ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Terrell: More than anyone, you know how difficult this book was to write —and more, how challenging it’s been to live. Thank you for encouraging me every step of the way, for doing hard things, for leading our home so well. You are an amazing dad and the perfect husband for me. I love you with every breath.

Madison: I begged God to make me a mother and He gave me you. There hasn’t been a day since that you haven’t taught me something about life and about myself. You are brave and strong and the loveliest world changer I know. I love you, honey.

Jon-Avery: Your quiet nature, compassionate heart for others, and steadfastness have ministered to my momma’s heart longer than you can know. I thank God for you and I cannot wait to see how you change the world. I love you, son.

Emerson: Your little life is a whisper of God’s daily grace in our home. You are determined and fierce and you keep me on my toes. I love watching you grow, and I’m convinced your mark on the world will be known. I love you, baby.

Maureen: You’re my daughter by way of the Cross, and l love you. Watching you become a mother, and thus making me a shosh (Kenyan grandmother), has been pure joy. I hope this book helps you someday.

To the daughters of Kenya: You’ve wound your way into my heart, and it’s an honor serving you. Every time you call me “Mom Kristen” I am humbled by the mothers you’ve become. Even though oceans separate us, God connects us.

Mom: Thank you for always being there for me. There has never been a moment or day that I needed you and you didn’t rush to help or heal. During some of my challenging parenting moments, I’ve drawn strength from knowing that one day I will be friends with my kids. Thanks for giving me that hope. I love you.

Dad: If there is anything good or grateful in me, you probably had a lot to do with it. Parenting these kids has given me a lot of aha moments regarding how you raised me. So I should probably say I’m sorry for all those eye rolls and slammed doors. I’ve always been a Daddy’s girl. Thanks for giving me a reason to keep coming home. I love you.

To Bud and Betty: Thank you for raising your son to be grateful. You did a great job and because of it, our family is thankful. I love you and couldn’t ask for better in-laws.

Kara: I love you, sister. I’m so thankful for your friendship and that we are figuring this all out together.

To the readers of We Are THAT Family and my blogging friends: This book exists because of you. Thank you for giving me a safe place to write about my parenting struggles —the good, the bad, and the ugly. Thank you for sharing my parenting posts, encouraging me along the way, and saying yes with me for so long!

To my agent, Bill Jensen: Bill, you championed the idea of this book and held my hand a lot during its development. Thank you. You’re an amazing dad, and you give great advice.

To my dearest friends: Suzanne —for listening to me complain and suggesting new topics for this book regularly; Jessica —for being my neighbor and parenting-fallback girl; Kim —for telling me, This is normal; Taylor —for reminding me of the new joys of motherhood; and Tracy —for comparing our strong-willed daughters and making me feel better.

To my house church: I love you guys. Thanks for praying me through this book.

To Trace and Lee Howard: Thank you for helping me to rightly divide Scripture and for encouraging me as this manuscript became a reality.

To my fellow (in)Courage writers: Y’all know what this whole process feels like, and I’m so thankful that I have sisters to lean on through it.

To the Tyndale Momentum publishing team: Sarah, for believing in this book and validating me as an author, making me feel that what I have to say might help someone step closer to God; Bonne, for lovingly turning me into a wordsmith; Sharon, for coming all the way to Houston to learn more about our family’s yes to God; Cassidy, for not saying no when I threw outlandish ideas at you and everyone else for making this book possible.

To Jesus: Thank you for making me a mom. It’s been the hardest and most fulfilling yes of my life, and I’m so grateful I’m doing it with Your help.