I'll Be Back!

My little bundle of Sunshine is taking his first Airplane ride today.

We are headed to Utah for a few days to see family and friends and say goodbye to my parents before they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

I can't wait!

If You Can't Say Something Nice...

*Hallmark winners are announced!! If you were one of the first 10 commenters on this post, please email me your info at kimborchert (at) gmail (dot) com.  And for the random giftie from me....#13 Mama Bee!!! Shoot me an email Kristal! And thanks for all your comments everyone! Get writing!

I have been blogging for 5 years.  I have been reading blogs for about 7 and an active part of online forums since I was in College 15 years ago (oh the chat rooms...those were good times).  People voice opinions, what they like/dislike, whatever is on their minds and other people either agree or disagree.  This is how life is offline and on.

Where the big difference between online and offline lies, is in the comments.  Haters are out there.  There are entire blogs dedicated to hating people.  Being online gives people a sense of security.  They can say things they think without repercussion.  They can post as "anonymous", not leave an email address and be completely untrackable (except by their IP address, but if you're anything like me, you wouldn't know what to do with said IP address anyway!).  These folks can forget everything their Mama's taught them about manners, doing unto others, and other such basic playground behaviors, and do and say whatever they want.

This is a behavior that has long bothered me.  I think of my blog as my home.  I am essentially inviting you into my living room.  Asking you to step over the Legos, ignore the cereal on the floor, dishes in the sink and spit up stains on my shirt.  I am opening my home to you and while I may not show every single aspect of what goes on in my home, I am authentic and real.

So, when someone comes into my home and attacks me or attacks my family, that hurts.  And it is something I don't understand.

I have certain blogs I love to read because of the way life is portrayed, the photos, the words.  These blogs inspire me to be a better Wife, Mother and Woman.  SouleMama, NieNie, CJane, Angry Chicken, Becoming Sarah, Mommy Coddle, Adventures in Babywearing...the list goes on and on and on.

I know that their portrayal of life isn't complete.  I know that the things they share aren't everything that go on in their homes.  I know that they are human, make mistakes, cry, laugh, scream, lose their tempers, etc.  I know that things aren't always perfect and sunny in their worlds.  I don't need to have them tell me these things in order for them to be authentic.

I have read comments on blogs that made my heart break, my blood boil, and have caused me to wonder, "Where has common decency gone?"

I understand jealousy.  I have felt it.  I have wanted to have the things that others have.  I would love to have higher traffic on my blog, to have people wanting to meet me or buy a book I wrote.  I would love to be able to support my family with my passion.  And I admit, there have been times when I have read a blog where I thought, "Oh yeah, that is easy for you to say because of x,y, or z".

But here is the difference between me and the haters.  I think these things and that is it.  I don't write it.  I don't go into someone elses home and show them disrespect.  If I find that I am continually being rubbed the wrong way by a blogger, I stop reading their blog.  I do not invest anymore time or energy into them, because it is not worth it.

Bloggers have become targets for hatred just like celebrities.  And, since we are more accessible, we are easier targets.  And "blog celebrities" take the brunt of it.  There are sites dedicated to bringing down bloggers.  I am not going to link to any of them because I don't want to give them any extra traffic.  But the fact that there are entire sites full of people who are full of HATRED, just makes me sick.

I guess I just I don't understand what the draw is to bring other people down just because their life seems better than yours in some way.  I don't understand when and why it became socially acceptable to hide behind your computer to bring someone else down.

To me, it just seems so very childish and is very easily fixed.  If you don't like the blog, don't read it.  If you don't agree with me, don't like the way I write, don't like how I parent or cook or take pictures or WHATEVER, don't read it. 

For me, I guess I have taken the lessons I learned as a little girl very seriously.  If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all.  Seems to me if we all listened to that advice, we would all be a lot happier.

The YMCA LOVES BREASTFEEDING!

I caught a little flack last week with my post about breastfeeding.

