MOMania

By DB

January 21, 2009 7:31 AM | Link to this

In 34 years, I have never seen my husband’s upper lip, so I guess you could say I like mustaches — I really haven’t been given a choice!

By motherjanegoose

January 21, 2009 7:46 AM | Link to this

My husband CAN grow a nice mustache but never a beard.

My son can grow a nice beard but never a mustache.

We joke about this all the time. They are father and son…who knows? My own father has had a very thick beard and mustache.

College kids have no shave November at UGA and my son gets a thick beard but never any hair on his lip…what is that about?

By Ms. Goose lady...

January 21, 2009 7:54 AM | Link to this

…as an educator, you should know better than to end a sentence with a preposition (“what is that about”). And, are you sure they are father and son?

By motherjanegoose

January 21, 2009 8:05 AM | Link to this

100%

Just thinking out loud…oops…sorry for the grammar error I did not mean to offend you.

How do you come by the name Ms. Goose lady? I have not seen you post before. Maybe I missed it. I am just curious. I am Mother Goose M-F with children but I certainly do not own the name.

It always humors me when we have new folks pop up ( on the blog) who really make no positive contribution but criticize other posts. We have started early today Theresa.
Too bad.

Ms. Goose lady ( should that be one word or is there supposed to be a capital in there? ) are you able to share something interesting? I am looking forward to it.

By I am not offended...

January 21, 2009 8:13 AM | Link to this

…I just cringe when I read things are written or spoken incorrectly by persons who are educators to our youth.

YOU are Ms. Goose Lady - I am just showing you some respect.

By motherjanegoose

January 21, 2009 8:23 AM | Link to this

FYI…it is a regional thing for me. I grew up in Chicago and while it may not be correct, many folks up there end a sentence with a preposition. You will hear, ” do you want to come with?” all the time. This is due to the German and European influence…their languages do end a sentence with a preposition Lest you think I am smart enough to know this on my own…I am not.

I learned this from a linguist with a PhD. I learned other things too…like why southerners say, “cut the lights…” but that is not the topic of the day and I will defer.

By Oh, c'mon Goose lady...

January 21, 2009 8:26 AM | Link to this

…lighten up on the “new folks pop up ( on the blog) who really make no positive contribution but criticize other posts”. That was not criticism, and if it was, it was “constructive” criticism.

You can seemingly dish it out to others but you really cannot take it. You are insightful, though wordy, and I am sure you will respond, as you usually do, by saying that Theresa has not asked you to pipe down, so you will keep on keeping on since it is Theresa’s blog and she is the only one who can tell you what to do.

And, have a nice day. (is that positive enough?)

By Who cares from whom...

January 21, 2009 8:29 AM | Link to this

…you learned - it is still incorrect, even if it is OK in Chicago.

And, as a true southerner, born and raised right here in Atlanta, I have never said, nor heard, anyone say “cut the lights”. But, I am fixin’ to go to the store!

By Jeff

January 21, 2009 8:31 AM | Link to this

My ‘stache is decent, but it has never been one to where you could not see my upper lip.

I have, however, been known to grow my beard out Amish length (and have a pic to prove it… even my hair at that point was unusually long, for me at least!).

Past few years I tend to shave once every couple of weeks to once every month or so, meaning I tend to keep a full beard unless I just get in the mood for something different.

My dad, on the other hand, almost ALWAYS has some form of facial hair, to the point that he looks weird when he doesn’t.

By Becky

January 21, 2009 8:51 AM | Link to this

In the 15 years that we’ve been together, my husband has had a mustache & beard twice..It doesn’t really matter to meone way or another..

Of course, when we’re talking about Tom Selleck, he could eat crackers in my bed anytime..

By Stan

January 21, 2009 8:54 AM | Link to this

I can grow a beard but not a think ‘stache. It has gotten a little better but it is still not very thick. I am 35 and have mostly blond facial hair (a little red, brown and some gray too) so it would have to be really thick to show up well.

By Becky

January 21, 2009 9:42 AM | Link to this

I was was born and raised right here in Georgia (47yrs. ago) & I have heard many people say “cut the lights out” Guess that’s my redneck side huh??

