A Christmas Story Lamp Giveaway!! You know You Want It!

Have you ever seen A Christmas Story? If you haven't then you might not understand this giveaway. Although,  I'd put money on the fact that the greater population has seen it. It's become a holiday tradition to watch it at least once a year with the family. It's total innocent comedy.

A group of bloggers and myself ran across this lamp and thought it would make the perfect fun giveaway for the holidays! We made it happen and we're giving it away to one lucky winner.

You can choose to enter this giveaway for yourself or give it away as a gift! I know, you're probably betting on getting the Red Rider, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle but trust me. You'll shoot your eye out kid. You could hope for a bunny suit but come on, that's just ridiculous.

Plus this lamp is FRA-GEE-LAY. It must be Italian.

Enter the rafflecopter below for your chance to get your paws on this amazing lamp! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Terms:

You must be 18 or older to enter

Shipping to the US only

All entries will be verified, no one likes a cheater

Unconventional Mommy Tails is responsible for shipment of the prize

Winner must respond to the email with 48 hours of it being sent out or a new winner will be chosen

Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Bloglovin are in no way associated with this giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bloggers Paying it Forward by Caring for Connie

I recently heard of a story from a fellow blogger in this wonderful blogging community I am lucky to be a part of, about a sweet woman who is on the verge of being homeless.  This story really broke my heart.  I could imagine ever facing a situation so severe and terrifying.  The thought of anyone going through this just makes me weep.  So, when Heather from My Husband Ate All My Ice Cream shared this story, I just knew I wanted to help in some way.

I feel so blessed to live the life I have been given, and I am always looking for a way to give back. With the holidays approaching I feel like we are all looking for something special to help with.  I have experienced hard times, and they hurt.  If I can help lift some weight off of a good persons shoulders and help them carry it, I will.  I hope some of you are able to as well.

This is Connie's story

  Connie is a disabled senior suffering from Lupus, related severe arthritis, circulatory issues, and is also diagnosed 70% deaf. Additionally, she suffers from permanent damage as a result of injuries that occurred during her former abusive marriage.

She lives independently with her two 'therapy dogs', Dakota and Cochise, whom she loves dearly and considers her family. Her dogs provide her with emotional companionship, security, and are her 'ears', hearing such things as the doorbell, since she is unable to hear it herself.

Prior to becoming disabled a few years ago, Connie was known to be a dedicated hard worker her entire life. She is a very compassionate, kind, caring and giving person. Throughout life she has often sacrificed her own needs for sake of helping family, many friends, and even strangers in need. She was the sole caregiver for her father when he was terminally ill, and cared for her younger brother when he was ill with kidney disease. Prior to his death in 2008, Connie offered to donate one of her kidney's to help her brother, but doctors determined he was not medically eligible for a transplant.She is also an animal lover, and has adopted countless neglected homeless dogs over the years, including 10 year old Dakota and 2 year old Cochise.

In early 2009, a traumatic life transition began for Connie. Pshychologically broken, battered, and sick, Connie divorced her spouse after suffering a lengthy history of physical, pychological and financial abuse. The abuses by her former spouse continued after her divorce. She was advised by trauma doctors and legal professionals, to relocate to protect her physical and emotional well being. In late 2010, Connie courageously left behind the place she had known as home for almost 40 years. Along with her two beloved dogs, Connie relocated to Kansas City and began rebuilding a new life free of abuse, torment, and fear. Her former husband destroyed all financial security, so Connie sold a majority of her personal belongings and property to raise enough money so that she could afford to buy an inexpensive, modest, 2 bedroom home in Kansas City that is handicap and wheelchair accessible in a safe senior community.

Despite disabling and painful physical challenges, for the past 3 years Connie has been slowly cleaning up the once run down house. She has proudly accomplished transforming a house in to a safe, peaceful, and comfortable 'home sweet home' for herself, Dakota, and Cochise. Connie's only personal source of income is her retirement/disability, which is a fixed income of less than $800.00 monthly. She is unable to supplement her income due to multiple disabilities and healthcare restrictions.

