1 little, 2 little, 3 little blessings...

i took the kids out while matt had some meetings on saturday.

honestly, it rarely crosses my mind about taking them out.

they are my children.  we go out.  the end.

but, then there are the [usually well-meaning, but didn't think-before-speaking] people

that remind me that maybe our family doesn't look the the "normal" american size family.

particularly the lady that exclaimed [no seriously, EXCLAIMED]

my word!  just how many kids do you have with you today?!?!

i simply answered, five.

another lady chimed in,

well, aren't you brave coming here with all of THEM!

[and just for the record, the kids were being very well behaved.]

i'm not trying to sound rude.  i know that a lot of times people just want to talk.

or they speak without thinking about the feelings that could be implied from their words.

i'm not brave.  

i'm just a girl, who has been blessed with five children & we enjoy going out together.

i was so thankful as we left that day,

one of the workers cheerfully said,

have you got all your little blessings gathered?  have a good day!

never underestimate the power of your words...

to the mom at the post office with her 4 kids.

to the man in a wheel chair that wants the cereal on the top shelf.

to the young lady serving you your coffee.

to the little boy that is asking you to come play ball.

to yourself as you look in the mirror.

here are my words to you:

i appreciate you.

yes, you.  thank you for coming here.

for reading some of my heart.

thank you when you take the time to read my heart and then share some of yours--

whether through your stories or your encouragement.

you are beautiful.  seriously.

i'm thankful for your story...that's what all of this is about;

learning others' stories and loving them for exactly who they are.

have a wonderful day with any kind of little blessings you've been given!