Blogging — We are THAT Family

Welcome Home

7:31 pm Bykristen

Well. I did it.

I moved my blog to WordPress! (Actually, Darcy of Graphically Designing, a highly qualified friend o mine did all the work with some behind-the-scenes kudos to Lisa Boyd. I just ate bonbons).

And bless her heart because did you know that moving 50 THOUSAND comments over is not an easy task? It’s is also made more difficult when the blog writer has uploaded every picture for over two years in the largest format. Oops. But let’s not talk about all my faults. Let’s focus on my new workspace.

I’m still learning the ropes, but I can already say, I love it here! Poke around and make yourself at home while I work out the bugs and update the links. Visit Darcy over at Graphically Designing, too.

My real life friends over at Eleven2 are hosting my blog. (Up until a month ago, I thought a host was someone who wears an apron. It’s a wonder I have a blog, y’all. Seriously, low tech over here). Anywho, they are an amazing homegrown business with AWESOME customer service, great attitudes and cool widgets. Okay, I made up the widget part, but it sounded high tech, didn’t it?

In honor of my switcheroo, Eleven2 is offering YOU a free month of hosting on any of their accounts. Just enter this code at checkout: wearethatfamily

It expires: Never.

xoxo

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BlogHer Conference 2009

12:01 am Bykristen

I will be leaving my family on the last day of Family Camp early tomorrow morning.

And thanks to UPrinting, my BlogHer Conference sponsor, I’m flying to Chicago.

I’ve never been. It’s one of my many firsts.

And I’m totally nervous.

(I’m freaked out about the enormous blogging conference and getting lost on the “L” (whatever that is. I just know my hubby told me six 6 SIX people died in Chicago yesterday, so I better be careful.))

I love the opportunities that blogging has opened up for me. Thanks UPrinting for taking a chance on me.

I feel like a grown up.

And like a wall flower at the junior high dance.

But I’m wearing these shoes.

And I have a stash of Hello Kitty band aids for the inevitable blisters.

So, seriously, how bad can it be?

Okay, for this introvert, it can be bad! And that’s why I’m stashing my two dear friends in my hotel room with me. (Thanks girls, for going with me!!)

You can follow my anxious Tweets here.

(This is the gathering of thousands of bloggers…do you have a favorite? Let me know in the comments and I’ll try to get a twitpic of the back of their head! Because wallflowers don’t ask for photographs!)

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When Blogging Turns Ugly

10:00 am Bykristen

I like to hang out on Twitter.

It’s a nice place to get to know people more intimately in this huge blog world.

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of tweets about ugly blogging. Mom bloggers bad-mouthing other Mom bloggers.

I’m hardly in the know, but I think it has something to do with intertwining product reviews, PR pitches and free trips in with family stories instead of posting those items on a separate review blog of sorts.

Or maybe it’s about so-and-so having a bigger house and driving a nicer car. That’s what the moms on the school porch talk about.

And then again, it could be about you-know-who at recess taking my best friend from me. That’s what my 9 year old daughter complains about.

Frankly, I think it’s the age-old girl problem.

It probably won’t go away.

I’ve talked about being an extrovert on my blog and an introvert in real life. But sometimes in this blogworld, I feel disconnected. I feel like an island.

I’m usually the last to learn of such matters. I like to stay out of blog conflict. I don’t know the details. I don’t know the names. And I don’t want to. It’s not that I don’t have an opinion either way. I do. I clearly welcome PR pitches (hello, Chick Fil A, we need to talk about unlimited sweet tea). I’m extremely selective and you won’t see a lot of it here.

Because that’s not why I blog.

(But if that is why you blog, then wear those shoes proudly).

It’s important to me to maintain who I am. I can’t pretend to write about something I don’t care about.

And that’s really the point I’m getting at, why do you blog?

Define that for yourself. I’m finding that even though I’m open to marketing that fits me, the amount of offers and enticements and distractions grow everyday. And that’s why it’s important for me to remember that if it’s just me and my keyboard (like it was a year and a half ago), I do this for me. I want to be proud of what I contribute to the blogworld.