I caught flack from those who thought I was an irresponsible parent (for not cleaning my nipples before each feeding), I was told I was lazy, and that I was fighting a battle not worth fighting.

I was chastised for my lack of respect for everyone else, and on twitter for not planning a nurse in at the YMCA pool.

But here is why I didn't feel the need to do that.  I felt confident that a letter writing campaign to the YMCA would be enough.

And guess what?  IT WAS!!!!

I received this email this morning and wanted to share it with all of you.

Kim,

Let me start by thanking you again for your e-mail and for providing me with a little time to research the entire situation. To start, it is not the Y’s policy to restrict any mother from breastfeeding in any way at our facilities. Our investigation into this situation revealed that our young aquatics staff were misinformed and reacted to one person’s personal objection. Without question, this is a critical error, but we take full responsibility for the mistake and have taken measures to correct it.  Effective immediately, our staff has been made fully aware that mothers may breastfeed wherever they deem fit at our facilities – including the pool.

We are also working to create signage in the near future stating that our facility is friendly to breastfeeding. Additionally, for the benefit of all members and guests (these breastfeeding or not) we are seeking to create designated areas for mothers to breastfeed.  Ideally, these future locations will be more private and comfortable if they so choose to use them. Again, the Y understands the importance of and laws surrounding breastfeeding and in no way wants to hinder mothers or their children. In conclusion, I apologize that this incident happened and hope you will provide us with another opportunity to serve you as we take measures to improve our operation.

Thank you again for bringing this situation to my attention and please feel free to contact me with any other concerns.

Jeff Andresen

President/CEO

YMCA OF GREATER WILLIAMSON COUNTY

P.O. Box 819, Round Rock, TX 78680

See?  Sometimes writing a polite letter and being nice actually works!!!

He

I watch him, all legs and arms.  He is tan and blonde.  He speaks big words, is inherently bossy, and carries his brother around.  He is loud and active.  He is a bundle of emotions that sometimes are just too big for him to know what to do with.  He is sensitive and caring, sweet and loving, daring and brave.

With an imagination bigger than the sky, he builds worlds, battles Vikings, and brings peace and justice to all.

He is too young for social anxiety, yet old enough to understand the pecking order.  He senses my moods and does his best to adapt to them.  He knows what buttons to push, how to make me angry, how to make me sad, but mostly, how to make me laugh.

He lives, breathes and dreams Legos.  He loves his sisters and brother fiercely, they are, without a doubt, his best friends.

He no longer has that baby smell, but that of a big boy who needs to bathe everyday.  He is growing up before my eyes and I want to stop it.  But I don't.

I watch him comb his hair.  It is like mine, standing up no matter how hard he tries to get it to stay down.  While he is only 7, I envision him as a young man, getting ready for a date or a night out with his friends.

I wonder who he will be then?  What will he be like?  What will his dreams be then?  What will he love?  Who will he love?  My heart swells as I know I will get to find out the answers to these questions.

I sit and watch and wonder while nursing his baby brother and it feels like just yesterday it was him I was nursing.

Time flies on wings of lightning.  This is the truth.

Where I'm From

*Stephanie posted this on her blog and it has been swirling in my mind and heart ever since. So, I am joining in with this MeMe.

Where I'm From...

