Friday, November 29, 2013

Mother Of All Meltdowns Holiday Promotion


Looking for the perfect gift to give Mom this holiday season? The Mother of All Meltdowns makes a great gift or stocking stuffer and can help mom feel connected, normal, and understood. Forget sweaters, perfume, and wacky slipper-socks. All moms deserve the laughter, validation, and moments of “Me too” this book provides!


Perfect for expecting moms, new moms, older moms, and all moms in between!

On sale now for Kindle and Nook! Just $0.99!

EXCLUSIVE OFFER! 50% off the print edition! Visit our CreateSpace store HERE. Enter your title access password: moam123 - and use coupon code 75N5ZSBR when you order!

 Subscribe to our blog (click HERE) and take advantage of weekly giveaways during December! Just enter your email address where it says "Connect with us!" and enter to win a free copy of the book or your very own Cocktail Party on Christmas Day! Winners will be chosen at random on Wednesdays (December 4 through 25)!


Please share this promotion with your friends, family, colleagues, and via social media! Or treat yourself and purchase your own copy of the book!

TWEET THIS: Make mom smile! Give her the gift of sanity this holiday season! http://amzn.to/1803iVO #MOAM #Christmas #giftofsanity

Happy Holidays to your and yours!


Tuesday, November 26, 2013

What My Kids Are Thankful For

For my Finish the Sentence Friday post last week,  I shared some things for which I am thankful.  I also shared some quotes that reminded me to show gratitude more often - even this time of year when it seems a bit cliche.

For my Tuesday Ten this week, I decided to ask my kids to share what they are thankful for.  At first, I thought getting them to list ten each would be a stretch.  I was pleasantly surprised when they came up with ten (and then some) quite easily.  I was also impressed by the things they included.  I knew already that they are not particularly materialistic kids.  However, it was so wonderful to hear them affirm that they know what is really important in life! :-)


What My Kids Are Thankful For Right Now

Emily (age 6)
1.  Me! (meaning herself)
2. A loving family including mommy, daddy, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins
3.  Life
4.  Food
5.  Home
6.  God
7.  Sophie (our dog)
8.  Friends
9.  Teachers
10.  Clothes
11.  The Earth
12.  A comfy bed
13.  Toys

Megan (age 8 -almost 9)
1.  A roof
2.  Mommy and Daddy
3.  Food
4.  God
5.  Nature
6.  Sophie
7.  That we have money so we can ride horses
8.  That I'm unique!
9.  That our grandparents live right behind us
10.  Teachers
11.  That we have a big yard to run around in and a trampoline
12.  Clothes
13.  A comfy bed
14.  Toys

Rachel (age 11)
1. Family
2.  Sophie
3.  A house
4.  Food
5.  Clean Water
6.  Friends
7.  The ability to go to school
8.  Nature
9.  The color blue
10.  Music

Happy Thanksgiving dear readers!!  I am so thankful for you and all the support you have shown me and this blog over the past several months!  I am taking a couple days this week to "unplug" and spend precious time with my family.  I will have a new post for you on Friday to tell you about a very special Mother of All Meltdowns holiday promotion!!

For now, I will leave you with a couple more quotes that spoke to me today!




Thursday, November 21, 2013

Thankful

When I first read the prompt for this week's Finish the Sentence Friday, I was less than excited.  (Sorry ladies - you know I love you!)  You see, listing things I'm thankful for seemed a little boring and cliche at this time of the year.  Then, our lovely hostesses announced that there would be a second option this week.  I could write based on the prompt "When I think of the word "pilgrim," I think . . .   

Yeah.  I decided to stick with boring and cliche. :-)

Looking for a little inspiration, I googled "quotes about thankfulness."  Of course, I found hundreds of them. 

