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weekend mindfulness retreat – for your sanity’s sake!

the gig:

We’re sure that if we polled the LBD|LRW readers, they would say the number one thing they’re lacking in their life is time for peace and quiet. Time to think and just “be.” (Yes, it is a verb. Remember?) Sure, the kids go to bed at eight (if you’re lucky) and then you have a few hours to decompress. But, we’ve got news for you, honey. Doing laundry, packing lunches, watching TV – while Facebooking, and straightening up the toy-littered house, all in a two-and-a-half hour time span, doesn’t count as peace and quiet.

This craziness of our daily lives is exactly the reason that Pamela Barge, the Founder and Director of Personal Coaching & Psychotherapy Associates, LLC d/b/a Personal Coaching & Psychotherapy for Women, is hosting a Weekend Mindfulness Retreat.

pam-barge

Pamela Barge

“It is my intention to create an opportunity through these special retreats for participants to learn about and to experience the power of mindfulness to help them to be more grounded, less scattered, less stressed and anxious and to learn skills that are proven to have the power to dramatically increase life satisfaction,” explains Barge.

She believes that creating this time for women will help them experience:

• Lasting decreases in physical and psychological symptoms

• An increased ability to relax

• Reductions in pain levels and an enhanced ability to cope with pain that may not go away

• Greater energy and enthusiasm for life

• Improved self-esteem

• An ability to cope more effectively with both short and long-term stressful situations

the guide:

dates: Friday, October 14 – Sunday, October 16

location: Many Streams Retreat and Conference Center in Rome, Georgia

cost: $389 includes two nights lodging, delicious meals, full program and workbook (some partial scholarships available)

to learn more about the retreat and Personal Coaching and Psychotherapy Associates, LLC DBA Personal Coaching & Psychotherapy for Women: www.womenscoaching.biz

to make a reservation: 678.230.8127

Not Your Cruise-Ship Hypnosis

Does the word “hypnosis” conjure images of a gold lamé-clad man leading unsuspecting (and most likely pretending) participants through embarassing dog-barking antics? Well, forget these crazy cruise-ship connotations. The hypnosis we’re talking about here is the legitimate kind: the type of deep, reflective, meditative practice used by counselors and therapists to bring breakthrough.

Since we all have areas of our thoughts and emotions that could use a little breakthrough, we wanted to share this unique opportunity to learn the practice of self-hypnosis with the experts at Shiloah Experiential Therapies in Atlanta.

In their upcoming workshop on September 25, which is open to the public, Beverly Matthews, MS, LPC, and Pat Stogner, M. Ed., LMFT, will lead you through this transformational practice. Here’s what to expect, how to get more info, and how to register:

Self Hypnosis Workshop

This transformational one-day workshop is for anyone who wants to use the power of the subconscious mind to make significant life changes. We will teach you to:

  • Use self hypnosis for stress relief and relaxation

    p.stogner

    Pat Stogner

  • Create powerful post-hypnostic suggestions
  • Use cues in your environment to trigger new behaviors and feelings
  • Work with your own resistance to change

When: Sunday, September 25

Where: Shiloah Center Group Room

1827 Powers Ferry Rd.

b.matthews

Beverly Matthews

Building 7, Suite 350

Atlanta, GA 30339

Cost: $95 by 9/16; $105 after 9/16

770-818-0070, ext 223 (Pat) or 224 (Beverly)

or email: gpstogner@msn.com or bejoiful@yahoo.com

Website: www.shiloahtherapy.com.

indulge in an at-home spa day

In need of a little mid-summer pampering pick-me-up? I think we could all agree that the answer is yes, but with packed-out schedules and fleeting funds, it’s difficult to get to the spa. That’s why the LBD|LRW team did a little digging to find the perfect array of products to give you a lovely little at-home spa day. And we don’t mean sneaking an hour to take a bath and shave your legs after the kids go to bed. Put it on the calendar, ask the hubby to schedule a day out with daddy for the kids (remind him of all the money you’re saving by staying home and forgoing the spa!), and focus on you for a few hours.