No, I didn’t major in English & if that’s not proper enough for you, sorry..

MJG, there isn’t anything wrong with the way that you speak..

By Michelle

January 21, 2009 9:47 AM | Link to this

I have no preference either way. My husband has a goatee and has had one since his 20’s. I have never seen him without it! My father has almost always had either a beard or just the mustache. I have friends that are both clean shaven and “furry”! Some men just can’t pull off the mustache look though. Sometimes it is nice to see the full lips! :o)

Just a thought, MJG is an educator, but she is NOT educating children on the site. She is just being a person writing out her thoughts! I didn’t think we had to be grammatically correct on here?! LOL!

MJG, I’m originally from Indiana, so I totally understand about the prepositions! I now live in the South and almost daily hear “cut out/off the lights, etc.”! My step kids have been raised in GA pretty much since they were born! It’s a VERY common saying. When I first heard it, I had NO idea what they were talking about!

Has anyone ever seen Tom Selleck without his mustache?!

By FCM

January 21, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this

Tom Skerritt (Most recently of Brothers and Sisters but also the Dad on Steel Magnolias)

By JJ

January 21, 2009 9:56 AM | Link to this

I’ve lived here in Georgia for close to 32 years. What are you talking about “cut the lights”.

By new step mom

January 21, 2009 10:11 AM | Link to this

Tom Selleck went without a mustache in a movie a little while back (In and Out) and did not look like himself. I am not a huge fan of facial hair in general, but Magnum looks great with a ‘stache. My dad grew a mustache in the ’70s when I was little I thought is was great. My mom hated it, so he shaved it. It is a riot to see those pics now though.

By Hey, Michelle...

January 21, 2009 10:22 AM | Link to this

…”When I first heard it, I had NO idea what they were talking about”!

You do know, don’t you, that the word “about” is a preposition? But, you admit you are from Indiana (which is near Chicago), so it must just be a regional thing.

And, obviously, you do not have to be gramatically correct to post here; yet, at the same time, I would not continue to espouse about my being an educator if I did not speak or write correctly, either.

By Michelle

January 21, 2009 10:24 AM | Link to this

OHHH…that’s right (In & Out)! I totally forgot about that movie! You’re right, it was weird to see him without it!

“Cut off/out the lights” means will you turn off the lights? I wonder where or how it originated? I’m going to go out on a limb…I would guess back when they had gas lights this is what they said, and families have just kept the saying. Does anyone know for sure?! LOL!

OH…and I do not like Brad Pitt’s mustache. He looks much better with a clean shaven face!

By Michelle

January 21, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this

Well, English was never really my strongest class (that’s what spell/grammar check are for)! You should travel to the Midwest sometime! The grammer will kill ya! :o) LOL!

The first time the kids came to visit in IN and asked me to “cut off the light” I had to have them repeat it SEVERAL times! It was actually pretty comical! I was clueless! Now they have my 5 1/2 year old saying it (and my husband!)

I know MJG is a teacher and very proud of that fact. I don’t think she should be judged on her use of language here…we’re all “friends” right?!

When in a professional atmosphere, behave as one. I would think the same would hold true for a casual atmosphere!

I will say though, everyone has a pet peeve! Perhaps this is yours?! Trust me, I have a few of my own! LOL!

By Michelle, thanks for..

January 21, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this

…understanding - now you ARE a friend, and one that I would like to know better!

By JJ

January 21, 2009 10:54 AM | Link to this

I have a problem with improper grammer, but I won’t call anyone out on in here in the blog. Everyone, myself included, makes mistakes at the keyboard.

My grandmother, whom I was very close to, was an english teacher. My Mom has a Master’s Degree in Nursing. My Dad had a Ph.D. in psychology. As you can see, correct grammer was very important growing up.

I have a friend now who constantly mis-pronounces words and uses the wrong grammer, and it drives me crazy. I’ve learned to keep it to myself.

My mom still corrects me once in awhile. I have a hard time with she/her me/I and the correct usage.

