MADE Stronger – This week’s theme – CELEBRATE!

Sorry I missed last week, but I will make this week’s blog extra special.  Over the last two weeks I had several opportunities to celebrate both the little and big things in life.  Last weekend I celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in our annual fashion.  My husband and a crew of committed cooks, including our son Chris, made a corn beef and cabbage dinner at our church for about 150 people.  A couple of our close friends join us each year even though they do not live in Madison.  We also invited some new people.  Everyone had a wonderful time and money was raised for the Knights of Columbus scholarship fund.

The weekend before I spent in Massachusetts, with my daughter, at the home of my oldest and dearest friend.  Lynne and I have known each other since we were born.  She is my second sister and her son, John, is my godson.  Well, Lynne is becoming grandmother and John is becoming a father. Melissa and I had a wonderful time at the baby shower.  It was great to see my “second family”.  Over the years it seemed that we were seeing each other more at funerals than anything else.  It was wonderful to celebrate a happy event.  We also celebrated the fact that Lynne and her husband John decided to adopt a new puppy.  Melissa thoroughly enjoyed a weekend of play and cuddle with their new black lab pup. 

The drive up and back allowed Melissa and I time to talk about life.  We covered several topics and I realized that my little girl is turning into a compassionate young lady.  This was definitely good for my soul and reason to celebrate. 

The end of school trimester is upon us.  This is a reason for both kids and their parents to celebrate.  This trimester was especially stressful to our family due to snow days, testing and heavy after school schedules.  To me the new trimester allows our kids to get a fresh start – especially those in high school.  Many times they have new class schedules and sometimes new teachers.  I believe it keeps things fresh and positive.

March 20th brought the first day of Spring.  Now that is a reason to celebrate.  Mother Nature agreed by giving us a wonderful warm day.  I teach a CCD class to a group of 6th graders and this week’s topic was community.  After we read from the workbook, I took the kids outside to the American Legion hall and to the Senior Center to re-enforce what our community does for each other.

The other night, I took some extra time to look at the wonderful sunset.   Although this may seem like a little thing, it was a chance to sit for just a few minutes and reflect. This was celebration for the soul.

So the challenge for next week – CELEBRATE.  Take that extra moment to look at the positive that is around you and celebrate it. 

If you are wondering about the M.A.D.E. challenge or want to volunteer please check out the website at http://www.madestronger.org.  If you are having trouble with your goals the MADE Stronger Calendar has events that will help you attain wellness. Next week there is a Healthy Meals and Snacks workshop for students in grades 6-12.  Just follow this link to the calendar http://www.madestronger.org/calendar.php.

The MADE Stronger Health & Wellness Challenge ending event – the MADE Stronger Festival and Superhero Fun Run will take place on Sunday, April 6th, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Surf Club.   There will be music, food, and tables for business sponsors and for face painting, etc., along with a 2 mile Superhero Fun Run (or walk) that begins at 11:00. 

We are looking for raffle prizes for the Festival.  So if you are a local business, consider donating a prize or become a sponsor.  We hope you and your family will be part of this fun event! 

For more information on how to donate a raffle prize, sponsor an event or to volunteer, contact Tina Garrity at ting45@aol.com or 203-245-2632

Just think by celebrating life you and your family could be MADE Stronger!