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A Mom's Year

Creating a comfortable life one moment at a time

May 6, 2011

Happy Mother’s Day

I don’t normally like to go on too much about all the cute things my kids say because everyone’s kids (or grandkids or nieces and nephews) are equally adorable and say equally adorable things. But since Mother’s Day is this weekend, I’m going to indulge myself. And please feel free to share your cute kid stories, too. I’m all ears!

Andrew
When Andrew was four, he got “goo” from Aunt Karna and Uncle John for Christmas. The next day I was in the shower when Andrew yelled, “Mom! Lexie has a wattle!” He’d stuck the goo in her hair. Tim managed to get it out but Andrew said, “I never knew goo would get me in so much trouble.”

One day I used the expression “it’s not the end of the world.” Andrew (four) nodded and said, “Yes, the end of the world is when a comet hits the earth.”

Andrew (four) said, “God is talking to me in my heart.” I said, “Oh? What’s He saying?” Andrew replied, “He’s snoring.”

Lexie
Andrew (five) and Lexie (three) were putting on a puppet show. Andrew (Miss Piggy) said, “I’m the star of the show.” Not to be outdone, Lexie (Kermit) said, “I’m the moon of the show.”

My parents were visiting and Lexie (four) wanted to watch a movie. “Don’t you think you should ask your mom?” Grandpa said. Lexie left the room, came back, and said, “She’s busy talking, but I think she meant ‘yes’.”

When Lexie was four I asked what her husband would be like. “Oh, like yours,” she said. “What’s he like?” I said. “A helper,” she replied.

Will
When batteries flew out of a pack he was opening, seven-year-old Will said, “What a surprising and unwelcome canoodle.”

Will and Lexie were playing several years ago and I asked Will who Lexie was. “She’s the mommy,” he said. “Who are you?” I asked. “I’m the sweetums.”

One day I came home to find that Will had dropped a jar of mayo, sending the contents flying everywhere. “What happened?” I asked. Will replied, “I said ‘This is too heavy.’ And then I dropped it.”

Lily
The kids made English muffin pizzas one night for dinner and Lily (six) said, “This whole dinner is way gooder than the other dinners.”

I was spraying Pam on a pan near Lily the other day. “Be careful!” she cried. “If you spray me with that, I’ll come off things too easily!”

A few years ago after Tim helped them dye some very fancy Easter eggs Lily said, “Daddy’s the best guy I know.”

Kids really do say the darnedest things. By the way, I’m trying to get better at recording these little moments. (New Mamas: write things down!) I actually own a five-year diary, but I never seem to remember to write in it. My grandma has kept a diary for about 50 years. It’s a treasure trove of memories and I love it when she calls me to say “On this day in [X] you were [getting married, having a baby, in St. Paul’s Cathedral with me and your mother, etc.].” Although I suspect the real reason she keeps it is so she can win arguments with Grandpa. It’s hard to argue when The Diary says that you did in fact have dinner with the Smiths, and not the Andersons, on April 14.

I subbed a lot at school this past week, so I’m looking forward to getting caught up a little around the house this weekend. I get to spend Mother’s Day with my wonderful mother and my grandmother, whom I haven’t seen all winter because she escapes to Phoenix. Can’t wait to see her! Do you have anything fun planned? I hope you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy Mother’s Day, whether you’re a mother or just love yours. And if you’re missing your mother this year, I hope your heart is lifted with warm and loving memories.

Most all other beautiful things in life come in twos and threes, by dozens and hundreds—plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows, brothers and sisters, aunts and cousins—but only one mother in all the wide world.

Filed Under: Holidays Shannon 1 Comment

May 5, 2011

Mother’s Day Roundup

It’s so much fun when someone works secretly with your kids to make a special gift for you on Mother’s Day. My mom helped Will and Lily make these sweet handprints a few years ago. The kids painted the frames then Mom helped them each make a handprint on a white tile. She attached ribbons to hang the pictures with, too. I don’t remember if she bought the tiles separately and glued them into the frames or if they came in one piece. Maybe she’ll chime in here and let us know.

I also love when the kids make those little “All About My Mom” books at school. They always know to answer that my favorite food is Häagen-Dazs Chocolate-Peanut Butter ice cream and that I like to read. Things get a little dicier when they have to answer how much I weigh (20 pounds was one answer) or what I do. Sometimes I don’t know how to answer that last question, either!

Here are a few ideas that you might like for Mother’s Day:

  • Mother’s Day Breakfast + Free Printables at “Oh Happy Day.”
  • Free Mother’s Day print at “Sugar Fresh.”
  • Mother’s Day Newspaper printable from Martha Stewart.
  • Are you able to laugh about Mom jeans? If so, check out this card.

