For those of you who think I have it all together

So, occasionally people will tell me they think I'm amazing, or super mom or have super powers. I'll be honest this makes me kind of anxious because it couldn't be farther from the truth. Having people put me on a pedastool makes me really nervous because the pain associated with falling off the pedastool when I disappoint said people is no fun....so, to avoid this pain altogether I'm going to give you a few examples of why I am most definitely NOT super mom!

• Today at Crossfit I couldn't figure out why Rose was screaming throughout the WOD. She is usually happy to sit in her car seat and observe, but not today. After I finished I picked her up thinking she was just hungry, but no....she, and her car seat, were covered in sh*t! I,  dripping with sweat, picked her up and took her to the car to get her cleaned up (all while my 4 year old was roaming freely around the gym, with no shoes). Of course I couldn't find any wipes so I did what any normal person would do and took her to the bathroom, washed her in the sink and dried her with paper towels (sorry Bobby). Most normal people would head home and clean the car seat and such, not me!!! I put a paper towel in the car seat and headed to target! 
• My 4 year old loses his shoes on the daily. I don't mean at home, I mean like drops them in random places never to be seen again. Most moms would make sure he had shoes when leaving places, but somehow this slips through the cracks most days. Instead of heading home and getting more shoes I've given up and he just goes barefoot. So, when you see him out with nasty jiffy feet you'll know why!
• I feed my children chemical filled, processed Ramen noodle soup at least once a week...and they LOVE it!
• I've given up on dressing my kids. I used to dress the boys in adorable matching gymboree outfits almost everyday when they were younger (thank you Nina). Now I'm happy if everyone has underwear on! For example, Jude's favorite outfit these days is blue and orange checkered pants with a red and blue striped shirt....totally on point!
• I fully intended on having the kids have Bible time and a separate reading time at least 4 days a week this summer....we've done that ONCE, I repeat ONCE this WHOLE summer.
• We paid a sweet, unassuming young man to detail our car this week. It took him ELEVEN hours!!!! It doesn't take that long to clean my house!!! Poor thing had no idea my children concoct disgusting creations and dump them in every crevice they can find. 
• If I take my children grocery shopping half of the food is opened because I'm trying to keep children quiet. It's a fun game for the cashier to see if she can find which bags will spill everywhere and which ones won't.
• I have a  house cleaner that comes every other week (God bless her!!!).
• Jude peed in the bed the other night. Instead of sweetly changing his pj's and remaking his bed I stripped him down, threw dry pj's at him and threw a blanket on the floor and said goodnight.  I was just happy I remembered to wash the sheets the next morning.
• My 4 year old was bellowing for me the other day and called me "mom butt face," very sweetly of course!
• I LOVE dumb reality tv and am HORRIBLE at making myself read. 
• I LOVE babies and HATE teenagers...this is going to present a problem very soon!
• I love wine, coffee and bedtime.

I could go on and on, but I'll spare you all. I hope this makes anyone who feels like they are failing at this mom thing feel a little bit better. I will say in the short, almost 8 years I've been doing this, I have learned to not sweat the small stuff. Some days are easier than others, but it makes my days more enjoyable if I can sit back, take a deep breath (or 20) and laugh. I mean seriously, if I've kept them alive for another day I feel like I've accomplished a goal for the day! Just remember, this isn't a competition, we are all doing the best we can and wine, their is always wine!

Teaching My Children To Fail

So, I know this title may sound weird, especially coming from a mom who should want her kids to have the best and not feel pain or sadness, but lately I've been thinking a lot about this. The idea that I want my children to be "good" at failing. You may be asking, "what does that even mean?!" Well, this is what it means to me...

