the NATHANs in my life

In the last 29 years or so, I have been lucky to have known some amazing people...a handful of these people gentlemen, and among these gentlemen NATHANS! Let me introduce you to each of them...

...in no particular order...

I would like you to meet Nathan...

 How would you feel if you if you had a baby named after you? Such an honor? Such a responsibility? Such a burden? I can't imagine what Nathan felt when he was told that my youngest brother was going to be named after him, but I have never seen anything to be disappointed about. I don't have many memories of the two boys together while Nathan was young, but the one thing I remember was the kindness in his eyes. Funny, though the years have passed, that one trait can be still be said of Nathan. When he looks at you you see kindness and honor. Oh that my eyes could be filled with the same kindness.



I have the pleasure of introducing you to Nathan...

This particular Nathan was/is the name sake for my oldest child, he is also my youngest brother. Though he wasn't alive when my baby was born I truly believe he was nearby. He was invested in this small child and had been for quite some time. Even though this particular Nathan didn't live to adulthood I saw many things that left me in awe...due to the condition of Nathan's heart he spent a quite a lot of time in the hospital. One particular stay I was blessed to be a witness to this specific event...Nathan and I had spent the afternoon together and had gone back to his room to rest or watch a movie. We weren't in his room for very long when he picked up his toy dinosaur and walked out. He walked it down the hall a door or two and entered another little boy's room. Nathan walked over to the bed of this little boy and placed the small toy into his hand. This other little boy couldn't respond verbally but his hand closed around the dinosaur as Nathan explained that the toy was for him to keep. Oh that I may be looking for others to help even while in the midst of my own trials.

May I introduce you to Nathan...

Nathan was introduced to me by my husband...he is my husband's best friend actually. We have given this particular Nathan the honorary title of "Uncle". Never have I met a young man that was more of gentleman than Nathan. He is quiet and he is kind. When I think of the reasons the name Nathan was included in the naming of my son, this is the other reason. I couldn't love a kid more for being my hubby's best friend, for being there for him all of these years. For adopting me as a friend when my husband and I were married. For being the best man at our wedding, for being around to support both of us when our children were born and blessed. If we did god-parents this Nathan would definitely be given the job. For eating all of the candy in the candy jar before I could. :) May I always be a good friend.


 Introducing Nathan...well Nathaniel

This young man has a zeal and zest for life that is contagious. This is the child that at age two could use the word contrail correctly in a sentence. (For those of you who aren't sure...the contrail is the cloudy trail a jet leaves behind in the sky.) He could explain why a windmill has a light on top and how a steam engine works way before he could tell you his colors. The other day wasn't any different. "Would you like to see something?" He proceeded to completely fill up a pitcher of water and then stuck his hand into it sending water spilling down the sides..."Did you see that? That is water displacement." I mean really! May I always have his zeal for learning.

and last but not least...Nathan.
(I will include a picture later if and when his sweet mom gives permission...just know this kid is darling!)

I was blessed to have just received a card and a very generous gift from this young man. No, those tokens of kindness is not what got him on my Nathan list. His kind deed actually took place many years ago. I was luck enough to be his first grade teacher. I was having a particularly rough teaching day...during the last few minutes of class I had a parent come in and firmly exclaim how unhappy she was with some decisions I had made. I was shocked and hurt but the first concern was the safety of all the first graders still present in my room. I was trying to guide my students out of my classroom when Nathan came up to me and quietly took my hand. He was hurt that I had been treated that way and concerned for me. He didn't want to leave me alone, in case this parent decided to return. It took a bit of convincing but my little knight-in-shining-armor finally agreed to leave my side and head into the other classroom. I was touched by this young boys simple love and concern. May I always have love for other people, and show my love for them through words and deeds.

So to the Nathans in my life I thank you.


*Note: If you know a Nathan that does not live up to his name, please don't tell me, I would like the name to continue to bring a smile to my lips.

Akron's Got Talent

Though the line is in fact borrowed from a popular tv show the title of this particular blog is something I believe...AKRON'S GOT TALENT!

