With all the downfalls of technology and the Internet, great networking opportunities exist thanks to social networking sites such as Facebook. I found one of those yesterday--Red Envelope Day. Here's how the Facebook page explains this event:
Get a red envelope.
You can buy them at an office, craft or or most party supply stores. Even make one from red construction paper.
On the front, address it to:
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington , D.C. 20500
On the back, of the sealed envelope or postcard write the following message:
This envelope represents one child who died because of an abortion.
It is empty because the life that was taken is now unable to be a part
of our world.
When: Mail the red envelopes out on March 31st, 2009.
Be sure to include your return address on the envelope. (Handwritten mail seems to hold more weight in the political realm, so resist the urge to use your printer on this one.) Be sure to pray over your envelope before you mail it.
It may seem that those who believe abortion is wrong are in a minority. It may seem like we have no voice and it's shameful to even bring it up. Let us show our President and the world that the voices of those of us who do not believe abortion is acceptable are not
silent and must be heard.
Send this event notice to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. It would be wonderful if the White House received 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died [in the U.S.] before having a chance to live.
Together we can change the heart of The President and save the lives of millions of children.
Check out this blog for more ideas of how to make the most of this great opportunity.
My cynical side thinks, "These will just go in the garbage. If he even looks at them, he'll just ignore it." But, I believe that God can change anyone's heart--even the heart of a man who, in less than two months as President of the United States, has made it perfectly clear he doesn't care about all human lives. Please join me in sending a red envelope to President Obama on March 31. Go the extra mile and purchase the envelopes in bulk and give them to members of your church and social organizations as well as your friends and family.
As bad as things are in our country right now, we still have the freedom to express our opinions and stand up for what we believe is right. Please take advantage of this beautiful freedom that's been bought and protected with a lot of blood; we may not always have it.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Mama Bears
Everyone knows not to mess with a bear cub--even people who've never been in the woods where bears like to roam. We've all read stories or seen documentaries about bear attacks instigated when a mama bear decides her cub is threatened. You just don't go near a bear cub, no matter how cute and cuddly they appear.
Human mothers are a lot like bear moms. If you want to see an average, run-of-the-mill housewife become superwoman in an instant, threaten her child. She'll react quicker than you can realize you made a big mistake!
I've never been a very pushy, forward person. That was part of me that I knew would have to change if I continued in my chosen profession--journalism. While I haven't stayed in the journalism world I trained for and grew to love, I think I would be better as a reporter now because I have gained the "mama bear" attitude.
Over the past few months, I've seen myself take initiative, stand up for myself and push a little more than I used to in several situations--some directly related to my little "cub" and some with no bearing on her at all. Who knew motherhood could change a woman's whole attitude and outlook on life as well as the way she deals with others?
Human mothers are a lot like bear moms. If you want to see an average, run-of-the-mill housewife become superwoman in an instant, threaten her child. She'll react quicker than you can realize you made a big mistake!
I've never been a very pushy, forward person. That was part of me that I knew would have to change if I continued in my chosen profession--journalism. While I haven't stayed in the journalism world I trained for and grew to love, I think I would be better as a reporter now because I have gained the "mama bear" attitude.
Over the past few months, I've seen myself take initiative, stand up for myself and push a little more than I used to in several situations--some directly related to my little "cub" and some with no bearing on her at all. Who knew motherhood could change a woman's whole attitude and outlook on life as well as the way she deals with others?
Friday, February 27, 2009
Resolutions
“The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”
Well-known Scottish poet Robert Burns really hit the nail on the head when he penned similar words in the eighteenth century which were adapted to this familiar saying.
My 2009 began with many resolutions which broke cleanly out of the gate only to fall away from the field before we even hit the first turn. I wonder if any other mom struggles as much as I do just to keep up with daily chores. It seems like as soon as I get things organized and on a schedule and am beginning to make progress with various projects I have waiting in the wings something happens to derail the progress I’ve made and knock me back again.