It actually means a couple of things to me. First, I think in todays day in age we work a little too hard at making everyone a "winner." Like I said before, this is hard as a mom, but I don't want my kids to always win. If they are "winners" regardless of their effort what is the point. I have 5 children, they are all VERY different which means some are better at things than others. For example, Cole tends to be more athletic than Cooper. It's no secret to either boy that Cole is more athletic than Cooper, but instead of either not making a big deal about Cole's accomplishments athletically so we don't hurt Cooper's feelings, or trying to make everything "fair" (which means Cole doesn't do his best) so everyone is happy, we have chosen to talk about it. We noticed that Cooper would evaluate if he could win, or be the best, at the activity we were doing and if he felt like he couldn't he wouldn't even try. I get this, I do this! I don't want him to live that way though. I want him to try, I want him to work, and I want him to fail so that he will learn that it's OK! We want to teach our kids that we are not all good at everything.  This doesn't mean that we don't work super hard to be the best we can be at what we set our mind to, but it DOES mean, even if we didn't win or we weren't the best we cheer on those who did win or who are the best. This is life. It's been interesting to watch, recently I heard the boys chatting in the backseat. Coop told cole, "you are better at karate than me, but I'm better at spelling. That's ok! I'll help you spell better and you can show me some karate moves." My heart seriously melted!!! That's what I have prayed for, see the benefit of having someone "be" better than you, you don't have to be unkind or jealous to make yourself feel better, you can encourage and learn from them! I hope this teaches them that when they are adults they MUST work hard to get what they want, but they must also be kind and gracious. I want my kids to be each others (and others) biggest cheer leaders. I know some people say this could make them push overs, but I think it is the opposite, I think it will make them amazing leaders.

This leads to my second reason I want my kids to be good at failing. Being raised in a large family without a lot of discretionary income we learned really early that just because one of us got something doesn't mean the other was going to. My parents took it to another level, we not only didn't get what the other person got every time, but we needed to be happy about that! I think this comes easier to some than others. I so appreciate my parents instilling this and TRAINING us in this idea. I'm pretty sure my mom would let one of us get a "treat" and not the others to train us in how to respond correctly. She would say "guys, we are going to rejoice with those who rejoice." I didn't understand when I was younger what this meant, but I do now! This is hard for me because many times one child will get something at the store or as a gift and it's just easier to say "ok, whatever" then it is to say, "no,  today Jude is going to get something and not you and we are going to be happy for them," and deal with the subsequent tantrum. We are practicing this a lot lately (feel free to stare if you see me with a screaming child in target). I want my kids to learn that this world does NOT revolve around them. This means if Jude gets something, you work really hard at being happy for him. You're time will come, you lack for nothing, you will learn to be happy for others and not immediately think "when is it my turn?" I think this will serve them well in relationships as adults. I hope as they grow and as we "practice" this, my little humans will grow into the kind of people that love and encourage well, are grateful for what they have and not always looking at what others have and want it, or walk around with a scowl on their face thinking about how "life isn't fair." They'll know that, yup, life isn't fair and that's ok!!!

Celebrating "just" Jude at his disco dance party...that's a whole other blog post!!!!

PukeFest at the Zoo

If you have ever wondered what a stomach bug looks like in a large family, wonder no more! I'm not sure if it is the fact I was a pediatric nurse for 7 years (you were lucky if you got through a shift without some kind vomit escapade) or you just have to find humor in the disgusting our you'll cry. The last few days we had the delightful plague of the stomach bug at our house which we refer to as PukeFest. I've decided, for your entertainment, to share with you the less gory details of how a PukeFest plays out at the zoo. I'm going to give you a run down of how each one of the people in my family is unique....in how they puke. If you have ever had a sick kid or been around someone who is sick you find out that everyone pukes a little differently.

Clay- (he seems to have come out unscathed during this pukefest) Clay yells, like really yells. I asked him once why in the world he was so loud and he said he feels like if he yells while he pukes it will come out faster and therefore end sooner. I'm not sure if that is true, but everyone knows if he isn't feeling well.

Me-I'm sure I am the perfect puker =) Although, last night Jude had made his way into my room right as I felt the urge to purge. He took one look at what was happening and ran...faster than I've ever seen him run! Imagine the torture of puking, but also having the urge to laugh thinking about the thoughts running through my 3 year olds brain.

