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mothersday-related stories
Outstanding Mother Awards
This year, five notable women were recognized for successfully balancing their careers with the demands of motherhood. Gert Boyle, Mika Brzezinski, Maria Shriver, Trudy Sullivan and Deborah Walters may be very different from each other, but they do share an important commonality: They are all mothers to exceptional children of whom they are very proud.
The 31st annual Outstanding Mother Awards benefit luncheon was held on May 8 in New York City with proceeds from the event benefiting the Save the Children's U.S. Programs. I sat down with three of these accomplished women to ask them about their views on work and motherhood.
Favorite Celebrity Moms
Ricki Lake has gone from chubby teen to sexy mama. She's also an outspoken advocate for a kinder, gentler, less medicalized birth. She attributes her passionate interest in childbirth to the arrival of her sons, and to the experiences she had giving birth to them.
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Gwen Stefani proves that becoming a mom doesn't mean the end of your rock-n-roll days. Stefani's sons Kingston and Zuma regularly accompany her on tour. We're waiting to see how long it takes for them to form a band.
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Marcia Cross makes parenting twins look like a breeze, despite the fact that her life is anything but simple. Cross' husband, Tom Mahoney, was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, but that hasn't stopped the Desperate Housewives star from toting her girls to playdates and enjoying every minute of being their mom.
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After ten years, Kate Winslet was reunited with "Titanic" co-star Leonardo di Caprio in "Revolutionary Road," where she played a disaffected wife and mother who wants out of her suburban live. In real life, though, Winslet is a devoted mom; she brought her kids to work with her during the filming of "Revolutionary Road," which was directed by her husband, Sam Mendes.
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We can't talk about moms without mentioning Hollywood's Superest Super Mom. Angelina Jolie and partner Brad Pitt have the most famous of all celeb broods, with six children, three adopted and three biological. We don't know how she does it, but we're impressed anyway.
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Reese Witherspoon is easily Hollywood's cutest single mom, although rumor has it she won't be single for long. Witherspoon, who divorced baby daddy Ryan Philippe in 2006, is dating cutie Jake Gyllenhaal; we're just waiting for an engagement announcement.
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Gwyneth Paltrow went from It Girl to Hip Mama, with a website and a cooking show under her belt. Gwyneth proves that having babies doesn't mean you can't still be cool, or that you can't still look great. We just want to know how she's still able to look so hot in those super-short skirts.
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We have to admit that we didn't have very high hopes for Nicole Richie as a mom, but she has surprised us. In fact, we have to say we're pretty darn impressed. Richie, who is expecting her second child, has giving up her partying and taking to mommying. She's also using her celebrity -- and her wealth -- to help moms in need. Good work, Nicole!
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We love Katie Holmes because she's living proof that moms don't have to look frumpy or dumpy. Even Holmes' casual wear is chic and cool, and her hair is the perfect hip mom cut.
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Jennifer Garner is the celebrity mom we would like to live next door to. Her welcome smile and down-to-earth attitude are exactly what we want in a mom friend. And her husband is hunky, too! Perfect.
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Mother's Day - Good, Bad and Very Ugly
You know what says Happy Mother's Day? Flowers. Not a guinea pig. Photo courtesy of sxc.hu.
"Every year so far, my Mother's Day 'gift' has been to be given the whole day to spend with my daughter, all by myself, while my husband spends the day attached to his computer," says one ParentDish reader. "Because, you know, that's not what I do every day of the year!"
But wait! There's more! "Oh, and if I'm really lucky?" she adds. "He'll stop on his way home from work on Friday night, and buy me a movie I have no interest in, refuse to watch it with me, and then [complain] for a year that I haven't watched it."
Oy to the vey, people. I'm hoping that poor lady at least gets a bunch of dandelions picked from the yard this year. Because frankly, that would be a much better gift. Turns out a lot of the dads out there are a little, um, clueless when it comes to celebrating Mother's Day. Our informal poll of ParentDish readers revealed that even just a card would warm the cockles of mom's heart, because that would be a lot better than a bag of Twizzlers.
