Wednesday, December 31, 2014

SubMom style

Ya got "dubstyle" "gangsta style" and countless other styles. But, here's a shout out to all my Mommas rocking the "SubMom" style. Haven't heard of it? Well, it really is a thing...I just decided. SubMom style - classic suburban mom. Drives a minivan or some sort of hybrid/crossover utility vehicle. The cool outfit consists of yoga pants/leggings, who knows what kind of shirt covered by their ski vest or North Face jacket, ponytail and dark sunglasses (to hide the nonexistent makeup and dark circles under their eyes). Typical hangout is school carpool lines, playgrounds and Target.  They are cool enough to have a "crew", a really loud and rambunctious "crew"...usually 2 or more depending on the size of their "brood". And, this crew is ALWAYS hanging around! Don't forget the Starbucks coffee mug...she's been partying with that crew all night. Oh, and her skills are off the chain! She can nurse a baby, make dinner, help one child with common core math and quiz another child on their spelling words all at once...AND still remember all the words to Rob Base's "It Takes Two" plus quote the entire movie, Goonies. But, don't you dare try to ask her what she did all day...she's way too cool to be bothered with little details like that! It's all a blur anyway.... Got the SubMom style?? I'm sure you do...and I bet your friends do, too! Rock it loud and proud!!! Slip on those yoga pants, pull that hair back and grab another cup of coffee! And, if you ever find yourself in your mom car alone headed to the grocery store to pick up your online shopping order....crank up that music, sip on that Starbucks and rock it like it's 1999!!!! Happy New Year to all my rockin' moms!!!

Friday, December 19, 2014

The Facebook post that ruffled my feathers and got me thinking...

 Ok...if you have been on Facebook for even one second this season. I KNOW you have seen this post! It's been blogged about, fussed about, heralded and I have even seen it shared in a few of my local online marketplaces.  It's a "plea" from a Mom to all parents to "keep it small" when it comes to Santa. Basically, level the playing field with gifts from Santa to spare other childrens' feelings who may not receive the same caliber of gifts due to financial circumstances. Read below and then let's chat....
So, let me be honest and just say when I first saw this, my response was, "Tell me what to give my kids from Santa?!?!?!" And then I thought...and couldn't stop thinking. Well played original poster, well played. Instead of strategizing my, umm Santa's, gift giving...what if I used that energy instead to really focus on the life lessons I want my children to carry with them everywhere they go? Lessons that are way bigger than who got what for Christmas. Lessons that will hopefully become an integral part of their just "being". So many things ran through my mind and here are some of the top winners...NOT in order of importance.

1. Don't brag....it's tacky. 
And, remember...there is a difference between giving yourself a "shout out" for well earned accomplishments and true bragging. Bragging is consistent and done to show others how awesome you think you and your stuff is, and theirs isn't. Bottom line...people don't care about your stuff and it's just rude. Enjoy your goodies and consider sharing with others especially if you and your stuff are really "all that" 

2. Give to others, always. 
Give, give, give. Give your resources, give your time, give your talents, give YOU! Back to the original post... No, not every child is as privileged as the next. More than understanding that no, not every child is receiving an iPhone from Santa this year, by the way...neither are mine, I want them to understand so much more. I want them to understand that there are children who do not know if they will have dinner or breakfast, children who are drinking and playing in toxic water, children who live in war torn lands and are worried about just staying alive. I want my kids to be less worried about leveling the material gift giving field and more concerned with leveling the right to a safe, loving, nourished life for all children. 

3. Understand the REAL reason for the season.
For our family, the REAL reason for the season is the birth of Jesus. Yes, I know historically Jesus was not born on Dec 25...it's just a time carved out of the calendar to pause and celebrate this gift. We also enjoy Santa but it is a side note to the holiday. A super fun side note but not top billing by any means. Truth be told, gifts are a last minute thought. We JUST began and finished shopping for our kiddos this week...9 days before Christmas. And, that's early for us.  We are most excited about having some time away from school and work to just "be together".  Figure out what your real reason for the season is and share with your children.

4. Everyone is different
I have put a lot of effort into teaching my children that the reason for the season is different for everyone and everyone celebrates in their own way. And, p.s., not everyone celebrates. And, guess what else? That's ok!! We go to church on Christmas Eve, our neighbors may not...that's cool. We enjoy Santa, some of my children's friends' families do not practice...that's cool. Santa consults with each parent on the gifts they would like their children to receive. Yes, I've said that. I have even gone as far to explain to my children that Santa is very respectful of all families and their choices this season. Who knew Santa was so PC??? Seriously, deep in my soul I am an "I'm ok , you're ok" kind of person. And, I want my children to be, too.  We all have to share this space in our world and a little kindness, understanding and compassion will go a long way. I'm not going to tell you how to live your life and I would appreciate it if you would not tell me how to live mine. There's one disclaimer...I'm ridiculously Southern so if I don't like how you are living that life of yours, I'm gonna pray for you 😉

5. Speak less, Do more
You know the old saying "Actions speak louder than words"? It's truth people! Spend less time talking about what you're gonna do and just do it! And, guess what, you don't need an audience.  Some of the most amazing things you will do in life, no one else will even know about it. That's what will make it so amazing!

So, thank you original Facebook poster who tried to tell me what Santa should give my children for Christmas. You got me thinking about so much more!  Things that will stretch way past Christmas morning. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, beware of Krampus and Happy Winter solstice to all of my readers. Plus happy whatever else you may or may not participate in. And, to my fellow Santas...you do yours and I'll do mine 😉 And, remember, don't brag...it's tacky.