The Best Kind of Holiday Gift: My Pregnancy Story

This time of year always gives me a warm fuzzy feeling, not because it's Christmastime but because it was this time of year that my fiancé and I conceived Little Mister on December 26, 2010.  

This Christmas season I want to share my pregnancy experience with you! 






I found out I was pregnant with Baby A when I was between 1-2 weeks pregnant. No, Mr. Hunky and I were not trying to get pregnant and no, I did not purposely get pregnant. So how did I know so early? I'm one of those women who is very in tune with their body. Something felt off, different I guess you could say. I hadn't missed my period yet so I didn't know for sure that I was pregnant, I just knew my body felt different. Wanting to be on the safe side, my best friend M and I went to the drugstore and got a pregnancy test. When we got back to my townhouse, we ran upstairs and I peed on the stick. 

Let me just tell you, the First Response pregnancy tests are garbage. The test came out positive, but at that time we didn't really know if it was negative or positive. The second line was so faint that we both had no clue! M left shortly after and I told her that I would take another test shortly and text her. 

The second test came out positive, again with that stupid little faint line that made me think, well maybe not. So I headed out to the drug store again. This time I bought a Clear Blue test. I went home and peed on the stick. 

Positive. 

I peed on another stick. 

Positive. 

I texted M and told her the test came out negative. Then the panic set in. I needed time to wrap my head around it. 

Next step, tell Mr. Hunky. I went to the drug store yet again and picked up another test, this time a Clear Blue digital. One that would clearly tell me, pregnant or not pregnant! I got home and peed on the stick, leaving the bathroom before I could read its results. I took a deep breath, went downstairs and marched up to Mr. Hunky. 

"I think I am pregnant" I told him. 
"What do you mean you think"? Was the response I was given. 

"I mean I think I am, I took four tests, they all looked positive but that second line is just so deceiving. Upstairs there is a test on the bathroom counter, it reads either 'pregnant' or 'not pregnant'. You can go look."

Mr. Hunky came back down stairs holding a pregnancy test that said pregnant. 

When the shock wore off and we were able to think clearly, I knew I had to tell my mom, so I called her and asked her to come over "for breakfast" in the morning. The next day as my mom sat on my couch, she knew something was up. I was anxious, nervous, I could hardly look her in the eye. I felt as though I was 16 and pregnant. I handed her the pregnancy test and we both cried. Tears of fear or happiness, I wasn't sure of until later. I called my doctor and had an appointment to get blood work done within two hours. I had to find out how far I was and get started on prenatal care. I was going to be a mommy. 

The first trimester was absolute hell. Pregnancy glow? That's actually perspiration from throwing up all morning. Looking like I got two hours of sleep? I actually got eight thanks for asking. Everything made me sick! Smells, tastes, seeing things...even water made me sick. I forced myself to eat and drink but instill lost almost ten pounds in my first trimester. Thankfully, the doctor was not worried and the baby was doing great. 

Despite all of the sickness, I couldn't wait to find out the sex of our baby. I had tons and tons of names chosen for a baby girl and a few names I loved for boys. My top names for a girl were Sofia, Scarlet, Harper and Giana. My top names for a boy were Aiden, Landon, Charlie and Dominick. The night before our 20 week appointment to find out what our baby was, Mr. Hunky and I narrowed down our list to Sofia Lee and Aiden Jackson. Our baby would be named the following day. 

Finding out Baby A was a boy was the biggest joy. For the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, I swore up and down that my baby was a girl. It had to be a girl. Tutus, pink, sparkles, and cupcakes was what I lived for, it's only natural for me to have a girl, right? It wasn't until about a month before my appointment that it hit me that our baby might be a boy. After really processing that, I just knew. I could feel it. I was carrying a boy and I was absolutely in love with my son. I told everyone who would listen that I was completely confident that I was having a boy, regardless of the fact that everyone laughed at me and said "it may still be a girl". It was a boy and when the ultrasound tech confirmed it, I was overjoyed. Phone calls, texts, and email blasts were sent out baring "It's a Boy! Aiden Jackson will be joining our family in late September". 

