God Bless Our Troops

May 25th 2009- Yesterday was Memorial Day and while most of us were either at a BBQ with Family and friends or just relaxing at home........many men and women were fighting for our county and some have lost their lives doing so. God Bless all those who have died while in military service and all those who are still fighting for us everyday! May your God bless you...and keep you safe. For whomever you believe in- may he/she keep you in his/her prayers and keep you safe & warm. This war on terror is a very controversial one and has many people angry and upset. I will not nor ever BELIEVE in this war or think it was the right step to take. However, that doesn't mean that I don't respect and love everyone who is fighting for me and my family. Please- even if you believe in the war, PLEASE RESPECT the men and women who are serving for us. They deserve our utmost respect and admiration. I truly hope you all took a moment yesterday to realize the importance of yesterdays holiday. If not, Please do so now..........................
The troops need our love and support. I hope you had a wonderful Memorial day! Summer is here!!

Night- Joy

Mommy, Am I Fat???

Are you kidding me??? This is what a 4 year old girl asked her mother.....Is she fat?? Is she fat?? I can't get over it. I was thinking about tackling a post on body issues with children for a while now. I wasn't sure if I should, since my opinions on this matter seem to be very strong. BUT- I actually just bought my Woman's Day June Issue this morning....and what do you know-
a 3 page article on Banishing Body Issues. Beautifully written if you ask me! To read the full article click here: http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Health/Momfidence-Banish-Body-Issues.html

We all know society has a big part in the way we see ourselves, however when it comes to our children- the most influential people are the adults in their lives. I personally know parents who tell their young children that they can't have a certain food because they are getting fat....you don't say that to a child- PERIOD. Shame on you. Even backhanded comments can do more damage than good.....Like- are you losing weight? You look so skinny in those jeans.....that is setting them up for thinking negatively about the way they looked prior.... just WRONG! Better comment- you look great or beautiful dress!

Psychologist Dr. Ann Kearney-Cooke has got the fix. Rachel Ray had her on her show in June 2007 and discussed the topic of Kids & Body Image. "I think what we want to teach kids is that there is a lot of different, great-tasting foods out there," says Dr. Kearney-Cooke. "You want them to enjoy them but to also pay attention to when they're hungry, when they're full, and to see their body as a source of information". http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/kids-and-body-image/

Look into your cupboards ladies.....are there candies and cookies and chips and crackers? Juice and soda and Ice cream too?? That's OK! It is!! Having more options for children makes them feel like they have the choice...and you can help them choose wisely. Taking certain foods away from them because you think they are fat- is wrong and only makes them want it more. Snacks are good! Everyone deserves a yummy cupcake! Why not? In my house- these foods are not "special" or "once in a while" foods. There are no Bad food VS Good foods. . Food is food...I am so glad someone else has said it. Its food for crying out loud. If you are the type of parent who harps on looks and weight..you are more likely to raise a child with poor body image. Avoid negative statements about food, weight, looks and shape. Avoid them all together...don't say to your husband- do I look fat? your little girl may overhear you. Just drop the negativity. You are what you are. Some were born with big frames, short and stout frames or tall and lean frames. It is what it is. For some- no amount of diet and exercise will change how they look. Its genetics. For those of you who think happiness is from looking your best....I feel sorry for you. Take it from someone who was "thin" in my younger years....... I strive to eat right, exercise, wear the right clothes etc....I decided not to listen to my family's words about weight/looks anymore. It only matters what you feel inside. I feel great. I am happy, have a husband who adores me, have a wonderful home, beautiful son and some great new friends....Feeding your own self esteem and feeling great emotionally and physically is what it really means to be beautiful. Totally believe that.

Some ways you can help: Have your home be a "no teasing home" and stick to it. Also, of your child is teased at school- do something about- it is unacceptable. Encourage your school to enact policies against size and sexual discrimination, harassment, teasing, and name-calling; support the elimination of public weigh-ins and fat measurements. Lastly, change the way you think about yourself (if it is poorly) and realize that happiness in the root of all beauty!

I leave you with this- "Nobody can be perfect in anything-much less everything"- Paula Spencer



Side note: While not as common, boys are also at risk of developing unhealthy eating habits and eating disorders. Body image becomes an important issue for teenage boys as they struggle with body changes and pay more attention to media images of the "ideal" muscular male.

Thank goodness I am only having one!!! Landon- I love you the way you are & for the Man you will become...No matter the shape, size, color or anything else.

Pictures Tell A Story....

Easter 2009- We went to New Jersey this year to Nana & Papa's House..... Landon loved the Easter Bunny...he kept petting his fur like he does to Chaco & Prince!

That's my Boy!!! He is feeding a deer.....That's right- A Deer!!! This is at WWII Memorial Park in N. Attleboro. They had so many animals there....I am so proud that my little man was not scared!!!
Landon has made many new friends. Here, Mattis, Jack and Landon are looking at the animals at Capron Zoo. They had a blast! Truly a great zoo for little ones!
This is Landon at ImPossible Dream Playground in Warwick. He loves this place. One of his favorites at any playground is Steering Wheels!! He just loves to make them S-P-I-N!
This is Landon in the tunnel at Hasbro Playground at RWPark. He was scared at first...but then loved it!

