This Full House Archive

Category: Because Nice Matters!

The Afterglow of Giving Back: Helping Us Get Past Hurricane Sandy

It's been a month since Hurricane Sandy made landfall here in New Jersey (I blogged about our experience, once we got power back) and although the news crews and Weather Channel folks have since moved on to other more immediate and pressing matters (sadly, there is bad stuff happening in the world, all the time) reminders of just how cataclysmic this storm really was remain and, well, the devistation isn't going away anytime soon.

I realize that some folks may be growing tired or even a little weary of hearing about yet another Sandy story (I'm looking at you, dude on my Facebook stream who insisted that Jersey should just get over it already) trust me, we get it.

On the other hand, a large percentage of my husband's customers are small business owners who lost both their homes AND their livelihood, excuse my Jersey when I tell you: he hears it ALL friggin' day. In fact, there are people STILL living it, every day.

Either way, the sense of helplessness is incredibly overwhelming.

So, when my good friend, and fellow NJ Digital Mom, Elizabeth Norton (that's her up there with one of her adorable sons!) suggested we get together and help give back by volunteering to serve dinner to the good folks of Samaritan's Purse (a non-denominational Christian organization providing relief to victims of war, poverty and natural disaster) I was all, like, FRIGGIN'YAH!

I got to share the experience with my oldest daughter and, honestly, she and I were a little nervous about how the evening would play out.

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November 30, 2012
#Blogust: Leave a Comment, Save a Child, Enough Said.
This post is my contribution to the United Nations Foundation's Shot@Life Blog Relay for #Bloglust: 31 bloggers, one each day in August, are writing about people from our communities who have inspired us.

TODAY, IT'S MY TURN TO HELP: EVERY SINGLE COMMENT LEFT ON THIS BLOG POST RAISES $20 TO HELP SAVE THE LIFE OF A CHILD IN NEED.

Here's my story: I started blogging back in 2003 (when blogging was still in diapers) to connect with other parents, share stories and feel a little less disconnected with life outside my front door, beyond all the dust bunnies and diapers.

It was a different time, social media was in its infancy and success was measured by how THRILLED someone felt whenever someone else (besides their mother) actually read and/or took the time to leave a comment on a blog post.

Not many people in my real life knew I blogged and those who did seemed troubled by my writing into all hours of the night: as a mother of four young children, I should be sleeping.

Still, I continued to share my stories, kept up with online friends on my blogroll, laughed along with them, offered a sympathetic ear, an empathetic virtual {{{hug}}} or participate in a meme (or twenty) and maybe even share a blog post that moved me in some way.

The internet continued to grow and, not unlike my kids, the blogosphere experienced its fair share of growing pains. It seemed as if a new controversy would arise with each passing year and I tried, really hard, to focus on my tagline instead: helping to make OTHER mothers feel a little better about themselves, since 2003.

Today? Social media has EXPLODED as new online communities continue to evolve on sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest (to name a few of my favorites) and while I also contribute to these forums (turns out, so do A LOT of my friends and neighbors IRL) they are but a small snapshot, a teaser if you will, of the stories I continue to share here on my blog.

Sadly, many of my longtime online friends are questioning their place on the internet and some folks are even considering the fact that perhaps it is time to step away from blogging: truth be told, me too.

As a mom of teens and tweens, I too can't help but wonder: is anybody really listening? Does anyone still read blogs anymore?

Until, I received this comment on a recent post (entitled "My Kids Think I'm a Stupid Mommyblogger, I Prefer the Term Family Chronicler" ironically enough) from one of my newer blogging friends, Tracie:Thank you, Tracie. You will NEVER know how much I needed to hear this, right now…OH, WAIT!…I just did, okay, NOW you know 🙂

It's folks like you (yes, YOU!) who continually inspire me to contribute to my online community in the best way I know how: by sharing my stories, hopefully, helping to make OTHER mothers (and dads) feel a little better about themselves and THANK YOU SO MUCH for the reminder, my friend.

Okay, now it's YOUR turn. Want to help save a child in need? EXCELLENT!!!