The second trimester was decent. I was very fatigued but I couldn't complain to much, my vitals were perfect, Baby A was perfect and thriving. I was still working, enjoying life, and getting excited to be a mommy. My godmother, my mom, and I were planning my baby shower and I was having an absolute blast doing it. 

My third trimester is when I started hating life again. I was huge, I was waddling, tired, couldn't stop peeing and I was sick of looking at baby stuff and not having a baby to use it! I was so beyond ready to give birth. My baby shower came and went with success, doctors appointments were becoming a weekly occurrence, and I had left work a week earlier than planned due to my fatigue. Was Baby A here yet? 

My last appointment before delivery was a surprising one. One thing to know about me, if you haven't already gathered so, is that up am a fairly private person. I had a lot of trouble finding an OBGYN who I actually liked and trusted and when I got pregnant, I secured my slot as a patient with my doctor and made it very clear to he that she was the one who I wanted doing my check ups and when it was time, my delivery. Of course, if it was an urgent matter I would go to the doctor and see other doctors and/or midwives but it wasn't something that I preferred to do. I wanted my doctor, no one else. So when I walked into my appointment that Tuesday afternoon I was surprised to see a midwife, rather than my doctor. I wasn't about to reschedule my appointment and make my 39 week 2 day pregnant self have to come back, so instead I stuck it out. The midwife informed me that Everything was perfect and that the baby would be here anytime. Me, being the perfectionist that I am, asked about my doctors absence and wanted reassurance that she'd be the doctor delivering. I was then informed that it was very unlikely that my doctor would delivery as she was only guaranteed at the hospital on Thursdays and that they all rotated being on call....

I thew a fit. Call me selfish, but it had to be my doctor that delivered my son. I trusted her and only her and I wanted no one else for the delivery. The midwife said that there may be some way to guarantee that it was her delivering my baby. She excused herself and left the room. When she returned, she gave me the news that she had contacted my doctor for the OK and made arrangements for a scheduled induction the following day. She informed me that there maybe complications such as a lengthy delivery or a chance of needing a C Section, but at the time I was blinded with the excitement of holding my son in my arms and having my doctor be the one to deliver, that I didn't care. I confirmed the induction time and left the room as giddy as a kid on Christmas. I was finally going to hold my sweet baby boy in my arms. I couldn't wait….

*Being induced was a decision that I made and that I now regret. Please do not leave comments criticizing or judging me for choosing induction, if you do your comment will not be published as I do not want or need to drama/judgement/criticism on my blog. Thank you for respecting my decision*

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this post!!

Exederm Review and Giveaway

*I received complimentary Exederm products for review in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions*

Exederm makes ultra-sensitive skincare products with the mildest ingredients possible to help the most delicate skin types, especially those with eczema and dermatitis.  Exederm has received the 'Seal of Acceptance' award from The National Eczema Assosiation, and all 5 of their baby eczema care products scored a maximum 5/5 from the review panel.

Photo Credits: Exederm

We have been pretty lucky so far in our house that none of us suffer from eczema, but Hubby and Baby C have very sensitive skin and if I'm not careful about what products we use they will occasionally have a break out due to the irritants in the products, once I find a product that doesn't irritate them I tend to stick with it.  My husband has so many allergies and unfortunately he has passed some of them down to Baby C, so when Exederm offered to send us some of their products I was sure they would be great for him.

Exederm sent me Non-irritating Baby Bath Wash, Hydrating Baby Lotion, and Flare Control Cream for review.  Their philosophy is simple, avoid irritants that trigger eczema and alway use the mildest ingredients possible.  Exederm products do NOT have fragrance, colors or dye, parabens, lanolin, propylene glycol, (SLS) sodium laureate sulfate, (CAPB) cocamidopropyl betaine, or phthalates, so I was very confident they wouldn't be irritating to Baby C's skin.

