Happy #AskAwayFriday Everyone! I’m so glad to be a part and have you visit once again! This week I get to connect and share with Christy from Uplifting Families. She is an amazing woman, mother and encouragement to Mothers and Families who may come across struggles in their lives and women, supporters and most importantly Mothers.
Head over to Christy’s site and you’ll find helpful advice on many topics including, pregnancy, breastfeeding and the many issues we may face during parenting. Christy is a loving mother and wishes to share her experiences and the lessons she’s learned from them to Uplift and Encourage other families who may be going through similar times.
Christy gave me 10 questions that she felt her Reader’s would find helpful. I’m definitely no expert on motherhood but I have learned that to give my best is the absolute best I can do for my Kiddies. So here goes…
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What is your best advice for new moms?
Stay calm. Breath. Allow yourself to make mistakes. If you need a minute, take a minute.
The biggest lesson I had to learn as a new mom was that my son was resilient. He wouldn’t break or even leave me if I messed up. Yes, infants are reliant on you BUT they are also instinctive and will let you know what they need, want and desire. You simply need to listen and pay attention.
There were many times I would feel frustrated and overwhelmed. If you get there, don’t stay there. Take a moment. A baby can cry. Lay them down and walk away for a bit. Gather yourself and return. Never try to simply deal with everything in the midst of frustration or even anger. I used to get so angry at myself when I didn’t know what he wanted. Then my grandmother told me: “He will teach you simply be willing to learn”
Don’t try to be a SUPERMom from Day 1. It isn’t possible. There are elders, grandmothers, aunts and outside resources available. Accept advice, opinions and support as much as possible. Seek it out. Filter according to what feels right for you but don’t shut yourself off and think you can do it all yourself.
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I was a teen mom as well when I had my oldest and it wasnt easy but we are a great encouragement to all teen moms. What would you tell a teen mom if she came to you and confided that she was pregnant?
I’ve had this experience a few times and I always relied on my faith and God’s guidance as to what to say according to each individual. All situations and people are different and you can never have a template approach to anyone.
That being said, I usually tell my own story of Teen Pregnancy and how I handled it. Unfortunately everyone may not have the same support system I had in my Grandmother. So I try to offer myself and any other resources I can find to be available to them to help them in their situation.
Being a Teen Mom does not have to be a stigma or even a mark upon the rest of your life. The key word in Teen Mom should be MOM. You are going to be a Mother. Period. Yes, you may be starting earlier than society or anyone expects but your main focus and responsibility should be on trying to learn how to Mother not worrying about how people view you because of your age.
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Did you breastfeed your children? Why or why not?
I breastfed all of my children. Initially it was because of my financial situation as a Teen Mom but then I actually did the research and learned how beneficial it was to my child and even to myself. Once I learned that, I made the choice to continue breastfeeding with all of my children regardless of my financial situation.
Breastfeeding is a great way to give your baby nutrients and natural protection from germs and sickness throughout infancy. Simply put I want to give my child whatever help I can to protect them as they grow. To me I felt that was by giving them the best nutritional foundation I knew.
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Did you have any weird or unusual cravings during your pregnancy?
Ha! Which one? Let me see, with my oldest I was always craving random condiment type things. Grey Poupon, Sweet Relish, Olives! OMGosh I would eat an entire jar of Olives in one sitting. LOL
With my Big Girlie (oldest daughter) I wanted Baskin Robbins ice cream like desperately. I mean to the point where my Hubby and I drove to about 12 different locations looking for the Pink Bubble Gum flavor. Not sure if you know but Baskin Robbins releases certain flavors seasonally and some locations offer them while others don’t.
I was calling and tracking down that flavor for weeks. I ended up with a stockpile of about 12 quart containers. Aaaah! I was so happy! I have the BEST Hubby because he drove me all over TimBuckTwo looking for them and arranging for stores to hold them while I made the trip. I think the furthest we went from home was about 45 minutes. LOL Ummm….needless to say I had to eat that one on the way home. i mean it would have melted if I didn’t! Right? 😉
During my pregnancy with my Baby Girlie (youngest daughter) I was living in Hawaii for the end of my pregnancy and Hubby would by me this amazing Guava Juice by the case! Ooooh I wish I could have some now but I haven’t found it here yet.
When I was pregnant with my Buddie (my youngest boy) I wanted Taco Bell nonstop. Specifically the Double Decker Taco! Ooooh! I think I want one NOW! 🙂
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How do you juggle being a wife, mom, and find time to blog?
That’s just it. I ‘juggle’. I try to make sure that I am doing something within every area at least once during the day. I’ll put a load a laundry in then check my e-mails. Once the load is done I switch it to the dryer and then reply to comments. Then I’ll take a minute and do breakfast. As the Kiddies eat I’ll start a post…etc. I am the multi-task Queen! LOL
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What is your favorite quick recipe that you fix for your family when you are in a hurry or need a quick meal?
