
First, a quick bio:
Laura Lee Groves is a high school English and drama teacher, and the mother of four redheaded sons. She has written for Moody Magazine, Focus on the Family's Focus on Your Child, Indianapolis Star, and Coral Ridge Ministries. She also has contributed to the upcoming Book Lover's Devotional and www.KindredHeartWriters.com.I was interested in learning about the title of the book (although I had some idea from reading Laura's website) and how the book came to be. Here is Laura's response:
The title? Well, I am greatly outnumbered in my household, 5 to 1. When you have multiple boys, your husband kind of "becomes" one of them -- it's one big fraternity. The idea cropped up somewhere along the way as I was blessed with these four boys, and I began to feel more and more outnumbered. You see, no one in my house wants to see "Little Women." Want to watch "Sleepless in Seattle"? Forget it. When I bought new dishes, they said, "Mom, you aren't going to get some with flowers on them, are you?" I'm so used to this house of boys now, I almost experience culture shock when I'm in a room of ladies.Moms of boys know that the endeavor is full of challenges. What is the most rewarding part?
People would take one look at the passel of redheaded boys and say, "You should write a book." I'd nod distractedly as I counted heads and separated two that were tussling. I've always been an avid reader and writer, though, and I filed that idea away...until one year my husband said, "You know, Honey -- you should really check out that writers conference." So I did. And I took a proposal for this book along, then titled And Then I Had Boys. Interest that first year led to an agent the second year, followed by a contract, and finally, a published book! (I'm still pinching myself!)
The mother-son bond is so special, and it's incredibly sturdy. I have a wonderful mom, but there were those tough mother-daughter times when I was a teen or pre-teen -- you girl moms know that. I really didn't experience those moments with my boys. Oh, there were rough spots in the teen years, but the mother-son bond is made of different stuff. I think it can take those years more easily.And about those challenges: what encouragement would you give to moms who are feeling outnumbered and/or overwhelmed?
What else is rewarding? Someone always has my back -- and whichever one it is, he's bigger and stronger than me! I do feel incredibly protected and cared for in this family. The neat thing is that even though they'll rush to my defense, they know that Mama Bear can handle it -- and they stand back while she does.
Besides, truthfully, boys are GREAT fun -- no matter what their age! Even now, I find them a hoot.
Hang on. This, too, will pass. But don't just tough it out -- tell someone. Be honest with your husband. Find a friend. Get some help and encouragement. No mom is an island and we shouldn't feel we have to do this alone. Ultimately there's One who loves you, values you, and desires a relationship with you, and He gives strength to make it through the day. Look to Him, spend time with Him, and you'll come out a stronger mom. And remember -- He loves your children more than you ever could.
![]() |
credit: Flickr user kevindooley |
This giveaway is closed.
How to enter: Let's keep it super-easy. Just leave a comment. Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you. Limit 1 entry by this method. This must be done in order to qualify for extra entries.
Here's how you can earn additional entries (please leave one comment per entry):
- "Look inside" I'm Outnumbered! at Amazon.com, then comment here with a chapter title that intrigues you or something else that you read and liked. (2 entries)
- Visit Outnumbered Mom and leave some comment love! Come back and tell me which post you commented. (1 entry)
- Visit Outnumbered Mom and sign up for the email newsletter (in the left sidebar). (2 entries)
- 'Like' author Laura Lee Groves on Facebook. (1 entry)
- Subscribe to my feed in a feed reader, by GFC, or by email. If you already subscribe, leave a comment to let me know. (1 entry for each way)
- Follow me via Networked Blogs. (3 entries)
- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway ( RT @FC_Melissa Enter to win a signed copy of I'm Outnumbered! #parenting #books #giveaway http://bit.ly/btcCqU ). (1 entry per day)
- 'Like' my new Frugal Creativity page on Facebook. (2 entries)
- Comment on my Facebook page. (1 entry)
- Comment on a non-giveaway post on my blog. (2 entries per post, limit 6 entries total)
Disclosure: I have received no compensation for hosting this giveaway. Thanks to author Laura Lee Groves for providing the giveaway prize!
