Mom It Forward Contest

For the Mom It Forward Contest to win the HP All-in-one Printer I want to tell you a little about my daughter. Tapanga is 11 years old and has a heart of gold. Her helpful attitude probably started at around age five when she saw the commercial on TV telling everyone to collect the pink yogurt labels to help Breast Cancer Awareness. She would wash the labels and keep them in a ziplock bag for me to mail in. It all stemmed from there... Once starting school she began taking part in annual jump rope for heart and tries to raise funds for just about every charity she is introduced to. Below are a few photos from this past year of her giving back to the community, helping others and just being herself.

Tapanga working at Camp El Tesoro at clean-up day to prepare for summer
Tapanga painting little girls finger nails at a local community awareness event
Having ten inches removed to donate to Locks of Love.
Tapanga sitting in the computer room at the hospital w/ her sister
Dressed up like a clown at the children's hospital, just to make someone smile

{Letter written in her words about her vision for the printer}

Tuesday Toot

Last night I took my oldest to the Open House at the 6th grade school. T will be attending 6th grade in the fall and here the school is separate, one building for only 6th graders. We got to tour the school and listen to the PTA talk, Principal tell all about their programs, electives and introduce the teachers. Yes, it was brutally boring! We did enjoy our tour though... T was really excited to see the two-story school and how big it is. They also teach foreign language there which is very exciting for her as well since she wants to learn French. I took French in school but can hardly say two words now, LOL. Maybe I'll re-learn with her.

So going to this school last night and sitting next to my daughter with her friends, who I might add are all the same size as me, was enlightening {if that's the right word}. It just dawned on me, I was sitting next to a 'little me'. I was in awe. I mean I know I had her young but it was like it just hit me that I am a mother of a pre-teen. She is going to be 12 years old this year! Have you ever had that moment, where you just sit back and say... WOW, this is my life! Well I have had those moments a few times lately when it comes to T. Even though I am the one who has raised her for 11.5 years it is almost like I am in shock that I have a child this age. I know, I know... I'm not old enough to have a kid who is going to turn 12, I know I was too young. Trust me, I've heard it all. But this leads to today's toot.

So for today's Tuesday Toot I want to toot my own horn that I am proud of myself. Although I was way too young, I did it! T does well in school, a great helper with her younger siblings and full of love! I don't think I could have done a better job. She is a good friend, good student and wonderful sister/daughter!

Toot Toot for me at making it as a mom!

Monday Momisms

Carla from Mama Hearts Baby came up with a great idea of writing Monday Momisms. This is where you write some form of Mommy Wisdom for your child/children that you would like to pass along to them one day. Maybe a little bit of life advice that you would like your children to know even if you can't tell them right now. Sort of like a short version of that Michael Keaton movie, My Life.

So for today's Monday Momisms:

Dear T,
I am sorry you were not an only child. I am sorry that you have to share things with your younger siblings and that both your sister and brother go into your room without permission. I know my time has been stretched thin and taken away from you to care for my other children. I am truly sorry that you seem to be upset a lot and believe life is not fair to not only have mom all to yourself like in the first 5 years of your life.
Love,
Mom

Dear T,
I feel so blessed to be able to give you a younger sister and brother. I know the treasures a family shares will be cherished by you all throughout your life. I hope you realize how blessed you truly are to be able to share life with siblings and have such a close family. I am also very excited to be able to share you with my other children. You are such a wonderful big sister and will continue to grow into a good role model for Gab and Noah.
Love,
Mom

Life Lesson: "What may seem to be the worse right now, could end up being the best blessing in life"