs bandaging. Then there are the days where I feel as though I can't find one moment of peace and quiet, my kids are fighting without a chance of resolution, and my mind is stuck in the washing machine. Those days, I feel as though I could run out the door screaming! Don't we all have those days and those moments? Please tell me I am NOT the only one here!

My children have run me ragged today, and we are barely into the afternoon. Don't get me wrong, I love them dearly and would do just about anything for my boys. However, they have pushed me to my limits today. Actually, let me clarify, my youngest son is the one who has left me feeling drained.

Today, my youngest son, I'll call him M, has pushed every button that I have! The details would only aggravate me more at this point. He is my "Fudgie" (go read Judy Blume's Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing -- Fudge book series). M has found ways to torment his mother, that his older brother never attempted. In fact, I don't think my oldest son, let's refer to him as O, ever imagined even trying to test me in the ways that M does. Aah yes, they are like day and night.

M is stubborn, shy, and his emotions are never invisible. If he's grumpy, you know it. If he's happy, he'll make you smile. When he's mad, look out! Giggles, silliness, and laughter are contagious with M. You always know where you stand, even if you don't understand why. M is a morning person and detail oriented. When M wants something, or decides something, it's not easy to sidetrack him. If he has a goal in mind, he's got his eye on the prize. He loves books, but prefers playing with cars and has a soft spot for Herbie the love bug. He is quiet and independent. M can be the most adorable and sweetest kid on the planet, when he wants to be.

O is outgoing, kind, and shows his emotions easily. He is extremely expressive and open with others. Often times you will hear him talking "older" than he is. O is the kid who is always willing to give a hug, kiss, or just cuddle with you. He LOVES to read and write. I see his future in the Arts (acting, music, or writing mostly). O is rarely quiet and is a very social child. He can be goofy or completely serious. Music is another love of my eldest son, always singing when he isn't talking. He is slightly obsessed with super heroes and Transformers, Bumblebee is #1 in his book. O will never be a fighter, except when necessary, but always a kind hearted soul.

These are my kids. They inspire me, exhaust me, enlighten me, scare me, make me laugh, make me cry, frustrate me, help me, encourage me, tease me, tolerate me, make me happy, and bring out the best, and worst, in me. Most of all, they love me and I love them too... with all of my heart and soul! I protect them like the biggest scariest Mama Lioness in the world, even though I'm probably one of the tiniest. These 2 "little men" of mine are the reason I want to be a better Mom and a better person. Without them, my life wouldn't be the same and wouldn't hold as much meaning, hope, or love. Knowing them is like knowing a part of me, because O & M are a huge part of my heart.

CMOM Productions

C - is for the man who loves me so

M - oh that's me, didn't you know?

O - is my first born son, he helped me grow

M - is my second born son, who completed my soul.

Productions- it's all about the life we live, people we love, and places we go.