I am from corn fields, football games and popcorn.  Swimming all day and skinny dipping at night.  I am from fireworks by the pool and catching lightning bugs.  I am from Yahtzee, Dominoes, and Wheel of Fortune.  I am from peanut butter toast, rootbeer and Cheezies for lunch.
I am from sleeping on a cot in the front room while listening to Grandma's clock.  From Buffet dining to Grandpa's steaks.
I am from running around the cul-de-sac in my swimsuit and sunburns.  Metal swing sets and a chain link fence.  Coming home when the street lights come on, then going right back out to play more games.
I am from making up plays with my siblings and the neighbor kids to show all the adults.  I am from imaginary friends and make believe.
From babysitting all the neighbor kids, just like my sister and brother did.
I'm from vacations at the State Park, and World's of Fun. Long car rides and playing "Woah" in the station wagon.
I am from Spook Walks, trick or treating, and great costumes.
I'm from sleep overs, Tony's Pizza, Coke and Dance Party USA.
I'm from learning about Baltimore, Hairspray, big dogs, crab bakes and best friends.
I am from Thanksgivings with cousins, Aunts and Uncles.  I am from playing on the farm, in the corn silo and riding the horses.
I am from Christmas morning casserole, Mom's cinnamon rolls, ham and lots of hugs and kisses.
I am from "I wish I had your figure and you had a feather", playing Beauty Shop, perms from Grandma, and swimming to get clean.
I am from bike riding, playing Star Wars, watching The Wizard of Oz, and playing with my brothers.
From being an Aunt at 13 and being the "cool aunt" to becoming a Mom myself one day.
I am from falling asleep listening to Mom and Dad play piano/violin duets, dreams of being famous, and singing in Church with the family.
From dance classes, rainbow wallpaper, and a Garfield telephone...IN MY ROOM!
Moving in 6th grade, then again in 10th.  From cleaning out the house twice after it flooded.  From the smell of mildew all over everything when we went in to clean it up.
From new schools, new friends, laughing late at night and sneaking in early in the morning.
Watching the Newsies at lunch, going to Olive Garden on Homecoming with my special someone when neither of us had dates.  Not caring about Prom and that I didn't get asked.  Swimming in the Great Salt Lake and hiking in the mountains.
I am from so many different places, and all of these things make me.

*Just a few days left to enter my Get Carded Challenge with Hallmark!

How do I follow up that last post?

So...that was fun (she says sarcastically).

Honestly, I had no idea I would get such strong reactions from people on my last post.  All I want is for some education, & consistent policies.  I am happy to say that I have started a dialogue with the CEO of our local YMCA's, and am hopeful for a positive change.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled blogging :)

***
The last week of June, my parents and my niece came to visit.  This was a very special visit as my parents are getting ready to leave for the Philippines for the next 2 years.  They are going on a mission for our church, so this was the last time the kids will see them until they return.

We packed as much as we could into the 7 days they were here.  But mostly it was a lot of snuggling, eating, playing, laughing, and memory making!

Grandpa playing "Family" with Libby

I didn't take nearly as many pictures as I wish I had.  But, isn't that often the case?  While my folks were here, we took the opportunity for my Dad to help Jeremy bless Elliott.  He is the first one of our children to be blessed and not have family around.  We were really grateful that my Parents were here for that.

So glad you were able to come visit Mom, Dad, and K.C.  Love you and we can't wait to see you again in 2 years!!!!

**Be sure to check out my Get Carded challenge with Hallmark!

The Day I Was Told to Stop Breastfeeding at the YMCA

Because we live in Texas where it is HOT, we do a lot of swimming.  With that swimming come swimming lessons.  When we moved here in January I joined the local YMCA because of their reasonable prices, family friendly atmosphere and benefits it would offer my family.

For the last 4 weeks my children have been in swimming lessons through the YMCA.  On Monday we started a new session at a different pool than the one we had previously attended. This pool has a zero-depth entry area and a small step in the pool where I can sit and watch Libby swim.

While Seth and Amelia were swimming I was sitting on the step with my rear and feet in the water, watching Libby, when Elliott needed to nurse.

Now, I would have preferred to sit in a comfy lounge chair but that would have required getting Libby out of the pool.  So, since I can nurse discreetly, and my torso wasn't in the water, I decided to sit on the step and nurse him. Full disclosure - I had on a Maternity Tankini, so everything but a part of my side were covered.  There was no breast showing at all.  In fact, some Moms were showing more skin than I was.

I sat there watching my kids, talking to another Mom for about 5 minutes when the Swim Lesson Coordinator approached me. She informed me that I couldn't nurse in the pool.  When I asked her why she said it was because it was making other people uncomfortable and children were around and could see it. 

