Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Saturday, August 13, 2011
So 'The Move' is really happening!
I'm moving, MOVING next week! And that means that I am going to get down to business. Yessir, I am going to put what I want into this blog and make it happen. When? Oh well, who knows. But the motivation is there..my previous excuses are gone- well, except the kids one- I think they will always be there..but to the point that I am going forth to prosper.
Prosper? Well, probably not. I am not blogging to make money or get things. I don't even really plan on doing reviews here or giveaways for that matter so I am not sure how that is really prospering. Maybe I will prosper in my mental and emotional release? Putting things narcissistic-ly (is that a word?) into the universe for others to read? Or not read. Whatever. I realize that in the grand scheme of things that I am just a mom taking care of my boys and hoping against hope that I die happy and old way before they do.
Prosper? Well, probably not. I am not blogging to make money or get things. I don't even really plan on doing reviews here or giveaways for that matter so I am not sure how that is really prospering. Maybe I will prosper in my mental and emotional release? Putting things narcissistic-ly (is that a word?) into the universe for others to read? Or not read. Whatever. I realize that in the grand scheme of things that I am just a mom taking care of my boys and hoping against hope that I die happy and old way before they do.
Friday, August 5, 2011
What did Mom do?
So I posted a rant yesterday to my mom's group. A pretty normal- self indulging 'omg I've had it today' type of thing. And, as the supportive comments came rolling in, it was observed by one of my friends 'L' I do believe- that 'What did our moms do back then?' Just kind of wallow in their daily lives if they had no one to vent to?
I wasn't saying anything spectacular- just how I've been overwhelmed lately- having the 3 under can be intense- but having ANY can be intense at times. What did our moms do? Who did they talk to? DID they talk about these things? They didn't have online forums. There was no Facebook status update to say 'Today Sucks' and have 20 of your friends empathize. No Twitter to tweet into the universe 'OMG If I hear..ONE MORE TIME...'...What about grandma? 'Those moms in Mad Men apparently drank and smoked their way through it'- pointed out J. But in all seriousness, how did they vent?
Our job is not easy- we care about our children to the point of exhaustion. We worry about what they eat/how they eat, their sleeping habits, friends, potty training (or lack thereof), preschools- really the list is endless. With all of this stress and overwhelming DO IT WOMAN kind of thing, how can we go it alone? How did they? I really, really have been wondering how my own mother survived the three of us with really no one to talk to. In fact, even if she did have someone to talk to about it she probably wouldn't. I don't think much 'sharing of feelings' was going on back then. And as for my father- well he worked. Period.
My mind even started to drift over to the mom with 7 kids living on the farm or in the mountains completely isolated. I am assuming that she just accepted that that was her fate and trudged along silently suffering from ppd or what have you. Strange period, no period? Feeling kind of psycho? Too bad, no Internet for you. Just sit there and go with your crazy self.
So..these are the thoughts I ended up having based on my own mom confessions with my group- proving once again they are a completely invaluable group of women and I credit my sanity to them.
I wasn't saying anything spectacular- just how I've been overwhelmed lately- having the 3 under can be intense- but having ANY can be intense at times. What did our moms do? Who did they talk to? DID they talk about these things? They didn't have online forums. There was no Facebook status update to say 'Today Sucks' and have 20 of your friends empathize. No Twitter to tweet into the universe 'OMG If I hear..ONE MORE TIME...'...What about grandma? 'Those moms in Mad Men apparently drank and smoked their way through it'- pointed out J. But in all seriousness, how did they vent?
Our job is not easy- we care about our children to the point of exhaustion. We worry about what they eat/how they eat, their sleeping habits, friends, potty training (or lack thereof), preschools- really the list is endless. With all of this stress and overwhelming DO IT WOMAN kind of thing, how can we go it alone? How did they? I really, really have been wondering how my own mother survived the three of us with really no one to talk to. In fact, even if she did have someone to talk to about it she probably wouldn't. I don't think much 'sharing of feelings' was going on back then. And as for my father- well he worked. Period.
My mind even started to drift over to the mom with 7 kids living on the farm or in the mountains completely isolated. I am assuming that she just accepted that that was her fate and trudged along silently suffering from ppd or what have you. Strange period, no period? Feeling kind of psycho? Too bad, no Internet for you. Just sit there and go with your crazy self.
So..these are the thoughts I ended up having based on my own mom confessions with my group- proving once again they are a completely invaluable group of women and I credit my sanity to them.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Move in progress!
