Caring for Caregivers #ThanksProject

As a kid, it is far too easy to take for granted how our parents take care of us. We are so completely dependent on their nurturing, from clothing and shelter to food and love. Always excited to be a "grown up," kids barrel to become independent. Too often do parents hear, "No!" and "I do it myself!" from even the littlest of mouths. As kids grow into adults, becoming parents themselves, their eyes are suddenly opened to the amazing amount of selflessness their parents poured out to them in their formative years.  We make the transition from being cared for to caring for.

What we often don't anticipate, though, is the reality that the people who once cared for us may need caring for again as they age. It is a strange yet beautiful service we give our parents and former caregivers: reciprocating the gift of care. This gift, while beautiful, can be taxing. 

I watched both my mother and my in-laws care for their declining parents several years ago. I was amazed at the steadfastness, the tenderness, the selflessness that came with the duty. Some days were better than others. Some days there was laughter, other days pain. And as each life neared an end, there was a sadness as well as sweetness in relief the day they were able to say goodbye to their deteriorating and hurting bodies for greater things.

I saw my mom and my in-laws with new eyes after this experience. I became acutely aware of the weighty task caregivers have as they take on the care of their older loved ones. Caregivers everywhere deserve to be recognized for the important work that they do, and this Mother’s Day and Father’s Day remind us why it’s worth it. The AARP has started a fantastic campaign called the Thanks Project.


The Thanks Project is an online platform that enables caregivers to publicly recognize the parents whom they care for. Each individual ‘thanks’ will be integrated into the interactive tapestry, representing the 42 million caregivers in the US. It's their goal to give caregivers some easy ways to honor the person who raised them.What a beautiful way to commemorate the parents and grandparents who raised us!

In addition, the AARP recognizes the tremendous toll caregiving can have on the caregiver. As caregivers deal with handling bills, helping with meals, driving to appointments, and the various struggles of aging, it can affect their own personal health and general wellbeing. To give caregivers the support they need, the AARP has compiled some very helpful resources, including:

• Prepare to Care (Caregiving Planning Guide for Families)
• 12 Resources Every Caregiver Should Know About

Caregiving is a big job, and no one should have to do it alone!

How will you honor those who cared for you as you grew? 

How will you commemorate your caregivers this Mother's Day and Father's Day? 

Disclosure: Information was provided by the Ad Council, but no compensation was received for this post. 

 

Great Gifts for Moms Who Run

* This post contains affiliate links.

Every mom has a different set of interests. Some love cooking, some are into gardening, others are gamers. As we get to gift-giving holidays, honing in on those interests helps us decide on the perfect gift to give the moms we love.  Often, when asked what kind of gifts I want or need, I am stuck on how to answer. Usually, I am in need of nothing or don't want anything in particular.

But then I started running.

It's the first time in a long time that I've been so immersed in one particular hobby. With running, I've been opened to a whole new world of gadgets, do-dads, resources and fun toys that are now on my "Wish List" for every holiday, birthday and anniversary. 

It's great, because they are all things that I can live without, but would enhance my running hobby should I receive as a gift. Now, when Hubby interrogates me for the perfect gift idea, I have a few running-themed gift ideas on stand-by!  

With Mother's Day just days away, it's time to hunker down and come up with the perfect gifts for the Moms in your life. Do you have any Runner Moms to buy for? Incase you need some ideas, here are a few things on my Runner's Wish List:

PureGear Phone Sport Accessories

Ever since I upgraded to an iPhone, my life hasn't been the same.  I love using the Nike Running app, as it helps me track my weekly and monthly mileage as well as my pace and distance per run. But taking my phone on runs means I need to make sure it is protected. I'm a very big fan of PureGear, and I swear by their every day cases. The fact that my phone isn't banged up and bruised from the abuse it takes from me on a daily basis is proof enough that their cases are made tough!  

PureGear has recently come out with a fantastic line of sports gear for phones, and I couldn't be more impressed. The PureGear Sports Armband W/Dry+Flex for iPhone 5/5S/5C is an optimal solution for having your phone on runs but keeping you hands free. The armband keeps phones accessible, firmly attached, and moisture free for fitness-loving moms.

