Give It Up, Mommyland

"Give it Up, Mommyland" is what we call any project we do that helps moms and babies and kids and families. Wait. What did you think it meant? Sinner. Just kidding, it's supposed to be a mildly obnoxious name because as you know - we ourselves are mildly obnoxious.

It started with a guest post called "The Domestic Enemies of the Low Income Mom". The story of this family and the amazing reaction it got, motivated us to do something. Because we couldn't forget the stories of people from within our own Mommyland community that broke our hearts and opened our eyes. 

Moms with husbands deployed in Afghanistan, trying to put together a holiday for their kids with food stamps and hope. Moms who were chronically broke trying to care for a special needs child. Moms who found themselves suddenly on their own, wondering how to explain to their kids that their dad was gone and there would be no gifts this year. Family after family where one parent got sick or laid off, and there was just no work. And there was no money. And no idea what they were going to do.

In Mommyland, we rant and giggle. We act stupid and try not to take things too seriously. We help each other find the funny in the absurd and sometimes overwhelming process of parenting. This is how we approach life, knowing that it can be hard and that very bad things can happen to very good people. Knowing that it happens every day.

Doing these projects taught us that our kids learn something from watching us help others. And we need our kids to be the kind of people who GET IT. We help others. When those bad things happen to good people, we have to all take care of each other. And we don't just talk about stuff or complain about how bad things are, we get out there and do something about it.  

So that's what "Give It Up, Mommyland" is all about. It's not a lot - but it's something. We can all do something. Our next project will be for Mother's Day 2013 and it's going to be awesome.


Mother's Day 2014,

• We threw a Mother's Day party where 4 shelters and over 100 moms, dads, grandparents and kids volunteered their time to help families in need.
• We created 135 Mother's Day gifts for women living in domestic violence and homeless shelters.
• We collected donations toys and school supplies for 110 children living in domestic violence and homeless shelters.
• Folks from all over the US threw similar parties, large and small, to help women in their communities!

Mother's Day 2013,

• We threw a Mother's Day party where 6 shelters and over 200 moms, dads, grandparents and kids volunteered their time to help families in need.
• We created 100 Mother's Day gifts for women living in domestic violence and homeless shelters.
• We collected donations toys and school supplies for 100 children living in domestic violence and homeless shelters.
• We created a series of hilarious Mother's Day cards with Naughty Betty and thanks to our sponsor Sweet Relish, we raised over $1,600 for Shelter House.

Christmas 2012,

• We developed lists of great volunteer opportunities for kids of all ages (as young as 2!).
• We matched up over 1,800 moms in our holiday gift card exchange.
• Mommyland hosted 7 events where families volunteered together to help those in need.
• Read about the impact of these projects and the thanks you's from participants right here.  You might some tissues.

Mother's Day 2012,

• We raised money and donations for the purchase of over 3,000 clean birth kits.
• We made mother's day gifts for over 100 moms living in domestic violence and homeless shelters.
• We spread some cheer and love to moms all over the US who were feeling crappy. Grab some more tissues...

Christmas 2011,

• We matched  up over 2,500 moms in our gift exchange.
• Read about the impact of these projects and the thanks you's from participants right here.  Again with the tissue warning.

We also honor our families who serve through,

• Lending our full support to the Caring for Military Kids with Autism Act so that the all children covered by Tri-Care are eligible for services and therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Click here to learn more and advocate on behalf on military families.
• Being on call whenever our friends at Final Salute need us. Final Salute works tirelessly to help female veterans (and their children) transition out of homelessness. No veteran should ever be homeless. Click here to learn more and donate.