Still a Mother

Sweet Pea Project will be giving away copies of the book Still, written by Sweet Pea Project founder Stephanie Paige Cole, on Sunday May 6th in honor of International Bereaved Mothers Day.

 

 

International Bereaved Mothers Day was created in 2010 by Project Heal's Carly Marie Dudley and it is held on the first Sunday of May.

 

 

Carly explains: "This special day was created to honour and celebrate mothers who carry some if not all of their children in their hearts rather than their arms. In our modern day society, mothers who are grieving the death of their babies and children are usually forgotten. The traditional Mothers Day has proven to be an emotionally difficult day for so many mothers around the world."

 

 

To enter the drawing for a copy of Still, please email Stephanie@sweetpeaproject.org with the words "Still a Mother" in the subject line. Please include your name, your child's name/nickname and your address in the email. All entries must be received by May 5.  Winners will be notified on May 6.

 

 

I would also like to remind you that Mother's Day is your day, regardless of whether you carry your child in your arms or in your heart. You are still a mother. Please take a moment to read, or re-read for those of you who have been in our community awhile, this short piece from our blog about the true origins of this holiday and how it really was created with us broken hearted mamas in mind: http://sweetpeaproject.blogspot.com/2010/05/mothers-day-of-peace.html

 

 

To learn more about International Bereaved Mother's Day please visit the facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Bereaved-Mothers-Day/205653979495449 and be sure to pick up a free flower photo while you are there to help spread the word and share the love.

 

 

I hope these days are gentle to you.

 

 

peace,

Stephanie

A Sweet Fundraiser... CHOFFY!

click on the image to enlarge

Simone L. Lee, an independent Choffy distributor, has introduced a brand new and absolutely delicious fundraiser for Sweet Pea Project. Simone will be donating 100% of her profits to Sweet Pea Project during the month of May. And now Simone has graciously decided to begin the fundraiser a full two weeks early- all purchases made from now until May 31st will benefit Sweet Pea Project- so start shopping! And don't forget Mom... Choffy makes a fantastic Mother's Day present! 


Shop now at  www.drinkchoffy.com/deLEEcious. Learn more about Choffy (and discover great new recipes and tips) on Simone's facebook page: Choffy Is DeLEEcious.  Please feel free to spread the word by sharing our flier and linking to this post.  Thank you for your support!


And a special bonus: Free shipping on select products ordered during the month of April! Details at http://www.drinkchoffy.com/free-shipping-through-the-rest-of-april/

2nd Annual Sweet Pea Sisters & Brothers Picnic Presented by Beittel-Becker Pediatrics

You are invited to the 2nd Annual Sweet Pea Sisters & Brothers Picnic Presented by Beittel-Becker Pediatrics, Sweet Pea Project's community event for children who have lost a brother or sister during pregnancy or infancy. The death of a baby can be very difficult on a child. They witness their parents wrestling with overwhelming grief, and struggle with their own feelings of sadness and confusion. These children deserve a day just to be carefree children, playing with their parents in the sunshine and having fun, and that is what our annual picnic is all about.

Parents are invited to bring their surviving and subsequent children to Lititz Springs Park in Lititz, PA on Saturday, June 30th from 4pm-7pm to play, eat, and enjoy each other's company. The highlight for this year's picnic will surely be the concert by the award-winning, childrens' favorite: Steven Courtney & the Suitcase Musicians! Just like last year, there will be tons of awesome prizes, bubble and parachute playtime with Gymboree of Lancaster and a craft table where kids can express themselves through art, make beaded necklaces with their sibling's name, and plant flowers.  Doug Hilton Photography will be capturing candid shots throughout the event and Krisha Martzall Photography will be shooting free family portraits in the park. This year's picnic will also include a bounce house from 3 Monkeys Inflatables, live animal demonstrations by Bob the Critter Guy, Kids Yoga with Michelle Newman, balloon animals from Tony the Balunguy, and much more. Bring your favorite picnic blanket or plop down at a picnic table to enjoy a delicious picnic dinner, courtesy of Freeze & Frizz, SEI's Catering and Grand Central Bagel. Be sure to save room for dessert! Couture Cupcakes will once again be providing cupcakes, and there will be plenty of cookies and cake, too!

This event (and all of the food and entertainment) is entirely free, but registration is required. Please reserve your family's spot at www.sweetpeaproject.org/picnic/registration no later than May 25. And don't forget to order your Sweet Pea Picnic T-shirts!

The idea for the Sweet Pea Sisters & Brothers Picnic came about after Beth Gauthier and Nicole Jackson joined the board of directors in 2010. Both had older children who grieved along side of them when their sons were stillborn and each have had another baby since then. Though support groups exist for parents, very little is offered for children. Sweet Pea Project is excited to be able to reach out to these children through this annual picnic, in honor of Mark and Max.

For more information about the picnic (and to view a video from last year's event) please visit www.sweetpeaproject.org/picnic. Please contact Beth@sweetpeaproject.org with any questions. Thank you and we hope to see you in June!