Surprise!

Hi Mom:
Let’s be honest, life is full of surprises and sometimes those surprises can cause us to lose our temper.  Think of your day – bumper to bumper traffic, bosses, bullies.  Everything isn’t perfect and real people have real emotions.  But if we want to survive and enjoy life, we must find ways to handle negative emotions.  Take a walk, count to 100, eat chocolate. If it’s a more serious issue, talk to your Pastor, a Counselor or a close friend.  Find ways to get back to a peaceful place.

Building our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Green Christmas

Hi Moms:

I’m not ashamed to say I’m a Thrift Store Queen.  And because I’ve developed such a thrifty persona, my family, my home and my pocketbook have benefited.  Today’s Thrift Stores aren’t your Mama’s Thrift Stores. You’ll see the latest fashions and housewares you’d find at any regular Department Store; usually at more than half the price. Also, by shopping at your local Thrift Store, you are contributing to local charitable organizations and not contributing to your local landfill.  You may even find some unique gems you won’t see anywhere else.  A local shopper in my community recently found an original Picasso in a Thrift Store; can you believe that!  So look for some of your Christmas gifts in your local Thrift Store.   You never know what you may find.

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Your Community Needs You

Hi Moms:

Are you holding onto talents and skills that others can use?  Could you teach a child how to sew or could you help design a garden that would benefit your community?  Instead of watching the next segment of the Real Housewives of ..., find a way to make a difference where you live. Many schools, parent groups and recreation centers would love to get help from Moms just like you.  Share your ideas.  People need you.

Building our Village One Mom @ at Time!

Identify Yourself

Hi Moms:

As women of faith, many of us enjoy wearing Christian paraphernalia or having a faith-based bumper sticker on our car, and that's great.  But there are other ways to identify ourselves as Christians.  You shouldn't have to blast Gospel music from your cubicle or carry a huge Bible into the workplace lunchroom so people know you are a Christian. We can show our faith by the way we live, the words we use and how we treat others. Does your lifestyle make Christ smile?

Building our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Christmas Music in the Air

When I turned on my car radio the Monday morning after Halloween, I got a surprise.  One of our local radio stations here in Columbus, Ohio was playing Christmas music. In fact, they'll keep playing holiday tunes until Christmas morning. That means we'll hear songs about Frosty, Rudolf and the Little Drummer Boy 24 - 7 until December 25.  My Daughters and I are loving it!  My husband not so much. He thinks it's too early.  What do you think?

Have Fun with Your Spouse

Hi Moms:

When I became a Mother for the first time, I felt it was such a blessing; I still do.  My children are true miracles.  And I'll admit, I tend to put their needs first, over my husband's needs.  It's difficult to manage husband and children. But I must realize just because I'm a Mom now, I was his wife first.  So I encourage all of us who are busy Moms to spend time with your spouse. Connecting with your husband is very important.  Find a way to have fun together this week.

Building our Village One Mom @ at Time!

Words of Wisdom

Hi Moms:

Sometimes, it's not a tangible thing that Moms may need.  Many of us have felt down, discouraged and depressed. Having a positive, encouraging word could help us make it through another day. Take time to listen to the heart-felt concerns of  a co-worker or share your inspirational testimony with a friend.  You never know how a simple word could lift someones spirits. Find ways to give a hopeful message to a Mom today.

 

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Having one Good Friend - Priceless

Hi Moms:

Friendships are a special part of life.  I'm blessed with great friends.  But through the years, I've also had to release some friendships, because they were toxic and destructive.  You don't need a lot of friends to be happy.  Just having one trusted friend with character and kindness can be priceless.  When friends work together and support each other, everyone is blessed.

Building our Village One Mom @ at Time!

Awesome Weekend

The National PTA hosted their Annual Emerging Minority Leadership Conference this past weekend, in Washington, DC. Big Thanks to National PTA President - Otha Thornton, Dr. Renee Jackson, the National PTA Diversity Committee and the entire National PTA Staff for a weekend of interactive workshops, motivational speakers and great fellowship with new PTA friends. Thanks to all who attended my workshop - The GPS for your PTA's Success!  It was a fun and fruitful time for Parents, Educators and Students.  To all who attended, I encourage you to use your new skills this week to help PTA families in your community.

 

It's Not About Me

Hi Mom:

It's natural to speak for our children, but do you ever advocate for other children?  Consider the many parent groups that would benefit from your talents, like PTA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts. These groups and others encourage our children to be our future leaders. Maybe you could help them too. Find ways to encourage someone today.

 

                                                Building our Village One Mom @ a Time

Dress Appropriately

Hi Mom -

If I'm attending a parent meeting in the school or if I'm volunteering for a community event, I want to make sure I'm wearing the right outfit for that assignment.  Would I wear the same attire for a school board meeting that I'd wear for a school car wash - of course not.  It's not about the designer label, but it is about being neat and looking respectful. I tell my daughters, "Before you leave the house, take one last look in the mirror to make sure you look your best". 

                                            Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time

Can we count on you?

Hi Mom:

If you weren't in the room and someone mentioned your name, what would people say?  Are you organized and reliable? In order to be trusted with future leadership opportunities, you must complete assignments at home, at work and in your community.  Keep your promises; finish your tasks.  People are depending on you.  Can we count on You?

                          Building our Village one Mom @ at Time!

Family Time Management

Juggling our lives can be a challenge!  Every family member has different schedules. But using your time wisely just takes a little preparation.  Iron clothes and make school lunches the night before so you won't rush in the morning.  Eliminate morning distractions; no TV before school. If you aren't a morning person, make your medical appointments in the afternoon.  Prepare in advance. I know you can do it!