Start by collecting these few items and then get to work clearing your schedule!

1. Alyson Michaels Body Essentials Sugar ScrubSugar_Scrub

What is it? A fantastic body scrub that keeps your skin healthy and looking young. It naturally exfoliates and moisturizes to slough off dead skin cells, leaving your skin fresh and invigorated!

Where to buy? You can find it at LaBella Spa and Salon located at Seven Hills.

For more info: 770.917.1212 or www.labella7hills.com

Him_Candle2. Limelight Tyler Candle or Citrus Pear Himalayan Trading Post Candle

What is it? A little aromatherapy to help you relax and unwind. Smell-good scents are a proven way to help the mind and body loosen up and be swept away to a peaceful place.

Where to buy? Love Street at Cedarcrest carries these scented sensations.

For more info: 678.483.0283 or www.facebook.com/LoveStreetCedarcrest

3. Mood musicNorah_2

What do we recommend? Heart of Mine by Norah Jones and the Peter Malick Group for some jazzy tunes; I’ve Got a Crush on You by Ella Fitzgerald if you want old-school loungy-type music; Marry Me by Train if you’re looking for uber-sappy romantic relaxin’ tunes

Where to buy? They can all be found in the iTunes music store – www.apple.com/itunes

ToeLine4. True Blue Spa Footloose and Fancy Fizz foot soak, Toe the Line foot scrub, and Shea it Isn’t So foot cream

What is it? A make-you-happy line of foot care products. We’re sure there’s scientific evidence to prove this somewhere (but we don’t know where, because science isn’t really our thing), but we all know that when your feet feel and look fabulous, you feel more awesome. Sounds scientific, huh? But, it’s so true.

Where to buy? Bath and Body Works currently has these buy 2, get 1 free!

For more info: www.bathandbodyworks.com

5. L’Occitane Lavender Harvest Foaming BathBubble_Bath

What is it? A relaxation-inducing bubble bath. The lavender scent will have you vegged out in no time and the essential oils will soften and smooth your skin. We’re relaxed just thinking about it.

Where to buy? Buy a little bubbly bliss at your local Sephora.

For more info: www.sephora.com

All that’s left to do is relax, indulge and enjoy!

healing and restoration at shiloah center

We all carry baggage with us from past experiences. For many, these are minor and easily worked through without seeking outside help. For some, however, there are lasting imprints on the soul that are not easily forgotten or erased. For Kristen, the abuse started when she was 14. He was 29, a family friend. She never told anyone, choosing instead to silently shoulder the shame. And then, 11 years later she finally spoke out.

“I felt powerless and unworthy,” she confides. She found help at Shiloah Center in Atlanta. “My therapy gave me a forum in which to be heard without judgment,” she says. “I gradually came to understand that I was not responsible for what had happened to me.”

“We all carry negative messages from our childhood—whether our families were kind and loving or not,” says Pat Stogner, a licensed marriage and family therapist and co-director of Shiloah. “Those messages lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms that get in the way of happiness. The key is seeing those negative conclusions for the untruths they are.”

At Shiloah, Pat and co-director Beverly Matthews, a licensed professional counselor, use traditional and experiential methods to facilitate this healing. “Experiential therapy focuses on the body, mind and soul,” explains Beverly. “We use meditation, psychodrama, breathwork and hypnotherapy to bring about transformation.”

Which is exactly what Kristen needed. “I was overwhelmed by the positive power of my work at Shiloah,” she shares. “My spirit is now free, and I feel beautiful and worthy.”

p.stogner

Pat Stogner

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Beverly Matthews

“We help people see their problems as life lessons; they learn something from each experience and reclaim their sense of power and clarity,” concludes Beverly. “This leaves them free and clear to be who they are and to love and cherish themselves.”