So whatever you decide to be, be your best. And give other bloggers (and neighbors with bigger things and girls on the playground) a chance to be themselves. We are all unique. Every blog is different.

But please remember that every word you publish is making an impact. The good and the bad.

And the ugly.

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My BlogHer Sponsor {Giveaway}

10:00 pm Bykristen

*Update* Congrats to The Halbert Home! You won!

I’m going to Chicago!

In July.

For BlogHer (the blogging conference).

We’ll talk about my nerves and fears and ohmygosh Ican’tbelieve I’mdoingthis feelings later.

But first, I’d like you to meet the people making it possible.

I owe all my fear and excitement to UPrinting, my BlogHer sponsor!

This company has really impressed me. (They also flatter me since I’m their first blogger to sponsor for a conference).

They have set themselves apart by becoming a friend to Mom blogs. They understand the needs of bloggers and are reaching out to them in an unprecedented way!

You can apply for their blog sponsorship program they recently created! There’s free products (have you seen what they made me?), giveaways, discounts, conference sponsorships and advertising for your blog.

They also sent me 500 custom business cards I created from scratch on their website (There are hundreds of templates or you can create your own).

And today, they are offering one of you 1000 business cards too! Click over and look at the vast choices and tell me what you like!

You can make Mommy cards, blog cards, or create something really unique (ya know that helps get your laundry done).

Thanks UPrinting for supporting Mom blogs!

This giveaway will close on Thursday.

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Have You Met So and So?

6:30 pm Bykristen

On a whim, I added The BlogFrog to my sidebar. I love the idea of a forum on my blog where we can talk. I answer a lot of the same emails and tell so and so what so and so said about a certain DIY project or a potty training resource.

So. Now all my so and so’s can get together in one place.

It’s all very high tech.

But obviously easy enough for this Internet-wizard to figure out. If you link to my blog, you’re already a member. If not, it’s easy to join.

We are THAT family Community

Have a burning question about the yellow leaves on your strawberry and bean plants? (oh, wait, that’s me) or a plea for help in keeping your toddler in bed (again, me), then click on the We are THAT family Community link to start a discussion. You can also answer other people’s questions (like mine!!)

I’ll pop on regularly too, but I think it will be a fun place to dish.

Ya know, with so and so.

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Unplugged

4:00 pm Bykristen

The deeper I delve into this blogging community, the more I realize that I belong here.

But I have also discovered that this online world is a powerful vortex that is enticing and time-consuming. And as much it enhances my real life, I cannot let it become my life.

I need to blog. I need to write. I need to use my voice. But I do not want my children to remember being raised from behind my computer.

This is the work I want to pursue. I decided recently I need “work hours.” I wrote down a schedule for allotted computer time. I posted the hours near my laptop as a constant reminder of my goals. It’s going to take some discipline but I’m giving myself an E for effort.

In my journey, I’ve learned that many others struggle with finding the same balance. Pampering Beki issued an Unplugged challenge encouraging bloggers and readers to unplug one day a week. I decided to join in and rearranged my blog posting schedule to six days a week instead of seven. I’m encouraging our entire family to unplug all the screens in our house one day a week!

And on the heels of that decision, I learned that Kimba declared Friday (tomorrow) a day to unplug and catch up on life. I’ll be joining her and turning off my computer for 24 hours starting tonight. Look for my DIY post late Friday night (it’s a fun one!).

I love the Internet. I think it is a valuable tool and it has taken this stay-at-home Mom on an amazing journey and I look forward to the future. But striking a balance is crucial to truly healthy living.

How do you strike a balance? Do you ever feel the need to unplug?

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When Bloggers Don’t Blog

7:00 am Bykristen

I jumped into the blog community this time last year.

My blog was unknown and mostly unread.

There were a few people who believed in me from the beginning: my first commenters.

Strangers, who made my day.

And nearly every one of the blogs who welcomed me into this community and made me feel loved, have stopped blogging.

