Appreciating our Safety at Home

This week as I watched the various world news reports I began to think about what it might be like to live in one of the many war torn countries in this world.  I am grateful for the democracy set up by our founding fathers and for the freedom provided by our soldiers in action.  As we enjoy this beautiful holiday weekend, I hope none of us forget the loss experienced by thousands of families who have mourned the death of father, brother, sister, mother, and others in the pursuit of freedom here and abroad.  I think I can speak for all of our Lovin' fans and certainly for our staff when I say "Thank you!  Thank you for your sacrifices.  Thank you for the Christmas dinners with empty seats left by soldiers protecting us or that died doing so.  Thank you for what you've endured, for what you give up, and for being true American Patriots."

We will be giving out 50 certificates for Lovin' Scoopful Ice Cream this weekend.  If you or someone in your household is in the military, email TamaraGordy@LovinBrands.com and I'll sent it ASAP!  Have a Lovin' Memorial Day!!!!

Mother's Day Poems by our Fans

(A Poem by DezaRay Mons to her Mother)

Thank You Mom 

I know how often I took you for granted

when I was growing up.

I always assumed you'd be there

when I needed you...

and you always were. 

But I never really thought about what that meant

till I got older and began to realize

how often your time and energy were devoted to me.

so now, for all the times I didn't say it before,

thank you, Mom...I love you so very much! 

Mother's Day Poems

My Mother

I've met hundreds of Mothers over the years

And one thing I've found to be true

There is no mother, near or far

That holds a candle to YOU

You were Mother, Father, Counselor, Friend

And never once did I hear you complain

That you never had enough time for yourself

I think I would have gone insane

The fussing, the fighting, the "He pulled my hair"

"I want this", "I want that", "Why can't I do what I want?"

With patience you stuck to your guns and your rules

And never showed the stress when we fought

I look back at those years when we didn't have much

Garage sales to buy most of our clothes

Making Macrame' hangers to buy he week's meat

And three kids covered with dirt head to toe

We cleaned ourselves up, always made it to church

With your help we presented quite well

If there's anyone now that questions the job that you do

Well quite frankly they can just go to... (um...)

Thank you for all the hard work you put in

To forming three very unique kids

If there's one thing I hope for in all of the world

It's that I'll do half as well as you did

I love you Mom.

My Nannie

There are so many grandmothers, we all have one or more I guess

There are Mima's, Granny's, Grandma's and such

But only one that can ever be called "My Nannie"

She's MY Grandmother and She is the best

Her eyes twinkle brighter than old Saint Nick

Her smile is as warm as the sun

And if there's a person on Earth I wish more to be like

I know right now she is the one

My Nannie has a halo that no one can see

She has wings so glorious too

No one can see them but me I believe

But I assure you it's no less true

She never is cross, always happy to see us

Never has an expectation big or small

She just wraps her wonderful arms around you

And looks over every one of our faults

My Nannie is forgiving and loyal and kind

She'll do anything for you she can

My Nannie is such a great person you see

Every thing's alright with a touch of her hand

I have to say that the one problem she has

Is that she can't see how great she has been

My Nannie can't see how special she is

She' My Angel, My Nannie, My Friend.

My Mother-In-Law

There's another woman in my husband' life

That he's loved even longer than me

She has held him and loved him as the years have gone by

And she's part of our life for eternity

She taught him to be loyal, she taught him to be kind

She helped him see right from wrong

She's a very special woman, my Mother-In-Law

And the list of things she's done for us is long

She's been there when we had trouble to give us a hand

She watched the kids without ever a grumble

This mother is loving and gentle and kind

And has always been very humble

She doesn't ask for anything

She gives more than she gets I am sure

My Mother-In-Law's a wonderful grandmother too

And her love for the kids is so pure

My Mother-In-Law isn't thanked enough

Her gestures so oft' overlooked

So today I want her to know in her heart

She's much more than a wonderful cook

She taught us lessons in life we wouldn't otherwise learn

And helped us see past all the mess

She's very dear to our hearts, this Mother to Brian

Having her in our life, we know we are blessed.

We would love to add your mother's day poems.  Post them or email them to TamaraGordy@LovinBrands.com and let us know whether we can use your name or not!  Thanks, and Happy Mother's Day!

The Lovin' Compassion Award Encourages Youth to Get Involved

Lovin' Scoopful is excited to announce its new Lovin' Compassion Award that recognizes young visionaries who are involved in programs that foster respect inclusion, and a true personal connection for people with intellectual differences. 