The Non-irritating Baby Bath Wash is for really sensitive skin, it's gentle, non-irritating, and ultra hypoallergenic.  It's designed to cleanse the highly sensitive, delicate or dry skin of a child.  This baby wash does not lather up a whole lot but it does do the job of getting Baby C nice and clean.  I love that it comes with a pump, it makes dispensing it so much easier.  Take a look at the ingredients of your typical baby wash and I'm sure you will be surprised about how many irritants they have.

The Hydrating Baby Lotion is also for really sensitive skin and is gentle, soothing, and hypoallergenic.  It is specially formulated to avoid common irritants too often found in ordinary baby care products.  It feels great and is keeping Baby C's skin very soft!  It doesn't smell like your typical baby lotion since it is fragrance free, it really doesn't have much of a scent at all, so if you are looking to get that yummy baby smell everyone loves so much this may not be the lotion for you, but if you are looking for something that's not going to irritate your baby's skin and/or treat for dry skin, eczema, or dermatitis this would be a great lotion for you!

Luckily we have not had to put the Flare Control Cream to the test yet!  It is the only paraben-free hydrocortisone cream available in the United States.  The Exederm Flare Control Cream helps heal irritated skin and gives fast soothing relief from itching, redness, inflammation, and rash.

Exederm has a wide range of irritant free products for children and adults including body wash, body oil, shampoo, and conditioner.  I would highly recommend Exederm especially for anyone who is suffering from a skin condition.

To Purchase:  Visit Exederm to purchase yours today!

To Win: Mommys Craft Obsession and Exederm are giving one lucky reader an Exederm Prize Bundle!  Please fill out the Giveaway Tools Form below for your chance to win!

Entry-Form

Congrats Tiffany Kennedy! 

The Giveaway will close late on the evening of December 31st. The winner will be chosen at random through  Giveaway Tools.  The winner will be announced both on Giveaway Tools form as well as notified by email and announced on MCO’s Facebook. The winner will have their prize sent to them by Exederm, Mommys Craft Obsession is not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. US Only. This review is 100% original and in my own words. Everything written is from my own personal view point and opinions and I have not been influenced by any outside sources. What works for me, may not work for you. All photos have been taken by me unless stated otherwise. I have been provided with product to review by Exederm however I have not been compensated monetarily for this review. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Mother's Therapy Organics Review & Giveaway!

                                 

 

 *I received complimentary lotions for review in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions*                                     

Mother's Therapy Organics is a woman-owned company that strives to provide parents with healthy options for our children.  They pledge to use safe, natural, and organic ingredients in all of their children's cleansing products; their dedication to the health and well-being of children is paramount.                                                                                            

Photo Credits: Mothers Therapy Organics

We go through so much hand sanitizer in our house, I literally keep a bottle just about everywhere from the car, my purse, diaper bag, changing table, Little Miss' backpack, and so on.  Although hand sanitizer is great for getting rid of nasty germs and what not, it does come with some draw backs, it can leave your hands very dry, some leave you with a nasty sticky feeling that makes your hands feel grosser then they were before you used it YUCK!, and almost all of them leave behind a strong alcohol smell that is anything but pleasant.  I am constantly trying new types hoping to find one thats a little easier on the hands, so I was more than happy to try out Mother's Therapy Organics in hopes of finding a good sanitizer.

Mother's Therapy Organics was nice enough to send us some of their products to try!  They sent me a bottle of Baby Lotion, Germ-fight'n Hand Lotion, and Hand Sanitizer for review.  

Pretty much every parent I know uses hand sanitizer because let's face it, kids want to touch everything and we want to protect them from all those nasty things they are touching.  I have to say this hand sanitizer is great!  It doesn't leave your hands sticky, it leaves my hands softer then they were before I used it, and it drys way faster than any other sanitizer I have tried, which is especially great for my kids who are to impatient to sit and wait for hand sanitizer to dry before touching something else.  Mother's Therapy Organic Hand Sanitizer is formulated using pure organic and natural ingredients and has a clean cucumber scent.

