Thursday, March 20, 2014

How Parenting Makes us Grow



From the outside looking in, it's hard for anyone to imagine why one would ever want to have children.  You look at this world that now encompasses a new parent and their novel lifestyle, and it becomes confusing and difficult for one to grasp the beauty in the chaos. How does one identify the lust for a messy home, the desire to battle a miniature sized lawyer every day, and the want to live by one never-ending to-do list to the next? The answer is simple: you don't.

You don't dream of those things that become a major part of your life, and you certainly don't think twice about it. In fact, it's not something you think about until you sit down and think. Think about what a parent is really all about, about what your day is like, and what your home is full of. You see, those things that I listed above don't matter, and they never will. Not today, not tomorrow, and certainly not 20 years from now. Those things are a part of your life, but they are not, and never will be your life and what you live for. Twenty years from now, all I will care about is that I was able to build strong relationships with my children and I was able to give them the essential tools in being independent, giving, and strong. And that we had some amazing laughs along the way.

But where did our journey begin, and why did our journey begin? I've thought about that you know. About what lead us to that ultimate decision to start a life? A new life.

I think back when I had this idea of being ready to become a parent. Surprisingly though, I'm not sure that I ever was ready. You see, I had plenty of experience with my nephew for a couple of years prior to having Elliana. I watched him frequently, I spoiled him with gifts {and ridiculous amounts of kisses}, and I took thousands of pictures of him and showed him off to everyone I knew. In fact, there were times that I would accidentally say "Give mommy kisses!" and then hope no one ever heard me. It was an honest accident. I was that aunt, and rightfully so {first baby in the family!} But, I was always ready to give him back. I much preferred the ability to sleep in, to go as I pleased, and to not be tied down with this large responsibility throughout the day {every day}. To have the luxury of getting my baby fix without the permanency of it all.

Then you have your baby, you experience that amazing words-cannot-describe birth of your child, and something in your head changes, something clicks, and you feel more alive than you ever have before. I felt this part of me inside that wanted to be better----better person. Watching your child grow is a powerful thing, no doubt, but watching yourself grow and change in ways you may have never even imagined, is simply dynamic.

To want to get up at the crack of dawn to catch your baby sleeping.
To want to be woken up in the middle of the night to rock them, sing to them, and kiss on their toes.
To want to have this responsibility each and every day of creating a strong person to conquer this world.
To want to be tied down, spit on, and cried at, if that means you get to wake up to another day with this smiling face.
Vince Vaughn said it best in the movie, Delivery Man: "For the first time in my life... I'm doing the right thing." 
I am. I am doing the right thing. We are doing the right thing. We may not be perfect, and we definitely have no desire to be, but we sure are doing it right.

Sometimes it is chaos, and a lot of times we may seem to be overwhelmed, but I hope that when one looks at our world from the outside they see the beauty behind it all. That while it's amazing to watch a child grow, it's even more powerful to watch an adult learn things from someone who doesn't even yet have the power to speak. Those are the greatest teachers out there, and they're teaching me every day to love life a little bit more and to actually live it every day.

 "It may be a bit strange... a bit over sized, but it's my life."- Vince Vaughn, in Delivery Man.

And if you want to laugh and be inspired even more by this parenting gig, then I suggest getting Delivery Man to watch, and to watch it "533" times {that's how many babies Vince Vaughn fathered in the movie}. The Rallis Review describes this movie as "Hilarious and Heartfelt" and I wouldn't have a doubt about it. That's exactly how I would describe parenting in itself.

Bring home this movie on March 25, or order now here.

GIVEAWAY:
For a chance to win $100 Visa gift card, answer this:
"Tell us how your kids have changed you for the better."
Sweepstakes Rules: No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods: Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry. This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winner will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. This sweepstakes runs from 3/20/14 – 4/17/14. Be sure to visit the Delivery Man page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!  