Last Minute Mother's Day, Twins and Funny Videos - Links We Love
Playground Bureau, Twins, Triplets, Multiples
DIY flower arrangements make a great gift for Mom. Image: sxc.hu
Dads today are more involved in their kids' lives than ever before. But do they really need a gold star every time they change a diaper? -- Babble
Twins are a challenge, that's for sure. But taking two-year-old twins to the pediatrician for shots? This mom deserves a medal. -- Mommy Track'd
Got a baby who doesn't like bath time? Try bathing her in a bucket! The Tummy Tub is a big hit in Europe, now available in the U.S. -- MomFinds
If she could do it all again, would your own mom parent differently? Here's nine other questions to ask Mom this Mother's Day, though everyone seems to agree that no one wants to hear the answer to number 4. -- Motherlode
Most parents of twins can tell their babies apart shortly after birth, but if you're worried about it (or if family members need help), here are some tips for keeping identical kids straight. -- Divine Caroline
Last minute shoppers: You might have to pay overnight shipping, but it's worth it for a Mother's Day gift that will make Mom smile. Check out Mighty Good's Mother's Day Gift Guide.
The hype is quieting down, but the bug is still around. So tell us: Does the swine flu scare you? -- Momversation
I didn't want to laugh, but I couldn't help it. "America's Funniest Home Videos" montages are funny. Don't judge me. -- Urlesque
Leverage Mother's Day for a Valuable Gift (That Costs Nothing)
Just For Moms, Money & Work, Chores
Across the country, family members are frantically phoning restaurants, learning that reservations are unavailable. Some secretly feel relieved since Mother's Day menus can be pricey and crabby kids in an overcrowded restaurant doesn't sound like much fun anyway. But what to do for you instead is still a dilemma.
Many dads are scouring the Internet for flower coupons -- their usual standby. But even then they know flowers aren't the best option. In the past they've ordered bouquets last minute and noticed that obvious last-minute gifts don't do much to make you feel appreciated.
May I offer some advice? Ask your family for a gift that's longer lasting than lunch or flowers -- one that will be very valuable to you and won't cost them a dime. Request the gift of their time, attention, and cooperation. This may sound crass, but it's true: You've got a lot of leverage on Mother's Day. Really ... how can they deny your request on your special day!
Close your eyes and envision: It's Sunday afternoon. Everyone has enjoyed a good meal, the kitchen is sparkling (work with me here), and your family is gathered around the table giving you their full attention. Amazingly, your toddler isn't cranky and even those family members who usually spike your blood pressure (we're not naming names) listen without rolling their eyes as you explain how you'd like to work together to launch some household routines that will decrease your workload, create a fairer division of labor, and reduce household stress.
Now open your eyes and follow these six steps to make this a reality (well, except for the cranky toddler, but we can even work around that).
Mother's Day Gifts, Crafts and Fun - Links We Love
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Daughters and sons look up to their moms, and with these Mommy and Me gifts, they can look like their moms too. -- Droolicious
Expecting moms - get the inside scoop on what labor is really like ... on Twitter. Mommyblogger76, otherwise known as Melissa Skabich of Fits and Giggles, is twittering her labor.
Moms treasure handmade gifts from their favorite kids. Here's a sweet-smelling simple craft from Alpha Mom, handprint lavender sachets.
Give Mom what she really needs -- some help around the house. These adorable house helper cards are just right for spring, and each time Mom "picks" a flower, someone does a household chore. -- Family Fun
Still more crafty goodness: A photo house card so Mom can gaze lovingly on her favorite people, a handmade beauty mask for relaxation, homemade knitting needles and a kid-authored "You and Me" book. -- Family Fun
Got a mom who'd rather give than receive? Give her a gift certificate to Kiva. She can spend the money helping other moms create better lives for themselves and their families.
Give your mom the gift of good health on Mother's Day by taking her for a walk. Even one session of exercise has been shown to improve circulation and mood. -- CafeMom
Share Your Mother's Day Horror Stories!
Nothing says "Happy Mother's Day" like a Snuggie -- unless it's a half-pound bag of strawberry Twizzlers. Photo by p2squared on Flickr.
My first Mother's Day I spent all alone with my 5-month old daughter while my husband waited out cancer surgery with his dad 300 miles away. Then, the next, my husband scolded me for leaving the hose on the lawn and killing the grass, resulting in a HUGE blow-out. Oh, the fun!
I know I'm not alone; just ask MY mom, who endured countless Mother's Days filled with gifts made by three kids with limited artistic skills. So what's YOUR best Mother's Day horror story? ParentDish wants to know. C'mon, don't be shy. We know you're out there. Did you get a Snuggie last year? A blender? Or, like one of my friends, a half-pound bag of red Twizzlers and a trip to the in-laws?
Leave us a comment or send us an email to team AT parentdish DOT com, and tell us about the worst Mother's Day you ever had. We'll share your stories here to celebrate ourselves -- because admit it, motherhood is hilariously funny, even when it's horrible.