But what about when it rains? I used to envy runners who hit the pavement even when it's wet. But with PureGear's DualTek XT Extreme Terrain Case, I'm set. This phone case is weatherproof and has the best shockproof protection to prevent damage from drops of up to six feet. So it’s perfect both for long runs (rain or sun) or just every day life with (grabby and grubby) kids!

Knock Out! Smart Panties

Maybe it's a bit cheeky to ask for undergarments for Mother's Day. But when you come across undergarments that were made to withstand a workout and still look pretty? How can you not want some? Angela, the creator and CEO of Knock Out! Smart Panties, was on a mission to find quality (and let's admit it: attractive) undergarments that had high tech functionality. When she couldn't find what she was looking for, Angela went out and created them herself!

I love that Knock Out! Smart Panties are made for every women: stay-at-home moms, marathon runners, working women. Whatever the activity, these garments use patented technology to protect from wetness and odor (as a runner, I can't tell you how important this is). They are thin and comfortable, and completely dye-free. Also? They are made in America, which is something I can get behind!

Their No Sweat Sports Bra is pretty much the most amazing thing ever.  Hold shape, gives great support and wicks sweat like you wouldn't believe. Seriously - check it out!

SPIbelt

The worst is setting out for a run and having no place to put keys, gloves, money, etc. My friend Jamie introduced me to the SPIbelt , and I LOVE it. So let's be real: it's a sleek fanny pack. And I'm okay with that. It's easy to put on, sits tight against the body, and is a protection against the elements. Also, when you're running in town and want to grab a muffin when you're done, you've got cash on hand that ISN'T drenched in sweat from being shoved in your sports bra.

What? No one else does this?!

Nathan SpeedDraw Water Bottle

Since writing this post originally, I've conquered some awesome goals, including running my first half marathon this past October (go me!). This meant running further and longer than I ever have before. Since the race was in October, a lot of my runs were during the heat of late summer/early fall. When you're hitting runs that are over an hour, it becomes imperative to drink on the go. My friend Theresa always had this awesome water bottle that she brought with her on runs that had a little handle she could stick her hand through. I thought this was GENIUS. 

So I got one of my own. I grabbed the Nathan SpeedDraw Water Bottle, and LOVE it. It is the perfect size: a good amount of water while not being heavy, and it has a little pocket on the back of the water bottle cover that I can slip my key into. If you're planning a long race in the near future, I highly recommend an on-the-go water bottle!

Power Ice

One of the things I've learned since starting running is the importance of hydration. Water isn't enough, friends. When you are running, especially in heat or for long distances, you need to add electrolytes. I was clueless to this at first, and paid the price. Once I learned how dehydration can affect your muscles and overall performance, I got really serious about electrolytes. 

Power Ice has been my go-to hydration treats for post-run hydration. After drinking my water, I grab an ice pop from the freezer. I love that these little packages are simple and totable. although I know I will really enjoy them after hot Summer runs, they've been really refreshing even after Winter runs. I seem to get hot and sweaty no matter the weather!  More importantly, I know I am replenishing my electrolytes, and that's what counts! 

Order them by the box! I'm a big fan of the Lime Kicker flavor :)

Fitsok Running Socks

Good socks make a BIG difference when running. I've had my fair share of foot injuries, aches and pains. Chafing and blisters caused by bad socks are just the worst. Fitsok Running Socks is a good pick for socks that are breathable, blister-resistant and fit well. 

Womens Running Magazine

I'm a reader, and I love having a resource for great info, ideas, products, tips and more when it comes to running. So this year I'm subscribing to Womens Running Magazine. To be fair, I also just really get giddy knowing that once a month I get a magazine in the mail. So if it's a magazine FOR WOMEN about RUNNING? Total win.

Sports Watch

Can I tell you how much having a Sports Watch with a GPS has changed my life? I still like using my Nike+ Running app (mainly to compete with…I mean encourage…my friends who also use the app). But I have absolutely loved my Polar RC3 GPS with Heart Rate Monitor. It keeps my runs hands-free and the GPS is super on-point. The best part is that the Polar RC3 comes with a heart rate strap to give me an even more accurate reading on calories burned and target heart rate.

I highly recommend this sports watch to anyone who is looking to invest in one!