Baby C has very sensitive skin, I have tried a few lotions on him that have caused him to break out with a rash, so I am always very cautious about what I put on him.  I started out with just a little bit on one of his arms for a few days once I felt confident he wasn't going to have a reaction to it I started using it all over his body and we haven't had a problem.  It has been keeping his skin very soft and smooth!  It has been specially formulated for young tender skin using the purest organic and natural ingredients such as organic aloe vera, chamomile and shea butter.

I love the Germ-fight'n Hand Lotion!  I keep this by my kitchen sink because I wash my hands a million times a day and they get so dry, now I just add a dab of this after washing them and it has kept my hands feeling great.  It doesn't leave my hands feeling greasy like a lot of other lotions do which I like, and it smells good to!

Mother's Therapy Organics also offers Hand Sanitizer Dispensers for schools, shopping centers, workplaces, and they donate to non-profit organizations.

I would highly recommend Mother's Therapy Organics, I love that their products are all natural and organic.  Their products leave your hands feeling and smelling great!

To Purchase:  Visit Mother's Therapy Organics to purchase some for yourself!

To Win:  Mommys Craft Obsession and Mother's Therapy Organics are giving one lucky winner a family pack of hand sanitizers!  Fill out the Giveaway Tools Form below for you chance to win!

Entry-Form

Congrats Marcia Lee!

The Giveaway will close late on the evening of December 29th. The winner will be chosen at random through  Giveaway Tools.  The winner will be announced both on Giveaway Tools form as well as notified by email and announced on MCO’s Facebook. The winner will have their prize sent to them by Mother's Therapy Organics, Mommys Craft Obsession is not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. US Only. This review is 100% original and in my own words. Everything written is from my own personal view point and opinions and I have not been influenced by any outside sources. What works for me, may not work for you. All photos have been taken by me unless stated otherwise. I have been provided with product to review by Mother's Therapy Organics however I have not been compensated monetarily for this review. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Shelby's Snack Shack Game Review & Giveaway

*This giveaway is hosted by Crunchy Livin Mama Style. Mommys Craft Obsession has not received compensation for this review/giveaway*

MCO is very excited to help host this giveaway! I hope you enjoy!

I like to include a lot of fun hands on activities and games into our homeschooling lessons.  For my son, as well as other young children, learning through play is what they are most receptive to.  I was recently given the opportunity to receive the game Shelby Snack Shack from Educational Insights in exchange for my honest review. My son adores the game and I'm excited to share our experience with you!

Educational Insights is offers lots of awesome toys, games, and classroom tools for today parents, teachers and children.  They have many different options for both parents and teachers that are not only fun for children, but also a way for hands on learning.  Their products are designed by educators and parents to provide a way to make learning extra fun! Their website also makes it super easy to find the material that you are looking for by grouping products by category or theme depending on what your lesson's needs are. 

We were sent the Shelby's Snack Shack game to try out with my 4 year old.  It is a preschool counting game based around the adorable puppy, Shelby.  She has buried bones throughout the sand on the beach and needs help collecting them into her bowl.  Whoever collects the most bones wins.  Children take turns spinning the spinners to see how many bones they are to collect, steal from another player or get 'taken by a seagull' and have to put back - or worse - get caught chewing a flip flop and lose their turn! ;) Players will use the 'Shelby Squeezers' to pinch and pick up the bones from the beach.

Not only is the game great at practicing number and counting skills, but it also helps children develop and work toward masterings their fine motor skills.  By using the Shelby Squeezer to collect the bones, children are working on their pinch grip.  With the pincer grip, children are able to use their thumb and pointer finger to manipulate objects - in this case the pincher to move the bones to the bowls.

Not only does my son ADORE this game - even wanting to do my turns for me - I've seen lots of progress in his pencil grip and writing since we received the game.  This has been a struggle for him for a bit and playing Shelby's Snack Shack has been a fun help.  He now has mastered writing his name by himself. He asks to play every day, even multiple times a day! I love that we're able to share in some fun play time that is also beneficial on many levels! 

Be sure to check out Educational Insights and all the amazing resources they offer by visiting HERE.
Also, connect with them on 

Facebook . Twitter . YouTube . Pinterest

NOW IT'S YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A SHELBY'S SNACK SHACK GAME!

