Just a Mom. . .

So many times I hear these words: You're Just A Mom. And a lot of those times it comes from someone who isn't a parent. Just a mom, huh? Well let's look into what being "just a mom" is.


1. You carried your children for 9 months.
     

38 Weeks

  I wasn't the only person who made my children, but I was the carrier, their life line for the time they were inside me. I took on the hardship of weight gain, morning sickness, vomiting, and every other ugly thing that sometimes accompanies pregnancies. I did it, and I would do it again in a heart beat to see them take their first breath, to hear their first cries, and to see the immeasurable amount of love being released from their Daddy when he saw them for the first time. NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING can ever replace those feelings.

          Labor and delivery isn't something to take lightly. It's painful, it's a transformation, and you are giving something that is beyond words. But, I'm just a Mom.


2. You are the soul source of nutrition. 

First latch 8/12/13

Yes, I CHOSE to breastfeed my children. Yes, I asked for every bit of frustration. But, I am their mother, the one who carried them, and it is my duty as their mother to provide their nutrition now that they live outside of me. Pain, sheer pain, the first couple of weeks; cracked and bleeding nipples, breasts so sore even the shower water hurts, and copious amounts of tears 

There are times when it's not so glamorous to nurse your children. People look at you like you're a weirdo, or like you are doing something wrong.  But, I'm just a Mom. 

3. Sleepless nights.
          Enough said on this one, right? No one understands how difficult getting up in the middle of the night for the fourth time really is. Or, when baby is sick, sometimes every single hour. Luxury of a full nights sleep is lost on those who are getting it. Sometimes, as a mom, you may not see a full nights sleep for many moons. But, I'm just a Mom.

4. You are their doctor, chauffeur, and teacher. 

Their first meeting! My babies!

          I know this is talked about so many many times, but really think about this. For five years, you are their teacher. They rely on you to learn how to talk, walk, crawl, spell, animals and the sounds they make, etc. You, not their Grandparents, aunts or uncles. YOU, their mother (or father).
          Oh, and let's not forget that until they are old enough to drive themselves, you do that for them. Ball games, tutoring, school functions, sleep overs, and the like, that's all on you.   There isn't any one else they rely on for these things, until they're old enough that maybe you may have one of their friends' parents offer to give them a lift.
         Let's play doctor or nurse. Every bump, scrape, and bruise is yours for the diagnosis. You are the one whom they look too for explanation that, "No, it's not bad enough to go to the emergency room." You are that person until they move out, and sometimes, even after that they still call you! But, I'm just a Mom.

My son, 9 years ago!

5. Bad dreams at night, Mommy the shrink.
          That's you. their therapist. For ever dream they need interpreted, for every friend that doesn't want to be friends anymore, and when their significant other breaks up with them. You are the one that deals with it. Until the day they realize, you might not know as much as they thought, then they don't speak to you at all about those things! But, I'm just a Mom.

6. You are the one who always has their back--No matter what!

Sibling bonds!!!

          It's like an unspoken promise when you become a mother, that no matter what, you'll protect them. You protected them for the time they grew inside you, kept them safe and in your arms as a baby, and now that they are independent you still must have their back. No one else will be in their corner like a Mom will. No one will help them up and brush them off like a mom. It's a need, a constant urge, to protect them from everything. You are their body guard, their secret service. . . Just you alone, save maybe their Dad. But, hey, I'm just a Mom.

September 2013

This list goes on and on. And I in now way am negating the role their father plays! He is so important! I'm a Mom, so I'm speaking from my point of view. There are so many people out there who forget how important parents are in the lives of their children. So many times, you take for granted everything that was done for you! You wouldn't be where you are, without your parents, especially your mother.

Before you say to someone, "You're just a Mom," remember what all goes into being a mother. Sometimes it's not fabulous nights out and play dates, or Mommy & Me, and it's hard. The worst thing you can do to a mom who is having a rough day is tell her, "Oh, it's OK, you're a mom." Or, when you find out someone stays at home, "You must have it so easy, to be just a Mom." It's not easy, it's hard. Sometimes, it's beyond hard!

April 2014

DVD Review: Abner the Invisible Dog

About Movie:

When science nerd Chad Sheppard gets a chemistry set for his 13th birthday, little does he know
he’s in for a much bigger surprise. While experimenting with the kit, his best friend, Abner, a big,
furry sheepdog, suddenly starts talking before vanishing into thin air!

