Blogging isn’t for the weak of heart…I’ve had my fair share of trials and tribulations when it comes to a public writing/posting forum where you subject yourself to the worldwide web and the masses who tune in daily to get a sneak peak at your life. Though I have to also say that my experience has seen way more positive than the negative so to those of you who have stuck with me these past 6+ years, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Today, I’m tackling something head on and something that’s been weighing on my mind…and that subject is the GOMI website. If you’ve never heard of it, consider yourself lucky. Basically, it’s a website for people to go on and post “snarks” about their hate reads/websites they aren’t particularly fond of…yes, I’m putting it nicely because in all actuality, I think it’s an awful space for anyone to waste time on.
I’ve read some of my favorite bloggers responses to their GOMI threads and I’m taking the same route today and posting my response on my blog, rather than creating an account and adding anymore words on that website. In addition, I am sure some of my readers have questions/curiousness/doubts about me and I am here to clear it all up, so you can hear it from me firsthand. I think when someone attacks who you are as a person, your character, your marriage, your children, and anything of the sort, you should be able to respond to them in a dignified way, and this is the clarification I am hoping to get.
I think by now, you know I am an open book, so in certain instances, I might share too much, but it’s who I am and I hope you won’t fault me for being me. Here goes nothing:
P.S. I’m going back to the beginning of my “thread” so my answers/responses can be as cohesive and all encompassing as possible.Â
To the GOMIs Regarding the Portrayal of my Perfect Life/Kids/Family
I don’t pretend my life is perfect…though I am a “perfectionist” and sometimes I might try too hard to attain that appearance. It’s never going to happen, so I need to stop striving for that.
Someone mentioned my family dynamic regarding my parents. My dad is my stepfather, not my birth father, but as far as I am concerned, he is my dad…the man who raised me from the time I was 6 years old. Yes, I refer to him as my dad because in fact he is my father. And someone said they assumed my mom is my birth mom…ummm yes, the person who I look identical to is indeed, my real mother…shocking I know (sorry for the sarcastic tone, but I couldn’t help but laugh that someone really questioned that).Â
To the GOMI who said she “knows” me (i.e. her husband is friends with my ex-boyfriend from 6+ years ago), you might want to check your sources before you report on nonfactual information… you said I was raised by my grandparents and lived with them throughout my school years…that is false and you may want to get your facts in order before jumping on said lurker website to state things you simply have no idea about. It’s evident that your husband obviously doesn’t know me, nor my background and/or adolescence. My grandparents did indeed help when it came to keeping me when my parents traveled for work, taking me to and from softball practice/dance class and picking me up from school, but I think that’s pretty common when your family lives close.
Regarding my mention of a step-brother…yes, I have a step brother whose name is Justin. He is my dad’s son from his first marriage and he is the same age as me. He lives in Ohio with his wife and we see them on occasion, though he is getting his Ph.D. from Ohio State so he might be a little preoccupied to be featured regularly on my blog.
In terms of Jeff’s family, we do see them regularly, though I know they value their privacy and I’m certain they don’t want to be plastered all over my blog. I will, however, try to do a better job of posting when we visit them over the holidays because they are an important part of our family life.
A few of you even mentioned that you think I miss my former lifestyle and “partying”. Honestly, I think with age comes a certain maturity and the things I enjoyed in my early 20s just don’t appeal to me anymore. I have a husband, two children, and they are my priority…not going out all weekend, drinking and visiting bars and staying out until 2AM. We do go out on occasion with our friends and it’s fun every once in awhile…just not an every weekend kind of occurrence. You live and you learn and I did go through a huge change when I was 26…I was saved and became a Christian and yes, that has changed my outlook on life and the things I choose to do.
Dear GOMIs Discussing My Husband/Relationship/Dating
To the people who said I dated Jeff for money, wow…you have been watching way too much reality TV/drama because my mind just doesn’t think that way. Did it ever occur to you that we dated each other because we actually LIKED each other? In all actuality, my husband pursued me…not the other way around. If you read back in the archives of my blog, you can see where I mentioned Jeff and I hanging out as friends, him asking me out a few times, and then I finally listened to my heart, and said yes to having dinner with him. That wasn’t a decision I took lightly, as I knew we had been friends for a long time and if we started dating, that would change the dynamic of our relationship. Yes, my husband and I are both educated and have done well for ourselves, but that hasn’t come without tremendous sacrifice and if you remember, I had a successful career in marketing before I began dating my husband.