At Shiloah Center, Beverly Matthews and Pat Stogner counsel individuals, couples and families and offer workshops and groups. For details, visit www.shiloahtherapy.com or call 770-818-0070. Shiloah Center is located at 1827 Powers Ferry Rd., Bldg. 7, Ste. 350, Atlanta, 30339.

tranformational training

A note from the Little Black Dress Editors:

As firm believers in mental health and wellness, we wanted to share this opportunity on BlackDressRedWagon.com. It’s a training program for counselors and therapists (both new and seasoned), offered by the Shiloah Center for Experiental Therapy in Atlanta. Beverly and Pat are WONDERFUL, and we know that this training will be transformational!

Please share this opportunity with any counselors, social workers or mental health professionals you know!

A letter from Beverly Matthews, MS, LPC~

We are excited to offer a year-long training in psychodrama and other experiential approaches starting the weekend of March 12-13. In the training, you will learn how to facilitate psychodramas and holotropic breathwork, and you will be part of a group of therapists that grows together in skills and personal development as you experience your own healing by participating in your own and others’ psychodramas and breathwork sessions.

Psychodrama transforms the group experience because it follows the protagonist into his or her inner reality, bringing long-buried situations to the surface to relieve emotional pressure and creating a holding environment through sharing, support and acceptance. Psychodrama offers individuals the opportunity to rework missed developmental stages by allowing them to experience and practice the dynamics of a given stage in a safe therapeutic environment. When the trauma and pain are released in this way, they can be understood in a new light, and the experience can be reframed and reintegrated into the unconscious.

Over the years, I have watched participants in our weekend experiential groups make great strides in their life after experiencing a psychodrama and weekend of experiential work. Psychodrama takes great skill and the ability to be fully present with someone’s process. The work is so powerful because it gives voice to one’s inner life, or “surplus reality,” allowing the protagonist and the auxiliaries playing roles to explore different aspects of themselves and their relationship to others and experience a moment of catharsis and transformation.

b.matthews

Beverly Matthews

p.stogner

Pat Stogner

The training is designed to help therapists gain confidence in the facilitation of experiential processes through education, experiencing their own work, and plenty of practice and feedback. I personally have facilitated hundreds of psychodramas over the years in groups at Ridgeview and in my own experiential weekends. I have also trained therapists in psychodrama, breathwork and hypnotherapy as a teacher for The Wellness Institute, as well as experienced many of my own psychodramas and breathwork sessions. I will be teaching this training along with Pat Stogner, LMFT, who has been facilitating groups with me for the past seven years and has been extensively trained by The Wellness Institute, as well.

The training will meet one weekend a month in the Shiloah Center group room. Details are included in the attached flyer and registration form. Please feel free to email me at bejoiful@yahoo.com or Pat at gpstogner@msn.com with any questions you may have. The training is appropriate for the seasoned or new therapist, and CEUs are applied for (professional counselors and social workers).

We hope to you see you this year in our training.

Sincerely,

Beverly Matthews, MS, LPC
Shiloah Center for Experiential Psychotherapy
1827 Powers Ferry Rd., Building 7, Suite 350
Atlanta, GA, 30339
770-818-0070, ext. 224
www.shiloahtherapy.com

Shiloah

mood-boosting exercise

The Gig:

Research has linked certain types of movement and exercise with relieving anxiety and depression. Kaizen Fitness, a unique personal training studio in Kennesaw run by Scarlet Knight, is offering an 8-week mood-boosting program– the ideal, natural, good-for-you cure for those post-holiday blues!!

The Guide:

Check out the deets, and give yourself something to look forward to in the New Year:

Kaizen SAD Flyer_A-3

A Wedding Story from a Simpler Time

by Tammy Moore Franke

I was reading the recent Little Black Dress/Little Red Wagon story (in the summer issue) about The King and Prince, and it brought back some memories of my parents and of me, of St. Simons Island and The King and Prince. I wanted to share it with you.

