To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps.”

As a mom, my heart goes out the many moms that have children in the armed forces as well as the many moms serving our country.

Recently, Army Specialist Zachary Boyd, 19, of Fort Worth, Texas, was photographed in his pink “I Love NY” boxers and flip flops. He rushed from his sleeping quarters on to join fellow platoon members at a base in Afghanistan’s Kunar Province after the unit came under fire from Taliban positions.

These men and women have so much pride, honor, courage, and integrity.

No matter what your stance is on the war, or your political affiliation, please take a moment to remember and honor those that have died fighting for our many freedoms.

A special Memorial Day honor to my dad, Retired Reserve Army Lt. Colonel Gus Strassburger and one of my BFF’s (and Hot Mama) Air Force Major L.B Slade.

THANK YOU

I’ve always wanted to go back to school and get my MBA. With everything going on in my life, it just doesn’t seem realistic.

However, a Boston dad gives me hope…

Boston businessman Thomas Demakes, 69 and his sons received their MBAs from Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School last week.

Demakes is CEO of family owned business, Old Neighborhood Foods, started by his Grandfather in 1914.

Along with sons, Elias, 34, Timothy, 32 and Andrew, 31 they took the same classes together and graduated together.

Don’t picture a Rodney Dangerfield “Back To School” experience. Oldest son Elias says, “A few of us went kicking and screaming but the old man kept us in line and made sure we showed up to every class.”

Papa Demakes says in addition to the education, it was a great way to spend time with his kids and bond.

This isn’t their 1st educational experience together. They previously graduated together from a two-year real estate appraiser’s license program at North Shore Community College and a three-year commercial real estate program from Boston University.

Some dads bond playing catch, others bond earning degrees.

They must have some serious continuing ed reimbursement program at Old Neighborhood Foods.

Congrats to the whole family!

So and so has 2 cats, Billy’s mom rescues dogs, Sally has a pet Cheetah??? Umm…ok.

No surprise that Mo  now wants a pet. Oh gee, thanks school!

We had a dog years ago, Mo was just a toddler. He doesn’t remember much about our sweet Buster, only stories I share about him and pictures. He asks a lot of questions though.

I guess wanting a pet is a normal stage of childhood. I’ll be glad when this stage is over and we’re back to Bey Blades.

The fact that he walked by a pet store last week with my mom doesn’t help. Apparently he got some sales pitch about how he can get a tank with some lizards and “everything he needs to get started”. I swear Mo sounds like an infomercial every time he tells me.

So….he’s asked for a cheetah, dog, lizard, gekko, hamster…after those were shot down he said he’d settle for “a boring fish”.

Then he played the ole “I can’t have a pet bc you’re a girl and you don’t like reptiles” card.

Ok, that one might be true. Have you seen those creepy lizards w/spots on them??? No way is that coming into my house.

He’s even offered to pay for it with his birthday money.

Mo better grab one of B’s stuffed animals and call it a day.

I explained to him taking care of a pet is a big responsibility that I have zero desire to participate in so it will be 100% his responsibility.

Then I asked how he was gonna take care of a pet when I still have to remind him to get dressed, brush his teeth, do his homework, make his bed etc…

That seemed to have silenced him momentarily. One point for Mom!

He goes deep into thought then replies, “Ok, if I can’t have a pet, can I have a baby sister?”

WHOA! Checkmate Mo…

It’s funny he still has the same personality now as he has as an infant and toddler. He’s always been intense, emotional, sensitive, and crazy.

Yes, he is a Gemini.

Another factor that has remained constant, is his hair. No matter what age, he’s always had locks any Supermodel would envy.

I see so much of myself in Mo, it’s endearing and scary at the same time. I look forward to watching him grow and continue to thrive in school, sports, and driving me crazy life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONEY MO!

However, the Los Angeles Lakers lost 77-75.

It’s just a game, so maybe the Lakers will win Game 3, right?

Not to some Lakers fans.

Shortly after the loss, a handful of angry Lakers fan threatened Steve and Kristen Blake via Twitter.

“I hope your family gets murdered,” said one tweet to Blake.

It’s one thing to be a passionate fan, but this is just downright ignorant.

Steve said he didn’t see the tweets, but was informed by his wife.

“It’s pretty disappointing that there’s a lot of hateful people out there,” Blake said. “You move on. I just don’t appreciate it when it’s toward my family. You can come at me all you want. But when you say things about my wife and my kids, it makes me upset.”