Cole-When Cole pukes picture the exorcist. While spewing he is yelling things like, "WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME?!?" "MAKE IT STOP!" "WHY IS THIS HAPPENING." It's super hard not to crack up at all this drama.

Cooper-envision a roaming dog. He gets on all fours, circles the area he's puking in and leaves his mark. Really not the most effective way of puking and trying to catch the moving puker to have him puke in a bowl is also pretty comical to watch.

Bailey Kate- Ironically BK is our best puker, gets up, pukes in the toilet (very quietly I might add), flushes the toilet and goes back to bed. She's SUPER needy in almost every other way, but she's a champ at puking.

Jude- I'm not sure if Jude's method of puking is because he is the 4th or it's just his technique. Jude usually sits up in bed, pukes somewhere on his bed then lays back down and goes back to sleep. I find this VERY disgusting and VERY convenient. Disgusting because cleaning up fresh puke is bad enough, dried puke is even worse, but let's be real, he didn't wake me up and I got a full night sleep.  During this last puke fest though he walked into my room to tell me he was going to puke and puked right in the doorway. As I said before,w I had the stomach bug too so I as not about to get up and clean that mess up. Clay was downstairs sleeping on the couch. He would have gladly helped, but he is a DEEP sleeper and the thought of walking downstairs to wake him up seemed like entirely too much work. So, what did I do, just cover it with a towel, tell everyone to jump over it like an obstacle course and I'd clean it up later. Disgusting yes, survival at its finest!
Rose- we'll see, currently she just opens her mouth and lets the goodness flow.

I'm sure you now feel like you have a better understanding of how this zoo works and you are also, now, feeling a little queasy yourself. You're Welcome!

Geneva Rose's Birth Story

So, this post is mostly for me. Let's be honest, being that Rose is the 5th child the likely-hood of me getting around to putting together a baby book before she is 30 is slim to none (I just made a photo book of Jude's birth and he is almost 4!). I've decided I'll blog Rose's birth story and one day we can put it in her baby book. So here goes....

I was due with Rose on March 30, but that date was "chosen" based on my 7 week ultrasound and not my cycle. My whole pregnancy I was convinced the date was wrong and my first due date of March 18 was the correct due date. Rose's pregnancy was, by far, my most challenging. I had morning sickness (mine usually came in the afternoon throughout the evening) for 16 solid weeks, I had horrible food aversion and random nausea the whole pregnancy, and never got the second trimester burst of energy. That coupled with raising and homeschooling 4 other kids definitely was "character building."

Three weeks leading up to Rose's birth I had been having contractions, as soon as I was about to call my Dr they would stop or lessen significantly. They often happened at night which did not help the already existing pregnancy induced insomnia. So, Tuesday night , March 24, I laid in bed at 9:30 and started having pretty painful, consistent contractions. At this point I was convinced I was never going to go into labor and the plan was I would just be induced that Saturday. So, I laid in bed...annoyed! I fell asleep about 10:30 and woke up to very painful contractions at 12:30. At 2:30, still having contractions 3-5 minutes apart I decided finding a babysitter at 3 am would be so annoying I would just try to go to sleep and deal with it in the morning. I woke up again at 5:30 with more contractions until 6:30, went back to sleep till 7:30 waking up with contractions that felt like braxton hicks contractions, still regular, but not strong. I was irritated, but this had been happening for weeks. I got up and got ready for the day. That particular day our cleaning lady was coming (I'd gladly skip a meal a day so I can pay someone to clean my house every other week!). The only problem was I have to get all the kids out of the house until 2, because it's pointless to have the mess makers hang around while the house cleaner is here.....as effective as brushing your teeth while eating oreos. So, I sat on the couch to make a plan while Clay loaded the car. I must have looked like death warmed over because Clay walked in and said, "I'm texting Davis (my Dr. who is also a family friend which sounds weird, but is actually awesome!). I said no way! The contractions aren't bad anymore and I don't want to use up all our childcare (my parents live 2 hours away and my Mother in law was in Israel) only to get sent home. Clay insisted and texted our Dr. He called back immediately, I told him about my night and he said that I was clearly in early labor and since I was planning my third VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) he'd rather me come in and be monitored than continue at home uncertain of my progress. I was SHOCKED! I have always gone in for inductions because my kids won't come out (I wouldn't either if I heard the craziness I was about to enter). I didn't have anything set up, I hadn't even finished packing my hospital bag! But to the hospital we headed.

