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Father’s Day Blog Series: Men of Pure Romance

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I think it’s so important to show appreciation for the people who show us love and support in our life. In the hustle and bustle of operating a business and taking care of our family we often lose sight of declaring that appreciation, which is why I think it’s so wonderful we designate a day to do just that.

First and foremost, I want to pay tribute to my Father today. He passed away at a young age from a heart attack. My Dad was a real “man’s man” who drove a truck for Keebler for 20+ years. He did the best he could with what he knew, which I believe is a statement that remains true for all of us in the realm of parenting. My Dad was rough around the edges, probably drank a few too many beers on occasion, loved Elvis Presley and had a difficult time expressing affection. However, I never questioned my father’s love for me. I saw his love in the everyday little things, like when my first car broke down, he took me to the dealership and said, “You can pick any car in the lot, but you’ll be responsible for the monthly payment!” To an outsider looking in it wouldn’t seem like an expression of love, but to me, the love was in the lesson: I can have anything I want in life, I just have to work hard to pay for it. My Dad also made time to call me every week despite his busy travel schedule, and after I had the boys he carved out time to spend with them every other Friday. He would pick Nick and Chris up, make giant milkshakes and curl up in front of the television to watch The Dukes of Hazard. Despite losing my Dad unexpectedly, I cherish the opportunity I had to see him show affection through his love for Chris and Nick. The boys were so young when Dad passed, but I see a lot of my father in the men they are today

Dad collageThis Father’s Day is exceptionally special because I now have the opportunity to watch all three of my sons and my son-in-law in their role as a Father. I’m sure many of you have heard me talk about how different all of my kids are, and it is definitely shines through in their parenting. Regardless of their discipline techniques or paternal instincts, they all have their own way of loving their children and supporting their significant others and it is those qualities that will benefit their children in the long run. I believe fathers are the ones who set the standard for what their sons will be like as a man, and for their daughters, they create healthy patterns so they can find the right type of love in their life. As children, our parents give us our first experience of love – we often look for those qualities in our future mate. It makes me incredibly happy to see all four of my boys with their children – they are always 100% present, and when they aren’t with them I can see the love they have shine through their eyes when they talk about them or show me a picture. It is a surreal moment when you see the little boys you used to diaper and discipline turn into fathers. It’s a beautiful gift and today I want to wish all of them a Happy Father’s Day.

To all of the wonderful men of Pure Romance, you are true rock stars! Thank you for supporting your leading lady in her business and setting a perfect example of love and support for your children. Happy Father’s Day!

My Wish for All Mothers

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After reading my daughter’s guest blog she wrote for me this Mother’s Day, I had to fight back the tears. I couldn’t help but think about all of the nights that I had spent lying in bed worrying and wondering if I’d given enough time to my kids.  There was a constant battle going on inside me.  Did I give more attention to one child over the other? Am I missing important time with my children while juggling my parties in the evenings – the little time I have with them between school and bedtime? As mothers, we’re always going to question ourselves when it comes to our parenting.

But hearing all of these memories – reliving them through Lauren’s eyes  – this was the best Mother’s Day gift she could have ever given me. I realized now, many years later, that the little things that at the time might have seemed so mundane – like sipping hot chocolate with my children in the kitchen on a cold winter day – these are the memories that stay with our children throughout the years. Working hard and being a Consultant also gave me the ability to provide luxuries like taking my kids to Disney World, but what I love most about her magical memory is that it wasn’t some amusement park ride that stood out in her mind, but her first time meeting Minnie Mouse.

Looking back, I’m so proud I was able to balance family and work and show my children a strong work ethic in the process. Those Mommy moments (“You can go play if you are back by 9 and straighten up your room…”) often hurt me to enforce more than it hurt them; however, it taught them that there were consequences if they didn’t keep their word.

Now that my children are raised, I see it wasn’t about how much time I was spending with them as much as the qualityof time we spent together. This speaks volumes to that Pure Romance Consultant out there every night doing parties – she is working hard so she can continue to make unforgettable memories for her family. Every day she will question if she’s a good mom or a bad mom, but I’m here to say that’s normal! When I’m on the road, Consultants always ask me how I was able to build my business and raise my family and let me tell you the truth: as a woman and mother, you always feel like you’re never doing enough. That’s okay. In the end, it’s the outcome that matters most and reading my daughter’s blog this weekend showed me a whole different perspective.

Below is an amazing video that shows how we often see ourselves much differently than our children see us. There’s no better day than Mother’s Day to take a moment to stop, reflect and know that we are doing the best we can! We wish you a Happy Mother’s Day from our Pure Romance Family to yours.

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