Chad already has enough problems fighting off two bullies who want to wreck his chances with
Sophie, the cute girl next door. Now, he has to hide an invisible, talking dog – who’s a bit of a
wise guy – from his parents and figure out how to get everything back to normal … All while
outwitting a pair of clumsy crooks who are determined to steal the top­secret formula  that gave
Abner his super­spy powers.

With his parents out of the house, Chad and his canine sidekick have to defeat the bad guys, get
the girl and save the day!

Our Thoughts:

When looking for a movie to watch at a school function, it can be hard to find one appropriate. So many times they look at ratings, and if they aren't rated G, you don't get to watch them. And that's a lot of kids movies anymore. I was so excited that this one was allowed to be seen at school!!!

A typical movie about a teenage kid being bullied, has his best friend, and dog to stand on his side and help him. That is however, after the big furry dog started talking and disappeared. Abner, the dog, got mixed up in a science experiment by his human, Chad. Things went wonky, and Abner is a wise cracking invisible talking dog!

Add in even more bad guys trying to get the formula, (stolen from the government) that made Abner invisible, Chad has his work cut out for him. He has to put everything back together, get the girl, defeat the bad guys, and stop his bullies, while his parents are away!

This is definitely a funny movie that your kids will enjoy!

 You can get your copy of Abner The Invisible Dog today, or look for it in your local stores!

Reviewed by Steph

ThinkFun Games: Zingo! Time-telling

About ThinkFun: 

ThinkFun was founded with a dream that they could change the world through play, and at 25 years young, they are living that dream.  Today, ThinkFun is a respected global company represented in over 60 countries and translated into over 20 languages. Thrilled to welcome you into the ThinkFun family, they hope you'll join them in new adventures!

Click picture to go to ThinkFun website.

A Fun Way to Learn to Read the Clock

Now you can play your favorite Zingo!® game and teach time all at once! Zingo! is a fun and interactive game that brings fast-paced excitement and learning to the classic game of Bingo! In this time telling version, players will learn to read the hour and minute hands on an analog clock and make the translation to a digital clock. With two levels of play, this is a great way to begin teaching children to tell time and a perfect game for them to grow with!

• Ages 5 and up

Includes

• 1 Zingo!® Zinger 

• 32 Hour Tiles 

• 32 Minute Tiles 

• 6 Double-sided Zingo!® Cards 

• Instructions and Learning Guide 

Our Thoughts:

This game is a great and unique way to teach your child how to tell time. My son is eight so he was a bit old for this one, but we played it anyway enjoyed it. We know several little ones who would benefit from this game, and played with them as well. This game was well designed for small children to catch onto quickly.

The pieces are large enough for little fingers to grab easily. The cards, much like bingo cards, have two sides--red and green. The green side is easy (you just match the numbers on the card to the number pieces) and the red side is harder (you actually must know how to read the analog clock in order to match number pieces).

When playing this game, you really must think of it as playing bingo! Our little ones enjoyed yelling ZINGO! every time they would win! 

Teachers will love this game for their preschool students! It's a fun and easy time filler for slower school days!

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ThinkFun Games: Last Letter

About ThinkFun: 

ThinkFun was founded with a dream that they could change the world through play, and at 25 years young, they are living that dream.  Today, ThinkFun is a respected global company represented in over 60 countries and translated into over 20 languages. Thrilled to welcome you into the ThinkFun family, they hope you'll join them in new adventures!

Click picture to go to ThinkFun website.

The Classic Last Letter Game with a Creative Twist

Our fresh take on this simple last letter game will inspire creativity, laughter and fast thinking. Race to come up with a word that is pictured on one of the cards in your hand. Your word must begin with the last letter of the word previously called. Call your word first to discard a card. Be the first player to get rid of your cards and you win! Unique illustrations encourage creativity and allow for countless interpretations and a new experience each time you play.
• Ages 8 to adult

Includes:
• 61 Illustrated Cards
• Travel-Friendly Storage Box

Our Thoughts: 

This game is so simple, and yet the competitor in you is bound to come out! The object of the game is easy, be the first to get rid of all your cards, but finding things in each picture that begin with the last letter of the previous word said. I said that was easy, right? As easy as that is, sometimes you're left struggling to find a word!

For example if the word said is "train" you then have to come up with a word that is on one of your picture cards that begins with the letter "N" and play your card. In the heat of the moment, your brain goes blank, and you almost forget how to form words! 

My eight year old enjoyed this game, and is one of his favorites right now. Anyone, young or old can play, because you have to be reminded what the last letter of the word was! Everyone at some point will be reminded! Fast paced and action packed you are sure to have a great time!

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