As a child, I lived on Jekyll Island. We had a small sailboat that we would take out almost every day and sail up and down the coast. I can remember sailing north and seeing The King and Prince. To me it looked like a castle, and I wondered what it would be like to live there. It was not uncommon for my family to go over to St. Simons and eat dinner in the Delagal Dining Room, where we would spend an evening dining on escargot and French onion soup.

The hotel was special to my parents because it was where they spent their honeymoon. I still can hear my mother telling me the story of the day they were married–how she felt and the many things that happened that special day.

Moore Wedding Photo

The happy bride shows off her "Colgate-worthy" smile!

It was a warm summer day, June 9, 1963, in Savannah, Georgia, and all was being prepared for the wedding that morning. Everyone was bustling around making sure the flowers were ready–including the bride, Genevee M. Smith. The man she was marrying was Terrell E. Moore. They were a young couple very much in love with one another and ready to begin their lives together. Genevee was one of six daughters, but she was the only girl that her father would end up walking down the aisle and giving away. Yet, that morning, she wasn’t sure if he would be there–much less sober. To the surprise of everyone, he was there and he was sober, which made the day even more special to my mother.

The ceremony began, and she was lead down the aisle with her father at her side and a grin so big it could have been used for a toothpaste commercial (she would laugh about that). I would look at their wedding picture, agree and laugh with her.

Vows were spoken and matching rings were exchanged with engravings on the inside that read: TEM to GMS 143 and GSM to TEM 143 (143 means I Love You). After the reception, they prepared themselves to leave for their honeymoon in Terrell’s candy-apple red, convertible Triumph TR3. They came out ready to leave, dressed casually for the era. He wore a casual suit and she was in a dress with heels that matched the car. When she told me the story, I couldn’t imagine my mother in red high heels, so she went to her closet and pulled them out of the box for me to see. I just laughed and told her she was crazy. She stated, “Yes, I was and crazy in love with your father, too.” They ran to the car while being showered with rice and set off for their honeymoon, destination St. Simon’s Island and The King and Prince Hotel.

On the way to The King and Prince, they rode with the top down, and my mother wound up being sunburned. But that couldn’t stop the happiness the two had found. They arrived and checked in. Everyone there knew that they had just been married and were all excited that they were staying there for their honeymoon. They spent their days walking on the beach, playing in the ocean and splashing in the pool.

The funniest part of this story is what my mother did the morning after their first night there together. She refused to leave the room and would not go to the dining room for breakfast! She was so embarrassed; she said everyone knew what they had done the night before. When she told me this story, I laughed so hard and told her that was hilarious. She chuckled and said, “In 1963, that was something that wasn’t discussed, and I didn’t want people talking about me like that.” I was still laughing as I asked her what my father did. She said, “He went for breakfast and brought it all back for us to eat together in the room.”

Tammy'sParentsThis whole story took place 47 years ago, yet it seems like yesterday that she told it to me. On June 9, 2007, my parents celebrated their 44th anniversary. They stated that it felt as though it was yesterday they were married. Unfortunately the following month, on July 23, 2007, my mother lost her battle with cancer. She was one week from her 65th birthday. Before she passed, from time to time, she would speak of the hotel and just smile as though she and my father were 19 and 20 all over again.

Note from the editor: Thank you for sharing these sweet, precious memories with us, Tammy. Your story is delightful, and we are honored to share it.

We Have a Winner! Meet our Gabriel’s *Take the Cake* Mom of the Year

It was so close, and EVERY mom nominated truly deserves to win. We wish we could award all of these inspiring women!! The winner was selected by a tally of votes (30%), comments (30%) and selections from a panel of judges appointed by Little Black Dress/Little Red Wagon magazine (30%).

We are pleased to announce that Halaveshia Mosley is our 2010 Gabriel’s *Take the Cake* Mom of the Year! Halaveshia, we will be in touch shortly with more details. In the meantime, go celebrate! You have a WHOLE lot of pampering coming your way!!!

