Happy New Year!

If you're wondering what happened to me, my blog was having technical difficulties and I wasn't really sure how to fix them.  To be honest, I almost gave up blogging all together because I didn't know if I could fix it on my own -- but I was determined to figure it out, and after downloading Google Chrome (I thought I already did...apparently not) all is right with the world again!

We had a wonderful Christmas with our little ones!  I didn't realize how much fun it was to watch kids around this season.  All three of them were so excited about everything from baking sugar cookies to opening presents.  It was wonderful.

Zoe, Maximus, Titus
Christmas 2013

I know this is only Day 2 of year 2014, but I have a feeling God has a lot in store for this year.  Many take this time of year to make a list of resolutions.  This year my deepest desire is that God will teach me to love the way He loves us.  That may seem simple, but it's not!

John 13:34 says, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."

Do we show love by judging others by what they do, what they wear, or how they raise their children?  No.

Do we show love by filling everyone in on the latest gossip?  No.

Do we show love by comparing someone else's holiness to ours and thinking they're in the wrong because they did not reach our standards?  NO.

A verse that is so simple yet maybe one of the hardest ones for Christians to remember.  LOVE one another.

Are you up to the challenge?  It's very easy to criticize others, but as soon as you feel criticism creeping up -- because it will -- replace it with positive words.

Proverbs 17:22 says, " A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."

I don't know about you, but I want a merry heart -- and a merry heart shares loving, positive, encouraging words that do good like a medicine.

It's time to follow Jesus' commandment!  No more criticism!  No more!

Just Another Day in Paradise

It's funny, I come up with this title while one kid is tackling me from behind and another is adding stickers to the missing buttons on my laptop.  Yep, another day in paradise for sure!

 

 

Titus is getting old enough that he is more involved with the older ones.  He crawls all over the house to keep up, and Zoe and Max even include him in their imaginative games!  I love to sit back and watch while they all laugh at each other for doing something silly.

 

Zoe wants to hold and snuggle Titus all the time.  For the most part he will let her.  All three will sit on the couch snuggled up together watching Daniel Tiger, Dinosaur Train, or Sesame Street.  I will sit there and just smile at my happy, healthy, beautiful babies getting along so well.

 

Sometimes it rains in paradise, though..

 

Max will think the moment is too sweet and out of nowhere poke Titus in the eye or slap Zoe on the head.  After disciplining Max and trying to get the moment back, Titus decides he's done and climbs off the couch.  Zoe thinks it is her turn to discipline Max so I then have to remind her that I am the mom and she needs to knock it off.

 

Yep, good feeling is gone.

 

When all three are crying and not getting along...I tend to leave the room...take a swig of my lukewarm coffee that I'm still trying to finish...take a deep breath...put a smile on my face...roll up my sleeves...and get back in there.

 

I'm sure I have said it many times before -- motherhood is not for the weak.  It is a hard job that never ends.  You may get a break here and there, but the dishes, laundry, house chores, and crying babies are always waiting for you when your short break is over.

 

Just this morning I read an article Parents Magazine posted on Facebook titled Moms, Stress, and Depression.  I'm pretty sure they were peeking through my windows, as well as a few other moms I know, when they wrote this!  Though I don't think I battle with depression...I can see how easy it would be to fall into it's trap!

 

Though the article was written for more serious cases of depression and they tell you to seek treatment professionally, I believe that you can help yourselves first with some steps.

 

I am not a professional in any way.  This is just some steps I try to take myself, and I believe they help!

