I have chosen Shawna OBrien as my grand prize winner for the chance to win $500 Walmart shopping spree and 2 Aquafresh coupons. The $50 Walmart GC contest is still open. I will choose a winner from Random.org from all the entries on June 30th. Please keep entering.
Being a mom is hard work! Aquafresh wants to acknowledge and reward inspiring moms with their Mom Goes Beyond Campaign. Aquafresh is committed to lending moms a hand by supplying them with products, such as the amazing iso-active Whitening toothpaste, that achieves 33% better whitening compared to a non-whitening toothpaste. Now it’s your turn to share what makes you work beyond as Aquafresh wants to hear about these moments and celebrate you as mom through their Mom Goes Beyond campaign.
Are you a deserving mom (of course) let me know by leaving a comment about an inspiring or memorable moment you’ve endured by being a mom. The comment that I choose as the winner will win 2 coupons for Aquafresh iso-active Whitening toothpaste and also be nominated to become the grand prize winner. All the grand prize nominations will have a chance to win one year’s worth of free Aquafresh product, a $500 Walmart shopping spree and the honor of having her story showcased on the Aquafresh Facebook fan page. The Aquafresh creative team will choose the grand prize winner by July 7th! A second lucky reader will win a $50 Walmart gift card from Aquafresh and A Mom’s Impression.
So… what are you waiting for? Let me know how you work beyond as a mom.
Win It:
One (1) lucky winner will be chosen to be my nomination for the Grand Prize and win 2 coupons for Aquafresh iso-active Whitening toothpaste. (Contest Ends 6/6) This part of the giveaway is closed, but keep your comments coming for the second part of the contest.
Another lucky winner will recieve a $50 Walmart Gift Card.
(Please leave a comment include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information. This giveaway will end at midnight on June 20. Winner will be picked from Random.org. Open to US residents only. Good Luck!)
How to Enter:
To participate in this contest, leave a comment about an inspiring or memorable moment you’ve endured by being a mom.
About Mom
As a mom, I’ve certainly had my challenges to face and overcome. However, it is those challenges that have shaped my life, made me a better person and inspired me to do more than I ever thought I could. My husband has a chronic disease that affects his day to day abilities to work and function, so it leaves a lot more responsibility on me to provide financially for our family as well as be a mom to two young boys ages 7 and 3. My youngest was born with a rare brain disorder and so he has a lot of medical and therapy appointments and various services and supports that need to be arranged, so that also keeps me very busy and presents challenges in trying to balance work and my child’s needs . I am fortunate in that I have worked in the Social Services field for many years and have a lot of experience specifically working with people with developmental disabilities. This experience has benefited my son in terms of me understanding how the medical system works and the other agencies and organizations that provide some services for my son. This means that I’ve been able to be a very effective and strong advocate for my son which I will never stop doing this for him. He has given me such a strong sense of what kind of life and opportunities people with developmental disabilities should have. My son will most likely never be able to live on his own and will always need to be cared for. A lot of people I’ve known with a loved one with Developmental Disabilities that need 24/7 care, see this as a guilt laden burden on them. Many choose to place their loved one in a care home. My intention here is not to be critical, but to state the facts as I’ve experienced. I’ve never felt that my son was a burden. In fact, I feel that he is a blessing. When he was first Diagnosed, the doctors told me he would never hold his head up, sit up, crawl, walk, grasp objects and that he would be on a feeding tube and die young. Well, fortunately for my son, he has proven those doctors wrong. My son can now do all of those things and he eats and drinks fine and is very healthy. Instead of thinking about what my son cannot do or the care that he requires, I see him as a beautiful and happy boy who has worked hard and overcome many challenges and defied the expectations that others put on him. I am proud to be his mother and he will live with me till the day I die. As his mother, he has truly inspired me to be a better person and stronger person.
My mom is awesome. She takes great care of our family. She is under quite a bit of stress, but her work always shines through. Would love it if I could win something like this for her.