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post:
- Tell us a little about someone who supported or inspired you
- Share a story about a meaningful comment someone made to you
- Or maybe even let them know about it, right here, right now
Here's the REALLY AWESOME PART: every comment left on this post will be matched with a $20 donation (up to a maximum of $200,000) I mean, really, not for nothing, but what an awesome way to help bring home the fact that comments really do matter, right?!?

Just so you know, $20 is what it costs to give one child four life-saving vaccines to help protect them against measles, pneumonia, diarrhea and polio. That's 10,000 children and we can help them ALL with a simple comment.

Yesterday, the amazing Anissa Mayhew of Free Anissa shared her story and now I'm going to hand the virtual baton over to the awesome Jenny Eckton of Formerly Phread…GO JENNY, GO!!!!

You can learn more about Shot@Life by joining their email list, following them on twitter or liking them on Facebook.

OH, AND FEEL FREE TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS: A child dies every 20 seconds from a vaccine preventable disease. We can ALL help stop this. Comment today, comment tomorrow on Jenny's post, heck you can comment every day, if you'd like, we'll leave the porch light on for ya!

Why?

Because comments really do count, nice matters and even old-blog-timers like me still have a story or twenty to share, just sayin'.

© 2003 – 2012 This Full House
August 16, 2012
Feeding Your Inner-Grinch

You know what's annoying, besides the thought of people gifting Lexus-es and diamonds the size of my mortgage, I mean, or is that just me?

Oh, and those stupid "don't jiggle it, when you wiggle it" Old Navy commercials, I mean, seriously, isn't that the reason most people are wiggling it, in the first place?

Because, no amount of active wear is going to keep me from jiggling like a friggling vat of jello, most especially, from the knees up.

Condescending asshats.

Which brings me to my original point (I think) because, I really did start out having one.

[glances at wall calendar]

Oh yeah, now I remember. What IS it with people this time of year?

I get it. It's hard to feel all festive around the holidays, when life hands you a bag filled with crap and stuff.

Still. It's no excuse for folks to act like asshats, is it?

Like, walking across the parking lot at the mall yesterday (a death-defying act, here in Jersey, anyway) helping my SIL shop for new work clothes (she's doing fabulously well with her new wellness plan) and nearly getting run over (twice) by asshats who clearly saw us coming and hit the gas, anyway.

Maybe, because I was jiggling, when I should have been wiggling, no doubt, DAMNIT.

Aaaaand, that's another thing. What is wrong with jiggling? What if I like my jiggle? I mean, raising 2 teens and 2 pre-teens (soon to be 3 teens, hold me!) some of us work REAL HARD to look this jiggly.

Unlike, the poor woman I ran into at the grocery store (literally, vertically-challenged people should like carry a flag or something) as she was tearing into a box of protein bars.

"I didn't get a chance to eat, today."

It was nearly 4 o'clock in the afternoon and, well, been there, done that.

"Yeah, I hear ya', at least it's something healthy, right?"

Then, the poor woman insisted how she really "did eat more than a normal human being should," at Thanksgiving (didn't we all?) she also lost her job, right before Thanksgiving (UGH!) but, is thankful to have friends who will pay her to watch their children (sort of) and how, at this rate, she will NEVER get rid of the extra 10 pounds, yada, yada, yada.

Did I mention, she looked to be about 30 sizes smaller than me?

"Well, sounds like you have enough on your plate already."

[eyes go wide]

"I mean, maybe you should give yourself a break."

Honestly, why do we (mostly, women like you and me) put such pressure on ourselves, all the time? Especially, about our weight? Most especially, around the holidays?

"Sounds to me like you could use a real good hug, too."

She then apologized, telling me I had a nice face, for which I thanked her for, REAL HARD (lucky for me, she turned out to be a real good hugger, too) and then we went on our merry-ish way.

Morale of the Story: Don't judge a person by their jiggle (or, lack thereof) just wiggle alongside, even better, hug them REAL HARD instead, or something like that.

You know, thinking on it some more, maybe people aren't such asshats, afterall…just hungry.

[sound of crickets chirping]

Stupid holiday commercials, dumbass Old Navy.

© 2003 – 2011 This Full House

December 5, 2011
Because, Kindess Really DOES Matter

As parents (tired, wigged-out, sleep-deprived, frazzled and frustrated as we may seem) my husband, Garth (not his real name) and I continually try to teach our kids to, you know, do the right thing.