Nothing monumentally challenging has happened this year. I was slow to get back in the swing of things after the holidays. A had a couple bouts with teething. (Have I ever mentioned what a rotten teether she is?) I’ve had a week or two of being “in the dumps,” which always affects my productivity. We had to rush A to the ER and spend a night in the hospital. And, the three of us spent a whole week being sick with some sort of wretched bug.
Anyway, as you already know, I haven’t been able to get around to updating the blog until now. I had grand plans for the year. I even mapped out a very doable schedule, including days to update this blog and our family blog. Honestly, it wasn’t an unobtainable schedule at all. I just never got it going in full swing before I got knocked back the first time, and then I couldn’t seem to get it rolling again.
I decided that I needed to try a different approach to scheduling myself. Instead of simply listing what I want to accomplish on which days, I scheduled out my time each day. Of course, I realize this schedule will need to be flexible as things pop up all the time. I’m one week into using the new schedule, and already I’m much more productive. In fact, I’ve accomplished several tasks that I’ve been putting off for four months!
Since this is the first week I’ve used the schedule, I haven’t followed it exactly; especially since there were several household tasks that really got pushed aside due to our recent illnesses; so time that I would use to write or work on other projects was used instead to complete those chores.
I think, too, that this schedule may keep me on track better and help me avoid the pitfalls of watching too much of The Today Show or spending too much time on Facebook! I think I sometimes wallow around in the decision of what to do first so long that once I decide where to begin I’ve already wasted half the day or I bemoan the fact that I have too many “boring” responsibilities to take care of before I can get to the more fun items on the list.
Getting all my responsibilities handled and caring for A are, of course, my priorities; but, to keep myself sane, I need to continue some other activities as well, such as my writing. I have this blog and our family blog, but I also have several writing projects I’ve been wanting to do for years. There are several books I would like to write; plus, I’d love to write a short story or poem every now and then. That was one of my favorite things to do in school, and I really miss it. And, of course, I can’t forget the therapeutic nature of keeping up with a journal or two! Also, I’ve just been given the opportunity to do some freelance writing again. Now, that’s something I can really get on board with since I get paid for it!!
Also, I have my photography business which is not exactly booming, but is slowly growing. In addition to the portrait sessions and weddings and other events I have advertised for, I’d like to do more shooting for fun. I have a whole list of ideas of things I can shoot in my area in order to turn around and sell as framed, unframed and matted prints.
Another thing I miss from school is reading good literature and reacting to it, either orally in a group or through a written medium like an essay. I have recently started reading again--fiction, non-fiction, classics; fun books with stories I can get lost in and deeper books that make me question things and want to do more research. I started a book club, too; and we met for the first time a week and a half ago. It was so much fun to discuss a common book with other ladies.
Cooking and baking, researching and organizing household papers are some other things I enjoy. The only actual “project” I wrote on my list of resolutions to complete in 2009 is organizing all my recipes and developing some sort of system where I can find them. That way I may actually make all those tasty dishes I salivated over before tossing them in my folder with hundreds of others!
While my year didn’t start the way I’d hope, my heart and desire is in the right place anyway; and I hope to get things running a little more smoothly around here!
How do you keep yourself organized and on track? What are some projects you like to do or activities you like to keep up with that help you maintain your sanity? I’d love to hear from moms like me!
Well-known Scottish poet Robert Burns really hit the nail on the head when he penned similar words in the eighteenth century which were adapted to this familiar saying.
My 2009 began with many resolutions which broke cleanly out of the gate only to fall away from the field before we even hit the first turn. I wonder if any other mom struggles as much as I do just to keep up with daily chores. It seems like as soon as I get things organized and on a schedule and am beginning to make progress with various projects I have waiting in the wings something happens to derail the progress I’ve made and knock me back again.
