I feel like a $hitastic Mom after reading the Kelly Hampton blog. Am I the only one?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some woman publishes a blog with pictures of her kids prominently displayed for every perv on the internet to see? Great mom there.

This is a disgusting thing to say. I don't follow her blog, and think her photos aren't that great, so I'm not a rabid Kelly defender.

But by your idiotic logic, there should be no baby magazines, no television shows featuring babies, and no pictures of babies on the internet at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can't she "enjoy the small things" without putting it out there for everyone's voyeuristic gaze? It's evident that she thrives on the attention. Can't life be lived today without documenting on the internet every "small thing" ? And then manipulating every "small thing" until it's been morphed into some rosy facade of life? It's just warped. I'm not talking about this woman in particular, although she's an apt example.

Well, yes, of course, but she's a photographer. She had her blog long before she had her second daughter and it's obviously been a vehicle for her business. To an extent she is promoting herself because she is also promoting her business. Whatever, people can dislike her and her point of view. What I see is just a lovely family and a successful woman and mother trying to record and share her life. Maybe I'm naive, but I prefer it that way. Oh, and I am glad she documents her "little things" online because I like to look and it makes me happy. Just more proof that there is something for everyone out there...but not one thing that will make everyone happy.

[Anonymous]

So many of the posts on this thread are just classic examples of how women love to tear other women down. Its really sad. She is comfortable, happy, thin, beautiful, and seems to be a great mom. Good for her. Not really understanding why her apparent happiness is so offensive to some of you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So many of the posts on this thread are just classic examples of how women love to tear other women down. Its really sad. She is comfortable, happy, thin, beautiful, and seems to be a great mom. Good for her. Not really understanding why her apparent happiness is so offensive to some of you.

As opposed to your post, which was an attempt to gather us in a praise circle?

[Anonymous]

What the hell is wrong with you people? I swear, some of the self-rightous posters on this forum can even find fault with a blog as beautiful as this?
For those that don't know, Kelly Hampton was in the news quite a bit last year after delivering her daughter in January that unexpectedly had Downs Syndrome. I think it's wonderful that she strives to find the beauty in the things that surround her instead of dwelling in misery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So many of the posts on this thread are just classic examples of how women love to tear other women down. Its really sad. She is comfortable, happy, thin, beautiful, and seems to be a great mom. Good for her. Not really understanding why her apparent happiness is so offensive to some of you.

Agreed!

[Anonymous]

This is OP. I never thought so many people would respond. I think she seems like a wonderful Mom, but it honestly does make me feel like a $hitastic Mom for a number of reasons. I need to do a LOT of things to IMPROVE myself and reading her blog reminds me of that. But I think what she is doing is a great thing and I am not judging her blog, just annoyed that when I read her blog, it is a reminder of all the things I should be working on (and not wasting time reading someone's blog).

[Anonymous]

OP, I had never heard of her, and checked out her blog. Thanks - her photos are gorgeous, and she herself seems like an optimistic, centered person.

Since you read her blog and feel bad about yourself, however, try reading the Happiness Project. I read the book, and it really gave me some concrete ideas. Here is the blog, though I got more out of the book:

http://www.happiness-project.com/

[Anonymous]

I love the blog. I think she chooses not to focus on all the scary stuff, b/c who wants to read that? It's easy to feel depressed sometimes on your own, and I think her blog reminds you to see the positive. Also, she's pretty clear that she only post the cute happy snippets from the week. There's not a new post every day. I'm sure she's doing laundry and stepping on toys just the rest of us. Give the woman a break!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What the hell is wrong with you people? I swear, some of the self-rightous posters on this forum can even find fault with a blog as beautiful as this?
For those that don't know, Kelly Hampton was in the news quite a bit last year after delivering her daughter in January that unexpectedly had Downs Syndrome. I think it's wonderful that she strives to find the beauty in the things that surround her instead of dwelling in misery.

This is an open forum after all, and people are allowed to post their viewpoints--you posted yours.

Does is really bother you so much that some of us aren't impressed that "she was in the news quite a bit last year" ? Talk about damning with faint praise! Octomom was in the news!

