Who Knew?

I LOVE the Yahoo! news bytes - you know, the squares that give you 'just enough news' to seem informed?  HA!! 

One today grabbed my attention - 9 Signs That You're Happier Than You Think.  While I don't fancy myself particularly miserable, I wouldn't dub myself overly happy.  I'm just...livin', ya know?  Trying to keep peace and stay balanced.  APPARENTLY THOUGH, according to Yahoo! experts (and if it's in cyberspace it MUST be true, yes?) I have all (except one) of the indicators that I am, indeed, happy.  Understand that after each indicator, they had their own statistics and proof.  While I have noted the Yahoo! indicator, I have added my own explanation.  Here they are:

1) You were a smiley student
I'm way past the traditional definition of 'student', but I am a student of life.  I'm also a rather smiley adult.  Just call my name - and "CHEESE!"  (I also have an uncanny sense of when a camera is around).

2) You have a sister
Again, I do not have a 'traditional' type sister, but I do have SEVERAL in Christ.  That said, I have a brother.  So, I think this should be amended to 'sibling.'   While Brook and I are not considered close by definition, I can't imagine life without him and he has taught me alot (but don't tell him that, he's YOUNGER than me!!)

3) You're not glued to the TVDon't get me wrong, I enjoy a good DVR'd show as much as the next, but 'glued' to the TV...not so much.  If it's a choice between the TV and reading / writing - I choose the latter.

4) You make exercise a priorityPeople who exercise more are less likely to be stressed and more likely to be satisfied with life, according to Danish researchers...(direct quote from the article).  Now, I have certainly not made it a priority, but I have two dogs now and I walk them each morning.  I, indeed, feel better!  I, also, get to do PE with preschoolers and I am LOVING IT!!!  So, while it may have been 'put upon' me, I have welcomed it!

5) You hang out with happy peopleI'd like to consider my network of friends happy.  And, according to Yahoo!, I am a happy person, so...I guess I bring some happy to those around me AND myself...technically speaking, I'm my own best company.  HA!!

6) You stay warm with hot cocoaClutching a steaming beverage — coffee and tea also do the trick...those gripping warm mugs were more appreciative of friendliness in others and also felt more generous and trusting themselves...(end quote).  Have ya tried the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate at your local Starbux?!?  HELLO!  YUMMY-NESS in a cup and certain happiness!

7 ) You have two best friendsI most certainly have at least two best friends!

8) You keep souvenirs on displayPeople who use mementos or photos to remind themselves of good times better appreciate their lives and are happier...(end quote).  May I add that I have souvenirs of sad times too; let me say that it does bring me memories of when those that loved us most just loved on us and prayed over us.  It's bittersweet, but souvenirs of all types and times are important, yes?

9) You have a healthy love lifeHELLO!  I love me some of my Joel!  Ladies - I'm just gonna say this - never say 'no' to your man (within reason, OK?  not because you 'just don't feel like it).  I've lived by it for 4+ years and I am, indeed, HAPPY!!!

I may have added a few more.  A relationship with God, consistent conversation with God (aka: Prayer), and a solid community.  I firmly believe that all of these things add to my happiness.

Alright, I exceeded my 'brief' entry today, but I hope that you enjoyed it.  I enjoyed writing it!

Fabulous and Forgiven

Mama Fox

 

Click

I have the awesome privilege to attend a bi-weekly meeting at a place called The W.A.R.M. Place (What About Remembering Me).  An organization designed to help children process the loss of a sibling (parent or grandparent; in our case - a sibling)

 

Tonight was our meeting night.  For those that are 'new' to my life, our family experienced the loss of our 5 1/2 week old baby girl, Jordan Brook.  She succumbed to an infection after desperately trying to survive the repair of a heart defect that she had upon birth.  Our story is one of God's grace and one that I will share at another time.  For now - I wanted to share the insight that was on my heart after our last visit to The W.A.R.M. Place

 

**************here ya go***************

 

I sat, listening to one mom cry (well, several, but these two in particular b/c they, too, lost babies).  The light went on.  Here I was, capable, able and eager to carry the burden of their pain for those few precious minutes.  Nine months ago, I was the one fresh in my pain, only four short months having bid farewell to our Jordan.

