Russell Simmons, Honorable Mention

I was reading an article online this morning about Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons. He said that the recording industry should ban the use of extrememly bad words in music. Yes, there's that old 'Freedom of Speech' thing, but when you are using vulgar words in every other phrase, there is a big problem especially to moms. We care about what our children listen to and unfortunately we can't be there to monitor every second of the day of our childrens' lives. Every time you turn your car radio on, there is a catchy and popular song on that you even find yourself listening to, but when the kids are in the car you change the station because of the suggestive words. I truly hope that Russell Simmons will be able to use his status to bring results. Sadly, we live in a world that obscene language and behavior is acceptable by society. Check the full story out here.

Women after Five Event

Don't forget the upcoming event for Sistercare of the Midlands/ Women after Five 14th Annual Silent Auction & Reception. It will be located at Troncos at the Fairgrounds on May 8, 2007 from 5:30-8:00 pm. There is a $50 donation to attend the event. There will be a huge array of items to bid on such as salon packages, restaurant certificates, vacation packages, pottery, antiques and countless other items from local businesses and individuals. The Guest Speaker will be Laurie LeGrand (domestic violence survivor). There will be Hors D'oeuvres, soft drinks, beer and wine served throughout the event. All donations should be be sent to Women after Five/ SisterCare c/o Mrs. Claudia Maloney P.O. Box 1029, Columbia, SC 29201 or call (803)926-0505. Please be sure to mention that you heard about this event through Momfiles.com by dropping a note along with your donation. This is such a great cause and if you can't make it to the event, consider making a donation.

Parent vs Non-Parent

Isn't it funny when your friends or family (that are not parents) often think you are too hard on your children? I often go through it with the 'non-parent'. I assure them that their views will change when they have their own children and I usually get "No, I will never be as mean a mom as you are!". I specifically remember about 10 years ago, one of my dearest friends (non-parent at that time) saw my older child fall and I did not run to console her. My friend started the whole "Aww, poor baby!". I would tell her that I do not pity the child unless she is bleeding or dying (you know what I mean). She thought I was the most horrible person in the whole world. Well, she had her first child 3 years ago and guess what? I go to her house and watch the child bump into the wall or fall on the floor and what do you think she does? She says, "shhh, don't pay any attention to her". How funny!! The same person that was ready to grab my child in her arms and baby her now won't do that for her own child! It is amazing that your mind changes so much when you become a parent.

Embarassing your kids-The Right of Parents

This morning my younger daughter went on a school field study to Charleston, SC to the Cooper River Bridge and The Citadel. Since she was going a whole two hours away from home and would be gone all day, my husband and I thought we would be the good parents (since neither of us could attend) to take her to the pick up site to see her off. Her dad gets a little crazy with the camera and takes video clips as well as photos of all the kids and their families. As you can see on the photo to the left, she was making the mad dash to dodge her dad, the camera man!

After dropping the first child off we then took our middle school aged daughter to school. Her dad decides to jump out of the driver's seat (in the crowded carpool line) and pose for a photo. My poor child was so embarrassed since everyone was staring. It was pretty funny I have to admit. It is sort of cute now that I look at the photo- the children were asked to wear burgundy or orange to show remembrance for those that passed away in the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech. Look at that, dad and daughter wearing those very colors. SO sweet! I always said I would never embarrass my own children when I was a kid but it's just too much fun!!

Moms kicking butt

My kids attend karate classes at Genova Family Karate and are first degree black belts as well as junior helpers. A couple of the moms that have children that take classes have recently started taking the adult karate class. We usually take a brisk walk around the track together(located around the building of the karate studio) and chat about 'mom stuff' while getting our exercise on. Of course they have been nagging me to join the class with them. My kids and hubby found out and they won't stop bugging me to join as well. Great, now if I do not at least try it out I will be a bad mom especially during those times I am encouraging the family to"try something new, you might like it!". I tell you, mothering sure can backfire on you when you least expect it! I have decided to try it out soon. I will let you all know how it worked out!

Scrapbooking

My younger sister (2 years) and I started scrap booking recently. Okay, I lied. I started 2 years ago but lost motivation after the first couple pages. It seemed like fun when I started out buying all the cute paper, stickers, cutouts and all the other supplies you need. Then I lost interest for some time. Well, my sister relocated to Columbia from Atlanta a couple months ago and mentioned an interest in starting scrap booking as a hobby. We went out and purchased a few things and had zero motivation. Finally last night we actually sat down and worked on it (of course after a couple purchases from the craft store). We had so much fun!! I can't wait to do some more tonight. If anyone has any ideas to share please email me some photos of your work. Maybe I can steal some good ideas!