Happy Mother’s Day

To all of our St. Tropez Ocean moms, Happy Mother’s Day! You certainly deserve this day of recognition for all your long hard work as a mom.

Happy Mother’s Day

The staff at St. Tropez Ocean would like to wish all of our mothers a very Happy Mother’s Day.

Mother's Day

(Second Sunday in May)
On the second Sunday in May, American children of all ages treat their mothers to something special. It is the one day out of the year when children, young and old, try to show in a tangible way how much they appreciate their mothers.

England was one of the first countries to set aside a day to recognize mothers. In the eighteenth century when many people worked as household servants for the rich, "Mothering Sunday" was reserved for them to return home to be with their mothers. Though this custom stopped when the Industrial Revolution altered the working and living patterns of the people, one Sunday for Mothers was established as a holiday in the twentieth century.

In the United States, Mother's Day did not become an official holiday until 1915. Its establishment was due largely to the perseverance and love of one daughter, Anna Jarvis. Anna's mother had provided strength and support as the family made their home in West Virginia and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where her father served as a minister. As a girl, Anna had helped her mother take care of her garden, mostly filled with white carnations, her mother's favorite flower. When Mrs. Jarvis died on May 5, 1905, Anna was determined to honor her. She asked the minister at her church in West Virginia to give a sermon in her mother's memory. On the same Sunday in Philadelphia, their minister honored Mrs. Jarvis and all mothers with a special Mother's Day service. Anna Jarvis began writing to congressmen, asking them to set aside a day to honor mothers. In 1910, the governor of West Virginia proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day and a year later every state celebrated it.

On Mother's Day morning some American children follow the tradition of serving their mothers breakfast in bed. Other children will give their mothers gifts, which they have made themselves or bought, in stores. Adults give their mothers red carnations, the official Mother's Day flower. If their mothers are deceased they may bring white carnations to their gravesites. This is the busiest day of the year for American restaurants. On her special day, family members do not want Mom to cook dinner!

And Grandma’s Too...

“While we honor all our mothers
with words of love and praise.

While we tell about their goodness
and their kind and loving ways.

We should also think of Grandma,
she’s a mother too, you see....

For she mothered my dear mother
as my mother mothers me.”
~~Author Unknown.~~

Where does Mom keep her memories?

In a box worn beyond repair,
Tucked inside are memories,
Ask and she will gladly share.

Tattered Valentines "To Mommy With Love,"
Papers boasting "Good Work... Well Done!"
A handprint small and fragile,
Blue ribbons proudly won.

Macaroni shells that once formed a flower,
A baby picture smudged with kisses,
The first tooth the Fairy spared,
Cards of IOU's and loving wishes.

Where does Mom keep her memories?
In a box this precious cargo rests
Reminiscent of days long past,
This box of love is her treasure chest.
~ Author Unknown ~

The History of Mother’s Day

Anna M. Jarvis is credited with beginning the celebration of Mother’s Day in the United States. She was greatly attached to her mom, Reese Jarvis, and turned her deep sorrow over her mother’s death into action. Anna and her friends began a letter-writing campaign to gain support of influential ministers, businessmen and congressmen in declaring a national Mother’s Day holiday. She felt children often neglected to appreciate their mothers enough while they were still alive. As a result of her efforts, the first Mother’s Day was observed by a church service on May 10, 1908. The Governor of West Virginia issued the first Mother’s Day proclamation in 1910. By 1911 every state had its own observances and the Mother’s Day International Association was incorporated on December 12, 1912. Today Mothers Day is celebrated around the world. 

Memorial Day

On this day, take a moment to remember all those men and women who have served our country, especially those who unselfishly gave of their lives in the interest of our nation. A moment of silence…a moment of thanks…a moment of remembrance. Help memorialize their legacies.

Happy Memorial Day

The staff at St. Tropez Ocean wishes you and your family a very Happy Memorial Day!

Memorial Day Origins

Originally called Decoration Day, this is a US holiday of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. The holiday was first proclaimed on May 5th, 1868 by General John Logan in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on May 30th, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers (US Civil War). The South refused to acknowledge Decoration Day, honoring their dead on different days until after World War I. It is now celebrated in almost every state on the last Monday in May.