Make the Connection

Hi Moms:  Looking for ways to network with Moms (and Dads) who serve families in there communities? Connect at the Emerging Minority Leadership Conference hosted by the National PTA in Washington, DC - October 11-13, 2013.  Great Speakers, Fellowship with Leaders and Fun and Informative Workshops, including my workshop - The GPS to Your PTA's Success - presented Saturday, October 12. Go to PTA.org for more information. 

                                 Building our Village One Mom @ a  Time!

A little humor on Motherhood

Hi Moms -  Saw this anonymous quote in a magazine recently; what do you think about it?

I'd like to be the Ideal Mother, but I'm too busy raising my kids.

                 Building our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Just Checking

Moms - Have you ever gotten an unwanted Surprise! from your child as they leave the house for school on Monday morning?  You've been with them all weekend, but they wait until 7 a.m. on Monday to tell you - "Mom, I promised you would send 2 dozen cupcakes for today's bake sale!" or "I need a Poster Board for today's geography assignment!" or "Do we have any purple spray paint?". Avoid this week's Surprise! by checking your child's backpack for notes, checking your e-mail for messages from teachers or just asking them if they have any requests prior to Monday Morning. This could eliminate a little stress from you life. And this week, with our Labor Day Holiday, you'll have one extra day to avoid Surprise!

                                                 Building Our Village One Mom @ at Time!

You Must Speak Up!

Moms - You must be your child's Advocate. If you don't speak up for your child, who else will?  Be their voice to support their vision.

                                          Building our Village one Mom @ at Time!

Go 4 it!

Moms:  Be Bold! Ask for what you want and don't be afraid to work hard to get it.
  
                            Building our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Decide to Destress

Stress: It’s something most Moms can’t avoid.  But, too much stress can cause migraine headaches, insomnia, heart disease or other forms of mental and physical illnesses.

The Ohio Department of Mental Health suggestions these ways to reduce stress:

Work Off Stress: Physical activity from sports to gardening.  Develop an exercise plan that fits your lifestyle.

Talk out your worries:  Confide in a trusted friend or trained professional. You don’t have to go it alone.

Accept what you cannot change:  Recognize your limitations and the limitations of others. Develop a realistic, yet positive attitude.

How will you distress this week?

Building our Village One Mom @ a Time!

New Moms and beyond!

As the Mom of two daughters - one in Middle School and one in High School - I have received some great advice over the years. Here are a few tips I learned as a new parent from Susan Jindrich that can help Moms of children at any age.

Ways to Help Your Child

1. Read to them every day.

2. Give them plenty of love and encouragement.

3. Set some simple rules and stick to them.

4. Talk to your child and explain things to them. You are your child's first and most important teacher.

5. Listen to your child; they are willing and able to have very interesting conversations.

6. Be patient. Everyone has their difficult days.

7. Teach them respect for others.

8. Be proud of your child and show it. This builds their self-esteem.

9. Be a good role model for your child.

10. Give them a few simple chores to do around the house; it teachers responsibility to the family.

11. Volunteer in the classroom. Go see what they are learning.

12. Always, always, love your children and let them know it.

Building our Village one Mom @ at time!

Congratulations Otha and Family!

Otha Thornton has made history after being installed as the First African American male President of the National PTA.  All the best to Otha, Caron and the entire Thornton family.

Time is Flying By

Life is too short.  Let's live to forgive. Who should you forgive today?

The Mentor 4 Moms

Building our Village One Mom @ a Time

Are you Listening?

Learn to listen.  Opportunity sometimes knocks very softly.

My Brother, My Friend

Our family continues to grieve the passing of our Brother, Lamont Barton, who died suddenly  a week ago today.  Lamont we miss you and love you. We pray one day we will see you again.

Autism Speaks and Panera Bread Team Up

Our local Panera Bread restaurants are sponsoring a great event to benefit Autism.  It's called Pieces of Hope. Purchase cookies with the Autism logo from April 23-27 - 100% of the proceeds go to Autism Speaks.  Check out the Panera in your community for more information.

Building our Village One Mom @ a Time!

And she said...

little people, talk about other people. Big People talk about Ideas.

What are you talking about?

 

Building our Village one Mom @ a Time!

Tell the Children

April 4th is the 45th Anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; a man of fairness, caring and integrity.
Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring and integrity, they also think of you.

Building our Village one Mom @ a Time!

Have a Great Day!

Have a Very Happy Easter!

Building our Village one Mom at a time!

The Real Life

When I see the "Real" Housewives of...being interviewed on TV and the Reporter ask, "So how do you handle your busy schedule?", I think...Please! These TV ladies have maids, a chauffeur and a pool boy.  They aren't REAL Housewives at all.  REAL Housewives have Playdates, not a Publicist.  REAL Housewives don't have a driver, but dishpan hands (maybe dishwasher hands). REAL Housewives don't have a daily Mani-Pedi or someone to put on our make-up; we barley have time to put on lip gloss. REAL Housewives live and work day to day, without cameras in our living rooms; we make our homes the best we can.  Even though we may not get the accolades and recognition of these TV women, I'll take a kiss from my husband and hugs from my children over their drama any day.  That's REAL for me.

Never too late for a new beginning!

This Week from The Mentor4Moms

  Take charge of your attitude. Don't let someone else choose it for you

Building our Village one Mom at a time!