The Dad Bod

It has been recently brought to my attention that the "Dad Bod" is in style.
For those of you that don't know what this trend is, it is a guy that looks fit but still has the "beer gut". Ya know, a dad.

When I was 15 and you asked me the kind of guy I wanted I would have said.. blue eyes, blonde hair, tan, tall, ABS, athletic, smart, funny, etc etc. The everyday typical 15 year old girl answer.

Ask me now, I want the Dad Bod.

Not because it's a trend. And not because my husband has that body style. But because I know how he got that body style.

My husband has always been extremely good looking. When we were in school he had all the attributes that I looked for in a high school love affair. Outwardly. 

Today. He is not that person at all.

He no longer has a 6 pack under his shirt, because he eats. Like a man. He eats all the fried, greasy, unhealthy crap that I cook. Because I cooked it.
He no longer has thick blonde wavy hair, because he shaved it. To become a soldier for the United States of America.
He no longer has thin chiseled out arms. Because he crawls in attics and moves furniture. Because he chops firewood and pressure washes the house. Because he carries a car seat and a five year old at the same time.
He no longer has baby soft hands and lotioned up legs. Because he works hard and doesn't have time for that crap.

He obtained that body type by actually being a dad.

And when I watch him wrestle around with our almost 1st grader or holding our newborn in the wee hours of the morning... or when I watch him lift his hands and worship our Savior.. or when I watch him walk away as he kisses me and leaves for work..
I see the most attractive person that I've ever laid eyes on, in style or not.

Dear Kathryn.

I am typing "Dear Kathryn" because I know that's what you went by when you were 17. I'm writing you a letter to tell you how far you've come.
So, what's up girl? Your hair looks great. You don't have kids yet so it's still long and healthy. Oh, and clean. You're still using a hairbrush. Good job.
I want to tell you some very crucial things that I wish I had listened to when I was your age. (Lol)
Stop crying over Tyler. He is a complete douche bag just like your dad has been trying to tell you.
He doesn't have time for you right now, but hang on,
he will. Just pray for him.
And in the meantime, spend time with your friends! They love you, but they are tired of coming to your rescue everytime that dbag hurts you.
This is your time to shine! Find yourself.
Wear those skinny jeans.
Color your hair pink.
Eat the WHOLE pizza.
Study for that test.
Keep practicing piano.
Run faster.
Sing louder.
And when that day comes, the day that you think your whole life is over.
Don't go to Sonic to take that pregnancy test by yourself.
For several reasons,
Number 1, Mary Beth has a test in her bathroom drawer, and that will save you from having to over draw your bank account just for 3 bucks.
Number 2, your mom is at home, on the porch, praying for you. Right now.
This is when you need her the most. Don't miss it.
I have something else to tell you, you ARE pregnant. But, your life has just begun. It is far from over.
Heck yes. It gets hard.
People are going to talk, turn there nose up, keep there kids away..
*cue in song to "hide yo kids, hide yo wife"*
(That makes no sense to you right now but give it 4 years)
Anyways, you will feel like your world is crashing down around you. It's not. This will become a very small part in an incredible testimony.
As hard as it is to understand right now,
When you see that baby boy for the first time, your heart will stop, everything around you will freeze.
I know you think you are in love now, but you have NO IDEA what love is.
That baby boy.. will save you.
Hold on girl. God is using you and through this heartache you will gain so much more than you could have without it.
Whether you are living like hell or not, God is there with you, and He will bring you out of whatever you're going through. Trust Him. Don't be ashamed to call on Him.

With All That I Am,
Katie♡

Also, start saving your money now because you get A LOT of tickets and fines that you have to pay off.

Growing Up.

For a while now I've been struggling with my age. No. I'm not old.
In the eyes of society, I'm very young. I've only been legally allowed to buy alcohol for 2 years, but I feel way beyond my years.

(it also doesn't help that if I'm not wearing any makeup I look about 14)

But, what I'm getting at is, many people look down on me because of my age, they don't want to hear my advice, or don't think I'm mature enough for certain things. Though I do have a lot of life ahead of me, I also have a lot of life behind me.

I became a MOM at the age of 17. A good mom, no. But none the less, I had to grow up long before a lot of my friends.

I have been on and off drugs.

I have held a long distance relationship while the father of my kids was over seas in AFGHANISTAN.

I have worked more than one job at a time, went to school, paid bills, bought groceries, balanced check books, bought a car, got a house, got married, and got in debt long before most of the people I grew up with ever finished their basics.

I have prayed and cried and asked God to use me. To let people see me for who I am and what I've overcome rather than a year on my driver's license.

And this is what I have to say.
Your age. It doesn't matter.

LET GOD USE YOU.
Sure, some people will never give you a chance. But, you weren't called to save everyone. You were called to carry your cross. You were called to Follow Him. You were called to Love. To be a light to those that will listen.

1 Timothy 4:12 "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."

All That I Am,
Katie ♡