 

I had started at the WP, my exact words - 'I will trust the process'.  I really felt I didn't 'need' this group.  I have a phenomenal support system outside of this room.  However great that network though - not one knows the ache of losing a child.  So here, within the walls of the WP, I get to settle into the safety net of those that 'get it'.  While each story unique and individual, a common thread of understanding the now awkwardness of those that have not been in our shoes.  Sharing the common thread of the initial shock, heartbreak and tiny steps that follow the loss of a child.  The 'firsts', the anniversary's, the celebration's.  All of those things that bring this special group of women together.

 

On the 13th, it occurs to me why Kathy (well...the WP) does what they do and why they do it.  I mean, why not 'graduate' those of us that are 'veterans' of this routine?  "Who you're here for."  "Please state why you're here, who you brought with your and the opening question."  UGH!  Really?  But now...yes!  Of course, not only has it become easier for me to tell my story, I get to be a 'pillow', if you will, for the teary eyed mom, sitting across the room.  The mom that I just want to embrace and love on YET there is strength gained in allowing her to just sit in that pain.  Perhaps a gentle hand or rub on the back.  But - to be vulnerable amongst those that are in your shoes...pretty powerful.

 

I am so glad that I trusted - from the very beginning, when I looked into our Jordan's beautiful blue eyes to the moment that we walked in the doors here.  What sweet relief.  While I will forever ache for my daughter and reflect often on each stage that 'should' have happened.  I know for certain that the WP was definitely supposed to happen.

 

Thank you.

 

Eyes On Him

 

Mama Fox

Let's Get Acquainted

One of my more savvy blogging friends gave me some 'getting started' tips.  One of them being to give a little bit of my background, which could be an entire blog in and of itself.  AND since I'm not real keen on 'lengthy' entries, I hope to keep mine brief yet pack punch.

In true Kim fashion, getting to know me...the standard, "Hi - I'm Kimberly, I reign from Colorado.  I enjoy long walks on the beach, quiet candlelit dinners and..."  UGH!!  So not my style.  Instead, I will offer some 'teasers' and expound as need be, yes?

Married cumulative, 14 years, not necessarily to the same person.

Seven children, not all necessarily on this planet.

Served, but not jail.

Earn my living by working with other people's children.

Reign from a rocky region.

I will leave you with that for now.  I, also, got another tip from a friend, only she didn't realize she was giving me a tip.  She said that she looks forward to next week's episode.  BRILLIANT!!  I was in a panic that I was obligated to do this DAILY!  Without realizing it she 'gave me permission' (so to speak) to make this more of a weekly thing!  FREEDOM!!

For now - since it's my first week - you may just hear from me daily.  

In the meantime, as I sort this all out, be the best YOU that YOU can be and always...

Eyes On Him
Kimberly

Have To Start Somewhere

Apparently I needed to add one more thing to my life.  Ever since our blogging days on Caring Bridge, I've been wanting to be in touch with the masses.  While an occassional FaceBook post is nice, there are times that I would like to be a bit more detailed.  Not sure how fascinating or boring these entries will be, but it's a start.  Besides, with paper and pen about to be obsolete (ha!), I better start getting my inspirations into cyberspace!  :-) 

Here's my first big 'thought' - pizza.  I'll back up - we had pizza the other night for dinner.  I was thrilled because it meant I didn't have to take the time to 'cook' our traditional Sunday meal - grilled cheese.  I had my pizza sandwich - for those that know me, you know what I'm talking about.  Those new to my world, it's where you take a two slices and place them on top of each other - top touching top - like a pizza kiss! 

The next morning this hits me - empty.  Dinner was good, but it was empty.  It was fun watching WIPEOUT (top ten favorite show on the time suck box), but it was...empty.  Thoughts then flowed to how often we fill up SO MANY areas of our life with 'empty.'  They fill us in the moment, but really - how 'full' were we?

(sigh) Still working it all out, but truth be told, I want to be more intentional with filling up on what's filling and not filling up on the empty.

Until next time...

Eyes On Him
Mama Fox