 

1. Mommy Time.  It was hard to get up early at first, but I made myself get up with Paul in the mornings, and now I have a routine.  The kids tend to wake up around 8:00, so I get up around 6:00-6:30 and drink most of my coffee and read my morning devotions in peace.  I feel like that little bit of quiet time to myself really helps since I most likely won't have any the rest of the day.  If I have a chance to go to the store by myself, great!  If not, that's ok because I've already had some time alone.
2. Walk Away.  There are some times when all three are crying and I am about to cry myself.  I will walk away, just for a minute.  I will go to my bedroom or bathroom, close the door, and just sit there and take deep breaths.  It may take awhile, but I will take deep breaths and even whisper prayers of help until I feel my body calm down.  When I feel focused, I go back out and take care of the chaos with a clear head.
3. Jumping Jacks.  Ever have those days where you feel lonely and sad but you're not really sure why?  I know I do.  Whenever I feel blue I try to make myself do something active.  Whether I pop in a DVD or take the kids and dog out for a walk, I just go!  I don't make excuses because I want to feel better!  By the time I'm done with my DVD or walk with the kids, I feel so much better about myself.  By the way, I have even taken multiple walks in a day to feel better!  Do what you gotta do, ladies. :-)

At the end of the day, when all the little angels are tucked into their beds, I hope you think about all the blessings God bestowed upon you!  Don't reflect on the stress.  Don't worry about what didn't get done.  Reflect on the good.  Before we all know it, our babies will grow up and leave and we will miss the chaos they brought to our lives.

 

Now if you will excuse me...I have to clean off my iPhone from all the pictures my daughter has taken.  My son has a snotty nose, again, and my other son doesn't smell so pleasant.  Just another day! :-)

Zoe's broken arm

The plan was that as soon as Paul closed the store on July 2 we would all get in the car and drive all night to go to a cousin's wedding in Washington state.  I was so surprised at how everything was falling into place -- I packed early, got my house clean, with the help of Paul's dad the care was cleaned and packed and ready to go.  7:00 p.m. rolled around and we were putting last minute things away in the car when Zoe fell off the porch swing.  She wasn't being crazy or anything...just sitting on the swing and decided to get down.

 

When I heard her scream I could tell she was in pain, but I had no idea it was so serious.  I tried to calm her down by holding her, we prayed for her, we offered her a cookie, blah blah blah.. nothing was making her feel better.  Paul walked in the door and we told him what happened and we both made the decision to take her to the ER and have her arm checked out.

 

On the way there she was falling asleep, but every time Paul hit a bump or we made the slightest move she would cry out in pain.  I knew it was serious.  I prayed the whole time for my little girl.  All the while I felt sick to my stomach because I had to watch my little girl suffer.

 

 

Going to the ER is never fun.  They always take for.ev.er. to get anything done.  The time came for Zoe to get X-rays.  Paul carried her in and I followed behind.  The screams coming from my baby made me cry and, again, I felt so sick watching and feeling helpless.  I just wanted this all to be over!

 

I think we were in the ER for a total of 4 hours.  They told us that Zoe had Nursemaid's Elbow and wrapped her arm with an ace bandage, gave her the tiniest sling they had, told us to give her ibuprofen for the swelling, and gave us the clearance to drive through the night.

 

I was talking to Paul and asking her if she would feel up to the trip.  Would she even want to be the flower girl anymore?  She must have overheard me because she had the most serious look on her face and said, "Mom, I am going to the wedding and I'm going to drop the petals."  We got the rest of the family and drove through the night heading toward Seattle!

 

When we were about 2 hours away from Seattle I got a voicemail from the ER doctor saying he was going over Zoe's X-rays with the radiologist and the radiologist said Zoe DID have a fracture and there was a chance of her arm being dislocated.  I. Was. Furious.  I said, "Well what do I do now?!  You said it was ok to go and we're 2 hours out of Seattle!"  He told us to immediately go to and ER in Seattle and have them check her out.

 

We took Zoe to Children's Hospital in Seattle and they were absolutely amazing!  When I told the story I could tell they thought our ER was crazy.  Join the club!  We were only in there for 2 hours and Zoe felt so much more comfortable with them than she did with the people at our local ER!  They put a hard splint on her because she still had some swelling, and I scheduled an appointment for her to get a cast as soon as we got home.

