it's an epidemic of .....

huge proportions!

Hello Lovelies! Normally I'm am being silly whenever I am posting but I find that it's time for me to get a lil serious today. You all know that I am a huge advocate for taking care of yourself AND your family. I mean if you aren't healthy, how will you possibly care for your family - let alone be able to be "pleasant" to those around you?

You know what I mean, the saying goes, "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!" While it's funny it is also very true. I have been chatting with a few girlfriends of mine even a female relative or two who have all been struggling to take care of their families and have long forgotten about themselves, so that being said, we have to take action....take off your rubber gloves, burn your apron, put down the Lysol, drop the broom and listen up! Okay.... so I am still being a lil silly but I just can't help it.

Here's some more ways that you can do a lil' something just for yourself:

1. When you are feeling overwhelmed with everyday responsibility, Stop. Take a few deep breaths, put your feet up and even if it is just 30 seconds of breathing and sitting down ITS WORTH IT! Don't tell me you don't have 30 seconds now... better get off the computer a lil sooner ;) Sometimes just stopping to breathe when we are tense is just enough to relax us & keep us moving on with our day. Its serious! There's even evidence to back it up, Check out this article.

2. After taking a deep breath, if you don't live in a 20 degree area, go for a walk. I used to make every excuse in the book NOT to go outside. It's too hot, it's too cold but the truth is that staying inside all of your days is a recipe for falling into a deep depression. NO.JOKE. I have been a victim of it and it is hard to battle as a lonely stay at home mom. if you have a friend go out with her, if you have family go out to see them, if you have no one I'm here for you and know that i have been there and emerged victorious! This is one not to miss! Bonus? You get to experience the beauty of God's nature and you'll be good when you get back home.

3. Make some time for you during the week. I don't mean just 5 - 10 minutes but I mean legitimate time away from your home & children. You don't have to spend money either, if its cold where you are go to a library ( Peace & quiet ahhh!!!!) if its warm go to the mall and just

window shop. If you have a few bucks treat yourself to a nice dessert or a latte - with extra whipped cream..... okay back to reality, point is whatever you do, do it for you ;) Not only is it fun but I promise you, you will be sooo happy when you come back to your little ones!

4. Exercise. Now I must caution you that exercise is my arch enemy but it's necessary for a healthy mind, body AND Spirit. You all know that I'm a God fearing woman, the truth is He created us in those three mediums to operate as one. Sound familiar? Anyhoo, you cannot deny the physical aspect of your body and not expect your mind & body not to be affected. I don't like highly aerobic workouts cause they can be hard on my body but stretching is wonderful for you. If you struggle with sleep as I do stretching before sleep will help to relax you, trust me as an insomniac, IT WORKS!

5. Get rest. I cannot say this enough! If you are not sleeping your body is not being replenished or repaired. I stand guilty as charged. I am notorious for burning myself out so badly that I become sick or worse. Even God rested on the seventh day! I mean seriously, if He being infinite in all His might took a load off, how much more should we being fragile? Don't get me wrong we

are strong but to deny ourselves the very thing we were created to do can't be right. That why the shops close, lights are turned off and things shut down. Just in case you didn't know we as the women of the household are the captains of the ship we call home (not to deny the husbands authority). If you let go of the steering wheel & forget about our responsibility to ourselves AND those on board... where will everyone end up?

Take that time....you know the rest.

Ladies if you have any other advice or comments please weigh in with what works for you. You never know how you may encourage someone by just sharing how you make it happen.

- Just a thought.....

Well I have finally...

Conquered my computer woes for now....or so it seems ( I can laugh about it now) and while I am feeling victorious as I sit in front of my computer, I have waged a new battle with my now three year old ;)

POTTY WARS! I can hear all of the theme music playing in the background - DUN DUN DUN!!!!!!!! with blood curdling screams firing off in the background... okay enough of the drama and back to the story.

As I was saying, I have begun the battle with the potty. Now just so you know my little peanut Leia has been well trained since she was about 2 years old. I started when she was about 14 months, it quickly got too overwhelming for her, so we took a break and resumed when she hit 2. Now she has been a rare case - she took on very quickly and very rarely had an accident unless she was groggy in the morning - ( I can count on one hand her accidents and still have fingers left)

Anyhoo, lately I find that while she is fully trained she has been having all of these accidents. For example, she was sitting on my lap while I was banging/working on my computer and proceeded to scream "I gotta potty" and peed all over me, the computer chair & my floor. Sometimes I find she hasn't gone all day and then in a rush she goes running & peeing all over the place! I don't know what's going on here! Even if I ask her if she has to go she still won't. Me & the hubs have to leave her there crying in order for her to go. I don't know if its an independence thing or what but I am tired of cleaning out the potty and my floors! By the way, this new independence thing at 3 years old... a whole nother ' blog post.