After reading the threats, his wife, Kristen tweeted:

“I am deeply grateful & humbled by the outpouring of love, support, & most of all prayers for our family in light of recent events-THANK YOU!”

And another tweet:

 ”Everyone keeps asking if I’m ok-yes of course I am! If God is for me — whom than shall I fear?”

Twitter and other social media outlets make internet thugging too easy. These keyboard cowards are getting so out of hand.

There was a similar incident in the NFC Championship Game between the NY Giants and San Francisco 49ers. Kyle Williams fumbled 2 punt returns and received death threats on Twitter.

I hope this isn’t a trend. It really needs to stop.

These cyber bullies need to get a life be accountable for careless Twitter threats just as they would if they verbally threatened someone.

Don’t REAL fans support their team regardless?

If you’re issuing threats to an athlete because of something that happened in a game, you’re not a fan, you’re an idiot.

Fun for me is pretty simple, hanging with my kids with minimal arguing & whining.

So, for Mother’s Day, I just like to relax.

It all started with breakfast in bed. With a little help from Auntie Mona, the boys made all my favorites: bacon, egg & cheese bagel, fresh fruit, and a homemade smoothie.

I remember growing up and always feeling bad because I couldn’t afford fine jewelry and luxurious clothes for my mom. She always said it was the crafts I made that meant the most. I thought she was just lying to make me feel better.

As a mom, I get it.

My eyes filled with tears as B gave me a necklace he made and painted at Preschool. My voice tremored as I read the poem Mo wrote me on an illustrated bookmark.

It truly is the gifts from the heart that made my day complete.

The boys also picked out a couple cute necklaces for me that I will always think of them when I wear.

Next up, Mother’s Day brunch.

I bought the boys new matching outfits. This gesture let them know that it was a special occasion.

I also bought myself a new dress, not because I wanted to splurge, but because everything I own is either short and fitted or gym wear. Had to get something kiddie approved.

Last year, Mo and I went on a Mother’s Day date. B was too young, so it was just the 2 of us. It was really special. This year, B came along for the fun.

Mo saved up his allowance and birthday money to foot the bill, tip included! The entire meal he kept concentrating on his 1 line he waited all afternoon to say, “CHECK PLEASE“. lol

It’s such a great experience to teach the boys restaurant ettiquette as well as how to act with a lady.

We’re already looking forward to next year.

For me, it is my saving grace.

Having kids helped me realize how great I am. I don’t mean this in a vain sense. I mean it from a perspective of having lost myself in a dead relationship, then reviving myself after kids.

When Mo was born, I was RE-born. It was something magical about motherhood. It instantly became my innate duty to be my best self; a shining example of love and excellence.

Gradually my spirit was awakened. And slowly as if coming out of a coma, I began to remember who I was.

My wit, charm, grace, strength, intelligence all emerged. My smile finally came back.

I was now ready to help my son face the world.

After the birth of my second son, my shine and confidence were unstoppable. Afterall, I had 2 future leaders to raise.

They say mothers give their children life. For me, my sons brought back the life into me. For this I will always be thankful and make it my lifelong goal to give them endless opportunity, love, knowledge, and forgiveness.

Please take a moment to honor your MOM today.

I have a great mom who has always led by example. She showed me how to act like a lady and respect all beings for who they are (thank goodness my dad taught me how to swear and fart).  Most importantly my mom showed me how to open my heart and mind to share and recieve love.

♥HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL THE SMART, STYLISH, AND STRONG HOT MAMAS!!!♥

There is only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it. -Chinese Proverb

My mother’s menu consisted of two choices: Take it or leave it. – Buddy Hackett

The best conversations with mothers always take place in silence, when only the heart speaks. ~Carrie Latet

Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother. ~Oprah Winfrey

A father may turn his back on his child, brothers and sisters may become inveterate enemies, husbands may desert their wives, wives their husbands. But a mother’s love endures through all. ~Washington Irving

When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. ~Sophia Loren

A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest.  ~Irish Proverb

A mother understands what a child does not say. -Author Unknown

Filed under: Awwww....., Baby/Infant, BOYS!, Divorce/Moving On, Holiday, Motherhood Journey ]]> http://ahotmama.com/2012/05/12/happy-mothers-day-2011/feed/ 9 ahotmama IMG_0491 baby 070-L IMG_0698 http://ahotmama.com/2012/05/10/breastfeeding-mom-on-time-magazine-cover/ http://ahotmama.com/2012/05/10/breastfeeding-mom-on-time-magazine-cover/#comments Thu, 10 May 2012 17:41:00 +0000 ahotmama http://ahotmama.com/?p=4288 Read more]]> Sooo…I try to keep you guys a breast of parenting things.