I looked at her, wondering if she really had just said that to me, and said, "So? Then it can be a teaching moment for those children.  They can learn what breasts are intended for."  I say this because I think there is nothing traumatic or pornographic about breasts.  There were other Mothers there showing more of their breasts than I was.  Again, I was showing my SIDE BELLY FAT.  And while I agree my side belly fat isn't pretty, the only person it is traumatic for is me.

She also told me I was welcome to nurse on the deck of the pool or in the bathroom.  I asked if she wanted to eat in the bathroom.

She then said, "Well, it is making other people uncomfortable.  They didn't want to come tell you, and I can't tell you who it is to protect their privacy."

I replied, "Well, I'm sorry they are uncomfortable, but that is their issue not mine.  The law states that I have the right to breastfeed anywhere I have the right to be.  So, I am going to nurse my baby".

She then looked at me (I could tell she was not sure what to do since I wasn't ashamed and was not apologizing to her for doing with my breasts what nature intended) and said, "Ma'am, you need to leave the pool because it is against pool policy to have bodily fluids in the pool.  If you got milk in the pool we would have to clear everyone out and decontaminate the pool."

Yes she just said that.  Decontaminate the pool.

I looked at her, stifled a laugh, and said, "Then you really should ban all pregnant and nursing Mother's from the pool because milk leaks all the time."

I got up, knowing I could get more flies with honey than vinegar, took Libby by the hand and told her we had to get out of the pool so her brother could eat.  She burst into tears, and my heart just broke.

I sat down, took advantage of the free WiFi at the Y and sent out this tweet:

Then, I posted the same thing on Facebook.  Within minutes, I had over 40 replies in both places.

The responses were generally of this variety:

 As I sat there the girl (because let's face it, there are few adults who work at swimming pools) came over to me. She said, "Ma'am, I just checked with our pool director to make sure I was right and she said that you can nurse on deck or in the bathroom, but not in the pool because of the bodily fluids that could contaminate the pool".  Again, I pointed out to her that with that logic all pregnant and nursing Mothers should be banned from the pool.  She didn't know what to say, so I said, "Someday, you are going to be a Mom.  I want you to remember this conversation".  She then walked away.

By now it was time for Amelia's swim lessons.  Other Moms were sitting around me and just couldn't believe what was going on.  They were appalled just like me.

After I got Amelia into her lesson, I spoke with the pool Director.  She reiterated what the other employee had said about the whole bodily fluid thing.  She said she didn't know of anyone complaining, it was just not clean.  I said, "I can assure you my breastmilk is a lot cleaner than the pee that hundreds of kids do in this pool everyday.  It is also safer than the chlorine that is in the pool."  She told me she understood where I was coming from, as she has a 1 year old herself.  I assured her that I would rather be in the comfy lounge chair nursing, but was watching my toddler at the same time.

After a short discussion, she said it was fine to breastfeed in the pool.  She said that her employees were just following the guidelines for bodily fluids, but that it was okay.  I thanked her and asked that she please be sure to inform all of the employees about this situation.  She said I was the first woman ever to breastfeed in the pool at the YMCA, so they had never had this situation before.

I have been breastfeeding for 8 1/2 years.  I have breastfed in many different public locations; the cemetery, Arlington National Cemetery, walking through the streets of Philadelphia, on several airplanes, in airports, in Church, at the park, the Children's Museum, the mall, the grocery store...the list goes on and on and on.

Can you even tell he is nursing?

Twice I have been asked to stop doing it in a public place.  Once at Church* and the second time at the YMCA.  Both of which are very family friendly establishments.

Every State but 3 (Nebraska, West Virginia and Idaho) have laws protecting the rights of breastfeeding Mothers.  Some States have better laws than others and it is always good to know the laws where you live.

The Texas Law states:

The legislature finds that breastfeeding a baby is an important and basic act of nurture that must be encouraged in the interests of maternal and child health and family values. In compliance with the breastfeeding promotion program established under the federal Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. Section 1771 et seq.), the legislature recognizes breastfeeding as the best method of
infant nutrition.