The seconds leading up to my son’s birth. 12 hours of labor with no drugs, and knowing it was the hardest thing I would ever do!
My inspiring moment is when my 28 week preemie was able to come home, she was such a trooper and such a miracle!!
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
We are currently potty training our 25m old. I am stunned at how awesome he is doing. I’m staying positive, calm and firm and it’s working!
I was able to send all four of my kids to college without owing any college loans.
For many years, I have/do struggle with major depression and bipolar. I made a vow to myself a long time ago, that I would try/be the best mom I could be. Well, I am glad to say my kids have grown up into responsible, caring adults/teenager
There’s something life-changing about ending the road of children, sending them off to college and Leaving the nest. Then having every plan STOP suddenly with the news of a new baby!
But I can honestly say the 15 year age gap Teaches us all something wonderful about ourselves everyday…and keeps my family together now, through just about anything!
My mom fought a courageous battle against breast cancer and lost when she was only 38. She taught me to live each day to the fullest because you never know what tomorrow will bring. I try to make every day special for my boys.
One of the memorable moment was when DD told me it’s ok, I still love you mommy after I burned the bird for our big Thanksgiving get together. I laughed so hard and it was the awww moment.
As a stepmother to a truant teenage step daughter, it was years later when she told me she appreciated all I’d done for her.
dana beatty recently posted..Nothing Sadder than a Sick Schnoodle
My biggest challenge that required me to go above and beyond was my middle daughter being dyslexic. I realized she would be overlooked in the schools, since they wait until a child is two years behind before intervening, which is 2 wasted years. So I brought her home and spent 3 years doing every reading intervention I could find. After a lot of hard work on her part and lots of frustration on my part she finally became a fluent reader at 11. She still has some issues and can’t spell at all, but she is an honor roll student in 8th grade now. Just this weekend I had to scold her for reading a book when she was supposed to be doing chores. I made her put the book down and do her chores, but secretly I was glad to see her so involved in a book.
There have been many memorable moments as a mom (and my little one’s just 10 months old!) Some of my favorites have been snuggling with my son in the morning. There is no sweeter sound on earth than the sound of my son’s laughter! It is always a bright spot in my day.
Sarah B recently posted..Juppy Baby Walker – Review and Giveaway (6/23)
The most inspiring moment for me was watching my 3 year old mouth “mom” for the first time when he was fitted for a cochlear implant. It was truly a special time for our family and one I’ll never forget!
As a single young women I discovered I was pregnant. I was shocked and scared and not sure what to do! I quickly learned that the best thing for this unborn child would be to be placed for adoption and I found THE most wonderful family in the world to raise him! The adoption has been very open and I see him on occasion. It is amazing to me to have been a mother for the 2 days I spent with him in the hospital and my time carrying him for all I was able to learn and grow from him. I will be forever grateful for that life changing experience and that beautiful little boy who changed my life!! I am now happily married and with 2 little boys of my own and pregnant with number 3. I love my boys and my life very much but I’ll be forever grateful for that first special child that made such a difference to who I am today!
Janel C recently posted..YoBaby – Review and {Giveaway}
Well, I guess I’m already disqualified…I’m not a mother…not by choice, but for unknown reasons according to several drs. Although we’d love to have children, we’ve chosen to invest in other children’s lives. We’ve served as youth advisers at our local church…that’s going from no children to be “parents” to 85 teenagers immediately!
What fun they are! Also, we enjoy babysitting and helping our friends out with their children. 
~eunice b
rsmile2u @dejazzd .com
Even if you are not a mom you are eligible to win the $50 GIft Card from my blog!
I never knew how much I could love until my children were placed in my arms when they were born.
Through the years of working ,cleaning the house ,cooking dinner I had to be super Mom to 4 beautiful children .
Each one so different but so alike we went through so much. We spent time together,having fun and doing things that didn’t cost much because money was an issue. That didn’t stop the hugs and fun!
Losing my job ,going back to school at 40 (taking my children because I didn’t have the money for daycare) We made it through!