So we pull up to the hospital. At this point we hadn't secured babysitters and I didn't want to use up all our help if I was just going it get sent home. You know you are having your fifth when your husband drops you off at the hospital curb and drives away. When I got to L&D the nurses asked me who was with me. I responded "nobody" not realizing how crazy that sounded. I then said, people are coming, just later...that didn't really change the shocked look on their face. I got hooked up in triage and was still having fairly consistent contractions. My Dr called and said to admit me and we were going to have a baby! Again, I was shocked! Clay dispersed children and came up a few hours later. I also called my mom and my best friend who both lived in Orlando, but were going to be with me for the birth. 

At about 1pm they hooked me up to pitocin and told me to walk because somehow the little stinker had "disengaged" and Davis didn't want to break my water until she had re-engaged. Now, my plan was, if I went into labor naturally I would try to have her without drugs (because at my ultrasound 5 days prior they said she was no more that 7 pounds 11 ounces). If I had to be induced I would get an epidural...well, I went into labor naturally, but needed to be helped along. Now, I had a c-section with Cole and epidurals with BK and Jude, I think they are AMAZING! You don't get a medal for having a baby without drugs, and as long as you get that human out of your body you have done your job and are an awesome mama! I just decided that because we aren't planning on having any more kids I wanted to give it a shot. And since she was supposed to be my smallest she was a good one to try for! Well, my mom knew (being that she has done this 5 times naturally) that if I really wanted to do this I needed a plan and a code word if I REALLY was serious and wanted an epidural. I had done crossfit until I was 8 months pregnant and one of the biggest things I learned was when heading into a really challenging WOD the only way to be successful was to have a plan, so, as crazy as it sounds I approached my labor as the worst WOD I'd ever do. My plan was once Davis broke my water I would labor for 2 hours with the hellish pitocin contractions and if I was 8 cm I would continue.  If I was less I would get an epidural. Well, Davis broke my water, I labored for an hour and a half with the help of my mom, Melanie and my sweet husband (who was completely against me doing this naturally because he can't stand to see me in pain). I got checked and was 7cm so I decided to keep going. That's when it got real. Holy cow, the contractions I had ever felt before were nothing compared to these. I found that the louder I got the less in control I felt (I love control) so ended up laboring sitting Indian style, rocking back and forth, and counting silently in my head until each torturous contraction was over. At about 6:30 I was convinced I needed to push, they checked me and I was only 8.5 cm. I labored for what felt like 10 hours (15 min) and I felt pressure so I called them back in...9cm. At this point I was done! I remember yelling "this hurts so effing bad!" Poor Clay was pacing and Melanie and mom were at either side gently coaching me through. I remember talking to myself in my head (after my mom said it) that holding still for an epidural at this point would be almost impossible and it probably wouldn't work, so I buckled down. I called one more time thinking I needed to push...nope, 9.5 cm. 

After, I have no idea how long, I all of the sudden had the uncontrollable urge to push, when I say uncontrollable I mean I had no control and I started pulling my moms arm off as I pushed. Clay ran and got Davis and the nurse. At this point I had "cried wolf" 3 times so they kind of mosied on in, the nurse checked me and yelled to Davis "the head is coming out!" Oops. Davis looked at me and said "stop pushing!" He was feverishly throwing on is gown and gloving up, but I couldn't stop! He finally got dressed and sat down, I pushed through one more contraction and Rose's head came out. At this point Davis must have realized she was huge because he made me stop pushing and wait for the next contraction to push the rest of her out. Let me just say, I have a new appreciation for Johnny Cash's song Ring of Fire. I remember thinking, "you are a grown-ass man (excuse my french) pull her OUT!" My next contraction came, he had to flip her and she was out. I remember hearing "She is HUGE!"  I also remember looking up and realizing my room was full of people, like at least 10 medical staff. The saying is true, in the throws of labor you could walk a marching band through my room and I could care less as long as you get that baby out. They laid Rose on my chest and I got to do skin to skin for a good hour. She was perfect! Tiny button nose,  white hair, and FAT! 