 

After all that junk was over with we headed up to Darrington to Paul's papa's house and we stayed there till after the wedding.  While we were there my mom sent a package and it happened to have some surprises in it -- like Tangled!  My mom sent the package before Zoe broke her arm.  It's almost like God told her Zoe needed it ahead of time!  She was SO excited and told me over and over how much she loves the movie. :-)

 

On Tuesday we went to our local orthopedic surgeon and he took more X-rays of Zoe's arm (cha-ching, cha-ching, right?) and showed me the results.  Apparently the ER sent over their X-rays while we were gone and considered her break a Type 4 break which mostly involves surgery.  They did not tell me that over the phone which, again, made me furious with our local hospital.  But the doctor said that she had a very common fracture, showed me the X-rays and explained all the details with me which made me feel so much better.

 

Zoe picked her favorite color and the doctor put on the tiniest little cast ever and said we were good to go.  He was so nice in a gruff way!  It was like I was talking with my own Papa. ;-)  I immediately liked him and knew he was the best.

 

In two weeks we go back for a follow-up with more X-rays and we'll see where she's at as far as her healing!  Zoe is back to her normal self now that she has a cast on.  She definitely feels more comfortable knowing her arm doesn't hurt anymore.  I'm thankful for that!  She now is ready to help with most everything around the house...except maybe cleaning up her toys. ;-)  That is when I'm reminded with the cutest speech impediment, "But Mom...I have a bwoken awm."

 

When I think about everything we have gone through in the past week I get to feeling a little overwhelmed.  No one likes hospital bills.  Yikes!  But I know that all things work together for good to them that love God.  He has a reason behind everything that happens in our lives...whether they are good or bad.  I have peace knowing He will never fail us nor forsake us!

 

Oh, and now I am looking into plastic bubbles for each of my children.  Just kidding.  But seriously. :-)

I don't even know where this is going!

Hello all!  I don't have any pictures for this post.  Sorry to disappoint. :-)  I'll make sure to take some here soon!

Today is going to be a BUSY day!  I'm pretty intimidated by it honestly...  This morning I am hoping to get my house in order, clean Zoe's room, and get all birthday cards in the mail before 1:00 p.m.  I have to take all the kids to a WIC appointment and then hurry back home for our ladies' book discussion!

A week ago I hosted a book discussion at my house for our married ladies in the church on the book The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian.  I only read the intro for all the ladies and immediately knew in my heart that this book was going to change my life!  We're only reading a chapter a week and I feel like I need to highlight every single word in the first chapter because she hits the nail on the head when it comes to women and marriages.  I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for us ladies as we read this book!

 

After the book discussion everyone is going to head to my garage to start setting everything up for our church's yard sale this weekend.  That is going to be such a tedious job that I'm not really looking forward to it...  I love going to yard sales, but I don't like having my own!  Too much work!  Anyways, most of the money will be going to local expense so I'm praying that God will greatly bless our efforts!

There is now a 40% chance of a storm tomorrow afternoon so I don't know about that...  We shall see!  Either way we have to have this yard sale so here we go!

As much as I dread this weekend, I am praying that we have a great time and we all find humor instead of stress!  I'm speaking to myself mostly.  The stressful gal that I am!

Happy weekend to everyone!

Monday

 

I have so much to do today I'm not sure where to start!  But I know one thing for sure!  I choose to have a happy, positive attitude!  I hope you all choose to do the same!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day to my bestest friend in the whole wide world!

 

 

 

 

Thank you for making me feel special each and every day.  I love when we laugh over silly, stupid things and we make each other laugh even harder when we realize what dorks we are!

 

Even though it drives me crazy when you randomly "die" and tell me there's a fire and ask me what I'm going to do.. know that if there was a real fire I would do my best to drag you out!  Or we'll die together.  Either way, I'll figure it out! =)

 

I love you so much!  We make the greatest team!  And the prettiest babies! =)

Counting Blessings

Paul is going on another business trip this weekend.  As much as I would love to go with him again, the kids and I have to stay home because this trip is out of state.  I hate when he has to leave, but I am trying to have a better outlook this time around!  The kids and I will have fun -- I'll make sure of it!  I plan on taking them to the dollar store where we can buy some crafts, lunch dates, we'll head to the library so we all can get some books to read throughout the week, I plan on having movie nights with the kids.. I'm going to make this fun!