My son once asked me what I thought he should be when he grew up and I told him “It doesn’t matter what ,as long as you try your best everyday and are happy with what you decide to become. Be happy with your life and who you are!”
Watching them graduate and starting their lives is a joy,seeing them so happy brings me happiness!
The saddest moments in my life and I will never the same , is losing 2 sons. Having to say goodbye broke my heart and it can never be mended. I have memories that will carry me for the rest of my life. No parent should have to bury their children,I miss them everyday.
I have been blessed with knowing my children .I have added a daughter when my son was married and another son when my daughter was married. We all miss the guys , they are keeping an eye on us and their memories were with us on these special days.
Being a Mother is wonderful,its overflowing you with love ,an unconditional love that you give your children. I am so glad I am a Mother
Peggy Gorman recently posted..SKIN MD NATURAL 4th of July Backyard BBQ Giveaway
I guess when I got to hold my baby I just had when I was in ICU a day after she was born, because due to many complications I almost died and if I hadn’t been at such a great hospital which figured out what was going on I wouldn’t be here and I thought I wouldn’t ever hold her or see my kids again. Just the joy of seeing them and knowing I was/am promised another day…..
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
My most memorable moment being a mother was the day I became a grandmother.
There was nothing that can ever compare to being there for the birth of my grandson and holding his sweet little body the in the 1st. moments of his life! he is now 3 ..
One moment in particular was when everyone was sick – throwing up all over the house – and I was the only one to clean it up and nurse everyone back to health. It was hard, but so worth it.
I have had many beautiful times as a mom, (many trying ones too!) but one of the most inspiring and challenging was when my 2nd child, a son, was 17 and a senior in high school. He started to have headaches, drs dismissed them as stress related. My husband & I parted, I took my 10 children and moved to a different city to be closer to my family. I found a new doctor who ordered tests which were negative for my son. One Sat. he got up dizzy, screaming in pain, I called the doctor who said to meet him at his office. Saturday mind you. He couldn’t find anything but called a friend who did the then new cat scans and his friend gave up his lunch hour on the following Monday to test my son. I was reading a book when I saw my doctor coming down the hall. I was surprised that he, too gave up his lunch hour and drove across town for my son’s test. I could see by the lights that they were re-running the test. Shortly thereafter my doctor came out and said he was sorry but they found a mass at the base of my son’s brain. He wanted me to meet with the neurologist to see when they could do surgery, not if, but when.
We went upstairs to see the neurologist, whom I knew, and he did the usual tests, touch your nose, walk a line, etc. then, with tears in his eyes, said my doctor was right and he wanted me to get a friend to drive us to Iowa City 2hrs away that night so his friend, one of the best neurosurgeons in the country could do the surgery.
I was stunned.
A couple from church drove us to the university hospital and we met the doctor who said he would do the surgery at 7am on Wednesday, this was Monday night. I slept on a chair in the hall that night. The next day my mom & aunt drove 5 hrs to be with me. We spent the night in a motel and didn’t sleep a wink, too nervous.
I forgot to mention that Christmas would be on Saturday. I was broke and with 9 other kids to provide for. No gifts and not a lot of food in the house.
My son received a blessing from the church elders, I prayed a lot and the surgery went forth right a 7am. He was in surgery until 2pm. One of my local church leaders who was a heart surgeon watched the surgery and he was the first to come tell me all was well and they were 99% sure it was benign. The surgeon came down in a bit and told me to go home and thank God that my doctor had ordered a test most would not have thought necessary, because without the surgery my son would have been dead in 2 weeks. The tumor had started bleeding inside of itself that was why my son starting screaming that Saturday before. I prayed to give thanks, stayed with my son until morning and went home to check on my other kids.
While I was home a scout troop one of my sons belonged to came over with gifts, food, and $200 cash to help with gas to & from the hospital! The next day more help came and my church people came. I was overwhelmed.