157 comments:

  1. My kids have changed me in so many ways. One of the best is to slow down and enjoy the little things in life. Watching them do something new and maybe in my eyes not that big of a deal and then see them light up about it is the best!

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  2. My child has changed me in ways I do not even realize most of the time. He has made me appreciate little things and take things slow. I am not always rushing now and I stay home more {because it is easier most of the time}.

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  3. How has my child changed me? In every way possible! I don't mind getting up in the middle of the night or early in the morning to that beautiful smile. I've learned to enjoy the little things in life. Plus, my child has brought my husband and I closer together. Watching my husband and our son together brings a whole new level of love into my life.

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  4. My kids have changed my by me not having to be perfect 100% of the time
    vandenbossche3@hotmail.com

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  5. https://twitter.com/618mom23boys/status/446701039907897345
    vandenbossche3@hotmail.com

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  6. I'm due 3 weeks from today so I don't know quite yet how she's going to change my life, but I look forward to all the things you mentioned. Good post :)

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  7. tweet:
    https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/446761530705854464

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  8. Oh gosh, where do I begin? Everything I do, I do with her in mind. I am constantly thinking about how my decisions will affect her. She's made me want to be healthier. I've started eating better and turning our home into a chemical free home. I've learned to just sit back and enjoy the tough moments because they won't last forever. Someday she won't need me as much and I know it'll be hard on me!

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  9. Every day it seems like they change my life in a new and wonderful way. I never knew how much love I could feel, even at the end of a very long day filled with temper tantrums and jelly smeared on the couch and exploding diapers lol.

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  10. My daughter has made me a better woman in more ways than I'll ever be able to describe. Before we had her, I was so caught up on having the dishes done and laundry put away. Now I realize, although still important at some point, it is not a priority. Playing hide and go seek and singing "Wheels on the Bus" is! She has taught me patience, joy, faith, and reminded me of innocence and discovery. I love her more than anything and thank Him for the opportunity to be Mama each and every day! I love her more at the end of every day than I did before, which is crazy to think about, as it seems every day my heart will explode from the amount of love in it!!

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  11. https://twitter.com/nroberts219/status/447009298023845888

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  12. My daughter made me drastically more patient and responsible. She's shown me how to stand in awe and delight for the small things in life too. neyabenz(at)gmail(dot)com

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  13. Parenting is such a challenging job that it has taught me I can succeed at anything.

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  14. Tweet
    https://twitter.com/clc408/status/447106012504268800

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  15. I tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/447119371626754048
    Thanks again.
    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

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  16. having kids made me more patient

    elena150980@yahoo.com

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  17. https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/447195493580279809

    elena150980@yahoo.com

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  18. Made me be more patient.
    austma7@aol.com

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  19. I don't have a kid, but I have a dog who is my "kid". :-) She's taught me to be happier, in general. I love how dogs are always happy!

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  20. My kids have taught me to be brave.

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  21. My kids have taught me better critical thinking as well as making me better at compromising :)   I need both in order to watch out for my kids best interests, as well as balancing freedom with good choices :) 
    anastasia2013@gmail.com

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  22. Tweeted :) - https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/447304548827156480
    anastasia2013@gmail.com

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  23. https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/447370255737032704
    onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com

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  24. That your heart can fill with more love than you could ever imagine.
    onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com

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  25. My daughter has taught me how to love others and to take things simple.





    narrowroad3770@yahoo.com

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  26. They have shown me how beautiful it is to be selfless.

    chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com

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  27. my kids have changed me for the better because i try to be a good example and role model for them, so i am more aware of doing the right things at the right times.
    stigay at comcast.net

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  28. Having children has made me less selfish, have more patience, be more loving and more responsible.
    s2s2 at comcast dot net

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  29. https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/447480124250652672
    s2s2 at comcast dot net

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  30. They have given me patience, understanding, and the ability to unconditional love.
    elysesw@aol.com

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  31. Its made me more responsible and concerned about the future of the country.
    lazybones344 at gmail dot com

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  32. more patience and look at things through children's eyes - simple joys

    tvollowitz at aol dot com

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  33. They have taught me to have lots of patience and given me new perspective on life.