I was blessed to be able to act as the MC for a local talent show featuring children ages 3-11. I was amazed and inspired by their talents and their courage to share their talents with their peers.

Time Out for Women

Oh how I LOVE this weekend! I look forward to it...well I can't say year since the last time I went was six months ago and some people don't get the the chance to go for years in between...

Well either way this is a weekend that no woman should miss. It doesn't matter if you are old or young, married or single, have kids or not...you will be uplifted and inspired.You will definitely laugh and probably cry a little, but either way I always leave feeling extremely glad I am a woman...and most importantly glad to be ME!

While I was there I say a group of fantastic women all came wearing crowns. I told them if they brought their crowns tomorrow I would bring mine...what they didn't know is that mine was real! That sounds like I am making a big deal of myself and that isn't what I am trying to say...I guess that mine was given with a title...I don't know. Please forgive me for my blundering.

Though these crowns may not have come with official titles each of them deserved a title and moments of recognition.

Outstanding Mom

Outstanding Wife

Outstanding Friend

Outstanding Sister

Outstanding Daughter

...the list could go on and on...

Thank you for sharing the stage with me. I felt truly blessed.

One of my personal highlights was meeting the extremely talented group Mercy River. I tried to upload our super fuzzy picture but my computer isn't liking it much so instead just click above to see how amazing these three women and mothers really are!

For more information on Time Out for Woman click HERE

HCHY Chili Cook-Off

This year the HCHY committee helped sponsor the annual Lauren Braman Chili Cook-Off! It was an evening filled with tasty chilies, delicious deserts, and fantastic raffle prizes. All the proceeds from this nights events go to support one of the things Lauren loved best...MUSIC! Two scholarships will be granted to students in the Copley High School music program. Other funds raised will support the Oncology unit at the Akron Children's Hospital.

My personal favorite part of the evening was watching my son run to the podium to accept the raffle prize he won. Nothing beats the joys of a child.

Thank you to all who make chili and desserts and to the numerous volunteers.

Click HERE to learn more about Lauren and the good this fundraiser accomplishes

To learn more about the Healthy Communities Healthy Youth organization click HERE

Woodland Preschool Carnival

I was thrilled to help out at the Woodland Preschool Spring Carnival. I greeted guests as they arrived, handed out goodies and even manned a few stations. I loved watching the excitement on all of the little faces when they succeeded in a game or were able to pick out yet another prize.All of the money raised directly helps the preschool for the upcoming school year.

I found it amusing just how many people wanted to know if my crown and title were "real" or simply a costume I bought. Don't worry I let them know it was for real.

Green Eggs and Ham

"I do not like green eggs and ham, I do not like them Sam-I-Am!"

I spent the morning celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday by reading to each class at Woodland Preschool. Then watching their faces as they tasted their own green scrambled eggs and ham.

The Luck of the Irish...

March 10, 2012
Dublin, OH

St. Patrick's Day Parade

This entire day was extremely fun. I have never been in any kind of position to have earned or been given a special parking spot. Can you imagine my excitement when I pulled up and saw this? Sure they had them for all of the participants, but I didn't care. This one was just for me.

My Bug was such a sport and got all dressed up as a leprechaun. At first he wasn't sure about the idea and then he got to see the costume and decided it wasn't such a bad idea after all. Both the kids and the adults thought he was pretty cute...something that was not missed on Bug. He loved all the attention.

Thanks goes out to my hubby for being our parade route driver.

Special Thanks goes to Tansky Toyota for sponsoring me in the parade and the use of a GREEN truck, very appropriate for a St. Patrick's Day parade don't you think?

A night of cookies...

My very first appearance...

 I was extremely lucky to be able to spend the evening with a group of amazing girls talking about something I adore...COOKIES!

Nothing seemed to be working out in my favor - the heat and humidity, the oven needed to bake the cookies, the frosting...you know the basics one needs when teaching a cookie class. Luckily these fabulous girls didn't seems to mind - they were happy to learn and happy to just be there. I personally loved being around all of their energy.

Here are only a couple of examples of finished projects.

Thank you again.