Award recipients will be selected from students age 8 to 15 who are involved with Special Olympics programs such as Unified Sports, the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign, Young Athletes, Get Into It, and Project UNIFY, as well as Best Buddies and other organizations that are designed to create more accepting communities.  Through program involvement, recipients must have exemplified characteristics that promote human rights, inclusion, equality, and leadership through education.

"The Lovin' Compassion Award celebrates young people who embody strength in character, leadership, and compassion for those with different abilities," states Lovin' Scoopful co-founder Maria Shriver.  "We are excited to kick-off the Lovin' Compassion Award and watch it grow as we continue to honor young men and women who foster understanding and respect and set an inspiring example for us all."

Lovin' Compassion Award hopefuls can be nominated online at www.LovinAward.com by parents, peers, or a representative from Special Olympics or other qualifying nonprofit organizations that promote human rights, equality, and inclusion.  Four regional winners from the West Coast, South, New England, and Mid Atlantic regions, as well as one national winner, will be selected from the online nominations.

Go to www.LovinAward.com for a list of prizes being offered to award winners or to nominate an individual for consideration.  Nominations will be accepted now thru Friday, May 20th, 2011.  Winners will be selected by a panel of judges including Maria Shriver and Tim Shriver and will be announced on Wednesday, May 25th, 2011.

Have a Lovin' Easter

It's tempting to grab some treats from the kid's Easter baskets, but instead try an alternative that will even make the kids jealous.  Lovin' Scoopful offers 13 enticing flavors that will have your taste buds dancing for joy.  Not only will Lovin' make YOU happy, but your purchase helps bring joy to Special Olympics athletes across the country.  25% of post tax profits are donated to Special Olympics each year.

Visit our website as well as our social networking pages on Facebook and Twitter to find out more about the products, programs, and prizes we offer.  Join us in spreadin' Lovin' across the country!

www.LovinScoopful.com
www.Facebook.com/LovinScoopful
www.Twitter.com/LovinScoopful

Stop Bullying, Be Lovin'!

Can you put a STOP to BULLYING and promote a LOVIN' attitude? According to The American Justice Department, one in four children will be the victim of bullying this month. That's any given month. Our children will not be safe if we continue an attitude of tolerance toward aggressive behavior. It's time to take a stand and to help our children see the need to stand up with their peers and speak up when they see bullying take place. There is strength in numbers and with education we can put a stop to it. What should you do?

1. Become educated and share the information! Tim Shriver Jr. and Soeren Polumbo wrote an article published in the Huffington Post with information about the effect of bullying on special education students, stating that nearly 75% of special education students get bullied, Bullyingstatistics.org is a great source for statistics, and the US government posted a video from the March 10, 2011 White House Conference on Bullying Prevention. Tweet about it, post it on Facebook, call other concerned parents and friends, and join together to help put an end to bullying.


2. Put a STOP to BULLYING and BE LOVIN'! Pledge to make a difference. Post below that you pledge to never bully and to always speak out when you see bullying take place. Email that promise to us (info@LovinBrands.com) and we will send you a certificate for a FREE* 56 ounce container of ice cream (redeemable at any store that carries Lovin' Scoopful). Visit our website and use our store locator to find the store nearest you. *Limit 1 per household. Ice cream available in 30 states.

Lovin' Your Way to a Healthy Body

When I started researching healthy weight loss, I found countless articles on measuring things. Articles cover measuring food, measuring calories, measuring fat, measuring sugar, but few covered measuring HAPPINESS! It's a big part of weight loss and it keeps being ignored. I don't know about you, but when I'm sad I have a heck of a time losing weight. First of all, a big chewy gooey candy bar looks even better when you've had a cruddy day. Second, think about how much more difficult it is to control your cravings. To recap, when you're not happy you have more cravings and less ability to fight them. You have to FIX THAT by GETTING HAPPY!

Having a Lovin' attitude is more than just adopting the mindset we have about helping others. A Lovin' attitude is one where you have that extra something... a skip in your step, a smile on your face, a confidence. It's attitude at it's best. A Lovin' attitude will give you the strength to avoid temptation (and negativity), the courage the be bold and beautiful, and the intelligence to make smart choices.

What kind of attitude do you have? Check back for more suggestions on havin' a Lovin' attitude!