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  34. https://twitter.com/ardy22/status/447590622535237632

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  35. My children taught me selflessness and unconditional love. :)

    Lesha@tothemotherhood.com

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  36. Having children has taught me patience, which was a big problem for me. You cannot be impatient with children at all, and with my new-found patience, it has made other areas of my life better, especially relationships with others. I find the care of children rewarding and watching them grow and change is wonderful.

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  37. my tweet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/447710623531421697

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  38. I can see the happiness, wonder and beauty in the world through my daughter's eyes. It is amazing the little things you appreciate with a child in your life.

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  39. Yes, they've given me a newfound appreciation for life.
    I was pretty depressed until I met my husband and then had my children. I am so happy with them.
    tamarsweeps-at-gmail-dot-com

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  40. I don't have my own kids but the kids at my job remind me that people are resilient in the face of life.

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  41. The biggest thing I learned is that the best part of having kids is the GRANDkids! The holidays are SO much more fun when seen (again) through the eyes of the young.

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  42. She's taught me to see the joy in the little things in life!

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  43. They have helped me to open my eyes and appreciate everything in life.

    rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

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  44. They taught me to give hugs and say "I love you" daily.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

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  45. -https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/448657152828121088

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  46. I'm so much less judgmental than I used to be. I thought I had all the answers, parenting is humbling!

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  47. https://twitter.com/channynn/status/449176283763593217

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  48. Having my daughter made me a more patient person. I was always pretty patient, but with her I learned to make sure I slowed down and enjoy every moment and wait for things, most everything is worth the wait

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  49. I tweeted https://twitter.com/2BeFitBy50/status/449207061860347904

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  50. I learned to try to be a good example as I wanted to raise them right.

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  51. Beside keeping me active, I became a responsible person.

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  52. https://twitter.com/smilekisses/status/449440850875924480

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  53. I've had to let go of some Type A tendencies.

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  54. She taught me patience and unconditional love.

    hewella1 at gmail dot com

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  55. my son has taught me to be selfless, loving, caring, patient, when i didn't think i could

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  56. https://twitter.com/raggammuffin/status/450247162547302400

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  57. Having the kids has helped me learn to trust my judgement and to be more patient.
    thank you

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  58. Tweet https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/450334629862440960

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  59. i'm able to relate to others better

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  60. My kiddos have taught me to not take myself or life too seriously :)
    heatheranne99 at gmail dot com

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  61. Tweet!
    https://twitter.com/ScoomerBlog/status/451005378688344065

    heatheranne99 at gmail dot com

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  62. Having children changed me in so many ways, I definitely became less selfish but more importantly I realized I had to take better care of myself because I was responsible for more than just my happiness in life.
    mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com

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  63. Tweeted
    https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/451076207216295936
    mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com

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  64. they made me a better person ,stronger and more patience

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  65. https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/451174965019029506

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  66. i dont think i knew how to care as much before i had children. kids for sure taught me how to really really love someone

    vanitizebaby@yahoo.com

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  67. tweet https://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/451423202095267840

    vanitizebaby@yahoo.com

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  68. They have taught me to love unconditionally and the true meaning of life. It is about others and serving others. I love them so much! amypugmire@live.com

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  69. tweet. amypugmire@live.com
    https://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/451493778470100993

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  70. my daughter taught me to become patient

    joe gersch

    jtwark@mail.com

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  71. My kids have taught me that it's ok to be crazy and nuts once in a while!

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

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  72. Tweet: https://twitter.com/coriwestphal/status/452983991314825217

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

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  73. I've learned a lot about patience and the power of laughter.

