I'm Outnumbered! Book Giveaway (Closed)

You may know Laura Lee Groves from her website, Outnumbered Mom.  You may have heard of her new book, I'm Outnumbered!  One Mom's Lessons in the Lively Art of Raising Boys, through the recent FIRST Wild Card Tour.  Today I'm here to share more about the author and the book--and give you a chance to win a signed copy!

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.

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!)

Moms of boys know that the endeavor is full of challenges.  What is the most rewarding part?

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.

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.

And about those challenges:  what encouragement would you give to moms who are feeling outnumbered and/or overwhelmed?

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

Even as the mom of one boy, I think I could learn a lot from reading I'm Outnumbered!  But instead, one of you will be the lucky winner of a signed copy of the book!

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)

More details: Open to residents of USA, age 18 or older. Giveaway ends 11/1/10 at noon (Eastern time). Winner will be chosen by the random number generator at Random.org. Winner will be contacted by email and must claim the prize within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen. Void where prohibited.

Disclosure: I have received no compensation for hosting this giveaway.  Thanks to author Laura Lee Groves for providing the giveaway prize!