There are different reasons, some I know, others I don’t. I stay in contact with a couple through email, but others have deleted their blogs and I haven’t heard a word.

It’s like a friend moved away.

Which feels strange, just typing those words. How can I miss people I’ve never met in real life or spoken to in person?

I just experienced my first blogging conference where I put faces with names. It makes it all more real. Because (news flash) REAL people write blogs!

I’ve been thinking about why bloggers stop blogging. Do they run out of words because they’ve said it all? Are they compromised in some way? Too busy? Or just simply burned out from too much of an online life? There are probably a million different reasons.

If you blog, please remember that your words are powerful. They are read. The good and the bad. And when you leave this parallel world, you are missed.

I know many bloggers stop out of disappointment or because they don’t feel their blog is successful.

I think this is why commenting is so important. It’s not about receiving a hundred comments a day, it’s about the affirmation, the companionship that you receive. I make it a point to comment on several new blogs every week. Someone I don’t know, never heard of, because I want to be someone’s first commenter.

Why do you blog? Do you ever want to stop?

I have to say, I hope I’m never done.

(I know many of my readers do not have a blog, but I’m still very glad you’re a part of my world. How would you feel if you clicked to your favorite blog and it was gone?)

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Who Needs a Comfort Zone: Blissdom

7:00 am Bykristen

I did it, y’all!

I packed my bags, boarded a tiny airplane (about the size of a Hot Wheels vehicle), steered clear of engine-loving geese and landed in Nashville for Blissdom.

My comfort zone was but a memory.

Now, I’ll be the first to tell you, it was hard.

And probably one of the most difficult social situations I’ve endured.

And I had some awkward moments, like having to stop for band-aids before I even registered for the conference and then having to return for my wallet.

Um, yeah. I carry all that class with me.

It’s a heavy burden.

But I was determined not to be THAT family among 300 bloggers.

I’ll admit that immediately after I walked into the conference, I turned around and dashed back to my room where I gave myself an excellent pep talk.

I’m glad I did because I learned so much. My brain is completely full. I can only mumble short sentences now. I’m really hoping that wears off soon.

Even more amazing than all the blogging info, was meeting so many other bloggers.

It was the highlight of Blissdom (well, besides the kiddie portion of chocolate chip pancakes I ordered from Room Service).

One word describes the experience: surreal.

There were a few rock star moments. I took this picture for my son, who thinks Rocks in My Dryer is a real rock star:

I respect Shannon so much and I see her as a mentor. And let me tell y’all, she is more lovely in person than on her amazing blog! So, yes, son, she is a real star!

I met dozens and dozens of others (I wish I had time to link to you all, but I’m afraid I’d leave some out).

It was very humbling when other bloggers sought me out and said they wanted to meet me because they saw me as their mentor.

Oh. My. Nothing makes you want to blog your best more than that. It was fabulous to chat with some of my readers and put names with faces.

Blissdom was a classy, fast-paced, well-planned blogging conference with awesome hosts. I was very impressed and hope to meet you the next time I leave my comfort zone!

Will you be there?

I feel like I grew as a blogger and as a person this weekend. Stretching to a point of discomfort is hard, but it’s good.

Plus, I only peed my pants once.

So, if there’s something you’ve always wanted to do, (attend a blogging conference, start a blog, write a book, parachute from a plane) give it a try! Except for the parachuting thing. Think that one through.

Because really, who needs a comfort zone?

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Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

7:00 am Bykristen

I like my comfort zone.

It’s nice and well, comfortable. And I try to keep it nearby.

But I will be leaving it for a few short days (the first weekend of February) and that makes me very uncomfortable.

Um, yes, that would be a real live blogging conference. With people. In real life.

All by myself. Without knowing another person face-to-face.

Comfort zone? Completely obliterated.

I have a couple of really good friends (yes, I’m talking about you, Cheryl & Jen) and we take a girl’s weekend trip every year. I emailed them and suggested they attend the conference with me. They don’t have a blog, but both of my creative friends need one and I thought this would be the perfect start!

