I bruise like day old fruit. Seriously. I can barely brush against something and walk away with a black and blue souvenir. That being said, it’s very common for me to discover a nasty bruise on my body and have absolutely NO IDEA how I got it. So weird. How can something leave me with a physical mark yet no memory of the even that caused it?

Sometimes, I wake up in a funk. Like the dark bruise on my leg, I’m unsure how it has happened. What exactly has brought me to this yucky disposition and grumpy mindset? It actually doesn’t even really matter. What matters most is what comes next. How will I continue? Will I let a bad mood create a bad day? Should I share my sour attitude or attempt to shake it off while my coffee works it’s magic? It’s all up to me.

I suppose, in life, this actually happens quite a bit. A conversation, movie, activity or article can be experienced without much thought. But, it can move us, change us, mold us into a certain mindset or push us into a different direction. I truly feel like the combination of a million little things help to form us into the person that we present to the world more than one big event.  Could you really pinpoint one or maybe two single events in your life that made you who you are today?

Milestones like establishing religious foundation, passing each grade in school and celebrating holidays with families take up a lot of space in our memory banks. They certainly have a lot to do with character formation as well. But it’s the daily interaction with others, little decisions we make like telling the truth or lying, helping or walking past a problem, teasing someone, or standing up for a friend that is bullied – that determine who we really are. Character and courage and integrity are established when all of the forgettable things are added up. The small acts of kindness that we think go unnoticed are building us into generous friends and thoughtful neighbors. Yet, most of us find it much easier to focus on our faults than on our positive traits.

In the end, I’m finding that events don’t have to be earth shattering or jaw dropping to make a difference. Daily events, evening rituals and common place scenarios shape us without our knowledge. You, my friend, are making a difference everyday – for the benefit or additional stress of others. It’s up to us to decide how we are affecting our world. Small moments in life can surely make a big difference, even if you are unaware of the changes created by your actions. Now, if I could only figure out how I got this bruise on my arm ……

It’s Lent again. Really  EARLY this year, but Lent none the less. I try super hard to use this 40 days to prepare my heart, focusing on the good that I am proud of, and the junk I’d like to improve. It surely is more than 40 days worth of work, but it’s a start. This year, I’d like to share with you a verse that has become very special to me. In fact, I dare to call it my “life verse”. Have you heard of that before? A “life verse”? Basically, it’s a verse from the Bible that you claim as your own. That you memorize and use in moments of weakness, times of celebration and any random Tuesday afternoon. It’s a bit like a teeny tiny mission statement that encourages your daily walk in this crazy world. I have forever been envious of people that talk about “their” verse. I WANTED A VERSE! And now, after 43 years, I have found one. The fact that I am indecisive AND the issue with the Bible having a tremendous assortment of amazing scripture, added up to me being incredibly hesitant to pick one as my own. I also wanted something that would be helpful in ALL aspects of my life. Now, I promise not to brag about my verse, it can be yours, too! Let’s discuss …

First of all, I’ll give you the address where you can find it in the Bible. Ephesians 4:1 …

“…Live a life worthy of the calling you have received” {NIV}. You guys. This just really sums it up for me. In one sentence. I need this reminder every day – I’m a simple gal. I look at my circumstances, my calendar, my mess of a house, and I need to stop. I need to be told every day, that the life that I live needs to represent the God that I love. My blessings should be shared, my temper should be controlled, my words should be encouraging. We all have our moments, but if you can find a scripture that speaks to your heart – own it! I need to LIVE WORTHY. It’s too easy to fall short, take the easy way out, say the snarky comment. We live in a world where sarcasm is encouraged, criticism flows freely and judgement is acceptable. I want to be better than that. I pray to live in a manner worthy of the calling I have received. I am called to love, even especially on the days that it’s the last thing I want to do. I also feel like it is my job here on Earth to raise my children in a similar fashion. What better legacy to leave than 4 more loving, generous, compassionate souls? Please, let me state once again that I have chosen this verse to HELP me – to convince me that I am in control of my reactions- to look at when I am feeling like I have failed. Again. I even had a bracelet made with Live Worthy engraved into it so I could wear it and see those 2 words that will inspire me all day long.

