Rain, Rain...thanks for the Blessings

Every time I hear this song I find myself singing the chorus at the top of my lungs. I love this song by Laura Story. What if blessings come through rain drops? What if...sometimes we're so wrapped up in the "now" that we can't see the blessings around us.

"Blessings" by Laura Story

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
And all the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not,
This is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near

What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise

Today I'm thankful for the rain...and even the sleepless nights.

There's a Time to DANCE

Let's face it life can just get in the way of, well, life. We get too busy. We commit to too much. We say "yes." We say "no." And at times we can look back and realize we didn't take time to DANCE. Now I don't mean literally. But I must admit...I love to bust a move even if I do have two left feet. I mean that sometimes we don't take time to breathe and enjoy life.

Whether its work or kids or school, we can just forget to take time to revel in what makes our heart happy.
Ok, so you're probably wondering where is this coming from? Sydney dance? What's going on? Well, there were two triggers for this post.

The first is an amazing article from the Huffington Post. I'll let you check it out here on your own, but seriously can you imagine being part of that dance party!!! And HELLO that girl can move!!! I only hope I can have her attitude when facing an uncertain time. Shoot, I hope I have that attitude on a day to day basis.

The second trigger to writing this post...

(the energy and passion from my friends Lindsay and Kristine when I took this was contagious...so fun!)

 Dancing! About a year ago when I moved here I was on the hunt for a local gym. When we finally joined one, I, of course, had to check out all the classes offered. That's when I found Rizzmic. And the rest is history. I really love this class and the ladies that teach it each week. Their energy is contagious and I secretly want to be like them when I grow up :)
But in all seriousness...this class ignited my love to work out again. I attribute much of my weight loss and desire to live a healthier lifestyle to shaking it on the dance floor.

(this picture was last month at the Rizzmic Halloween event. We were Rizzmic fanatics)

 It lets me be silly and pretend I can really move like the talented ladies teaching the moves. And besides the health aspect, I've made and built friendships with some lovely girls through going to this class together. Who doesn't love to laugh at themselves every now and then...and with friends, that's icing on the cake.

So friends, don't wait until you've got perfect technique or the best moves...get out and DANCE. For me, dancing is literal,but not because I want to win the next season of So You Think You Can Dance, but because it sparked my love of feeling good. Yes,Rizzmic is my favorite workout class right now,but I"m starting to enjoy running (enjoy may be a stretch). And have a goal of running a half marathon. What?!?!?!

I have no excuse not to. So I'm choosing to dance! It's not always easy (ok, I really hate running) but it's fun. Set a goal and go!

 The munchkins are both in dance and oh how it makes my heart happy to see them explore their passions.

 Look at that smile!

They love to learn new moves and show us their talent. So, what are we waiting for? Dust off those tutus and dance! Wouldn't it be awesome if we all smiled like this because we were happy. Sincerely happy and doing what we love to do. And maybe some of us haven't found exactly what makes us beam...so lets explore what's out there. Maybe its a local art class, or a call to the nearest travel agent, reconnecting with an old friend or new friend.

Dream! And dream big. 

This was captured at a wedding my hubs and I went to this summer...I just love him. I'm thankful we took time to dance. Literally, but I'm thankful we take time just to enjoy each other too.
So, by now it's obvious to me, that the triggers that tugged at my heart to sit down and write were a reminder to ME to dance. yes, I'm going to Rizzmic tonight and will sweat, shake it and laugh with friends, BUT where else in my life can I seize the moment if you will.
So in the meantime, our house will be dancing. Come on over and prance around the living room and family room with the girls and I..we've got moves like Jagger :)

In a day and age of trying to get to the top and being the best ourselves...lets take time to encourage those around us to be the best! And even during the uncertain times, like the women video above, DANCE.

"Let them praise His name with the dance..." Psalm 149:3

"A time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn; and a time to DANCE." Ecclesiastes 3:4

Keeping it Real: Those Reminders I Wish Didn't Exist, but Thankful They Do

 To say I love these monkeys is a gross understatement. They are my EVERYTHING. Their smiles are my sunshine.