 

The first trip Paul took where he left us all behind was miserable.  Zoe had a horrible time accepting the fact that Daddy was gone.  I knew I wasn't much help because I was pregnant and emotional and I just laid around the house and cried.  We're not going to repeat that week.  No way!

 

Up until he leaves we have been doing special things together as a family.  The other day we went out to eat a late lunch together.

 

 

It was nice to walk around and enjoy being with my perfect little family.  I love being out with Paul and the kids!  We end up having so much fun together!  Plus it's kind of funny to see the looks people give us when they see the three kids and realize how close together in age they are. =)

 

After our outing we soon realized maybe it was too early to go out since we all have been battling this cold/flu thing.  We ended up spending our Sunday home sick and miserable.

 

Well.. some of us were sick and miserable.. this guy wasn't obviously. =)

 

Paul and I were bummed that we weren't able to go to church, but it really was nice to spend the day in our PJ's watching tv and spending time together.

 

Zoe and Max have loved spending more time with their Dad.  He has been coming home around 3:30 the past week and they have bonded so well!  It kind of makes me sad because I know he will be going back to working 12 hour shifts 6 days a week as soon as he gets home from his trip.  The kids and I are going to miss him being around so much.

 

BUT!!

 

I can't think like that.  Even though it has been hard on Paul (and the rest of us!) to work so much, we both know things could be much worse.  He could be out of a job for one.  Also, we know that this isn't going to last forever -- though it seems like it has. =)  One day things will be different and he will move up with the company and have more time to spend with his favorites.

 

God has blessed our lives in so many ways.  I may say that a lot, but it's true!  Sometimes we go through things we don't like, or life gives us little surprises, and in the end we receive such beautiful blessings!  So much to be thankful for.

 

Count your blessings!  Think positive!



Sentimental Play Dates

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Sawyer & Zoe
January 2013

Yesterday the kids and I had a play date with some friends!  These kids have literally been friends since birth!  Cassie and I were pregnant together the summer of 2010.  We have some great memories!

And then it hit me.

Where did my baby go?

I sat there watching them as they got comfortable for their movie and realized I was staring at a little boy and a little girl.  They weren't babies anymore, but little toddlers.

All of a sudden the previous conversations Cassie and I had about tantrums, the Terrible Twos, and stubbornness melted away.  All I wanted to do was scoop up my three little ones and hold them tight and never let go, hoping that would help them stay the size they are at this very moment.

Later in the evening I got to talking to Paul about how busy our marriage has been so far!  We will be celebrating our 5th anniversary and we have had something big happen every. single. year.  I feel like I have yet had a chance to just sit down with him because we live such a busy life.

I got to looking at my handsome husband, and then saw myself in the mirror, and realized we don't look the same as we did when we were first together.  Are those the beginning of crow's feet I see around my eyes?  Life is constantly changing -- it stops for no one!

How many times have we missed the best things because we have have had our eyes closed?  Too many times I'd say.

I don't think the world will come to a crashing halt if I stop to smell the roses instead of wash dirty dishes.. just a thought..

Life is too short.  I don't want to miss out on a thing!

Introducing... (finally)

 

Titus Colin was born October 26th at around 1:20 p.m.  He was 7 lbs 10 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long.  We all are very, very happy he is finally here!

 

He is such a good baby.  He fusses only when there's something bothering him; dirty diaper, hungry, he needs to burp.  He is such a little snuggler!  He'll snuggle up and just sleep on your chest and he has the cutest little boy coos you've ever  heard.

 

Zoe and Max absolutely adore their new brother.  Zoe fell in love with Titus right away, but it took Max a couple weeks to even realize there was a third kid around.  Ha!  Thankfully he is very loving and will give Titus kisses and rub his head.

 

Speaking of his head...

 

Did you notice the hair?!

 

We all were very surprised to see all of that hair -- and how dark it is!  It still blows me away whenever I see it and I can't help but chuckle.  There always has to be an odd one in the family. ;)

 

It seems like so much has happened in the past three weeks.  I don't even know where to start!