To the GOMIs Who Like to Talk About My Children
Someone mentioned I have blatant favoritism with my first child over my second. Then someone else comes on the thread later to say I love the second one more. I can’t even describe how that feels to read something like that. Honestly, I’d be ashamed of  myself if I ever said that about someone else and evidently you aren’t mothers…I love my children with every ounce of my being and love them equally, but I also love them differently because they are two completely original individuals and God made them that way for a reason. Never once have I loved one of my girls more than the other and to say that is just hateful.
I ask you nicely to please quit discussing/snarking on my girls. Talk about me all you want, but please leave them alone.
Dear GOMI People Concerned about Our Dog, Chloe
Dear GOMIs Who Love to Talk About My Career/Sugar Bit
Someone said I dress my kids in Carter’s/Baby Gap/Etc…heck yes I do! These retailers are awesome and they make some great, everyday basics as well as other styles, too. They said I’m selling stuff I don’t even like? You must have me confused for someone else because this girl has always loved her some adorable baby clothes…Caroline had a fully stocked closet before she ever entered the world, because I couldn’t wait to play dress up with a girl. If you read the background of why I started Sugar Bit, you’ll realize that I wanted to curate a shop filled with ensembles for special occasions, outings, parties, and other events in addition to the everyday play wear. I dress my girls like I dress myself…a mix of basics from the cost conscious places blended with other boutique items that stand out and make a statement.
Others said my boutique is lame. Well you are certainly entitled to your opinion and I respect that. Of course there are people out there who won’t like what Sugar Bit sells and that’s OK, too. They said my styles won’t sell to southerners…totally get that. But at the same time, I am gearing our collections to people other than those in the Southern region, which is why you’ll find an eclectic mix of traditional and trendy pieces…I am hoping we can appeal to people throughout the US and other countries. To each their own đ I’m all for some constructive criticism, and I am just trying to do the best I can with my business.
To the GOMIs Discussing my Appearance/Weight/Looks/Fashion Sense/Personality
Not everyone likes the way I present myself or the way I look, um, OK? People are bound to talk about what I wear, my weight, my skin, etc and I get that… I’m sure you look 100% presentable and put together ALL of the time, too, right?
To those talking about where I shop/how I dress…yes, I am a savvy shopper and I do shop at a variety of stores, from Gap to Forever 21 to JCrew Factory to Target to local/online boutiques. No, I don’t spend a tremendous amount of money on my clothes…I also shop when they have sales so that I can save money. I do on occasion splurge on a nice pair of shoes or a handbag, but that’s because I save to be able to buy a specific item and not feel guilty about it. And no, I don’t use credit cards to shop…paid off my debt after I got out of college and will never go down that path again.
I have wrinkles…yes, you’re right I do. Do I wish I didn’t? Absolutely! Am I willing to get Botox to fix that? Nope. Not as high on my priority scale at this moment in my life. Unfortunately, I spent a lot of my teen/college/early 20s in a tanning bed and I am paying that price now (which I have mentioned previously as a warning to others). That’s also why I have discussed going to the dermatologist to help prevent skin cancer/precancerous spots/etc…learn from my mistakes! They said I look geriatric/look like I’m 60…well, I am sorry my looks bother you, but I also have two young children and a 10 hour night of sleep isn’t something I have seen much of in the past 2.5 years. What more is there to say. Skincare hasn’t been something I have been diligent about until recently and it’s something that takes time to combat. It baffles me that people spend so much time discussing what others look like and snarking on that. But by all means, if you have some product recommendations that don’t cost $300, please send them my way. I love hearing what works well for others and could potentially help me.