If you Don’t have a life verse, I encourage you to find one. And know that it won’t be a quick little process. That’s a good thing… you will have this verse for your entire life! If you DO have one – please share! I love hearing what inspires others, knowing full well that it will help me, too! So go on, LIVE WORTHY !

It’s one thing if you have SUPER EXCITING NEWS to share, but it’s an entirely different thing if you have AMAZING FRIENDS with whom to share it! I’m outrageously blessed right now to have BOTH ❤️!

When I received my contract to sign for I Wish I was Big, the entire experience took my breath away. Everything was brand new and shiny and uber intimidating. After several years of learning the ropes a bit, I can still say that I am relatively clueless acquiring new knowledge with each experience. The “brand-newness” of it all has worn off a bit, but my uncertainty and lack of confidence still remains at times – lurking around the corner at a public event or popping up at a signing. I suppose it’s always good to be just a tad nervous and hesitant when jumping out of your comfort zone, ensuring that your focus is not on looking good, but on performing well. I’d have to say that of all the things I imagined going wrong, none have – yet… There’s still still for that other shoe to drop, I suppose.  Anywho, what I’m trying to get across is that the last several years have been both exciting and scary, exhausting and exhilarating, fun and frustrating… A well rounded bundle of the emotional equivalent to a roller coaster ride.

And ~ I’m ready to do it AGAIN 😊 I received word recently, that my 2nd manuscript has been accepted and production will begin in March. Craziness, I tell you! This time, when I found out, it was a different mix of emotions. Pure excitement, yes, but also a bit of a racing heart, knowing what the process has waiting for me. My anxiety the first time was due to the unknown. This time around, I’m fully aware, and equally nervous.  Production is detail oriented, nerve wrecking, and a lot of hurry up and wait. It’s also completely fulfilling to see some of the things in my wild and crazy head find their way to the pages of a book. It’s still so hard for me to believe. But, it becomes easier to believe as I begin editing and am required to meet deadlines in hopes of staying on track and not pushing my release date further back. I am praying that my experience with the first book will help prepare me and maybe even put me ahead of the game a bit. But yes, sometimes life has a way of sneaking up on you and throwing your schedule into the blender. I am ready for that – and even if I’m not, we are headed into production and my heart flutters a bit faster each and every time I think about it!

This book is a bit different than the first. It rhymes – which, if you read my last blog about words, you know makes me very happy. I love to write poems ~ for holidays, anniversaries, grocery lists – what have you. Reading a book out loud that has rhyming words puts a smile on my face… And yours, too {I HOPE!}.  I wrote this particular story almost 3 years ago. I was sitting alone with my Dad in his ICU hospital room after he had a stroke. My mind was full of thoughts and emotions and somehow, a story came spilling out. I typed it up in the “Notes” section of my IPhone – which is quite the endeavor, with my fat fingers.  It holds a special place in my heart. It will forever remind me of a very scary time in my life that I was able to navigate with the help of my family and friends. It is the same reading level as the first book, ages 0-7 approximately. The characters in the book will also be familiar, since once again they are my very own children – a wealth of material!

Stay tuned for more information as I progress through production. I am so excited to be able to share this crazy ride with all of you😊❤️📚

Not everyone “likes” to talk. I’ve heard about people that prefer to keep their thoughts to themselves. This concept is fascinating to me. I am a COMMUNICATER. I enjoy listening, talking and writing – not necessarily in that order. If something is on my mind, it will usually be coming out of my mouth. Hopefully, on most occasions, I will think before sharing my thoughts – although not always. Sadly. I tend to rush a bit – get excited to voice my thoughts. In this case, writing is a better medium for me, since I can go back and read over the way my words will sound. I can honestly say that one of the worst feelings that I’ve experienced in life is the regret from saying something that has hurt someone – whether intended or not. Communicating opens the doors for all kinds of emotions – from elation to remorse. Dangerous stuff.

