The "Bad" Mom Week

I had a "Bad Mom Week". I don't mean that I was a "bad"mom although, my kids may argue that, it was just a really rough week for me as a parent. Things didn't run very smoothly, tempers flared, pretty much the "Murphy's Law' of parenting weeks.  I was burnt out and feeling like I was being taken for granted.  Now nothing is that terrible, I mean, everyone is healthy and all of my kids are kind and polite (in public anyway) but, I had the kind of week that made me feel underappreciated and frankly, not very effective or confident in my "parenting skills."(if there really is such a thing) So, I had a bit of a meltdown which led to my making the decision to halt all of my mom related responsibilities. A "strike" so to speak. No grocery shopping, no laundry, no cleaning, no walking around flushing unflushed toilets (I know you know what I'm sayin') no making lunches, (except for my 4 yr old's who would pack her Rapunzel doll, broken crayons, and Pepperidge Farm goldfish if left to her own devices) No ANY of the day to day things we all do with our eyes shut that run our households.  Now I could list all of the things that led to the "strike" but it's a long list.. including, but not limited to, a child not listening for the umpteenth time in a crowded parking lot which led to child tripping and then accidentally being run over by a shopping cart pushed by moi (*note - she was fine ) Some things may even seem minimal to you..but, trust me, when said things are repeated time and time again they can induce hysteria...mild hysteria but still hysteria none the less. So  there you have the makings of a Mommy shutdown. I was called "mean", "selfish", and I'm sure I heard my teenager mutter something much worse under his breath but, I didn't back down. Yes, I am a Mommy but, I am also ME, someone with feelings, someone who wants to be acknowledged and appreciated, someone who wants to feel like what I do matters. I have good days and bad days just like my kids do and I want them to understand that. I want them to realize that all the "little things" that I do, that we all do, add up to BIG things... love, understanding, caring, compassion, and so much more. As guilty as I felt, I stuck to my "strike' because I felt there was an important lesson to be taught. Everyone needs to feel valued and respected..Moms, Dads, brothers, sisters, everyone! So, my "strike" just ended as you are reading this and you know what? The world didn't come to an end and everyone survived. I am actually feeling pretty good about my "Bad Mom" week because I think now that they just may "get it". After all, it's all those "little things" that really matter ...don't they? Now, I'd better get to the grocery store and figure out what I'm making for dinner!! ;)

DISNEY FAMILY.COM LAUNCHES “HAPPILY EVER AFTER” MONTH-LONG CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS ROYAL

Couples are Invited to Share Inspirational Stories and Photos for a Chance to Win a “Royal Wedding” Celebration From Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons

In honor of the upcoming nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Disney Family.com launched today a month-long online celebration titled “Happily Ever After.”  The website features tips from Disney’s expert princess-makers on how to have a fairy tale wedding or vow renewal celebration; a showcase of Disney Princess inspired wedding gowns; ideas for mom and daughter Royal Wedding viewing parties; and fun and easy tips for moms to feel like a princess every day!

What a fun way to spend time with my daughters!! We had such a great time making the Wedding cake and dressing our Kate Middleton doll in our favorite Disney princess dresses !

Click here to download the crafts and some royal recipes too!

Festivities kick off with a contest at www.Family.com/HappilyEverAfter, where couples who are looking to have their own royal wedding or vow renewal can share stories and photos about their special relationship. The winning entry will receive a grand prize that includes:

·         Royal Wedding Celebration from Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons that includes a Disney’s Wedding Pavilion Ceremony, Disney photography package, cake and champagne toast, limousine transportation to and from ceremony, and arrival in Cinderella’s Coach!
·         4-Night Walt Disney World® Resort hotel stay for winner and three guests
·         Walt Disney World® Theme Park Tickets: four 5-day Park Hopper tickets for winner and three guests
·         Disney Gift Card
·         Wedding dress gift card from Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo
·         Roundtrip Airfare to Walt Disney World® Resort for winner and three guests

Contest entries will be accepted until May 9, 2011 and the winner will be announced on or about June 13, 2011.  Official contest rules are posted on the website.

Disney Family.com also offers inspiration for celebrating Prince William and Kate’s nuptials at home, with ideas for mom and daughter viewing parties featuring Royal Wedding and Disney Princess-themed recipes, decorations, party favors, and the site’s popular printable crafts.  Items include a Kate Middleton paper doll that you can dress up in six classic Disney Princess dresses; a printable tiara inspired by the Strathmore Rose Tiara that Kate Middleton is rumored to possibly wear; Princess Aurora’s cake; Ariel’s Wedding crown, and much more.