Since I'm a writer, you know I love words and I find that words can be very inspirational.  As I was reading all of these quotes, I realized that there really is nothing boring or cliche about being thankful and showing gratitude.  I think, sometimes, we get so caught up in our crazy, busy lives that we just don't take the time to count our blessings - literally count our blessings.  We are bombarded with advertisements and comparisons that leave us wanting more; wanting better; wanting....wanting.  

The truth is, I am supremely blessed and should, therefore, be supremely grateful and thankful.  

So.....

Right now, I'm thankful for . . . . 
  • My family. My beautiful kids.  My wonderful husband and our solid marriage.  My amazing parents.  My brother.  All of my in-laws.  My nieces and nephews.  I am thankful that my parents taught me to value my family and that I have such a wonderful one.
  • My house.  So many people would love to have just a roof over their heads.  I am blessed to have a lovely home that is spacious, safe, and warm.  It is filled with memories and love.
  • My friends.  My online blogging friends whom I have never met, but who know me as well as anyone.  My "in real life" friends who are supportive and encouraging.  The friends that are too far away and the friends who used to be.
  • All of the modern conveniences that make my life so much easier and more efficient. 
  • Teachers who inspired me and challenged me.  Teachers who now inspire and challenge my kids.
  • Freedom to be who I want and live how I wish in a country where all are welcome.
  • Music that sparks something in my heart; makes me feel something in my soul.
  • Words that I can speak or write to express myself and that bring me closer to the people I love.
  • The little, trivial things in life like coffee, warm pajamas, delicious food, good books and movies, smell-good candles, fluffy towels, and chocolate.
  • Right now, I'm also thankful for these quotes that inspired me and reminded me that gratitude is NEVER frivolous or trite.







Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!  May you count your blessings and be grateful today, tomorrow, and always!

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This post was written as part of Finish The Sentence Friday.  FTSF is hosted by some wonderful blogging ladies.  Please give them a visit and check out all the other blogs that participate as well!

Stephanie at Mommy, for Real
Kristi at Finding Ninee
Janine's Confessions of A Mommyaholic









Wednesday, November 20, 2013

November Old School Blogging

Old School Blogging with Elaine from Miss Elaine-ous Life is back for November! This month, Brittany from That’s Vandy,  is co-hosting with Elaine. These questions were originally circulated in May 2008.  It is always fun to get to know other bloggers a little better, so I'm sharing , my answers, too, and hope you enjoy getting to know me a little better! :-)  


Where is your cell phone? On the kitchen counter, charging

Your significant other?  Is my best friend

Your hair? Is in a ponytail, falling in my eyes, and need to be washed

Your mother? Is one of my best friends, too.  She is wonderful, and wise, and I'm lucky to have her!


Your father?
 Is smart and loving.  He believes so strongly in the importance of family and has taught me many great life lessons.  


Your favorite thing? Can I say my family??  They aren't exactly things - but I cannot imagine life without them. 


Your dream last night? I rarely have dreams I remember and didn't last night.  (Last one I remember was dreaming that I was back in high school and Adam Levine was teaching my math class!)


Your favorite drink? I would love a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha right now.  I might even splurge and get the full fat version!

Your dream/goal?  To "make it" as a writer and actually get paid for doing what I love.  I would also like to do A LOT more traveling!

The room you are in? The dining room, which has become my office for the time being.  (We are getting ready to convert our guest bedroom into an office for my hubby and, then, I will take over the small room he is currently using as an office - just waiting for the desk he ordered to arrive next week!)

Your fear? Water, heights, and losing someone I love

Where do you want to be in six years? Right here with my family.  My girls will be 17, 15, and 12 by then.  Yikes!


Where were you last night? At home.  Put the kids to bed, spent time hanging on the couch with my hubby, then went to bed about 10:00pm.

What are you not? Spontaneous.
 

Muffins? Occasionally - especially cinnamon or chocolate.

One of your wish list items? A master bathroom renovation

Where you grew up? North Carolina

The last thing you did? Put laundry in the dryer and started another load int he washer

What are you wearing? Yoga pants and a long sleeve t-shirt with my kids' elementary school logo on it.