Filed Under: Gifts, Holidays Shannon Leave a Comment

May 4, 2011

Mother’s Day Giveaway: AM Charmed Designs

I’m very excited to host my first giveaway AND introduce a new series called “Dreamers and Doers.” It will feature people whose creativity I admire, whether they’re creating art and music or creating a fascinating life. My first guest is Angie Miner, creator of AM Charmed, whom I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know during our Wednesday tap classes. Not only is Angie a talented dancer, but she is also a truly lovely person. Enjoy this interview with Angie, and then read on to find out how you could win one of her beautiful creations. Just in time for Mother’s Day!

How did AM Charmed get its start? AM Charmed was inspired by a WAY over-priced necklace that I purchased on an emotional buy at a boutique. Having always been drawn to personalized items, I just had to have it. I quickly discovered that other moms were interested, too. I’d get asked frequently where I got my necklace and received numerous compliments on the uniqueness of the sparkle chain. I spent some time doing research and determined that I could make the same quality product, sparkle chain and all, at a fraction of the cost, making them more attractive to a broader market. A friend and I started the business and immediately began taking orders. When my friend moved I decided to continue the journey as the newly-named AM Charmed in 2010. It has always meant a lot to me to be able to create the pieces and to see how happy they make others. I have many customers, especially new moms, who wear them every day.

Describe your perfect day. My perfect day has a plan! I find my best days have some sort of map for the tasks and events. I left my sales job three years ago to create a more balanced lifestyle for my family. Having lived as if I were being chased for several years and seeing the effect that was having on myself and my family, I happily welcomed days with a calmer yet still productive and satisfying flow. So my perfect day starts with being able to see the kids off to school and being there when they get home. I am greatly satisfied when I have the opportunity to put a load of laundry in and head to my work bench to work on inspiring projects, be that AM Charmed or the numerous other small jobs and things I support. Part of my perfect day definitely consists of being there for the kids and getting the opportunity to see them in their activities, but the best days are when we all sit down to dinner to talk about “our favorite part of the day.” I guess to sum it up my most perfect day is in control and always meaningful.

What’s your favorite way to make time for you? My favorite time for me is when the kids are in bed and I can sit down to read a book or watch one of my recorded programs.

What would people be surprised to find out about you? That I am actually more of an introvert than an extravert. Although I appear to be social, I prefer small groups and even one-on-one to large social events.

What lesson do you most want to teach your children? One of my mom’s (yes, I am a huge mama’s girl) favorite quotes is that our role as parents is not to give our children the world but rather to teach them to live in it. Within that, I strive to teach them that no matter what they do to have love and kindness toward others.

What goals or dreams do you have for yourself over the next few years? My goals and dreams have changed so much throughout the years. I used to panic that they were not big enough but then one day I realized that I was already living my big dream. Being able to do the things I love and still be there for the kids is a dream come true. If I am able to keep doing what I’m doing right now, I’ll be one lucky girl! I really do love my life!

You’re a busy mom of three, you run your own business, you tap dance, you volunteer. How do you do it all? I do it all by loving it all. I am careful to respect time and never overcommit or actually try to do it all. I also have a very supportive and helpful husband; we are a good team. Neither of us like to sit much and we both agree never to complain or overuse the word “busy.” We laugh that there will be plenty of time to sit in recliners but for now bring on the activities and all the other things that come with making life work as a family. Like the song by Kenny Chesney says, “You’re going to miss these days.”

Thank you, Angie!

And now for the giveaway. Please check out AM Charmed and leave a comment below today and tomorrow (May 4 and 5) to win one of Angie’s gorgeous, customized creations. The winner will be selected on Friday, May 6, using random.org and then notified right away. Thank you and good luck!

UPDATE: WE HAVE A WINNER! I went to www.random.com and entered 32 (the number of participants) and the generator announced—drum roll, please—Number 29! Which, when I went to see who had the 29th entry, is Penny! Congratulations, Penny, and thank you to everyone for taking time to leave a comment. Let’s do this again some time.

Filed Under: Holidays, Inspiration Shannon 33 Comments

May 3, 2011

Just Do Your Best

I saw this mini-print at on-hand + modern today. The smaller text is a quote from Julie Beck that says “When we have done our very best, we may still experience disappointments, but we will not be disappointed in ourselves.”

It’s just what I needed to hear on a day when there was so much I wanted to do, but so little I actually did. But the most important thing—Andrew’s band concert—went well and that’s good enough for today. And there’s always tomorrow.