A mother is entitled to breastfeed her baby in any location in which the mother
is authorized to be.

Though these laws are on the books at the state level, there is still an incredible lack of education at the local level and in many places of business.

So now I call for change.  I want for there to be more than just a public outcry when a Mother is asked to stop nursing in a public place.  All establishments where mothers may frequent should be educated and have policies in place to protect nursing mothers in keeping with state laws.


I want the YMCA to make a universal breastfeeding policy for all of their locations.  I want them to educate their staff about the OSHA guidelines that reinforce the fact that breastmilk is not a hazardous bodily fluid.

I want a place where a Mom can go to nurse her baby when the baby is in the childcare area.  Currently, all the YMCA's I know of, don't have anywhere for a Mom to nurse her baby other than in the hall or bathroom.  This is surprising, especially when the focus of the YMCA is Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.  Isn't breastfeeding part of all three of those?

If the Texas law specifically states that "breastfeeding a baby is an important and basic act of nurture and must be encouraged in the interest of maternal and child heath and family values" shouldn't employees of any establishment where breastfeeding Mothers may frequent be educated about this?

I have stopped asking why people are so uncomfortable with breastfeeding.  This is an answer I will never fully receive.  I know people are uncomfortable, but that is their issue, not mine.

My issue is feeding my 11 week old baby and keeping my 2 1/2 year old safe in the pool.  My issue is nursing my baby and hoping that I am not going to be asked to leave.

My issue now is the anxiety I have wondering if every time I sit down to nurse someone is going to come and tell me I am making them uncomfortable.

My issue is that I didn't want to be an activist, but now it is my responsibility to speak up for those Mamas who can't and won't.

So that is what I am doing.  I am writing letters to the Twin Lakes YMCA where this occurred.  I am also writing a letter to the Greater Williamson County YMCA and all Austin Area YMCA's.  After I have done that, I will write to the national YMCA headquarters.

If I don't speak up, who will?  Honestly, I am glad this happened to me.  I am the type of person who will question, know my rights, and not back down.  I am the type of person who will advocate for myself, my children, and others when I know there is a need.  I am glad this happened to me so that I can help.

If you want to help too, here are addresses of who you can contact.  Please be kind and remember we are trying to educate not inflame.  Together we can peacefully make a change for the better.

YMCA of the USA
101 N Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
fulfillment@ymca.net

YMCA of Greater Williamson County
Jeff Andresen
President/CEO
1812 N. Mays Street
Round Rock, TX 78664
jandresen@ymcawilliamsonco.org


*disclaimer - it is not Mormon Church policy to ask me to stop breastfeeding in public.  It was a couple of people in my congregation who were not comfortable with it and I took the opportunity to educate them :)

I have tried to leave comments up, but civilized conversation has gone out the door.  I really had hoped we could be adults about this, but apparently that is not possible.  So for that reason, comments have been closed. 

Tahirih wrote a fabulous sample letter.  I want to share it with any of you who want to use your voice for good.
To Whom it May Concern:

As an advocate of breastfeeding and of women's rights in general, I am dismayed to hear of recent events both locally and nationally (Caldwell, Idaho and Twin Lakes, Texas, respectively) where women were asked to refrain from discreetly feeding their young infants in the pool while supervising their older children.

In both instances the employees were grossly mis- or under-informed about public health and safety regarding breast milk, both in relation to the spread of disease via breast milk and the nutritional importance of breast feeding. In the Twin Lakes situation, the employee was also uninformed about the legally protected rights of nursing mothers.

