I was that mom, the one that cringed every single time someone, who knew things were challenging for me in life, told me that someday I would miss it. I never said a word to them in reply, I kept my thoughts and opinions to myself, but without fail I always thought “there’s no way I could possibly ever miss this!”

I look back and realize that although there are phases and stages that I didn’t enjoy at all and truly won’t miss, to say that I would never miss them being young, was so very very stupid of me. I knew it then, in a way, despite my disliking being told that, but now it’s happened.

To the young moms who are like me, and cringe when people tell you that… or worse yet, you spit it back in that person’s face with some kind of response, I urge you to be careful. For it is those very things, the ones we refute and deny the most, that will inevitably come back to bite us in the rear. It’s just a fact of life.

Reality Check, a little perspective.

To those who adamantly think that you will not miss this, I challenge your perspective. There are many many parents out there today who would give anything to be able to hold, speak to or see their child again.

It shouldn’t take tragedies like the Sandy Hook school shootings or yesterday’s tornado in Oklahoma, that wiped out an elementary school, to remind us that life is fragile, and we need to hold onto every moment we are given. Saying you won’t miss them is way too big of a risk, and such a slap in the face of parents who have lost their precious children, and would give absolutely anything in the world to be in the position you’re in.

I can tell you with absolute certainty that you would miss it if they were gone, taken from you, never to be seen again. You would miss it if this was the last moment you got to see them, hold them, touch them, hear their voice and yes, even hear them scream from the next room throwing the latest tantrum. If you want to say that you wouldn’t, I think it’s time you got a little perspective in life.

And yes, I am just as guilty of it as anyone else, except now I have somehow crossed over and have discovered that I actually do miss certain things from when my guys were younger!

To the admonishers….

Now, I do want to say right here and now… if you are one of the women who find it necessary to “encourage” other moms by telling them they will miss this, you may also want to consider refraining, because all it does is cause frustration, confusion and often a stubborn denial on the part of the younger mother. You and I both know that one day we will all miss our “babies”, it isn’t a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. But to the young mom who is going through challenges in parenting or finds the current stage in her life to even be a nightmare, these words are not going to be taken kindly.

It’s not the child’s fault!

As I said, I was the mom that denied it, one of the ones who refused to allow those words to even completely register in my head, because there were a few years where life felt like a living hell for me. But the thing that I realize, and want other moms going through that to understand, is that it is not our kids’ fault. They are part of our lives, they may be having a difficult time but we are their parents, they cannot control us. More often than not it’s circumstances in other parts of our lives, or occasionally it’s the difficulty of dealing with a child with special needs.

We are in control of how we handle it!

Not one of us is immune to challenges that are uniquely prevalent during the younger parenting years, but each of us has a choice how to handle it. I can guarantee you that yes, you will miss your children being young. You may even cringe at yourself when you realize it for the first time, I did. That feeling of “Oh no! It’s not possible is it?” Yep, it will happen. The question is, what will you do in the here and now to help get through with less trauma and stress?

If you’re saying you won’t miss it, I have to assume you’re enduring a difficult and traumatic time. It happens and yes, sometimes circumstances are out of our control, but our attitudes and intentions toward our children are always completely within our control.

Get answers, seek help.

I’m not going to get into the pressures of current cultural mindsets that do tend to make it seem like your options are more than limited. I am simply going to say that you need to search for the right answers for yourself, and not buy into anything that you are simply told, by people who do not live with your child day in and day out. Don’t believe everything they say or jump through every hoop that is suggested to you without doing your own research and investigation first, and making an informed and educated decision on whether it’s right for you or your child.

If you’re struggling with a special needs child, get help. It’s not easy, I do understand that, but you need to bring in people who can help you spend time where you can refresh mentally, physically and emotionally. It is essential that you be able to see things clearly day to day to make the best possible decisions and enjoy your child as much as possible.

If you are struggling with depression yourself, get help. Again, it’s not easy, but seek counseling and remember that you have to get healthy to help your family! It’s easy for moms to put ourselves on the back burner and take care of everyone else first, but there’s two problems with that…

If you’re not healthy you cannot properly care for those around you.
They watch you and learn by your example, what is your daily life teaching your children?

We all struggle sometimes!

You’re not alone! I am just as guilty as anyone else, of letting myself go in so many ways. But we all need to remember to focus on people not things. Don’t get caught up in the “should’s” or the pressures of the world around you to do and be everything you are not. I know I say this a lot but seriously people, at the end of our lives we do not take those things with us.

What are you leaving behind? Things, wealth, prosperity? or Love, faith, friendship and a legacy that will live on after you’re gone? Which do you want?