Nothing monumentally challenging has happened this year. I was slow to get back in the swing of things after the holidays. A had a couple bouts with teething. (Have I ever mentioned what a rotten teether she is?) I’ve had a week or two of being “in the dumps,” which always affects my productivity. We had to rush A to the ER and spend a night in the hospital. And, the three of us spent a whole week being sick with some sort of wretched bug.
Anyway, as you already know, I haven’t been able to get around to updating the blog until now. I had grand plans for the year. I even mapped out a very doable schedule, including days to update this blog and our family blog. Honestly, it wasn’t an unobtainable schedule at all. I just never got it going in full swing before I got knocked back the first time, and then I couldn’t seem to get it rolling again.
I decided that I needed to try a different approach to scheduling myself. Instead of simply listing what I want to accomplish on which days, I scheduled out my time each day. Of course, I realize this schedule will need to be flexible as things pop up all the time. I’m one week into using the new schedule, and already I’m much more productive. In fact, I’ve accomplished several tasks that I’ve been putting off for four months!
Since this is the first week I’ve used the schedule, I haven’t followed it exactly; especially since there were several household tasks that really got pushed aside due to our recent illnesses; so time that I would use to write or work on other projects was used instead to complete those chores.
I think, too, that this schedule may keep me on track better and help me avoid the pitfalls of watching too much of The Today Show or spending too much time on Facebook! I think I sometimes wallow around in the decision of what to do first so long that once I decide where to begin I’ve already wasted half the day or I bemoan the fact that I have too many “boring” responsibilities to take care of before I can get to the more fun items on the list.
Getting all my responsibilities handled and caring for A are, of course, my priorities; but, to keep myself sane, I need to continue some other activities as well, such as my writing. I have this blog and our family blog, but I also have several writing projects I’ve been wanting to do for years. There are several books I would like to write; plus, I’d love to write a short story or poem every now and then. That was one of my favorite things to do in school, and I really miss it. And, of course, I can’t forget the therapeutic nature of keeping up with a journal or two! Also, I’ve just been given the opportunity to do some freelance writing again. Now, that’s something I can really get on board with since I get paid for it!!
Also, I have my photography business which is not exactly booming, but is slowly growing. In addition to the portrait sessions and weddings and other events I have advertised for, I’d like to do more shooting for fun. I have a whole list of ideas of things I can shoot in my area in order to turn around and sell as framed, unframed and matted prints.
Another thing I miss from school is reading good literature and reacting to it, either orally in a group or through a written medium like an essay. I have recently started reading again--fiction, non-fiction, classics; fun books with stories I can get lost in and deeper books that make me question things and want to do more research. I started a book club, too; and we met for the first time a week and a half ago. It was so much fun to discuss a common book with other ladies.
Cooking and baking, researching and organizing household papers are some other things I enjoy. The only actual “project” I wrote on my list of resolutions to complete in 2009 is organizing all my recipes and developing some sort of system where I can find them. That way I may actually make all those tasty dishes I salivated over before tossing them in my folder with hundreds of others!
While my year didn’t start the way I’d hope, my heart and desire is in the right place anyway; and I hope to get things running a little more smoothly around here!
How do you keep yourself organized and on track? What are some projects you like to do or activities you like to keep up with that help you maintain your sanity? I’d love to hear from moms like me!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Well, I want my faithful readers to know that I haven't abandoned you--well, I guess I have; but not intentionally!!
I plan on getting back to blogging full steam ahead after the holidays!! I have a lot of ideas and am excited to get back to it. We've had a very busy fall with wonderful visits from family and a ton of activities with our church and other area groups. Add to that an extremely active potty-training 15-month-old who's been sick about three times and has been working hard on sprouting all four of her molars and you have an idea of how crazy my life's been!
We're looking forward to spending a few days back home with the family for Christmas and to having some awesome friends over for New Year's. Then, I'm hoping and praying for a little peace and quiet for at least a couple of months so we can finish this potty training stuff (at least the day-training part of it)!
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! I'm copying below some stuff we included in our family's Christmas newsletter. I hope you enjoy reading it as you think about the reason to celebrate Christ's birth!
