What Motherhood Means to Me

Over at 5 Minutes for Mom, they have an awesome giveaway for Mother's Day. It is a photo contest showing what motherhood means to you to win a $1000!! I am hoping to win because that would be so nice to go shopping with since I have not gotten myself something nice in a long time. Plus I could take the girls out for some fun and some new summer outfits. So I am trying to decide on some pictures and we are going to start off with a funny one to lead up to the serious one (although my mom thinks humor would get me the win)

Motherhood is not always great and happy all the time. Sometimes you want to pull out your hair. And if it's not me pulling out mine....

then its the kids pulling out theirs!

(NOTE: no children were harmed during the taking of this photo.)

But really motherhood brings you back to seeing the life through the eyes of a child... its believing in everything again. Enjoying the bond between you and your child brings so much love and happiness. Then watching the love blossom between siblings- the very children you brought into this world- is what makes this job so rewarding.

Those are my babies- Monkey and Peanut. I wouldn't trade them for the world.

Here are some other fun photos! My mother and I in the same outfits. We did NOT plan this. I happened to show up and we were wearing the same outfits. Its so nice when your best friend and you are wearing matching outfits. I am so blessed to have a great mother who goes the extra mile for all of her children and grandchildren. Since her and I are so close, it allows the girls to be close to Grandma too. They have such a great bond. Happy Mother's Day mom!

Thanks for stopping by to see what motherhood means to me. Feel free to leave a comment and tell me what motherhood means to you. Then head over to 5 minutes for mom and enter all their other contests they have going on for two weeks! Just click the banner to head over. I am already entering this one, the contest for a printer and more!

Happy Mother's Day!

~Dawn

Toy Contest at 5M4M

5 Minutes for Mom Toy Giveway

Did you notice the new banner on the left side with the big Toy Giveaway at 5 Minutes for Mom??? You have to head over and get entered into each toy giveaway you want to win! We already entered to win The Rose Petal Cottage, Martian Matter Giveaway, bebePOD Plus (I want the watermellon one!) and there are a whole lot more and more to come! So head over every day and check out what is up for giveaway! Make sure to visit the websites and check out these great products. Post the banner and links on your blog as well and if you don't blog, just tell your friends to check out the contests! It will be an early Christmas this year for the kids if you win! Click any of the links above to check it out or click on the banner on the left or the banner at the top!

Have a great weekend!!

~Dawn

Autism Awareness Month and Giveaway

There is a great contest going on right now at 5 minutes for mom that reminded me that April is Autism Awareness month! So I want to share with you a few things. First off do you know anyone that has autism, or has some kind of disability? Right now you can make their day by entering to win a Caboose Trailer Bike. The winner will be announced on May 5th. The Caboose Trailer Bike retails for $249.99 and makes it possible for kids and adults with special needs finally be able to enjoy riding a bike. Anyone with a kid with Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral palsy , blindness or any other reason would benefit so much from a gift like this. So head over and enter, tell your friends, family and of course blog about it. I personally have a handicapped brother that unfortunately can not even use a device like this but it makes giveaways like this really hit home for me. I think it is so wonderful when companies come out with products to help benefit children who need our extra help! I also have a cousin that has autism and is such a neat kid! What fun it would be to have this delivered to his door step! I hope that you will take the time to enter! Click on the picture below to enter!

Have you become aware on the signs of autism? So many people over look the signs their child exhibits at a young age that are autistic. If they are caught earlier enough, a child has the hopes of beating autism. Changes in diets, environment, immunization shots, etc. can make a big difference in your child's life. To find out more you can visit the autism website by clicking here.

If you are looking to get involved and to help donate, check out Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks was founded just a few years ago by Bob Wright, CEO of NBC and grandfather to an autistic child. There are so many different ways to get involved: golf tournaments, 5K race/3K walk, concerts, fundraisers, and donations.

Have you read "Louder than Words: A Mother's Journey in Healing Autism" by Jenny McCarthy? I have read her Belly Laughs and other books which I truly enjoyed so I am looking forward to reading this too. Even if your own child is not autistic, reading a mother's struggle and journey connecting with her child and helping him through his own personal struggle is amazing. It really shows the true beauty of motherhood, our intense connection with our children, and a true mother's intuition. The books is available for purchase on Amazon.com. You can also catch the recap of Jenny's visit on Oprah to learn more about her life with her autistic son. Just click here and head on over!

To take a quiz to see if your child has any signs of autism head over to this website. And as always, consult a doctor for a professional evaluation.

If you have any stories to share, sites to recommend, leave a comment, or just say hi. Have a great day. Don't forget to visit the other posts and contests I have going on, as well as enjoy 10% with the code SPECIAL at the checkout on Sweet Pea Cakes, etc.

Have A Great Day!

~Dawn