It's not easy.

Trust me — having been involuntarily drafted to the receiving side of some pretty crappy interceptions, from folks coincidentally resembling the wrong end of a horse — I know.

What, you too, isn't it ironic, totally stinks, too, right?

Still, every now and again, a person comes along, most likely when you least expect it and…WHAM!…reinforces the urge to become a lifelong member of the human race, through a random act of kindness.

Even a simple one, like, after complaining about the rash of winter storms, ripping the h-e-double-hockey sticks out of your beloved American flag (my father has flown one since as far back as I can remember…yes, THAT long) followed by a synopsis of your entire life's story (he can't help it; the man's a storytellah!) and, thinking that you've lost your audience, as she ducks out of the room and runs for cover, then, feeling a gentle tap on your shoulder and receiving the gift of a new flag, from a brand new friend.

That, my friends, will produce tears and make a man's face fold up and fall right in on itself.

"Thank you, SO MUCH!"

Personally, I find the sensation quite exhilarating, I hope it lasts!

You're turn: did you know May is National Military Appreciation Month? According to NMAM.org, there are at least a dozen easy ways to support our military, the easiest one being:

WHEN YOU SEE A PERSON IN A MILITARY UNIFORM, SHAKE THEIR HAND AND SAY, "THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY"

My kids and I did and, well, it felt AWESOME!!!

There are 27 more chances (including today) to thank a soldier and, don't worry, you STILL have plenty of time.

Go ahead, I'll wait.

© 2003 – 2011 This Full House

More Stuff We Like: Recharge Our Troops With the Help of Operation Gratitude

May 4, 2011
For @WhyMommy: Give Cancer the Virtual Bitchslap it Deserves!

Crickett's Answer for Cancer, a Breast Cancer Nonprofit, is supporting women w/breast cancer by providing wigs, mastectomy products, & pampering services. Learn more via Facebook

I bitch about the weather — more specifically, how some folks STILL haven't shoveled their sidewalks, 2 weeks and 2 snowstorms post Snowmaggedon '10 — or, how my kids insist on getting sick, 3 days apart, instead of ALL at once, since Christmas Day.

Because, I can and better out than in, right?

Then, someone I care about, or has impacted my life in some positive way, experiences some serious suckage and, well, DAMMIT!

I'm talking the sort of suckage that leeches its way under your skin, squeezes your heart, melts all the soft squishy parts, rips through your soul and leaves an unidentifiable pile of sludge, in its wake, before the day even begins and, well, these first world problems of mine begin to sound small and a bit whiny, actually.

Comparatively speaking, my life becomes gooder than good.

Although, I have been a longtime advocate for Less Cancer, More Birthdays — my twin brother fought valiantly and gave up one of his kidneys in order to win his battle against cancer — Susan (a.k.a. WhyMommy) is the inspiration behind my taking responsiblity for my own health (for once) and addressing potential suckage that I have ignored for the last 5 years.

This brave and amazing woman took time out to leave a comment, congratulating me, for goodness sake.

Last week, I learned that Susan was diagnosed, this is the fourth cancer/recurrence, in less than four years for Susan and, well, DAMMIT!

I'm calling cancer out. You suck. Enough. No one wants you. I hate you. Go away. Don't make me have to kick your ass. YOU BITCH!

If only words were enough, right? Guess what? They CAN be!

Kristen (a.k.a. Motherhood Uncensored) wrote an awesome post about how she is personally donating $1 for every comment up to 500 comments to Crickett's Answer for Cancer.

This charity provides women with free Lymphedema sleeves, which Susan says is something that helps ease the pain of those undergoing chemo treatment, but is not covered by insurance.

Kristen's words inspired me to donate a little ad money I had sitting in Paypal (thanks, Momma!) and I hope that this little post of mine will encourage others to take action in the fight against the BITCH! that is cancer, too.

Why?

Because, nice matters, cancer sucks big, fat, hairy donkey balls and women, like my friend Susan, should NOT have to answer, "But, why mommy?" ever again, DAMMIT!!!

© 2003 – 2011 This Full House Blog / This Full House Gone Shopping

January 10, 2011
Curse While You’re Thinking
It Saves Time (In Jersey, Anyway!)