Sorry for the rant but the only thing that gives me peace while I'm in the midst of cleaning is knowing that I'm loving her in the midst of this instead of reacting to what's happening. It reminds me of how many times God has to come down & clean up my mess. At least she's innocent and doing this unknowingly... or so I think. Well besides the cleaning of my peanut and her potty there is much to be happy about. We'll see if that attitude sticks though the next time I have to clean up a dirty potty lol!

Regardless of what part of the floor (or your child) you find yourself cleaning make some time to take care of just you.

- Just a thought....

What am I doing for me you're thinking? I'm getting ready to go hang out with my girlfriends and then coming home to nap with the kid & the hubs. You didn't think I forgot huh?

This is exactly how I feel...

about my computer!!!!

While I'm brand new, my situation with this page taking FOREVER to load is getting real old...real fast.

We have since been experiencing some technical difficulties and when they resume as they should be we'll get back to our regular scheduled programming.

Anyone know my frustration? Leave your comments & advice if you know how to deal.

- Just a frustrated rant......

I'm .....

brand new everyone!

Hello lovelies! It's wonderful to be back and better than ever! Nothing like a makeover to give a gurl a confidence boost huh? I absolutely adore what Louise ( of Adori Graphics) did for my blog and my hope is that you love it too. If not that's okay I'll still love you lol! It makes me wanna jump for joy.

Anyhoo, I have since recovered from my denial of my child getting older but am absorbing the time and fun we are having just for today. There are so many great things to talk to you all about and I just cannot wait to share so stay tuned....

- Just a thought.... and while you ponder that may I ask, what have you done for you lately?

The last day she.....

will be two years old is today. Tomorrow will mark my baby leaving the baby years officially....WILL SOMEBODY PLEASE GET OUT THE WORLD CLOCK AND STOP IT!!!!!

Time is going by wayyy too fast. I figured I would find some comfort here from all of you out there in mommy land, I also decided to just recap on some of the most wonderful things that have happened in the last three years that I will miss and the things I won't miss so much.

The five things I will miss about babydom:

1. Holding a 9 lb. baby (vs. a 25lb. toddler) and yes at birth she was 9 lbs. 13oz. to be exact!

2. Watching her wriggle in her blankies

3. Seeing her smile while playing peek a boo

4. Nursing

5. Watching her kick and squeal with her fat chubby legs

Five things I am more than happy to wave goodbye to:

1. Diapers- Need I say more?

2. Crack of dawn feedings

3. Spit up - only deal is now I traded it for the more gross kind cause she's older

4. Fights to get into the bath tub

5. Washing endless amount of baby clothes by hand - now the machine can do it for me!

May be some of you can give me some pointers for whats to look forward to so I don't miss it while I look back over these times. Me & the hubs cried about it late last night and while it's difficult there is much to rejoice over. All three of these years for her were healthy & happy. She is a well rounded, sharp as a tack, loving & caring little girl and I couldn't have dared to ask God for more. HE. IS. GOOD.

Remember to redeem the time you have with your children while you have it and to leave tomorrow's worries for tomorrow. Sooner rather than later tomorrow will come and you will have missed out on today.

- Just a thought....

GOOD NEWS......

While there is no installment for today's Awww...Inspiring moms The Forgotten Mom is finally getting a much needed... MAKEOVER!!!!

Over at the Mom Bloggers Club I finally found a way to re-do my whole blog without hurting my pockets - Can you say FREE!!! Louise over at Adori Graphics is getting started and I hope you all

love what we have in store. Until then I have put a hold on uploading anymore interviews - I am SURE you have already noticed the lack of posting LOL but stayed tuned it's going to be fantabulous!

Just a little update on me and the munchkin.... she is going to turn three in just a few weeks and I feel as though I am going crazy. I am happy but sad all at the same time. Do you know what I mean? I can't help but come to tears while thinking of when I had her or looking at old pictures and I just can't believe that three years has gone by this fast! Well at least they were all happy & healthy years and God willing there is still more to come. It just keeps me on my toes when I need to be sure that I am spending time with her (while she's still small & growing) now.