***

As our Gabriel’s 2010 Mom of the Year, Halaveshia will receive:

  • A custom cake from Gabriel’s Restaurant and Bakery.
  • A signed copy of Johnnie Gabriel’s cookbook, Cooking in the South.callaway lodge and spacookinginthesouth
  • Two-nights deluxe accommodations (for two) at the luxurious Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens.
  • A custom LBD/LRW “Jane” pendant (with her initial on the reverse side) exclusively from David Douglas Diamonds and Jewelry…to recognize her ability to gracefully balance womanhood with motherhood.Jane Pendant
  • A free initial home cleaning from Prestigious Cleaning.
  • A print photography session and handmade leather album by Captures by Summer.
  • A feature and photo in the summer issue of Little Black Dress/Little Red Wagon and on www.blackdressredwagon.com.

For official contest rules and guidelines, click here.

Sponsored by:

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ddlogocallaway logo (2)

PrestigiousCleaningLBDLRWlogoSummer Logo

[polldaddy poll="2872994"]

Original entries:

Kristen

submitted by her husband~ Kristen is a treasure of impeccable character, a faithful wife, and Mom of the year!  The last 12 months have included dizzying lows in our journey as a family. In the midst of our most challenging season, bright spots have emerged. Outside of God’s provision, Kristen has been the source of these bright spots for our family, especially our three little boys!
Despite unemployment, family health challenges, financial despair, and two relocations, Kristen has kept the emotional, intellectual, and physical health of our sons as her first priority. She has sacrificed every level of her own interests to provide the best life experience our boys can possibly have every day.
She educates and inspires them with tireless creativity. As a result, they are each at or ahead of their age in development. On their birthdays, she writes, illustrates, and binds a custom storybook just for the birthday boy that teaches a core character trait based around his favorite character. She ensures they experience a wide range of the world around them and the history of it. It’s impossible to list all the reasons Kristen is deserving of this honor with the word limit. Thanks for your kind consideration!

Kay

submitted by her daughter~ Mama and Daddy gave birth to a healthy baby girl in 1976.  Eighteen months later my older sister Lauren lost all normal abilities.  My parents struggled with multiple misdiagnoses for several years until my sister was about 8 years old and formally diagnosed with Rett Syndrome. My sister and I are 5 years a part in age and even though I never heard her speak, her love embraced me and taught me life lessons I could never have learned anywhere else.  My parents have given their lives to the care of my sister.  Mama made her job to care for my sister and her multitude of needs. Many years of “fighting the system” for Lauren-with special needs school classes-appropriate medical care-has been my mother’s life from 1976-2007.  Tragically, in 2007 my sister passed away. We have been on a journey of healing for the past three years and this contest would give our mom a treat that she has never had and totally deserves. She’s never taken any time in the past 33 years to do anything for herself-she care gives for others now in Lauren’s absence.  She’s very deserving and I’d love to give her this honor and surprise.

Carol

submitted by her daughter~ I’m sure most wouldn’t consider my mom to be the storybook mother. She doesn’t spoil my sister and I by any means. She never attained a college degree. Our home isn’t spotless, nor does she have dinner waiting for us every night. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. Since my parents’ divorce, my mom has served as an inspiration to my sister and I. Steadfast in succeeding as a single mom, she has dabbled in multiple career paths- lending to both encouraging successes and humbling setbacks. With each victory and failure, she remains faithful to God and the idea that all will work out. She does everything in her power to show her undying love for my sister and I daily through tacky, yet deeply appreciated notes. She’s taught us the difficult lesson that money does not buy happiness and the lack of it does not warrant sorrow. She’s taught us to be grateful for all, for everything is a gift. Through her lack of a college degree, she has demonstrated the priceless value of a college education. My mother, Carol, has demonstrated what it means to be an inspirational person, hard-working single woman, and an incredible mother.