I'm excited- well thrilled really- to say that I'm making the move to WordPress shortly. I'm also hoping to do things like create my very own email address for the site- and add a button too. With all of that going on, I also have a huge to do with SoMe Bloggers Network that I cannot wait to post about! I'll update when I can since the minions are clamoring for some attention at the moment. Thanks for stopping in, please stay tuned!
Friday, July 15, 2011
I'm becoming yoga obsessed.
I need something to do. I need to get out of the house at some point during the week- so I decided on Fridays we can have the sitter come for three hours and I will escape for one of them and do yoga. It's going really well- except for the obnoxious people in my class. Today I wanted to punch a lady and I don't think that's very 'yoga minded' so I will just stop there as even thinking about her makes me angry. I think at some point I will do a blog post about the awful people in my yoga class but right now I do not have the time.
But one of the best parts of this is that I signed up for a women's yoga retreat this October! I am so excited- it's about 2 hours away in the NC mountains- time to think- be by myself...omg. I cannot wait. I need to get some clothes though- so I'm going to plug here about a giveaway for some kickin be present mobility pants that I want to take with me reeeaaalllllyyyy bad. Old habits die hard and I love entering contests, so head over to Newly Crunchy Mama of 3 and try to beat me. Hahahah. No seriously- I really want these pants so I might have to fight you for them.
But one of the best parts of this is that I signed up for a women's yoga retreat this October! I am so excited- it's about 2 hours away in the NC mountains- time to think- be by myself...omg. I cannot wait. I need to get some clothes though- so I'm going to plug here about a giveaway for some kickin be present mobility pants that I want to take with me reeeaaalllllyyyy bad. Old habits die hard and I love entering contests, so head over to Newly Crunchy Mama of 3 and try to beat me. Hahahah. No seriously- I really want these pants so I might have to fight you for them.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
A mom group that's not competitive? Really.
I first dipped my toe into the waters of online communities when I was thinking about getting pregnant with B. That would be about 3 years ago now. It was on Craigslist, in one of their online discussion forums. I learned quite a bit about human nature on that board, and was schooled quite quickly in the competitive nature of women when it comes to trying to get pregnant/being pregnant/ and parenting. Let's just say that being a member and posting/responding/commenting isn't for the faint of heart.
Somehow- I got lucky. I mean REALLY lucky. I went from the TTC board to the pregnancy board, and eventually an off shoot to a newborn board with the same group of women. And to fast forward this tale- these women and I are still friends. Over 3 years later. And we get along. And we don't judge. And we genuinely LIKE one another. Crazy huh? Here's more....we all have varying economic backgrounds, marital status, number of children, parenting philospohies etc. As a group we started out around 35-40, and today our number stands at 33. Thirty three of us have clung together through some of the most insane days a new parent can have- and kept our sanity through it all with the help of each other. We have shared divorce, death, birth, miscarriage, difficult pregnancies, difficult labors- difficult mothers and mothers in law- you name it. I think we have pretty much seen everything- and still- we remain together as much as we can even though we are separated by geography.
There is a small group that lives on the east coast- but there are also members in the midwest, south and west coast. We have even gone international! Some of us have met- some haven't met at all. But still, we remain a very tight knit group. I read on Facebook daily posts from other friends of mine (that do not have such a group) questions to things like 'What do I feed my child now that we're on solids?' or 'How do you transition to a big boy bed?' And I see these pleas with a mixture of gratitude and pity. Gratitude because I have a go-to resource that I know will give me their take (good/bad and ugly) and pity because they do not have a group like I do- with ALL of us having a child the exact same age (give or take a few months) as mine- and going through the exact same thing at the same time. We fumble through it together.
I don't mean to sound superior by using the word 'pity' as it almost comes off as condescending- and I really do not mean it to sound so. There just really isn't a word that I have to replace it. Sure you can have your moms group that meets once a week at the park- or McD's or whatever. That's great. But don't tell me that there isn't the slightest bit of competitiveness, smugness, or SOMETHING lurking in there with at least ONE of them. The reason I have this belief is because of what I read and hear from friends. I read on blogs all the time about the competitive nature of other moms- whether it's on a Facebook page or even Twitter. I have 'unliked' SEVERAL pages due to this crazy 'I am better than you' sort of tone by some posters. Being a mom is hard enough, I don't need to be made to feel inferior to someone else. Which brings me back to my group.
How then, can a group of 33 women remain so genuinely supportive, empathetic, and sincere? We have differing opinions- we aren't the same people- and to be honest, we don't have spats or arguments. What amuses me about this also is how things have evolved. For example, I used to be hesitant to talk about my 'moms group' (I thought it sounded weird to say they were people I 'met' on the Internet-not to mention talk about them with my husband). I've met many, but really we all desire a group gathering. Someday........Anyhow-today, when I talk about these women with other friends- they a) are familiar with many of them as I have been talking about them for years, and b) I say my 'online moms group' with pride as now I realize it's a rare gem that I possess. A moms group with real people, real friends, and a really safe place for all of us. How cool is that?
