To Everything There is a Season

"There is time for everything,

and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance, 

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

a time to search and a time to give up, 

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate, 

a time to war and a time for peace."

It seems the older I get, the faster time flies.  I don't like it...I actually despise it!  My babies are growing up way too fast, I'm growing older with each passing year, and there never seems to be enough time to keep everything that is important to me, a priority.  

Very recently, I was in a place where I felt really indifferent. It seemed no matter how hard I tried to do the right thing, it was never enough.   I've always known how blessed I was to have my children and family who loved and cared for me.  But, there was just something "off".  At that very precise moment that I needed some good news, a reprieve from life, or a breath of fresh air...I found and connected with my older brother.  I won't get into any details...it's still all so new.  I feel like I want to hold this close and protect this special time.  Just when I thought, I may begin to unravel and break down, God sent us Shawn.  Words can not even begin to describe how much happiness this has brought to myself, my brother Andy and the rest of our family.  It's all been so surreal and amazing! 

There is a time and a season for everything!  I just sit back, with tears streaming down my face, at how God's timing in all of this, for all of us involved, is nothing short of a miracle.

I may never understand the "whys" of this life and I am sure I'll not like some of them.  I may feel as though God has forsaken me at times, but His timing is always right on!  In my weakness, He is my strength. 

As our family starts this incredible journey, I am at peace in knowing that "....there is a time to weep and a time to laugh; there is a time to mourn and a time to dance; there is a time to search and a time to give up; a time to be silent and a time to speak..." 

The Star of the Show

Last night was the close of Emily's Dance classes for the year.  So bittersweet for me.  Happy to have once less place to be during the week. Sad that it means another year has passed.  The year has been so crazy, I can honestly say I wish I could "repeat" this year's ages of the girls.  Unfortunately, time stands still for no one...I can only enjoy the moment and not "wish" this precious time away.

Emily's hop hop dance was absolutely the best dance of the night.  They got the most applause of all the dances...I promise, I'm not being biased.  Their neon costumes screamed "the 1980's".  The side ponytails were just the icing on the cake.  J-Lo's "On the Floor" was a hit with the entire crowd.  

 I imagined Emily in some of the precious Tutu's and ballet dances that the other classes performed.  But, as soon as I thought it, I realized, "that is so not Emily".  It was confirmed after the recital, when she loudly announced in the lobby of the performing arts studio, "Mom, those ballet dances were so boring!"   We are still working on that "filter" thing:)

So proud of our little dancer.  As far as we were concerned, she was the star of the show!

~Hugs~

Kimberly

May

"The world's favorite season is the spring.  All things seem possible in May." 

~Edwin Way Teale~

I am ready and waiting for all of the possibilities that this season will bring.  Great things are happening!

Trusting When We Don't Understand

"This trial does not feel good; I don't like it, but I believe that all things are working together for good" are words that were spoken often by my father in law.  Wayne truly believed these words with every fiber of his being.  Any chance he would get, he would instill this and other principles into his family, his children and his friends.  

You hear people talk all the time about having faith.  But, do they really have it?  It's very easy to have it when life is good, the kids are getting along, the bills are getting paid, when our health is good, etc.  Going through tough times and trials will always test how much faith we truly have.

Wayne was so consistent with his faith.  It never wavered.  He acted the same no matter what was going on.  His face always wore a smile.  When he smiled at you, it was genuine and not surface. He could look at a person with all of their "baggage" and it didn't matter.  He could see beyond that, to their true potential. 

Yes, Wayne had given me countless advice and guidance, but what I've really learned from him, came from watching the way he lived his life.  He didn't just talk it....He walked it.  He believed it.  He got it.  Wayne had true faith.  

We may never understand God's timing, and I'm pretty sure we often will not like it.  My father in law was the greatest example of "Trusting When We Don't Understand".

Our family was shaken to the core on March 31, 2012.  However, even through our devastation we honestly believe that this was for a purpose...a GREAT PURPOSE.  I know for fact, Wayne wanted to live a life a purpose.... he did, until his last breath.

Wayne was a loving husband, father, world's greatest father in law, son, Poppy, brother, uncle, and friend  that has left a huge void in our lives.  We will miss him terribly. 

Until we meet again, Wayne, We'll miss you and We love you!  

Embrace the Ordinary

 Delight in the little things.

Appreciate small blessings.

Find pleasure in circumstances and situations that others may overlook.

When our day is "business as usual" is when we develop character and the ability to enjoy everyday life.

NOW, I would GLADLY EMBRACE and ENJOY if I had those winning numbers in the Mega Millions:)

I'm just kidding!

Well, only a little!

~Have a Wonderful Weekend~

Almost spring!

I always look forward to this time of the year.  Spring is my favorite season and has the best weather!  

Happy March!!

Emily's Calendar for March.

Her hand and fingerprint four~leaf clover.

Guarding My Heart and Emily's School Play

Last week in one of my devotionals, I read, "Integrity is only established when it becomes clear to everyone that progress, financial reward and recognition are not important...".

It really hit home for me.  I've always wanted to be seen as a woman of integrity, but have I been acting and making decisions as one?  Of course, I want to be seen that way with people I encounter everyday and everyone in my life.  But, what really matters most to me, is that my children see me that way.  I can only hope they don't see a difference between what I demand of others and what I demand of myself.  It will only damage their respect for me every time.  At any given time I am only one decision, one word or one action away from destroying what took a long time to build. 

 Leading and being the woman, wife, and mom I want to be doesn't come easy.  It is in those moments, however, that I learn a great deal about myself and I find out what I truly stand for.

"Above all else, guard your heart"

The prettiest "Gem" of all.

We had a full and exciting weekend.  Miss Emily Kate was the star of her school play...well, to me anyway:)

She did great on her song and dance and had the best time performing Friday and Saturday night with her friends.

I was able to take a few pictures before and after the show.   

Mommy and the "star" of Aladdin Jr.

I'll have to post the photos of her on stage later...due to Disney copyrights, we were not allowed to photograph the play.  Funny how a professional photographer was allowed to take pictures that we will be able to purchase:) 

Flowers for the "actress".