I talk to ask questions, make points, give directions and clarify details. I try to choose my words carefully, but it’s easy to get lazy and stick with slang or the words that our English teachers warned us about all of those years ago, such as “nice”, “good” and so on. BORING….. I love descriptive words, whimsical words, made up words like “wonky” and “fancy-schmancy”. Don’t bother talking to me with any wet noodle words that hold little entertainment value. Life is short – let’s jazz up our words a bit. Am I wrong?

The hardest part about talking is that everyone has their own little “relationship” with words. I read an article about the word “moist”…. Turns out it is one of the most despised words out there! I even asked a bunch of friends, “Hey, do you have any particular word that you just can’t stand hearing or saying ?” You guessed it – MOIST! The article did not lie – it is legit that poor moist is hated by many (but really disliked by women especially). How is the average person supposed to know what these trigger words are?! That’s a lot of pressure – and who has the time to worry about it?  Words elicit feelings – memories. Words can take us back to a specific time, good or bad. If someone who’s opinion you value speaks harshly to you – our mind takes that conversation and puts it in a steel trap. I still remember, 32 years ago,when I was 11 years old and when an adult family member called me “Fatso”. Steel trap. Also – each words has such range in its intensity. Example : I love my family, but I also love coffee  *OR*  I hate poverty but I also hate waking up before my alarm and not being able to fall back asleep. My mind is blown. And what about slang – when are you too old to use terms like “on fleek” or “awesome sauce “? From the looks I have received in this house – it must be younger than 42.  I’m starting to understand why these non-communicators exist!

So, the title of this post may have you waiting for some wisdom at this point. Perhaps I should have named it “Words and Wit” or “Words, Who Knew?”…. I apologize if I have left you yearning for knowledge of some kind. I guess I just wanted to talk about talking. It’s something we do every day and rarely think twice about – until it gets us into trouble. Some of us do it more than others – my son’s teacher called it “verbal overflow” (That’s my boy!). A few of us choose to use very creative or “colorful” words to express ourselves, rather than just the necessary replies that are expected of us. But no matter who you are, words are important. I suggest you really think about what comes out of your sweet little mouth – BEFORE it comes out. And, if by chance, this doesn’t happen, and you need to apologize… DO IT! Saying you’re sorry is crucial – and those two words are universally understood – Thank God!

Now go – call a friend, write a letter, make up a word or two – ENJOY SOME WORDS❤️

As a Mom – I try to make sure that our home is cozy. We all have whirlwind days and I truly feel like a big part of my job is giving my family a soft place to land. A home they anticipate returning to – a spot of comfort . In each room, we have been purposeful in the layout, furniture choices, color schemes and wall hangings. One friend once described our walls “like looking at a scrapbook”… that made me happy. I want those that visit us to also feel welcome and like they want to stay and hang out. Providing this atmosphere isn’t always easy – but it’s what I strive for – a peaceful home.

Now, having this so called “peaceful home” is more of a challenge than it may appear. It doesn’t matter how comfortable your couch is, if there is tension in the air. Your matching coffee mugs and adorable hand towels in the kitchen mean nothing if the family is yelling at each other by 7 am. We all have these days. With 6 personalities, schedules and individual quirks, you can bet your bottom dollar that each and every day will have some struggles. But – the home is where you should be able to present those struggles without being judged, ridiculed or embarrassed. And, as much as we love it each other, we all know what our “boiling points” are. I saw a quote that spoke of people boiling at different degrees. This is certainly true in our home. One child will take weeks before they blow and the other will have there fists up after a sideways glance. Just as in life – we need to learn to live with different personalities in order to thrive. There will NEVER be anyone just like you in how they think, respond, dream or fret. Remembering this is crucial in creating and maintaining relationships with family – and the rest of the world, too.

