Mama Merit Badges

Despite my countless warnings my son jumped on the couch this afternoon and wouldn't you know it, he ended up falling directly on his head. After his monkey blanket and I snuggled him out of his pain and I made sure he wasn't showing any signs of further trouble, my son looked at me and said, "Thank you for making me feel better, mom." Simply amazing! My heart sang.

But let's face it, an expression of gratitude such as that doesn't happen every day! Most days I wake up and am chef, chauffeur, maid and activities director to my three children all in exchange for nightly kiss and cuddle at bedtime. And only my mom friends fully know what a tiring job it is and why I deserved my last J.Crew purchase (the Campo Bag)! That is why I think I'm going to start gifting them with Mama Merit Badges!

Here's an example...requirements for earning the Eating Out badge:

If you have picked up pasta from a filthy floor, created a game with empty creamers, straws and sugar packets, drawn a pretty picture with the 2 blue crayons that the "too young to have kids" waitress gave you, or got your kids to eat something other than ketchup, you may wear this badge for rising to the occasion.

Yep, we've all been there and deserve this badge! I think I've met the requirements on at least five of the 11 this week alone...and know a few friends who deserve a few as well. I think I'll sew mine on the back of my denim jacket! And yes, they feel just like the Scouting patches you remember!

Excuse me while I visit mamameritbadges.com to place my order for my friends (and one or two for myself). Badges are $5.00 each or $50.00 for the full set.