Somehow- I got lucky. I mean REALLY lucky. I went from the TTC board to the pregnancy board, and eventually an off shoot to a newborn board with the same group of women. And to fast forward this tale- these women and I are still friends. Over 3 years later. And we get along. And we don't judge. And we genuinely LIKE one another. Crazy huh? Here's more....we all have varying economic backgrounds, marital status, number of children, parenting philospohies etc. As a group we started out around 35-40, and today our number stands at 33. Thirty three of us have clung together through some of the most insane days a new parent can have- and kept our sanity through it all with the help of each other. We have shared divorce, death, birth, miscarriage, difficult pregnancies, difficult labors- difficult mothers and mothers in law- you name it. I think we have pretty much seen everything- and still- we remain together as much as we can even though we are separated by geography.
There is a small group that lives on the east coast- but there are also members in the midwest, south and west coast. We have even gone international! Some of us have met- some haven't met at all. But still, we remain a very tight knit group. I read on Facebook daily posts from other friends of mine (that do not have such a group) questions to things like 'What do I feed my child now that we're on solids?' or 'How do you transition to a big boy bed?' And I see these pleas with a mixture of gratitude and pity. Gratitude because I have a go-to resource that I know will give me their take (good/bad and ugly) and pity because they do not have a group like I do- with ALL of us having a child the exact same age (give or take a few months) as mine- and going through the exact same thing at the same time. We fumble through it together.
I don't mean to sound superior by using the word 'pity' as it almost comes off as condescending- and I really do not mean it to sound so. There just really isn't a word that I have to replace it. Sure you can have your moms group that meets once a week at the park- or McD's or whatever. That's great. But don't tell me that there isn't the slightest bit of competitiveness, smugness, or SOMETHING lurking in there with at least ONE of them. The reason I have this belief is because of what I read and hear from friends. I read on blogs all the time about the competitive nature of other moms- whether it's on a Facebook page or even Twitter. I have 'unliked' SEVERAL pages due to this crazy 'I am better than you' sort of tone by some posters. Being a mom is hard enough, I don't need to be made to feel inferior to someone else. Which brings me back to my group.
How then, can a group of 33 women remain so genuinely supportive, empathetic, and sincere? We have differing opinions- we aren't the same people- and to be honest, we don't have spats or arguments. What amuses me about this also is how things have evolved. For example, I used to be hesitant to talk about my 'moms group' (I thought it sounded weird to say they were people I 'met' on the Internet-not to mention talk about them with my husband). I've met many, but really we all desire a group gathering. Someday........Anyhow-today, when I talk about these women with other friends- they a) are familiar with many of them as I have been talking about them for years, and b) I say my 'online moms group' with pride as now I realize it's a rare gem that I possess. A moms group with real people, real friends, and a really safe place for all of us. How cool is that?
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Babyproofing. AKA Being a prisoner in your own home.
I am so over the different levels of barricades we have around the house. For B, we have recently had to install door knob stoppers/foilers to keep him from opening doors that he should not (his room, the twins' room, the front door, pantry) and create havoc or escape our home completely. Mind you, we still have the gates at the top and bottom of the stairs- for him as much as for the twins too.
And now, with L being the master at escaping my barricade attempts, we have a baby gate backed up with a kitchen chair at one end of the living room. It is slowly driving me insane and I feel like we will never again live in a home where you have free range. I know, someday we will. But oh. Somedays someday cannot come quickly enough.
And now, with L being the master at escaping my barricade attempts, we have a baby gate backed up with a kitchen chair at one end of the living room. It is slowly driving me insane and I feel like we will never again live in a home where you have free range. I know, someday we will. But oh. Somedays someday cannot come quickly enough.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
I hate photo contests! Argh! But vote for me anyhow.
I seriously do. I really, really hate them. And I hate them even more when they are on Facebook. Why? Well, let's just say that I find the premise all good and fine and what not, but when it comes down to it what you have to do to win is beg. Or pay. Yes, that's right- PAY.
I made the mistake of entering a Valentine's Day photo contest where the prizes were from Pottery Barn Kids. The grand prize was a freaking rocking horse. Harmless, right? Hardly. The 'winner' ended up with over 600 people 'liking' her photo. I mean, seriously- those people really thought your ultra cheezy/photoshopped 'big lollypop' cliche pic was a winner? Really? I don't even care if mine was in the running- but it was such a farce I knew something had to be up.