Her former husband was court ordered to pay $600.00 monthly into a trust fund for Connie but he has not done so in violation of court orders. Her property taxes and insurance were to be paid from this special needs trust fund. Despite her financial limitations, Connie has frugally managed to pay her home's insurance premiums and for necessary basic home maintenance repairs, but she has not been able to pay her property taxes the past 3 years. She and her two beloved dogs, Dakota and Cochise, face the uncertainty of being homeless as of January 1st, 2014 if the past due property taxes on her home are not paid in full.

The state of Missouri appears to have no resources or feasible programs available to help. Jackson County, Missouri has added almost $2,000.00 in penalties and interest on her past due taxes. The county has stated they will continue to charge interest on the unpaid taxes. Due to her fixed income and disabilities, she is unable to obtain a loan to pay her property taxes.

She has no family financially able to help her, and all other efforts made to pay the past due taxes have been unsuccessful. Hoping for a Christmas miracle, we're now turning to her friends and fellow human beings asking for your help to prevent Connie, Dakota, and Cochise from losing their home. If we can raise $10,000.00, we can pay the past due property taxes, penalty, interest, and pay an additional 2 years home taxes in advance. This plan will allow Connie to live securely in her handicap accessible home another 5 years, at which time her monthly fixed income should increase. At 62 she'll be eligible for additional income through her Social Security, and should then be able to pay her home's property taxes herself.

The money raised will be securely deposited in to Connie's trust fund, and the trust will directly pay her property taxes to Jackson County, Missouri. Any additional money raised over our goal of $10,000.00, will also be deposited in to Connie's trust fund to help pay future property taxes, insurances, necessary home repairs, such as if her hot water heater would need replaced, or to provide necessary veterinary care for her beloved dogs.

Connie is a very proud humble person, and not the type of person who would ask others for help. Rather, she is the one always helping others, but this time she desperately needs our help, to save her safe and secure handicap accessible home from property tax foreclosure.

This is Connie.  A woman full of love,life, and laughter.  A woman who deserves to maintain, enjoy, and live the rest of her life secure in her own home.

If there is any chance this story touched you and you have even a dollar to spare, it could make a world of difference for Connie.  If you don't have a dollar to spare, then just sharing her story with those who may is just as helpful and amazing.  Thank you soooooo much for taking the time to read this.  If means the world to everyone involved!

 There are a few ways you can help:

1. Share this post EVERYWHERE. Facebook, Twitter, wherever you can think of. If you are a blogger I give you full permission to copy parts of this post to put on your own blog. Getting the word out will help more than anything.

2. You can donate via Paypal: 

           
         3. Join the event on facebook to learn about the specials people are offering!  Click HERE    (Note: If this button isn't working, you can send funds via Paypal to mrsheatherreese@gmail.com) You don't have to have a Paypal account to do this. You can do this with a debit or credit card, just like any other online purchase. 3. If you'd prefer to send cash, checks, or money orders via snail mail rather than online, you can send them to: Help for Connie 2816 NW Kingsridge Dr. Blue Springs, MO 64015 Wal-Mart gift cards are also helpful, as her income is limited and this will help her to be able to buy the essentials so that she can save more money to put aside to save her house.

A Jingle Bell Jackpot $150 Cash GIVEAWAY!

Hosted By: Funny Postpartum Lady

Dates: 11/10 - 11/25

Tis the Season for shopping! And with shopping comes a hefty toll on our wallets.That is why I have teamed up with some amazing bloggers to bring you this great Giveaway. And this Giveaway ends just in time for Black Friday Shopping.

All you need to do is enter the Rafflecopter below. There are some entries that can be done daily. 