By Jesse's Girl

January 21, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this

I have an issue with facial hair that isn’t 5oclock-shadow related. Its scratchy and itchy….not for me. I shave my legs; he can shave his face.

By And, we appreciate...

January 21, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this

…you shaving your legs, too, J’s Girl!

By Jesse's Girl

January 21, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this

You would indeed…if you were worthy:)

By I'm not worthy...

January 21, 2009 11:31 AM | Link to this

…I’m not worthy…(bowing down, bowiing down)!

By CleverShrew

January 21, 2009 11:35 AM | Link to this

My hubby has recently grown a goatee. I kind of like it, but if he were to just do the ‘stash, i think it would look downtight funky!

Mustaches in general just creep me out in a 1970’s porn star kind of way!

By Michelle

January 21, 2009 12:04 PM | Link to this

LOL CleverShrew! Too funny!

By Kathy

January 21, 2009 12:45 PM | Link to this

My husband has a mustache and I like it. I don’t like beards….too much hair IMHO. He tried out a goatee several years ago and that was okay.

I think Brad Pitt looks like a porn star with that mustache. It looks so funny to me! Theresa…you are right. The Toms are so FINE in their mustaches! The Big Chill is one of my faves…probably see it 200 times.

To the poster using multiple names…..please pick a name and stick with it!

By Sarah

January 21, 2009 12:45 PM | Link to this

And what does this topic have to do with raising healthy children?

By Becky

January 21, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this

Sarah, it doesn’t have a thing to do with raising healthy children, but who cares?

Life is to short to worry about stupid stuff..

By Sarah

January 21, 2009 12:52 PM | Link to this

So raising children is stupid?

By Sarah

January 21, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this

Or just raising healthy children?

By Sarah

January 21, 2009 1:00 PM | Link to this

Or just raising healthy children?

By Theresa

January 21, 2009 1:04 PM | Link to this

Hey Sarah — We often hit relationship issues as well. I think husband and wife relationships impact greatly our children. It’s important that we actually like our spouses — so we talk about sex, dates, fights, that kind of stuff. Also we like to do fun topics on the blog as well. Sarah — tune in tomorrow for a very hefty topic with lots of reference material and deep thoughts. I’m not kidding at all. It’s really good one and completely opposite from today!

By Michelle

January 21, 2009 1:27 PM | Link to this

I will have to say, sometimes it’s nice just to socialize with adults who have NOTHING to do with your working enviroment. You learn something from those who post (do they work, how many kids, experience, etc.) So, even though this topic may not be relevant to child rearing, it does offer insight into others!

I (personally) do not mind the variation in topics! It’s nice to get a different perspective on some of these topics! I think today’s would fall under the category “without going insane!” :o)

I also agree with Kathy…can you use just one name? Then, we know who we’re talking to and can watch for your name in the future!

By PHR

January 21, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this

I LOVE Tom Selleck and his mustache. However, I don’t want my husband to have just a mustache. I agree with new step mom they remind me of the 70’s porn look. I think Brad Pitt looks bad with his mustache and usually he’s at the top of my list.

By Sarah

January 21, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this

I think I will not tune in at all and encourage others not to read your blog since you don’t go with your stated topic. Those who don’t have husbands or boyfriends (I am a widow) then why would you can if they have facial hair. I just wish he was still here.

By new step mom

January 21, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this

Amen, Theresa. I am new to the whole marriage and children thing (3months and 3 days) and it is great to laugh about facial hair or the thought of facial hair on my husband.

We just go through going through his closet and getting rid of several shirts that made him look like he had liver disease so the ‘stache vs. no ‘stache conversation is funny and may give someone a perspective on how to tell their sig. other that they are not wild about something.

By Becky

January 21, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this

Sarah, I did not say that raising children is stupid, I was only answering a stupid question. Who cares if Theresa’s topic isn’t always 100% about raising healthy children..

So, get off of your high horse & stop picking on us & Theresa..

By Michelle

January 21, 2009 2:02 PM | Link to this

Sarah, I am sorry about your loss. I’m not sure how long it has been, but it sounds as if you are still feeling quite a bit of pain. There will never be enough words to help you heal from his loss. Since you had a child(ren) with him, at least you will always have a part of him.

