Several of you have inquired as to why I have not posted on my blog or to the fab mom facebook page in awhile. Where do I start? The past 2 months are somewhat of a blur. My oldest daughter graduated from college this month and I have been on a rollercoaster that would not stop. There have been parties, graduation preparation, tears, apartment hunting,more tears, car shopping and even more tears.Why the tears you may ask? My baby has grown up to be a beautiful young woman. What happened and where did the time go? Didn't I just snap a picture of her when she lost her first tooth? Didn't we just have "The Talk."? Who told her she could grow up so fast? Guilty as charged. As Mom's we encourage our children to not be afraid to conquer the world and do everything we can to prepare them for this day. However, when that glorious day arrives, it is hard to let go. Just know that we prepared them as best as we could and EXHALE.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do
that. Dr. Martin Luther King, J r.
"J" and I were discussing Black History month and I asked what she thought the above quote meant.
Her response:
"Hating each other will not solve problems but loving each other will be the solution." Priceless.
What a week!). I have been to the library with "J" 3 times this week; sat through karate practices and sparring; explored the American Revolution, Bunker Hill and the Boston Tea Party; reviewed greek/latin root words and tried explaining the difference between Depends and Diapers. I LOVE BEING A MOM. I worked on my taxes; tried explaining the intricacies of perpendicular lines and discussed why too many acidic beverages could cause acid erosion of the teeth.(Yes, we are also dentists) I LOVE BEING A MOM !
It's that time. I need a Fab Mom renewal. I plan to get a mani-pedi and facial; watch a movie that will not include any Disney character's (love them) and entertain myself with a
german chocolate cupcake(don't judge me). I also plan to see the musical FELA!. A blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies— mixed with eclectic rhythms with simple but powerful lyrics. I may dance in the aisle : - ) As moms, we must remember to feed our souls and lift our spirits in order to be the best for our children. I LOVE BEING A MOM !
We are all familiar with the Pay It Forward concept. Well, Fab Mom would like to challenge you to Fab Mom It Forward.
Fab Mom It Forward is when moms support other moms by offering words of encouragement; provide comfort during tough times; use personal or professional skills to build self-esteem; send a humorous card just because; sit with a friends child/children for a few hours while they get a mani-pedi or makeover or plan a moms night-out. The possibilities are
endless. Maybe your neighbor is a single mom with a full-time job. Surprise her by preparing extra food for her family when you are preparing dinner for yours so that she does not have to prepare dinner when she arrives home from work. Maybe you are a professional hairstylist, personal trainer or a good listener. We can use what we have to support other moms who might need a little extra help. God knows there were times when support from other moms helped me get through some pretty tough times. We love our children and there is no deeper bond than that between mother and child. However, with so many other responsibilities we can sometimes stretch ourselves to the limit. Last week I sent a humorous card to a friend who is an attorney and works long hours. She has 2 children and had a very tough week and felt like she was at the end of her rope. She called after receiving the card to say just how much she appreciated the gesture and how the card was right on time and just what she needed. Any one of us can do this. Let’s spend more time supporting one another instead of judging one another. After all, we're all mothers with a common goal -- raising healthy and happy children.
Fab Mom It
Forward.
I enjoy meditation and quiet time to reflect not just on my life but my life with my husband and children. We want the best for our children and want them to have contented lives. As moms we want our children to be wise and not make foolish decisions. We want them to treat their peers with respect and not disregard. We want them to be modest and not arrogant. Bottom line - We want our children to live "Happily Ever After." Well, I'm not sure if there is such a thing. However, I do beleive that we should pray for our children..
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when
they are old they will not turn from it. ~ Proverbs 22:6
Enjoy the bittersweet experience.
Happy New Year Fab Moms!!!
For many 2012 was a slowing moving blur and for others it flew by at warp speed. For some 2012 was filled with 60 hour work weeks; play dates; taking the kids to lacrosse, basketball, soccer or football practice. We chased our little ones through the mall, endured a visit from the mother-in-law, and tried to decipher 5th grade geometry. Well, you get the idea. The life of a fab mom can be stressful and the stress can be consuming. With that said, let's try to take time to de-stress in 2013. Sometimes it's a matter of listening to our inner voice. For example, I enjoy laying in bed watching a good movie by myself. I also enjoy quiet moments with my husband doing absolutely nothing...just knowing that he is close by relaxes me. In addition, I have had a love affair with the elliptical for awhile now : - ) I love spending time with my family. However, I accept that I also need time to nurture my own needs in order to care for theirs.
How do you de-stress?
Last week as I frantically prepared for Christmas day It dawned on me that I was missing out on what Christmas was really about. I was somewhat ashamed and angry with myself for spending hours in the stores only to return home absolutely exhausted and irritable. This was not me at all. I enjoy the serenity of the holidays and spending quality time with my family. Every Christmas morning my family and I gather before opening any presents and talk about what Christmas means to us. We sing Christmas songs and an elder family member tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ and the Wise Men. My favorite part of the day is watching the delighted looks on the faces of the children gathered to hear the story of Jesus Christ. This is a tradition I have chosen to leave with my children. Don't get me wrong...the kids (and adults : -) tear open the boxes of presents like the world was going to end :-) Nevertheless, I have established a foundation on which they can build on in the future if they choose to do so.
What Fab Mom traditions have you established?
This evening when we sat down to supper my 10 year old daughter asked my husband and me about the shooting in Connecticut. I was shocked as my husband and I had decided to wait until this evening to discuss it with her because we knew she would hear about it in school on Monday morning. In a matter of seconds I grabbed "J" and began to hug her. "Mommy, I can't breath" she said as she gasped for air. I was terrified for her to leave my side. I begin to reflect internally on September 11, 2001 when I held my then 12 year old daughter "A" so tightly that she could barely breath. I slept with her that evening to protect her. This is every parent's worse nightmare. Once I gathered my thoughts I asked "J" what she had heard. I explained that sometimes people's minds are sick just like our bodies sometimes get sick and that on a very rare occasion someone's mind doesn't tell him what is and isn't okay to do and what is right and wrong gets confused. This can cause a person to do something senseless. I assured her that this was rare and I hugged her again and told her that I loved her very much. Her response " I love you too mommy and will be here if you need me." Out of the mouths of babes. Please pray for all those affected by this senseless tragedy