May Day

May Day, the first of May is celebrated around the world. It has a number of meanings. In many other countries it is a celebration of spring and the coming of summer. It is celebrated with many spring flowers. To communist and socialist countries, it is a celebration for the workers. In many countries it is celebrated as part of a one to three day holiday. Of particular note, it is not a national holiday in the United States, except in Hawaii where it is known as "Lei Day".

Cinco de Mayo

On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army defeated the French army at the Battle of Pueblo. This single military battle signified defeat of a European colonial power and a victory for the Mexican people. This single battle was the roots of Cinco de Mayo. Note: Cinco de Mayo is not the celebration of Mexican Independence, which is celebrated on September 16th. What Cinco de Mayo has come to be is much more than one battle in the colonial history of Mexico. Rather, it has come to signify Hispanic and Mexican pride and a time to celebrate the rich culture. Today, Mexicans, and especially the Hispanic community in the U.S celebrate this holiday. It is a time of song, dance, partying, and in general a time to be proud to be of Hispanic descent

National Teacher's Day

Everybody deserves a day in honor of them or what they do. Teachers certainly are among the more deserving. So, this day honors those hard working, patient and understanding people whom we entrust our children to. Let's give 'em their due. And if you happen to be a teacher reading this, we personally offer our thanks. National Teacher Day is always celebrated the Tuesday of the first full week of May, so the actual date will vary from year to year. This year, National Teacher’s Day falls on May ##. On this day, take some time to recognize the contributions teachers and other educators have made on your life.

National Teacher’s Day

National Teacher Day is the time to recognize the contributions teachers and other educators have made on our lives. It's also a time to strengthen support and show respect for teachers and the teaching profession. National Teacher Day is always celebrated the Tuesday of the first full week of May, so the actual date will vary from year to year. Take a moment to recognize the influential work of these professionals on this & every other day!

Summer

"Summer is coming, oh, summer is near
with the leaves on the trees and the sky blue and clear
small birds are singing their fond notes so true
and wild flowers are springing in the May morning dew"
-old folk song

Children's Day

When: May 5th
A national holiday in Japan since 1948, Children's Day is a festive day to celebrate your child's life. The holiday is believed to have begun in china where they would hang medicinal herbs to ward off childhood diseases. In Japan, it is often celebrated by giving children kites and hanging streamers. In Japan, the Children's Festival was originally called the "Boy's Festival" while the girls had the "Doll Festival". It is celebrated in other countries, often on different dates and with varying customs.

Make Everyday Activities With Children Mean More
The parent-infant bond is one of the most important foundations of emotional development. Building and strengthening the special connection is a gradual process that can be easily nurtured every day during typical activities. The Johnson's(r) Baby & Me Contest, in which a parent enters candid snapshots of mom or dad interacting with their baby, celebrates the importance of these simple, magical moments. Here are some tips from Nancy Musco, registered nurse, on activities moms and dads may do to help strengthen the bond with their babies:

• The Power of Touch: Your loving touch is one of the first ways your baby connects to you. Studies show that giving your baby a gentle massage may help him/her sleep better, cry less and may even help to promote muscle growth.
• Story Time Success: Recent studies have shown that babies as young as 6 months respond to books. Set aside a story time and make it even more meaningful by holding your young one in your lap while you read to him/her.
• Feed Your Souls: Feeding is a perfect way to bond with your child. Caress him/her and if possible, let your baby feel the skin of your arms and hands while feeding. If you are spoonfeeding, talk to your baby about all the new foods he/she is eating, look him/her in the eyes and play games with the spoon as you feed your little one.
• Bath Time Fun: Make bath time fun with rubber bath toys, fun bath rings and animal sponges. Talk, sing and splash around while you gently bathe your baby. Always end by wrapping him/her in a snugly towel and giving a big hug.
• Bed Time Rituals: Whether it is rocking your baby or singing a lullaby, your touch during bed time rituals can be soothing and secure for your baby. These activities will help you both relax.
• Picture Perfect: Your baby will grow and change rapidly. Be sure to always keep a camera loaded with film nearby to capture those priceless moments.