As for my “Oompa Loompa” look because I get spray tans…obviously that’s not a compliment, but having “color” that doesn’t involve me subjecting myself to further sun damage is better, so oh well on that one. You win some, you lose some, but I think I look better having a “faux glow”.
And to the ones who discussed my weight, yes I have lost weight from my early 20s… probably because I’m not indulging in alcohol as much as I used to, or eating late night junk food like we did when we went out all the time… things change as we get older and mature. Yes, I was thicker around my mid-section and then started watching my weight/diet/exercised more when I was in wedding planning mode…in all, I wanted a better, healthier lifestyle so that’s where I’m at today.
Someone also specifically mentioned that my “ombre” hair is awful…there was a discussion geared towards our family beach pictures and someone said my hair stuck out like a sore thumb…I totally agree. My hairdresser had actually used a different product on my hair when I visited her before our trip and I had to go back to get her to tone down the brightness. I wasn’t happy with it at all, and was disappointed in the way it looked for our pictures as well. Do I wish I could Photoshop that picture and have it not so bright? Heck yes. Lesson learned the hard way on that one.
As an additional mention, to the woman who said she ran into me while shopping last week who decided not to come up and say hi, but to observe me in a non-stalker-like-way, YOU NEED TO GET A LIFE. You decided to follow me around and watch us while I was on a mommy-daughter date with Caroline…that’s profoundly pathetic and sad that you did that AND then had to come report about it on GOMI. Saying I looked rough/bad/had an old lady face…again, I won’t apologize that my looks offended you, but I will say I’m sorry that you thought it more appropriate to lurk instead of going about your day.
To the GOMIs Who Like to Discuss our Lifestyle/Money/Finances/Parenting
How my husband and I live is far from a luxurious lifestyle, especially compared to others out there, but you won’t find me blasting others for how they live their life. Who am I to judge? Jeff and I invest, put money away into an emergency account, and have college savings accounts for both of our children. We are very practical about money. It may make the world go round, but it’s not the most important thing to us, nor will it ever be.
A snarker recently mentioned that I was a “poor excuse of a mom”. At the end of the day, my girls KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt they are loved and are the single most important things in my life…you can say what you please, but I’m a present, attentive, and loving mother and I won’t allow someone who doesn’t know me to say otherwise. Think what you will, but my role as a mom defines me more than anything else and those two babies are by far my greatest accomplishments.
To the GOMIs about Stay-at-Home-Mom (SAHM) versus Working Mom
I quit my job when I had Caroline…yes, that’s something I have discussed in detail before. We were able to make that choice because it’s what worked for OUR family. I don’t harp on anyone’s decisions regarding their decision to stay at home or go back to work, so please don’t hate on mine. That’s a touchy subject for a lot of families out there. Can’t we all accept the choices others make and be happy for them?
To the GOMIs Discussing our Childcare/Nanny
There were quite a few mentions of this so this was a topic I definitely wanted to expand upon. First of all, someone said I am a SAHM with a nanny…when in actuality, I am not. I am a business owner who operates and runs a business by myself. Yes, I am able to work from my home office, therefore Jeff and I thought it best for us to have childcare for our girls so that I could indeed work, and still be present throughout the day. I am not here to say our choice of childcare is better than anyone else’s…we evaluated daycare versus a nanny and having someone come to our home fit our lifestyle better.
In terms of our girls going to Mother’s Day Out, yes they do. It’s great for learning, socialization, and mastering other skills and Jeff and I think it’s absolutely important to their growth and development, and will hopefully help them succeed in school.Our nanny is Alex, who has become almost like a family member to us. We trust her wholeheartedly and she has been a tremendous help. We are so thankful to have her as she does so much to help our family and she knows just how much she means to us, and Caroline and Carson.
One person seemed to have a really big issue with the fact that we brought Alex with us on our family vacation. I have numerous friends whose parents did the same thing when they were growing up, so I’m not sure this is so out of the ordinary. We also have friends that bring a babysitter with them on vacations to help out. We don’t have to, but when it works out, we think it’s a win for everyone as far as we’re concerned. Alex gets a vacation, we get nights out/dinner dates after bedtime, and my parents can enjoy their vacation, too. I love being with my girls when we’re at the beach…playing with them in the sand, getting in the pool for swim sessions, and doing all the other family stuff people do…but at the same time, it’s nice to be able to have the opportunity for Jeff and I to enjoy some alone time on our trips together as well, and that’s where it’s an added bonus to have an additional set of hands.