The CDC states that: "HIV and other serious infectious diseases can be transmitted through breast milk. However, the risk of infection from a single bottle of breast milk, even if the mother is HIV positive, is extremely small. For women who do not have HIV or other serious infectious diseases, there is little risk to the child who receives her breast milk." Taking into consideration that a significantly smaller amount of milk would have potential to enter the water, and that aquatics staff take great care to maintain chlorine levels in the water, it can safely be surmised that small amounts of breast milk pose no health risk to other swimmers. It should also be noted that any woman who is pregnant or nursing can still potentially leak milk into the pool and it would be absurd to ask them to refrain from enjoying the facility simply because they are lactating, so it is equally absurd to ask a mother to refrain from feeding her infant while simultaneously keeping her other children closely supervised.

As a family advocate and a member of a community enriched by a YMCA , I am also dismayed by the clear lack of support for such a vital foundation of the families you advocate for. I find it negligent of all three of "[Y]our Areas of Focus" to either actively or passively permit an environment that does not openly facilitate such a basic and important act. Breastfeeding is the first way to nurture the potential of every child. Breastfeeding is the first step to improve the nation's health and well-being. Breastfeeding is socially responsible, and breastfeeding mothers and their children deserve the utmost support from their neighbors.

Lastly, I can't help but note the irony of the Y's efforts to fight child hunger and obesity while all but ignoring the cheapest and healthiest source of nutrition for children; and also at the wellness programs in place to deal with cancer, when breastfeeding is known to offer protection to both mothers and children from several types of cancer. From the American Institute for Cancer Research: "According to Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective, published by the American Institute for Cancer Research, the evidence that breastfeeding protects women against both pre- and post-menopausal breast cancer is convincing. Protection against ovarian cancer is suggested as well, but that evidence is currently limited. Hormonal changes associated with lactation – those that delay the return of a new mother’s menstrual periods– reduce a woman’s lifetime hormone exposure. According to experts, this seems to be the main reason that women who breastfeed have a lower risk. The AICR report also notes that physical changes that occur in breast cells while lactating may provide some protection as well. [...] The AICR cancer prevention report notes that babies are likely to receive cancer protection from breastfeeding, too. The evidence shows that breastfeeding probably reduces the chances that a child will be overweight for at least the early years of childhood. This is an important finding as childhood overweight tends to carry over into adulthood, and increased body fat clearly increases risk of at least six different types of cancer."

If the YMCA is serious about building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities, then this first vital building block should not be overlooked, but strongly reinforced. A few small changes could make all the difference in the world. A few suggestions would be to:
-Begin with staff training on the importance of breastfeeding, and how to help protect the rights of breastfeeding mothers and their children;
-Use signs to indicate that your facilities are breastfeeding friendly (one suggestion is the International Breastfeeding Symbol found at breastfeedingsymbol.org);
-Provide discreet and comfortable areas (not restrooms or locker rooms) for nursing mothers, including in the childcare facilities;
-Offer wellness programs designed to support nursing mothers.

I truly hope that the YMCA will take steps to live up to its own standards. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely

I Just Wrote to say I Love You :: Hallmark Get Carded Challenge

 The neighborhood where we live has a community mailbox.  It is not far from our house, so we either stop on our way home from running errands, or walk down everyday.

My children are always filled with anticipation as I open the box...did they get anything today???

I am filled with anticipation too, is there anything other than ads or bill statements? Did I get anything today???

I love getting mail, and really, I love sending mail too.

I have been known to spend an hour (or more) in the card isle of the grocery store just reading and laughing. (of course that was pre-kids. Now I am lucky if I can walk past the cards without my children trying to find the ones that sing and ripping them to shreds so I have to buy them!)

I love picking out the perfect card for someone and am more likely to send a "just because" card than I am a holiday, birthday or thank you card.

I am so excited to announce that I am going to be partnering with Hallmark this year to talk about how Life is a Special Occasion.

You might remember I wrote about this earlier in the year, finding the special occasion in everyday moments.  This is something that keeps those seemingly mundane every day moments from becoming just another moment.

Hallmark recently gave me the Get Carded Challenge.  They sent me a package a cards with the challenge to send a card to 7 different people.

