Pink Extravaganza – October is Breast Cancer Awareness

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

Medical professionals from doctors to nurses, and attendants to hospital security are banding together, donning pink gloves (ties, shoes and hats too) and dancing their little hearts out! And why would our doctors, nurses and other medical care givers do such a thing? To show support and raise awareness about Breast Cancer!

Did you know that breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in women?

As mothers, professionals, care givers and leaders, we often spend much of our time caring for those we love. And so many of us are know someone, a friend or loved one, who has survived or succumbed to breast cancer. While we hope for a cure, which some speculate may not be that far away, the best thing that we can do is raise awareness, show our support and continue to carry the flame of strength, perseverance, and grace that burns in each of us.

I absolutely loved this video! A Scorsese masterpiece it was not. But the joy, dedication and obvious commitment to this cause was evident. It not only made me proud to live in Rochester, it made me proud to know that for all of the medical industry’s flaws and misgivings, there still are places and people who value the person and not the dollar.

I laughed and for a brief moment, I cried. We’re all in this together and that my friends is a wonderful thing to know.

 

WWF Smackdown – Why I Sometimes Let ‘Em Duke it Out

You WHAT?!!! Yes, I know. Some of you are already in an uproar and that’s perfectly fine. But if you hang with me for a few moments, I will prove to you why sometimes, letting your children figure things out on their own is the BEST thing you, as a parent, will ever do. Now, let’s go back in time. The year 2008.

Her: Mom!! He hit me.

Me: Stop hitting your sister.

Him: well, she threw her bra at me; that’s like an act of war.

Me: don’t throw your bra at your brother.

Her: well, he said girls suck.

Him: well, it’s true.

Her: is NOT!

Him: is TOO!

Me: STOP it both of you!!

Them: geez, Mom. You’re really cranky.

Did you catch that? I was the CRANKY one even though this had been going on for 30 minutes!! THIRTY MINUTES! I thought for sure that resolving my children’s issues was what I was supposed to do. Instead, I was labeled as cranky and then the two of them had the audacity to start laughing and carrying on as though the last 30 minutes never even took place! That year I learned a valuable lesson: just like with adults, conflict resolution is a natural part of life and if we as parents are too quick to try to handle problems for our children, we stunt their ability to resolve situations on their own. Plus, they’re not really looking for our help. Fast forward to April 2011.

Him: hiiiiiiyaaaaaahhhhh!! *loud thud, followed by a scream* My son has run across the room, jumped onto my daughter and now has her pinned on the dining room floor.

Her: Mommeeeee. *giggles and belly laughs* Tell him to get off of me! Owww. *more giggles* He’s hurting me.

Him: take back you what you said!

Her: NEVER!

Him: take it back!

Her: stopppp! Get off me!

For 10 minutes I listened to my screaming daughter and stubborn son go back and forth with their taunts and cries for Mommy to intervene. This was my chance to put into practice the lesson, I’d learned about 3 years ago. I narrowed my eyes, glaring at my teens. I took off my earrings, rolled up my sleeves and stomped into the dining room.

Him: say you’re sorry. *giggles*

Her: get off me!! Mommeeeee. *giggles*

Clearly there was only one thing left to do: I dropped to my knees and banged my hand on the floor. One! I shouted. Two! I shouted. Three. I shouted. We have a new WWF Champion, ladies and gentleman. I grabbed my son’s arm and declared him the victor; then I left the room. To say they were stunned would be an understatement but it proved to be the best laugh, I’d had all day!

So, there you have it. I let them duke it out and got a much needed laugh in the process! Two teens. One lesson. Not bad Mommy. Not bad at all!

Thanks for visiting.

Understanding How Boys and Girls Think

Boys and Girls: They Are Different Because They Think Different

As a parent of both a male and female child, I’ve learned a powerful truth: boys and girls are different. Not the most profound thing you’ve heard today, I know. Still, aside from the obvious anatomical differences, boys and girls differ in a very unique way: their “train of thought” or simply how they perceive the things around them. Ever notice how a girl can look at a Barbie doll and envision herself combing the doll’s hair, while a boy will see the same doll and envision it being rolled over by the monster truck? Or how a girl looks at colors like pink or lilac and think “oooo” while the same colors causes the boy to dry heave in disgust?

Boys and girls aren’t just different anatomically; they’re different cognitively as well. Don’t believe me? Well, below are few examples that will not only prove I’m right but will have you agreeing with me…guaranteed! Or your money back. Can you tell I always wanted to say that? Now, let the guarantee commence….

Bed-time Differences

Girl: brushes teeth, tucks self into bed and waits for Mom to enter room. On cue “I love you Mom.” **bing** The halo appears, hovers over head as she lays angelically a top her pillow. Mom kisses forehead and exits room.

Boy: brushes teeth and jumps onto bed waiting for Mom to enter. On cue  “didn’t I fire you last week?!” **kapow, wham, boom** 1 Vulcan death grip, 2 Sleeping Monkey maneuvers  and a SuperDuper Smack down until he screams “pink is to an awesome color!” The boy falls onto the pillow. “You’re definitely fired this time!” Mom kisses forehead. “You can’t kiss me!” She exits room.

Bible Study Differences

Girl: Mom, do you think Jesus will return before I get my first kiss?

Boy: Of course He will, that’s why I’m going to start kissing every girl I see starting next week!

Marriage Differences

Girl: Mom, when you re-marry, are we going to have more siblings? I think I’d like having a younger sister

Boy: If you think for one moment that you’re having more kids, think again. It’s disgusting what you grown-ups do with your bodies these days. Me and this husband of yours, we’re going to have a loooong talk about that! Hmmph!

Heaven Differences

Girl: do you think if your biscuits make it heaven that they’ll taste even better?

Boy: I don’t know why you’re asking because you won’t be eating any. I know it’s heaven but a man’s got to draw the line somewhere.

Differences Proven: Told You I Was Right!

By now you’ve clearly seen a pattern. They boy is way funnier than the girl? Um, no. Well, yes but the real pattern is evidenced in how they think. The boy often spoke from a “matter of fact” perspective while the girl spoke with more curiosity. Likewise, the girl tended to be more “by the book” with her routine while the boy, well, let’s face it, he wasn’t.

I said all of that to say this: regardless of how boys and girls differ, they’re are definitely treasures worth keeping, worth appreciating and worth enjoying! As parents, we owe it to them, regardless of how we think they should be, to celebrate everything they are and will be. Remember, they’re gifts from heaven to us, not to be fashioned in our image, but in HIS.

Thanks for visiting,