Queen Latifah (love her!) gives a really great interview in Parade Magazine, this week:

"There's something about growing up in New Jersey that prepares you for whatever you might encounter around the world. We're not afraid to go places."

Having lived in Jersey, all my life, I feel it safe to say, "What she said!!!"

Contrary to what many other people may think (about people from Jersey) specifically, about moms like me…ahem…we really do know how to use our words and, although we tend to speak with our hands, some of us more than others…ahem…Jersey Girls know how to use their inside voices, too.

[sound of crickets, chirping]

Unless, you've had someone home, sick, since Christmas Eve and then get dumped on by 3 feet of snow (a.k.a. Snowmaggedon) causing you to convince a typically understanding 15 year-old (note: she was the one sick on Christmas) that…YES!!!…celebrating unbirthdays is waaaay cool (IS SO!) oh, and that shopping for last minute New Year's Eve snackage is awesome AND fun (see previous parenthesis) then, some unfortunate a$$hat decides to take your parking space.

[inhales]

You know, the one you've been patiently waiting on for the last eleventy hours.

"ARE YOU FRICKIN' KIDDING ME!"

[puts car in park, rolls up sleeves, swallows gum]

"What are *bleep*ing blind, can't you see me *bleep*ing waiting ovuh-heh?"

[inhales]

"Yah, well, a very Happy *Bleep*ing New Year, to you, too, you morrrrrrr-RON!"

Aaaand, this is about the time I remembered that, you know, my 15 year-old was still in the car and, judging by the look on her face, I just earned myself another reason why I won't be accepting Mother of the Year, again, or anytime soon, for that matter.

[rolls window down]

"Yeah, what SHE said!"

Then again, looking on the bright side, my kids are getting older and, well, worst case, they won't be afraid to call out bad behavior when the see it.

[rolls window up]

"Um…what the heck is an A$$hat?"

Aaaand they seem to be able to show much more restraint than, you know, their mother, already.

"Someone who says or does something, stupid, without thinking."

On the other hand, the lesson would have been MUCH MORE effective if, you know, I had thought to roll the window down…first.

"Can I say it?"

[one beat, two beats]

"Only if someone really, really deserves it!"

So, Happy New Year, everyone…except you.

[rolls down window]

"You stupid, parking-space-stealing, a$$hat!"

What she said!

© 2003 – 2011 This FULL House Blog / This FULL House (Re)Views

January 2, 2011
Random Acts of Zhu for the Holidays: New Jersey & Zhu, Happy Together!

It's been a crazy, busy year — even Santa doubts my being able to finish EVERYTHING on MY to do list in time for eggnog o'clock — then, my youngest daughter (she's 9) asked if she could practice her writing skills and wrote a wonderful post about Christmas.

It made me realize just how GROWN UP she's getting and, sadly, Kris Kringle won't be needing my services, for much longer, after all.

[pout]

Good thing Hope and I got the chance to play Santa, this week!

I am very proud to be one of bloggers chosen to participate in Cepia LLC's Random Acts of Zhu holiday giving program.

Each of us were given 104 Zhu Zhu Pets to donate to the charity of our choice, with no compensation OR strings attached.

Why?

Hope and I were THRILLED with the prospect of being able to help families in need and perhaps make another child's holiday a little brighter, too!

Our first stop was the Herb Young Annual Toy Drive held at Hope's elementary school where we donated 7 boxes (56 Zhu Zhu pets) to the children at Spring House in Eatontown, NJ:

"We provide services to break the barriers of homelessness and reinforce self-dignity, independence and self-awareness for women with children."

The toys will be distributed to the families staying at Spring House, tomorrow, Christmas Eve!

Next stop, Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, NJ — they took GREAT care of my middle girl two Christmases ago (okay, me, too!) — we made an appointment to deliver the remaining 6 boxes of Zhu Zhu pets, after school on Tuesday.

We were greeted by Jara Ferrante, a Child Life Specialist and her Assistant, Elizabeth (nice name, btw, heh!) two SUPER friendly ladies with an AWESOME sense of humor (see picture above) who make it their business to help even their littlest visitors at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital feel warm and welcome.