 So if they are my heart...why do I feel guilt when I read something like this? Simple, I'm not perfect and I struggle too.

 But I will do ANYTHING to make sure they know they're loved, protected, and perfect in God's eyes.

 So while we were attempting to take a couple fun pictures at the park the other day...I was reminded of my own convictions. Just last year I wrote about getting away from the distractions in my life. Eliminating some of those screens, status updates, daily pictures, etc. I even wrote about it here.

 So while I look like I have it together on instagram or facebook or whatever other social media addiction...I'm not keeping it real all the time. And the LAST thing I want to do is hurt my little one's hearts, free spirit or innocence. I don't want to wipe away their smile because we're running late because I had to see what so and so was doing via facebook or make sure all my peeps on instagram saw their cute or "unique" outfits that morning. NO, I need to give them my time AND attention. To me that doesn't mean I'm just in the room with them playing on my phone...it means on down on the ground playing WITH them. Whether it be Barbies, kitchen, or super heroes I'm all in! I hope I follow through with my deal with myself. These precious years are going by too fast...all the other stuff will still be there.

 And because I always like to keep it real...Emme would only take pics laying in the leaves.

 Stella did NOT want another picture taken at all!

 And well, the sister shot I was hoping for....yeah this is it.

I really might frame this one because it's real life. It's my reality...I wouldn't change it for the world. So I'm going to enjoy it. I don't want to watch my kids grow up via facebook updates or instagram pics...I'm going to live in the moment and hold onto the real memories in my heart.

Love y'all!

Sydney

Happy Halloween...Super Hero Style

 My nephews are big into super heroes. Especially Sawyer. Well, when I visited them in North Dakota I did some pre-trip shopping and the girls were introduced to superheros. And WHAM...we had Bat Girl and Superman (not girl) this year for trick or treating!

 I think Stella is feeling the pleather here! Oh the sweet sass.

 And this hot mess was wearing a princess crown before this picture and it left her hair looking lovely, but I still think she's the cutest superman!

 Of course daddy joined in the fun and was Clark Kent. Emme still calls him that sometimes.

 We had a full house of little cuties, but I guess I only got a full group shot on my phone and I'm too lazy to load them. But this picture is special because Halloween was our last night to play with our besties, the Bealls. The next day, yes the day after pumping their kids with sugar and excitement...Sean and Courtney loaded up their gang and headed south. They're now in California getting ready to begin their new journey. We will miss them so, but we know God has an amazing plan for them!

 Showing off the loot.

Posing. Our neighborhood is crazy for Halloween. I mean crazy. I can't even explain it's awesomeness with words. Just trust me and if you don't believe me...join us next year for the fun!

Love y'all!

Owning Yellow

I LOVE this picture. It's beauty catches my eye every time I come across it. I love the colors, the quantity, the setting, but I'm blown away by it's symbol.

Tom took this last spring on our family adventure to the Tulip festival here in Washington. It was breathtaking in person, but I told him over and over that this was my favorite picture. You may think I'm crazy. Yes, tulips are one of my favorite flowers, but it's the symbolism I see in this picture every time I see it.

Look at the single yellow tulip in the sea of red. Can you relate to that solo tulip? Have you ever found yourself in a sea of red looking for someone like you? Have you ever felt like the odd man out? Maybe you've even tried to be someone your not. I know I have. It can be a long and dreary journey. I LOVE that in this simple picture I'm reminded...I am who I am because God created me that way. I am PERFECT in his image. If I'm surrounded by a bunch of red tulips...then that's right where He wants me. He wants me to be different. If you really think about it, blending in is so boring. Quieting your opinion, beliefs, or style is unfortunate.Yet, in today's society we're told we're supposed to act like this, dress like that, be friends with her, don't trust him, parent like them...and on and on and on. It's no wonder we can get lost in a sea of red, but what if we took those situations and stood out. What if we owned being yellow and stood up for what we believe?