Your TV? Is usually on HGTV or TLC.

Your pets? A 3 1/2 year old border collie named Sophie.  (You can read a story about her HERE.)

Your computer? MacBook Pro

Your life? Is beautiful and full of blessings.


Your mood?  Tired and foggy.  Still trying to "wake up" and get motivated today. (It's almost 11:00am!)

Missing someone? Friends who live too far away and family I haven't seen in a while.  Looking forward to family time for thanksgiving next week!

Your Car? Maroon 2012 Honda Odyssey that my husband refers to as "The Bus"

Something you are not wearing? Make-up

Favorite store? Just one???  Loft, White House Black Market, and Target

Your summer? Always goes by too fast!

Like someone? Um . . .my hubby!


Your favorite color? Purple

When was the last time you laughed? This morning.  My hubby was being silly with the girls and their giggles are infectious - even early in the morning.

Last time you cried? Don't remember.  I'm not a cryer - it takes something pretty significant to draw tears.

What is one thing on your To-Do list?  Start Christmas shopping!  (I always vow to get it done early and I never do!)


Now it's your turn!!  Just copy and paste these questions into a blog post and fill in your answers.  Don't forget to head over to The Miss Elaine-ous Life and link up your post!!



Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Tuesday Ten - Modern Conveniences


A couple of weeks ago, I was taking a morning walk.  As I walked, I was remembering a conversation I had the day before with my eight year old daughter.  We were discussing the room that is my daughters' playroom - a garage that was converted into a "rec room" back in the 80's.  In the playroom, there is a desktop computer circa 2007ish.  It's less than ten years old, yet it seems archaic. During our conversation, my daughter referred to that computer as "the old-fashioned laptop."  I realized that, in her memory, most computers are laptops - much lighter, sleeker, and streamlined than the TV-tube like monitor, separate keyboard, hard drive tower, and speakers that consume the desk in that room.

As I replayed this conversation in my mind and giggled to myself, my iPhone, which I carried in my hand, dinged signaling an incoming email.  Almost reflexively, I raised my hand to read the new message.

Of course, at the same time, I was pondering possible blog post topics (because bloggers are always pandering possible blog post topics) and this was one of those perfect equations.  My daughter's reference to obsolete technology and my dependence on a modern device added up to equal a list of modern conveniences that we take for granted.  If you really think about it, the scientific advances we've made in a relatively short period of time are incredible.  We have become so accustomed to having them, however, that we often don't even think about them.