Hmmmm….my quickest non-processed meal would be BBQ Baked Chicken, Mac&Cheese and Veggies. It’s the kind of meal once the initial prep is done I can pretty much set it in the oven and have it on the table in about 30 minutes.
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Do you and your family have any Thanksgiving traditions?
We don’t really have any specific traditions. We make Thanksgiving all about being ‘together’. We recently stopped traveling and visiting other family members homes and made it all about US. Hubby and I both make dinner and we spend the day watching movies, listening to music, playing video games and simply enjoying each other.
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What is your favorite bible verse?
Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” (KJV)
This is my all time favorite scripture for many reasons. I even have a weekly LinkUp on Saturday’s based off the premise that in every situation there is a GOOD within. I invite people to come share the stories of their #828Blessings those things they may not have seen as good but then God turned it around and worked it out. Or even the random #828Blessings you have in your day-to-day life that simply make you pause on God and His goodness.
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What visions do you have for your children?
Where would you like to see them go in life?
My vision for my children is to grow in their faith and the foundational values I am hopefully instilling in them. I want them to become a positive impact on society and those around them.
I would love for my children to go wherever their deepest passions lead them in life. at this point it changes daily but I pray that God reveal what their purpose and callings are and help guide them along those paths.
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If you could spend a day doing whatever YOU wanted, what would you do?
Hmmm. My Hubby is honestly my Best Friend and it isn’t often that we get anytime that is set aside simply for us as a couple. I would love to have a getaway where we could both relax, be pampered and enjoy a full 24 hours simply loving and BEing together.
Christy had some really awesome questions for me. I hope that they bring encouragement and help to someone who reads them. Now don’t forget to go visit Uplifting Families to see how Christy answered my questions.
Once you’ve check out my answers be sure to go by Penny at The Real Housewife of Caroline County to check out the LinkUp and all the awesome Bloggers who are also telling a bit about themselves today 10 questions at a time.
If you are interested in joining for the the next #AskAwayFriday, feel free to contact Penny or any of the other Bloggers already involved. I promise, you will get to meet and know some awesome Bloggers each week!
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33 thoughts on “#AskAwayFriday W/Christy From Uplifting Families”
I also breastfed for financial reasons, but of course there are a host of other good reasons if you can. And I craved olives too! Olives, pickles, tacos, ice cream. Sounds about right to me.
My recent post PinkWhen Jen and I!
Wow! I can’t believe how many ladies craved olives! I thought I was a weirdo. LMBO.
Hello Lovely,
I craved olives with my boys too! LOL! Your kids will grow up to be successful because you are a great momma!
My recent post Ask Away Friday
Hi !! That\’s so funny 🙂 I still love olives…lol
Thank you so much. That means a lot coming from someone I see as a great Momma too 🙂
Loved reading about your cravings! Too funny! Isn't it crazy the stuff our bodies will want when we have all those hormones? 🙂
My recent post Ask Away Friday with Sarah!
Thanks! Those were only my major cravings…my taste buds go all out when I\’m preggers! LOL 🙂
You did well, through it all. Look at the lovely young lady you are today, the good mother and wife. Be very proud. I was 21 when I got pregnant, 22 the day after giving birth (my son can't forget mama's birthday :), and I hid it as long as possible. I was tiny and didn't show until over 5-months. I was scared, felt shame, it was a bad relationship as well. It took much of the joy of being pregnant away, I wish that part was different. With that we build strength and become a better person. Love your family time!
My recent post #AskAwayFriday #15
Thank You 🙂 I did a lot of hiding during my pregnancy until I realized I had a right to be happy.
I love that you made Thanksgiving about you and your family. It sounds like you have the best relationship. I love hearing about your movie night and dance parties. I can't wait until the girls are a little bit older so we can do the same!
My recent post Ask Away Friday: Week 15
Thanks! We had to. A Holiday based on being Thankful for the important things became a stressed filled day of travel and just getting where we had to be. We lost focus. He is truly my Best Friend-I love our Holiday moments 🙂 Oh you will have so much fun! Our Kiddies have been movie buffs almost from birth LOL!
I loved reading more about you! I want to breastfeed my next child, I did a little with my first but I was so stressed out from her being in the hospital for so long my milk dried up but I am determined to do it the next time around! I dont look young but I remember being adamant about wearing my ring while pregnant because people were quick to judge on that end too! Its crazy…love your comment "people judgements dont make my life I do"!!!
Ohh and I love olives!!! I didnt eat many while pregnant…in the beginning of my pregnancy I would eat lemons!!! I would slice them like an orange and go for it! LOL!!