There is something to be said regarding the intimacy shared by family. They see our best AND worst – our faults, dreams, and daily odd behaviors. They know our hearts, our true intentions, our biggest pet peeves. They also see our puffy eyes in the morning, our rattiest sweatpants that we have owned since college, and our hair held back with a chip clip (not that I have ever done that). The home should be a place that we can let down our guard and have our mood lifted. Recently, one of the Bigs had a rough day . Said child was slamming things around in the kitchen and being an absolute grouch. One sibling asked “Why are YOU so CRABBY?!”. Which is a lovely question, if you are, indeed, crabby. “Because THIS is the only place I CAN BE CRABBY!”. This made us all laugh, including the sourpuss. But, it has stuck with me. I agreed with the statement wholeheartedly. I will admit to times mid yell when I had to pick up the phone and be PLEASANT.  The days when I don’t feel like smiling, but I do just that when I am out and about. I am thankful, that on those days, I can return home, take off my “everything is great” mask and be 100% real. Life is too short to pretend. I am blessed to have a family that allows me to be me – pure Kelly Jean – and that’s not easy to take ~ ask any of them! I pray that your home is a soft place to land as well – it’s something that everyone deserves.

One of my very first blog posts ever was about my word of the year in 2015. This is the 5th year now that I have chosen a word or concept to focus on, instead of make a resolution and feeling like a failure by January 7th. Like the rest of mankind (at least I hope I’m not the only one!) I tend to be a bit over zealous in all of my “life changing, body slimming, skill improving, relationship building, temper holding, volunteer doing” dreams for the new year. Continue reading →

In our home, Christmas is BIG. We love it – all of it. Every sight, smell, sound, taste and feel of it.  Every last crumb of special treats, and minutes of annual TV specials. We sing the songs, string the lights, send the cards and host the parties. We look forward to it all year and are always sad when it is over. Is it similar in your home? Are you immersed in evergreen and fully fa la la- ing throughout December?

As a Mom, this month is a mixture of chaos and calm. I attempt to guard my time with God even more carefully during December. It is even easier for the world to distract me with their Target ads and “Biggest SALE of the season”. I do my best to keep the focus on the babe in the manger – not the hype that we have grown to accept as the holiday “norm”.

As a Catholic, the four weeks leading up to Christmas are referred to as Advent. This term is a version of the Latin word meaning “coming”.  We are encouraged to prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of our Savior. Big picture – we are reminded to prepare for the second coming of Christ.  It’s December – are you ready? In general, this question prompts us to think of the “readiness” in regards to ” Are you ready for the celebration?”. Have you cleaned the house and decorated? Have you taken stock of the pantry, made the cookies and planned the party menu? Have you bought the gifts, sent the cards, played the music? ARE YOU READY?

It’s easy to get sucked into the jolliness of the preparation. Yet, it also doesn’t take much for the “extras” to become overwhelming- since the rest of our schedules and obligations don’t disappear in December. It’s common, in fact, to race around from one errand to the next, one Christmas play to the next Holiday recital, and never fully appreciate these events. Thank goodness we took pictures so we can look back on them in January! I’m not saying that these additional activities are bad – I FULLY partake in each of them as well – what I am saying, is that they are – without a doubt – DISTRACTING. They become an obstacle. They force us to survive the month instead of ENJOY the month. And THAT is the chaos of December.

The calm part is where I’d much rather dwell. On the couch, with my coffee, Bible and devotional, and a plump, sleepy cat on my lap. Diving into the story – the real reason why we are called to prepare. The Babe in the manger – born to set us free. He came to the world in the most non – threatening way. Our Savior – a baby – and we all know what babies need …ATTENTION.  They REQUIRE it in order to thrive.  Time, devotion, and affection – all of these things will help to create a bond with this Babe.  He doesn’t need you to clean your carpets, make homemade egg nog or hand paint ornaments. He wants YOU. Invest in Him. Devote yourself to Him. Prepare for Him. Then and only then, will it be “The most wonderful time of the year”.

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Big hugs and gratitude for those of you who have taken the time to follow my blog this year. I have written from my heart and I hope it has touched yours. I appreciate you and pray you have a blessed Christmas and amazing New Year. See you in 2016 🙂