Gift Card to the Local Running Store

Sometimes the best gift is to enable a loved one to get exactly what they want…themselves. Find out where your local running store is and get her a gift card. Then, whether she is looking to buy new running shoes, shorts, compression socks or even entering the next 5k, she is already set!

I'm loyal to the Chester County Running Store, as they have been amazing with fitting me with the perfect running shoes time and time again. They also manage and time most of the local races.

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Are you a running momma?

If so, I'd love to hear:

What items are on YOUR Running Mom Wish List?

Disclosure: Some companies listed above sent me products to try out for review. Otherproducts I use without having worked with the brands. I love ALL of these products and truly believe they are great for runners. Some links are affiliate links.

An Open Letter to Moms

Hey you.


Yes you, the Mom who is reading this post.


I want you to know...


I think you're kind of awesome.


That's right!


You are all total class acts in my book.


No, really!


Why? Why do I think you are awesome? 


Well, where do I begin?  First and foremost, you have agreed to take on one of the most difficult roles on Earth: caring for another human life. You made the conscious decision to parent this small being, to provide for every one of her needs, to put his life before your own, and to one day make the equally difficult decision to let them spread their wings and fly.


I think each and every one of you is a hero. That's right. Partaking in motherhood is nothing short of heroic.  Day in and day out, you love your kids. And despite what the movies tell you, love is hard.  It means making the choice to love when you are tired. When you are frustrated. When you are lonely. When you are afraid.  When you want to do anything but.  


You choose daily to love and do what is best for your children.


So this letter, my dear friends, is for you.


This goes out to the moms who submitted to the hours and hours of hard labor to bring a child into this world.  The agony, the suspense, the healing.  Think about it: a life, a small being, came forth from your body!  Doesn't that just amaze you?  Can you believe you did that?


I can, because you are awesome.


This goes out to the moms who underwent surgery to meet their child.  Maybe you were awake, maybe you were asleep. But you sacrificed your body to give your little one life.  I can imagine in the moments before you met your child it was a little frightening!  Are you floored that you experienced that?


I am, because you are brave.


This goes out to the moms who endured the long process of adoption to bring their child into their homes.  The countless packets, the fundraising, the signing of signatures, the mailing of papers. The agony of not knowing if you'd ever be approved, if there would ever be a perfect match for your family.  The long plane rides halfway across the world to see where she lived. To finally have that life-changing moment where you meet her face-to-face. Have you ever thought about how amazing that is?


I have, because you are beautiful.


This goes out to mothers who only knew their children for a short time before they were taken away.  Some of you only knew them weeks within your body.  Some of you endured months of pregnancy before your child was taken Home.  Some of you had the joy of knowing your children in the flesh, for moments, weeks, months or years before you had to release them.  My heart goes out to each and every one of you, for knowing the love of motherhood and the pain of loss.  You are, and forever will be, mothers.  Never forget that.


I won't, because you are strong.


This goes out to the Moms-to-be.  You are working so hard to grow that small life in your womb. You may feel anxiety as you face the unknown of Parenthood, and the simultaneous excitement of bringing your child into the world. Welcomed into the World of Motherhood!  Did you know that you are already a mom, as you walk through these 9 months?


I did, because you are glowing!


This goes out to every woman who has taken on the role of mother, whether biological or not.  You have come into a child's life and vowed to care for him, raise him, love him, provide for him.  And he will be all the better for it.  


You are life givers.  You are healers. You are magicians. You are chauffeurs. You are cooks.  You are storytellers.  


And above all?


You are beautiful.


Every. Single. One. Of. You.


Nothing humbles me more than to meet another Mom, to hear her stories, and to celebrate her greatness.


This Mother's Day, I celebrate you.


Stay classy, Mommas.

Mother's Day Brunch Menu

Just to give some inspiration to those of us who will be serving (or contributing to) Mother's Day Brunch this Sunday, I thought I'd throw out a few of my favorite brunch recipes.  I made sure to do a good mix of "breakfast" and "lunch" items. Because that's the point of Brunch - that it's a partnership between the early and mid-day meals.  Too often I've arrived at a late brunch that starts at, say, 11:00am, only to find mainly breakfast items. This does not constitute Brunch, my friends.  That is a late breakfast.


So give the Mommas in your life an elegant brunch.  They deserve it!


This brunch menu actually goes really well for any brunch occasion. I make the Breakfast Casserole and Monkey Bread every Christmas Morning!


