Deep Breaths

Sometimes I feel relaxed or re-energized after a MOPS meeting. Sometimes I walk out with wide eyes and mind reeling. The latter has been the case for the last two meetings. Our very own ER doc, Kim Thivierge spoke to us earlier this month about taking care of our children in emergency situations. At first I sat there with my mouth open instead of taking notes on how many chest thrusts to administer during CPR.

Dr. Kim is a great friend to have

Kim's big on minimizing the risk. She went through a long list of things to avoid and/or keep an eye out for. Car seat safety (pull that clip up to their chest and keep it tight), choking hazards (bad bad button batteries), bolting furniture to the wall, hide n seek in the car- keep it locked so they don't go hide, put out the cones in the drive-way and helmets please! Poison control should be in your phone (800)222-1222! Talk to your children about their body parts using real words. Open conversations with friends and parents about risks, who is in the house and gun safety. Standing water around the house, fitted sheets only in a crib, jump ropes around the neck, playground safety, concussions- oh my! This would have been a good meeting for mimosas! 

Happy Birthday April Hot Mamas!

The good news is that we have this awesome support system. If you need a breather, one of us will watch your kids. Need some prayers? Laurie has a running list! On your way to the ER? We'll bring you dinner. This group has your back. That's a good segway to this week's speaker. But first, a few fun pics...

Movie Night to see Blockers! A good belly laugh is chicken soup for my soul!

Pick a Park Friday at Mandarin park was gorgeous!

So, what happens when the stress of raising these sweet children gets to be too much? You know what I mean- when it bottles up and you start to see red. Anger. Maria Inoa spoke to us this morning on how to manage our anger. Self awareness is key. Do you feel yourself getting hotter? Do you notice the body cues? We need to learn some self care skills and give ourselves some grace. There are many layers here. Spiritual, getting some quiet time, reading scripture, praise and worship. Physical- exercising, yoga and stretching. Mental and emotional- journaling, crying, support, adult time (we have a girls night on Wednesday!). It's good to normalize feeling words for your kids. It's okay that they see you cry and hear you YELL! You are human. 

Maria Inoa sharing her wisdom

Check out her contact info

Practice the pause. Take some deep breaths. Meditate. Mary Lynn told me about this app. This is something you have to practice doing. Take time outs. Ask for help. There's a whole Facebook group of people waiting to be asked. It's taken me years to finally start asking. Try Psychology Today for a counselor that fits you. It's okay to shop around. And in the heat of the moment, if you're seeing red and just can't calm down. You can always call this parent hotline: 1-854-4-A-PARENT. 

Mentor Mom, Perrin giving us wisdom in the thick of it

We've got this ladies! Breathe in. Breathe out. Let's go do some zumba!

For current members, registration for next year is out! Check your email for the link! Are you on the waitlist? You should get an email next week to register. I'll post a link here when it's open to the public. You've got to act fast when you see it. Nursery space fills up quickly! Find your Fire is next year's theme. It's going to be good! You won't want to miss it!