My recent post #Ask Away Friday
Thank You! You definitely should if you can. It’s not just healthier but it is an awesome bonding time.
I still eat my olives (have a jar right now) and I used to eat lemons like that as a kid. When anyone would order tea at a restaurant I would eat their lemon slices. LOL
After seeing all the food on your page I'm not hungry LOL! I loved your answers and oh you're awesome. 🙂
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Haha! It did the opposite as I was writing it. I was starving by the time I finished!!
PS-Thank You 😉
OMG I mistyped that I meant NOW hungry, DUH SARAH!
My recent post #AskAwayFriday
Awww! I loved reading these! A lot of our feelings about things are so similiar, e.g. breastfeeding, faith, helping your children to have a strong foundation in their faith and "juggling." Reading all of your cravings was pretty hilarious! LOL! I had several of my own depending on what part of the pregnancy I was in. 🙂
Thank you! I\’ve noticed that too. Kindred hearts 🙂 Aaah the juggling! Yes I have become a master multi-tasker LOL
wonderful answers and questions like always! I love your partners blog name! the only thing I craved with the girls is Cheese Fries from Outback specifically but anywhere would do!
My recent post #AskAwayFriday Week #15 with Raising Reagan!
Thanks! Cheese fries are very yummy-especially with bacon! 😉
I'm craving Taco Bell … {No, I'm not pregnant!} But I craved that during my pregnancy too. And I LOVE Manzanilla olives. I'll eat them right out of the jar and if the bartender forgets to put them in my Bloody Mary you bet I'll make sure he gives me double!
Lanaya | xoxo http://raising-reagan.com
Lets just add these to the list of our similarities 🙂 LOL. I have a jar of olives calling my name right now. 😀
I love how you answered these questions! It's amazing what the body goes through during pregnancy. I had the crazy craving of wanting baby powder. I had to have it! I would lick it by the handful. I would sprinkle some on my hands and lick away! LOL crazy huh?
By the way, I am chosencalledcha from Twitter!
Wow! Baby Powder? Now THAT’s a craving… :). Thanks for coming by…headed over to follow you now.
As always, it is so nice learning more about you! I also was a teen mom and know the journey in overcoming that. It is so wonderful of you to share your story!
My recent post Ask Away Friday
Thank you. Yes it can be difficult and at times a toe if stigma but we really have to encourage ourselves and simply move forward.
Such great answers to those questions! I had to laugh at the cravings! Glazed doughnuts, fried taters, Cap N Cruchberries, McDonald's Fries, and can't forget the sweet-tarts! LOL! It is amazing the things our kiddies make us crave!
My recent post Ask Away Friday 15!
Thank You!!! Ooooh McDonalds fries! I can\’t count those in my Kiddies…I want those all the time 😀 LOL
Yet again, I feel like we are kindred spirits! I feel the exact same way about breastfeeding, for both reason you stated; its best for the child and financial. When I was pregnant I loved frozen yogurt, Outshine Natural fruit bars, ice cream…basically any type of frozen treat! The crazy has stuck around since giving birth, although to be honest I loved all of those frozen treats before I got pregnant. I never sent my husband to get frozen treats, but I did send him to get me fruit many, many times. I think it was my number one pregnancy craving. Thankfully I was pregnant during the summer, so all my fave fruits were in season.
My recent post NaBloPoMo | Spoken like a true Night Owl…or at least I used to be
😀 We are! I craved cherries with my oldest Girlie (the ice cream pregnancy) but it wasn\’t as intense a craving as that ice cream. Funny thing she was then allergic to cherries for a bit. LOL
I had my children quite young…
My eldest was born when I was 21… so sadly people judged.
People 'use' to always mistake me for being younger; actually when I was pregnant with my youngest my doctor was about to lecture me. Then she found out I was 27 and apologized…
However, being a young mama is tough.. it's a struggle, but the best struggle my husband & I have ever experienced filled with love.
My husband & I both grew-up with our daughter, and the bond we have because we were young on the hustle to make things work; has only strengthen our relationship.
P.S. I craved olives too! LMBO
Wow. I went through people thinking I was still a Teen in my 20s and after I was married and preggers giving me that ‘look’. It stung but I had to learn people’s judgments don’t make my life…I Do.
PS- That’s Crazy!! I can’t wait ’til you’re EST 🙂
I've been asked if I was the nanny before… I don't know if that's an age, race, or number of children thing 🙂
People are always going to judge, I still get judged. Now, that I'm in my thirties, I'm finally becoming okay with who 'I' am.
Shake them haters off 🙂
XOXO
Me Too!!! I always look at them like ‘really?!?’. You’re right about age being clarity. *Not that we look our ages! Woot-Woot!*. I’m embracing my 30s fully 🙂