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  74. I only have a furbaby, I was unfortunate and couldn’t carry. But, she is our joy and she brings so much love and happiness to our life.

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  75. https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/453403099776831488

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  76. My kids have taught me selflessness and a deeper love than I've ever known!
    nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

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  77. tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/453683722017968128
    nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

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  78. Kids add so much more meaning to life and help you learn new things

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  79. I learned that even if everything isn't perfect - hey its ok!

    debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com

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  80. My kids have brought out my playful/creative side!
    Addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com

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  81. to put others needs first
    MCantu1019 at aol dot com

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  82. He's helped me step outside my own perspective.

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  83. My daughter has helped me live in the now and see the world through a child's eyes....ahhh the wonder!

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  84. They have showed me how to pause and enjoy the little things in life! mistyharms2@yahoo.com

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  85. My tweet https://twitter.com/mistymarie34/status/454795182710337536 mistyharms2@yahoo.com

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  86. I have changed for the better by putting someone else first and caring more.

    motioncitycutie(at)aol(dot)com

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  87. I have changed for the better by putting others before myself and having more patient. Thanks for the giveaway aunteegem@yahoo.com

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  88. Because I had my daughter at such a young age, I had to grow up quite quickly and become a responsible adult and parent.

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  89. I have 2 sons, 4 and 6. They have taught me to be more patient.
    seyma_bennett@hotmail.com

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  90. The most important thing my children taught me is the importance of patience.

    willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

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  91. Tweet - https://twitter.com/willitara/status/455647759295475712

    willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

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  92. they've helped me be less selfish and more patient pryfamily5@gmail.com

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  93. tweeted https://twitter.com/DaPryz/status/455709180276404224 pryfamily5@gmail.com

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  94. I posted a tweet:

    https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/455896221882658816

    debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com

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  95. Made me realize it's okay not to control everything.

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  96. My son has made me a much more patient person, and he makes me take the time to stop and appreciate the little things.

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

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  97. tweet--https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/456016625637265408

    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

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  98. I am more responsible and organized now that I have kids
    neiddyruiz@gmail.com

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  99. my tweet - https://twitter.com/neiddy_ruiz/status/456050154512986112
    neiddyruiz@gmail.com

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  100. They make you slow down and see the world from a different view. It seems that until you have kids you don't appreciate the little things.....things you used to just walk by and never gave a thought to.

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  101. Tweet:https://twitter.com/njhhb/status/456080564282339329

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  102. My kids have made me to constantly strive to be the best mom I can…I quit smoking 5 years ago for them…I’m always trying to set a positive example for them. I was an adventure seeker before them…now I’m much more cautious about EVERYTHING!

    pittsy82@hotmail.com

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  103. tweeted https://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/456163921649360896

    pittsy82@hotmail.com

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  104. I tend to be a spur of the moment person but having kids changed that for good. You have to plan things out, you have to bring this, that and the other thing. When a kid has to pee, they mean Now not ten minutes from now.

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  105. https://twitter.com/ddx155/status/456187237102002176

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  106. I learned unconditional love! My kids have taught me to enjoy every moment!

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  107. My kids made me realize what and who are important to have in my life and to appreciate every moment.

    njharmonyg at aol dot com

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  108. tweet https://twitter.com/hburmeister/status/456346502260981760
    njharmonyg at aol dot com

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  109. My kids have changed me for the better by making me see life through their young eyes, kids are so positive and see the best in life and other people.
    karenldrake@mail.com

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  110. My kids have taught me to slow down and take the stop and smell the roses philosophy so to speak.

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  111. I am more patient and I enjoy the simple things of life more

    dlatany at gmail dot com

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  112. https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/456455945460011008

    dlatany at gmail dot com

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  113. https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/456464168728543233

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  114. your life become more about them and less about u

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  115. I quit smoking for my little 4 year old daughter because she asked me. After 26 years of the habit I kicked it for her..I want to see her grow up!