Don’t give up on this blog just yet. There are MANY days that the topic is actually specific to things that affect either mothers or their children. Today is just a “fluff” topic and sometimes you just need something silly to take away the stress of everyday life. There are also a lot of good ideas and resources shared throughout the days. I think if you stay with us, you’ll change your mind.

By JJ

January 21, 2009 2:02 PM | Link to this

Sarah Find a blog where they stay on topic, and report back to us please.

We have become a little family here in this blog. By going off topic here and there, we have discovered things about each other. For instance, NewMom has a 1 year old, and just found out she was pregnant again. Someone suggested she get a new “name” for bloggin. So, off topic, she informed us.

This blog is a great way to get ideas, suggestions, and bounce things off one another. Even if you don’t have anything to contribute, you can post questions, comments, etc.

Please stay and become one of our family. You will get alot of support, ideas, humor, etc here.

By Becky

January 21, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this

Sarah, sorry for your loss..But as JJ & Michelle said, we are a happy blog family & we would love to have you with us..

As with all families, we make each other laugh, we tick each other off, yet we still “love” each other..

By new mom

January 21, 2009 2:11 PM | Link to this

Hi guys, I just had a minute while little one naps to check in on everyone…and I see JJ has been talking about me again! ;) ha ha And just a clarification…little one is 16 months, so they will be two years apart. I don’t appear quite so fertile-myrtle-ish that way!

Sarah, I’m sorry for your loss too. Can’t imagine and don’t want to even try to. But you need to give this blog a couple of weeks to see the kinds of topics we discuss, and then where the discussions go. There’s a wide range—somedays it’s something you care strongly about and post a lot, other days not so much. But give us time, I guess we’re an aquired taste! ;)

And seriously, I think this blog stays ‘on topic’ much better than any of my groups of friends do! Sometimes we have to go back thirty minutes later to finish a thought ;) At least this way we can proofread!

By Sarah

January 21, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this

Gee, I don’t think I could handle any more support. I have been reading this blog for about 2 years and usually enjoy it. However, today it seems that you have to be a certain person (mjg) to say what you want and to not be talked back too.

By Joyce

January 21, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this

No blog can relate to everyone, every day. As an adoptive mother, I just don’t participate when the topic is childbirth-related, since I have nothing to contribute. The rest of the time, I enjoy reading, sometimes commenting as the spirit moves me.

As far as today’s topic goes, my husband had a beard and mustache when we met and were first married. He’s now clean-shaven, but when he first suggested shaving it all off, I was opposed. Now, I can’t imagine him with a hairy face!

By JJ

January 21, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this

Well Sarah, if you don’t want to stick around, then we can’t force you.

I don’t know what else to tell you.

Side bar to Jeff(off topic - apologies to Sarah) Any luck getting T to the doctor? Have you guys talked about it?

By new mom

January 21, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this

and I just realized I didn’t stay on the topic either!

My husband has never had facial hair…It was made clear to him early on that he could certainly do whatever he wanted, but that facial hair was a real turn-off to me. So as he says, he likes lots of things in this world more than hair on his face…. ;)

By Jeff

January 21, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this

JJ:

She actually went to the doc yesterday, just not for this particular issue. She tripped and hurt her foot, I thought it wasn’t too big a deal (based on my NUMEROUS previous foot injuries), turned out to have been a cracked bone that will take a few weeks to heal.

JG:

For you, I think even I could be convinced to shave every day. :P

By Oh, MJG gets her share...

January 21, 2009 2:34 PM | Link to this

…of being talked back to and admonished - didn’t you read the part today about her failing to use correct grammer in her blog?

Hang in there - we are an equal opportunity chastising group!

By motherjanegoose

January 21, 2009 2:49 PM | Link to this

Hey all…I am now home and see that you have had some fun. I am proud to be called “insightful though wordy…’ I was being paid to be just that today and most days. I know I am NOT paid for my grammar or my looks!

Sarah, I am sorry for your loss and realize that you are still hurting. Please know that this blog can get wacky and this all depends on the mood of the day. I have never seen any rules about staying on topic but maybe I missed them…readers can anyone help with this?