To the GOMIs Regarding Blog Posts/Giveaways/Features/Etc
Finally, I hope this post doesn’t come across as arrogant, sarcastic, insincere, or anything of the like. This was my best attempt to clear the air about specific things people might have questions about me and my blog. My life is just that…mine and I am living it the best way I know how. I’m just a normal person, overcoming obstacles, trying to raise my children, making mistakes, attempting to be a good wife/friend/mother/daughter/etc, and doing the best I can with what God gave me. I hope this helps you see the true me just a little bit better.
WOW…….they must really be jealous of you to be writing all of this! Girl, you are the epitome of a wonderful wife, friend, mother and daughter, and it shows in your posts. GOMI Is such a POS (sorry) that is simply filled with people who wish they were you. I love when you post pictures of you in sweats and write about the house being a mess…you keep it real, and those of us who have been reading since (almost) the beginning, we know your true colors and know that anyone who has anything negative to say about you is simply jealous. Keep doing what you do, because you're doing it the best!!! xoxox
Just want you to know I love your blog! Good for you for clearing the air and standing up for yourself!
Ugh. I hate that website so much. I did a similar post responding to a "hater" several months ago. And I wish I hadn't even devoted that much time to drawing attention to their cruel words. I know it's nearly impossible not to, but please don't take what these hurtful people have said to heart. As one of my friends said to me, their words say more about THEIR character than they do about yours. Chin up, Mama đ
Natasha I am shocked this crazy awful website exists. I am proud of you for responding in a classy and gracious manner. It's incredibly sad that people have that much hate in their heart and feel the need to gossip and pick others lives apart. It took a lot of courage to combat such personal attacks on your life and I am just so sorry you and your family have been subjected to this.
James 4:12 "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But youâwho are you to judge your neighbor?"
I'm glad that you took the time to address this because it's really ridiculous so many people spend time ridiculing others and their lifestyle, choices and family. It is especially awful when people snark on people's babies/family, etc…that is just not cool. I can't understand why people have to be so mean but I think some people just find the need to express their feelings in a hateful way. You are right though, all you can do is life your life the best way you know how to do and try not to let them get to you…be the bigger person and at the end of the day, your loving husband and beautiful children are all that matters, nothing else.
I don't think I've ever commented but felt compelled to comment today. I'm glad you wrote this post – I'm sure it wasn't easy. I'm not familiar with the website you mentioned, but have not plans to visit it. It's just a little ridiculous that people feel a need to take time out of their day to read a blog they presumably don't like/agree with, and then visit another website to complain about it. Really???
I'm glad you can look past that. No one can make everyone happy, but then again, you don't have to. As Toni said, at the end of the day, only your family matters.
You are such a strong, sweet, pretty and successful lady! As my mother always says you have to pray for those negative people because it's obvious they need some Jesus in there lives! : )
I have been reading your blog for several years now and I absolutely adore you and your sweet family. I'm sad that you felt the need to explain yourself to these negative people. I've never understood the internet trolls who feel so big and bad behind their computer screens. Whatever happened to 'If you have nothing nice to say, don't say it at all'?! Hang in there momma– you, your babies, your (and Jeff's families), your business, daycare, and (gasppp) your dog all seem to be doing great! You just keep doing what YOU do. xo
I hate that you even had to write such a post but, I think it was a great response to those who seem to have nothing better to do with their (miserable) lives than gossip/gripe/snark about others. It's sad that people can't spin that sort of energy in a positive way! Get a life people!! Go do something good for a change instead of sitting behind a keyboard like a coward!!
I'm so sad that you'd have to defend anything. Enjoy your life đ It's unfortunate that some people have that type of time on their hands to berate others.
I am so very sorry that you even had to write this. I cannot believe some people. Those people need to find hobbies, friends, and MOST of all, God. Live YOUR life, just as you have been!