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  116. I feel like having kids made me live in the moment, and taught me what was really important. Being a mom is the best thing in my life. I love my kids more than anything.
    4mariemh atgmaildot com

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  117. I consider myself an amazing multi-tasker thanks to my daughter

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  118. My kids have changed me completely. The minute I had my first son I knew that the world wasn't all about me anymore. For the first time I experienced true selflessness. I have 3 grown sons and 2 grandsons now and they are the most important things in the world to me.

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  119. tweet
    https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/456554753346908160

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  120. THEY CHANGED ME INTO A WONDERFUL MOTHER AND TO BE THE BEST PERSON EACH DAY BC OF THEM

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  121. THEY TEACH ME LOVE AND COMPASSION

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  122. https://twitter.com/SkyShyskyk/status/456613873961799681

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  123. My kids have taught me to appreciate the little things and patience.

    fmd518 at gmail dot com

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  124. They have totally made me settle down! lol

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  125. They have taught me unconditional love and provided me with so much joy

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

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  126. My daughter taught me about a love that is unlike any love I'd ever felt before she was born. She made me a better person.

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  127. tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/456650110609281025

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

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  128. My son and grandkids have taught me a love that I had never known existed and that unless you have children, you really can't explain it to someone. I have forever been changed for the good, others lives mean more than mine, joys I never imagined, it's a pure and unwavering love. sweepscat713@aol.com

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  129. My kids taught me patience and letting go to have fun.
    traymona[at]aol.com

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  130. They have taught me to be more patient.
    pokergrl8 at gmail.com

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  131. https://twitter.com/aes529/status/456785814643806208
    pokergrl8 at gmail.com

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  132. my kids have changed my life for the better by showing me how to enjoy the little things in life. life is too short to be mad, just smile and have a good time.

    susansmoaks at gmail dot com

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  133. My kids open my eyes to funniness. I was such a brood and never really was happy with my life and when my kids came along it has been pure joy! They are now adults with kids of their own and they always have fun with their kids by getting involved in projects that they have or vacations and even everyday life. I am proud of them and I am the happiest person on earth.

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  134. My kids have made my alot more responsible and caring.

    rounder9834 @yahoo.com

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  135. https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/456841074065956864

    rounder9834 @yahoo.com

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  136. I became more aware of how small changes can have a big impact.
    discriminating_diva at yahoo dot com

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  137. https://twitter.com/dddiva/status/456847577300758528 discriminating_diva at yahoo dot com

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  138. Patience, unconditional love, and how to remain calm in any situation.

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  139. http://twitter.com/ccboobooy/status/456890861809192960

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  140. Having children has made me appreciate the small moments.

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  141. My kids taught me love, patience and responsibility

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  142. I've never had kids. I think they teach you to live in the moment.

    Thanks for the contest.

    slehan at juno dot com

    ReplyDelete
  143. https://twitter.com/slehan/status/456934535406436352

    slehan at juno dot com

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  144. I understand love so much more and the future is even more important I have a million times more patience. I also use to wish for time to fly by (growup) and now I wish it would slow down. 

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  145. https://twitter.com/eaglesforjack/status/456974393542197248

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  146. They teach me that it is ok for me not to be perfect. Thank you

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  147. Made me more responsible.

    hlee99 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  148. I tweeted at
    https://twitter.com/leedhowell/status/457413000560119808

    hlee99 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  149. Kids make be more responsible.

    ajoy1332 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  150. https://twitter.com/ajoy1332/status/457520923931725824

    ajoy1332 at yahoo dot com

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  151. Children make me more responsive to others' needs.

    eugeniewu [at] gmail-dot-com

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  152. My kids have made me a better person because God has used my children and my parenting in many of lessons for me. My relationship with my children has strengthen my relationship with God in more ways than I can count.

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  153. Tweet: https://twitter.com/HeartnSoulmom/status/458057636747816961

    ReplyDelete


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