Entry-Form

This giveaway will begin December 13th and run through December 30th at 11:59pm. The winner will be chosen at random through Giveaway Tool. The winner E-mailed and given 48 hours to claim their prize. They will then be announced on the Giveaway Tool. The winner will receive the prize shipped to them from Educational Insights. Crunchy Livin Mama Style and any other participating blog is not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Open to US and Canada residents only.

Disclosure: Mommys Craft Obsession was not compensated for the promotion of this giveaway. All opinions are our own and were not influenced in any way.  Keep in mind what works for us, our children or our families may not work for you. The sponsor will be responsible for prize fulfillment. Crunchy Livin Mama Style and any participating blogger is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Google, and any other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway in any way. This disclosure is done in accordance with the FTC. If you have any questions regarding this post, please email Sam at Crunchylivinmamastyle@gmail.com.

Svan's Play With Me Toddler Table Set Giveaway

 

  *I did not receive compensation for the promotion of this giveaway* 

MCO is very excited to be participating in this giveaway! This is a beautiful table set that I would love to get for Little Mister!

Sometimes kids just need kid-sized stuff. Kid-sized food, kid-sized clothes, and even kid-sized furniture. Svan's Play-With-Me Toddler Table & Chairs is the perfect size for your child, and designed to promote child and parent interaction. The set includes a beautiful bentwood table, three chairs for children, and a stool sturdy enough for Mom or Dad to join the fun.
Crafted of high-quality, solid birch wood, this table set is built to stand the tests of time and kid use – art projects, tea parties, games, and other activities. Its modern Scandinavian design complements any décor – from a bedroom or playroom to the living room or home office. This set is the perfect addition to any kids furniture collection. To find out more about this gorgeous set you can check out Conservamoms review here.

Thanks to the wonderful people at Svan you have an opportunity to win one of these sets. In your choice finish! Just fill out the rafflecopter below for your chance to win. Giveaway ends on 12/28 at 11:59pm. Open to US & Canada.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This Blog is not responsible for fulfillment/Shipment of prize. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google, or any other social media outlet. Conservamom will not be responsible for prize shipment. If you have any questions, please email mome@conservamome.com. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

My List of Christmas Traditions

Christmastime is the time of year to be around family and friends and to share your kindness and love. Every year around this time I get a warm and fuzzy feeling my soul and I practically skip around town whistling Christmas songs. Okay so maybe I don't skip but that was a pretty funny visual right?

This time of year there are a few traditions that I like to uphold and although moving away from my family has made some of these traditions a little bit of a challenge, I still try to fulfill them as best as possible!




Tradition #1 - Christmas decor goes up the day after Thanksgiving. 
This year it actually went up the day before Thanksgiving because I was bursting at the seams, but I never put it up later than the day after. One of my favorite things about Christmas time is the bright lights and festive decor, so I always do what I can to get it up early so I can enjoy it that much longer.

Tradition #2 - Try [to bake] a new Christmas cookie every year.
This year I successfully made biscotti for the first time and it is delicious! I used a recipe that a close friend of mines mom gave her that had actually been passed down for generations in their family. I felt pretty special, I'm not going to lie!

Tradition #3 - Get Christmas gifts purchased and wrapped (and nowadays, sent out), as early as possible. 
I'm one of those who loves to shop on Black Friday..not only for the deals, but because it gets my shopping out of the way so that I can enjoy the festivities of December. I would rather have all of the gifts purchased, wrapped, and sent out so that I don't have to stress the closer it gets to Christmas! I'd rather hang out and watch Christmas movies then stand in line at the Post Office!

Tradition #4 - Go "Christmas Light Looking".
About a week or so before Christmas I like to drag everyone that I can fit in my car out to go drive around and look at Christmas lights. We started doing this when I was a kid and it's something that I always knew I'd want to do with my own children. It's so much fun to grab hot chocolate, put on your PJs and just drive around, admiring the handiwork of Christmas lovers all over your town!