Sarah Jessica Parker, Pregnant Women are Smug and More - Links We Love
Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick are expecting! Photo by Bryan Bedder, Getty Images
Pregnant women are smug? LilSugar thinks that this video is funny because it's also a little true. Does pregnancy make us forget that we're not the only people in the world who have ever had a baby?
It's never too early to start thinking about Mother's Day (or to leave subtle hints lying around so that your husband will get the kids going on something, at least). Alpha Mom has some cute craft ideas.
Mexican kids are getting a lesson in personal hygiene via "Sesame Street," or "Plaza Sesamo" as it's called there. The children's show is running PSAs on how to avoid spreading the swine flu. -- Strollerderby
Splish-splash, babies taking a bath ... and getting Mom or Dad all wet. Keep your clothes dry at bath time and keep your grip on that slippery baby with the Stay Dry Bath Apron and Towel. -- MomFinds
Tired of bribing your kids to do everything from emptying the garbage to brushing their teeth? There is a better way, really. Instead of offering rewards, make everyday routines automatic. Presto! Family bliss. -- Half Full
Remember that time your husband got you a vacuum cleaner (that you didn't ask for or want) for Mother's Day? Share your story at Work It, Mom! and win a $25 gift certificate. So you can go buy your own gift.
"Babar the Elephant" is a children's classic, but you might not ever look at it the same way again after reading Stefanie Wilder-Taylor's hilarious interpretation of it! -- Mommy Track'd
Bullies on the playground are just bored? Maybe. When Learning Through Landscapes created a new, user-friendly, natural playground, bullying dropped by 64 percent. -- Divine Caroline
Sharing a Bedroom, Gestational Surrogates, and More - Links We Love
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Quick tip for peeling oranges: Roll it around firmly on the counter first, and the skin peels right off. Here's my question: Will it help get rid of all those annoying white fibers my kids always make me pluck off? -- ParentHacksYou've got kids of the opposite sex, but only one bedroom to put them in. One parent wants to know, how long before boys and girls need their own bedroom? -- LilSugar
It's never too early to start shopping (or dropping hints) for Mother's Day. Cool Mom Picks presents their recession-friendly gift guide, with some gifts under $20 and plenty of discount codes, too.
It's hard work being a mom, especially when you're only three and have 18 kids to care for. Watch this cute video about a mom-in-training. -- MomLogic
I know two moms who acted as gestational surrogates for other couples, both of whom found the experience to be rewarding. But sometimes the picture isn't so rosy. Read about the other side of surrogacy. -- Babble
Bath time is a blast until someone brings out the shampoo. Check out the Lil Rinser Shampoo Shield. Will it make shampoo time fun -- or at least bearable -- again? -- MomFinds
Right before her first semi-formal dance, a dad gives his daughter's date a letter that outlines his rules: NO KISSING. What's not said in this post: How long was it before she started speaking to her dad again? -- The Motherhood
Amy Poehler's been a mom less than a year, yet she's already dishing advice (in typical funny-mom style): "Always remember your kid's name. Always remember where you put your kid. Don't let your kid drive until their feet can reach the pedals." -- Strollerderby
Life got you too busy for book group? Don't give up your love of reading. Visit the "We Have No Time for a Book Group Book Group," for reviews and recommendations. -- Mommy Track'd
Heidi Klum gets family tattoo
Just For Moms, Love & Sex, Life & Style, Celeb Parenting, Rumors, That's Entertainment
Models, especially those who parade around in bikinis and their underwear for a living, need to be selective when it comes to tattoos. Heidi Klum, perhaps one of the only remaining supermodel forces, is no exception. Klum's tattoo is on her arm, and recent exposure, I suppose, prompted a response from the model.
Klum recently revealed details about her "new" tattoo, which actually isn't that new at all. Klum, who says she's had the tattoo since May, says the tattoo was part of a marriage ceremony to her husband, Seal, whom she reweds each year. The tattoo also has three little stars, each which bears the initials of one of her three children.
In my book, getting a tattoo in May counts as a new tattoo. Also, it may sound strange for "tattoo" and "family" to appear in the same sentence, but, in the modern world, not really. I would caution Heidi against getting the name of a loved one tattooed on her, though--a symbol is ok, but if we haven't learned anything from Johny Depp's "Winona" tattoo then we need to, right now. Great idea for an inventive mother's day gift, though!
