Meeting New People

So I have been meeting a lot of new people lately.  I genuinely enjoy getting to know people and getting myself out there to meet folks.  I am one of those gals who truly believes you learn more from other people as you visit with them and hear their stories, than you ever will from a book. 

That being said, I have a tendency to keep personal things about myself hidden.  Sure, I will talk about my family and I will talk about views and opinions... but I am always scared to share what it is that makes me who I am.  Secrets, desires and dreams aplenty are kept to myself.  In the meantime I am literally dragging info from my new found friends.  In my brain, people are a puzzle in which I need to have every piece in my possesion before I can really begin.  I love hearing peoples stories and sometimes I think people like me because I let them talk.  I am a pretty easy person to talk to.  I absolutely don't judge and I offer advice if that is what my friends want. 

Sometimes there are situations where I do let someone in and it is just too much for them.  My family in general is overwhelming for new-comers, but then they start realizing just how far out of the box we live as well as think... well let's just say we are not for the faint of heart.  There have been some who have accepted the challenge and ultimately become a permanent member of our family, but not a ton.

I am not mean to our friends and I am not a yeller, but I will admit that we have a tendency to suck all of the energy right out of a room.  It is sometimes hard for people to get me to open up and I know that can be discouraging.  I have a problem with hermiting at home when my stress gets to be too much for me.

So circling to the beginning paragraph, we have some newcomers in our lives and there are a few I genuinely like so wish me luck that we don't scare them off with our antics ;)

I am Thankful for my 3 precious gifts.

Today I am Thankful that I was chosen to be the mother of my three gorgeous kiddo's.  There have been times I have asked myself why it was me that I was chosen... when I struggle with stress weight I cannot shed, when I see our light bank account, when I look at myself in the mirror and I look 48 rather than 28,   when my body is so sore I can't bend.  Then I realize I am fluffy because the kids like to cuddle my squishyness... I have had to fill my gas tank at least twice a week so I can bring the kids to therapies and classes....  most of the cracks on my face are laugh lines... and I still am able to carry my babies around; something I won't get to do for much longer.

I am not a perfect mom, but we laugh all day long.  We cuddle, we veg, we play, we read, and get to our appointments, and do learning activities.  I truly enjoy hanging out with my kids and doing stuff with them, as they are three of the best things that have ever happened to me.  Being a parent has been not just rewarding, but a blast!  The kids rotate turns to go shopping with me.  Even if they are naughty, we have a good time.  No lie though, I usually walk out of the store feeling like one of my lives has been scraped off. 

Our schedule is insane, but we try our best to keep it organized.  There is never enough hours in the day, but the kids have taught me to loosen up as there is always tomorrow.  I am really unorganized, but I keep trying to be better.  I haven't given up yet.  We are about to start hockey in our house so give me a couple of weeks, and see if I even have any hair left.

The people who have let the kids into their lives are always thankful they did.  They have a way of showing you what a gift they truly are.  They suck you in and wrap you right around their little fingers.  I think it is the simple fact that with them, there is no ulterior motives, they just truly want your love.  They are not trying to earn rewards, they are not trying to cover up a naughty deed... they just want that lovin'.  Don't get me wrong, once they are comfortable they will unleash the naughtiness monster, but the naughtiness and the love come hand in hand with them.  After all, they are kids...

We do not have a diagnosis for Bo and Cote, and with the suggestion of our Doctor, we have not been looking for one for over 2 years.  We don't need one, as it is not who the kids are.  What the kids need in order to survive are love from family and friends, therapies, life skills, learning activities and tons of playtime.  I am the sort of person who can and will do these things with fervor.  

Gage needed me to step up to the plate and Homeschool him, so I have.  I do not have a teaching degree, but I research every single day which methods will be best for him.  He is not the happiest about being Homeschooled, but every time we start our lessons or go to town and his SPD flares, I know in my heart it was the best decision.  I have caught a lot of flack from him, family and friends about Homeschooling, but I have stood my ground.  I see how far he has come educationally in just a couple of months, and the decision is made valid.  The strides in his education come with a price as his SPD has been a bit out of control, but we keep right on trucking through it.  We are in the midst of looking into a service dog for him and Bo, so that may just be the ticket for helping in amped up situations.  He is a good kid though, with great manners, and sociable personality and very lovable   I am a lucky mom.

The kids have taught me Patience by the boatloads.  Determination as we set our sights on a goal.  Stubbornness when they think they can weasel out of doing something.  Confidence as I walk with my children in public settings.  Strength as I fight for my childrens well being and rights.  Compassion as I attempt to guess how best to help them next.  Joy when I here Mom, Mama, or anything that sounds remotely like it.  Endearment when someone walks up to the children and talks to them.  Pride when I see someone won over by them.  Exuberance when they are befriended in any way.  LOVE when I set my eyes upon them or hear their little voices.

I was not always the type of person I am now.  My children molded me into this person, and my greatest hope is that I can make them proud and return the favor.


So today I am sharing how Thankful I am that it was ME who was chosen to receive this gift.