LOOKING BACK OVER THE YEAR: 2008
As we sit here, thinking back over the past 12 months, we find ourselves remembering all the bad things: devastating hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes; countless casualties of war; untimely deaths, such as the loss of actor Heath Ledger; the brutal torture and murder of Christians throughout the world; the wavering economy; and soaring prices for daily necessities. But, we also have hope. This is not all there is to life. Tragedy is overwhelming and has the ability to weigh on us like a ton of bricks; but it doesn’t have the ability to take away eternity. In Christ, we have the promise of an eternity with Him in heaven; and we can know the certainty of that promise, especially in the face of a disaster that threatens to claim our life on this earth.
ETERNITY
This life is not the end. When we die we go either to heaven or to hell. All of us are sinful and evil by nature and deserve hell; however, God has provided a way to heaven through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. We can never do enough “good deeds” to work our way to heaven, but Christ paid the price for our sins when he suffered and died on the cross more than 2000 years ago. A believer’s life is not perfect and is difficult, but it is full of forgiveness for sins, the peace that passes understanding and the assurance of salvation and an eternity spent with the Maker of heaven and earth.
ACCEPT
We are sinners “...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God….” Romans 3: 23
Death is the price “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
BELIEVE
It’s all of grace “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2: 8, 9
Christ paid it “For christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit….” 1 Peter 3:18
CONFESS
We are secure “...that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
Obey and grow “but you, O man of God, ...pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life….” I Timothy 6:11, 12a
We wish each of you a wonderful Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Our prayer for you in 2009 is that you will accept Christ as your Savior and will know the peace that He brings or that your light will shine brighter for Him.
I plan on getting back to blogging full steam ahead after the holidays!! I have a lot of ideas and am excited to get back to it. We've had a very busy fall with wonderful visits from family and a ton of activities with our church and other area groups. Add to that an extremely active potty-training 15-month-old who's been sick about three times and has been working hard on sprouting all four of her molars and you have an idea of how crazy my life's been!
We're looking forward to spending a few days back home with the family for Christmas and to having some awesome friends over for New Year's. Then, I'm hoping and praying for a little peace and quiet for at least a couple of months so we can finish this potty training stuff (at least the day-training part of it)!
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! I'm copying below some stuff we included in our family's Christmas newsletter. I hope you enjoy reading it as you think about the reason to celebrate Christ's birth!
LOOKING BACK OVER THE YEAR: 2008
As we sit here, thinking back over the past 12 months, we find ourselves remembering all the bad things: devastating hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes; countless casualties of war; untimely deaths, such as the loss of actor Heath Ledger; the brutal torture and murder of Christians throughout the world; the wavering economy; and soaring prices for daily necessities. But, we also have hope. This is not all there is to life. Tragedy is overwhelming and has the ability to weigh on us like a ton of bricks; but it doesn’t have the ability to take away eternity. In Christ, we have the promise of an eternity with Him in heaven; and we can know the certainty of that promise, especially in the face of a disaster that threatens to claim our life on this earth.
ETERNITY
This life is not the end. When we die we go either to heaven or to hell. All of us are sinful and evil by nature and deserve hell; however, God has provided a way to heaven through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. We can never do enough “good deeds” to work our way to heaven, but Christ paid the price for our sins when he suffered and died on the cross more than 2000 years ago. A believer’s life is not perfect and is difficult, but it is full of forgiveness for sins, the peace that passes understanding and the assurance of salvation and an eternity spent with the Maker of heaven and earth.
ACCEPT
We are sinners “...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God….” Romans 3: 23
Death is the price “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
BELIEVE
It’s all of grace “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2: 8, 9
Christ paid it “For christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit….” 1 Peter 3:18
CONFESS
We are secure “...that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
Obey and grow “but you, O man of God, ...pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life….” I Timothy 6:11, 12a
We wish each of you a wonderful Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Our prayer for you in 2009 is that you will accept Christ as your Savior and will know the peace that He brings or that your light will shine brighter for Him.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Life After the Carriage
"First comes love, then comes marriage; here comes 'Betty' pushing a baby carriage."