Geneva Rose Nettles entered the world on March 25 at 7:38pm weighing in at 9 pounds 8 ounces and 21 3/4 inches...like I said, I'm pretty sure she we was 1 week late based on those stats. All in all, that was BY FAR the hardest and most painful thing I have EVER done, but I'm so glad I did it....though I never want to do it again =)

 Meeting my girl for the first time! Pretty sure she is giving me the stink eye for what I just put her through =)

 I think she was as shocked as we were at her size!

 First picture with mommy and daddy.

Geneva Rose

My friend of 19 years who was a huge help getting me through labor!

Mimi (and a huge support always and through labor!) with her second grand girl

Trouble!!! 

 First picture as a family of 7!!!

 This boy loves his little sister

 Heading home outfit, Bailey Kate wore this dress home and the sweater was knit for Diane because she thought her firstborn was a girl.

 Heading to the zoo!!! It's about to get real!

One of my favorite pictures! I couldn't imagine doing life without this man.

Thanksgiving 2014 redneck style

This year for Thanksgiving we, along with my side of the family, decided to go camping. Now, if you know us at all you know we are always up for some adventure. The beauty of being 1 of 5 kids and your best friend's family (who we "vacationed" with often) being 1 of 9, not a whole lot scares you. Yes,  the idea of all the laundry, packing and the fact it would be freezing was a little intimidating, but we've decided to never let that stop the memory making! Well, this year was quite the experience.

If you know my husband at all you know he loves the extreme. If you're going to do something you may as well do it big! A few weeks ago he told me his jujitsu instructor had been raising turkeys and he wanted to get one, slaughter it (by himself) and eat it for Thanksgiving dinner. I'll be honest, when I first heard the idea I thought he was clinically insane, but 11 years of marriage to this man has taught me to never underestimate what he can do if he puts his mind to it. Well, we did it (actually he did it, I went NOWHERE near the bird till we ate him.)

We've tried to teach our kids that we are super blessed to be able to go to the store and buy our food already "prepared," but they know our meat was once a living thing. Because Clay and his dad love to hunt and we do a good bit of fishing the kids have been exposed to what food looks like before it is prepared. We also talk a lot about the importance of appreciating the fact that an animal gave his life so we can eat so we NEVER kill or hurt things just for fun, their always has to be a purpose.....and this year "Phil's" purpose was Thanksgiving dinner.

So, I was a little worried the kids would be scarred, because, like I said, if Clay does something he does it big. He brought the turkey to the campsite ALIVE!! The kids all greeted him when he arrived and I cringed....nothing like naming and befriending something that will be beheaded the next morning. Well, everyone woke early (it was FREEZING so no one slept much) and I look over to see Clay, my brothers and ALL of my children trapsing into the forest with Phil. I told my dad "go get Bailey Kate, I think this may scar her." Dad brings her back to me and she is crying. I said "Oh sweetie, are sad daddy is going to kill Phil?" to which she tearfully replied, "NO! I want to go help." Seriously, this girl is a paradox. She could not be more girly and yet LOVE adventure and dirt and the outdoors more! SO, I let her go into the woods and watch.

Like I said, I went nowhere near the bird. I heard Phil went pretty easily and quickly (with a little blood splatter) and a few minutes later everyone came back to the campsite to clean and gut Phil so we could get cooking. Mind you, no one was crying or upset, they were ready to get to work (I'll admit, I was a little grossed out). Though Clay will try anything, he is always well educated in the task at hand. He spent a lot of time learning how to kill, pluck, gut and prepare a turkey and he did a great job. The kids were all about helping and getting their hands dirty. As Clay was cleaning the turkey the "camp host" informed us that we couldn't use the turkey fryer on the grounds ANYWHERE. That meant taking Phil to the dollar general parking lot a mile down the road to fry him up. Doesn't get more redneck than that in my book! My dad, clay and Adam also shot a compound bow and the adjacent lot while they waited. It was quite a sight!