That's when I heard all about the scandal at another site. They were giving away a stroller or something and it was another photo 'like' contest. Well- it came to light that one of the contestants was paying yes, paying people money- to vote for her kid. I guess there are sites out there that you can go to and pay per like? WTF!!!! Anyhow- it was a big ordeal and the person who was doing it didn't think she was doing anything wrong. Whatever.
Hence the bad taste in my mouth for these kind of contests....but alas. Here I am again, schlepping for votes so my family can win a week at a vacation home in Florida. I know it's not the best picture- but I am also not going to be paying for your vote, just asking nicely :) It's the Farrah R. 'First Time At The Beach' one.
Thanks!
I made the mistake of entering a Valentine's Day photo contest where the prizes were from Pottery Barn Kids. The grand prize was a freaking rocking horse. Harmless, right? Hardly. The 'winner' ended up with over 600 people 'liking' her photo. I mean, seriously- those people really thought your ultra cheezy/photoshopped 'big lollypop' cliche pic was a winner? Really? I don't even care if mine was in the running- but it was such a farce I knew something had to be up.
That's when I heard all about the scandal at another site. They were giving away a stroller or something and it was another photo 'like' contest. Well- it came to light that one of the contestants was paying yes, paying people money- to vote for her kid. I guess there are sites out there that you can go to and pay per like? WTF!!!! Anyhow- it was a big ordeal and the person who was doing it didn't think she was doing anything wrong. Whatever.
Hence the bad taste in my mouth for these kind of contests....but alas. Here I am again, schlepping for votes so my family can win a week at a vacation home in Florida. I know it's not the best picture- but I am also not going to be paying for your vote, just asking nicely :) It's the Farrah R. 'First Time At The Beach' one.
Thanks!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
What are your kids drinking?
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Facelift!
I'm pretty excited to say that I did a blog makeover last week. I was lucky enough to win one from Growing Baby Reviews , and the blog design by The Pixel Boutique. So far I'm really happy with it- and don't even really mind that the connect buttons didn't work as I just found some at A Mommy's Sweet Blog Design to put on here. Anyhow- I told myself that if I did a blog redesign, I would take it more seriously and contribute more often. Well- we shall see how that goes.
The boys really have me hopping these days- L is crawling and pulling up all over the place, C is just getting ready to take off, and B is his usually crazy self. Days are long and busy. One of the best quotes I've heard in a while is 'Motherhood: The days are long but the years are short'. That is pretty much summing it up for me these days. I'm not complaining- just noting that the days are long (and hard) but things are also happening so quickly. I was just thinking how it was almost a year ago I went on bed rest. I cannot believe it has almost been a year. That was by far the fastest year of my entire life!!!
I'm still really enjoying writing for Outnumbered, and looking forward to our summer which is sure to be a quick-action packed whirlwind! Thankfully no weddings on the horizon so that's good news for us. I still don't like the idea of traveling with the gang in tow- god forbid on an airplane. Oy. Well- someday we will but not today.
The boys really have me hopping these days- L is crawling and pulling up all over the place, C is just getting ready to take off, and B is his usually crazy self. Days are long and busy. One of the best quotes I've heard in a while is 'Motherhood: The days are long but the years are short'. That is pretty much summing it up for me these days. I'm not complaining- just noting that the days are long (and hard) but things are also happening so quickly. I was just thinking how it was almost a year ago I went on bed rest. I cannot believe it has almost been a year. That was by far the fastest year of my entire life!!!
I'm still really enjoying writing for Outnumbered, and looking forward to our summer which is sure to be a quick-action packed whirlwind! Thankfully no weddings on the horizon so that's good news for us. I still don't like the idea of traveling with the gang in tow- god forbid on an airplane. Oy. Well- someday we will but not today.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Can't hurt, right? Oh Happy Day Goes to Paris!
http://ohhappyday.com/2011/06/goes-to-paris
Yes, WIN a trip to Paris!! Sure there are almost 13,000 other comments to contend with, (including mine) but come on, it's fun! It's PARIS!!!!
Yes, WIN a trip to Paris!! Sure there are almost 13,000 other comments to contend with, (including mine) but come on, it's fun! It's PARIS!!!!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
PIP Designs Blog Giveaway @ Home Grown Families
I know, it seems like I never post on here- so why would I care about a blog giveaway? Well- I WOULD if I had a blog design that I really liked :) I love writing for Outnumbered, but I know Mel would be supportive if I started to get my own going too. She's encouraged me in the past- and maybe I will if I can get a little more 'oomph' in my blog. Check out the giveaway going on now until the end of June- PIP Designs is giving away a basic blog redo, facebook landing page, or twitter background!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
TykeRider Balance Bike Giveaway at Lady and the Blog!