Melissa

submitted by her son~ My mom is the best mom a boy could ever have. She goes the extra mile with cooking, running my two brothers nad me to our activities, and volunteering. She is always organized. I am happpy that I have a one of a kind mom. She makes every holiday special, especially birthdays. My mom plays board games with me, helps me with my homework, plans family movie nights, and tells the best jokes. My mom is an optimist, the glass is half full! My mom is Christ-like to everyone even when it is hard. Whenever I look at my mom, she is always diligently working. My mom is fun and enjoyable. When it is a dark and gloomy day, my mom is always there to have fun and make arts and crafts.I don’t know how I would live without my mom being so organized. When there is a special date, my mom marks it right on her calender just like that. I do not know why my mom is not a gourmet chef. My moms spaghetti, especially her meatballs, are the best! My mom is the best mom. I could not live without her. I love her very much.

Guelda

poem submitted by her son~ My mom is a real treasure/ She helps in many ways/ I’ll try to list a few of them/ But know there’s more to say.
She drives when it’s time to travel/ She cleans and dusts our home/ She listens when I talk to her/ and calls me when I roam.
She taught me my good manners/ Please and thank you, sir and ma’am/ She cooks me nutritious dinners/ And desserts that are shazam!
She reads me stories and sings songs/ We go to church and pray/ She likes to garden outside all throughout the day./ She helps me when I’m sick
And keeps me on the go/ She also makes me exercise/ So I won’t be so slow.
She gives me hugs and kisses/ and helps me with my chores/ She cheers me when I’m sad/ She’s the one I truly adore.

Jessica T.

submitted by her mother~ I am nominating my daughter, Jessica T., as the 2010 Mom Of The Year because of her dedication to motherhood and at the same time her determination to finish nursing school. Her son, Gavin is two and a half years old and for the last two years she has lovingly and unselfishly mothered Gavin while working much determination to finish nursing school. She went to college right from high school and flunked out because she wasn’t interested in going to college at that time. She became a mother at 21 and quickly realized the importance of a good job and providing all that she could for her son. While maintaining all A’s and B’s in college, she has not wavered in the love and nurturing of her son. I truly admire her love and caring of her son and never wasting one minute of time that can be spent with him. I often offer for Gavin to spend the day or the night with us so that she might have some quiet time or study time or just “me” time, but she refuses, not letting a precious minute of time that can be spent with him.

Rachel

submitted by her daughter~ My mother has given up so much and has never asked for anything in return. She helps everybody that crosses her path and never overlooks anybody. She is always willing to help anyone in need. She has always puts other people first and never herself. My grandmother got sick a couple of years ago and my mother helped her through her treatment and was always by her side. She gave up vacations, trips, and eating out just to be able to take care of her mother. She never complains about anything and always puts on a happy face even though she may not be. She has always believed in me and others and has never given up on anything or anybody. She is always willing to take on projects that other people would not want to do. She really is a true hero and angel. She works extra hard and because of that she has medical problems. I want to give this to her to thank her for being who she is. I want to be able to give her what she has given everybody else, such as love, determination, selflessness, and courage. She deserves to be taken care of.

Angie

submitted by her mother~ My daughter Angie really “takes the cake.” She has a son named Christopher. He is 9 years old. He is her only child. She is the best mom I have ever seen which is quite amazing since I was not the best role model for her. She puts him ahead of any needs she might have. He loves his Dad, but Chris adores his Mom. Every child should have a mom like Angie. If that were the case, the world would be a better place. She helps him with his homework; takes him to church; spends time hunting frogs with him; buys his favorite kind of clothes and cooks his favorite foods. She goes fishing with him and Dad and will get up at 5:00 a.m. to go deer hunting. He has never spent the night away from home without his Mom and Dad. His Mom protects him and makes sure he is safe and secure and watched over. There are pictures of Chris all over their house. From the time he was born to today. She makes sure he feels loved. She should be “Mom of the Year” for sure.

