Lion and lamb

I think most of us are comfortable, at least in South Jersey, with switching up snow for water ice. My last effort in ceasing future flurries was heading out with the fam and sledding. We hadn't ventured onto the slopes (aka semi-non threatening hill) all season. Maybe it's my feeling that I haven't fully embraced the winter. If I do, could that be a legitimate effort to 'just say no' to future winter mayhem? K-Pat on his sled conquering the half pipe of Stokes Hill was one effort while our back door approach was hitting Ritas and pretending we needed our spf. 

The mind is a powerful thing. Sled approach + Rita's venture = possible tulips blooming and flip flops flipping....we'll just keep our fingers crossed. 

Dia del hermana

I'm not sure if it's a general perception, but as we age birthdays aren't quite as awesome and anticipated as they were back in high school and college. Not that there just another day, but the luster seems to wear as daily responsibilities can sometimes take precedent. 

Thirty -four years ago today my sister, Jess, was born. Happy Birthday, hermana! I have known Jess her entire life and watching her become the woman that she is today has been a privilege. 

Jess is an amazing human being. I admire her heart for others, the love she possesses for her children, an ability to persevere through some pretty intense things over the years and a desire to love others in a totally selfless way. She's awesome. 

When we both faced one of the deepest valleys of our lives we walked through it together. It was Jess who looked me in the eye and called me on my crap. It was Jess who pursued me when my heart hurt in a way only she could understand. It was Jess who walked beside me in the darkest moments of our lives. I am thankful and blessed beyond belief that God matched us up together as siblings. She's my bud and as years pass I find solace in her voice, peace in our memories and comfort in the fact that we can make it through anything. 

Wishing my sibling a day of goodness, because she deserves it! Happy Birthday, Jess!!!

Coca Cola Fest

Life is so very short. Every day we make a conscious decision to squander or take advantage of the next twenty- four hours. Opportunities to serve are like grains of sand. We can hold onto their substance or we can let them slip through our fingertips. It's our choice. Every direction we turn the message of 'self' resonates in our society. When we witness those hearts who defy the status quo and step forward to make a difference it's inspiring.










Taylor was recently informed that she is a Coca-Cola Scholar. Over 90,000 applicants applied and 150 were selected nationally. Bam! I am SUPER proud of her accomplishment and the recognition, but I am stoked for the heart this young lady possesses that very few in this world do in this day and age.

Two summers ago she and I travelled to Haiti to volunteer at the Hope Alive Clinic. I realize, without reservation, this experience changed her life. It's impactful to see a level of devastation, poverty and despair in a fourth world country. The truth of the matter is that we typically fizzle out over time with these experiences. Passions easily come and go.
While we were there she instructed dance classes, passed out clothing and gifts to children and their parents. It was intense. But what impressed me most about this whole experience was Taylor's passion and desire to serve the Haitian people grew upon returning to the States.
The kid didn't skip a beat. Dozens of bake sales (how many cookies were sold would be mind boggling), a heap of car washes, dine and donate nights at area restaurants and tons of other outreach activities all benefiting the clinic. To top it off the kid is literally coordinating a Glo Run at her high school. The vision is to have 500 or so participants where students and community will gain awareness about the condition in Haiti and the needs of the Clinic all while raising money for GREAT things!

I believe that life is too short to not make a difference. As Christ continually focused on the hearts and needs of others, that is what we are instructed to do. Hearts are aching, needs are abundant and hands are needed. We cannot take the cars, clothes, fancy houses and heaps of cash with us when we leave this earth. Material goods mean nothing. Living to make a difference that is outside of us leading a focus on others and what God wants for us. Nothing else matters. Desiring to serve and be a light in a very dark world goes beyond words and stretches way beyond what we can imagine. 

I am happy for Taylor's Scholar Award, but I am so very proud of the heart she possesses for others. I'm excited for her next chapter in life and where God will lead her. 

Keep spreading the goodness, Tay! 

Kernels of goodness

With a blink of an eye it seems times lapses quicker than I'd like it to. Tristan and Gabe validate that feeling every time I see them where they grow a little taller and seem so much older. I close my eyes and it seems like yesterday that Jess was bringing them home from the hospital. Bam! Time flies : ) My parents and the boys rolled on up from the farm to spend  the weekend with us in Jersey. The little dudes are brimming with energy and love for us that warms my heart and brings such joy.

Sometimes the little ones remind you that it's ok to enjoy the simple things that we can glaze over as adults. It was a game of tag in the play ground, marco polo in the pool and a little nosh of ice cream at the diner that just reinforces how beautiful the little things are. I love those little dudes with all of my heart and what makes it more amazing is watching the dudes love and embrace Keith and the kids. Family squared is pretty amazing. Watching Taylor snuggle and laugh with Tristan and Gabe brings a joy that words can't convey. Love, smiles and moments that I am grateful for. 

1,412 days with a man who has added joy, color and substance to my every day. I am grateful for his heart that desires to make me happy in a million different ways. From little notes, flowers or a day trip to the beach to catch a little surf it is a unique selfless heart that I fall a little more in love with every day. Love my man and his heart. #blessedsurfchick

Россия

     The Olympics are a time of celebration for the commitment of athletes that have made some pretty epic sacrifices to represent their country. Not to sound like I'm lacking patriotism, but I'm not the greatest of Olympic sport followers. I catch the briefings and I'm good to go. Maybe I'll get into it when I hit the 4-0 mark. 

    What I find exceptionally interesting is the buzz of those attending and media personnel who are seemingly shocked and overwhelmed by Sochi's conditions. You're in Russia, people. Eastern Europe has been subjected to a whole lot of good, bad and in between. Those with expectations comparable to the States or Western Europe will be sorely disappointed. You are in a beautiful, exceptionally tried and heavy hearted land. There is richness in Russia. If you were expecting four star conditions, disappointment was inevitable. But I say, shame on those people. 

     My sophomore year of college I spent my summer in Eastern Europe. It was a life altering experience. It was the first time in my life I would witness that communism and oppression had not disappeared. At nineteen I learned to make do with whatever I had, whatever I was given and to be content. It was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. Toilets that were nothing more than two cinder blocks with a hole in the floor. Meals doled out with love, but were small portions of rice and unidentifiable meats. Shopping for groceries with aisles filled with one type of bread, a limited supply of milk and not a whole lot of extras. 

    I encountered fellow college students who were subjected to oppression, poverty and sickness. So much hurt and uncertainty that no wore a face. The beauty of Eastern Europe was found in its people, history and conditions that seemed to be frozen in time. Getting caught up in the details that fall short of your expectations detracts from the experience. You are simply shorting yourself. My hope is that those in Sochi will take this experience as an opportunity to learn, feel grateful for this experience and to explore a land that few have taken the time to delve into. 

    I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to live, explore and learn about Eastern Europe in a way few ever will. If I ever have the chance to hop on a trolly, roam the streets of St. Petersburg or the outskirts of Moskow again I'd there in a heat beat. 

   

Nature's Canvas

Yet another snow day that has us ending the school year a little closer to July and there is already more snow in the forecast. I'm transitioning from complaining to being grateful and using the days to recharge and enjoy the beauty around us. It's amazing when you choose to make the best of your circumstances how you begin to look at things differently. 

There is such beauty in stillness, God's creation and just taking the time to just simply being grateful to be alive.