You remember the children's taunt that began with "'Bob' and 'Jill' sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g." As children we'd crank up that little jingle whenever a friend had a crush in order to embarrass them. For boys I'm sure that ditty always brought a blush of shame; for the girls, it was usually more a blush of excitement followed by a giggle of glee!
Well, now that we're moms; we're beyond this. We're living life after the carriage, so to speak. But, there are no straightforward, easy-to-follow guidelines for this stage set to a particular beat so we can remember them. We did okay with the checklist: Love, check. Marriage, check. Baby carriage, check!
Often, we as moms feel like we're aimlessly wandering around looking for some direction as our newborn screams his head off for no apparent reason for hours on end or our toddler pitches a fit when we try to help her get food to her mouth or our five-year-old refuses to eat his vegetables and drink his milk or our teenager's hair is suddenly spikey and hot pink.
I have never felt as stupid, inadequate and lost as I did right after Allie was born. I questioned EVERYTHING! I even wondered--yes, I know this is ridiculous; don't laugh too hard--if it was okay for me to wear deodorant while I was nursing. I know my armpit really isn't that close to my milk supply; but, at the time, my sleep-deprived mind frantically thought Allie would ingest the deodorant and die. (Okay, maybe I didn't really think anything that extreme, but you get the point.)
How do we bathe her? How in the world are we supposed to clip the fingernails on something so tiny? Do we use powder when we change her diaper or not? What in the heck are we supposed to do when she cries constantly for three hours every night? Will I ever sleep again? How can I function on no sleep? Will I ever be able to leave the house again/will she ever nurse for less than 22 of the 24 hours in a day? Will I ever be able to eat my dinner in peace? Will she ever get on a some sort of schedule that includes naps in her crib instead of my arms? Will I ever feel like ME again?
So many questions on this side of the carriage. All the children's rhymes in the world can't prepare a mother for her job. Even with the best advice from other mom friends, we still can't be fully prepared for every situation or know what to do when faced with each question of motherhood that arises. Every child is different; every situation is different. We have to learn as we go and remember to be flexible and patient.
We'll all make mistakes. That's inevitable. But, we have to do what we think is best for our children in every situation. As long as we do that and blanket our little ones with love, we're going to make it through life after the carriage!
You remember the children's taunt that began with "'Bob' and 'Jill' sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g." As children we'd crank up that little jingle whenever a friend had a crush in order to embarrass them. For boys I'm sure that ditty always brought a blush of shame; for the girls, it was usually more a blush of excitement followed by a giggle of glee!
Well, now that we're moms; we're beyond this. We're living life after the carriage, so to speak. But, there are no straightforward, easy-to-follow guidelines for this stage set to a particular beat so we can remember them. We did okay with the checklist: Love, check. Marriage, check. Baby carriage, check!
Often, we as moms feel like we're aimlessly wandering around looking for some direction as our newborn screams his head off for no apparent reason for hours on end or our toddler pitches a fit when we try to help her get food to her mouth or our five-year-old refuses to eat his vegetables and drink his milk or our teenager's hair is suddenly spikey and hot pink.
I have never felt as stupid, inadequate and lost as I did right after Allie was born. I questioned EVERYTHING! I even wondered--yes, I know this is ridiculous; don't laugh too hard--if it was okay for me to wear deodorant while I was nursing. I know my armpit really isn't that close to my milk supply; but, at the time, my sleep-deprived mind frantically thought Allie would ingest the deodorant and die. (Okay, maybe I didn't really think anything that extreme, but you get the point.)
How do we bathe her? How in the world are we supposed to clip the fingernails on something so tiny? Do we use powder when we change her diaper or not? What in the heck are we supposed to do when she cries constantly for three hours every night? Will I ever sleep again? How can I function on no sleep? Will I ever be able to leave the house again/will she ever nurse for less than 22 of the 24 hours in a day? Will I ever be able to eat my dinner in peace? Will she ever get on a some sort of schedule that includes naps in her crib instead of my arms? Will I ever feel like ME again?