Tradition #5 - Open gifts with the family. 
This is so much harder to do from another state but every Christmas morning when I was growing up we would gather at our house and open gifts together in our PJs. I use to love seeing what Santa would bring and would always drive my mom crazy by waking up around 5am to do so. Now that we live in another state we all sit around Christmas morning together…via FaceTime…and carry out the tradition. It's one that I love and cherish every year not because we are receiving gifts, but because we're watching Little Misters face light up with each gift that gets unwrapped. It's priceless.

What are you Christmas traditions?

10 Things I Vow to Teach my Daughter

When I found out I was pregnant I wanted nothing more then to be blessed with a little baby girl, so when I found out that my first child was in-fact the little princess I had been dreaming of, the love and joy were so much more than words could describe.  I want nothing but the best for her in this crazy world!

I am very close to my mom she is my best friend and biggest supporter, I am thankful everyday that I was blessed to have such an amazing woman in my life, that has taught me so many valuable lessons on growing up and being a woman, I want nothing more then to be there in the same way for my precious Little Miss.  

After reading Alex’s 10 Things I Vow to Teach My Son, it got me thinking about all the important things in life my mom taught me and what I want to teach my daughter.  As a mother it is so important for me to pass down to her all the things I have learned and teach her to be the best that she can be!

Dear Little Miss,

I want you to have everything in life that your little heart desires, but you need to know that it isn’t easy, life has all kinds of crazy ups and downs and you have to learn to roll with it!  I will be here to encourage you every step of the way!  Here is a few things I want you to know...

10.  Nothing in life is free.
Don’t be afraid to work hard for what you want, nothing in life comes for free.  The harder you work the more you will appreciate it.

9.  Be happy!
Dance in the rain, sing in the shower, give yourself time to stop and smell the roses because you and only you control your happiness, don’t ever let anyone take that away.

8.  Beauty comes from the inside.  
I think it’s important to take pride in the way you look, but what really counts is whats on the inside.  No matter how beautiful you are on the outside if your ugly on the inside thats what people will see.

7.  Learn to say NO! 
While it’s not something I like for you to say to me, it is definitely something you need to learn to say to boys and peer pressure.  I want to teach you to listen to that little feeling in your stomach that tells you something isn’t right and will probably get you into trouble, it’s usually right!

6.  Don’t rush into marriage.
This is a huge decision in life take your time to find your perfect man.  Your Daddy and Papa are great examples of how a man should treat a woman.  Use them as an example on what to look for in a husband.  Don’t settle for anything less then perfect because you deserve the best, and you may just get lucky like Nana and I did!  

5.  Learn from your mistakes.
Don't dwell on them and let them bring you down, but know that failures are a part of life to learn from.  In every mistake there is a potential for growth.

4.  Have confidence and be true to yourself.
Never be afraid to speak your opinion or stand up for yourself.  Never pretend to be someone or something your not.

3.  Give respect.
If you give respect you will get it in return and thats what you deserve.  Never settle for anything less.  

2.  Love yourself!  
Love yourself first and everything else will fall into place.

1.  I will love you no matter what.
No matter what choices you make whether I agree with them or not, through the good times and even the days you think you hate me, you will always be my little girl and I will love you no matter what!

Love,

Mommy

What do you vow to teach your daughter?

Mohawk Rug Giveaway!

Welcome to the Mohawk Home Rug Giveaway from Everything Mommyhood!

Mommys Craft Obsession has teamed up with Everything Mommyhood and Mohawk Home, to offer our readers a chance to win a rug or rugs up to $100 value! You can choose from doormats, kitchen rugs, bath mats and more.

I am very excited to bring you this giveaway! It'd make the perfect gift for you or a loved one! 

About Mohawk Mohawk sells floor covering and textiles for every room in the home and for every commercial application. Hardwood flooring, laminate flooring, ceramic tile flooring, stone and marble flooring and, via an exclusive distribution agreement with Congoleum, vinyl sheet flooring are among the newest Mohawk product offerings. What’s more, the company now offers woven bedspreads, tapestries, pillows, throws and window blinds. Mohawk products are found in major retailers across the country and the world. From Home Depot to Bloomingdales, from Lowe’s to Macy’s, from Target and Wal-Mart to specialty boutiques in large cities and small towns. Mohawk is making the world a more beautiful place.