For the record, I work with pre-K through First Grade ( their teachers too) where we are just beginning to get a grip on grammar. I remember being in a graduate English class and trying to stir up my grammar brain as I was teaching ( at the time) capitalization and punctation!

One thing that really rattles my chain is folks who are obviously twirling in their own hula hoop and do not give a flying flip about anyone else or what the rest of the world is up to.

I will encounter this tomorrow while I am in Wisconsin…they will have a fit with me saying y’all or asking for sweet tea….I try not to but it is in my system.

I am not asking anyone to excuse the wrong use of a preposition at the end of a sentence, just trying to explain that I grew up using in incorrectly and some old habits die hard.

Most of the regular contributors who have something interesting to contribute will stick up for one another. We never all agree but we usually are not nit picky about spelling, typos or grammar. Read for content and see ( today) who actually had something to share and who just popped in to complain about other posts…that is where I judge a credible writer…,maybe that is just me.

I try to chime in things that I think are interesting…I am not usually worried about the grammar patrol, as I am not hired here to be intelligent…that would be Theresa’s job.

Glad I am not losing my mind and that some folks have heard the phrase…cut the lights. Guess what…I NEVER eat black eyed peas on New Year’s Day and I live in the south…I know I am in the minority and perhaps that only one. I would not rail on those who do…that would be silly. The same as railing on those who say “cut the lights” which I do not but know some who say it.

Who cares from whom… And, as a true southerner, born and raised right here in Atlanta, I have never said, nor heard, anyone say “cut the lights”.

Are you really a $%%& Yankee in disguise…just teasin” I did ask a few folks today who told me that is, in fact, a southern saying…anyone want me to tell you where it came from? LOL

Off to the cheese heads!

By BRC

January 21, 2009 2:53 PM | Link to this

My PH (poor husband in this case, instead of DH) can’t grow a beard to save his life. Any mustache he grew would be a sad, sad example of one. We joke that he hasn’t hit puberty yet. But it works out because I’m not a fan of any facial hair. I do admire Tom Selleck though.

By Michelle

January 21, 2009 3:00 PM | Link to this

Oh…MJG…see if you can find cheese curds! They are FABULOUS!! My friends are from Wisconsin and we usually try to bribe them to bring some home for us! Yummy! (Oh, and they end their sentences with prepositions too!)

And just for the record…my hat is off to all you teachers! I do not have the patience to deal with other people’s children. My own are hard enough! (I’m sure the same could be said for my chosen field too!)

Be safe in your travels!

By motherjanegoose

January 21, 2009 3:11 PM | Link to this

Sarah…newsflash…if you do not tune and and tell every single one of your friends not to tune in…WE WILL STILL BE HERE LOL.

I remember hearing someone once tell Neal Boortz the very same thing years ago and he is still on the radio and does not seem to care.

This is similar to those who are playing ball and when they get mad they say, ” I am leaving and taking my ball with me…’ OKEY DOKEY!

By Wow, I learn stuff...

January 21, 2009 3:13 PM | Link to this

…every day on this site - today it is “cut the lights”. As a native Atlantan I had never heard that, but I have often told my kids to “cut it out”, and not just when they were using scissors! Guess I am just slow, but then again, I am a true southerner!

By JJ

January 21, 2009 3:21 PM | Link to this

Hey Momma Jane - Up until I moved to the south from Colorado, I had never heard of Black eyed peas and collard greens on New Years Day. My (ex) Sister in law used to have both her family and ours over for NY Day and did the traditional southern meal.

To this day, I still cannot eat collard greens, but I do eat ONE on NY Day, just for luck/tradition. I do love Black eyed peas though.

My daughter, however, a born southerner, cannot stand black eyed peas.

By motherjanegoose

January 21, 2009 3:42 PM | Link to this

I love collard greens…hate black eyed peas. I won’t be eating either one in Wisconsin…maybe some pickled herring.

For those of you who never get out of the south …that is a Scandanavian dish..many in Wisconsin are Swedish and Norwegian…I love to hear them talk.