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Disclaimer:

• Open to Residents WORLDWIDE who are registered with PayPal. You will be asked.
• Winner will be selected by Random.org and be notified by email. Winners have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected.Funny Postpartum Lady is responsible for shipment or distribution of PayPal Prize. I will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with your prize, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 30 days for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.
• My opinions are my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+ are in no way associated with this giveaway. By providing your information in this form, you are providing your information to me and me alone.
• I do not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the winner.
• Must be 18 or older to enter this Giveaway

What Could Go Wrong? Solar System Edition

My son is supposed to be learning the planets for his science class.  His teacher told him to remember the names of the planets by using mnemonics, putting the first letter of each word in some sentence she made up.  Unfortunately, on top of not remembering the planet names, he also couldn't remember her sentence. Some mnemonic, huh?
SOOOOOOO, being the awesome mom that I am, I tried to come up with something off the top of my head.  I'm one of those people though...you know, the ones that, once they start saying something the words continue to flow out of their mouth like diarrhea after you just ate pork that expired a week ago? Yeah...one of *those* people. It's true, my mouth is the equivalent of  food poising tummy troubles, or maybe that, all too popular, foot in mouth disease...  So, when the opportunity to come up with my own mnemonic presented itself, I just started putting words to the letters.  It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion, and my mouth was the tunnel it happened in.

MVEMJSUN

My Very Excellent Mother Just Stole Underwear and Narcotics.  

Whoa, Woah, WOAHHHHHHHH!!  

DON'T USE THAT SHANE!!  NEVER.REPEAT.THAT SENTENCE.EVER.

Well, at least not in front of your teacher, or at church, or around a CPS worker, or a police officer, or anyone that has the authority to get me carted off to jail for moonlighting as a panty raiding, drug heister. We all know how much leniency the courts have for women who are theiving, commando, pill poppers.  

Then this happens::

"Uh mom...I don't really understand what you're saying but one of the signs of drug addiction is being confused a lot. Maybe you should come to school with me tomorrow. It's Red Ribbon Week, they're teaching us about how drugs are bad."

 Ummmm, that's okay.  Maybe you should just have your teacher write that mnemonic down for mommy so that we won't have to go through this again.  Okay?

"haha yeah, maybe that's a good idea, mom....I don't really understand what's going on right now."

Okay, goodnight honey...

**Shane walks away**

I desperately wave and call out,

I LOOOOVE YOU!!!!  MOMMY'S NOT CRAZY!!  

PROMISE!!

"I know mom. It's okay. Goodnight"

I guess it could have been worse.  I could have said this....

From what I gather, I was supposed to say this...

But instead, I said this...

Perfect Pumpkin Pancake Recipe

Let's make some homemade 

Tips:

*Do not over mix the batter.  Be sure you take the extra 2 minutes to gently fold in the mixture.  Mixing too roughly can cause a bad reaction to the mix.  There is a great tutorial if you go to WikiHow.

*Setting your stove or griddle any higher that medium heat can cause you to have burnt outsides and raw insides.  ICK!

*You can tell when your pancake is ready to be flipped by watching for it to bubble.  Don't flip your pancake more than once.  It will cause to flatten and become dense, rather than light and fluffy.  

Look how fluffy they get!!

A Woman's Worst Nightmare

It's that time of the year again.  Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  This year I want to take a moment to answer the question the spews from every person who has never been on the receiving end of Domestic Violence.

Why do they stay?

That is a really good question, and while most people will answer with a "I have no clue.", "They're just stupid!", or "They are so brainwashed by now that they don't want to leave".  I am going to explain the real reason. 

They are afraid of death.  They are afraid of never seeing their children again.  They are just not ready to meet their maker.  

Getting out of an abusive relationship isn't always how the big screen depicts it.  Not everyone has the means to fake their own death, steal a dead person's social security number, change their appearance, and move across country, taking their kids with them.  