  1. Television - Even my dad, just one generation away from mine, remembers getting his family's first television as a child.  Of course, it was black and white.  In less than one man's lifetime, TV's have evolved into High Definition, gigantic flat screen entertainment.  Now, it would be extremely rare to find a home - or even a doctor's office waiting room - that doesn't have at least one television.
  2. Appliances - As a mom, I am quite dependent on my washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, microwave, and even the toaster.  I often despise them because of the monotony they symbolize, however I cannot imagine life with out them (and I wouldn't want to!)  Going back to washboards, hand cranked dryers, and cooking on a wood stove??  No thank you!
  3. Cars - With three kids, numerous errands, and multiple after school activities, I spend a lot of time in my car - a car that has even more modern conveniences like a back up camera and doors that close automatically.  We can go just about anywhere we want at anytime.  Other than the occasional "We had to walk uphill 10 miles in the snow" story from our elders, we rarely consider how different our lives would be without our vehicles.
  4. Clean Water - Yes, this is a convenience and one that we really, really take for granted.  Last
    Photo Credit
    year, our church collected funds to provide a water filtration system in a third world country.  We learned a great deal about what life is like for people - right now, today - who do not have clean water.  They cannot turn on a faucet and get a drink of clean water.  They cannot take a bath.  They cannot wash clothes or dishes.  They walk miles and carry large containers of dirty water that is contaminated and unhealthy.  Think about that the next time a sink full of dishes is staring back at you!  (I have to remind myself as well!)
  5. Education - Education can be hot button topic.  It is right now in my state.  But, I come from a family of educators and was a public school teacher myself.  Our education system is far from perfect, but the fact that anyone at all can go learn is wonderful.  This is not the case for many children around the world.
  6. Medicine- Got a cold??  Maybe even strep throat?  We all know that diseases which were once fatal are now cured with simple antibiotics or have been all but wiped out by vaccines.  We have come a long way from small pox outbreaks and polio epidemics.
  7. Stuff - I used to like to watch Little House on the Prairie.  They went to Oleson's Mercantile for fabric, flour, and various items that they couldn't grow at home.  Do you remember that store?  Now think about Target or Wal-Mart.  We don't go there to buy sugar.  We go to buy STUFF.  Need shampoo?  You have about 50 options - colored hair, straight hair, curly hair, dry hair, etc.  The same is true of lotion and deodorant and toothpaste and granola bars and potato chips and socks and toys and clothes and ...and...and...and.....  Sometimes I feel like we are surrounded and consumed by stuff.
  8. Food - This one sort of coincides with the "stuff."  You see, in Oleson's Mercantile, there was very little food to purchase because everyone grew their own.  Now, you can go to the store to grab bread, or veggies, or meat, or milk, or ice cream, or pasta, or chocolate.  I often get frustrated by the growing expense of feeding my family.  However, I cannot imagine having to grow everything myself and butcher my own animals in order to put dinner on the table!
  9. Phones -  Kind of like televisions, telephones used to be a luxury that only some homes had.
    Photo Credit
     Then there were the party line phones where everyone could overhear everyone else.  Yikes! I distinctly remember my grandmothers old, black rotary dial phone with the receiver that was (gasp!) attached by a cord.  Then came the push button and the cordless versions.  Now, we carry our phones in our back pockets.  We use them to talk, text, play games, and surf the internet.  Wonder what Alexander Graham Bell would say if he could see us now?
  10. Technology - This is a pretty broad term, I know, but just think about all the technology we use everyday.  Computers, GPS devices, and medical equipment that can see inside our bodies just to name a few.  It is truly remarkable.  
When I started this post, I really didn't mean for it to sound so nostalgic.  But, I'm a nostalgic kind of gal.  I do remember my dad telling me stories of his family sitting around listen to radio shows.  I remember my mom talking about her mom sewing her clothes.  Now, I have to explain to my kids that phones and computers weren't always portable.  I have to tear them away from the television.  I fear they will forget what it feels like to flip the actual pages of a book.  I don't want my kids to take it for granted  just because they have never lived any other way.  If we really stop to think about how far we've come in less than 100 years, it really is incredible and it makes me wonder where we will be another 100 years down the road.  Will my kids be reminiscing with their children about the days when they actually had to type on keyboards or put gasoline in cars???

How about you??  What is a modern convenience you take for granted, but know you could not live without?      




Sunday, November 17, 2013

Sunday Supper - Crock Pot Baked Potatoes

My hubby travels a lot for work.  When he is not home, it just doesn't make a lot of sense for me to fix a big meal for supper.  If I made a nice roast, for example, my oldest wouldn't eat it because she is a vegetarian and my youngest wouldn't eat it because she is so picky.  Add to that the fact that all of the running, homework supervision, and cooking are up to me when he is gone, and I just don't have time to cook anything fancy anyway.  Therefore, I'm always on the lookout for something simple but healthy.

Several weeks ago, I stumbled on a few pins for making baked potatoes in the crock pot.  I had never thought about doing it that way before, but it is brilliant!!  I can toss potatoes in the crock pot in the morning and, then, at dinner time, I put some toppings out to create a "potato bar," add a salad, and - voila - dinner is done!  (Of course, it could also be use as a side dish if, like my husband, you feel a meal isn't complete without meat.) 