So many questions on this side of the carriage. All the children's rhymes in the world can't prepare a mother for her job. Even with the best advice from other mom friends, we still can't be fully prepared for every situation or know what to do when faced with each question of motherhood that arises. Every child is different; every situation is different. We have to learn as we go and remember to be flexible and patient.
We'll all make mistakes. That's inevitable. But, we have to do what we think is best for our children in every situation. As long as we do that and blanket our little ones with love, we're going to make it through life after the carriage!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Spaghetti Cupholder
So, my 13-month-old baby girl is starting to feed herself. This has actually been going on for several weeks, but she's finding more and more foods she's determined to be the only one to get in her mouth.
As I type this, Allie is feeding herself spaghetti and crowder peas. Peas, carrots, fruit and other things that look like or are typically considered "finger foods" have been Allie's territory for a while. Now, she's branching out and claiming all rights to spaghetti-feeding as well.
She, of course, does best with her hands; but she gives using a spoon or fork a very good try--and, occasionally, succeeds! She hates getting help and makes that very clear.
A few moments ago I had one of those experiences as a parent where your child is being disobedient or doing something wrong, but it's so darn funny you have a very hard time not laughing or at least smiling. Allie finished a big swallow of milk and proceeded to, very gently and purposefully, set the cup down in the middle of her spaghetti, as if that's exactly where it belonged.
I admit, I laughed. But, I turned my face very quickly, regained composure before turning back and sternly told her (while moving the now spaghetti-covered sippie cup) that her cup belongs in the cupholder, not her spaghetti.
I'm not the most patient person in the world (as my husband will readily attest to), so this is yet another difficult phase for me. I know before long I'll look back and say, "I can't believe I used to have to feed her at all!" Every little phase where she's learning something seems so difficult and never-ending at the time, but it really passes quickly. I just have to keep reminding myself of that!
As I type this, Allie is feeding herself spaghetti and crowder peas. Peas, carrots, fruit and other things that look like or are typically considered "finger foods" have been Allie's territory for a while. Now, she's branching out and claiming all rights to spaghetti-feeding as well.
She, of course, does best with her hands; but she gives using a spoon or fork a very good try--and, occasionally, succeeds! She hates getting help and makes that very clear.
A few moments ago I had one of those experiences as a parent where your child is being disobedient or doing something wrong, but it's so darn funny you have a very hard time not laughing or at least smiling. Allie finished a big swallow of milk and proceeded to, very gently and purposefully, set the cup down in the middle of her spaghetti, as if that's exactly where it belonged.
I admit, I laughed. But, I turned my face very quickly, regained composure before turning back and sternly told her (while moving the now spaghetti-covered sippie cup) that her cup belongs in the cupholder, not her spaghetti.
I'm not the most patient person in the world (as my husband will readily attest to), so this is yet another difficult phase for me. I know before long I'll look back and say, "I can't believe I used to have to feed her at all!" Every little phase where she's learning something seems so difficult and never-ending at the time, but it really passes quickly. I just have to keep reminding myself of that!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Encouragement
I meant to post last night but shut down my computer before I remembered--by then I was too tired to turn it back on!!
Yesterday was one of those days where things just weren't going quite right. We had napping issues and pottying issues, and I was just in a "blah" mood anyway. All day I kept thinking, "How am I going to write a positive, upbeat post on a blog for moms when I am the exact opposite of positive and upbeat?"
Then it hit me: I don't have to always be positive and upbeat or extremely helpful. I'm a mom; I have rough days just like every other mom. So, here's your encouragement: You're not alone when you have a bad day. There's nothing wrong with you; you're not a freak:) We all have them! The best thing to do is try not to let the little things (or the big things) get you down and keep pressing forward in this journey of motherhood!