Keep on being the amazing you!!!
Kaitlin
xo | thesequinedspatula.blogspot.com
Ummm, what's wrong with Carters and Gap?!
I'm also not familiar with that site but I'm sorry those things were said about you. I'm a new follower but wanted to comment. Anonymously questioning someone's love for their child/ren is low. Just because blogs *seem* to give a detailed peek into someone's life doesn't mean they have aired every single detail…like your case with your dog, step brother, lack of debt etc. Sad that people would assume the worst in those unknown cases.
Natasha, I have been reading your blog for a few years now and never once have visited GOMI and I'm glad I haven't! I love this blog and I love reading about your family and your life. I don't think your life is "perfect" I think you just choose to share the happy aspects of your life which is 100% normal, I would never expect a blogger to write publicly about very personal family issues, etc. Quite frankly, it's none of our business! Keep doing what you're doing, thank you for sharing your life with us!
At first I kind of wondered why you were posting a response to what has been written on GOMI but I have to say that you said it all so well and about as polite as you possibly could that I say well done to squash all the "concerns" about you. I have to admit, I've been on GOMI before and even posted. I have never posted about you before and I'm not just saying that. Not all the pages on GOMI are the same and not all the posters are the same. Some people really are just hateful and seem to have it out for certain bloggers on there. And then there are other people (myself included) that have criticism about a blogger's writing style, how they use to write vs how they write now, etc where it really does not come from a place of hate or jealousy just an opinion that probably wouldn't fit on a blogger's blog. I'm not defending the things that were said about YOU though. Not at all. Those things were obviously hurtful and at times very inappropriate. I find it odd that one minute they claim you only present "perfect" and throw money around and then the next they are complaining that you buy cheap make up and such. I have to tell you the fact that you are a mommy blog out there that isn't talking about how much you love some $40 tube of mascara is really refreshing to me. I think you have a great balance of being conscientious about finances and being respectful of that and still posting cute fun stuff that you like for you and your girls. I'm sorry that the GOMI post was so attacking and I hope you can continue to keep being "YOU" and just keep swimming đ
I had never heard of GOMI until anyother blog that I read mentioned it. I love your blog and I love who you are. I love that you're not afraid to go without any makeup and post a picture. If I'm having a low key weekend, you will see me running around town with no make-up and a hat to cover my hair. Oh and as far as a nanny going on trips with you, it's totally normal. One of my best friends has a nanny and she even watches my kid if we all go on a trip.
Hang in there honey. Actually, your blog is the reason I started blogging. I just really enjoyed reading it over the years, and I eventually started posting my own pictures so my out of town relatives could keep up with us better. You are a lovely person on the inside and the outside!
I didn't know GOMI existed until another blogger I followed posted something similar to this post and I admit, curiosity got the best of me. I had no idea what it was. On one hand, there are bloggers who do take advantage of people, just like there are businesses who do the same thing. Which I do NOT count you! But for the most part, I have found bloggers (at least the ones I follow) to be authentic and real. And so I found GOMI toxic and ridiculous. And if I were you, or anyone else they have said similar things about, I would find it incredibly hurtful. Especially when it comes to people besides the blog author, like your family. I admire the way you handled this.
You are fierce!!! I can't even believe that people read other people's blogs just to bash them – seriously no lives!! You addressed things you never had to, but you did it so well!!
The site is so ridiculous I just discovered it recently and was shocked at how big it was and how some people have 500+ page threads. I just can't believe people care so much or get so angry over what strangers are doing. I'm sorry you felt the need to address it but I think you did a great job. I've always seen you as real on your blog and it's your blog anyway which means you can share what you want with the world. People are always going to have opinions no matter what.