Harvest for Hunger

 

Every year Giant Eagle, a local grocery store, takes part in Harvest for Hunger.
Giant Eagle was gracious and donated all food items needed for this fundraiser so 100% of our proceeds went directly to assist our food bank.. With only $6.00 the local food bank was able to create 24 MEALS that would go to hungry members of our community. I was honored to be helping with such a event as this.

Below are two of the fabulous workers I was able to spend the afternoon with.

A bit of bling

It isn't so much that I have  felt the need for a crown to feel fulfilled in life...in fact it was a surprise that I decided to jump into the pageant arena. Later it was was even a bigger surprise how excited I got knowing I had a crown coming my direction.

Then I saw it :)

 

I was beyond excited! I let my babies try it on first (I wasn't being kind or generous but seriously trying to not act like a little girl)...

Here are the fun goodies that came with it...

This was the first time I was able to try everything on...

 

I felt great, beautiful, magnificent, a force to be reckoned with.
Let me set the record straight. I KNOW WHO I AM! I didn't need a crown to tell me what I already know...

"I know I'm somebody 'cause God don't make no junk!"

I truly believe that each of us deep down, no matter what we believe religiously, knows that we are daughters of the King, the Most High God. No crown can replace that...

but it sure was fun to try on.

Dino Palmieri

I would love to introduce my GOLD sponsor!

Dino Palmieri Salon & Spa

I would gush about this company anyway for their gracious support of Ohio's Outstanding Mom...but now I get to gush because I had a FABULOUS experience. I know the atmosphere of a salon is really a lot like getting to know someone new. You either love it or you don't, you feel comfortable or...well you get the idea.

The first thing that caught my attention was how much my stylist loves her job. I quickly found out how true that really was. I loved the fabulous crew of the Dino Palieri Salon. I was able to watch for quite awhile - by the time I left I looked like a million bucks and I knew I would trust my hair to any of the employees at this particular salon. The atmosphere was light and fun. They have a mixture of personalities that seemed to really fix their mix of clients. It was comforting to listen and see that most of the people making themselves at home in each chair were return customers...that is always a good sign.

They happily take appointments but walk-ins are always welcome. Give them a call! I know I will be back plenty during the next few months and I am already planning on taking my little girl for her first trim here.

Click on either of their logos for their information.

Well that was fun...

The story I am about to share is not one that is unique but it is a situation that many have been through or have witnessed...

It all started when Bean saw me put some Valentine's Day candy into the cart. She immediately started to cry and ask/beg for the candy. There was no way she was going to get some...the begging got louder and louder. I am sure that I could have put the candy back back but it wasn't even an option. The screaming continued, I started taking deep breaths and hoping it would all be over soon. Recently I have been reading the book 1-2-3 Magic. In it the author shared about a time he witnessed a mom in a similar situation to mine. He watched this mom struggle through the store while her son threw his tantrum. He was so proud of this mom for not giving into her child...until at the last minute just as she left the store she gave in! I didn't want to be that mom....but I really wanted Bean to stop screaming.

Finally Bean seemed to tire of her tantrum... I was thinking "point for the mama!" Ha - spoke too soon. Sigh. Our grocery store has a button the kids love to push that makes a loud mooing noise. Both of my kids asked to push the button and I couldn't seen any reason why I not, you have to remember Bean had calmed down and was behaving like a lovely lady...she pushed it twice and then when mommy said no more she didn't fall apart - she exploded!

It was then that I had to make a choice...do I continue and finish the shopping? Do I walk away from  the grocery cart? Do I give in to Bean and just give her something to make the endless noise stop? Well, we all know that the last option really wasn't going to happen. I chose to stick it out. I took a deep breath and continued on. I made sure Bean was safe but I let her cry. I told her I was sorry but the answer was no. I encouraged Bug to plug his ears so he didn't have to listen to his darling, "very loud" sister. (his words not mine)

I know other mom's have been in this same situation...and as the mom you want to apologize to each person you see and yell at those that seem really bugged, after all it isn't their kid screaming across the store. It was about the time that I was starting to question my decision when I noticed a couple of older ladies near the meat department. I looked up and smiled that apologetic smile only a mom truly understands. You know what? They gave me thumbs up! "Good girl." and "You're doing good!" I wanted to cry right then and there. It was fabulous to feel like I wasn't a complete failure and they understood I was doing my very best. From there it just got better. No, Bean didn't tire of her screaming but I continued to receive encouragement. Our cashier, who isn't a mom, told me she was impressed with my patience while the gentleman bagging our groceries said, "Don't worry, we have all been there."