LIFE IS NOT A MOVIE

This is reality folks.  Sure, there are women's shelters that can help get you out.  With all of the security measures these shelters have in place, it still doesn't keep you safe.  Once you leave, you need a job, money, a car.  If you have a child with this person there will be custody battles.  If the abuser is controlling enough to resort to violence, there is no doubt that they will let their control over their child (and child's mind) get away that easily.  Leaving an abusive relationship takes a lot of planning and work.  A restraining order will not protect you, your child, or your family.  It will not make everything disappear.  Restraining orders and women's shelters are not a cure all for an abusive relationship.  They are a bandage on the wound.  

THAT IS A COLD HARD FACT

WHETHER WE LIKE IT OR NOT

I believe there are some things that may help stop an abusive relationship. You may disagree, and that's okay.  There are things that can be done to keep the victim of abuse safe.  It's not having them runaway and leave, or try to hide them in some far off tiny town.  If a victim of Domestic violence calls the police after an attack and agrees to press charges, the abuser should be held in jail with no bail until the abuser can be committed to a mental health facility for treatment. Going to jail overnight and being released on bail is helping no one.  It's a waste of taxpayer dollars.  These abusers have serious mental issues.  They are not rational, they have control problems, and probably witnessed abuse in their own home as a child.  They need help and medication.  Will it fix the problem for everyone?  No.  It might turn some lives around though. 

IT MIGHT PREVENT A MURDER

It might have prevented my Aunt's murder, and her boyfriend's murder.  She might have awoken on that cold winter morning of January 9, 2011.  Her children might still have a mother.  Her family may not of had to have the argument of closed or open casket.  She was shot in the back of the head.  My mother had to go look at her before the showing to approve her appearance.  No one should ever have to be concerned that the glue won't hold the fake hair and an ear in place for the duration of a showing.  Trying to figure out how to hide half a missing head should never happen to a family!  Hearing that we were lucky she was sleeping on her stomach because otherwise we'd not even have a face to look at, is not something a family should have to be grateful for.  Her boyfriends family wasn't so "Lucky".  He was sleeping on his back.  

This was all done by a shot gun that her ex stole from his father. So you can only imagine the mark that left.  

So, back to that question everybody always asks,

WHY DON'T THE VICTIMS LEAVE?

She was 43.  She left. She got her divorce.  She got that restraining order.  He continued to stalk her.  She renewed the restraining order.  He stole a key to her house from their son without him knowing.  He walked into her home while she was asleep.  He aimed and shot her.  He then aimed and shot her boyfriend. Then he proceeded to call 911.  He told them what he did.  Then he left, drove his van to his parents home, wrote a nonsensical suicide note, and then aimed and shot himself in the head.  Her youngest child, now 13, became parentless.  His sister, who is only in her mid 20's went from being a mom of a toddler and 2 step-children, to having to raise her teenage brother as well.  

So, before you judge Domestic Abuse victims, consider why some of them might stay.  It's not always because they are stupid, or brainwashed.  They are scared that something like this could happen to them...to their families.  They are scared of leaving their children without parents.  This isn't a game to them.  This is serious.  For everyone involved.  

I do believe victims should speak up but only if it is safe for them, or if there is a child being harmed.  If they feel leaving will result in death, they should not be pushed to leave.  They should be supported by their friends and family.  We can be a shoulder for them to cry on, an ear for them to confide in, and a safe haven for them if and when they are ready.  Don't leave their side because you think they are stupid for staying. That will isolate them even further, and they may never get the courage to leave.  Be their light at the end of the tunnel.  Just don't keep asking to flip the light on.  Wait until they're ready to leave the darkness. 

You can read the news story of what happened to my aunt and her boyfriend HERE.

Did you know that her death is the reason I started writing?  If I ever get a book deal from this blog, the dedication page will have her name on it ;)  

You can read all of the posts inspired by this horrific tragedy by clicking RIGHT HERE 

If you are living in an abusive relationship and WANT help, there is a website with a ton of info!  

Click -----> HERE 

If you are worried that your computer is being monitored DO NOT use a website.  Make an excuse to leave the home and call from a payphone or a friends phone.