We had a beautiful Christmas remembering from whence all blessings come. Things were not easy the next two months, but my son recovered despite the 2nd month in the hospital after developing meningitis. He was able to graduate with his class in May! Believe me we through a wing-dinger of a graduation party that included doctors, tutors, etc. and many friends.
A tremendous challenge, yes, but the outpouring of love really humbled us all and brought us closer. I love being a mom & seeing my kids taking care of themselves, cleaning house & cooking, doing laundry without being asked to and praying for their brother, (and for me as I drove our old car to & from) was nothing short of amazing to me. I was proud & grateful for them all at the same time!
I think that the most inspiring moments i have as a mom happen every day when my son learns new things or just smiles at me and says “momma.” He inspires me to be a better person and love life just as much as he does
annamie2 at hotmail dot com
A. @ Monkey Tales recently posted..***Bum Essentials Bumbino Diaper Review and GIVEAWAY***
One of my most memorable mom moments happened just a few weeks ago when my three year old son told me that I was perfect! It really got me thinking that he’s right! I am certainly not perfect overall, but I am the perfect mom for him!
A memorable moment for me as a mom…. about 6 months ago when I was sitting in the doctor’s office having an ultrasound for my second pregnancy. My 2 yr old was with me and acting like a typical 2-yr old. I was so uptight, grumpy and just having a bad day and wanted to get this appointment OVER WITH. My 2 yr old was climbing things and squealing and I was barely listening when the ultrasound technician left to go get the doctor. I was annoyed they were taking so long, until the doctor quickly snapped me out of my bad mood and informed me that he could see TWO babies growing inside me! I will never forget that moment. Tears of joy starting gushing (since we have a hard time getting pregnant at all!), and my 2 yr old’s tantrum completely faded into the background. I was completely filled with overwhelming joy. I felt – and still feel – so incredibly lucky and blessed to be the mother of two more babies. Now I just have to ENDURE these last few weeks, as my body is HEAVY with a double pregnancy!
I’ve been a single mom for most of my daughters life. About 2 years ago she decided that she wanted to go live with her dad and his new family. I was devastated and heart broken for months. I was at a loss as to what to do with myself. After a few weeks, it was clear that my daughter finally realized all that we had together and how my life was devoted to raising her and keeping her happy. In great loss came the best opportunity. we are now friends and not just mother and daughter. she appreciates what i did to make sure she had everything she wanted even if it wasn’t the newest and greatest gadgets. being a mother is the hardest thing i’ve ever done, but seeing my daughter grow up and ‘getting it’ is the best thing ever!
My kids are now grown, but I remember those early days as if they were yesterday. I enjoyed all the sports events. I’m sure my husband wanted to disown me because I was cheering so loudly.
The academic challenge has been significant, but my child has persisted and talking together about the resulting grades yesterday was a wonderful parenting moment!
I just had one, My little playing in her baby pool, nudey booty! So cute!
I have two small boys (4 and 1) They were both born very tiny (1 lbs 7 oz, and 2 lbs 2.2oz) All though there were some very scary and tense moments for those couple months that they were both in the hospital, I wouldnt trade them at all. I got to bond with my boys alot during that time. Now they are 100% healthy and perfect!!
sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com m
I’m only a doggie mommy, but I love her like she was my child!!
There are so many moments and memories as a mom. It is hard to pick one. I’m just amazed every day that I am Mommy to these 3 wonderful, beautiful children!
Watching how my toddler loves her newborn sister has been an inspiring mothering time for me. It helps me love them both even more when they smile at each other!
I think being a mom has taught me not to sweat the small stuff. Especially since I have 2 boys. Dirt, owies, and wrestling are all part of the package, but I used to try to make them non-existent. My mistake.
Shannon recently posted..Lucky
I love watching my son learn new things, its so inspiring.
When my little ones made me breakfast in bed for Mother;s Day! It wasn’t the best tasting meal, but it meant the most! It’s little moments that mean the most when you are a mom!
