Thankful Thursday

This week has been a little eventful in terms of weather.  These last few days we've been having some severe storms that have caused a bit flash flooding in certain areas here.  Along with those storms came tornado warnings and hail.  We're in the thick of hurricane season and I feel like this is only the beginning of what we will have to look forward to.  However, I'm thankful that my roof didn't leak like it has in the past and that we didn't have any damage.

I'm thankful that I took a little break from house hunting because I was really starting to get frustrated.  And I don't manage my frustration well.  It has a tendency to boil over into other aspects of my life.  But I'm refreshed and renewed and recommitted to help my husband with our search for a new place to live.  It's just not possible for us to continue staying in this rental.

I'm thankful that I was able to send my baby sister her first care package.  I remember what it's like being a college student and living on campus.  She's hours away from home and I know that having that care package will give her some comfort and be a constant reminder that we still love her and we're still thinking about her.  Plus, I don't really want her worrying about looking for a job her first year.

I'm also thankful that Moo is making some progress on her potty training.  For a long time she has been boycotting the toilet period.  And then I had JJ and just slacked off on the training because I was just too exhausted.  However, we're getting back on track.  And I'm learning to not feel bad about her not being fully potty trained just because other moms have kids that are. Kids are all different and I'm positive she'll be there before her third birthday.

Last but not least I'm thankful for everyone who has continued to vote for YUMMommy in the CBS-Charlotte Most Valuable Blogger Contest.  It truly means a lot.  Tomorrow is the last day you can vote before they announce the winners.  I'm super excited and nervous all at the same time.  So please vote today and tomorrow please!!  Click on the badge below.

Anything happen in your life that has made you thankful?

Making Opportunities With YML

As a young mom, I know how hard it is to find great opportunities.  We are often stereotyped as being undependable or unreliable and inexperienced because we have kids.  So, 9 times out of 10 doors are shut in our faces before we can even prove that we have skills or something great to offer.  That is why I am so excited to be involved with The Young Mommy Life brand.  My friend Tara started The Young Mommy Life to uncover the truth about motherhood and offer a place for other young moms to have voice about their experiences.

Source

I am happy that I have been supporting YML for a while and have been able to see it grow.  Tara is not just a blogger but she's now a published author, as well as a public speaker, advocate and freelancer.  And now she has taken on the role the of being an Opportunity Creator with the YML Scholarship. Two young college moms will have the opportunity to win a YML Scholarship to help lower the cost of school books and other related supplies.
Tara's belief is that by helping these moms get through college, we will "feel that ripple effect through her kids, her extended family, her friends."

Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to make this world a better place by helping others to improve themselves.  And one of the greatest ways we can improve ourselves is with education.  I hope that you all will join me in supporting Tara's mission and cause.  Our goal is raise at least $500 by August 11th to be split between two winners.  Just think about it, that donation could possibly be an investment in your future and your family's if you are selected as one of the scholarship winners.  You can donate whatever it is that you can afford using the lovely ChipIn widget below:

I would like to sweeten deal and offer anyone who has a business or just wants to get the word out about their website a FREE 125x125 sidebar ad with the donation of $10 to $19.  The ad will remain on my website for the remainder of this year.  Donate $20 or more and I'll throw in a sponsored post with links, photos and periodic sponsored tweets!! And don't forget to help by spreading the the word.  Feel free to retweet this post or share on Facebook.

Tell Us Something Good: Sisterly Bonding

As many of you know, my baby sister graduated high school this past June.  Well, it's almost August and time for her to head off to college.  It amazes still how fast time flew by.  It seemed like it took forever for me to get out of high school but I blinked and she was already a senior.

Anyways, since she'll be going to school 4 whole hours away from me, I'm down at my mom's yet again to spend as much time with her as possible.  You could say that I kind of took her time here at home for granted.  Yea, I always knew she would go to college but I never imagined it would be so far away.  I know that she's going to succeed and have a blast.

And I'm glad that I took this week to enjoy her company.  I think that our sisterly bond has certainly gotten closer.  I wouldn't trade the overwhelming feelings of love, pride and joy that I have for her ever!