Wherever you are, find fellow moms with little ones of similar ages and get together for playdates whenever you can. You can usually find this support in your church, your neighborhood or an online networking site.
Last weekend I discovered TriangleMommies.com. I have really, really enjoyed getting to "meet" moms in the area through the forums that are offered on the site. Today I got to go to my first playdate and thoroughly enjoyed putting faces with the names I'd become acquainted with online.
TriangleMommies is part of The Mommies Network. To find a group near you, click on the link. The Mommies Network started in Charlotte, NC. It never ceases to fascinate me what moms can create when they take their knowledge of a need and turn it into a passion to fill that need! (Mom4Life is proof of that--see an earlier post about this site!)
On TriangleMommies, you can find forums for each age group, many different stages of life (young moms, older moms, moms of multiples, stepmoms, pregnancy, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, etc.) and varying common interests (cooking, health, natural living, sports, movies and entertainment, etc.).
One of the hardest things about being a stay-at-home mom, especially, is the feeling of isolation (especially in the beginning). When you can't go out yet with a newborn or are tied down with constant breastfeeding, you can get online and join a forum discussion or a live chat with other moms going through similar things.
I have had several questions about things with Allie the past several days, so I've put up a few posts with these questions. Most had responses within the hour and several answers later in the day. I got a quicker answer about if twin sheets work on a toddler bed than I did when I called my pediatrician's office about Allie's half-shut swollen eye!
Anyway, I just want this post to be an encouragement to moms who feel like they're off on an island somewhere (and not in a good suntan, Mai Tai, ultimate peace and relaxation way). You're not alone, but it's up to you to find a strong system to surround you. Let me know where you find your support!
Yesterday was one of those days where things just weren't going quite right. We had napping issues and pottying issues, and I was just in a "blah" mood anyway. All day I kept thinking, "How am I going to write a positive, upbeat post on a blog for moms when I am the exact opposite of positive and upbeat?"
Then it hit me: I don't have to always be positive and upbeat or extremely helpful. I'm a mom; I have rough days just like every other mom. So, here's your encouragement: You're not alone when you have a bad day. There's nothing wrong with you; you're not a freak:) We all have them! The best thing to do is try not to let the little things (or the big things) get you down and keep pressing forward in this journey of motherhood!
Wherever you are, find fellow moms with little ones of similar ages and get together for playdates whenever you can. You can usually find this support in your church, your neighborhood or an online networking site.
Last weekend I discovered TriangleMommies.com. I have really, really enjoyed getting to "meet" moms in the area through the forums that are offered on the site. Today I got to go to my first playdate and thoroughly enjoyed putting faces with the names I'd become acquainted with online.
TriangleMommies is part of The Mommies Network. To find a group near you, click on the link. The Mommies Network started in Charlotte, NC. It never ceases to fascinate me what moms can create when they take their knowledge of a need and turn it into a passion to fill that need! (Mom4Life is proof of that--see an earlier post about this site!)
On TriangleMommies, you can find forums for each age group, many different stages of life (young moms, older moms, moms of multiples, stepmoms, pregnancy, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, etc.) and varying common interests (cooking, health, natural living, sports, movies and entertainment, etc.).
One of the hardest things about being a stay-at-home mom, especially, is the feeling of isolation (especially in the beginning). When you can't go out yet with a newborn or are tied down with constant breastfeeding, you can get online and join a forum discussion or a live chat with other moms going through similar things.
I have had several questions about things with Allie the past several days, so I've put up a few posts with these questions. Most had responses within the hour and several answers later in the day. I got a quicker answer about if twin sheets work on a toddler bed than I did when I called my pediatrician's office about Allie's half-shut swollen eye!
Anyway, I just want this post to be an encouragement to moms who feel like they're off on an island somewhere (and not in a good suntan, Mai Tai, ultimate peace and relaxation way). You're not alone, but it's up to you to find a strong system to surround you. Let me know where you find your support!
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