 

Titus was born.  Duh. =)

 

While my family was here they helped me potty train Zoe.  She is doing AMAZING!  I am so proud of her!  She wears panties all day while we're home except for when she's asleep.  We are slowly having less and less accidents.  Maybe 1-2 a day.  She is really getting the hang of it.  She cracks me up, though, cause whenever she goes in the toilet she immediately says, "I'm so proud of you Mom!"  Silly girl.

 

Max can pretty much walk.  He just chooses not to.  I have no idea why!  He would rather crawl around and keep getting his clothes and the top of his socks dirty than walk like a big boy, even though he is encouraged by everyone -- especially Zoe.  Oh well.  The light bulb will come on one day and he'll walk all the time and I'll wish he wasn't so mobile. =)

 

I quit my job!  I am now a full-time mother and I LOVE it.  Working even a part-time job was absolutely impossible with three babies under the age of 3.  It was kind of stressful making the decision to quit, but I'm thankful God made a way for me to quit and we still be ok financially.  It feels good to worry only about my husband, my kids, our home, the laundry, cooking, etc.  I now have time to enjoy each of my children and not have stress and feel frazzled 24/7.

 

Life. Is. Good.  That's all I can say.  I feel so incredibly wonderful and I'm so, so thankful for the blessings that God showers on my family and I.  I'm probably the biggest nerd ever, but it makes me giddy writing up chore lists, daily schedules, menu planning, etc. because it means I'm more involved in my family!  I can do crafts and enjoy spontaneous outings because I'm a free woman doing what God wants me to do -- love my children.  I thank Him daily for this opportunity.

 

Until next time....

(Who know when that will be?! Ha!)

 

Date Night

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Date nights are pretty rare around here.  Especially now that Paul work 12 hours shifts Monday - Saturday.

So last night I lit some candles.

Zoe and I cleaned the house.

Music was playing softly in the background.

Dinner was ready and waiting.

His girls smelled pretty in their favorite perfumes.

We watched a movie that HE was interested in.

We enjoyed a piece of chocolate silk cheesecake together.

In-Home Date Night was all about Paul!  I wanted him to be able to unwind and really enjoy his family.  While I was getting the kids' plates ready I watched/listened to him wrestle with Zoe and Max.  I should have taken a video or picture!  I will never forget how happy they all looked, though.  I love moments like that!

After Paul left for work this morning I stumbled to the bathroom...that is when I found this note on the bathroom mirror.  It warmed my heart!  It made my day.

Life lessons

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I'm sure I've said it a hundred times, but I'm going to say it again..

I have so much respect for the moms who have to be away from dads longer than a week!

I have learned a lot this past week.  I'm thankful for that.

If I didn't know it before I definitely know now that God loves His children so much and will answer even the smallest of prayers!  The minute I feel weak I ask God to give me strength and I immediately feel Him touch me.  I am so thankful for His peace, strength, and courage.

Yesterday was our busy day outside of the house.  It was kind of nice to be out and about and not cooped up inside, but it was still lonely knowing I was doing it completely by myself.

ALTHOUGH...

I appreciate my children so much more than I did before.  Anyone who knows me knows I adore my children!  But while we were sitting at McDonald's yesterday I had both kids on my lap and we were laughing about something, and I just gave them the biggest hug...

I have always tried to be a patient mom.  I try to always come to their level and try and listen and understand them the best I can, and I always try to not raise my voice.  Well, I feel like I've stepped it up a notch this week.

There have been a lot more hugs.

A lot more I love you's.

A lot more tickling.

A  lot more coming to their level and explaining why bossing Bubba is a no-no.



A picture for Daddy



I have reminded myself that absence makes the heart grow fonder.  I hate that saying, but it is so true.  It seemed like our lives got too busy for each other.  Paul has been working non-stop since becoming an assistant manager.  Between my household chores, working from home, and keeping busy with the kids, I am pretty much worn out by the end of the day.