It's so simple I'm not sure it even qualifies as a recipe, but here's the method.  Could not be easier! 

Crock Pot Baked Potatoes

Wash 4-6 large potatoes (I use russets).  Wrap them in foil and place them in the crock pot.  Cook on low for about 6 hours or high for 4 hours.  (Cooking times can vary depending not he size and number of potatoes.)

Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!



Thursday, November 14, 2013

You Know What They Say About Karma . . .

When it comes to my past relationships, my husband (probably) thinks he is pretty lucky to have met me AFTER high school unlike my other boyfriends.

You see, I grew up in a small town.  My parents also grew up in that same small town and BOTH of them were teachers at the high school I attended for most of their 30 years of teaching (each!).  So, pretty much everywhere we went in town, we ran into someone who had been in my mom's freshman English class, or on one of my dad's high school baseball teams, or even went to high school with my folks when they were teens.  Chances were pretty good that at least one of my parents knew something about anyone that might have ever considered asking me for a date.  If they didn't??  Well, they had access to all the records of all the guys that attended my high school AND friends who were teachers at the other two high schools in the county and could give them information on any guys who attended those schools.

Needless to say, I didn't do a lot of dating in high school.  I wasn't exactly one of the "popular" girls and I can imagine that dating the daughter of your second period history teacher or fourth period English teacher would be a bit intimidating.  It's actually pretty amazing that I somehow had two boyfriends in high school and a few miscellaneous dates.

I met my husband at the beginning of my sophomore year in college when I was just 19 (That story is coming up in December when we celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary!)  and he was the first guy I seriously dated that my parents really knew nothing about.

I'm sure it drove my mother crazy, but I was thrilled.  I had a sense of freedom; a sense of independence that I desperately wanted.  I loved that I was the only one who knew what he made on his SAT or if he had ever been sent to the principal's office.

Back in my time of teenage angst, I really disliked my high school "situation" and felt a lot of pressure to be "good" all the time.  Once I got to college, I was happy to be out from under the magnifying glass.  Today, almost twenty years later, however, I have a little more perspective.
And, you know what they say about karma, right??

Well, "that guy" and I now have three daughters of our own.  Although, I disliked my parents knowing everything about everyone back then, I totally get it now.  My girls aren't in high school or seriously dating yet, but when they do - I'd pay good money for a look at the records of the boys who come a'courtin'!!!!

In fact, my oldest started middle school this year and pretty soon a particular young man began calling her quite frequently.  My hubby completely went into reconnaissance mode.  He Googled,  Mapquested, and pretty soon knew more about the kid than my daughter did.  My mother would have been really proud of him! :-)

It's funny how much becoming a parent can change your point of view, huh??

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This post was written as part of Finish The Sentence Friday.  FTSF is hosted by some wonderful blogging ladies.  Please give them a visit and check out all the other blogs that participate as well!

Janine's Confessions of A Mommyaholic

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Helping Others This Thanksgiving

Monday night, my super picky six year old turned up her nose at the dinner I had prepared because the casserole had a little broccoli in it.  You may have seen my Facebook post about it:


Well, she had a point about the artwork, but, eventually, she managed to scrape off some broccoli and take a few bites.  This is a scenario that is played out frequently at my house (minus my superior seriously inferior parenting strategies.)  Fortunately though, I am always able to put a reasonably healthy meal on the table for my family even it if they don't like it.  My kids don't go to bed hungry.  Sadly, that is not true for many, many families in the United States and around the world.  There are far too many parents who cannot afford to feed their families healthy meals - or any meals at all.  There are far too many parents and children who go to bed hungry each night.

There is something you can do to help.  Along with the other authors of The Mother of All Meltdowns, I have made a donation to support The Scary Mommy Thanksgiving Project.


