Monthly Archives: April 2011

Happily Ever After

Posted in Fun times, Work Mom Balance by

Call or think of me what you may, but this morning I am all about Happily Ever After!

I really had no interest in the Royal Wedding and did my best to avoid any media surrounding the event.  That is until my 6-year-old daughter began asking questions last night.

“Will Princess Kate be at Disney World when we go or will it be an actress?”

“Does she know Rapunzel and Tiana?  They just became princesses too!”

As I explained that Kate was, in fact, a real young lady who was going to marry a real Prince, the sheer awe in her expression was priceless.

At 6am, she joined me in bed and we watched history unfold.  Our running commentary (far more entertaining than Matt’s, Meredith’s and Al’s) encompassed history, a touch of geography, a taste fascination and just pure sweet girly giddiness. Somewhere between the exchanging of vows and walking into the carriage, we were joined by Mikey.  Taking one look at us and then the tv screen, he rolled his eyes and stated,  ”Call me when the soldiers on the horses go into battle.”

Soon our morning routine was kicked into high gear.  Showers, breakfasts, unfinished homework hummed through the house as we made a mad dash out the door.  As we were driving to school, Bella looked up from her last night’s homework and said, “I hope Princess Kate and Prince William will be happily ever after just like you and daddy!”

There is nothing more pure than seeing True Love through the eyes of a young girl.

She’s Wearing WHAT?

Posted in Life Lessons, Parent Dilemma by

I’ve mentioned before that I tend to think of myself as a laid back mother, slightly organic with a touch of spice.  I breastfed both children until they were 12 months, but I had no problem giving them Gerber jarred food.   I make sure homework and nightly reading gets done after school, but I also let them watch tv for an hour, maybe two, so I can read my book club selection.   It seems, however, that raising a daughter is single-handedly turning me into a – dare I say – conservative, slighty neurotic mom. 

I am sure from the title of this entry you can see where I am going with this blog. 

There is no need for my daughter’s jeans to sit well below her waist.  There is no need for my daughter’s T-shirts to read “tease”,” juicy”, “naughty” or “bite me”.   And there is absolutely no need for my daughter to wear a padded push up bikini top.   If we were having this conversation 15 years ago, I would have argued that it’s the parent’s responsibility to determine what their young daughter should wear.   What has changed?  I now have the young daughter that is begging me to buy her those jeans, that shirt and this bikini top.   Shopping has become an errand I try to complete on my own unless I want to spend most of the trip arguing “fashion” with a 6-year-old. 

This season alone, I have returned two swimsuits because my tongue hit the floor when my daughter tried them on.  The idea of her at summer camp in those swimsuits made my stomach churn.  I did eventually find ”non- hoochie mama” swimsuits and clothes thanks to Speedo and The Children’s Place.  Shame on you, Abercrombie & Fitch and Justice. 

I have relative control over my daughter’s wardrobe for the forseeable future, but I imagine that the next 12 years are going to be long and loud.   I am ready for the battle.  To the boys in our house, take shelter.

Santa Who?

Posted in Fun times, Time Management by

Easter Morning 2011.  Eggs have been found.  Baskets have been purged and breakfast is served and eaten -even the surprise chocolate covered strawberries are all gone!  My dinner contributions for later this afternoon have been prepped and are ready to be cooked.  I am on my 3rd cup of coffee.  It’s ONLY 8:15am!

Needless to say, the children were up far before the spring birds were chirping. Today, the Easter Bunny ruled.

Dear Common Courtesy, Where are you?

Posted in Life Lessons, Time Management by

Please.  Thank You.  My apologies. Perhaps I misunderstood.

Good luck trying to find those words in most messages flying through corporate email today.  Instead, most emails are filled with:   WHERE is it.  YOU were supposed to tell me.  And my personal favorite, the slap-in-the-face misuse of the once revered exclamation point!!!!!!!!

This is my Jerry Maguire moment.  I am done with inconsiderate people sending rude emails.  I demand that you read your email before sending it to me.

Are you using capital letters to connote screaming?   If the answer is yes, would you be screaming if we were having the conversation on the phone or in person?

Are you frustrated that something is incorrect?  If the answer is yes, think twice as to who really is to blame for the error.

Every email you send is received by a real life human being.  Have the common courtesy to write an email you would feel no remorse in saying aloud.   When we send an email, our email address counts as our signature and defines us. The way in which we formulate our message is the manner in which we are perceived by others.

Join me in changing what technology has ruined.   If you ever received an email that lacked simple and common decency, post this link to your Facebook status, your twitter feed or email this to your friends.  Challenge everyone to demand an end to emails that lack respect.  Bring back common courtesy.

Moms Helping Moms

Posted in Life Lessons, Work Mom Balance by

Not too long ago during one of our book club meetings, we discussed something other than our book (shocker!).  With wine flowing, we discussed the possibility of forming a mother’s club geared for working mothers.  Almost one year later, the Greater Mercer Area Chapter (GMAC) of Mothers & More is now 27 strong and growing. 

When we worked on developing this group, we decided our focus would be charity.  Of course, the stresses of work and home balance along with the struggles associated with it are always on the forefront.  However, each member is blessed and fortunate with fruitful careers and home life.  It seemed only natural that we would pass it forward.

This spring, in conjunction with Mothers & More National, GMAC is sponsoring The Power of a Purse, a month-long program where we collect gently used purses and donate them to the Mercer County Dress for Success.  What better way to raise both personal and community awareness of the financial vulnerability women face during motherhood, than during the month is which we honor mothers.

GMAC is collecting purses, wallets and items that are often found in our handbags, now through May 2nd.  If you have these items and would like to help women are who just getting back on their feet or returning to the workforce, please message me or use our drop off location.

Moms Helping Moms is how I was able to achieve what I achieved. It’s time to pass it forward.  Join Me.

Location for drop off is at the Dance Expo on Route 130 in East Windsor Mon. thru Fri. 5pm-7pm and Sat. 10am-12pm.