All the ladies prepared the rest of the meal (my mom did a great job at food prep before so it was a breeze). We all sat down at our picnic table and enjoyed the bounty of our labor. Phil was quite delicious! This Thanksgiving didn't look like the average day for most, but it was perfect for our crazy fam! This year was quite the super fun, freezing, dirty, bloody, tasty, relaxing, adventerous Thanksgiving. I'm so blessed with a beautiful family (on both sides!), a sweet baby on the way, healthy children, more than I could ever need or want and a husband who not only leads this crazy zoo with love and patience, but does it in a way that makes lifelong memories! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

                                                                     Getting ready....

The deed has been done...

BK did not leave Clay's side the entire time! 

The finished product!

Frying in the parking lot!

Mashing potatoes old school style!

Uncle Trey snuggles.

Time to EAT!!!!

Nothing better than s'mores by the fire on a cold night.

A letter to my boys on their baptism day!

Cole,

  Today you are being baptized, proclaiming your inward change through an outward expression of your response to Your heavenly fathers call on your life. I am so proud of you. My firstborn son. What a mighty plan God has for your life. When we found out we were expecting baby number 5 you said, "wow, I'm going to be the oldest of 5 kids!" Though it was so cute, the weight of that statement hit me, and one day I hope you recognize the weight of it. You were chosen as the leader of this little clan. Your siblings look up to you, they follow you, they love you deeply. I pray that your tender heart continues to grow in love and compassion for your siblings and all those around you. I pray you become a mighty warrior for this kingdom you have chosen to join. I pray you would lead with a servant leadership that leaves a mark, even if it is painful. I don't pray for an easy pain free life for you (as much as I would want it), I pray for a full, meaningful, God-fearing, world changing life. As I watch you take this step with your brother, my heart is exploding....you have made me so proud, but more than me, your Father in heaven is so proud, not because of ANYTHING you have done, but because he has loved you before the foundations of the world and chosen you to be his child. I pray you do not stray, but walk mightily with him all your days. I love you my sweet boy. Love, mama

Cooper,
My miracle boy. What a picture you are of God's story of redemption. You were left by those who should have loved you and cared for you most. You were rejected. By nothing you did God plucked you from the mire, he saw you before you were even born and had a mighty vision for your little life. To this world, you looked broken; you looked weak, but your Heavenly Father saw a mighty warrior for his kingdom. He CHOSE you to be in our family just as he chose you to be in HIS family. NEVER be ashamed of your story. You are the perfect picture of every one of us; chosen, by nothing we have done, to serve our king. As you make this outward expression of this inward change stand firm in the calling God has on your life. You are so smart, you know you have a voice and are not afraid to use it, you love deeply and are fiercely loyal. The other day someone in the neighborhood was being bullied. You came in with tears in your eyes and told me what was happening and came to me for help to protect the "weak." Never lose this! Always fight for the weak, always have a compassionate heart for those in need and never turn away from someone in need. God has written your amazing story, I pray you never stray from Him, but walk with him always. Do not ever lean on your own understanding (because you are so smart you may try), but always lean on your Heavenly Father. I love you more than you will ever know, my sweet boy. Do not choose what is easy, but choose what God has called you to...no matter the consequence. I am so proud of you and can't wait to see the rest of God's plan for your amazing life. I love you to the moon and back!

Over It!!!!

So, this post may get me in some trouble, but, I don't really care....