The Scary Mommy Thanksgiving Project gives mothers and their families an evening of food, love, and warmth, without the stress and worry they battle the rest of the year. With your help, MOAM has adopted three families and would like to adopt more. Please donate with MOAM by going HERE, or consider giving directly via Scary Mommy.  $50 will adopt an entire family, but any amount you can give will help.  As of noon on Tuesday (11/12/13), there were still 97 families on the list waiting  for assistance.  You can also send checks to:  Scary Mommy Nation • PO Box 20866 • Baltimore, MD • 21209






Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Q and A with Rachel

In previous Tuesday Ten Posts, I have shared my interviews with my youngest daughter, Emily (6), and my middle daughter, Megan (almost 9).  Truthfully, I didn't think my oldest daughter, Rachel (11), would be interested in doing a Q and A session with me, so I was surprised late last week when she asked what my next Tuesday Ten would be about and hinted that she would like to have her turn at the interview.

I'm glad she did the questions with me.  She is kid who is very wise for her age.  As you will see inner answers, she is passionate about animals and dedicated to her "cause."


Q and A With Rachel

1.  I know you love animals and want to be a zoologist.  What is it about animals that you love so much? They can teach us things like how to get along and survive.  Most of them are nice.
2. If you could have any animal as a pet, what would you choose and why? It's hard to choose just one, but if I absolutely had to I would choose a koala because they are cute and cuddly and they don't eat that much.
3. What is your favorite season and why? I like spring because that's when lots of baby animals are born.
4.  If you got to do all the cooking and menu planning, what would we be having for supper tonight? Macaroni and Cheese, baked potatoes, and corn on the cob (Just for the record, she has been a vegetarian for almost 4 years now because she was appalled when she found out eating meat meant killing animals.  However, she eats very few fruits and vegetables and survives on carbs, obviously!)
5.  Do you like your name "Rachel?"  If you could change it, what would you name yourself? Not particularly.  I would name myself something that doesn't mean "innocent lamb."  Probably something like Zoe or Alexia or Alexandra.
6.  What is your all time favorite book or series? Percy Jackson.
7.  If you could have one super or magic power, what would you choose and why? I would choose the ability to talk to animals so I could know what they were thinking.
8.  Your favorite colors are teal and neon green.  Those are a little different, so why do you like those colors so much? Because they are different.  Most girls like purple and pink, but I want to be different and I don't like purple and pink.  Why not go with something that is unique?
9. What is your favorite thing about middle school so far?  Least favorite? My favorite thing is having a little more freedom like walking to classes by ourselves.  My least favorite thing is all the homework.
10. I know you like to travel.  If you could take a trip anywhere you wanted tomorrow, where would you go?  Why? Africa to go on a safari!

I would say that sums up my Rachel pretty well!  :-)

(And she hates to have her picture taken, so the fact thatI found 5 photos for this collage is a miracle!)


Thursday, November 7, 2013

A Sentence That is Hard For Me to Finish

When I was a little kid, I thought I was ugly because I had psoriasis.

Psoriasis is actually an autoimmune disorder that causes red, scaly patches on your skin.  The patches can affect literally any part of your body and can range from mild to severe.  Typically people with psoriasis experience periods of subsiding and flaring.  I was diagnosed when I was in fourth grade (9 years old) and battled it until I was twenty-five when my first pregnancy made it miraculously disappear.

Nowadays, there are better, internal medications to treat psoriasis.  Back then, though, these did not exist.  The only relief I got came from daily application of creams, ointments, stinky shampoos, and specialized light treatments.

I hated it.  I hated the creams and ointments.  I hated the doctor's appointments.  I hated the questions and the comments.  I hated covering up and hiding.  I hated pulling up my shirt, showing my back to the man I was head over heels in love with, and praying he wouldn't be disgusted.  I hated choosing prom dresses and a wedding gown based more on what parts of my body they covered than what I really liked.  I hated looking in the mirror.