Our lives have been go-go-go so much that we forgot about family time.  To be honest, it got to the point where I felt like I was a single parent and I happened to have a room mate live with me.

I hope this week will be an eye opener for Paul and I.

We need more dates.

We need more family time with our kids who are growing up too fast.

We need more hugs.

We need more kisses.

We need to stop and smell the roses.

So in a way, I am thankful for this week.  I'm thankful for the lessons I have had to learn.  Lessons are never easy, are they?

What I have learned so far

It's ok to show emotion.

Once I shed a few tears I can wipe my eyes and nose and I feel better about getting it off of my chest.

Always have a prayer on your lips.

Whether it's a praise or request, I have made sure to be in a constant conversation with the Lord.  It has helped me so much and I want to show Him how grateful I am.  Also, because I haven't had a lot of adult conversation, it helps knowing He's always there to talk to.

No matter what other people think of you, your children adore you.

This past week I have definitely struggled with insecurities.  I have come to the conclusion that it doesn't matter if I'm the favorite to anyone.  My husband loves me with all of his heart, and our children adore me!  Like I said before, Zoe and Max are so much more affectionate.  There have been more snuggles, more kisses, more loving words.  I may not be anyone else's favorite, but I am my husband's and my children's favorite and that's good enough for me.

I'm sure I have learned more lessons than these three, but my coffee hasn't kicked in yet. =)

There is only one more day standing in between Paul and I!  I cannot wait till Zoe and Max see their Daddy.  They are going to go crazy.

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Praising in the Storm.

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Paul and I have been going through some things this past week that have not been easy.  Sometimes life gives you a lesson that seems really unfair to have to learn.  We have been doing a lot of praying and trying to make sure that our thoughts and reactions are praising God for what we DO have.. not what we may have to GIVE UP.

I don't know why it seems like problems get dumped on you while others may never feel what you have to go through, but I know I'm not in Job's position.  At least I have a darling little home, I have my handsome, hard working husband, and I have 2 beautiful, fun loving babies to keep me company.  Not to mention a third little bundle of joy in October-November.

I think Casting Crown's song Praise You In This Storm fits perfectly to how Paul and I feel -- and probably a lot more people out there right now!

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

God is so good to His children.  Life is unfair sometimes, but it makes me forward to Heaven that much more.  No more sorrow.  No more pain.  No more feeling desperate.

No matter what you're going through today, remember to always praise the Lord through your storm!  Rejoice in hope.  Continue in tribulation. Continue instant in prayer!

Life is good.

This morning I woke up with such an overwhelming feeling that life is good.  I know that my outlook has been a little negative lately and I needed an attitude adjustment.  God is definitely helping me to see the glass half full again, which is nice since being negative is.. well, too negative!

I may not have everything that I want and desire, but at least I have a handsome, loving husband who is working hard for his family.  I have two children that absolutely adore me and I love them to pieces!  We have a cute little house that brings me joy because it's so sunny and bright!  Our refrigerator and cabinets are again filled with food and I look forward to making fun dinners with the help of Pinterest!

Life is full of speed bumps.  If I allow the little things to get me down then I will turn into a sorry, miserable person who isn't grateful for anything.  I can't be like that!  I choose happiness and joy!

Baby.

There's a new kid in town.

Meet Baby Olive.

Hello, sweet baby cousin.



Her actual name is Olivia, but because she is so teeny tiny I can't help but call her Baby Olive instead.

Paul and I were reading how every child conceived is a gift.  When the majority of pregnancies are unplanned, we as women tend to have a hard time remembering that.  But it's true!  Every single child is brought into this world for a reason -- God never wastes a life.

Not only do I want to remember that I am a gift, I want to remember that my children are too.  When they're dancing together in their room or when they're crying because they're simply mad.. my children are a gift.  I look forward to seeing who and what they will become when they grow up.

Dear God..

Thanks for this beautiful life and forgive me if I don't love it enough.

It is too easy to fall into the trap of wanting THINGS.

I have big dreams about what I want when we can afford it, what trips we will take, what "toys" we may even buy.