I love Facebook, Instagram and social media in general as much as the next person, but lately as I scroll through my feed I often scroll past numerous "articles" people have posted with their two sense attached. For a while I would read some of these, or just scan them to get the general idea. Lately, for my own sanity, I scroll right past.  Let me explain. In the past few months, if some random person were to scroll through my feed they would probably infer I'm friends with a bunch of judgmental, opinionated, rude people. If I applied just SOME of the articles that have popped up on my feed I should assume that

• Because Clay and I have chosen to vaccinate our children (for many reasons, none of which is your damn business....take a breath, yes I cussed and feel free to attach a post as to why I am harming myself by choosing to.) we are putting chopped up baby parts in our children and are therefore condoning abortion. 
• Inversely, because some of my closest friends have made the choice not to vaccinate their children if I let their kids play with mine we will all contract small pox and die.
• Because I was raised in a Christian home with my dad as the head of our household and we even were a part of a homeschool group (yes, the one the duggars have ascribed to! Take another breath!),  Though we didn't stay for a long time, as a result, I was mentally abused, led astray and should basically "throw the baby out with the bath water" and abandon all I believe and was taught. ( Don't get me wrong it definitely had/has many flaws, but also had some solid teachings and helped form me into the person I am today.)
• Because we choose to homeschool we are setting our children up for failure. They will definitely grow up to be under-socialized nerds who are devoid of personality and life experience.
• Inversely, if I choose to ever put my children in school they will forever be corrupted by the common core.
• Because Clay and I believe in Jesus and believe the Bible is inherent truth, we believe that Clay is the head of this family. We have chosen, though I was a great nurse and had a very successful career and worked for years WHILE I had children (because I'm sure their is an article about if a woman chooses to pursue her career before or while having children she is clearly failing at her job as a woman) in this season of my life, I will stay home with my children and educate them. Because of this choice I am now a diluted, oppressed, male dominated and controlled woman. If ANY of you know me, you know this couldn't be any farther from the truth (Bless Clay's heart!)
•  Because Clay and I have chosen to have a large family we are contributing to overpopulation and we are single handedly contributing to the end of the world.
• Because Clay and I don't feel called to "have as many kids as God will give us" we little faith and will let the other "religions" of the world take over. 

Seriously, I could go on and on. When did we become such a close minded, opinionated, judgmental group of people?! (We probably always have been, it's just easier behind the safety of our screens.) What happened to "So far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." Don't get me wrong, I'm all for fighting for what I believe. I'm all for standing up for injustice and those who can not speak for themselves. If you KNOW me and live life with me you know that I am a passionate person and will fight for what I think is right. But let's be honest...I have NEVER read an overgeneralized, judgmental, condemning article (even if I agreed with some of it) and said, "you know what, this is so right. Everything I have EVER believed is false, I'm going to completely adopt this way of thinking and throw away every part of what has made me who I am today and become this!" NO!!! If anything I want to do the exact opposite if it's presented in this way. If you feel strongly about an issue, give me a call, lets grab some coffee, your kids can run wild with mine and we can hash things out. At the end I may say, "you know what, what you have said has some valid points and I'm really going to have to process this." Or, I may say, "you know what, let's agree to disagree, this was great. I love hearing other opinions, let's do it again next week." 

Though I love social media, I think it can be dangerous. We think that, as we sit in the comfort of our home or fancy coffee shop, we can read a few article, become an expert of all things, double click a few times, repost, give our two sense and feel like we've just made a difference. I would grossly disagree.....I think you probably just ostracized a large group of people, made yourself unapproachable and probably just pissed off a bunch of people (probably what I'm doing now). WE assume everyone is coming from the same place, but really, you don't know what I have walked through, you don't know why I have made the choices I have made and honestly, when I'm standing at the gates of heaven I'm pretty sure God is not going to say "well done my good and faithful servant, you reposted some articles on Facebook and made some lasting change for my Kingdom." Um, I'm thinking NO! Once again, I'm not saying don't be passionate about what you believe, but maybe, just maybe, take a second before you re-post something and think, "how could this be perceived? What is my intention in posting this? Am I really going to do any good spreading "my" message this way." 

I understand I'm probably opening myself up for a lashing and I could definitely be perceived as being judgmental even writing this post, but I feel like it needs to be said. When I open my newsfeed wanting to see pictures of my friends, or funny comments and end up closing my feed feeling beaten up, judged, like I'm failing at life in general, I'm pretty sure it may be time to do a little "cleaning out."