In the meantime, I’m printing out this little inspirational gem. You can visit Celeste’s blog here if you’d like to print out a pep talk, too.

Filed Under: Inspiration Shannon 2 Comments

May 2, 2011

Arrivederci, D.C.

We’re home again after a terrific long weekend in Washington. Papaw (Tim’s dad) was such a good host and made us feel like we were staying at a comfy bed and breakfast. We made it to the places the kids had selected, and then some. And, best of all, we enjoyed visits with good friends. Some we see fairly often, others we hadn’t seen in years, but we picked up right where we left off.

On our last day, we took the kids to my favorite sculpture, the 12-foot statue of Einstein at the National Academy of Sciences. Tucked into a grove of elm and holly right off Constitution Avenue, the huge bronze figure somehow manages to be cuddly. I love how Einstein always maintained his sense of wonder, which is captured in this quotation written on a bench: “Joy and amazement of the beauty and grandeur of this world of which man can just form a faint notion.” The star map at his feet is wonderful, too.

(For the photo, I told the kids to “look smart,” and this is what I got. Boys.)

It is impossible to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial without becoming emotional. We stood near a man who showed us his father’s name on the wall. So heartbreaking to watch him gently rubbing his finger back and forth across the name. My father was missing in action in Vietnam when my little brother was born, and I can’t help but think of how close he came to having his name etched into the wall.

It’ll be 19 years this Fourth of July since Tim and I met at this house on New Jersey Avenue. We actually were first introduced down at the party my roommates and I threw on the Mall earlier in the day, but back at the house after fireworks we stayed up talking until the wee hours of the night. Not long after, we had our first kiss under that very magnolia.

We also spent several hours at the National Zoo, where we saw seven (!) lion cubs. We watched them for the longest time as they switched between wrestling, pestering Mom and Dad, and lounging. We also saw one of the pandas, who sat with his back resolutely to us, chomping away on bamboo. He absolutely refused to turn and look at us. It was very funny, really.

And now it’s back to real life. I hope I can keep the energy and the memories from this trip fresh in my mind. Do you have a place that represents the road less traveled for you? Do you think that, knowing how way leads on to way, you’ll ever go back? Would you even want to at this point?

P.S. I found a penny at the Lincoln Memorial. I think it must be 100-times luckier than a regular penny.

Filed Under: Inspiration Shannon 4 Comments

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Welcome

Hello! My name is Shannon Taylor and I’m a mom of four, originally from Minnesota and now living in Maryland. I "published" my first newsletter when I was nine, and since then, I’ve written and edited for magazines, websites, and textbooks. I started this blog when my kids were small to reflect on life, share ideas, and preserve memories. Now that my children are grown, I continue to use this space to document meaningful moments and practical ideas.

If you're in the mood for a bit of Christmas cheer, you might enjoy THE ADVENT BOX, available wherever books are sold. You can click on the cover below to learn more.

Instagram

Pandas are back at the National Zoo! We were there within days of hearing the news. 😂 Bao Li and Qing Bao are enjoying the spruced-up panda home on the zoo`s Asian Trail.

We last saw the pandas during a trip to D.C. in May 2011. I`m not sure if it was Mei Xiang or Tian Tian who firmly kept their back to us, but it was pretty hilarious. (photo #7) Not only did we get to see those wonderful pandas, but we got to spend time with Alexandra`s godmother, Amy, who was on home leave from her job with the State Department. Amy`s a fellow Midwesterner I met when we were interns waaay back in the day. (We connected watching "Northern Exposure" at Thompson-Markward Hall, affectionately known as the Home for Wayward Women.)

Be sure to put "Visit the Pandas" on your itinerary when you come stay with us in Baltimore. ❤️

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Open post by shannontaylorwrites with ID 18295977556171943
Pandas are back at the National Zoo! We were there within days of hearing the news. 😂 Bao Li and Qing Bao are enjoying the spruced-up panda home on the zoo's Asian Trail. 

We last saw the pandas during a trip to D.C. in May 2011. I'm not sure if it was Mei Xiang or Tian Tian who firmly kept their back to us, but it was pretty hilarious. (photo #7) Not only did we get to see those wonderful pandas, but we got to spend time with Alexandra's godmother, Amy, who was on home leave from her job with the State Department. Amy's a fellow Midwesterner I met when we were interns waaay back in the day. (We connected watching "Northern Exposure" at Thompson-Markward Hall, affectionately known as the Home for Wayward Women.)