Sorry Theresa, I had no plans to hijack the blog today but the poster that railed on my mustache post got me started.

I will leave you alone tomorrow and Friday! Thanks for putting up with me and not banning me from the blog. How is the playhouse coming?

By missy

January 21, 2009 3:45 PM | Link to this

MJG is at it again. Do you realize how many times you have told us how you get paid to talk? We know after being told for the 1,000 time ms. goose. Don’t you think all of us get paid for what we do, whether it be for thinking, talking or doing a spreadsheet and I’m sure many of us are more qualified in our areas of expertice than you are. We just don’t brag about them.

By Oh no, Missy...

January 21, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this

…WE are really going to hear it from mothergoose now!

By motherjanegoose

January 21, 2009 4:08 PM | Link to this

Yes…SO MANY of you are WAY more intelligent than I am…I can guarantee it.

Many of the things you do are so much more necessary than what I do. I thank you for your contributions and I mean that with sincerity.

MY POINT is that when some posters rant about my writing and speaking…this is what I GET PAID to do. If you are a computer programmer, chit chat and coming up with things to discuss with groups of people is probably not what you get paid to do. Perhaps I am wrong here. Most of those who work on spreadsheets all day are not chatting too.

I am lucky that I can get paid to do what I love to do as the other things require a higher level of intellect that I do not possess.

I love to talk and share ideas…I love to meet others who are kind enough to share ideas. I love creativity and those who actually have something to say. That pretty much summarizes it.

Again, I challenge you to look at the level of creativity in the posts on this blog. Those that simply rail on others are not interesting ( to me).

Is it easier to paint a picture and have it displayed at a museum or to look at it and say, “that is a stupid picture and I do not like it..”

By Michelle

January 21, 2009 4:27 PM | Link to this

OK…TOTALLY off the subject(s) of today! Sorry…I need some suggestions.

My little guy is in Kindergarten. He is REALLY having a hard time following directions and staying on task. I do not believe he is ADHD (and I do not think his teacher believes that either). I think most of the porblems are “control” type issues and plain old stubbornness (inherted I’m sure). We have been working closely with his teacher to come up with new ideas to help keep him motivated to WANT to participate. He is VERY intelligent, and actually learns easily. That being said, he is also an “over achiever” as I like to say. He likes to do everything perfectly even though I tell him it’s ok to fail or not be perfect. When this happens, he just wants to give up and move onto something else, and he dislikes someone knowing something he doesn’t.

Sorry, it’s hard to be logical with this posting and I’m trying to explain too! Bear with me!

He went to a couple of different day cares in IN because of location to work issues. Then we moved to GA right after he turned 1. The he was introduced to his brothers who came/went every other week or so. Then we changed daycares here because of logistics. Then his dad changed jobs (a lot). His daycare had many teacher changes too! This is why I say I think part of the issues are related to having a sense of control.

Do any of you teachers or mothers have ANY suggestions that might be helpful? I am at wits end. I really do not want him to repeat Kindergarten (but if he must, he must). Actually, his report card shows him passing everything (Excelling in science)except for behavior!

Now, here is the “bad” part. My husband is not nearly as involved as he should be. Yes, he gets him ready for school in the morning, but is strong in criticism and weak in praise. Of his 2 older brothers, one has been really picking on him (when we weren’t there).

The only constant, positive influence he has had is me. I want to make sure he is getting what he needs, and learning at the same time. He already has a hard enough time at school and I don’t want him to have to spend half of his time in trouble at home too! HELP!

Sorry for the long post that is TOTALLY off topic.

By fk

January 21, 2009 5:35 PM | Link to this

My husband has had a moustache, but not one in quite a few years. I prefer him without, but if they’re back in, I’m sure his will be back, too. I’m fine with facial hair so long as it is trimmed and neat.

By FCM

January 21, 2009 5:37 PM | Link to this

MJG—Most of the regulars (myself included) enjoy reading your posts. However when you sidetrack and mention what you get paid to do and rant back at the people who bait you….well it loses something. I respectfully suggest that if something/someone is not of interest that you just bite your tounge.

Michelle—same boat older kid. If you figure anything out let me know.