It seems as if the May 21 Time Magazine cover is the talk of the town.

So, let’s just nip this in the bud.

The cover features  26-year-old California mom,Jamie Lynne Grumet, breastfeeding her son, who turns 4 years old next month.

Inside the issue, there are similar images of 3 other moms who practice attachment parenting.

This magazine issue is like Fifty Shades of Grey for men.

Author, Dr. Sears discusses his theory on attachment parenting which include: baby-wearing, extended breastfeeding and co-sleeping.

Everyone has their own theories on this and I would never say what’s right or wrong for another mother. No one knows what works for you, your lifestyle, and your children like you.

I nursed both of my sons for a year as well as carried them both in a sling. Ok, the co-sleeping, I couldn’t get with. The only males I’d even consider to be near my bed need to be over 30.

But hey, it works for many people. Just not my thing.

I’m not here to judge.

So take this magazine and advice of Dr. Sears like anything else…if it works for you, then do it, and don’t worry about what others think.

There’s no right or wrong with parenting, but it’s great to be educated on your options.

I will say, Jamie Lynn’s slim physique is a glowing endorsement for breastfeeding though. Take that Enfamil!

I expect bullying, name calling, your mama jokes when my kids are in middle school, but seeing them deal with getting hit at 3 years old, makes it hard for me to channel my inner peace.

B is a sweet 3 year old boy who loves big trucks, food, and doing art projects.

Ok, that sounds like an eHarmony profile…

The point is, B is a sweet boy. The Golden Child. Won’t hurt a fly.

So when he got punched in the mouth by another kid, I was ready to fight crushed. My 1st thought was did he hit back is he ok?

Supposedly B had a truck another kid wanted, the kid tried to take it, B wouldn’t budge, so the other kid hit B in the mouth. OUCH!

My B just stood there and cried.

Here was our convo after the madness:

Me: B, what happened?

B: Lil Johnny punsched me.

Me: Did you punsch him back?

B: No, I just wanted to hold my truck.

Me: If someone hurts your body you can hit them back.

B: I don’t wanna fight mommy, I just wanna play.

Ok, so I have a lil Ghandi on my hands.

How do I deal with this?

I remember my wild and crazy Mo went thru the same thing. His 1st year of preschool, he was tiny, shy, very attached to me, and quiet. Mo got picked on and bullied and never fought back.

Then his 2nd year of preschool, something happened. He started coming out of his shell and became confident and CRAZY!

It was like he was pre-meditating his revenge!

For the next year, Lil Charles Bronson Mo made the lives of the kids who bullied him HELL! I constantly got into it with their moms.

Funny how the tables turned and the moms of the same kids who tortured my Mo for a year and said NOTHING, were horrified that Lil Mo was now fighting back and whupping their sons ass!

I wonder if this will be the case with B.

So, just as my mind is easing up worrying about B, I get this phone call:

“Nora, please come to school ASAP. B is hurt and we can’t stop the bleeding.”

My heart sinks!

I rush to get B and discover after 2 bloody tshirts, the bleeding has subsided.

B is quietly playing at a table. I notice a big knot on his forehead as well as blood on his shorts and shoes. My heart aches for him but I put on a smile.

He cheers up when he notices I’m wearing a Mater tshirt.

I’m informed that B was running with some friends and fell face 1st without putting his hands down.

B says Lil Johnny was chasing him and pushed him down.

Ugh. What’s a mom to do?

What’s worse…your kid being a bully or your child getting bullied?

I want B to stand up for himself and I think that will come with time and maturity.

On one hand I’m glad he has a gentle heart and isn’t throwing bows on the play yard at 3 years old. But, it really hurts to see your child go through this.

Will his inner Tyson emerge?

Should he be in karate and packing heat?

Should I buy B some brass knuckles? Nunchucks?

Does my Cocker Spaniel have a Pitbull side?

Are these incidents shaping his personality?

Will he remember this when he gets older?

Has anyone experienced this with their child? I need some help/advice/validation…

Any pointers?