Not your mother's mom club
Just For Moms, Fun & Activities
Adventure Moms is a group of mothers. Sure, there are tons of mommy groups out there, organizing playdates, taking stroller walks around the local mall, discussing the latest parenting books. This one, however, is different. The group plans less traditional mommy outings such as rock climbing, sea kayaking, and fencing.Naturally, they leave the kids at home for these activities. "Having kids is an adventure in itself," said thirty-nine-year-old Jenn Keohane, a mother of two. "It's so all-consuming, you lose a part of yourself, the person you used to be before you had them. By the time my kids got out of the baby phase, I realized something was missing." The group, she added, "enabled me to get back a little of what I used to have. Even though it's only half a day once a month."
Mind you, everything on their list is either something I've enjoyed doing in the past or would love to do. Alas, since having kids, such opportunities are few and far between. If you're in the same boat, perhaps you should consider starting a similar group in your area. And if anyone wants to start an Adventure Dads group, by all means, let me know.
Most powerful lesbian moms
Just For Moms, Money & Work, 2Moms2Dads, Celeb Parenting
Generally speaking, moms have a lot of power at home. Some moms, however, wield a lot of power outside the home too, and that takes a lot of effort and determination. Dana over at Mombian has compiled a list of the most powerful lesbian moms in America. These are women who are not only caring for their kids, but are also making a difference in the world.The list includes a lot of women we hear about all the time -- Melissa Etheridge, Mary Cheney, Rosie O'Donnell -- as well as some you might not have heard of at all -- Lisa Brummel (senior vice president for human resources at Microsoft), Megan Smith (vice president of new business development at Google), and Karla Drenner (Georgia State Representative).
Of course, everyone's definition of power is different, but I think we can all agree that these are women who are definitely higher up on the ladder than most. And if that weren't enough, they're also all moms -- probably the most challenging and difficult job on the planet. Cheers to all of them!
Mom movies
Just For Moms, Media, That's Entertainment
Sadly, there appears to be a dearth of movies that feature female leads at all, let alone mothers, except, perhaps, on the Lifetime channel. As XKCD points out, the ratio of male-to-female lead roles is definitely out of whack. Can you think of a big-budget film with a female lead (where the female wasn't just a love interest)? Sure, there's Tomb Raider and The Devil Wears Prada, but for every movie like that, there are literally dozens -- if not hundreds -- of movies with male leads.Now consider the plight of the mother in Hollywood. Or, rather, lack thereof. Moms seem to be just an afterthought. Someone to give context to the male lead's homelife. Frankly, that kind of sucks. Still, I was able to come up with some maternal movies for Mother's day. Take a look at my list and then see if you can add any more in the comments.
Labor, delivery, and a bikini wax
Newborns, Just For Moms, Pregnancy & Birth, Celeb Parenting
Women going through childbirth might as well check their modesty at the door. Depending on how you handle your own labor experience, any number of medical professionals, friends, and family members may be privy to parts of your body that you yourself need a mirror and an awkward angle to see.Then, afterward, the cameras come out. The baby is cute and the husband is dressed and well-rested, but mom? Well, if your pictures look like mine, you look sweaty, pale, and exhausted.
According to the New York Post, some moms -- influenced by today's celebrity mom lifestyle -- are taking steps to look their best in their post-labor pictures. Some are even planning appointments around their due date, making sure that they have fresh manicures, pedicures, hairstyles, and even bikini waxes.
When Mom isn't who you think she is
Just For Moms, In The News, Weird But True
Alan and Marie Walsh have been married for 23 years. They have three children together and have lived in San Diego for the last ten years. Alan Walsh described his wife as an honorable woman who cared deeply about her family. Federal marshals, however, described her as an escaped convict and a wanted woman.It turns out that more than thirty years ago, Walsh -- whose real name is Susan LeFevre -- escaped from the Detroit House of Corrections after serving only a year of her ten to twenty year sentence for drug-related charges. "We're still just getting over this but it's been a tremendous shock to us," said her husband.
LeFevre told detectives that her family did not know of her past. "Our family is threatened to be destroyed by something that happened to her as a 19-year-old teenager 34 years ago in Michigan," said Alan Walsh. I can't condone what LeFevre did or her escape, but I have to feel for her family.
Contest calls adoptive moms "non-moms"
Adoption, Playground Bureau, Media
A few years ago, my best friend decided to build her family through adoption. Recently, she became Mom to an amazing young boy. She's taught me so much over the last few years, both about the process but also about how how to be sensitive to adoptive parents and children. So I was shocked when I read that a company called Teleflora, which is currently sponsoring an America's Favorite Mom contest for Mother's Day (Donnie and Marie Osmand will crown the winner on NBC's Primetime tomorrow night), categorized adoptive moms in their contest as "non-moms." An adoption blogger complained, and the company quickly realized their error. They've now change the category to "adopting moms" and issued an apology on their web page.