Things My Daughter Should Know...

My Sweet Baby Girl

There is so much about life you need to know.  Just in case I'm not around to tell you when you need to be told, I am going to write it down.  This isn't everything, but it's a start.

It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, at some point your life will get tough.  It's okay though.  With the right attitude, a full heart, and a strong mind, you will find your way through any situation. 

Please remember to be kind to those whose paths you cross.  Everyone is on their own journey.   If you are able, help them find their way.  

Make sure to work hard, fight hard, and play hard.  The rewards you will reap are priceless. 

Those big dreams can be reality.  You just have to work for them and never give up.

Find something to be thankful for each and every day. 

It's alright if you fall down, lose a fight, or struggle through something important.  Without failures and hardships you will never find strength. 

SMILE.  A simple smile can make a difference for someone.  A smile can change your attitude.  A smile can change the path of every day.  

Be true to yourself.  Don't let judgement by others change your path or impact your destination.  

No matter what someone says, you can't always *choose* happiness.  That's okay.  There is nothing wrong with shedding emotion.  Anger, depression, bitterness, resentment, sadness, and heartbreak are all part of life.  take the time to experience every emotion.  Without really experiencing all emotions, you will never know empathy.  Just don't let any negativity take over and swallow you whole.  

Live a life you'd be proud to tell your grandchildren about.  Make everyday a story worth telling.  Get in trouble, invent silly games, sing karaoke on a first date, take impromptu trips, learn new things.  Don't hold yourself back.  

Tell jokes.  Learn to take jokes.  Laugh loudly.  

Make memories.  Take pictures.  Make silly faces.

Play dress up.  Try on fun clothes and wear silly glasses

Know that you will have different values, moral standards, and beliefs than others, BUT you can still be their best friend.  

Understand history.  Learn from it.  Get active in politics.  Vote.  You hold the key to your children's future.  

Splurge once in a while.  There is no point in having a life if you don't take the time to live it.  

Call your parents at least once a week.  Talk to your grandparents while you still have them.  Time passes too quickly. 

Share your time generously. Especially to those in need, but remember to save some of that time for yourself. 

Pick your friends wisely.  Don't let anyone use you.  Make sure the friendship goes both ways.  Remember, you can only go one way for so long before that road eventually comes to an end.  

You're never too old to splash in mud puddles, build a sand castle, go down the twisty slide, swing as high as you can, and then see how far you can jump off, color with crayons, play Go Fish and Candy Land, or to flag down the ice cream man for a Bomb Pop, or even to stand on your head.

Yell out the answers while watching Wheel of Fortune.  Who cares how mad someone gets.  It's not your fault you are great at puzzles!

Yell at your TV during baseball season!  Jump out of your chair when your team makes a touchdown during football season.  Go to a game and really experience the excitement.

Build something with your hands. Even if it comes out crooked, at least you know you did it.

Ask for directions. 

Do something that scares you. 

Get lost on purpose once in a while. You never know what adventure may await down an unknown path. 

Learn to change a tire.  

Learn to handle a gun. 

Bake something from scratch once a week.  

Learn how to cook one dish that will amaze a crowd.  Never give up that recipe.  

Find a book worth reading over and over again. 

Take trips with friends.  Make some new ones while you're there

The perfect shade of lipstick, and a cute pair of heels should be owned by every women.  

Most importantly,

Love unconditionally, and forgive graciously.  Live a life worth remembering and sharing.  

You are perfect and I love you.

Uppercase Living Review and Giveaway!!

I am really excited to introduce you to Shantee.  She is a military wife, a mother of 2 gorgeous twin girls, who happen to be turning one on the day this giveaway starts, annnnd she is a an Uppercase Living Independent Distributor. Let me tell ya, this busy mamma just Uppercased the shit out of one of my boring walls!  Let me tell you about this wall.  It is a nightmare.  It is all windows, and right above those windows is about 3 ft of empty space.  That's right, from the top of the window to the ceiling there is 3 ft of open space.  What do you do with that much room??

