Mama Remembers You - Pregnancy and Infant Loss Rememberance Day

Today is a day that makes me sad...for more than one reason.  Three reasons, actually.  We are one of the many families "out there" that have experienced pregnancy or infant loss.  We have three angel babies.  One that we lost on this date in 2009, on what is also Pregnancy and Infant Loss Rememberance Day.  A day that Canada, the United States and parts of the UK recognize as a special memorial day. 

If you see balloons floating into the sky today in your community, it's probably a family remembering their angel(s).  If you see homes with candles burning tonight at 7 pm, that too is for the angel babies. 

I just wanted to take a moment to remember our three angels...

Angel 1, November 10, 2008

Angel 2, October 15, 2009

Angel 3, June 3, 2010

While there is sadness in knowing that we never got to meet our babies, there is peace knowing that the three of them are together, hopefully having a wonderful time.

Mama Loves all three of you more than you will ever know.

Amanda Todd

Like so many others, Amanda Todd's story has been weighing on my mind ever since I heard about the tragedy.  So many thoughts going through my mind...I feel so bad for her...for her family...I think about all the other kids out there who are in similar situations to Amanda's.  I think about the kids that I grew up with.  I never really noticed any bullying...but I now know it was there.  Recently at my high school reunion one of my classmates made reference to another classmate who bullied her all through high school (Grades 8 through 12).  I had no idea.  I thnk about my own kids, and while they are still very young, I worry about what things are going to be like for them when they get older.  Our youngest is in Kindergarten this year, and already I hear about pushing out on the playground.  Is this where it starts?  What can we do to stop bullying?  Why are some people so mean?

Rest in peace, Amanda.  May your video be a legacy to help others.  If you have not yet seen the video, please take a few minutes to watch it.  Here is the link:

http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Vancouver+area+teen+commits+suicide+after+telling+story+being/7375941/story.html

What Mama Loves Wednesday #1

Hello everyone, and welcome to the FIRST edition of What Mama Loves Wednesday! 

I hope that you will share the things you love - recipes, tips, crafts, decorations, teaching tools, etc...as long as it is family-friendly and something you've created, this Mama would love to see it!

Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by!  Head on over to the party and link up!

Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving Monday here in Canada.  I thought I would take a moment to share just a few things that I am thankful for...

- MY CHILDREN...such amazing people, our boys.  I feel so very lucky that have both of them.  It was a long road to get there...and while we do miss the ones who are not with us, we adore the two that are.  Mama Loves you, boys.

- MY HUSBAND...he's a wonderful man...as Sarah McLachlan says..."you've seen me at my weakest, you take me as I am, and when I fall you offer me a softer place to land...you;re the one true thing I know I can believe" - for all of that, and more, I thank you...this Mama Loves you, hun.

- MY FAMILY...I have a great family, here and afar.  I'm lucky t have great in-laws too!...this Mama Loves all of you.

- MY FRIENDS...I have always been blessed with an amazing group of friends.  Some I have had since preschool, believe it or not!  We have a great core group plus an amazing extended group.  I am so lucky!...this Mama Loves all of you.

- MY HEALTH...Other than the occasional cold, I'm generally a pretty healthy girl.  With all of the testing we endured when trying to grow our family, I did learn that I am really healthy...for that I am thankful. 

- MY HOME...we are fortunate that we have a beautiful home with a beautiful yard in a beautiful neighbourhood with great neghbours.  I feel very lucky about that!...this Mama Loves her home.

- MY JOB...I have a great job, a great boss, and great co-workers.  The department I work in really is a "team" and we do good things for people.  I am thankful for my job, my co-workers, and it makes me happy that we help people!

What are you thankful for?