Check out Everything Mommyhood's Mohawk Anton Area Rug Review.

Now for the giveaway!One lucky winner will receive the rug/rugs of their choice up to a $100 value from Mohawk Home.US Residents 18 and up. One entrant per household. Void where prohibited by law. Winner will be chosen randomly via the Giveaway Tools entry form and will be emailed. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize before a new winner is chosen. Giveaway ends 12/24/2013 at 11:59pm CST.

Entry-Form

Disclosure: This blog was not compensated in anyway. Everything Mommyhood received the above mentioned prize for the promotion of this review and/or giveaway. All opinions are 100% our own and were not influenced in any way. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google, and any other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway. Everything Mommyhood will not be responsible for prize shipment. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. If you have any questions, please email EverythingMommyhood@gmail.com.

Ten Things I Vow to Teach My Son

Whether I care to admit it or not, raising a little boy is harder than it seems. I like to think that my son walks on water and I probably always will, he is my little boy after all, but I often find myself thinking about whether or not I will instinctively raise him right.

No mother wants to think about the fact that her little boy could grow up and not be a perfect gentleman but when you think back to when you were a teenager/young adult, were the boys that you were around?






The guys I knew back in high school and collage were less than perfect and looking back, it's the "nerds" that I wish I had gotten to know better…they were the good guys. Thankfully I met Mr. Hunky in college and he was the total package, so all I can hope is that we raise our son to be the total package as well.

When I think about the life lessons that I want to make sure I teach my son, they're not your standard lessons like "practice makes perfect" or "go to college and get a better job", but they're things that I have observed over the years and want to teach my son about.

Dear Little Mister,

You know you mean the world to me and there is nothing more in this world that I love more than watching you grow. I want to give you the best life that I possibly can and teach you all the things it means to be a man. So lets start with these 10...

10. It may seem like the nice guys finish last, but that ends as soon as you graduate high school. Throughout high school it's typical that the girls will flock to the 'bad boys' but as soon as they graduate all they'll want is a good guy, especially when they're ready to settle down!

9. It's never O.K. to wear your pants so low that your butt hangs out.
Just don't do it, you'll look ridiculous.

8. You're never to cool to dance.
Don't be the guy who's hanging out on the wall at the dance when everyone else is having a good time. As cool as you think you are, you're never to cool to dance. Ever.

7. Tell your family you love them every day.
Life is to short to not tell your loved ones that you love them. Say 'I love you' before you leave for school in the morning and before you go to bed at night. The more the better.

6. We will love and support you no matter what.
I don't care if you're popular or not, an athlete or a scholar, a straight A student or a student who gets C's & D's. I don't care if you make mistakes or don't make them enough. We will love and support you through anything. 

5. Never be ashamed of anything. Not your mistakes, not your friends, not your family, and especially not yourself.
Don't let others sway you into thinking you're not good enough or that you're a failure. Don't let others make you think that your friends aren't cool enough or your family is lame. And most of all don't let people get in your head and think that you're lame. Because you're not. You're amazing and unique.

4. Be responsible for your actions.
If you screw up, own it and learn from it.

3. It's important to remember that you live in the moment.
Each day is a gift. Always be thankful for what you have, try new things, love as much as possible, and laugh. Live in the moment, be present. 

2. Respect your elders.
I don't care if they make you mad or make you feel like a kid. I don't care if they drive slow or walk like turtles. If they're older than you they deserve your full respect. Period.

1. It's never O.K. to disrespect a woman or be a womanizer.
This is the biggest. Do NOT be a player. Do NOT purposely break a woman's heart. Don't have multiple girlfriends or sleep around. Do not be a womanizer. I will lock you in your room for all of eternity if you do. And if you've already moved out, guess who's moving in with you!


Love,

Mom

What would you add to this list?