Great post and good for you for sticking up for yourself! GOMI is seriously the most pathetic site I have yet come across. Are people being forced to read these blogs? I'm pretty sure they aren't! Those that follow along and snark on other people's blogs should be ashamed and yes, they need to get a life! Perhaps, I don't know, maybe GET A HOBBY! Bloggers write their blogs as a hobby themselves and it's sad that certain people try to destroy the pleasure we get out of it đ
XO Kelly
http://www.dettecakes.com
I am laughing at the fact that you had to say something about your dog. It's sad that you even had to make a post addressing this in the first place. What a sad, sad life these ladies live. Jealously is a terrible thing. Other people's opinions do not matter! You're an amazing mama and person! What's funny is that I remember you posting about everything waaaay back in the day and while I was reading the part about your husband I was thinking "eh no? I remember her saying she didn't want to ruin the friendship!". haha! Is that weird?! Keep doing what you're doing lady! Haters are going to hate! (Proverbs 9:8) ha!! đ
I feel so bad that you get attacked online and people who don't even know you say such cruel and nasty things. I rarely comment but just wanted to let you know that I enjoy your blog and although I know that you're not perfect, I find that your blog is inspiring in wats, and just fun to read! Keep being you
I can't help but think that the people who write on GOMI have waaaaaay too much free time on their hands. I've been a reader of yours for a very long time (even went back to the very first post and read from there) and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoy your blog. You do you without any apologies and I love that. You're obviously an incredibly loving, caring mom to those two gorgeous girls and a fun wife to Jeff. Quite frankly, those are the three opinions that matter most. I feel bad that you even had to write this post, but I can't blame you at all for wanting to set the record straight (in a much more polite manner than I would have done).
I have never heard of GOMI but it sounds terrible! I'm so sorry you have to deal with that. I don't think you should have explain yourself to anyone. People can be so hurtful and just down right mean! Keep your head high! Only you know your life and your situations and it's none of their business! They need to get a life! I've enjoyed reading your blog and you have the cutest little family. You are obviously an amazing and loving mother. Bless you for having to set the record straight!
I am sorry that you even had to take the time to write this post (as if you had nothing better to do). Your blog has been nothing short of a wonderful collection of your personal growth and experiences. It is YOUR journal but OUR benefit that you have chosen to share these tales with us. It was very courageous of you to respond back and admiral that you are able to defend yourself and your loved ones with such class. Go get 'em!
Wow! That website sounds absolutely horrible! How sad that people go on there and write hurtful things! I am so so sorry that you had to read that stuff! Hopefully you know none of that is true and those are just people that have no lives and are unhappy with their own. Ugh….I'm so grossed out about those nasty things! Please Please know that no one NORMAL thinks those things at all! Gosh, people are so strange…
scarlettmoonblog.blogspot.com/
Amen! I was cheering you on with every sentence I read. That website is absolutely AWFUL and I find it hilarious that people will sit on that site for hours and talk about people from behind their computer screens. Cowards!
I'm so glad you posted this. I only heard of GOMI when another blogger did a similar post to address the ridiculousness of these pathetic, sad people who have nothing better to do than voluntarily read about someone else's life, only to later criticize every aspect of it anonymously on that sad little site. If it wasn't so incredibly rude and appalling, I'd dare to say it's laughable that people who are so interested in your life have the nerve to put you down- they're the ones who clearly have nothing better going on in their own lives! Your blog is a fun read and I enjoy stopping by!
It's so ridiculous, and proves that you can't please everyone. It seems like you have gotten criticized for having a nice house and wearing inexpensive clothes, whereupon another blogger get criticized for having a small house and wearing expensive clothes. I think you do an excellent job of presenting the real you, and I love reading about your life!
Wow, I can't even believe a website like that exists… And that people take the time to write on it!! I am so sorry that you have to defend yourself – I think you do an amazing job representing yourself, faith, family, and business!
I had never heard of GOMI until today….wow, absolutely awful. I hate that you even had to write this post. Unfortunately the internet is a place where people can lash out and feel like they are "protected" because they can hide behind their words and screens. I am a fairly new follower of your blog and I will just say that I had not even thought about any of the things that people had brought up!! I am looking forward to many more blog posts from you!
Gross. So sorry you have to deal with this disgustingness!
