Happy Mother's Day 2006!!

For all of you mothers that are loyal readers, for all of you mothers-to-be (including any "un-named" expectants in the next week or so), and especially for what seems like the million of you new mothers in the past year....

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

Today will be dedicated to all of you (since I usually don't blog on the weekends.

Mother's Day was actually started during the American Civil War, not by someone with the last name "Hallmark". Julia Ward Howe tried to unite women against the war by writing the Mother's Day Proclamation. This concept was continued by Anna Jarvis in 1858 who tried to establish a Mothers' Work Day to better the war effort for the women involved. But it was her daughter (also named Anna Jarvis) who successfully established the first memorial day for women on May 10, 1908 - in Grafton, West Virginia.

In 1914, President Wilson declared the first national Mother's Day. Within 10 years, the holiday became so commercialized that Jarvis became a major opponent to what the holiday had become.

Interesting side notes, in 1973, the USPS was held up for 8 days because of the letters and cards that are now sent. AT&T claims that Mother's Day is one of their busiest days of the year for their networks.

So with that in mind, I now present to you some tributes to the Mothers out there in the form of comedy. Some of the funnier clips I've seen in a while on the web:

• A newer one of two brothers taking a photo for mom. How typical is this of two brothers? Has sound that you don't want to miss.
• An actual movie starring Mr. T about treating your mother right. Again, has sound for enhancement. Gotta love the 80s!!

In honor of one of the special mothers out there that is no longer with us..... I am walking in the 2nd annual Preeclampsia Walk-a-Thon in Minneapolis tomorrow. It's a 3 mile walk around Lake Harriet. I will be walking in memory of my dear friend Shelly Bridgewater who was an amazing mother although her time as such was cut way too short. But not to worry - her daughter is doing so well and has all the love from people all over the world to support her as she continues to grow. Shelly, we miss you so much but I know you're around.

Some of my own mom's favorites for you to enjoy today:

Song of the Day - My mom (as I've said before) is a Beatles nut, as well as a huge fan of the Rolling Stones. I get my love of music from her, although there's very little music anymore that we have in common. Except Ozzy. My mom is a HUGE Ozzy fan (she won't actually admit it though). CAUSE MAMA... MAMA I'M COMIN' HOOOOOOOOOOME. That's her favorite song.

Video of the Day - My ma is also a huge fan of the movies To Kill a Mockingbird, and Out of Africa. She loved the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and all the faddish Harry Pottertop movies. It is out of spite towards my mother that I told her I would never jump on the Harry Potter bandwagon.

Webpage of the Day - Hmmm... my mom's favorite webpages include MY BLOG!!! and I know she loved the one with the guy dancing last week. Don't worry mom, I'm working on the Worm for the August wedding! Not sure what other webpages she likes but I'll find out for you!

Have a great weekend!! See you on the flip side!!