Here is my Quintessential Mother's Day Brunch Menu.  Enjoy!

Beverages

Mimosas

Orange Juice

Coffee

Iced Tea

Appetizers and Sides

Asparagus Roll Ups

Warm Tortellini and Cherry Tomato Salad

Main Meal

Breakfast Casserole

Dilled Shredded Beef Sandwiches

Desserts/Pastries

Fruit Pizza

Cannoli Dip

Monkey Bread

What items will you be serving on Mother's Day? What are your favorite Brunch recipes? I'd love to hear from you (and snag a few recipes while I'm at it), so leave a comment!

Things Moms Say: Motherhood

Motherhood.  It's simple, it's complicated. You love it, you get frustrated by it. It's invigorating, it's exhausting. How do you begin to express what it means to be a Mom? Since it's Mother's Day this weekend, I wanted to challenge all my Momma Friends out there with just that question:  What does being a Mom mean to you?


My Philly Social Media Moms spent some time processing, and came back with some great responses.  Read on to hear what they had to say on the topic of Being a Mom.

What Does Being a Mom Mean to You?

What does being a mom mean to me?


It means bringing a life into this world and having it rock you. It means my life has been changed and it can never be the same again. It means never sleeping soundly because you are always aware of every move they make, every sigh the breathe in their sleep. It means never being able to look at yourself as me, but rather we, because they have become an extension of your being. Your body, your life, your heart expanded in ways you never thought possible. It means the frightening responsibility of being entrusted with small, budding lives and helping them know this world and reach their potential.  It is the scariest, funniest, most agonizing, joyous and best thing I could have ever done with my life. 

Here is what some of my favorite bloggers had to say...

"Having a daughter means I get to work through and understand the issues I had with my mom and appreciate the tough job she had to do. She didn't have a role model for her mothering. I also think about the example I want to provide for my daughter who is a bit of a tomboy. I want her to feel confident about herself. Being a mom has stretched me in so many ways, and nothing that I ever would have expected" -- Barb from A Life in Balance



"It means that I get to spend tons and tons of quality time with two little people who look like me, act like their dad, and have personalities of people I've always wanted to know. And I get to watch them grow up and make decisions. It's the best interactive experience ever invented" -- Cindy from Whatever Works



"It means I can't go to the bathroom by myself, get dressed by myself or have a hot meal. Being a mom means putting in the time and the hard work to raise my boys to be the men they should be. It's hard work but it's the best job I've ever had" -- Mychal from My Life in Mommyland



"To me, being a mom means being charged with the biggest responsibility of all - raising another human being to be a compassionate, contributing being on this earth; to share everything you know, mixed with lots of hugs and kisses with people you love more than you ever thought possible" -- Hillary from My Scraps

"Being a mom means you've been given the greatest gift, burden and responsibility all wrapped into one" -- Melinda from Look What Mom Found




"I waited a longtime to be a mom. I had a very successful career of my choosing, traveled, enjoyed life. Something was missing. Now I have a little guy to keep me youthful by experiencing the world through his eyes. It is the best thing that happened for me at the right time in my life. And when it's hard, I remind myself of that!" -- Diane from Knitting Zeal




"Is knowing I would give up my life in a heartbeat for my child!" -- Claudia from Easy Learning Languages




"It means raising kids so that someday they won't need me. THAT is the hardest part of parenting, and THAT is why moms are so dang STRONG" -- Robin from Simple. Green. Organic. Happy




"Being a mom to me means I have the honor if shaping lives, of "making people" the best that they can be. It's a job filled with love and one I take so very seriously. It's the greased gift I have ever been given!" -- Colleen from Souffle Bombay




"Being a mom means that I have the chance to show my daughter the world, fill her life with love and be on a special life journey with my husband" -- Becky from Crafty Garden Mama




"To me it means that I am lucky enough to have two amazing little children that I get to love unconditionally and wholeheartedly; it means every morning I wake up, see their little faces and remember how good my life is because I have them" -- Sarah from Finnegan and the Hughes

~~~~~

I am grateful for the reminder that Motherhood is a gift not to be taken for granted.

I'd love to hear your thoughts: 

What does being a Mom mean to you?

Share your thoughts in a comment below!