Make good things happen and don’t bother saying you won’t miss this… there will always be parts you’ll miss later on so it’s pointless to deny it.

Focus on what you can do to make now better, so that tomorrow you look back and smile about today!

Apollo Tools

February 17, 2012 by Nancy

I am not a “handy around the house” kind of girl. I guess it’s because I’ve never had to be. My dad is is super talented when it comes to building, creating, contructing, etc. and if I ever have a project that I need done, I call and ask him for help! My husband has learned so much from my dad in the 10 years that we have been together, but he isn’t home all that much, so a lot of my “to-do”s end up getting put to the side. You know, pictures that need to be hung collecting dust in the corner. Supplies for crafts that I want to try still in their bags in the closet. All that good stuff.

When Apollo Tools contacted us and asked if we would like to review their Pink 135 Piece Tool Kit my first reaction, was “Ummmm, what will I do with it??”! Once I checked out the kit closer I saw that there were actually a lot of things that I could really use, so I agreed to do the review, and let me tell you, I have seriously used the kit EVERY SINGLE DAY since I got it.

See the clear plastic organizer in the right hand corner?? It’s amazing! It contains so many great little things like picture hangers, small hooks, push pins, small nails and dry wall screws! I have depleated my stock in the past few weeks, and need to fill it back up! It’s almost as if having this tool kit around has made me WANT to do things around the house, and seriously, Pinterest has been my muse.

Here’s a list of what I’ve done with my tool kit so far.

Hung about a dozen pictures and pieces of art that have been sitting on the floor. (Using the kit I mentioned above, the hammer, and the level.)
Installed a baby gate. (Using the awesome electric screwdriver!)
Uninstalled a baby gate.
Used the heavy duty scissors and box cutter to cut open frustrating packaging.
Made (YES MADE!) an orgainzer for my jewelry with the hammer, kit I mentioned, tape measure and level.
Secured our television to the wall.
Hung some beautiful lights from Cable and Cotton on my kids’ ceilings and walls.

And that’s just the beginning, folks! I have plans for that tool kit, although I’ve caught my husband using it quite a few times and I’m getting mad! That’s MY tool box! As if the endless list of things you can do with this handy dandy box isn’t enough, for every pink tool that Apollo Tools sells, a portion of the proceeds is donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. What an amazing company!

If I haven’t convinced you that even the girliest girl can use her own tool kit, you may interested to know that they also have Pink Hobby & Craft Kit (complete with a glue gun and glue sticks), as well as Gardening Tool Kits, and Roadside Kits.

The super generous people at Apollo Tools have offered to give one of our readers the same tool kit that I reviewed! That’s a $60 value!! Wow!

You probably already know the drill, no pun intended, but here’s how you can win!

Each of the following counts as one entry. Please leave a seperate comment for each entry that you complete. This contest will run until Wednesday, February 22nd at 11:59pm EST. A winner will be chosen at random and announced by Friday, February 24th.

Tell us what you would do with a pink tool kit!
Like A Frog in My Soup on Facebook.
Follow A Frog in My Soup on Twitter.
Like Apollo Tools on Facebook.
Follow Apollo Tools on Twitter.

Disclosure: I received an Apollo Tool Kit free of charge to review, however Apollo Tools did not compensate me in any other way. The opinions expressed in this post are mine. You can read this site’s disclosure policy here.

Filed Under: Bloggity, Contests, Giveaways, Reviews Tagged With: Giveaways, Reviews, tools

About Nancy

Nancy is a stay-at-home mom to 2 amazing children – a 4 year old son, and a 1 year old daughter. Her children are the loves of her life, and the center of her world. In addition to being a full time mommy, she is also a blogger, social media consultant, and adjunct professor of mathematics.

Nancy has been married to her wonderful husband for 6 ½ years. Her family lives in Connecticut with their little black cat “Ollie”, and big mutt “Chewbacca”. Her house is currently being overrun by super heroes and baby dolls.

Comments

Vickie Couturier says:

February 17, 2012 at 7:31 am

I would use it to work around my house to fix the things my husband doesnt have time to do

vlbelk(at)Hotmail.com
Vickie Couturier says:

February 17, 2012 at 7:33 am

•Like A Frog in My Soup on Facebook.
vickiecouturier
vlbelk(at)Hotmail.com
Vickie Couturier says:

February 17, 2012 at 7:33 am

•Follow A Frog in My Soup on Twitter.
@vickiecouturier
vlbelk(at)Hotmail.com
Vickie Couturier says:

February 17, 2012 at 7:34 am

•Like Apollo Tools on Facebook.
vickiecouturier
vlbelk(at)hotmail.com
Vickie Couturier says:

February 17, 2012 at 7:34 am

•Follow Apollo Tools on Twitter.
@vickiecouturier
vlbelk(at)hotmail.com
Jen says:

February 17, 2012 at 11:36 am

I’ve got a ton of pictures that need to be put up!
Jen says:

February 17, 2012 at 11:37 am

I’m a fan of A Frog In My Soup on Facebook.
Jen says:

February 17, 2012 at 11:37 am

I follow A Frog In My Soup on Twitter.
Jen says:

February 17, 2012 at 11:38 am

I liked Apollo Tools on Facebook.
Jen says:

February 17, 2012 at 11:40 am

I’m now following Apollo tools on Twitter.
Caroline says:

February 20, 2012 at 10:17 am

I would like to fix all those things that have been broken, since my husband passed away, that I just don’t seem to have the right tools to fix. Also I have a shadow box and saying about fathers I want to hang with a picture of my children’s dad.I just never seem to find the right hooks& nails to do it.
Rebecca T. says:

February 20, 2012 at 12:15 pm

I would put together all of the baby gear we get. We have a glider rocking chair and a exersaucer coming in the mail any day now, and I always have to call my Dad to borrow his tools!
Rebecca T. says:

February 20, 2012 at 12:16 pm

Following you on twitter @tigg1990
Rebecca T. says:

February 20, 2012 at 12:16 pm

Following apollo tools on twitter @tigg1990
Kelly D says:

February 20, 2012 at 12:55 pm

I would use this to hang pictures, and mirrors & install shelves.
Kelly D says:

February 20, 2012 at 12:56 pm

I like you on FB(Kelly D Saver)
Kelly D says:

February 20, 2012 at 12:57 pm

I follow you on twitter(kellydsaver)
Kelly D says:

February 20, 2012 at 12:58 pm

I Like Apollo Tools on Facebook(Kelly D Saver)
Kelly D says:

February 20, 2012 at 12:58 pm

I Follow Apollo Tools on Twitter.(Kellydsaver)
Rhonda Grisham says:

February 20, 2012 at 2:40 pm

I would use this to do ALL the things around the house that hubby never “has time” to do. Repairs, also I would use it in my crafting!
Rhonda Grisham says:

February 20, 2012 at 2:41 pm

Following you on Twitter – @trrg12
Rhonda Grisham says:

February 20, 2012 at 2:42 pm

Like you on FB – Rhonda Bailey Grisham
Rhonda Grisham says:

February 20, 2012 at 2:43 pm

Like Apollo Tools on FB – Rhonda Bailey Grisham
Rhonda Grisham says:

February 20, 2012 at 2:44 pm

Following Apollo Tools on Twitter – @trrg12
Katy A. says:

February 20, 2012 at 7:01 pm

With a pink tool kit, of my very own, I would do fix-it projects around my house…and maybe make some projects all on my own!!! Thanks for the chance!!!
Katy A. says:

February 20, 2012 at 7:04 pm

I like A Frog in My Soup on facebook! Katy Mc. A.
Katy A. says:

February 20, 2012 at 7:05 pm

I like Apollo Tools on facebook! Katy Mc. A.
Katy A. says:

February 20, 2012 at 7:05 pm

I follow A Frog in my Soup on Twitter! KatyLMA
Katy A. says:

February 20, 2012 at 7:06 pm

I am following Apollo Tools on Twitter! KatyLMA
abbi says:

February 20, 2012 at 7:08 pm

I would tease my husband saying I have prettier tools than him
kidpack05 at yahoo
abbi says:

February 20, 2012 at 7:10 pm

like them on fb abbi w
kidpack05 at yahoo
abbi says:

February 20, 2012 at 7:10 pm

like you on fb abbi w
kidpack05 at yahoo
amandasue says:

February 20, 2012 at 7:14 pm

I’d use this to look fashionable while putting together bookshelves
abbi says:

February 20, 2012 at 7:15 pm

them on twitter @kidpack05
kidpack05 at yahoo
abbi says:

February 20, 2012 at 7:16 pm

following you on twitter @kidpack05
kidpack05 at yahoo
Sarah says:

February 20, 2012 at 10:53 pm

I want this so bad!! I’d love to make some lovely DIY goodies with it… not sure what yet!
Sarah Blake says:

February 20, 2012 at 10:54 pm

I’m following you on twitter as xsarry777x
Sarah Blake says:

February 20, 2012 at 10:55 pm

I’m a facebook fan!
Sarah Blake says:

February 20, 2012 at 10:55 pm

following apollo tools on twitter as xsarry777x
Sarah Blake says:

February 20, 2012 at 10:55 pm

I like apollo tools on fb!
Kerry says:

February 21, 2012 at 6:08 am

I’d be able to fix things around the house!

alsatia23 at hotmail dot com
Kerry says:

February 21, 2012 at 6:09 am

like you on facebook – kerry gibbs
Kerry says:

February 21, 2012 at 6:09 am

follow you on twitter @kezzygibbs
Kerry says:

February 21, 2012 at 6:10 am

follow apollo tools on twitter @kezzygibbs
Shannon Palmer says:

February 21, 2012 at 7:47 am

I would use this around the house!
Shannon Palmer says:

February 21, 2012 at 7:48 am

Like on Facebook
elven johnson says:

February 21, 2012 at 10:45 am

I would use my pink kit to fix all those things on the honey do list that he’s started & not finished. Plus it being pink he would stop taking my tools.
Matt Ferrell says:

February 21, 2012 at 3:50 pm

I’d give it to my girlfriend

animasou @ comcast . net
Matt Ferrell says:

February 21, 2012 at 3:51 pm

I followed on facebook: Matt Ferrell

animasou @ comcast . net
Matt Ferrell says:

February 21, 2012 at 3:52 pm

I Follow A Frog in My Soup on Twitter: @Matt_Ferrell

animasou @ comcast . net
Matt Ferrell says:

February 21, 2012 at 3:53 pm

I Like Apollo Tools on Facebook: Matt Ferrell

animasou @ comcast . net
Matt Ferrell says:

February 21, 2012 at 3:53 pm

I Follow Apollo Tools on Twitter: @Matt_Ferrell

animasou @ comcast . net
Kristie says:

February 21, 2012 at 6:36 pm

I would keep it in the house, so I could use it anytime I have a project to do without having to run to the garage for my husband’s tools.
krystyl olson says:

February 21, 2012 at 6:37 pm

I would LOVE it for daily household things… I need to reupholster my kithcen chairs and reattatch the couchiouns!
Kristie says:

February 21, 2012 at 6:38 pm

I like A Frog in my Soup on facebook. (Kristie N.)
krystyl olson says:

February 21, 2012 at 6:38 pm

I like Frog soup on FB
Kristie says:

February 21, 2012 at 6:38 pm

I like Apollo Tools on facebook.
Kristie says:

February 21, 2012 at 6:39 pm

I’m a follower of you through Twitter. (@khmorgan_00)
Kristie says:

February 21, 2012 at 6:41 pm

I’m a follower of Apollo Tools through twitter.
krystyl olson says:

February 21, 2012 at 6:44 pm

Follow A Frog in My Soup on Twitter. darkkrystyl
krystyl olson says:

February 21, 2012 at 6:45 pm

I Like Apollo Tools on Facebook.
krystyl olson says:

February 21, 2012 at 6:47 pm

i Follow Apollo Tools on Twitter. darkkrystyl
Kathy S says:

February 21, 2012 at 9:03 pm

I’d keep the tool kit in my craft room so only I could use it!
@nola727 says:

February 21, 2012 at 9:43 pm

I’d love to build a doggy bed–complete with pillow!

Thanks for the chance to win!
nolagirl727 at yahoo dot com
@nola727 says:

February 21, 2012 at 9:44 pm

like A Frog in My Soup on Facebook—I do as norleans louisiana

nolagirl727 at yahoo dot com
@nola727 says:

February 21, 2012 at 9:45 pm

Follow Apollo Tools on Twitter. I do as @nola727

nolagirl727 at yahoo dot com
@nola727 says:

February 21, 2012 at 9:46 pm

Like Apollo Tools on Facebook. I did as norleans louisiana

nolagirl727 at yahoo dot com
@nola727 says:

February 21, 2012 at 9:47 pm

Follow A Frog in My Soup on Twitter. I do as @nola727

nolagirl727 at yahoo dot com
Jessica F says:

February 21, 2012 at 11:21 pm

I would fix up my new apartment!
Jessica F says:

February 21, 2012 at 11:22 pm

following you on twitter @jfong1130
Jessica F says:

February 21, 2012 at 11:23 pm

following apollo tools @jfong1130
Jessica F says:

February 21, 2012 at 11:23 pm

I like Apollo Tools on facebook!
Jessica F says:

February 21, 2012 at 11:24 pm

I like A Frog In My Soup on facebook!
Jen says:

February 22, 2012 at 4:11 am

I’d do all the stuff my husband Was supposed to have done already!
Michelle jadaa says:

February 22, 2012 at 5:42 am

Id fix all the little things that hubby ignores and best of all my tools would be together and tidy unlike hubbies lol.

mitch1066(at)gmail.com
Wilma P says:

February 22, 2012 at 7:03 am

I would use it to fix little things that my grown son doesn’t really have time for. Also, it would be great to have my own set of tools in neat tide box.
angie lilly says:

February 22, 2012 at 7:42 am

If I won this, I would USE it! I love that it is like all you need in one place. I am in the process of getting my home ready to sell and moving into a new home, so I know I would get a lot of use out of this.
angie lilly says:

February 22, 2012 at 7:43 am

I like you via FB as Tofu Fairy.
angie lilly says:

February 22, 2012 at 7:43 am

I like them via FB as Tofu Fairy.
angie lilly says:

February 22, 2012 at 7:44 am

I follow you via Twitter as MsTofuFairy.
angie lilly says:

February 22, 2012 at 7:45 am

I follow them via Twitter as MsTofuFairy.
Annette D says:

February 22, 2012 at 8:00 am

I would give the tool kit to my sister, who is a single mother of two. She is really handy with do it yourself projects and she would love this tool kit!
Annette D says:

February 22, 2012 at 8:01 am

Following on twitter @annedoggett
Julie L says:

February 22, 2012 at 8:27 am

give this to my sis who is handy with tools thanks
fawn strunk says:

February 22, 2012 at 10:09 am

What would I do with a pinl tool kit…. duh fix things around the house with my own Pink tools.. I know for a fact that hubby would not even touch these by a mile….SCORE!!!!!!!!!!
fawn strunk says:

February 22, 2012 at 10:11 am

I like Frog in my soup on facebook
fawn strunk says:

February 22, 2012 at 10:13 am

I follow frog in my soup on twitter
fawn strunk says:

February 22, 2012 at 10:13 am

I follow apollo tools on twitter
fawn strunk says:

February 22, 2012 at 10:15 am

I like apollo tools on facebook
shae johnson says:

February 22, 2012 at 12:14 pm

It would give me motivation to have my husband teach me how to be handy around the house instead of always depending on him to fix everything for me.
Lindsay Benedek says:

February 22, 2012 at 1:29 pm

I liked you on FB (LindsayBenedek@gmail.com)
Lindsay Benedek says:

February 22, 2012 at 1:30 pm

I am also following you in Twitter! (Twitter name is Lynziee714) (Lindsaybenedek@gmail.com)
jara Christensen says:

February 22, 2012 at 6:35 pm

I would put up all these pictures Ive got laying around!!

jaragabrielle1018@gmail.com
jara Christensen says:

February 22, 2012 at 6:36 pm

liked frog in my soup on facebook!

as Jara Gabrielle

jaragabrielle1018@gmail.com
jara Christensen says:

February 22, 2012 at 6:37 pm

Following a frog in my soup on twitter!

@accessintel

jaragabrielle1018@gmail.com
jara Christensen says:

February 22, 2012 at 6:38 pm

Liked Apollo Tools on facebook!
As Jara Gabrielle

jaragabrielle1018@gmail.com
jara Christensen says:

February 22, 2012 at 6:38 pm

Folloing Apollo tools on twitter!

@accessintel

jaragabrielle1018@gmail.com
Ai says:

February 22, 2012 at 7:50 pm

Awesome giveaway! I’m not sure yet what I would do with the toolkit, but I love making things so I would definitely find some use for it.
Ai says:

February 22, 2012 at 7:53 pm

like A Frog in My Soup on FB as Lotus Light
Ai says:

February 22, 2012 at 7:54 pm

following A Frog in My Soup on Twitter @lotusearthlight
Ai says:

February 22, 2012 at 7:56 pm

like Apollo Tools on FB as Lotus Light
Ai says:

February 22, 2012 at 7:57 pm

following Apollo Tools on twitter @lotusearthlight
Lana Bradstream says:

February 22, 2012 at 11:12 pm

i would build my daughter a play table.
Lana Bradstream says:

February 22, 2012 at 11:13 pm

Follow you on Twitter.
Lana Bradstream says:

February 22, 2012 at 11:14 pm

Like Apollo Tools on FB.
Lana Bradstream says:

February 22, 2012 at 11:14 pm

Follow Apollo Tools on Twitter.
Nancy says:

February 23, 2012 at 8:31 am

I’d give this to my daughter who is in her first apartment.
Nancy says:

February 23, 2012 at 8:32 am

Like you on FB
Nancy says:

February 23, 2012 at 8:33 am

Like Apollo Tools on FB

Like many moms of little girls, one of my favorite things to shop for are hair accessories for my daughter. The more sparkles, colors & patterns, the better! She has enough clips, bows and headbands to wear a different one every day of the year, but I still love buying them! I was recently introduced [...]

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