{See how nice and thoughtful I am to think of them?}

Except I wasn’t banking on the fact that these girls know me very well.

They saw my desperate plan and said, “We love you and we think that you should go alone. This will be good for you. You need to get out of your comfort zone. This will help you grow.”

So, now I have two openings for real life friends.

Oh, I kid.

As much as I hate to admit it, those girls are right! Just getting on that plane and actually showing up will be huge for me. Not to mention taking this introverted body and meeting other people I read in the real world.

I feel faint.

So, I need your advice. What’s the best two cents you can give me? I’m seriously nervous about the whole thing. And I’m resisting the urge for a full body makeover. {Can you get those on clearance?}

How often do you leave your comfort zone and do you take your favorite blankie?

Secondly, what does one wear to a blogging cocktail party? Is it the same thing I would wear to a sweet tea party?

And finally, would y’all pray that when I enter the plane, there are no birds in sight?

Because if I so much as see a feather, I might just get back in my car and spend the weekend in the fetal position.

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How Blogging has Given Me More Confidence

7:00 am Bykristen

I’ve never thought of myself as having a lack of confidence.

Or low self esteem.

Until I started blogging.

And went through the awkward first months of sharing my thoughts and ideas and hoping I’d have a comment or some validation from perfect strangers {smile}.

It didn’t take me long to discover that I like this world where no one really sees me or dislikes what I’m wearing or judges me based on my appearance. There are no preconceived ideas because of the neighborhood I live in or the label on my clothes.

I am comfortable in this parallel world because it is not based on appearance, house-size, position on the PTA or athletic ability.

And my comfort here has increased my confidence there.

Blogging has made me more confident in the real world.

It’s not about the way I look

Did you know that over 50% of women do not like the way they look? Demands of society have placed too much emphasis on our outward appearance. I’ve gotten to know women in this cyber world where vanity isn’t the ruler we measure by. I read words written by beautiful women whom I’ve never seen. When I bare my soul and read your touching comments, I feel beautiful (even if I’m lounging in sweatpants) and it has nothing to do with the way I look.

I have a voice

Blogging has given me a platform, a voice, a place to share my thoughts and feelings. I weigh in on issues I normally would leave alone. I research, read and educate myself more. Sometimes in my real life, my screaming voice is like a whisper. It’s lost in the roar of the noise around me. But I know I have a place to share my struggles, my questions and my resolve. And I feel heard.

I am bold

In the real world, I am quiet. I am not shy, but I am not vocal either. But I can say whatever I want on my blog. Because it’s mine. If it’s too personal, too private, too much of me, than the reader can choose to stay or go. I can be outlandish and quirky. I can find the extrovert inside of this introvert. This has effected my real life assertiveness. I find myself becoming more and more the bold woman you think I am.

I have a secret

Sometimes, especially in awkward situations when I’m uncomfortable, I find comfort in knowing that I have a secret corner of the internet. It’s like a home-away-from-home. I think it would surprise some of the people who think they know me. But I don’t tell everyone because I like saving it for people who really get to know me.

I am supposed to be doing this

Becoming a mother 9 years ago was the most amazing moment of my life. It left me fulfilled and isolated. I quit my job, transferred my energy to my home and tried to make the new little person happy. I got lost in motherhood and it took me awhile to sort out my identity. I longed for friendships and a community. Motherhood matured me, but nothing has completed me like writing. I was created to write. I am confident that I am supposed to be doing this.

I know who I am

Before I started blogging, I thought I knew me. And as a Christian woman, I know who I am in Christ. But I have learned that this journey has led to a greater discovery of me. Writing my thoughts about my children, my fears , my joy has solidified who I am. I’ve formulated opinions, dealt with deep struggles and stood my ground on issues of the heart. I know who I am. And I’m learning to really like her.

I know who I want to be

More than ever before, I am confident in who I want to become. I have met amazing women and been inspired in the blogworld. I have learned so much and I have goals for myself and dreams that wouldn’t have been birthed without being in this community.