For those of you who are too busy to get down on the ground and just be silly with your kids today, try it you never know what memories you will create while you still have the time with them! P.S. don't forget whether you take time today, tomorrow or next week, do it and just for you!

- Just a thought....

For those of you that don't know....

I have begun a new segment on my blog. Who else would it be dedicated to but moms? I think that blogging is an outlet for many of us who need to reach out, be lifted up and encouraged by one another. What better way to do that then to find out more about those awesome moms that inspire us?

Enough said! Here is another mom that many of us find Awww... Inspiring. Her dedication to family & work is tireless and she manages to squeeze in blogging amidst all of her duties.

Here's our second interview with Aww...Inspiring mom Akilah Richards.

Q. How has becoming a mom changed you for the better?

A. I know understand the value of time, specifically, making time to do the "little" things that mean more than the day-to-day. Since becoming a mom, I have a new perspective on career goals, because I see how my actions directly affect the lives of two people who didn't ask to be here, and deserve the world!

Q. Did you struggle with your transition into "mom"? What (or whom) do you credit with helping you to overcome the transitioning process?

A. I definitely struggled with the transition from law-school bound file clerk at a large Atlanta law firm, to pregnant chic trying to figure out how to handle this "baby plus career" thing! That is how my book, Execumama: A Pocket-guide for the Twenty-something Mommy on the Move, came to be. I spoke with dozens of women who successfully managed careers and parenting, and by the end of the project, I was certain that I could pursue my true passions (writing and entrepreneurship) while being a full-time mother, engaged in my children's lives, and enjoying every day with them. Through the stories of these incredible women, I found strength, inspiration, and proof!

Q. What do you find to be wonderful about parenting? What do you find to be difficult? What tip would you give to help other moms remedy that issue?

A. One of the most wonderful things about parenting is the opportunities for self-growth. Our children are mirrors of the environments we've created, and through my daughters, I truly learn to be my best self. One of the more difficult aspects of parent for me is the level of selflessness it takes to be a committed parent. Some days, I'm tired, frustrated, etc., but that has to fall to the wayside to some extent, so that I can be there for my daughters and their needs. I am only human, so certainly I allow myself to feel my full range of emotions, taking moments to "lick my wounds", but at the end of the day (for me), it's about them, not me; not while they're this young (5 and 3).

Q. Where & how do you find the time to take care of you amidst caring for a family?

A. Fortunately, there are built-in fail safes in regards to parenting and self-care. In my house, if mommy's neglecting herself, then everyone pays the price (LOL!), so I exercise regularly at the YMCA where there's a Kidzone so that the girls can play safely for an hour or so while I handle my business. I also have a great support system with my husband and the girls' grandparents, and I utilize them when necessary. I also pray often and meditate to keep the external noise to a minimum and stay in tune with Creator's plan for me, which I believe is NOT limited to the blessing of parenthood.

Q. What is the most inspiring advice you have received as a mom that you would like to extend to other moms reading?

A. I don't know that there's one piece of advise in particular that stands out. What I would like to share is the overall thought that the women from my book drew me to conclude; that is to Define, Design, and Live your FULLEST version of Woman! If that means kicking butt at your corporate gig, then using your weekends to goof off in Happyville with your children, then so be it. That might mean giving up a great paying 9 to 5 in exchange for a part-time opportunity that may cause you to live in a smaller house, but gives you more quality time. But if that's what makes you feel like your fullest self, then go for it. The message is simple: you deserve to feel fulfilled by your daily actions, period! If the things you do from day-to-day leave you fatigued, unsatisfied, and in search of more, then you have a responsibility to yourself to work towards happiness, and create a life of fulfillment for you and your children.

Akilah is an awesome example of how to make your family and work life the best for you. SO often we get caught up in drawing the line and saying you have to parent this way or staying home is the best of working is better. The truth is we must do what we have to do, in order to do what we want to do. Everyone's needs /priorities are different and instead of tearing one another down we as moms need to extend a hand to help those who need it up. Akilah, I wish you and your family all the best. My hope is that you continue to inspire the execumama in us at all, whether we work it at home or in the office! Definitely another aww..inspiring story!

Be sure to check out Akilah's blog when you have the chance! And remember lovelies -to take some time today to take care of you!

- Just a thought.....

P.S. Mommies, if you know another mom that you look to for inspiration just send me a line at: candacejcs@gmail.com with her name, a link to her blog and a short message about why you find her inspiring and she may be the next featured. Check next Tuesday for the new aww inspiring mom. Enjoy!