Your Biggest Parenting Fail

To call me an expert at parenting would be a joke, to call me a good parent would make me laugh, as I see all my flaws daily.  However, I have become to a victim to "other" parent's screw ups.....

The BIGGEST Parenting Fail you can have is loving your child so much that you cannot admit they are wrong or have a problem. 

I get that it is hard to say my kid is out of control, I get that it is easier to throw money at the problem, hide the situation from your friends, and pray like mad that it will go away.  SURPRISE, it don't, it only gets worse, it only gets nastier, and it only gets more embarrassing.

In my own family I have seen this, many of my failed relationships are from people not being able to own up and take control of their own problems, and sadly parents getting involved and BAILING them out.

Parents the next time that little man or woman comes home and tells you that their teacher is picking on them, check their facts.  I know it is near impossible to call your own child a liar, but they don't want to disappoint you, so they make themselves look good.

The next time your teenage daughter or son tells you that "their friends" did it as they watched, you better think twice.

The next time your grown son or daughter tells you that someone is just out to get them, think about the time you  should have busted their butt for lying, you caught them out past curfew and let it slide, or when bailed them out of jail for stealing.....chances are you FAILED at parenting and now you have raised a MONSTER.

I beg of all fellow parents, I know it is hard to admit your child messes up or has "problems", but think deep when you see them mess up.  I realize mess ups happen, but mess ups are meant to be a learning process, not a stepping stone for their next mess up.

It may seem awful that I told my son "if you ever drop out of school, then you have to get a job, get your own house, and take care of yourself"....but the fact is I don't want him thinking that mommy is always going to put groceries in front of him no matter what he does.

As Harry S Truman said "The Buck Stops Here" and it does!   This momma is not planning (note I can't control their future actions) the next Convict, Cheater, Thief, or  Bully!  

~Becky

Lodging in Marquand, MO

Disclosure:  in the past I have been compensated visits to these places, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own....Thanks 

Sometimes I feel like I get asked the most unusual questions, but then again I am unusual, so I guess it comes with being unusual....hey, that almost rhymes!

Yesterday, I was messaged about lodging in Marquand, Mo......word is out I am HUGE fan of small towns and Marquand is one of my "favs" (all small towns are my favs).

Anyways, I have spent a lot of time in Marquand, MO.....I seriously should be the Grand Marshal of their parade (JOKING).   So folks do consider me the go to girl for Marquand information....I don't mind and fan or not, I promise I will give you my honest opinion.

There is in fact LODGING in Marquand, Mo....yes that tiny town of 204 (I believe that is what I saw

the other day on their sign) in fact has 2 Bed & Breakfasts and 2 Campgrounds for folks to visit.

The Belmont Inn - I have had the pleasure of visiting the Belmont Inn in Marquand, the story about the Belmont is captivating, the house is beautifully decorated, but you want to know about staying there....Let's just say I would stay there again in a heartbeat and I would feel comfortable enough to take my little monsters with me.


Aunt Kat's Bed & Breakfast  - I have also had the pleasure of visiting Aunt Kat's B&B.....what can I say, I like to visit places!  Aunt Kat's also has a unique story, small town family just wanting to add more to the community.  Aunt Kat's is a bit more modern than the Belmont Inn, does offer river access, and like the Belmont I would return again in a heartbeat and take my little monsters with me.

Castor River Ranch Campground - okay campers, if you have not heard about Castor River Ranch, where have your ears been.....just kidding, I only discovered this place when they showed up in my Facebook feed....however, I will say if you have an RV/Camper you must check this place out.  I ventured out there last weekend for a swim with my little monsters and was amazed.  The campground is small, but it is so clean compared to many other places.  The beach area for kids to play is very very clean, and they offer all the amenities you will need....they are a "full-hookup" campground.

this is NOT my camper...just incase you are wondering! 

DD Highway Campground - now hold onto your seats...because I have NOT visited this campground YET....they are still on my Marquand bucketlist.  I have drove past this campground and can tell you it looks clean, friendly, and is right on the river.  This is what I do know they are a full hookup campground, with tent sites, showers, and restrooms.  For more information call 573-783-2426.....if I beat you to it, I will let you know what I think!

Memories from St Louis Science Center in St Louis Missouri

Yesterday as I dropped in at the local grocery store I ran into one of my avid readers and her family, they were all headed to the St Louis Science Center in St Louis, MO for a last minute back to school trip.  Shamelessly all day yesterday I stalked her Facebook account to see photos, comments, and updates about her day with her family at the Science Center.  I LOVE when I get to see other people enjoy and share about places that I have been to.....I will add it looked as if her gang was having a blast!

It has been 8 months (almost to the day) since I took D-man to the St Louis Science Center for his 5th birthday (wiping a tear) I still look back at the photos and think about how much FUN he had on his special birthday trip.

The St Louis Science Center is the perfect "little boy" trip....seriously!  Their minds will be opened, their energy will be burnt, and I forgot to mention most of it is FREE.......

Photos From Our Trip in December 2012:

Blackwater Band at the Canterbury Hill Winery

Do you ever just fall in love with a boy band?  Last night I rocked out at Canterbury Hill Winery and Restaurantto this adorable band of teenage boys,…the lead singer was at least half my age!  These guys made me feel like I was 15 again an singing along to Hanson’s MmmBop, What a great way to feel when you are out for the night with your oldest gal pal friend.  

While I have much more to say about Centerbury Hill Winery, but I just had to share this video of the band. 

Blackwater Band in Jefferson City, Missouri 

Happy Adventures, 

Becky 

Disclosure:  My trip to Canterbury Hill Winery was sponsored by TBWG, however, all thoughts, opinions, and photos are my own.  

Sea Life Aquarium Kansas City, MO

As I flipped through pictures tonight D-man yelled “Mom, there is that favorite place we went on bacation!”…love the words that come out of my 5 year old's mouth.  I also often wonder how many favorite places he happens to have, but tonight his favorite place was Sea Life in Kansas City, MO. 

I can always tell how big of an impact a place had on my kids by how long they continue to talk about the place.  It has been 9 months since we visited SeaLife Aquarium in Kansas City, Mo and with just one image, D-man could tell me all the details of our visit.  To word it exact he loved watching the jellyfish, seahorses, touching the slimey things, and the stingrays were cool too….I would say Sea Life also educated my little man.  

With over 5,000 sea creatures and 260,000 gallons of water we had the opportunity to get up close and personal to sharks, hold crabs, touch starfish, make our imaginations explode while watching seahorses, and stand in awe as we watched the beautiful yet poisonous jellyfish. 

Sea Life Aquarium in Kansas City is not an all day adventure, the aquarium is perfect for a rainy afternoon adventure, cool when it is too hot to play outside, and a great place to kill a few hours.

The aquarium is located next to LEGOLAND and in the Kansas City Crown Center. 

With smiles and giggles, Sea Life Aquarium in Kansas City, Mo earns this Traveling Mom’s seal of approval! 

Have an Adventurous Day! 

~Becky

Disclosure:  Our visit to the Sea Life Aquarium in Kansas City was sponsored by the Kansas City Tourism office.  A big thank you to them for giving us the opportunity to visit, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own (or my children's)!