I am being stretched and challenged. I feel creative and alive at my keypad. I am a better me.

Because of you.

Blogging has given me more confidence {even if no one leaves a comment on this post!}

How about you? Has blogging changed you? Enhanced you?

Food for the Soul:

Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans e="font-size:small;"> for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. …

Blogging is helping me see the real beauty. Visit The Inspired Room to read about more beautiful lives and Hooked on Houses to see what’s important to people.

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Blogfluence

6:59 am Bykristen

The blog world is an enormous place.

And one of my readers, Mom Most Traveled, ask me to use my blogfluence (a mixture of my blog and influence) to share this touching story about a woman looking for her family.

You can read it here.

I couldn’t pass up the chance to play even a small role in helping this woman find a piece of home.

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A Parallel World

7:00 am Bykristen

The blog world fascinates me.

Pretty much because less than a year ago, I didn’t even know it existed.

I mean, I’d heard of blogs, but I assumed they were mainly for business’ or for sharing photos of your kids to extended family members.

I didn’t know there were mom blogs. I didn’t know there were giveaways. I didn’t know you could subscribe, leave comments and meet interesting people.

I certainly didn’t know that I would cry and pray for people I’d never met or laughed until I peed.

Oh, I lie about the pee part.

Sort of.

I didn’t know I would be so moved by others circumstances, that it would make my problems, well, funny, in comparison.

I didn’t know my perspective would change.

The blog world is an amazing place. But, sometimes I feel a little funny telling people in real life about it. Because their reaction is similar to the one I had. “Oh.“

And then I get that strange look.

And I want to say, “Hey, you make think it’s weird, but I know at least 2 people in the bloggy world, who think I’m a big deal.”

That makes me feel better. In my head.

I literally stumbled into the blogosphere and it took me months to sort out the basics.

How did you enter this parallel world? Did you read blogs and then decide to start one? Were you invited or did you stumble? Or did you start one like me and then discover you weren’t the only mom blog out there? (I know that sounds insanely vain, but I thought I was on to something! I was that naive!) Do people in your real life know you blog and read it?

Sometimes I read something so touching, I tell my mom or a friend. And they are like, “who?” I’m like, “Oh, a friend, I’ve never met. She doesn’t know me either. But we are like this (and I cross my fingers to indicate closeness)!

Am I nuts?

Don’t answer that.

But I’d love to hear how you entered this parallel world.

I made this post a part of the Blog Train

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Viewing My Life Thru Blog-Colored Glasses

10:00 pm Bykristen

I love being a Mom.

It is the one thing I’ve always wanted to be.

I love knowing that The God of the Universe created me to be the mother of my children. And even though I am not worthy, I am.

But a couple of months after my third child was born, something happened deep within me.

I realized that being a mom wasn’t enough.

It shocked me too.

I think at first, I thought the feeling came from postpartum blues or from my baby’s difficult birth. But one thought kept playing itself over in my brain, I need something for me.

I remember the first time I spoke those words out loud. My sweet hubby suggested a pedicure. No. Deeper, more, meaningful. Okay, a writing conference? Mr. fix-it knew my deep desire to write and my frustration with no one willing to give me a chance. But that wasn’t it either.

And then I got busy with life, and the words, although still present, quieted to a whisper.

I started my blog when my baby was 9 months old.

I had no idea it would be the answer to the question.

Now, nearly a year later, I view my life thru blog-colored glasses.

Blogging has turned me inside out. It has fulfilled my need to write, yes, but even more, it is has quenched the thirst to have something for me.

It is mine.

And I have learned so much about me. I have discovered an innate desire to encourage. It has always been there, but I thrive on helping people view their life more positively, while they are changing diapers or tackling clutter.

Blogging has also helped me to capture the fleeting moments. For years, I’ve neglected writing things down, but now in doing so, I have seared them into my heart and mind forever.

Many people view blogs as vanity on parade. And I can understand why. Since vanity loves company, I’m glad I have all of you. One of my favorite parts of blogging is the creativity that has been birthed. I think my creative hemisphere has grown immensely and made my head is bigger. Really.

