September President's Note

Even though my children are not in school yet, September always gives me that back-to-school feeling.  Suddenly, summer is over and it is time to pull out the sweaters, and boots, and go shopping for fresh desk supplies.  Teachers and students take center stage as class begins.

We all had teachers in our life that made a particular difference in our education.  They seemed to care a little more, speak with more enthusiasm, saw something in us that the other teachers didn’t notice.  They drew us out and helped us see the world a little differently.  Mrs. Bott was just that teacher for me.  Going to her class each day was like entering a special world.  She decorated the classroom seasonally, played beautiful music, and even shared special treats with us on certain occasions.  Most importantly, she was completely committed to her students, and she inspired us each day to enjoy learning.  Even though she was our 7^th grade English teacher, she found a way to be there on the day her “kids” graduated high school.   If you are a teacher, I’m sending you a very special thank you this month for inspiring and educating our children.  If you are a student, I wish you good luck, and hope you don’t have too many late nights of studying!

In honor of our new “semester,” the PMC is gearing up for our annual BBQ. We’ll be grilling up some good eats for you and your family as we bid farewell to summer with a big final cookout.  We would love to see you at this wonderful event, so forget about making dinner and doing the dishes, and let us cook for you!  We have several other great events lined up too, like the fieldtrip to Chileno Valley Ranch, and Safari West.  We’ll also have a special presentation on disaster preparedness that you won’t want to miss.  Please check our calendar to find the dates and times for all of our events.  

May President's Note

I just became a mother for the third time and aside from being a little more tired, I feel so blessed.  Motherhood was something I had dreamed of.  I had wanted to have children, and in the beginning when my husband and I started trying, I thought for a moment that I might not get that opportunity.  We had a difficult time conceiving at first, and now three beautiful girls later, I am glad that my dream has come true.

I seem to have a bit of amnesia with each child.  I couldn’t remember how the labor and delivery of my second child went as I was coming up on delivering my third.  I can’t remember how much or how little my newborn is supposed to sleep.  I wonder how different things would be if each little newbie was born with their own instruction manual.  But maybe that would take all of the fun out of getting to know them?

I do know that as I grow more and more in to my role as a mother, I feel more and more indebted to my own mom.  She continues to surprise me all these years later as she continues to mother all three of her adult children, be a wonderful “Nana” to my girls, as well as live her own life after the heartbreak of a painful separation from my father.

I know that my mother has done her absolute best in parenting me and my siblings and now that I have children of my own, I know that it is no easy feat parenting three kids.  I feel the criticisms of my teenage years melting away and compassion setting in.

I want to wish all the mothers in the PMC a very happy Mother’s Day.  What a wonderful life it is to be a mom.  I hope you will come celebrate motherhood with us at the upcoming PMC Spring Tea and Silent Auction on the 23^rd of May.

Veronica Blaustein

PMC President

February President's Note

I have always wanted to volunteer in the community that I lived in.  It’s something that I feel helps keep me connected and a part of my community.  I also really enjoy helping others and giving back.

When I lived in another county and before I had kids, I volunteered to coach a girls’ soccer team.  I was coaching girls ages 6 and 61/2.  The hardest part about coaching besides trying to get little ones to play soccer instead of picking grass and doing cartwheels was dealing with the scrutiny of parents who couldn’t believe I was volunteering when I didn’t have a kid on the team.

I’ve since had many other opportunities to volunteer and I must say that volunteering for the PMC has been my favorite.  It’s nice having a common bond with other mothers as well as having made friends to help me along in my parenting journey.  I love our events, mom’s nights out, socials, and getting this wonderful newsletter.  I’ve been involved in the PMC since before my 3 year old was born.  At that time I had no clue about becoming a mother (I’m still pretty clueless).  I received so much support from other women when I had to return to work after having a baby, I joined a great playgroup, got lots of tips on baby gear, gave away and received children’s items, etc.  Later I became an Event Coordinator and had a blast coordinating events with a great team of women, last year I served as VP, and this year as President.  I’m really enjoying myself so far, and I’m learning a lot in the process.  What is amazing to me is the dedication of so many members of our organization.  There are women I’ve met who are doing so much to volunteer not just with the PMC but other local organizations as well.  How inspiring!  How do they do it?

Although we have launched into 2010 and have a few months left in this term, we are always looking for mothers (and dads) who would like to get more involved with our club.  If you feel like you can do a little more this year, whether that be make a meal for a family who has just had a baby, or come to a board meeting to show support and say “hello,” I will be the first to welcome you and invite you to do so.  If you are interested in supporting other organizations locally, there are many that can use your support this year.  If I can be of any assistance connecting you, please let me know.  If you are doing your best with all you have on your plate right now, just keep on going, you’re doing great moms (& dads).

Happy Valentine’s Day & Happy Volunteering!

Have Fun spreading the love!

Veronica Blaustein

PMC President