By motherjanegoose

January 21, 2009 5:48 PM | Link to this

fcm…comment appreciated and accepted.

I guess I compare this to an accountant friend or neighbor who offers to do your taxes gratis and then you fuss at him/her about how they do it. He/she might well say, “I get paid handsomely to do this all day long and maybe someone ( that is paying me for my talent) realizes that I have a clue..” DO YOUR OWN STINKIN’ TAXES

I will try to bite my tongue but since I talk for a living, IT WILL BE HARD…LOL!

I thought I started in on topic today…nit picky folks send me into orbit, as you well know!

By Michelle

January 21, 2009 6:40 PM | Link to this

What is so bad about the older kid is that he’s 16, almost 17! It’s totally inappropriate. He’s just exerting his “superior strength and will” on the little one, who in turn goes to school and tries the same thing!

By faye

January 21, 2009 7:40 PM | Link to this

Tom Selleck is probably one of the only moustaches I do like, lol. My husband tried to do a goatee a few years back, but it just didn’t look right - I was pretty glad since I’m not a huge fan.

Jeff’s comment about his dad reminded me of something from when I was little: my dad has had a full beard and moustache since the seventies (more Kenny Rogers than porno - we even submitted his picture to “men who look like Kenny Rogers.com”). Anyway when my little sister was about 1, he shaved it all. When she saw this “stranger” come into her house and try to pick her up, she howled like wolf at the full moon, ran away, and hid under the bed. It’s funny now, but she was genuinely terrified!

By Sarah

January 22, 2009 7:26 AM | Link to this

There are a few things I want to say before I go away. Yesterday, I did not ask why the blog was off topic, I asked why the topic was being discussed. I really wanted to know. You answered my question, Theresa, and I thank you. Then I was talked to by a couple of the other bloggers like I had no right to even be on the blog. Theresa, you said absolutely nothing to MJG when she was being mean to one of the other bloggers. I checked. I was devastated and said that I wouldn’t read or participate in your blog again. One of your readers compare you to Bortz and how my threat (what threat) was useless and good riddance to me. Well, I have filed a complaint with the AJC about your blog. I am sure you don’t care because you know it doesn’t matter. I have already heard from the AJC about freedom of the press and all that. But I want you to know that I am very hurt. You started it and you led your followers to abuse me. They are so mean when they can hide behind the blog.

Sarah Gilmer Lawrenceville, Ga

By JJ

January 22, 2009 8:11 AM | Link to this

Sarah That is so sad that you felt you had to run to the AJC and file a complaint. What do you hope to accomplish by that?

I wish you happiness. I hope you find it soon. Now that you have filed your complaint, please leave us alone. No need to come back. You have made yourself heard.

Thanks.

By Theresa

January 22, 2009 8:18 AM | Link to this

Dear Sarah - I honestly in no way was trying to hurt your feelings or lead anyone to be ugly to you. I gave an honest answer as to why I felt it was OK to have a fun mustache story on the mom blog. I in no way was saying good riddance to you, and I responded to your question about why we were even discussing it. I also invited you to come back today to read a blog that might interest you more than yesterday’s blog. I am very sorry that your feelings were hurt. People can be mean on the blog — believe me I know. I am in and out on the blog and reading fast in between taking care of the baby and my other two children. I am sorry you didn’t feel like I defended you and didn’t feel like I supported you enough. I felt like I responded to your question and I invited you back. I believe it was JJ who left for a while because of the negativity. We missed her and we hoped she’d come back and she did eventually after a break. I am sorry your feelings were hurt by the others. That was never my intention. I hope you will come back and continue to contribute.

By Michelle

January 22, 2009 8:19 AM | Link to this

Sarah, you are right about one thing, some people do say things they wouldn’t say if they were face to face. I’m sorry you happened to be on the receiving end. I can speak for myself, I value ALL the bloggers, as each person has something to contribute. I’m sorry you no longer wish to participate with us. It would be nice though if everyone were respectful, but as in real life, that will likely never happen.