I am an expecting first mother but I can’t imagine that brushing my teeth will ever be the same after having children. My gag reflex is so strong that I have to switch toothpaste often from gagging at just the touch of the toothbrush touching my lips.
I think one of my most memorable moments, has to be the time my oldest 2 yrs old, smeared himself, and his 18m old brother with enough diaper cream to coat 50 baby bottoms… life as a mommy is not complete without the inevitable toddler vs. cream/ointment event. – Crystal
My most inspiring moment was watching my daughter learn to walk again after a devastating accident.
Jan A recently posted..Valet
One of my most memborable moments was when after four years of trying, my EPT came up pregnant!!!
Inspiring or memorable. Well, I’m a new mom because I’m 3.5 months pregnant! So, inspiring is knowing I have a life growing inside me. I imagine many more of those moments are to come!
An inspiring moment as a mom was watching both of my girls choose good men to marry!
Jan A recently posted..Valet
WOW, I GOT TEARY EYED READING ALL OF THE STORIES…. I GUESS WOMEN ARE THE SENSITIVE ONES. I JUST RECENTLY HAD MY FIRST BABY ON MAY 21ST BY C-SECTION, AS IF PREGNANCY FOR ME WASN’T ENOUGH THEN TO GET CUT OPEN WAS A BIT OVERWHELMING. I HAVE HEPATITIS C SO BEING PREGO WAS HARD ON MY BODY AND I FELT REALLY EXHAUSTED FOR 9 MONTHS, THE BABY CAME AND THE C-SECTION INCISION GOT INFECTED, I THOUGHT IT WAS NORMAL BUT MY HUSBAND TOLD ME ON THE 5TH DAY HOME I NEEDED TO GO BACK TO THE HOSPITAL… OF COURSE HIM WORKING AND HAVING ANOTHER STEPSON ALREADY AND TRYING TO DEAL WITH THIS BABY WHO DOES NOT LIKE TO SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT LIKE A NORMAL PERSON AND HAVING TO GET UP AND DOWN WHICH I SHOULDN’T BE DOING IT IS HARD…. I HAVE A TUBE GOING INTO THE INCISION HOOKED TO A LITTLE BOX I HAVE TO CARRY AROUND ON A STRAP AND I LOOK LIKE A TOURIST… WE ARE ON DAY 16 OF THIS AND I AM READY TO HAVE IT OFF. HOPEFULLY, IF I WIN, I CAN GO GET MYSELF SOMETHINGS AT THE STORE AND FEEL A LITTLE BIT BETTER ABOUT MYSELF. I HAVE A NEW BABY AND IT WAS WORTH IT BUT ALL THE EXTRA DRAMA AND STRESS MAKES ME BELIEVE I HAVE GONE ABOVE AND BEYOND BY TAKING IT AND HOPE FULLY I AM CHOSEN FOR THE PRIZE!!
I am a proud, thankful and blessed mother of 2 beautiful healthy daughters, 1 year and 3 years old. Last weekend I was not feeling well and was lying on the sofa and my 3 year old came over and kissed my forehead and patted me on the shoulder asking if I was ok. Children are such a joy!
hearing my child say she beleives in herself
I really loved the first time my daughter recited the Lords prayer
The most memorable moment for me was becoming a mom for the first time upon the arrival of our first foster daughter. We fell in love with her overnight and endured the greatest heartache ever when she left.
My daughter Says she loves herself before anyone else
Miranda Allen recently posted..Win a Bissell Pro Heat Steam Cleaner from Whats that smell
I was most inspired watching my first child graduate from college this spring!
nikiunc at hotmail dot com
I am a very new mom, so there have been a lot of incredible and stressful moments. But the most important so far is when my grandma (who raised 7 children) told me that I am a natural mother. That made me feel so much more confident as I try to figure out this parenting thing.
Awesome blog and thanks for the giveaway!
Would love, love, LOVE to win this!
=]
Bryanna P. recently posted..Lazy Saturday….