What comes with the trap of wanting things is the feeling of ungratefulness.

Our clothes appear more dingy, the furniture may seem out-of-date, you may even find yourself jealous of others and their things.

The saying is SO true:

The grass is greener on the other side.

But take a look at what you have on YOUR side of the fence.

For me, I have a handsome, hard-working husband who loves me very much, and -- as you can see from all of my pictures -- two beautiful, happy children.

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."

(Proverbs 31:28)

I.  LOVE.  MY.  LIFE.

I hope you feel the same way about the life God has given you and the people who are in it.

It's the little things in life

Watching Sesame Street

Playing in the playplace for the first time

Your first happy meal

Laughing at your husband's sense of humor

Watching your newborn try and figure out who you are

A good hair day

Life can get us down sometimes.  Some things may not work out the way you planned.  But when you remember the little things in life, like your daughter putting her pudgy little hand in yours, or your son keeping you up all night and when you feel like you can't take it anymore he quiets down and snuggles into your neck, let them make you feel better.

For all of us misfits

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Last night my husband and I went to see this guy.



Picture courtesy of Paul Alexander



Kevin Connolly is 26 years old.

He has been to 31 countries and counting.

He loves to take pictures of people.

He has written one book so far.  They're in the process of making a movie based on his life.

Oh, did I mention he was born without legs?

Paul and I got to sit in on Kevin's lecture last night, and I have to say, I am so glad I was able to attend!  Kevin is the type of guy that could be your best friend 5 minutes after meeting you.  He's your typical college guy -- he gets nervous in large groups, notices pretty girls, loves sports, and most importantly, he laughs at himself.

Watching this young man talk about everything he has done in his life is amazing.  He grew up just like any other average kid in Helena, MT.  His favorite way to get around is by skateboard.  "Parts are cheaper to buy if they get broken," he says.  His parents put him in gymnastics and he has even skied in the X Games(I believe that's what they're called).  He attended college in Bozeman, and then decided to study abroad in Switzerland.  While traveling other countries he got the bright idea to start taking pictures of people's first reaction to a leg-less guy riding a skateboard.  At first they weren't the best quality, but he didn't care, he just enjoyed taking pictures of people.

Many people had enough courage to ask him the inevitable, "What happened?"

"Was it a shark attack?"

"Was it Thalidomide?"

"Are you an Iraqi veteran?"

He has spent most of his life answering the same, simple question, "I was just born without legs."

When one gentleman heard he was writing a book about his experiences he gruffly replied, "Good! People don't need to be so rude and stare!"  But Kevin thinks the complete opposite.

You see, Kevin has a beautiful outlook on life.  We are all born different.  We're short, tall, fat, skinny, missing limbs, or born with extra toes.  Not one person is a carbon copy of another, so we can't help but stare.  We're all people watchers, aren't we?  How come?  Because we're all "fearfully and wonderfully made" and we can't help but notice the differences.

I remember my Mom and I buying a Coke and sitting in the food court of the mall just to watch people.  I didn't worry about shopping, I just loved watching people!  It never bothered me having a layover in an airport either.  The more time to just sit and enjoy people-watching.

I admire Kevin Connolly so much for one simple reason.  He has confidence in himself, and he accepts himself for just the way he is.  I have all of my limbs and I can honestly say I don't have that.  I sometimes feel like the most insecure girl on the planet!  If Kevin can go through life laughing at people gawking at him for not having legs, shouldn't I laugh at myself for tripping UP the stairs instead of feeling like a moron??

Kevin Connolly has made an impact on my life.  I stayed up most of the night thinking about the lesson I learned by listening to him.  I need to love myself for who I am.  We all should.

Some of us are born without limbs, others may be born with autism, a lazy eye, or something so silly as clumsiness.  We all are fearfully and wonderfully made.. isn't that all that matters in the end?

Oh, and one more thing..  Kevin says he'd gawk, too, if he saw a legless guy racing down Times Square on a skateboard. =D  Dare to be different!  Dare to be yourself!