I wish I could sit down and send a different card everyday, but really, my kids and my life don't allow that.  So, on Sunday afternoon, while the kids were playing with Daddy and the baby was sleeping, I sat down and thought about my friends.  I read through the cards and thought about who needed one this week.

It was such a great opportunity to listen to my heart and know who in my life needed a little pick me up in the mail.

It was really hard to narrow it down to 7, and to be honest...I didn't.  I just couldn't.  I sent 10!!!

I sent to my Parents, my friends Kate, Heidi and Loralee -- all back in my sweet Mountain town in Utah.  I sent to Arianne, Sara Sophia, Heather and my sister-in-law Melissa -- 4 of my heart-gut friends.  and, I sent to Candida, one of my dearest friends here in Texas.

The cards I sent each of these people were the words of my heart.  Some were funny, some were short, some were long winded, some were sentimental -- but all of them celebrated friendships and that everyday special occasion that comes with them.

The first person I heard back from was Loralee.  And in typical Loralee fashion, it was a tweet that made me giggle!

Then, I got a sweet email from my girlfriend Kate.  She and I used to have nice long sit down chats.  You know the ones where kids are running in and out and you get interrupted fifteen gazillion times, but you always come away feeling so much better about life?  Yeah, those kinds of chats.  I miss those, and the card I sent her said just that -- I miss you friend.

As I was leaving the gym on Saturday, I got a phone call from Jeremy's sister, Melissa.  She called to thank me for the card.  She said that she handed it to her husband and said, "This is why I want to move to Austin". We get each other, and have always been so close.  The card I sent her was perfect for her...

Photo by Steph of Adventures in Babywearing

Photo by Steph of Adventures in Babywearing

I also heard from my dear friend Candida.  She is a sweet Southern nut Belle, and as only she can, she said, "Oh girl, you crazy" when we were talking about the card.  That is her way of telling me she loved it.

This experience has also prompted Arianne and me to start being penpals.  I feel the same giddy anticipation as I did in 3rd grade when I got my first penpal. I can't wait.

This making a connection with each other is what life is all about.  All too often we type (((hug))) or "lol" or "btdt, xo".  And while that is helpful, there is something so much more meaningful about a handwritten card.  It shows a moment taken to sit, contemplate, and write (without the benefit of backspace or editing) to those who we love.

You can join in the fun of this challenge by liking Hallmark on Facebook.  Also, you totally should sign up for the free e-newsletter.  It is full of great ideas and fun ways to celebrate the everyday special occasions.

Hallmark wants to spread the love around and so they are offering 10 of my readers card packs, so you too can get carded!
I will send cards to the first 10 people who comment on this post.

Also (totally inspired by my darling friend Stephanie!) I will choose a winner at random for a fun gifty from me! I want to hear from each and every one of you.  I don't care where in the world you live, if you win, I will send you something.  I will choose a winner on Monday, July 25 at 9 PM CDT.

So leave a comment.  Tell me about the last time you sent or received a card.  How did it make you feel?

Hallmark provided all cards, postage, and prizes for this Get Carded challenge, and is compensating me for this sponsored post.  As always, all content and opinions expressed are my own.

Donate and Win!!!

I have this friend, Michelle, who is really the most generous person I know.  She will give the shirt off her back to a stranger and not think twice about it.

For the last couple of years she has gone to Peru to help Villa La Paz, an orphanage that helps children who otherwise would be left to fend for themselves.

As I said, Michelle is extremely generous.  She has done numerous fundraisers to help Villa La Paz.  Every single one has been funded by her...OUT OF HER POCKET.  She buys something amazing, and then for every $5 donation, you get an entry into the raffle.

By doing this, she has raised some serious cash for Villa La Paz.

This time folks, is no different.

She is giving away an iPad 2.  With a Smart Cover. Brand new.  Out of her pocket people.

I have donated, and even if I don't win, it's ok because I have donated to a very worthy cause.

So, I implore you, my readers, to use your charitable contributions this month, and give to Villa La Paz.  Go to Michelle's blog and read more about it.  You will be helping more children than you can possibly imagine.