I'm not saying we pick up our cross and walk up and down the streets chanting versus or Bible stories (some people do that and it can make an impact, but it's not for everyone), but what if we find security in the ONE who designed us to be unique? Security folks! I think that's almost an oxymoron for moms. Or at least for me. I question my mommy skills on a daily basis, shoot if I'm honest...probably an hourly basis. But I'm the best mommy for my little rug rats. I was chosen to love them the best I can!

So as my eyelids are getting very heavy I'm well aware that I had NO idea what I was going to write about tonight and then I can across this picture. In a nutshell, this picture of tulips reminds me to be ME. If that means I'm different then the rest of the crowd, own it.  OK, that is all :) Happy Wednesday.

I'll leave you with a quote from the author of the current Bible study I'm doing that's stirred my desire to write again.

"Our dreams allow the eagle of our personality to soar. They show us what we were designed to do." Leslie Parrott

I'm Back!

Ok, ok, ok...before all you friends across the country that are not so happy with me and my lack of picture posting..I'm sorry. I know it's been a year. A YEAR!!! What??!? Anyway, a recent nudge via my current Bible study, re-ignited my need, my want, my desire, and my thrill to write again. So while I will post pictures I really am back at it to write again.

About what you ask? I don't know. The simple answer, anything and everything. The kids, Tom, our new journey, my spiritual walk, my struggles, my triumphs...Who knows. Well, God knows!

I guess I'm getting on this ride we call life and see where He'll take me. I told some of my sisters (you're right I don't have any biological sisters)...I mean the sisters that are such incredible friends that they're like family..I told them I don't care if no one reads what I write, I just want to write again!

So read, don't read, comment or don't. I'm writing because of a tug on my heart. I love you all and I promise pictures ( not all the time).

But tonight I'm simply declaring that I am writing/blogging again. There will be spelling errors and (gasp) maybe some grammar errors, but it'll be from my heart. Love yall!

And to leave you tonight,  I want to share a video that popped up so many times on my Facebook page I finally watched it.
Today was a good mom day for me. My patience was in check, I was productive, I had one on one time with each of my sassy sweet hearts, and to top it off I cooked a decent dinner...BUT there are so many days that feel like a never ending train wreck. I'm sure we can all relate whether we admit it or not. There are days in life that seem like time seems to stand still as we count down every second to nap time or bed time. Well, this video reminded me that while we may feel like we failed on "that" day...the little hearts we're helping mold and shape see it differently! Check it out here.

I hope to write again soon!

2, 4, 6, 8...Let's Get Ready to Celebrate!

STELLA IS 5!!!

I still can't believe she's 5!

 In true Stella fashion she knew what she wanted...a Cheer Party at the bounce place,

So that's what she got. 

 Sweet girl was so excited for her party. It was crazy and fun all in one. She chose her Oregon State cheer outfit out of the 4 cheer uniforms she owns :)

 This nugget kept up with the big kids like a champ. I'm pretty sure she wore daddy out as he was in charge of keeping an eye on her.

 Pure joy!

 I love how Addy, Stella, and Kaylin are holding hands as they fly down the "big" slide.

 I think their hair shows how much fun they're having, ha!

 Checking out her cake. Please note the Barbies above the cake. A week before the party Stella announced she wanted a Barbie party...um, I"m already done with decor...so Gaga to the rescue with Cheer Barbies...now it's a Barbie Cheer party at the bounce place. PERFECT

 Oh the sass! Love these girls. Stella, Addy and Addison.

 Stella was so excited Grammie was visiting for the excitement.

 Can you tell she likes Barbies?!?! This is just one of MANY she stocked up on.

 We actually got a family pic. Notice all the toys on the table. And yes, I did encourage everyone to wear sports gear. Stella is supporting the Beavs, Emme is Hog Wild, I was wearing one of my dad's old jerseys (Go Colts) and Tom was sporting his Sounders Gear.

And of course we were thrilled Papa and Gaga joined the crazies. My mom made an incredible flower arrangement for the bday girl. I mean incredible, but somehow I didn't capture it on my real camera.

Happy birthday Stella! 

I have never had more fun in my life as I have the past 5 years!

You're daddy and I love you more than you'll ever know!