This sounds like a great book. I only have one boy also but as the mom of four kids, I always feel outnumbered!
ReplyDeletekerrie@mayansfamily.com
The chapter called The Big O's - Order and Organization interests me because my household is definitely lacking both!
ReplyDeletekerrie@mayansfamily.com
#1
The chapter called The Big O's - Order and Organization interests me because my household is definitely lacking both!
ReplyDeletekerrie@mayansfamily.com
#2
I subscribe to your blog's rss feed thru google reader.
ReplyDeletekerrie@mayansfamily.com
I follow your blog as degood with google friend connect.
ReplyDeletekerrie@mayansfamily.com
I may only have one son but with ADHD and OCD it seems like more.
ReplyDeletelkish77123 at gmail dot com
I am an Email subscriber
ReplyDeletelkish77123 at gmail dot com
I'm interested in the Big O- order and organization
ReplyDeletelkish77123 at gmail dot com
I'm interested in the Big O- order and organization
ReplyDeletelkish77123 at gmail dot com
Melissa, I'm just stopping by to say thanks for your post today! I so appreciate your support. Enjoy your boy!
ReplyDeleteI'm outnumbered and can so relate to hubby being one of the boys! The mother son bond is wonderful and can be envious one (at times) for dear dad. Mama bear all the way, Mrs Groves has nailed this topic for sure. Thanks for sharing this wonderful book and the opportunity. I'm anxious to read it!
ReplyDeleteLooks like an interesting book
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this book.
ReplyDeletechoateorama(at)gmail(dot)com
Oooh! This book sounds so interesting! I have 2 boys & 1 girl & the relationship is different...even at their young age! Thanks for the chance to win this book!
ReplyDeletenellbell818(at)gmail(dot)com
This would be perfect for my sister in law.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me.
ReplyDeleteruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
Boy talk sounds like a good chapter title.
ReplyDeleteruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
Boy talk sounds like a good chapter title.
ReplyDeleteruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
2
like Laura Lee Groves on facebook
ReplyDeleteruthhill74
gfc follower
ReplyDeleteruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
networked blogs follower
ReplyDeleteruthhill74
networked blogs follower 2
ReplyDeleteruthhill74
networked blogs follower 3
ReplyDeleteruthhill74
like you on facebook
ReplyDeleteruthhill74
like you on facebook 2
ReplyDeleteruthhill74
Looks like a great book, hoping I win it to read it !
ReplyDeleteflychild7(at)gmail(dot)com
sounds like a book that i will really enjoy!
ReplyDeletesusansmoaks at gmail dot com
Sounds like a good book
ReplyDeletes2s2 at comcast dot net
This would be a useful read
ReplyDeletedanvice[at]yahoo[dotcom]
This sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
The "Intentional Parenting" chapter sounds really interesting.
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#1
Soon I will have 3 boys n the house when my baby is born.
ReplyDeleteJesskaufman at hotmail dot com
I visited Outnumbered Mom and left a comment on the post titled "A Family Gratitude Journal"
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Email subscriber on Outnumbered Mom
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
I like Laura Lee Groves on Facebook
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
email subscriber Frugal Creativity
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
RSS subscriber Frugal Creativity
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
I follow on Networked blogs 1
ReplyDeleteJesskaufman at hotmail dot com
GFC Follower Frugal Creativity
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Networked Blogs follower Frugal Creativity
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#1
Networked Blogs follower Frugal Creativity
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#2
Networked blog follower 2
ReplyDeleteJesskaufman at hotmail dot com
Networked Blogs follower Frugal Creativity
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#3
Networked blog follwer 3
ReplyDeleteJesskaufman at hotmail dot com
I follow you on Twitter
ReplyDeleteTweet: http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/29382461058
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
I like Frugal Creativity on Facebook
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#1
I like Frugal Creativity on Facebook
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#2
I commented on Frugal Creativity Uncertain Heart (Book Review)on Facebook Page
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net