Please be more accepting of others, Kelly would want you to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:I think the problem I have with her is that it's entirely and abundantly evident that ALL her basic needs are met to the nth degree, so yes, she does have time to "enjoy the small things." Her ego, her striving, all of that is right there on the surface. It's not appealing.

Doesn't that probably describe 99% of the posters on here? How many of us do not have our basic needs met and then some (and then some and then some)? And how many of us, with enough time to post on this website, don't have enough time to "enjoy the small things?" Really? To me (and this is just my opinion, and I have never met her and only "know" her though her blog) she does not seem egotistical. It is an ironic criticism coming from DCUM, that she is "striving." Hmmm. I can understand that some people feel that she is showing off. I don't personally see it that way though.

I'm a teacher and single mom, so I can say for sure I'm not part of the "99%". Just sayin'. And I'm striving ALL THE *&%#ing time. Striving to keep up. So after looking at her blog, with her in her ridiculous white gown standing in the woods, and her daughters' outfits probably costing more than my own, I feel entitled to say YUCK.

You're entitled to say "yuck" because of a photograph she has with her children wearing nice clothing? You entered the education field know what the pay is like. Still, you chose it. It's a noble field, but perhaps it isn't the one for you if you would rather buy the expensive clothing you judge others for wearing?

I doubt you're striving all the time... you're on DCUM whining.

I'm entitled to say yuck not b/c I'm jealous of her children's clothing, for pete's sake. Get a clue. I love my career and wouldn't change it. She just strikes me as pretentious. And with that being said, I will not be looking at her blog again.

NP here. Really, "YUCK" poster?!?!?! Because you sound incredibly jealous and embittered. And silly for letting one woman's appearance / clothing / hobbies make you feel like less of a Mom! I'm sure you rock in your "striving all the #$%%% time," life - but your posts here are not showing that side one bit.

I too have a severely disabled daughter (who will never talk, walk or feed herself), and my husband and I are not what you might call "naturally sunny" folks; we're realists, skeptics, cynics, and yet - honest to God - we try to make the best of each and every passing day. Cliche here, but life is short, and you only get one, so why waste it on being a hater. I'm not in any way like Kelle Hampton, but I get her blog and think it's great.

[Anonymous]

Don't feel bad. You can take five photos of your child and spend the rest of the day ignoring her as you sit on the computer to update such site and photoshop your pictures. lol

[Anonymous]

Thank you for introducing me to her blog. I think it is beautiful. It certainly doesn't make me feel like a bad mom. It makes me want to take better pictures and be more crafty that's for sure. But, everyone has their strengths. If you noticed in her pictures, her house is a mess. Total chaos. While I would like to fancy myself as this creative, fluid kind of earth-mama, the reality is that I would go nuts if I lived in that house. I think one of my strengths as a parent is that I am organized and my kids thrive on a schedule. Her strengths are different. I think we can appreciate other people's lifestyles and perhaps even be inspired by them without feeling bad about ourselves!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:http://www.kellehampton.com/

I don't take nearly enough pictures of my DC'ren
We don't do much crafts
They watch more TV than they should
I yell sometimes

She seems amazing and I wish I had half her energy!

She also seems to have so many friends and family members. I want to go live with her and spend time at the beach with her family! My family is small and friends have moved away and we have lost touch

I am not even looking at the site. Do not compare yourself to others. Make a SHORT list of anything you want to change about your parenting (3 things MAX) and work on one. Focus on today. Moment to moment. Is it that you need to get organized? Is it anger? It is that you need to plan something for yourself? Do you need exercise/sleep/better diet? Move in THAT direction. There are professionals of every stripe to help you, some free, some not. There are websites and books. Not to mention, you probably have friends and family who will help.

If you feel like a crappy mom, make SMALL steps in a direction that makes you feel competent and hopeful. THAT is being a good mom. Crafts, pics....that's all window dressing.

[Anonymous]

10:58 - NICE job. You should start a blog. That was very motivational (I am not being snarky, I mean it - and this is OP).

3 things I want to change about myself:

1. not just "get through" each day but ENJOY the days more
2. worry less about health stuff
3. eat better