Be sure to put "Visit the Pandas" on your itinerary when you come stay with us in Baltimore. ❤️

My mom practiced, practiced, practiced and got to sing at Carnegie Hall for the premiere of "A Vision Unfolding" by Minnesota composer Kyle Pederson. A truly beautiful, uplifting work. I hadn`t been to Carnegie Hall before, so to visit for the first time to watch my mom perform was really wonderful.

Before the concert, we met Mom and her fellow choir member, Kathy, at Patsy`s, just down the block. The traditional Italian food was perfect on a chilly, rainy day—and it was fun to see photos of the celebrities who`ve dined there over the years, from Rihanna to Frank Sinatra (the restaurant`s claim to fame is that it was his favorite).

Mom, Tim, and Will hadn`t been to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum yet, so we headed to lower Manhattan after the concert. As we walked silently through the exhibits, trying to take it all in, I was struck by the distance between the concert, "A Vision of Light," and the grief and darkness around us. I thought of the words Mr. Pederson shared in the playbill, "It is my hope that we lean into the invitation that the choir offers—that each of us might reach out beyond our comfort zone and seek to build bridges of care and connection, finding a better way of being in community." And that’s what art does—it offers light when and where we need it most.

📷: Distinguished Concerts International New York

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Open post by shannontaylorwrites with ID 18047049827096632
My mom practiced, practiced, practiced and got to sing at Carnegie Hall for the premiere of "A Vision Unfolding" by Minnesota composer Kyle Pederson. A truly beautiful, uplifting work. I hadn't been to Carnegie Hall before, so to visit for the first time to watch my mom perform was really wonderful.

Before the concert, we met Mom and her fellow choir member, Kathy, at Patsy's, just down the block. The traditional Italian food was perfect on a chilly, rainy day—and it was fun to see photos of the celebrities who've dined there over the years, from Rihanna to Frank Sinatra (the restaurant's claim to fame is that it was his favorite). 

Mom, Tim, and Will hadn't been to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum yet, so we headed to lower Manhattan after the concert. As we walked silently through the exhibits, trying to take it all in, I was struck by the distance between the concert, "A Vision of Light," and the grief and darkness around us. I thought of the words Mr. Pederson shared in the playbill, "It is my hope that we lean into the invitation that the choir offers—that each of us might reach out beyond our comfort zone and seek to build bridges of care and connection, finding a better way of being in community." And that’s what art does—it offers light when and where we need it most.

📷: Distinguished Concerts International New York

Is there a more endorphin-pumping experience than working out to `80s music? I don`t think so! Thank you to @natalie_dancebody and @mindi_dancebody for a truly joyful workout this morning. So much fun to dance along with two songs the Dancing Mamas tapped to back in the day at our kids` recitals: "Footloose" and "Beat It"! I hope you do this again, @dancebody ❤️🔥🎉

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Open post by shannontaylorwrites with ID 18107239066486783
Is there a more endorphin-pumping experience than working out to '80s music? I don't think so! Thank you to @natalie_dancebody and @mindi_dancebody for a truly joyful workout this morning. So much fun to dance along with two songs the Dancing Mamas tapped to back in the day at our kids' recitals: "Footloose" and "Beat It"! I hope you do this again, @dancebody ❤️🔥🎉

Happy Valentine’s Day! I approach holiday greetings with more caution than I used to because I know these occasions can be painful for people who’ve lost someone. Which is pretty much everyone, especially when you get to be my age.

This day might not be the same as it was, but I hope you still have a valentine, whether it’s a romantic partner or a friend or a much-loved pet. Or yourself. We make good valentines because we know our favorite chocolate and what books we want.

I’ll always hang the Hearts on a String for any kid who’s home on Valentine’s Day, except not this year because the puppy would tear them to bits.

What a great Valentine’s message. 😅 Well. I do hope you have some treats today and you know I’m thinking of you fondly. ❤️

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Open post by shannontaylorwrites with ID 18049981502173328
Happy Valentine’s Day! I approach holiday greetings with more caution than I used to because I know these occasions can be painful for people who’ve lost someone. Which is pretty much everyone, especially when you get to be my age. 

This day might not be the same as it was, but I hope you still have a valentine, whether it’s a romantic partner or a friend or a much-loved pet. Or yourself. We make good valentines because we know our favorite chocolate and what books we want.

I’ll always hang the Hearts on a String for any kid who’s home on Valentine’s Day, except not this year because the puppy would tear them to bits. 

What a great Valentine’s message. 😅 Well. I do hope you have some treats today and you know I’m thinking of you fondly. ❤️
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