At the risk of sounding like a terrible mother, this summer is kicking my ass.
There, I said it.
Last August I cried when it was time for summer to end and watch my oldest head off to first grade. And throughout the whole school year I wished for summer. I longed for the days of flexible schedules, staying up late, and no (well, less) lunch-packing. But summer’s in full swing now, friends. And we’re not even halfway through.
I call this picture “The Proud Mama”.
Yep, that’s my reflection in the mirror in the back of the dance studio. You can see from the look on my face that pride is literally radiating from my being.
Why am I so proud? You may think it’s because I am responsible for birthing this incredibly adorable ballerina. And, yes, that’s part of it. But what I’m most proud of is the fact that my baby girl is doing this. She is participating in her first dance class – her first independent extra-curricular activity, actually – and I couldn’t be happier for her.
“Is this gluten-free?”
You may remember from reading other posts of mine that, on top of all the other medical “blows” she’s been dealt, my daughter also has Celiac Disease.
Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder where the body has a reaction to gluten that damages the small intestine. The damage can lead to a variety of serious health issues.
The only treatment for Celiac is a lifelong gluten-free diet. So since 4 years old, my daughter has not tasted gluten. She has become very aware of her condition and is very conscious about what she eats. Today we went out to dinner, and she reviewed the kids menu with me after we sat. Continue reading
I have come to realize that in the long run these grades, the ones we often place so much value on, don’t really matter. Grades are not the “be all and end all” to who my daughter is. No, not one bit.
Here are some things that DO matter:
-The smile on my daughter’s face each morning when it’s time to leave for school.
-The open and honest stories she shares each afternoon about how her day went. Continue reading
Last fall I was introduced to a sweet woman named Jeba Pandian. Jeba and I would be working together on That’s Inappropriate‘s online parenting community that was just starting called Hot Mess Express. We became acquainted, and 8 months later, I am proud to call this woman my friend.
As I got to know Jeba, I learned more about her personal story of loss, hope and healing. I also learned that she has a beautiful, giving heart and a commitment to helping others who have been through similar losses.
One way that Jeba has worked to help others cope with loss is through her writing. Almost one year ago, she and her daughter, Sophia, published a beautiful children’s picture book (illustrated by Cynthia Meadows) to help children deal with a loss. The book, called My Sister Is My Guardian Angel, is available on www.myangelbooks.com, as well as on Amazon.
I am excited to share with you that Jeba has put together a giveaway that is going on now! If you enter, you have a chance to win a copy of her book, as well as other goodies!
