“Motherhood: All love begins and ends there.”

• Robert Browning

Indeed, a mother’s love is unconditional. Mom is there to celebrate every victory and cheer you on through each challenge. She’s there to hold you and encourage you if you encounter a struggle and rejoice when you have a triumph. Of course, with that in mind, you want to take Mother’s Day to honor all the ways she has enriched your life. From tried and true methods to gifts that are outside of the box, here are a few ideas every mother is sure to enjoy.

Flowers and candy

You’d be hard-pressed to find a woman who doesn’t feel special when given colorful flowers. Couple that gift with something sweet for your sweet, and it’s sure to bring a smile to Mom’s face. Chocolates almost always do the trick. And if you’d like to give her a whole field of flowers, head to Atlanta Botanical Gardens to savor nature’s beauty.

Music to my ears

The Fox Theatre is the location for a Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration, with the vocal stylings of the one and only Anita Baker. Enjoying music she loved years ago may be a joyous walk down memory lane for Mom. Add more excitement to the evening with a special brunch or dinner event at a number of area restaurants.

So happy together

Mommy & Me Days at Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do provide a gift idea that is unique, off the beaten path, and something you and mom can enjoy together. Take part in the in a bonding time that will also give you a good workout! As Mom embodies the new sense of confidence and power that Tae Kwon Do can bring, surprise her with a gift certificate to come back for classes. That is surely a gift she’ll never forget.

When Zoe Temples and Joshua Whitaker started taking Tae Kwon Do lessons at Master Shim’s Fayetteville location in 2017, their family had no idea of what was in store. Just a few months later, in December, the Whitakers were honored as Master Shim’s Family of the Year. “It is such an honor to receive the award for family of the year! We can’t express enough how much it truly means to us. We could not be more grateful to have been chosen,” says dad, Joshua, and mom, Aneta. “All of the staff at Master Shim’s is exceptional and we would do anything for any of them.”

The family is excited about the changes they see in Zoe, 12 and young Joshua, 6. “I have seen great changes in both of my children.  They have grown to be more responsible, focused, driven, confident and have a sense of accomplishment because of Tae Kwon Do,” Dad states.

This month’s profile tells us more about Zoe and Joshua.

What are your belt levels?

Zoe - Black Belt

Joshua - Red Belt
Why did you start Tae Kwon Do?

Zoe attended a class for the bring a friend event and loved Tae Kwon Do from then on. Joshua has always been interested in martial arts and wanted to learn more about it.
Did you have any problems/issues that Tae Kwon Do helped you overcome?

Master Shim’s has helped them to become more focused and have more confidence overall.
Why do you like Tae Kwon Do? Why would you tell another kid that it is fun to do?

Zoe and Joshua like Tae Kwon Do for many reasons.  They like being able to take care of themselves if needed. They like the masters and instructors too.  They think it is a lot of fun to do.
Tell me about some of your Tae Kwon Do accomplishments and things you have achieved?

Zoe feels accomplished for becoming a member of the Demo team as well as a junior instructor.

Joshua has been excited about becoming a high belt. He also loves competing at the tournaments and bringing home medals to show everyone.

In Step With . . .Emily Parlier

She is an international medalist, whose repertoire boasts more than one hundred medals and trophies in Tae Kwon Do. Senior Instructor Emily Parlier has taught students at Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do for five years, and is currently an instructor at the Stockbridge location. She has been involved in the sport since she was 9 years old. It’s a decision that Emily has never regretted. “The unique teaching style (at Master Shim’s) was really good for me, and I fell in love with the classes and instructors when I walked in for my first class,” she states.

She has watched the involvement with Master Shim’s grow into a family affair, with her parents, cousins, and aunts all signing up for lessons as well. As the American Taekwondo United (ATU) National Champion in 2015 and 2016, and the silver medalist in 2017, Emily is an excellent example for them to follow.

Here’s a look at February’s featured instructor, Emily Parlier.

What is your belt level?  

I am a 4th Dan.

What problems did Tae Kwon Do help you overcome?

When I was younger, I was a little firecracker, as I’ve been told. I had some behavioral issues and I had a hard time getting along with others. Tae Kwon Do taught me self-control, discipline, and respect.

Has Tae Kwon Do given you confidence?

Tae Kwon Do has been great for my confidence and self-esteem. I was never sure of myself before, but I believe that I am now.

Why would you recommend Tae Kwon Do for all ages?

Tae Kwon Do is really great for anyone! It helps adults get into shape and have a fun activity to get away from the stress of being an adult. It’s great for families to bond and work together at something. It’s especially great for kids to build life skills in them while they are young so that they will last a life time.