Although my psoriasis has been gone for ten years now, I still hate it.  I hate the word.  I hate the memories of it.  I hate talking about it.  I hate the commercials on TV that paint this rosy picture of a simple cure that wasn't available when I needed it.  I hate feeling guilty for hating psoriasis because it could have been cancer or something much worse and life threatening.  I hate looking at the prom photos and wedding pictures because I know what was underneath.  I hate that writing this makes me cry.

I hate that, when I read the prompt "When I was a little kid I thought. . . . ," this was the first topic that came to mind.

I hate that I hate it so much because that means it wins.

Most of all, I hate that I still do not cannot like what I see when I look in the mirror.  I spent so many years - formative years - seeing something negative glaring back at me in my reflection.  Seeing the negative became a habit.  The red skin patches are gone, but now I see the extra pounds or the dark circles under my eyes.  I see a too big nose or mousy hair color.  I see someone who doesn't do enough or well enough.

Then, I see a hypocrite.

You see, I have three daughters - beautiful daughters.  They aren't even teenagers yet, but I have heard all of them comment that they are fat.  I have heard them complain about their freckles, their height, their hair.  When I hear those comments, it breaks my heart and I wonder, "Did they learn that from me?"  I tell them they are beautiful inside and out.  I tell them they are just the way God intended for them to be.  "Be confident," I tell them.   

Then, I look in the mirror at myself again.  Hypocrite.

I see their beauty, but I don't see mine.  When I was a little kid I thought I was ugly and I still do.  I am trying really, really hard, though, to be a good example; to make sure my girls finish this sentence differently when they are thirty five.

Psoriasis be damned.  I WILL NOT let it, through me, teach my daughters to see the negative.  I will not let it take from them what it took from me.  I overcame it physically and, someday, I will overcome it mentally and emotionally as well. 

To learn more about psoriasis, visit the National Psoriasis Foundation at www.psoriasis.org.   

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This post was written as part of Finish The Sentence Friday  and the prompt was "One Halloween I..."   FTSF is hosted by some wonderful blogging ladies.  Please give them a visit and check out all the other blogs that participate as well!

Janine's Confessions of A Mommyaholic

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Ten Ways Motherhood Has Made Me Dumber

The Golden Spoons
I am usually not all that shy about sharing my mommy mess-ups.  I've written about them here and here.  The story of one of my meltdowns has even been published here.  After all, we're all human, right?  RIGHT???

However, it seems that, since becoming a mother, my goof-ups occur more frequently.  I've had a couple of doozies recently.  Maybe you saw my Facebook status where I admitted ordering groceries online but forgetting to hit "SUBMIT."  There was also an incident when my hubby was in a rush to leave our house and get to the airport to catch a flight.  I was across town and he called me because he couldn't find his car keys.  They were in my purse in the car with me - across town.  (Fortunately, I knew where the spare was!)  There may also have been a candle that was left burning for a few hours while we were away from home and possibly a blog I scheduled to post but then forgot to publicize because I forgot I had scheduled it.  Perhaps, my blunders are simply amplified now because they affect my family.   Maybe I just have a lot more to keep track of.  Or - here's a theory - maybe motherhood has actually made me dumber!  Yep, I'm going with that one!  Here are ten ways that motherhood has actually made me dumber:

  1. Mommy Brain - Have you heard of pregnancy brain?  Oftentimes, when pregnant, women become more forgetful than usual.  However, this phenomenon usually subsides after the baby is born.  Or does it?!?  I experienced this a bit with my first pregnancy, but it went away pretty unremarkably.  I experienced it to a slightly higher degree with my second, but, again, it went away.  With my third, it was out of control and I don't think it ever completely subsided!
  2. No knowledge of current events - I pretty much don't watch the news anymore.  I don't want to watch it when my children are around because they don't need to be exposed to the violence and the awfulness in the world just yet.  I don't watch it when they are not around because it is sad and scary and people are just stupid sometimes.  So, if the headline doesn't make it into my Facebook or Twitter feed, chances are I'm not going to know much about it.
  3. Sleep deprivation - According to WebMD, the average adult needs 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.  They also state that not getting enough sleep can lead to memory loss (among other things).  Um, you think???  Sleep deprivation begins before a baby is even born with the uncomfortable nature of pregnancy in the final weeks.  Then, there are the middle of the night feedings, colicky babies, and teething.  It gets better as they get older, but there are still nightmares, stomach bugs, and random aches that wake children and, therefore, parents.  Plus, many moms stay up far too late trying to accomplish all the things on our to-do lists.  Then, we are up again at the crack of dawn so we can start all over.  Motherhood is a perpetual state of sleep deprivation.
  4. Kids' TV and music - Have you ever caught yourself talking like the characters on your child's favorite show??  Ever caught yourself singing "D-D-D-Dora!" or "Call me maybe" in the shower??  This summer, my hubby and I sat down with our girls one evening and watched a few of their favorite shows with them.  Afterwards, we actually told each other that we felt dumber after watching them!  (That's totally true.  It inspired this list of some "old" family TV shows that were so much better.) 
  5. Homework - My oldest daughter started middle school this year.  Math has never been her strong suit - or mine - but I've tried to help her a few times when my hubby was out of town.  I will admit that I googled how to multiply fractions and I had no idea how to help her divide decimals.  I'm certain I did all that stuff a long time ago, but when put to the test, I had no clue!
  6. I have a college degree I haven't used in years. - I went to college, got my degree, and actually graduated magna cum laude (or one of those fancy honorary terms).  However, I have been a stay at home mom since my oldest was born.  Remember, I just told you she's in middle school now.  I have not used that degree or gotten a paycheck in more than eleven years!!  Now, I realize that staying home was my choice and that it's not the right choice for everyone.  I do not regret my decision, but when I think about that degree and all those college classes "going to waste" it does sting just a bit!
  7. I don't read. -  I used to, really, but these days I just can't find the time.  I hear others mention this book or that novel and I think "I really need to read more," but I never do.  I might squeeze in a magazine once in a while and I can recite Green Eggs and Ham verbatim, but I won't even tell you how long it's been since I read an actual novel.  (Mostly because I just can't remember. See #1)
  8. Distractions - Do you ever feel like you cannot complete a thought without being interrupted??  If so, you are probably a mom.  Heck, most of the time, I can't even go to the bathroom without someone calling for me or just walking in to ask me a question.  I think "Oh!  I need to go to this" and on my way there, somebody needs me to open a snack or tie their shoe or find something for them.  By the time I get where I was going, I forget what I was gong to do.  (Again, See #1.)  I don't have ADHD; I have kids!
  9. Pinterest - Pinterest is my worst nightmare.  It is filled with pictures of all the creative, crafty things other moms have done for their kids'  birthdays or school parties or Halloween costumes. IF, I ever torture myself by cruising the site, I find myself repeatedly saying "Why didn't I think of that?!" or "There's no way I could make/do that!"  It make me feel inferior inferior in every way.
  10. Clothes - Theres' something about putting on a great outfit - maybe a power suit or a nice cocktail dress - that makes you feel great.  You stand a little taller.  You feel important, smart, and put-together.  I can't really say that about my yoga pants.  My motherly wardrobe has become more about function and comfort.  I rarely ever put on an outfit these days that says "I am intelligent, motivated woman."  
Despite all of these downfalls, motherhood has made me smarter, too.  Motherhood has taught me about the things that are REALLY important in life.  That's not naps or clothes.  It's not even books or paychecks.  What's really important is these girls and those smiles:


What's really important is this man and our strong marriage.


What's really important is smiles, and laughter, and memories, and family.



So, how about you?  Do you think motherhood has made you dumber or smarter??  Maybe both??



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