Natasha,
I am appalled that such a site exists and am horrified at some of the comments on there. My heart hurts for you and for your family. Please know that these nasty bitches are outnumbered by your readers who value you, your family and your business. I guess they believe if you don't have something nice to say, hide behind a screen name and write about it on the internet. Its just plain pathetic and karma will be knocking soon.
Kudos to you for standing up for yourself, and I'm sorry that you felt that you had to. The people on that site are a special breed. Please know that there are so many, many more people who think you are a lovely person than the trolls who creepily hang out on the internet together and bash a version of you that they've made up in their heads.
They are all jealous and I hope they read all the comments that your viewers say about how sick they are after they take time out of their day to read your blog. If you suck so bad, why do they keep coming back? Sorry you even had to see their negativity. Miserable people love company.
I never comment usually…but the just notion of GOMI (never use it and rarely read it; just know about it) is soooo pathetic, I just had to say something. These ladies are sad souls, my dear, and you are not. I'm sorry, but it's true. The fact that you even have to call out/defend something like ombre hair in a family portrait session is absurd and beyond vapid. I'm sorry you've had to deal with this. I suppose it's a risk one takes when having a blog that attracts thousands of readers a day…but…wow! Hang in there!
I stumbled upon GOMI on accident when I googled one of my favorite blogs. I was so sad to see the horrible things people say about people they don't even know. It made me want to cry. I would love to see how those people would like it if someone followed them around and made comments on their family life and appearance.
You are adorable and so is your blog, keep up the good work! Oh and how dare you not do entire posts about your dog?! đ
I'm a long-time reader and girl I just want you to know that I LOVE your blog! Your girls are darling and as a southerner, I love your taste as well. And I wish I could get my hair to curl like yours does! I've never heard of this website but it's terrible and just remember that most of these people are jealous of you. They all need to get a life. I'm in law school and I don't get to read as much as I used to but I think your blog is the epitome of southern class! đ
I just found your blog from the 5 on Friday link up on another blog. đ I just came to comment to say STOP READING THAT WEBSITE! I'm sorry that you're on there, but it honestly just shows how popular and large your blog has become! The things said about you on there are heartless. I don't mean that they are unkind, I mean that they are said without any conviction or without any relation to you, without any heart in it. If someone felt, genuinely, deep in their heart, that you were a bad person/mom/wife/etc., then it would merit your attention. Those people have no genuine, deep in their heart feelings about you. They have superficial, meaningless feelings. In fact, I don't even think they're feelings, I think they're just comments. Just words. You are beautiful and you have a beautiful life. I'm sure that's hard for others to watch without having negative feelings. Those negative feelings are all from their own life, though, not from yours. Stay beautiful <3
Natasha, your response to these folks was done with class and I do hope that you will not allow these comments to bother you in any way. I have heard of this site and feel that those that are a part of it do not have enough to do and are pretty heartless souls. I agree with some of the other comments, it is a sure sign of jealousy. Hold your head high, continue to turn the other cheek and HE will bless you accordingly. Hugs to you!
Great job sticking up for yourself and your family! It's a shame that others have to downgrade others to make themselves feel better. You're so strong and appear to be a great person! Keep your head up, cause I personally love your page!!!
While I understand your need to respond to those pathetic jealous girls, please don't. You owe no one an explanation of how you lead your life. I've been following for a few years bc ur blog is fun to read. Keep on enjoying your life! (& u definitely don't look like an old lady!)
I visited GOMI once just to see what all the fuss was about after another blog I read had a post regarding the hateful comments about her daughter. I agree, it's an awful site and I think very little of those who make the time to bash people and nit pick their lives. Great job sticking up for yourself, your family and your choices!
Amen! Great post đ What a horrible website filled with hateful, sad pathetic people who hide behind their computers and feel compelled to bring other people down because they are just jealous and can't deal! I absolutely love your blog đ Good for you for standing up for yourself!
You shouldn't even have to take time out of your day to explain yourself. I think its obvious from your genuine smile that you love life, people and especially your family (all of them). It really is terrible that a website like this exist especially when the problem of bullying that is out there. We all need to do better about uplifting each other not tearing people day. People writing on these website are very hurt and lost soul that we should pray for. Thank you for being real and sharing your lives with us.