Such simple words from kind-hearted, understanding souls but they meant the world to me. If I had been questioning how I handled the situation they reaffirmed that even though being a mom might not be roses and daisies all of the time but my efforts were noticed. I was not a complete failure :)

As an observer to the situation I understand that Bean was simply being loud, very loud and a bit of a bother. I am pretty sure that those who chose that exact moment to be at the grocery store might have regretted their decision. To the everyday observer a friendly FYI-  if the mom seems to be ignoring her child - we probably are, however we are VERY and may I repeat VERY aware to the commotion our child is causing. Take a moment to choose the type of observer you are going to be - be mean and judge or offer a few simple words that may make a life-time difference.

Here is to another adventure as a mom...

The next time you are in the grocery store and you are the one with the screaming child  just smile and remember you have another mom who understands. Hold your head up high and smile - you are doing an important work...YOU ARE A MOM!
 Good luck!

Love - The OOM

Diamond Sponsor

I am thrilled to announce my first sponsor...and not only that but my first DIAMOND sponsor. 

Thank you ProcessModel, Inc. for your support of Ohio's Outstanding Mom. 

As a person who owns my very own business I find it important to make the best decisions I can. Decisions that will help my company and improve what we do. What if you were able to make better decisions?

"ProcessModel is a process improvement company. We use award winning software, superior training, and acclaimed model building services to help companies of all sizes dramatically improve business processes in record time." (direct quote from site)

Click on the logo above and spend a few minutes on their website. You may just find the answers to some of your very own business questions.

Confession: It's easy to hide...

I am a mother of two fantastic kids, I love them more than I can say. They make me happy and keep me very busy. In the past I have found that it can be easy to "hide" behind them and the needs they present. It is easy to just be Bean's mom, or spend all of my spare time running Bug to his different classes and lessons. It is easy to throw my hair up in a ponytail because the kitchen just has to get cleaned, the laundry folded or homework finished. It is easy to just claim that you are simply "the mom", the "wife" or the "house cleaner"...but that too is just hiding.

I heard a friend once say that after each child was born she found it easier and easier to not get ready in the morning...to just not care all that much. I completely understood at the time, since Bean was six months old....but I didn't like it. I decided then and there that I didn't want to put myself on the shelf all of the time. It couldn't be healthy - it couldn't be good for my children to watch their mom disappear and simply become part of the background. It was then and there I decided to take a stand!

My only problem - I wasn't sure what my stand was...slowly I have figured it out. I have tried to make sure I was put together a bit more often. Point for me! I took classes online to increase my knowledge and keep my brain growing. Point for me! I give myself permission to leave the dishes in the sink for an extra few minutes while I finish another chapter in my book. Point for me! I experimented and came up with a laundry system all my own - it isn't what I grew up with but it fits my personality and my laundry gets done. Point for me! I started a small cottage business to let me have a creative outlet. Point for me!

It doesn't matter what you do as long as you are taking the time to do things that improve who you are. This may seem selfish but I have found that I am a better mom. I find time to enjoy my Bean and my Bug. I can conquer my house or be okay with somethings going undone until tomorrow.

The title of Ohio's Outstanding Mom has given me the courage I needed to continue to step out of my comfort zone and to truly quit hiding. I find time to make sure I am exercising and eating better (says the woman who just ate a Skinny Cow ice cream bar). I am enjoying all parts of my life a bit more because I am spending better quality moments with each part of my life.

Be courageous today. Do one little thing that reminds you why you are amazing!

Love - The OOM

It is official...

Well it's official. I have been awarded the title of

Ohio's Outstanding Mom! 

I will compete in the America's Outstanding Mom Pageant in June! Keep watching for more details.

Now let the fun begin...