By Becky

January 22, 2009 8:35 AM | Link to this

Sarah, sorry that you feel that way..I don’t think that anyone on here meant to hurt you in any way..It’s just that we have a tendency to stand up for each other…

You didn’t ask though, why thi stopic was being decussed, you wanted to know what this topic had to do with raising ehalthy children..BIG difference..

If something like this has the power to devastate you, then, I really do feel sorry for you…

By Boortz!!!!!?

January 22, 2009 8:38 AM | Link to this

the only thing this blogger has in common with Neal Boortz is they are both pasty white. Neal is a talented man, a great aviator and a terrific writer. As a Neal Boortz fan, I expect an apology for the insult.

p.s. this blog is horrible!

By Becky

January 22, 2009 8:41 AM | Link to this

Sorry for all the typos…

By FCM

January 22, 2009 8:41 AM | Link to this

@Sarah—-whether or not a blogger was mean to you is not really the issue. They have the right to state their mind and you have the right to state yours. Theresa is not here to govern the blog or make us play nice (and if she starts that will be sad). She does have responsiblity to make sure that everyone is allowed to be heard…and she did allow you to be. Your beef is not with her. You could ‘defend’ yourself with logical arguements (most of us respect that).

As to being taken to task (sometimes rudely)—I dare any of the ‘regulars’ to say they haven’t been and haven’t done. That is how this community works.

I have been posting for I think 3 years now (Theresa could that be right?????) and the board does a great job…plus I am glad its not just about ‘kids’ because my parenting is about me not about being my kids mom….I am so much more than just Susie and Billys Mommy….so why shouldn’t we dicuss that?

Your choice to leave….but the adult thing would be to stay and talk.

By Theresa

January 22, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this

OK guys let’s try to move on to a new topic and a new day. Let’s all try to be sensitive as best we can. The goal on a blog is not to hurt other people’s feelings, it’s to share.

By Jesse's Girl

January 22, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this

MJG is SO not the only one that says what she wants whenever she wants. I do it all the time….I just couldn’t care less what the responses are:)Hee-hee.

By Sarah

January 22, 2009 9:03 AM | Link to this

I knew that most of you would not understand but that is ok. I will continue to read and I hope learn but my blogging days are over.

By Becky

January 22, 2009 9:37 AM | Link to this

Sarah, can you tell us what we are not understanding? That might make us not be as mean as you think we are…

By Jesse's Girl

January 22, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this

Sarah…I get it. You lost your husband. No matter how expected it was or wasn’t….that is not something you can simply bounce back from. You frequent this blog to have some kind of mental escape. Thats the reason for us all. You also feel as though we should immediately recognize your pain. We do….please know that. But the mustache topic….at least I think that is what precipitated this…was all in fun. I don’t know your type of loss. But loss has touched my life. I am truly, deeply sorry for your journey. Its a nasty one to walk. But if you’ll open your eys, you will see that on this blog…there is no journey you have to walk alone.

By JJ

January 22, 2009 10:00 AM | Link to this

JG That was very nicely written.

By FCM

January 22, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this

JG I second JJ on that was nicely written.

@ Sarah, I feel for you too. Being a single Mom (no matter what the reason) is TOUGH. Every topic is not going to be for you. Some topics may be more painful than others.

This group has nothing but heart. JG is right there is nothing you have to walk alone.

By Tiffany

January 22, 2009 2:26 PM | Link to this

I, too have had a thing for Tom Berenger in The Big Chill ever since I saw it on DVD! My own husband has always had a mustache since I’ve known him. The couple of times he ever shaved it off, it was like living with a stranger! I say thumbs up to the mustache!

By lynn

January 22, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this

Sarah, I’m sorry but I’ve read the comments twice and can’t see where anyone was “being mean” with you. In fact, more than one of the bloggers were trying to console you and get the point across that it’s just a blog and topics bring about other topics, just like in a real live conversation. I’m not being mean saying this but you better thicken that skin. Life is full of obstacles (as you know) and if you let something like this get to you, your going to be disappointed quite a bit in life. Do as the others say and read and join in when it’s something that relates to your life. I think the bloggers on here are very nice for the most part so just relax and see it for what it is, just a blog.