I stumbled upon GOMI several months back when I did a quick Google search of one of my favorite bloggers. I was APPALLED at how disgusting the site is. There are a lot of truly nasty people in this world. I honestly think the site should be banned – it's just another form of internet trolling and adds absolutely nothing of value to the world wide web. Yes, people are entitled to their opinions, but that doesn't give them a right to be bullies. Ok, I'm going to stop now before I become too infuriated…haha.
GOMI is nothing but a cyber bullying website, that should be shut down. I cannot imagine living a life where I would go to a website just to tear people down. That's just not normal behavior. It's mean girls at their worst. I'm
Sure most of them
Are mothers themselves and wonder how they would feel
If everything from the way the look
To the way they raise their children was so harshly criticized. How would they feel
As a mother , as a woman, how is this ok??? Shame on them.
They hide behind a computer screen and act this way? I would love to see how they look, how they dress, how they raise their children… Because I can guarantee not one of them
Is perfect. Disgusted that there is such a thing.
I have never (and I've been reading your blog for a long time) thought that one thing that was written about you to be true.
I say screw them… Karma is a real bitch.
Gosh, where have I been? I've never thought ANY of that "stuff" about you and your family. I LOVE reading your blog! I sneak at work and read it! It brings joy to my day! I'm so sorry there's such "haters" out there. Reminds me of Taylor Swifts new song..Just keep doing what your doing! You are great!!!
GOMI is the Mean Girls version of the burn book. Don't sweat the gossip – although – I cannot believe the depths in which they've discussed your life…that really does take it to another level.
People are CRAZY! I've never heard of this site but it sounds awful!!! Good for you for calling them out! You rock.
I can't believe someone would follow you around while you're shopping. I am completely outraged! That is sick and totally scary. I'm afraid to even read that site. I am so so so sorry that people think it's okay to talk about other like this. Its the adult 2014 version of bullying IMO.
I hadn't heard about that site until I just went over… I can't believe what I'm reading. How disgusting. They are just jealous and rude people. Scary to think that people read that much into your life, when they don't even know you personally (not that that matters).
I have been a fan of your blog for years, and only have one thing to say – Don't change a bit! You are an awesome blogger who lets the world see a small glimpse of your life. You are real, authentic, and honest. Continue to do what brings you and your family peace, and the Lord will handle all the naysayers out there. đ
I only learned about GOMI about a year ago, and every time it pops up somewhere, I just get an overwhelming feeling of disgust and sadness. Who are these people with nothing better to do? I feel really bad you had to defend all these things about yourself, your family, etc. The creepiest is the stalker woman. I personally love that Eleanor Roosevelt and Maugham quotes. Just keep on being you – it's working!
xx Viv at JoieDeViv
Oh my goodness, this makes me so sad. I never heard of that website- I don't even want to go check it out. I read this though and think you are so brave. The one thing that really stood out and I wanted to tell you because I think it is absolutely normal (and awesome) is that you are able to bring Alex with you on family vacations. My family ALWAYS brought our nanny with us on vacations every year to Disney, Myrtle Beach,…you name it. She became like a big sister to me. She was also in our family photo and a family painting we had done LOL. AND…my mom "stayed home" being an on-call EMT. We didn't have lots of money at ALL but it was important to have her with us.
So screw everyone lol. I think you are a great mommy & I enjoy reading your blog đ
Big hugs!!
Chelsea
SO I am new to the blogging world, and only today did I discover GOMI!!
OH MY GOD.
I cannot believe such a hateful community even exists. People getting together JUST to criticize others? I have no doubt these people are dealing with other issues in their lives and may need some outlet, but this is certainly an unhealthy way to do that. In today's world, where we struggle so much with terrorism, racism and hate – what we really need is a way for people to be kind to each other. Not pour oil into the fire and promote more hatred.
I wish I had not found out about GOMI, I don't need that kind of negativity in my life. But on another note, maybe you can consider a successful blogger when you end up on GOMI? LOL. They only seem to target the good bloggers đ
Good luck to you Natasha!