I would absolutely love to win B the TykeRider Balance Bike and helmet compliments of Lady and the Blog. These bikes look awesome- and I think it would be perfect for our 2 yo dynamo. I know it would get great use too, since he has those pesky brothers bringing up the rear and getting more and more mobile daily!!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Family Tree Art Giveaway @ The Vintage Canvas
Monday, May 9, 2011
Best Bottom Diaper Giveaway At Freckleberry Finds
I am a die hard Bum Genius diapering mom. With three kids in BG's I'd say that qualifies. I have tried two other brands and tossed them aside for my BG"s....UNTIL I have met Best Bottom. I LOVE these dipes. I love how the inserts snap in and out so there is no stuffing and pushing the insert in. I love how I can make a quick change and my cover is still nice and dry. And I LOVE entering giveaways for them....so, here's a current one over at Freckleberry Finds. Have at it!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
More Mother's Day Giveaway---Merry Maids!
Yet another hands down fantastic opportunity to get some help!! Always in Wonder is hosting a Merry Maids Giveaway... yes- antother chance for a $350 gc. Woo hoo! Sign me (and you) up!!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Greenworks Mother's Day Giveaway!
Another fab Mother's Day giveaway- Greenworks sure has a bunch of these. I need to find the other blogs where they are giving them away!! Check out Daddy Forever!!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
What A Mom Wants...
It's that time of year again!! Oh I love Mother's Day- I get to sleep in and pick what I want to do for the day. It's fun now- but the pressure is all on my husband since the boys are too small. Someday soon they can be responsible for meeting my every need and whim! That said- I LOVE all of the giveaways with maid service! Oh my. The twins at almost 7 months and B at 2 does not a clean house make. I try really hard to keep up on things daily- but it can be overwhelming. We vacuum daily because of the dogs- but oy the dust. It's so dusty down here.
I would really love some help with cleaning. Even just for a month. Heck- I'd take just a day. Because when your house is clean---everything just feels..better!!
Right now there is a Clorox Greenworks giveaway at the blog of Susan Heim on Parenting. It ends May 8th so be quick about it!
I would really love some help with cleaning. Even just for a month. Heck- I'd take just a day. Because when your house is clean---everything just feels..better!!
Right now there is a Clorox Greenworks giveaway at the blog of Susan Heim on Parenting. It ends May 8th so be quick about it!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
5 years is coming!
Our 5 year anniversary is coming up in July...I know that a 5 year isn't really THAT big of a deal- but for us we have been through quite a bit in the last 5 years. The short version is that we got married, moved to a different region in the country, bought our first home, lost my beloved dog...got another dog...got a second dog...and had B. One year later I was pregnant again with -SURPRISE! It's TWINS! And boom! that was 5 years.
So...in honor of our five year anniversary, I am sworn to win us a trip of some sort. Money is tight- we have three kids after all- so my goal would be to wins us something- anything- even a weekend or a night in a B&B for our 5 year. Things have been pretty tough on us since last July- and I really think we (and our marriage) deserve it.
So- without further ado- here is a trip that I'm throwing our name in to win. Austin-Lehman has a 'Win An Adventure of Your Choice' giveaway until May 19th. The prize is awesome!
WOW-right?? So go..go enter! And don't forget to say I sent you. If you win, I win, so give me props, eh?? To make it easier on you yet, here is my link to c&p: http://thethreeunder.blogspot.com/ thanks friends :) It would be neat if someone I sent won!
So...in honor of our five year anniversary, I am sworn to win us a trip of some sort. Money is tight- we have three kids after all- so my goal would be to wins us something- anything- even a weekend or a night in a B&B for our 5 year. Things have been pretty tough on us since last July- and I really think we (and our marriage) deserve it.
So- without further ado- here is a trip that I'm throwing our name in to win. Austin-Lehman has a 'Win An Adventure of Your Choice' giveaway until May 19th. The prize is awesome!
Enter to win a $5,000 credit towards a trip for TWO on the Austin-Lehman Adventure of your choice!* Explore destinations in North, Central and South America, Europe, the Pacific Rim or Africa. Enjoy gourmet dining, multi-sport adventures & nature's charm at all-inclusive rates. Your dream adventure vacation awaits.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
What a perfect gift! Merry Maids @ Mommy Goggles...
I really don't think I need to go too much into detail as to why this would be the best gift ever. Who wouldn't love a gift certificate for some people to come help clean your house??? Enter over at Mommy Goggles. Wow. I need this.
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