Hope was THRILLED to learn that the Zhu Zhu pets will be put into the "magic closet," so, whenever there's a birthday, or a child is having a particularly difficult time adjusting to their journey, they will be gift wrapped and, hopefully, help the children left in their care feel right at home.

I know, Hope did!

Thank you SO MUCH, Jara, for allowing us to bring some of that warm and fuzzy feeling home with us, along with Hope's new bff, Hopscotch (she's Dr. Bernard's bouncy buddy) too!!!

Special thanks to Cepia LLC for allowing my family to help spread a little holiday cheer, this year!

Why?

Because, nice matters and being able to give a little back to our community, via This Full House of sticky floors and crunchy socks, feels REAL GOSH-DARNED GOOD, too!

LINKY LOVE BYTES:

Jersey Shore University Medical Center's Website

K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital Social Media Center

K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital on Facebook

K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital on Twitter

Happy Holidays, everyone!!!

(Cross-posted to my review blog)

© 2003 – 2010 This FULL House (Re)Views / This FULL House Blahg'd

Disclosure: No payment, or product was received for this post or for my participation in this program.

December 23, 2010
Blogging Out Hunger II
Time For ANOTHER Virtual Bitch-Slap!!!

On December 8, 2009, a call was put out as New Jersey Bloggers banded together for the Blogging Out Hunger Campaign to help spread the word about The Community Food Bank of New Jersey and their desperate need of donations.

By December 15th, 122 bloggers banned together and joined the blog burst in the fight against hunger spearheaded by my friend Deb Smith, Founder and Exectuive Editor of JerseyBites.com.

To help celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Check-Out Hunger Campaign (which by the way was founded in New Jersey) I am honored to join my friend Deb in participating in Blogging Out Hunger Returns!

Why?

Sadly, my family is no stranger to hunger and I believe using our blogging powers for good are what bloggers (like me) do best!

Even if you're NOT from Jersey — there's a way you (yes, YOU!) can help give hunger the virtual bitch-slap it deserves:

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November 1, 2010
Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
Happy Army of Women Day!

I have a confession to make (don't worry, no bodily fluids are involved!) okay, ready?

It's been 5 years since my last check-up!

It's true. You see, I've been busy. Participating in blogging projects, or reminding families (like mine) to think pink; but, could only watch, hope and pray, while my twin brother fought valiantly and gave up one of kidneys, in order to win his battle with cancer; last month, I sat next to my SIL's hospital bed, held her hand and prayed some more.

No, I am NOT proud of the fact that I have, once again, put my health and well-being…last.

Then, yesterday, I read WhyMommy's post calling on women (like me) to use our blogging powers for good and it moved me to action:

I'm asking you to join the Avon/Love Army of Women
fighting breast cancer by signing up for emails about future studies,
and participating in easy, online studies or studies in your hometown
when something applies to you — and to blog about your decision, asking your readers to as well.

Okay, now it's your turn — don’t have a blog? No problem! You can still TAKE ACTION by updating your Facebook status on October 1st with the following:

“I
signed up to STOP breast cancer before it STARTS. Have you? Join today
at http://www.armyofwomen.org, then copy and paste this status update
as your own.”

Why?

Because, nice matters and cancer sucks big, fat, hairy donkey balls!

Me?

I have an appointment for next Thursday. Thank you, Susan!

© 2010 This
Full House Blog / This Full House Gone Shopping

October 1, 2010
Because Nice Matters
Cancer Sucks Wet Poodle!

Dear Liz,

The American
Cancer Society is working tirelessly to eradicate cancer and to ease
the burden of those living with cancer. With your support, the American
Cancer Society is saving lives by helping people get well and stay
well, funding lifesaving research, and empowering people to fight back
against cancer.

Thank you again for your support.

Elizabeth T. H. Fontham, MPH, DrPH
President, American Cancer Society, Inc.

Name: Steve ******, Jr.

Donation Amount: One time donation of $100.00

Order ID: *******65

Authorization Code: ****82

Transaction Number: ******************5083

Transaction Date And Time: 6/4/2010 4:20 PM

Donation Preference: Cancer Research

As promised, thank you for ALL of your support (Happy Birthday, Bubs, I love you!) okay, now, it's your turn — please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society!!!

[see title of post]

© 2010 This Full House Blog

June 4, 2010