Margaret

submitted by her daughter~ I would like to nominate my mother, Margaret, for your “You Take the Cake” Mom of the Year Search! My mom meets the description of a loving, giving mother but goes above and beyond the call of duty. The past year and a half I have been sick with an auto-immune disease called Crohns. February 1, 2010, I was hospitalized for five days in which my surgeon removed a portion of my small bowel. Three months later I am on the road to recovery but every day is a struggle.

So…back to your “Mom of the Year”….Margaret. She moved in with my family and became a stay-at-home mom again at the age of 78! I have two small boys ages 4 and 1……say no further, right? She stepped into my shoes and became MOM with a capital M! Feeding, bathing, clothing, carpooling, cleaning, etc., etc. etc. We all know the protocol. I should be giving back to her at this time in my life but she became the ultimate care GIVER! She is the definition of “Mom of the Year” in my book even if she never wins an award.

Heather

submitted by her sister-in-law~ Heather, my sister-in-law, takes the cake when it comes to motherhood. I want to hate her because she looks like a walking Barbie doll. She can eat whatever she wants and not gain a pound. Yeah, she’s one of those people.  However, she is such a great mom that I have to love her anyway. She is what I call a “hands on mom.” Not hands on like “I will put my hands on your little bottom if you don’t…” but more like “I will put my hands in the sand with you and make the most fabulous castle.” Her girls are always happily baking, swinging, laughing, learning…and a slew of other -ing activities with their mom, Heather.  She is not a mere spectator in their lives, but rather a right-there-with-them kind of gal. Heather and her daughters are always helping out the community and loving on others. Her goal as a mom is to teach her kids to see a need and get right in there and serve someone else. She deserves some recognition for being a positive, engaging parent. And she also deserves to gain a few pounds from that cake. (Okay, not really that last part).

Trish

submitted by her husband~ My wife, Trish, really deserves to be “Mom of the Year” because she is always giving back through the church, charities, non profit organizations, almost all her time, and especially to our three adopted children from China. She is always taking them and keeping them involved in sports, dance, ice skating, girl scouts, and gymnastics. At night she is helping all three with their homework and going to PTA meetings and setting up room mom activities. She does all this before she does anything for herself. She is very deserving for this award and honor. Thank you for your consideration.

Karen

submitted by her friend/neighbor~ I would like to submit a nomination for Mom of the Year … Karen. She is the amazing mother to two lively, well-adjusted little boys, Brian & Evan. Karen teaches and plays every sport imaginable with her boys, including just a few: football, baseball, tennis, street hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, basketball, etc. Not only is she the mom of all trades in the sports arena, she spends a good bit of time showing the boys how to cook. They are fully schooled on nutritional values in foods and which herbs go best with which meats and such, to name a few of the things she teaches them. It is really interesting to see two boys watch and love to cook and soak it all in. Not only is Karen an amazing mother, but she is also the world’s best friend anyone, such as myself, is lucky enough to have. She is adored by everyone in our neighborhood and we’d do anything for her, as we all know she’d do anything for us. (I also adore her mother as my own!) Please consider this nomination as the winner above all. (I can submit better pictures, should you need them.)

Jessica C.

submitted by her mother~ I would like to nominate Jessica C. for Mom of the Year. Jessica is the devoted mother of Cameron. Cameron is two and a half years old. He was born early and had a heart operation at four months of age. He has had several hospitalizations. Yet, through everything, Jessica has remained calm. She spends a lot of time with her son. Reading to him and playing games are always a part of their day. She has a busy schedule with working as a teacher and attending KSU as a graduate student. Jessica even finds time to coach a high school gymnastics team. I am very proud of her, as is her husband. I think I know her well, because I am her mother. I believe she does an outstanding job of balancing the demands that face every young mother.