Little Miss Perfect? My Ass.....

So - not sure what made me stumble upon the channel- But Little Miss Perfect - a reality show about the lives of little beauty queens......was on...and I was entranced by these overbearing, emotional and sometimes violent moms....... I was shocked to see the lengths some of these moms will go to, to ensure that their daughter will win the crown. Only a handful of the moms were just so proud of their child for having fun, or overcoming her fear of the stage, etc.....The Pageant moms were not afraid to speak negatively in front of their children...... One mother told her daughter that they are there to win and if she doesn't want to work hard and win then she is going home...One mom told her daughter that if she wins and only if she wins, they will buy her a new Nintendo DSi. I mean come on- bribing your 6 year old daughter....does that really show that she wants this or is it the mother living through her???? I was mortified just watching this. As a mother of a son, I am still appalled as to the extreme measures these moms go to. They completely make these girls over....fake teeth, tanning, fake nails & eyelashes! This one mother- dyed her 7 year old daughters hair bleach blond ( b/c she says most beauty queens are blond and it will give her more points). The 9 year old son of the same mother said to the camera man- " I stay away from my mother at pageants- she is too crazy for me to handle". Now that is one smart kid! I don't know what I would do if I ever heard that my son thought I was crazy.......that's just not something you want your kid to think of you. Back to this same Pageant Mom- Her daughter didn't even make it to the top 10...and a big reason was her dyed hair- the judges could tell it was an extreme difference to her natural hair color and didn't think it was appropriate. The mom was in hysterics, crying and asking " Why Oh Why?" and starting bad mouthing the other little girls who were in the Top 5. The little girl was fine- she told her mom to stop crying and that she had a fantastic time and would love to do another one......what kind of example is this mother teaching her child??? Makes me so Mad........
To get off topic of these sometimes Monsterous Pageant Moms- what about the judges and the "Little Miss Perfect" organization???? They have said numerous times, they want glitz and glamour, fancy dresses and up do's and amazing Wow Wear. The most plain Jane girl gets overlooked because she is not dolled up enough.....Yet- their tag line in their song is" You are what you Feel". Well- that is bullshit if you ask me. I saw a lovely plain Jane everyday looking girl get passed up because her dress wasn't pretty enough, her hair and makeup was done by an amateur and her Wow Wear was boring......But She was so great!!! Smiled, had fun, Laughed and showed real emotion- But the Robotic, emotionless Dolled up Girl with fake teeth, tan, More makeup than I can ever imagine wearing WON!!! Its Bullshit if you ask me.......
There is a pageant out there that is strictly all natural.......no glitz and glamour needed...just everyday lovely girls showing who they really are.......No makeup is allowed....just chapstick and some blush. I really like that option. It shows girls that it is about true beauty and what's inside does REALLY count!!!! Please teach your children that it doesn't matter what you look like on the outside- but matters who you are and what's on the inside!!! And shame on you for teaching them something other than that!

Everyone is Beautiful in this World..........

Joy

Changed my Tagline......

I changed my tag line from - Because I said so, That's why! -- to-- There is no " I" in Mommy! ....totally fits perfectly......sometimes us moms forget to take time for ourselves.........I try and give myself as much time as I can squeeze away......and when I can't find the time- I MAKE the time....ask for a babysitter, skip the housework for a day or so, etc.....Just take care of me.........It will better your relationship with your children- I guarantee it.....When you are happy, it shows in your mood and your children can pick up on that!

Also- I had a long conversation with my hubby about this blog...and I am so afraid of offending someone with my words, that I wasn't sure of I wan;ted to continue this. But- as my husband said- " Be yourself"- write for you.....no one else...and so I will. This is a TRUE account of my life as a mother and wife and how I juggle all my responsibilities and still find time to take care of ME! You won't find any candy coating in this blog....to the point and sometimes a little harsh- but it will ALL be TRUE and from the HEART!


Night

A new day......

A little bit about me as a mom:
So- not even sure anyone is going to read this.....but here goes......My name is Joy and I am a mom......Moms rock. As a young mom- I am always being judged by older moms and not even moms.....just women in general. I have to sit back an realize that my ultimate goal in life is to raise my son into a man...and a good one at that! If I do that- that to hell with what everyone says about me. Its all about your children from now on.......

Anyways...I love my job- Landon is my boss and he is one tough cookie! I enjoy every minute I am with him- who can honestly say that about their job???? I know it's a little bias since he is my son....but he is the ultimate decision maker as to whether or not I have succeeded in the department of being a good mother to him! I know deep down that when he grows older he will agree that I have done my very best......and that's what truly matters. Their is no perfect mom..and whoever says there is - is full of shit. However- violence should not appear in any form of parenting......In my opinion- that is not parenting- its bullying. I am not, nor will I ever respect anyone who disciplines their child with aggressive force.

on a lighter note- I am hoping this blog impresses my Oh so Talented Hubby....he is an intelligent man- check out his upcoming seminar page- www.blosville.us

I think I had it for today- gonna hit the sack and will update moe tomorrow.......