Yesterday I was lucky enough to spend some time with one of my favorite people: a good friend's two-year-old daughter. I often end up coming along on shopping trips to provide comic relief while my friend actually takes care of the business at hand, and yesterday it was a trip to the grocery store. It was in most respects an ordinary trip, but there was a moment that really stood out to me, and I wanted to share.
Hi! My name is Christian. That's me in the picture. Everyone says I look like my daddy, so everyone must think he's pretty cute too. I turned seven months old yesterday. I'm a big boy now! My mommy, Dawn, is a writer for Mommage. (She rocks!) Since Father's Day is coming, I asked her if I could write a posting about my daddy for this week. She told me that it was okay. (I told you she rocks!)
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday dear Mommage
Happy Birthday to You!
(and many more!)
So... who's bringing the ice cream?
--Contributed by the Mommage Moms
Is it healthy for children to idolize celebrities? And do celebrities deserve to
be worshiped as role models and heroes? Well, here's one that does. With so many kids being disappointed and disenchanted by the people they look up to, particularly in sports and entertainment, it's nice to know there are some idols who try to set a good example, not because they have to, but because they genuinely care about their fans. I know you think I'm merely impassioned, but the fact is I have read many stories similar to that of 10-year old Colin's experience with his favorite idol, and mine.
If your child has a hero or someone they look up to as a role model, here are some tips on how to talk to them about their expectations and disappointments:
Today is Autism Awareness day. Our guest blogger today is 14-year old Bobby who has Asperger's Syndrom ~ a form of high functioning autism. Mommage welcomes Bobby to our blog and appreciates his insight into autism, as well as his recipe!
My name is Bobby and I am enrolled in a four week program with the Virginia Cooperative Extention Nutrition/Education Program. I am 14 years old and I have Asperger's Syndrome. This means I have trouble making friends with the kids at school and I don't understand other people's moods or expressions the same way you do. This causes me to say things that aren't always appropriate. I often blurt things out. I feel bad when I hurt other people's feelings and I don't mean to, but it sometimes it just comes out.
Last Friday I made dinner for my Mom and Grandma. This was my first time making dinner for them and I am very proud of my achievements.
Every time I button up my shirt or sweater,
I remember the time Mr. Rogers buttoned his sweater the wrong way on his television show. I'm sure his genuine reaction to the blunder made millions of kids feel much better about their own mishaps. I know it made me feel better. I have always been a fan of Mr. Rogers. In a complicated and fast paced world, he has a way of making everything seem peaceful and simple. And if he can have a calming effect on me, then I'm sure his demeanor helps make a difference in a lot of children.
If you and your kids enjoy Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, you can show your appreciation on March 20th by wearing a sweater on "Sweater Day" to honor our friend who passed away five years ago. Mr. Rogers, who was loved by children because he liked them just the way they are, said he wore a sweater “to make it seem like a comfortable time. It’s a symbol of staying a while, of settling down for some quiet time together.”
Have you ever wondered what happened to his sweater?
Continue reading "It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!" »
This is hysterical. If it had been presented this way, I don't believe any of us would have done it!!!!
POSITION : Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop
JOB DESCRIPTION : Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.
RESPONSIBILITIES : The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION : None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE : None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION : Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.
BENEFITS : While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.
** AND A FOOTNOTE... THERE IS NO RETIREMENT -- EVER!!! ** If you are fortunate enough, you will become grandparents!
--Conributed by Renee
A fine holiday was had by all yesterday. Gifts were well-received and appreciated and we spent the afternoon watching Pirates of Caribbean and noshing on the most delightful ham sandwiches ever made and Christmas cookies. All Tuesdays should be that much fun.
My son had THE remark of the holiday ~ you know the one I'm talking about. The one that's repeated year in and year out after it's made with tears of laughter pouring out of your eyes. The kind of comment that lives on in holiday legend.
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all
through the abode
Only one creature was stirring, and she was cleaning the
commode.
The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
While
visions of Nintendo and Barbie, flipped through their heads.
We don't know who wrote the following letter to Santa, but the Mommage Moms wholeheartedly agree with her. In the spirit of the season, The Mommage Moms share their favorite Christmas letter to Santa with you. Happy Holidays!
Dear Santa,
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor and sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground. I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.
Here are my Christmas wishes:
