Meaningful Monday voiceBoks Sponsored Blog Hop

Happy Monday y'all and welcome back to the Meaningful Monday voiceBoks sponsored Blog Hop!  Glad to have you back if you're a regular...NORM!  And happy to have you join us if you are new to the hop! 

If you are new to our hop and have never heard of voiceBoks, I suggest you go over there NOW and check it out.  It's a community for bloggers, founded and administered by the fabulous Lexie Lane, which is all about supporting and promoting other bloggers.  You can thank me later!

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And I Shall Call Him Professor Poopy-Pants Bottle-Boy and Be Content!

In my house, I don't officially win many fights.  It's not that I can't win them because I can (I can be a real bitch when I want to be).  I just don't like to fight.  I don't like turmoil.  I don't like for others to be unhappy.

And so I shut my mouth, I bend over backwards, and I accommodate because NO ONE that I love should be unhappy EVER!

So that brings us to the "problem" at hand.  

My Bubby, now 3 (granted he's a very young 3, but he is still 3), still wears a diaper and takes a bottle more than I care to admit.  This kid is NOT dumb by any means.  He is not delayed in any way (other than a few speech issues).  As a matter of fact, he is quite advanced.  He can count, knows all of his colors, can recognize all of his letters, and remembers things that even a camera could not.  

So why is he still in diapers?  Why does he still take that bottle on occasion (occasion...HA...who am I kidding, at least 3...again with the HA...8 times a day)?  Because his Mom is a pushover that doesn't like turmoil (stop pointing, I know who his Mom is)!

It's not that I haven't tried.  I have.  I promise.  I've taken him off the bottle (for a whole day one time).  I even bought him a Cars 2 potty seat to go on the big boy potty (he loves that by the way, I highly  recommend that you buy one, they make great steering wheels for running around the house, handles and all)!  But he's not buying into any of it, and here's where HIS smarts and MY pushoveritude (shut up...yes that's a word) come in to play!

A typical conversation regarding the potty goes something like this (again, please be kind and keep in mind that this is the youngest of 6...MY BABY...and I don't want him to be sad):

"Mommy, I just did a big GIANT poop in my BUTT!"

"Lay down Bubby, let me change you." (Retrieves all necessary supplies including diaper, 2 wipes, plastic baggy, and gas mask.)

"My big GIANT poop stink bad bad bad Mommy!"

"Yes it does my love, don't you want to start going in the big boy potty?"

"No Mommy, I not big boy, I baby...I YOU baby Mommy!"

"Yes, love, you are MY baby and you will always be my baby, even if you go in the big boy potty.  And I will be proud of you!  And I will love you no matter what!"

"Mommy I don't don't don't want to be big boy, I Bubby...I YOUR baby!" (and it continues)...."I don't don't don't...I a baby...YOUR baby!  You love me?  I love you too Mommy!  I don't don't don't want big boy potty!"

"OK Bubby, you are my baby, now just go play and don't cry!"

Mommy: 0  Bubby: I lost count but he's WINNING!

Same thing with the bottle, only that usually involves "I tired", or "Ky-ee scared me", or "I want lay down", or....well you get his angle!  It's maddening, it's sickening, and the fact that I'm a pushover is not going to change any time soon (seriously, ask my big girls...they'll tell you...it's sad).  

So here's how I look at it!  I'm not going to change (think old dog, new tricks...yea that never works).  He IS technically my baby!  At some point all 6 of my children took a bottle AND they wore diapers.  They all stopped, and he will too.  I don't honestly think he'll be showing up for Kindergarten like this (fingers crossed...send sparkles).  And I know first hand that children grow up too fast.  

My oldest is "grown" and my second is close behind!  It's OK for us Moms to cling on to our babies for a little while.  And it's OK that he's smarter than me for reminding me of this fact on a daily (hourly) basis.  

So for now, I shall just resign as the best mom on the planet (like I ever freakin had THAT title) and we shall call him Professor Poopy-Pants Bottle-Boy until HE is ready to be a big boy, and I will be content.  He is my love, and he IS my baby!  And he's only 3.  All things in good time!

So my salute to you Professor Poopy Pants!  You've won yet another round!  And your Mommy will always be a pushover...you're a lucky, lucky boy (ask your big sisters, they'll tell you)!  But I swear, if you think you're going to your prom wearing a diaper and toting a bottle, you're going to be one pissed off little mister.  By then, I'll (probably) put my foot down!

Step Away From The Washer and No One Gets Hurt

Obviously after reading my last post about my current situation, y'all knew I was going to blow.  We should have taken bets.  When was it going to happen?  How was it going to happen?  What would be THE breaking point?

Personally, I thought it would take longer than this.  I'm usually incredibly tolerant so I would have given myself a full month.  If you bet against that statistic, you were right!  I can admit when I'm wrong!

But the thing that finally set me off is the most shocking to me.  Laundry?  That's right...it's all about the washing machine!

Over the past almost 3 weeks (funny he still keeps saying he's only been here a week...this has been one long week), I have been tolerant, kind, patient, helpful, and quiet (well quiet for me).  But tonight, I kind of, sort of, well probably actually, blew!

You see for the past 3 weeks, I have been going about my daily chores.  I have been working, cooking, cleaning, doing the laundry (when I am allowed to get to my own washer and dryer since "someone" is always washing one or two items at a time...on the hot cycle which leaks...no matter how many times they have been asked to wash full loads...on the COLD cycle), vacuuming more than normal, scrubbing toilets more than normal, loading and unloading the dishwasher more than normal, pushing in chairs WAY more than normal, and cleaning up general messes around the house way more than normal.  

And I've been dealing with issues with the kids more than normal.  You see, their world is not normal.  So of course (since they are only 3 and 5), they have been showing out and I have been "on" them more than normal.  Some of this I expected when B opened our home up to the BIL.  Some of this I could not have expected even in worse case scenario thinking.    

Let's get to the blowing point, shall we?  A full day of work, cleaning, taking care of the kids...regular stuff.  I go to get the mail and what is this I see?  The power bill came in the mail?  Oh this should be fun!  It is a full $40 extra with only one week (seriously only one week of his visit, not HIS one week, an actual calendar week) of his visit.  Hmmm...wonder why?  I don't wonder at all!  Lots and lots of one shirt washings, long hot showers, extended computer (read = chat with losers) use, pumping up air mattresses, running AC because he's too hot (oh the horror), a gazillion extra dishwasher runs, etc, etc, etc.  

Let's put this in perspective people.  $40 for one week = $160 a month...out of OUR pockets.  That's right!  Let's add that to the extra food, the added mess, the added aggravation, the kids acting up, the fact that this sullied my visit with my own mother, the fact that the ONE AND ONLY TIME I asked him to go to the store for me for diapers, it wasn't convenient.  Yes, I have been VERY kind!

Fast forward!  B gets home.  I share the electric bill concerns with him.  I explain the laundry problem with him.  I make it very clear that washing one thing at a time (seriously who the heck does that?) is not only stupid, it's costing us money.  I explain that my laundry is so incredibly behind because of my work schedule and this man's love of the laundry schedule, I need to complete all of my laundry tonight.  

B acknowledges me.  He seems to understand.  It's simple really.  I will do all of my laundry tonight...no interruptions.  So I head out for errands with one load in the washer, one in the dryer.  It's all good!

I go to PetSmart, I head to Walmart, then on my way to the gas station to fill up the tank for my loving husband, I get a text!  "You take a vacation?".  Seriously?  Did he just ask that?  OK, I wish.  It's still all good.  Rather than answer in text, I call.  

It was light-hearted.  "Hey babe!  You sent me to PetSmart on the other side of the island, then I had to go to Walmart for the groceries which didn't fit in the car because you have it and the trunk loaded with stuff.".  These things take time!  Still light-hearted.  Somehow the laundry comes up.  Why?  How?  I have no clue, but it did and it went downhill from there!  

He says "I talked to 'him' about the laundry".  I say "Speaking of that, are my clothes dry yet?".  He says "I don't know, I needed my shorts out of there and they're dry so I took the clothes out of the dryer".  OK, really?  I had to ask!  "Were my clothes dry?".  "I don't know, my shorts were.".  ANNOYED!  He says "my clothes are in the dryer now".  To which I spout with smile on my face "let me guess, he threw a load in the washer after that?".  SWEAR...I was joking.  B chuckles and says "Yes he did".  He chuckled?  WTF?   I reply "I don't find that funny at all!".  The silence was not kind.  

Quickly I say (with a smile on my face), "I'm at the gas station to fill up for you tomorrow.  I got pizzas to cook.  I'll see you in a bit.  I love you.  CLICK".  

Fast forward again.  I come home.  I carry up groceries.  I have beer thank goodness!  I'm sure I did NOT look happy but I said nothing.  He asked if there were more groceries in the car...of course there were!  He sensed a TONE in my voice.  He sensed it because it was there.  Apparently my TONE set him off (but honestly the wind sets him off at times so the fact that my TONE did does not really bother me).  For goodness sakes, my semi-wet clothes had been placed on my bed.  WET CLOTHES!

Any hoooo....from there it went something like this!  Groceries up the stairs (hubby only...God forbid the leach offer to help).  Hubby increasingly madder because he knows my earlier statements were very correct.  Hubby slams door.  Door locky thingy breaks.  BIL doesn't move or comment.  I step outside.  I'm calm.  

5 minutes later?  Yup, I'm ready to blow, but still I refrain!  

I still said nothing as I removed the wet clothes from the dryer, put my clothes back in there, and replaced my clothes in said dryer (all the while ignoring the fact that I had told them both that I would wash all of my clothes tonight, including my towels), moving everything else around to accommodate.  I put the pizzas in the oven, and heard the front door slam.  

Oh no he did NOT!  He was mad at ME?  Could this be so?  Surely NOT!  I'd said nothing.  I was quiet.  And yet he was MAD because I had a TONE!  Oh balls...it was on now!  I waited quietly.  I said nothing for some time.  The offender sat quietly at his computer doing NOTHING as always and waiting for dinner to be ready.  Good times...good times!  But my husband was mad at ME!

Then I heard it.  Tick...tick...tick...yes, the time bomb was about to explode.  BUT much to my surprise?  It was a quiet, valid, no-scream explosion.  It went something like this (in my outside voice, but certainly was not a yell but the BIL was sitting right there so thank goodness he heard every word):

"So B...why did you get mad at ME?"...no comment!

Yea, that helps.  "You've got nothing to say because I've done nothing wrong?"....no comment!

And here we go..."I cook, I clean, I empty the self-loading and self-emptying dishwasher, I clean the self-cleaning toilets, I fold the self-folding laundry (when I get the chance to do my own laundry in my own house with my own washer and dryer), I push in the self-pushing in chairs (yes, I said that), I discipline my kids for things that they shouldn't be disciplined for because an adult intruder taught them such shit, and I work more hours than anyone in this house!  No I do NOT make more money than anyone in this house, but if you want to compare hours?  Let's roll with that!  And NOW, all I asked was to do all of MY laundry in one night.  Apparently that was too much to ask.  SORRY FOR THE TONE!".  

And then there was silence.  A very long silence.  And I enjoyed it!  Because this time, I was right!

So if you can send me some positive vibes and sparkles, I'd appreciate it.  I have a LOSER IN THE HOUSE!  I'm hoping this nightmare will be over soon.  I want my life back.  And more importantly, I'm sad that I finally blew.  It was time I guess, but I try to avoid it at all costs.  Damn!  FAIL!

Here's hoping that you can hold out with tough situations longer than I did.  And further hoping that you don't let it hurt YOUR family!  I have.  And I've disappointed me. Don't let the losers get you down!  

And step away from the washer and no one will get hurt! 

This is the Fred Hartman Bridge in Baytown, TX.  It is 13,730 feet in length and 1,250 feet wide.  The tower height is 440 feet.  It has 8 lanes in total.  It was constructed in 1996.  It has many uses, and all kinds of history.  But to me?  It's just pretty!  I like pretty!  Leave the facts, figures, and functionality to someone else!

I just enjoy it's awesomeness every time we drive through.  We had the pleasure of visiting it's beauty this weekend and I couldn't help but capture that!  It's important to take the time to appreciate beauty and throw caution to the wind.  Leave the facts and figures to the mathematicians.  I'm more of a dreamer myself!

Meaningful Monday voiceBoks Sponsored Blog Hop

Hey y'all and happy Monday! Time for the week to begin! Are y'all ready? I am and it's going to be a busy one!

Welcome back to the Meaningful Monday voiceBoks sponsored Blog Hop.  We're happy to have you here.  If you haven't heard of voiceBoks and you're a blogger, I suggest you go check it out!  It's a community for bloggers, founded by the amazing Lexie Lane, and it's all about promoting and supporting each other.  You should go over there now, I'll wait.  You can thank me later.  And now...let's get to hopping!

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Life Lessons Learned in the Past 2 Weeks: Top 10

The past 2 weeks have been extremely trying for me!  I've bitten my tongue (I'm a vegetarian, I do not like the taste of blood) and I've fought with the ones I love.  I've been on edge.  I am not myself.  I'm not very sparkly.  

We have opened our house to a visitor, a family member, and he is not a very good house guest to say the least.  But I've decided to turn my angst and anger into something productive-ish.  I've worked my way through this and I think I have learned some lessons over the past 2 weeks that I'd like to share with you.  

Are these lessons full of wisdom?  Will they change your life forever?  Will you be wiser after reading this post?  NOPE to all of the above, but hopefully you can laugh with me!  It's better to laugh than cry (or scream and yell as I've found myself doing more than I care to admit over the past 2 weeks).

 

So without further ado, my top 10 life lessons I've taken from the past 2 weeks (some I have learned, some I already knew, some that others should learn....really pretty random, but go with me people...I'm trying to find the humor through the madness).

10.  Self-centered people suck.  That is all I have to say about that.

9.  When your son says, "I have a BIG, GIANT poop in my butt" and lays down for you to change his diaper, BELIEVE HIM, and be prepared.  Send for reinforcements, grab the gas mask, and figure out this potty-training thing!  Apparently it's time!

8.  Just because you understand simple etiquette does NOT mean that others do.  I've always just assumed that if I had to pull out a chair to sit in it, when I got up, I should push said chair in.  If I accidentally left said chair out but had to pull it out to sit in it the next time, someone else must have pushed it in for me, so when I get up again, I should obviously push it back in. Lather, rinse, repeat.   Same goes for closed doors, cabinets, anything that just doesn't belong.  Apparently, others do not share my views here!

7.  Lazy people suck.

6.  Lots and lots and lots of cologne gives me a sinus headache from hell!

5.  If you sit on your ass all day long and do NOTHING but video chat (read = talk on chat sites all day with other losers) and play on FB, please don't try to play it off when everyone else gets home and act like you've been busy, busy, busy!  I have pictures.  It's all good!

4.  Fake people suck!

3.  Always say please and thank you (if someone is buying the groceries and cooking for you for FREE while you are doing #5, the least you can do is say thank you, right?).

2.  MY family rocks!  I've forgotten this part and let other things get in the way and have been somewhat of a crab cake while I deal with shit!  Not the big, giant poop in Bubby's butt kind of shit, but the dishes and shit that apparently I am required to put in the dishwasher, the clothes I am required to put up, the doors I am required to close, the chairs I have to push in, the lights I have to turn off.  Yea that kind of shit!

1.  Don't let anyone dull your Sparkles!   Yup...this is the biggest lesson of them all.  I have failed and I will rectify this NOW!  Karma's a bitch people!  I'm feeling pretty good on that front, but I better start ducking because someone in this house might get hit pretty hard!

That is all!  I hope you take lessons from every aspect of your life.  The good, the bad, the ugly.  And always try to laugh at them.  Don't let the bad stuff beat you down!  The past couple of weeks, I've ignored my own advice and that's just not good!  Sparkle on folks!  Life is good, but self-centered, mean, and lazy people suck!  You can't change them, but more importantly, you should NOT let THEM change YOU!

Congratulations! You Have Received Passion Roses!

That's right!  The tag says I have received Passion Roses!  You're jealous, I know.  It's all good!  But I'm honored.  

You see with 6 children, we have little time for passion (that's what got us here in the first place).  But to know that he remembers the passion, cherishes those moments we do get together (get your mind out of the gutter people), and recognizes that it is still there, warms my heart and soul!  

 

Yes, my soul, as in SOUL MATE!  As I always tell you, we may have our problems, but we have something that others have not been fortunate enough to find.  We have a passion for our love and commitment.  I'll take it, and I'll be happy with it.  

I do enjoy the roses, each and every time he brings them to me.  But so much more than that, I cherish the fact that he thought of me on his way home.  If I am in his mind and heart, if I live there, my life is complete!

Happy Wednesday everyone and I hope you can keep that passion in your heart! 

Sparkle on,

Meaningful Monday voiceBoks Sponsored Blog Hop

Happy Monday y'all and welcome back to the Meaningful Monday voiceBoks sponsored Blog Hop (with it's new and improved look).  

If you are new to our hop and have never heard of voiceBoks, I suggest you go over there and check it out.  It's a community for bloggers, founded and administered by the fabulous Lexie Lane, which is all about supporting and promoting other bloggers.  You can thank me later!

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Fuel Their Passion! Be a Champion for Kids!

A couple of weeks ago, I was approached by my friends at Collective Bias who have partnered up with Abbott Nutrition to spread the word about the Champions for Kids Simple Service Projects.  

Like I told you, I've really fallen short on my giving as of late.  I have disappointed myself because I haven't been giving back to my community and I plan on rectifying this in 2012!

I am thrilled to be participating in and promoting the Abbott Nutrition Champions for Kids Campaign.  This has started my year off on the right track!  My simple service project was incredibly SIMPLE!

My task?  LEARN, GATHER, GIVE!  Sounds easy enough right?  Well, that's because it really IS that easy!  

The premise behind this simple service project is also very simple.  You see, way too many children these days are food insecure.  Meaning, they simply don't know where their next meal is coming from.  And is that meal going to be healthy?  Probably NOT!  So my assigned project was to provide healthy snacks to those in need, those food-insecure children, within my own community!

LEARN:  My first task at hand was to identify an organization in my community where I felt my Abbott Nutrition Pack a Snack would do the most good.  So I researched, called around, and decided upon The Resource & Crisis Center of Galveston County, Inc. for many reasons.

The RCC Mission

"The mission of the Resource and Crisis Center of Galveston County is to promote the safety, well-being, and best interest of victims of family violence, sexual assault, and child abuse and to advocate for the prevention of such crimes. "

I must admit, making initial contact with this organization was tough for me.  Not because they weren't accessible, but because I was nervous.  This is such a touchy subject for me, and I am a very emotional person.  But I did it!  I picked up the phone and my fears diminished as I explained to a wonderful woman, Samantha Coats, my plight.  She was very receptive, energetic, and passionate about her organization.  She informed me that the battered women's shelter currently houses 6 children.  Donations, big or small, are always welcome.  So I had chosen the organization and was ready to move on to the next step!

GATHER:  Bubby and I headed to Walmart to pick up our Pack a Snack supplies and do some grocery shopping of our own.  He helped me pick a variety of HEALTHY drinks and snacks, including Abbott Nutrition Zone Perfect Bars, Pediasure, and Pediasure Side Kicks.  

With our buggy full, we headed home ready to put our pack together and make our donation!

While driving home, and while putting up all of our groceries, I realized that we could/should do so much more for these kids!  There were SIX of them.  They don't have a "home".  

We are not a wealthy family by any means, but we have so much, and these children have NOTHING!

We ended up with the food items we had purchased, as well as a tote full of slightly used children's clothes, toiletries, and other items I had found on a "wish list" on the Resource & Crisis Center website.  NOW we were ready to GIVE! 

It was a particularly cold day on the island, so I left the babies at home (because I have that luxury) with B, and headed off in search of the Resource & Crisis Center where I would meet up with Samantha, and she and I would head over to the shelter together. 

While at the shelter, I had an incredibly interesting conversation with an amazing group of ladies that GIVE of themselves every day in an effort to help others!  They are indeed the true Champions for Kids, and I feel honored to have met each and every one of them.  

Samantha and I at the shelter with my Abbott Nutrition Pack a Snack donation.

These ladies, along with the Abbott Nutrition Champions for Kids Campaign, have inspired me to be a more giving, loving, and helpful "me" in 2012!  And I am thrilled that I was able to help in this little way, and I promised them I'd be back!  This is my new organization of choice, and the babies and I will keep supporting them in every way possible way!  Unfortunately, these problems will not go away, but fortunately these battered women have a place to turn to with their children.  How can I not support them when my life is so blessed?

You can see the entire experience in photos by visiting my Google+ Album if you are interested.

Now I challenge YOU to be a Champion for Kids!  Join the movement!  Start giving!  You can give a little, or you can give a lot!  Random acts of kindness.  You never know whose life you might change!  It really is THAT simple!

Disclosure:  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias.  All ideas, opinions, and photos are entirely my own. #AbbottCFK #CBias #ChampionsForKids

When Do You Say Enough Is Enough? Am I Too Nice?

I'm a giver.  That's what I do.  I'm pretty good at it actually!  But when do you say "enough is enough"?

I was a cheerleader in high school (giving support), I am a loyal friend (giving support), I am a dedicated wife (giving support), I am the mother of 6 (giving support), I am a blogger (giving support), I am a community member (giving support).  

But do I give way too much? I tend to think that I do NOT!  You can NEVER give too much, right?  

I'm beginning to think that I'm WRONG on this one!  

Seriously, how much can one person give without return?  Selfish thinking I know and not my type of thinking at all, but I'm backtracking and thinking (oh my stars, she's thinking again) that maybe I give WAY too much.  

You see, over the past couple of years, I have felt violated in my giving way more than I care to mention.  At this very moment, I am being violated.  

I have given to children that don't appreciate (parenting I know, I get this).  But I have given to children that were given up by their own mother, and still THEY don't appreciate or respect me.  The children I gave birth to...well, they actually kind of DO get me, and in their own way, show me appreciation (I'll take it)!  

I have been disrespected by ex husbands (which is why the have the title of EX) and even the current husband (by his own admission) but I remain nice!  I am loyal to a fault!

I have had "friends" betray me, but I've been nice!  Co-workers betray me, I've been nice.  Why am I so stinking nice to all of these people?

So I want to know...when is it time to say "WHEN"?  Seriously?  I'm in a situation right now with a family member, and I have bent over backwards, forwards, back bends and all!  You can't even imagine the level of "niceness" I've shown!  And I am being pummeled!  I've kept my mouth shut.  I have fought with my husband.  I have been impatient (and possibly unkind) to my own children in an effort to be "nice" to this outsider.   

When do you say "when"?  How do you say "when"?  That is the question!  Oh the struggling with this niceness!  

One of these days I'll put on my big girl panties and figure it all out, but for now?  I've just resigned to the fact that I'm too freakin nice for this world!

I hope y'all have a NICE night!

Shut My Pie Hole? Yea, Occasionally It's Necessary

You've been there.  We all have!  There are times when we KNOW that opening our pie holes would be the easiest and quickest solution, but keeping those pie holes closed is just sometimes best for the peace! 

Be it friends or family, sometimes it's just necessary.  Do I like this simple fact of life?  I absolutely do NOT!  Not my style in the least!  If you know ME, you know THIS!

I'm currently in one of those situations.  Will I go into detail about the situation?  I absolutely will NOT!  I'm shutting my pie hole!  Will I tell you that I'm ready to HURT someone?  I absolutely WILL!  

If you know me, you know that I will not actually hurt anyone (except possibly myself with all of this pie-hole stifling) but you get the point.  I'm not good at shutting my pie hole, especially when I see something (someone) amiss.  But I will maintain my pie hole shut uppedness for as long as I can muster!

Hopefully things will straighten themselves out soon and all will be right in my sparkly world again!  But if not, hang on to your pie holes people, because this ever-so-loud-mouth just might blow!   And in turn, some lives might just blow!  Oh we just don't want that to happen now do we?

OK, maybe we do!  But for now...I'm shutting my pie hole!

Will YOU Take The Pledge for a #BraveWoman in 2012?

Did you know that 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime?  Staggering statistic, don't you agree?  I have 4 girls!  That means that at least one of them, in theory, will experience domestic violence.  That's more than disturbing to me!  Are you willing to help?  Can you stand up for these BRAVE women?  It's very simple..you CAN help!

A while ago, I told you about My Story of Suffering in Silence.  I was the ONE in that 1 in 4 women equation.  I got out, but so many are still suffering in silence!  Will you help them? 

The Brave Woman Foundation recognizes that "leaving a life of domestic violence is a series of moment-by-moment decisions requiring brave choices and bold actions".  They are here to show that brave women everywhere have a choice!  They are there to support those brave women, and they need YOUR voice too!

Show these brave women that you CARE.  Show them that you believe in them!  Take the PLEDGE in 2012 to make a difference and show THEM that YOU support their bravery!  It's so simple! 

"I pledge to honor and respect brave women and children who tackle the difficult journey of change from domestic violence to a new life. I acknowledge my own moment-by-moment bravery, will remain aware of what is happening to others around me, and speak up against violence in any form. I will stand up for human dignity and safety for women and children."

This organization offers hope!  You can support their efforts.  These brave women can GET HELP.  Yes, there is hope!  

Please, if you do nothing else worthy in 2012, do this NOW!  Take the pledge to show them that you care!  Will you help them be brave?  I took the pledge, and I implore you to do the same.  It only takes a moment of your time and it could mean the world to someone!  They are 1 in 4!  Will you be the ONE that helps them?

To learn more about the Brave Woman Movement, check out and follow:

The Brave Woman website, Brave Woman on Twitter, and Brave Woman on Facebook. 

In addition, please consider joining us for a Brave Woman Twitter Party which is scheduled for February 2nd, from 8:00 to 9:00 pm EST.  Follow #BraveWoman.  See you there!

Disclosure: This post has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias.  All opinions and ideas are entirely my own.  #CBias #BraveWoman

Meaningful Monday voiceBoks Sponsored Blog Hop

Happy Monday y'all!  Welcome back to the Meaningful Monday Blog Hop!  We took a little holiday hiatus, but my co-host, Lisa from Insignificant at Best, and I are ready to get back in full swing with this meaningful blog hop!

This hop is sponsored by voiceBoks, an incredible online community for bloggers, operated by the amazing Lexie Lane, where we gather to show each other support!  You should really check it out!  You can thank me later!

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My "First Words"...Thank You Mrs. Roundtree, Mom, and Cathy!

I was born a "dummy".  The youngest of 3 girls and they were both brilliant, just like my parents.  I was the dumb one!  By the age of 3, both of my sisters could not only spell their names, they could write them!  I could not!

They both entered school well above the norm.  They excelled...I did NOT!  It wasn't my parent's fault, they had already raised two brilliant daughters.  It was ME!  I was just a DUMMY!  It wasn't my sisters' faults, they tried to teach me as well, but I was a DUMMY!  I just couldn't read or write!

I entered Kindergarten and that was easy peasy.  Back in MY day, Kindergarten was half a day and all you had to know was blue truck, red car.  Smash blue truck into red car = good.  And I could stack blocks too.  I wasn't certain what the letters were, but I could stack them!

Then it was time for 1st grade....real learning.  My oldest sister had worked with me over the summer because she didn't want a DUMMY for a sister (my words, not hers).  Nothing clicked.  I just couldn't/wouldn't get it!  I was not only a DUMMY, I was stubborn as well!

That Fall, I entered the 1st grade, and I couldn't read, nor could I write.  DUMMY!  It was embarrassing and it was scary!  But I was funny...that had to count for something, right?  The kids would love me!  And they did!

But all of those kids could read and write...something was very WRONG with me.  I was highly aware of this, and Mrs. Roundtree, my 1st grade teacher, sensed my fears but didn't understand them!  One day, she asked for the children to come up to the front of the room to read aloud.  Jerry, Suzie, Jason, Jane...they all did fine!  I was happy for them!  THEN...it was MY turn!  OH NO...did she seriously just call me up there?  Now what?

Here's what!  I peed my pants...right there in front of the class.  Somehow (and her super powers still amaze me to this day), Mrs. Roundtree created a diversion and NO ONE noticed what had happened.  She called recess, cleaned up my DUMMY mess, and she "talked" to me.  I mean, this lady truly talked to me!  She listened, then she called my mom (my hero). 

Together, they figured it out!  I naturally held a pencil or crayon in my left hand but was told to switch to my right.  When I attempted to read, it was from right to left.  So simple that even this DUMMY would recognize it now.  I was freakin left-handed and all of this right-handed-forced learning had confused me to no end!  

It was THAT simple!  And so they embraced my left-handedness (for those of you young whipper snappers reading this thinking...WTF?  Back "in the day", EVERYONE was right-handed, and if you weren't....you learned how to be).  As soon as they let (and encouraged) ME be ME, I began to soar!  So simple!

And by the next year (finally at the age of 7) I was reading! I was no DUMMY, and I was writing in the journal my mom had bought for me!  My first "piece" was simple:

If a stranger you should meet,

As you're walking down the street,

Say "HI", not "Good Bye", 

You might like it,

If you try!   

King?  Bombeck?  Absolutely NOT!  Profound?  YES, in ways you could never imagine.  That little 7-year-old DUMMY was able to read and write, and rhyme!  AMAZING!  And all because someone recognized that she was "different".  

And the beauty of the poem is this....that 7-year-old wrote the story of her life, right then...right there!  That's my motto now!  It's simple, but it's true!

So thank you Mrs. Roundtree!  You were right!  I'm not a DUMMY!  I might not be King, I might not be Bombeck...but I'm no DUMMY!  And you know what?  I now make a living writing from my heart!  Kudos to you (and to my mom and sister for sticking with me and believing in me).  It's a modest living, but you were SOOO right...I'm NO dummy!