That's a whole lot of boring emptiness!

You Uppercase it!  That's how!

Now that you have seen the space that I had to work with. let me show you an example of what I needed my Uppercase decor to match.  

These are the colors in my living room.

I needed to find something to match the above pictured decor.  I have been looking for wall quotes to match these colors.  All I found were blacks, browns, and some random metallic colors....boring, boring, and tacky. I gave up.  Well, until Shantee contacted me about a review.  She was so helpful through the whole process.  She sent me multiple selections that she thought I may like.  She was very patient with my specific needs, and handled my indecisiveness like a pro!  Then one night I scrolled through her site and found it!  The PERFECT expression for my wall!  

WRITE YOUR WORRIES IN SAND

Carve your blessings in stone.   

Couldn't be any more perfect.  Well, until I realized I could CHOOSE the colors it came in!!  I was all like "Whatttt???"  and Shantee was all like "Uhhhh yea!" So I was like, "Let's live dangerously!  Give it me in Berry Red and Pumpkin Spice!"  I ordered that Uppercase Living expressing LIKE A BOSS!

When it came in the mail, I was thrilled!  It came with easy directions, and a special tool to "burnish" the expression.  Burnish is fancy for rubbing.  hehe

The handy dandy Burnishing tool.  

I went step by step using the simple instructions in the picture above.  I had a little difficulty getting it on BUT, I ordered a large expression.  With the larger expressions they recommend two people putting it on the wall.

It was impossible for me to find a second adult.  So, I did it alone and didn't ruin it either.  Alone it took me about and hour to prep and place my gorgeous expression. Love it? You can order HERE.

After prepping, I placed it on the wall with tape. and then started to peel off the paper backing.  

Once the backing was off I started to burnish the saying. 

Then I removed the transfer paper very slowly and carefully.  This was the end result!  I love the touch it added to my room.  It feels a little bit more inviting now that that white slab of dry wall is covered in a little bit of color.

I am more than pleased with the result this product has been provided!!  Thank you sooooooo much Shantee!  

NOW IT'S TIME FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!!

There will be 2 winners!  The first winner will get a $25 credit and the second winner will receive a $15 credit!  The credits can only be redeemed through Shantee.  I'll will put the winner in touch with Shantee and she can help you customize or choose an expression that is write for you!  Oh, AND if you make a purchase through her site, http://sjsiebuhr.uppercaseliving.net, you will be entered in another drawing for a chance to win a really awesome Halloween expression and an extra 10 rafflecopter entries for the 25 and 15 dollar credit.  

What are you waiting for???  Enter using the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Giveaway Disclaimer:

Open to Residents of the Continental US Only. Prizes cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.

Winner will be selected by Random.org and be notified by email. Winners have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Please note that My Pleasant Nightmare is NOT responsible for shipment of this prize.

My opinions are my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+ are in no way associated with this giveaway. By providing your information in this form, you are providing your information to me and me alone.

I do not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the winner.

Must be 18 or older to enter this Giveaway

Kids VW Beetle Giveaway!!

Hosted By: 

Funny Postpartum Lady

My Pleasant Nightmare

Mommy Needs a Break

Delectably Dawn

My Stay at Home Mamma Life

Putting Together My Puzzle

That Suburban Momma

Deezy Does It!

Dates: 10/1-10/15

Prize: Winner's Choice of a Pink Fisher-Price Power Wheels Barbie Volkswagen New Beetle for GIRL or Blue Power Wheels Hot Wheels Volkswagen Beetle for BOY.

With Christmas fast approaching I thought it was time to come up with something AMAZING! I have teamed up with some of the coolest Bloggers on the block for all you toddler Mommas out there. All you have to do is enter. It is that simple.

What's the Prize? I'm so glad you asked.

Well, if you have a little girl, you can win a Pink Fisher-Price Power Wheels Barbie Volkswagen New Beetle.