It has also taught me to laugh. And to look for the humor! A year ago, I remember a friend of a friend commenting on my family’s frequent visit to the ER. I was offended. I mean, how rude to actually mention the truth.

But I’ve learned to laugh at myself and that’s been the biggest lesson of all!

Oh, and while I do not hope for mayhem, or encourage disaster, my senses have been sharpened to them.

Because seriously? A post about my hubby smearing peanut butter in his armpits at a family talent show, is just too good to forget. Tune in, I’ll tell you all about next week. And there will be pictures. Oh! Goody!

And my life? It looks like roses thru those blog-colored glasses.

For more tips, visit Works For Me Wednesday.

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Make an Impact

12:01 am Bykristen

I’ve been in the bloggy world for less than a year.

I loitered for a long time. I bookmarked 3 or 4 blogs and I read them faithfully every day.

The blogs were popular Mom blogs. I remember thinking, “Hmmm, this person has 97 comments today. Do they really care what I will think?”

And then one day, I was so moved, I couldn’t help myself.

I dipped my toe in and left a comment.

At some point, I actually had enough courage to open my own blog for comments. I’m so glad I did.

I’ve noticed a hierarchy in the blog world. I’m sure you have too.

The huge traffic-gobbling mom blogs set the trends. They offer amazing giveaways, write great posts and well, they deserve to be at the top. It doesn’t take a good blog long to become a shining star. A few of my favorite reads are at the tippy top. And I leave them comments on a regular basis.

Because they impact me.

I think my heart would stop beating for a millisecond if they left a comment on my blog. I’m a small fish in their great big e-pond.

I’ve grown my own small collection of readers (You-whooo! I love you-see I’m waving frantically!!). I don’t know what my blog will become. This may be it. And that’s okay, because I like myself. I’m nice that way.

But I discovered something the other day. As I hovered over my sitemeter results, I recognized a blog that kept resurfacing. I thought the name was catchy and I had a spare minute, so I visited. It was a cute little blog and I left a comment on the post she’d written.

About 4 seconds later, I got a new comment on my blog that went something like this, “OMG! I can’t believe YOU left a comment on MY blog. I visit you every day and you inspire me. It means so much that you left a comment for me. I’ve always wanted to leave one for you, but I didn’t think . . . Thanks so much . . . . “

I impacted her.

Well.

I was shocked. This person saw me as a big mom blogger. I didn’t exactly correct her. She was a small fish (or so she felt) in my e-pond.

It just made me want to give my best to my blog. I’ve been tempted to rant, vent and spew about life’s little upsets. I’ve tried to refrain because this is not an anonymous blog and that is not my purpose for blogging. I don’t want to make an negative impact. Ever.

You may have certain goals for your blog or it may be a helpful outlet to you. Whatever the reason, people are reading your words, whether you know it by their comments or not.

So, blog well.

Because you are impacting others.

Food for the Soul:

Psalm 19:14 “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

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My Dear Google Searchers

7:00 am Bykristen

(Google records who comes to your blog and how they find it thru the search engine. The results are often hilarious. *Update* Read Shannon’s explanation for how to do this here. It’s easy and fun and she explains it much better than I can!)

Hello, sweet Google searchers. I have been meaning to address you for weeks. I’ve been watching you on my sight reader and I must say you have misunderstood me. Because for some unknown reason, I have become an expert in these areas:

1. Mopping the floor. Now much to your surprise, I do not mop my floor often and I simply do not deserve the accolades as a proficient floor mopper. The floor. Is. Sticky. Right. Now. (That’s because the toddler is watching juice drip from her the cup she is shaking). Many people have discovered this blog ‘o mine, by googling “overflowing the toilet to mop the bathroom floor.” And while I have never actually tried this or blogged about it, I think it is an excellent idea and I may just have try it. Thank you.