Halaveshia

Halaveshia is the 29-year-old mother of three children with the oldest being 7-year-old Landon, who is deaf and autistic. Halaveshia has thrived, since learning that Landon was deaf, to get him the best help available. Against everyone’s will, she had him implanted with the cochlear implant in 2005 so that he can her. It works great! And then after he failed kindergarten in 2009 in her small county she began to seek ways to better his education so she packed up and moved the family to Cobb Co. so that he can be better evaluated and helped with his deaf/hard of hearing education. Since being here he was diagnosed as being autistic and is receiving great help. Halaveshia is a young mother/wife, she works for DFCS and works hard and takes care of her children at whatever costs. She deserves to be pampered and get a day to herself. She never takes a break!

everything i ever wanted.

The other day, I time traveled. Here’s what happened: I was just driving along with my 3-year-old and 3-month-old in the backseat of the SUV when all of a sudden, a song came on the radio. You know those songs that have such strong links to the past that they immediately transport you back in time? The songs that remind you of eighth-grade dances, old boyfriends and summers at the beach? Well, this was one of those songs.

It came on the radio and BAM! I was 16 again, driving down the road with the tape blaring from the tape deck of my black Chevrolet Cavalier, windows cranked down, unglued red ceiling upholstery rippling in the breeze.

I can remember this scene clear as day. I remember feeling free, unfettered– the world was mine for the taking.

I snapped back to the present and glanced in the rear-view mirror at my two children, both of whom had fallen asleep in the backseat. “I’m definitely not unfettered, now,” I thought, looking at my sleeping fetters. And that’s when I had a rare moment of clarity.

At 16, when the world was mine for the taking, do you want to know what I wanted to take? Everything I now have: loving husband, son, daughter, cozy home, energizing career, car with upholstery intact.

In other words, I have everything I always dreamed of. Which was quite a moment of clarity, considering I tend to keep a constant tally of what I’d like to have but don’t (new couch, granite countertops, trip to Italy). Looking in that rear-view mirror, I was honestly overwhelmed with the reality that I am absolutely, unequivocally, without a doubt BLESSED.

And I realized that if, at age 16, I had been able to time travel forward, into that exact moment of time, and seen myself, driving down the road in my big ol’ SUV with my two precious fetters, I would have been blown away by how incredible my future was going to be. (Not to mention the complete awe I would have felt at my six-disk CD changer.)

The truth of my life–and I bet it’s the same for yours–is that we are WAY more blessed than we generally take time to acknowledge. So, go ahead. Acknowledge it.

no need to worry.

Swine flu, a crapped-out economy, uncertain legislation, decline of the dollar…Sheesh, a girl can kinda get down these days (in a very non-Soul Train way). Especially a girl who is living in a postpartum, sleep deprived, hormonal haze. (That’d be me.)

So, today I was having a little chat with God about it. In the shower. Which is where God and I have most of our chats. I finally cut to the chase and told God that I am sick of worrying. Sick of fretting about all of the what-ifs and why-me’s. Sick of walking around like Charlie Brown, wondering if someone’s gonna yank away my football right when I gear up to kick.

And you know what God was kind enough to point out? That worry is a choice, and I can opt out. “Be anxious about NOTHING,” He says.

“How?” I say, thinking of swiney germs and my newborn. Thinking of plummeting investments. Thinking of health care legislation that makes my skin crawl.

“Here’s how,” He says. And then He gives me three ways to do so.

  1. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4) Okay, so I haven’t been much into rejoicing these days. And I’m really not sure why because I have a LOT to rejoice over, starting with the aforementioned newborn.
  2. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Phil. 4:6) I also have to admit that while I’ve been working on my Ph.D. in Worry and Stress, I’m barely passing when it comes to asking God for help. And let’s not even talk about the “with thanksgiving” part…
  3. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Phil 4:8) Yes, there are real concerns and devastation and frustration in the world. And it’s not like we can go around oblivious to it all. But we can choose to balance our thoughts with all of the admirable and noble things out there, too. So, for every worry I ponder, I’m going to try to think of something grand and lovely, too.

Starting now. I’m off to enjoy a grand and lovely evening with my hubby.

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