Features realistic VW design that is complimented by fresh, new colors from the Barbie pallet

Vehicle goes 2.5 mph forward and reverse

Power Lock Brake System allows for little girls' safe travel

Driver's door opens and closes

Includes 6-volt battery and charger

If you have a little boy you can win a Blue Power Wheels Hot Wheels Volkswagen Beetle.

Cool, sporty and fun Hot Wheels Volkswagen Beetle

Features cool Hot Wheels graphics

Includes 6-volt battery and charger

Drives 2.5 mph (max.) forward and reverse

Door open and closes for easy in and out

So now for the easy part. Just enter the Rafflecopter below. Some entries can be done once a day. 

Good LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Disclaimer:

Open to Residents of the Continental US Only. Prizes cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.

Winner will be selected by Random.org and be notified by email. Winners have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Please note that Funny Postpartum Lady is responsible for shipment of this prize.

My opinions are my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+ are in no way associated with this giveaway. By providing your information in this form, you are providing your information to me and me alone.

I do not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the winner.

Must be 18 or older to enter this Giveaway

Moms of Boys: Leading By Example

We are all trying to raise our boys to be decent, hard working, respectable young men.  Well, most of us.  Some moms are just trying to raise them not to fart in public, belch the national anthem at the ball game, and not to become serial killers.  That's okay too.  We all need to have attainable goals.  I don't judge.

Some moms of boys do though.  They judge everyone, and harshly.  I get it!  Our little boys will always be our little boys.  We want them to stay that way.  We want to keep them young, innocent, and fun  loving.  We want them to have some form of a moral compass to follow.  Most of all we want them to be respectful of and courteous to women.

Me and my sweet boys

"Respectful of and courteous to women." is the key phrase here.

How do our boys learn how to be respectful of other women?  That's simple.  Their mothers teach them.  I find it funny though.  Why? you ask.  Well, because women don't seem to know how to be respectful and courteous of each other. 

We are their mothers.  We are their example of how to act toward one another.  Yet, we are always talking down to, being critical of, or judging each other on every move we make.  Then we wonder why men are such jerks.  We give them the example.  We show them how to treat us.  They have learned to treat women by watching how women treat each other.  This isn't fair to our children.  It is not fair for us to raise them to see all of the hate women spew toward one another, and then scold them when they mistreat a women.  

We all need to stop, take a deep breath, and take a good hard look at ourselves.  We need to watch our mouths when we harshly and openly judge other women. No matter the age.  We need to watch how we talk about young girls as well.  Little snarky comments can be misconstrued by young boys.  Sometimes we don't even realize we are making them because it comes so naturally to us.  Woman gossip, and whisper, they give cruel or hateful looks, and demeaning glances. We shun each other when we disagree.  We comment on clothes, hair, nails, makeup, money, houses, cars, who has the smarter, more gifted or cuter kid. We do all of this without thinking about the effect we are having on our young boys.  

We should stop doing this in front of them.  We should be more aware.  We should realize that raising boys is a HUGE responsibility.  We turn our boys into men, and if we do it wrong, there will always be those moms of girls out there judging us.  So, let's open our lives up to understanding, compassion, forgiveness, kind words, loving hearts, and SECOND CHANCES.  Lord knows, we all make wretched mistakes, an we will all continue to do so.  We will all slip up.  Let's try to learn from our mistakes, and pass that wisdom on. Let's stop telling young men how to treat women, and start teaching them, and leading by example.  Let's SHOW them how we want to be treated.  

I'm not just a mom of boys, I am a mom a a little girl, who will one day meet, fall in love, and marry one of your little boys, and I can't stand the thought of her calling me crying that she married a "jerk".  I also can't stand the thought of raising one of those "jerks".  

My Princess deserves a Prince, and I owe it to other mothers of girls to
make sure my boys are not the frog to their princess. 

Let's be teammates, NOT opponents!

I love my boys!