2. 80′s Hair pictures. Well. Who knew so many of you cared about the hair style of the 1980′s. Apparently, I wasn’t the only victim of home perms resulting in afros. I am sorry for your pain. We meet for therapy every Thursday. Please join us. We care. And I’m sorry to the souls out there who found me by googling, “mother takes son for first perm pictures” and “forced perm”, I feel your pain. I really do.

3. THAT family. I think we all fit into certain stereotypes. I’ve learned that not only are we THAT family, we are also, “a style family” (thank you, truly), “a perming family” (you know how to wound), an “esl family” (I’ve learned much from Dora the Explorer), and a “real cruel family.” (Yes, some days.) And my favorite, “a godly family.” Not so many days, but we try.

4. Squirrels. Yes, come here for your squirrel counseling. We have a plethora of ideas on controlling their population, including, but not limited too, scaring them into accidental drowning. Oh, and by the way, you know who you are, No, I haven’t tried to “fry a squirrel.” Yet.

5. Miscellaneous. And finally, to those of you who were searching for answers and inadvertently found me, I hope you found peace with your a. profound itch b. reckless driving c. hairy arms d. strangling each other e. being vomited on.

Oh, and to the soul out there in the blogosphere waiting with baited breath for this answer:

No, my hubby is not my twin.

The End.

P.S. Come back for an awesome giveaway tomorrow!!

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Thank You

7:00 am Bykristen

I started blogging around six months ago. It was a whim. It was a selfish act. As a matter of fact, I didn’t even open it to comments for the first 4 months.

I wrote. For me.

It was out of defiance, really. I filed away another rejection letter from a Publisher, turned on my computer and rebelled. Every post I wrote was an act of revenge, “Well, then, fine. I’ll just publish myself.”

I’ve written about my kids and their fiasco’s. My bad mommy moments have been on display.

One word comes to mind: selfish.

I didn’t plan to allow comments. I didn’t plan to meet other people. I didn’t plan to be moved with compassion.

I’m glad I didn’t plan.

And that’s why I want to say thank you.

In the past six months, I have traveled to Africa with Shannon and Sophie. Tears have puddled on my keyboard as I have watched these two ladies struggle with their emotions and closely watched how they fit Africa into their everyday lives. My family sponsored Bereket, a five year old Ethiopian child who lives in extreme poverty. I think about this precious child every time I eat. Which is all day long. A giant lump forms in my throat each time my kids pray for him at bedtime.

Between loads of laundry and dishes, I have met and grown to love courageous women who are fighting cancer, like Heather J. She makes me laugh everyday. I glean from her strength. And she has reminded me that I still believe God can heal.

Reading through the grieving heart of a woman who lost her twins in utero has touched a place in me I didn’t want to visit. Journeying with Lisa as she mourns the loss of a three year old cousin has moved me. For days, I couldn’t wipe away the image of a tiny white casket from my mind or of a childless mother. Thinking of her, I have whispered prayers over my own children and sat by their sleeping bodies and wept- from love, sorrow, guilt and thankfulness.

Following Happy Mommy‘s chronicles of her desire to have another child after her husband’s vasectomy reversal have been inspiring. I love watching her life unravel and I can’t help but root for this lady who longs to grow a new life, again. As I did last week, when Baby Mama, pushed out her sixth baby, at home.

I have dreaded the deployment of Kim’s husband that has left her a Situationally Single Mom. She is a hero and I can’t help but think of her empty bed when I snuggle up against my husband.

And these are just a few . . .

My perspective has changed. In just a few short months, my world has grown. Blinders have been lifted from these shallow eyes.

God has renewed my compassion for parts of the world I will never visit. He has used the challenges of others to remind me that I have much to be thankful for. In His Sovereignty, He is teaching me to blindly trust in Him, even when I can’t trace His hand, I can always trust His heart.

So, thank you. Thank you for blogging. You are making a difference.

And, thank you for reading. It’s my desire to remind moms they aren’t alone. I pray through my silly, nonsense writing, you can see my heart and know that I am just a simple mom who has been changed by this bloggy world.

And, by a very BIG God.

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