Letters to my Babies

Dear Elliott,

Oh boy how I love you.  You are such a sweet baby 

(but really, aren't all babies sweet? Wait, no. Your brother wasn't).

I am so grateful to be your Mama.  Your smiles, your laid back personality,

your patience with your brother and sisters...

You are a wonderful baby.

 

But kiddo, you really need to start sleeping somewhere other than the swing.  Because as cute as you are all bundled up in that swing, it is killing me a bit that you will only sleep there.

I love you baby boy...

Mama

*****

Dear Libby,

Oh my darling girl.  You are growing up so fast and are SO hilarious these days.  Just today you helped me make cookies, and it was so much fun.

You love to swim and will "dive" (belly flop) into the water over and over and over.  

You love to sing and dance and do so quite frequently.

You are more in love with your binkie everyday, and I find this quite interesting since you never took one as a baby.  Also, what is up with you playing with your bellybutton when you're tired?

You are so cute that it almost makes up for the fact that you come into my bed every single night and then wail and scream and cry when Daddy takes you back to your bed.

Will you stop doing that please?

Also, please, please, please, please stop pooping in your underwear. You were doing SO good wearing undies, and now not so much.

Also, thanks for being such a great big sister to Elliott.  You pretty much rock his little world.

I love you baby girl...

Mama

*****

My darling dearest Amelia Bedilia,

I love your freckles.  

You hate when I tell you that and then tell me that you don't have any freckles, but you do and they are darling.  It is the one thing you got from me, so I really like that.

You are such a great singer and I love that you have enough confidence to think you 

could go on America's Got Talent and win!  Never lose that ambition sweetie.

You are starting Kindergarten in about a month and I can't imagine what my life is going to be like when you are gone all day long.  Libby and I will be so lonely for you.

But you are so excited. 

So I pretend to be excited too.

I love that you are so creative and talented and have a flair for the dramatics.

This will serve you well in life.

Trust me.

I know.

BUT, right now, you make me a little crazy with your crying over every single little thing.

Makes me not look forward to your teenage years at all.

Regardless, you are my sweet princess and I love you.

Mama.

*****

Bubs,

I am going to call you that for the rest of your life, you know that don't you?

You are such an amazing big brother to your siblings.

I know it is hard being the biggest kid, but you do it so well and really like responsibility.

You are such a huge helper, with laundry, cleaning, playing with the kids, and dinner clean up.

I love how you love your Lego's, putting posters up in your room, and swimming.

You are so competitive and someday that is really going to come in handy.

But right now, when you are in swim lessons and you beat another kid in a race,

it is not so nice to say "I WON I WON I WON!!!!"

No one likes that kid.

You are starting 2nd grade so soon.

Kid, I remember 2nd grade.  I met my 1st real best friend in 2nd grade.  We're still friends.

I can't believe you are that old.

I bet some boy crazy girl is going to fall head over heels for you.

When she does, please be nice and not growl at her.

I love you to the moon and back,

Mama

Foggy

My brain feels foggy.

We've had family visiting, lots of late nights, a round of antibiotics (for me), lots of swimming, playing and having fun.

But now, I feel foggy.  I am exhausted beyond measure.

My body hurts because I started the 30 Day Shred again.  It hurts to sneeze.  That really stinks because of my allergies, I do it a lot.

My brain can't function the way I want it to. 

My kids have swim lessons everyday, then we come home and I just let them play.

But I know school is fast approaching and Amelia still can't read more than a few words.  I haven't been working on problem solving with Seth like I should.  Can it be that I will have to be sending them off in just 1 short month? 

Two of my chicks gone from the nest all day.

And that day.  The day that rips my heart to shreds...

The kids start school on Emma's Angel Day again.

I think all of these things combined are what are putting me into a foggy funk.

I think I will let a movie babysit my kids for a while and I will take a nap with my babe.

Sometimes, you just have to do what you have to do, right?