Entries Tagged as 'Mama Thoughts'

Reflections on Giving

2

29.11.12

Image via mashable 

I know that Giving Tuesday has come and gone, but I can’t not speak about something that has been weighing a bit heavy on my heart these days.

The Holidays are a time to be happy and celebrate. Start new traditions and rekindle the old. The Holidays are a super awesome, magical time for us. But, at the same time, it can be incredible disheartening and even dark for some.

One of the hats that I wear often, yet, don’t often talk about here, is that I’m super involved with the PTA at my children’s school. (I’m sharing the Vice President role with a super awesome friend) And because of the volunteer work I have become a huge advocate for children. And because of this work, my eyes have been opened to things that just tug at my heart. We are very blessed to be able to go to one of the best schools in our district. Great teachers and super involved families. I have to admit, I am sort of ashamed, but sometimes if something doesn’t touch/impact you directly, it becomes easy to believe that these issues aren’t a problem. Or even worse, that they don’t exist.

But they do.

Things that I often take for granted are luxuries for some. To have a roof over your head. To be able to eat 3 meals a day. Having warm clothes to wear when the weather gets cold. To be able to attend fun events at your school. All of these things are easy to take for granted.

So this season, our family will be giving locally. To families within our community. To families that may walk the same school halls as we do. We do not know who they are, but we know that they need just a little bit of help. And that little bit of help and kindness can make this season bright for many who are struggling.

While working with our PTA takes me away from my family for a few hours once a month, I hope that my children can see why I do it. That it is important to be a voice for those that may not have one. That is important to help. That it doesn’t take much to make a difference.

Giving doesn’t have to be something big or grand. It can even be something as small as paying for the person behind you at Starbucks. (It’s happened to me, and it totally made my horrible day so much better) How will you give this Holiday season?

xo,

Andrea

2 comments categories: life

Thankful Tuesday | November 6

2

06.11.12

1. I am thankful to be able to vote. For those who have fought, both near and far, for you and me. For those brave and courageous people who fought not only for themselves and what was important for them at the time of their fight, but for the future. I do not take this privilege for granted.

2. I am thankful for the good out there. Everyday it seems like there is more bad than good. But, my friends, my faith has been renewed. There are still strangers who are willing to help out another stranger, when they really need it the most. And most especially for organizations that brings these people together, like Band of Brothers NW.

3. I am thankful for the little things that I would rather not do. Like laundry. The constant vacuuming and sweeping. Running the dishwasher 3 times a day. Most days it seems like it will never end. But looking back at it, all these chores are just ways of showing me how absolutely blessed and full of life my life is!

4. I am thankful for the return of one of my favorite shows, Top Chef. And even better, this season is in Seattle! It’s about time.

5. Lastly, I am thankful for my health. It’s all too easy to wish I was a few pounds lighter and maybe a size or two smaller. But you know what, at the end of the day I am more than happy being where I am and healthy.

Since it’s November, and many of you are participating in Thankful November, what are you thankful for?

xo,

Andrea

2 comments categories: life

Knock Knock…

1

22.8.12

…who’s there? Obviously not me the past two days! Boy that was corny, but it’s the truth.

Something that I’ve been struggling with lately is balance. Or more accurately, the juggle, as one of my favorite bloggers puts it. I LOVE the flexibility my job affords me. It allows me to stay at home with my kids while doing something creative and new everyday. It also allows me to be able to bring them to practice and dance class. I get to watch all of their games and recitals. And for that I’m so very thankful. That is something that I hope they remember when they are all grown – my mom was always there.

I hope they don’t remember the times I’m stressed out with work deadlines and am as not fun as normal. The times I’m too busy to make an awesome dinner and we have to have pizza – I have a feeling that they don’t mind being forced to eat pizza. But you get the point.

Enjoying the rest of the summer, planning birthday parties, work deadlines, and getting ready for back to school have all caught up to me these past two days. I think I am fully recovered from the exhaustion that only stress can cause. Now we can fully enjoy the remaining days of our summer. The last few days before the kids begin a new school year, and start another awesome adventure.

Now it make seem that these past couple of weeks have been stress-city. Honestly, they haven’t been. They have mostly been filled with fun and happy times. It was filled with moments like this.

And this. Mom’s 60th Birthday Party.

And this, LOL. Isabella’s 8th birthday.

I look back at these past few days as a gentle reminder to stop and smell the roses. Because even in times when you feel super stressed out, there is always something to smile about. You just have to look for it.

xo,

Andrea

1 comment categories: life

Random Notes to My 8yo Girl

4

14.8.12

“You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” -Aibileen Clark, The Help (Photo by Amy B. Photography)

Let’s face it, being a girl is hard sometimes. It’s especially hard when you have two older brothers who like to pick on you from time to time, and a little sister that loves you so much that it’s sort of too much. If there is such a thing. That is what you have to deal with every day, Isabella. And you do an awesome job!

I love that you are your own person. Always remember that just because someone says something doesn’t make it true. Take a moment to step back and think about it. Chances are people are just talking crazy talk. The only opinion that matters is your own, and God’s.

I love that you have become such a bookworm. I’m so happy that I can share some of my favorite girlhood books with you! Your brothers weren’t very excited about Strawberry Girl, for obvious reasons.

I love that you’ve becoming such a great dancer. It makes me super, super happy to see you doing something that I love. And loving it, too!

I am excited to watch you grown as a gymnast. Even though it makes me a little sad at the same time. Because one day you will have to decide between dance and gymnastics. That day is far from now, but no matter what you chose I will support you and you will be amazing!

I wish I can protect you from everything. That is something that every parent hopes for. As you are learning to make your way in the world, I am learning to let go. So I can only hope, wish and pray that your dad and I have done our job and have instilled in you what you need to make it. Looking back at these past 8 years, I think we are all off to a good start.

I love how you are my little rule follower. It makes my life easier at times, and it makes your teachers’ lives easier, too.

I love your sense of style. Even though you and I don’t share the same love to everything glittery and covered with sequins.

I want you to be happy. I pray that you will be healthy. I hope you know that you are loved – always.

photo by Amy B. Photography

xo,

Andrea

 

 

 

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
4 comments categories: life

All rights reserved © All pictures and layouts are created exclusively for this blog.

Theme by Blogmilk   Coded by Brandi Bernoskie