I got all my sisters with me

Today, was not the easiest of days.

My cousin Becca is one of my faves. 

And I don't say that lightly. 

As a product of divorce, we have one thing in common. Each other. 

My dad was her dad's brother. 

My sis. 

Her sis. 

Each other. 

#cousins

Today, Becca said goodby to her sister, Dee. 

A cousin I wasn't super close to. Because she was 20 years my senior. 

But she adored me. Because I was her baby doll when I was born. 

Just something to play with :)

She always petted me. And ooh'd over me. Everytime we were together. 

Until just a few years ago. When she wasn't "at herself" enough. 

It seemed off today, being at her bedside. No petting either way. 

No goodbye was necessary. As I'm certain she had already slipped into eternity. 

But. 

I spent the majority of my time with my sis. And Becca. 

We are the 3 that "get" each other. 

It's funny. 

Not much of a relationship with the ties that bind. (mercy, that's another blogpost)

But we are 3 peas from the same crazy pod. 

No doubt. 

Sure. I had other things to do today. And sure. There were many excuses I could have offered. 

But today was one of those days when she needed "her people". I'm so glad we were there. 

There are not enough words to express. 

I'm so thankful that we share the gene of each other. I get them. They get me. 

And I'm so glad we were there for her today. 

A little crazy, a little silly, and a lotta love. 

Princess weekend 2015

This is one of my most favorite weekends of the year. 

I would be lying if I said it wasn't a little stressful in the months leading up to it...registering for the run (stressful!), making sure the details are all in place, and just being sure my i's are dotted and my t's are crossed. 

But...what is so much fun is knowing that the fun is just beginning. Making dining reservations, forming somewhat of a plan, and adding a few little magical touches... #LoveIsInTheDetails

7 years in a row. 

We've completed this event since the beginning. 

Each year, we have a few new princesses...and we show up as strangers, but by the end of the weekend, many lifelong friendships are formed.  

It's a total blast. 

In this bunch you have moms, sisters, friends, daughters...but the fact is, you have women that juggle everyday to make life work. 

So this is a way to push yourself a little further than you thought you could. Accomplish something that many are afraid to try. 

But for me, it's just fine combination if all of that. 

Thru the years, we've had injury. 

We. Have. Had. Injury. 

Pregnancies, bulging discs, stress fractures, torn ligaments, cancer-free celebrations, and more. And we've all just rallied up to get it done. 

But for me. I've had injury. And I've hated it. This is NOT the weekend for me to be needy. Or dependent. This is the weekend I want to be a macho-super-woman-rockstar. 

2013--I walked it in a boot. Because I has a stress fracture that would. not. heal. 

2014--I had GallBladder surgery 4 days before flying to Orlando. 

And everyone was "my people". They helped my hobble, they pushed me in a wheel chair, they wrapped my bandages, and yes. They even put up with my whining. 

But not this year. Nope. No ma'am. 

No injury. No protective sign on my back. 

No problem!!!

I'm super thankful for my princesses. For my relationships with them. And for our community we have formed. 

Once you come in, even if you don't run every year, you're always one of us!! 

Ready to run with the Princesses!

My Mom just tagged me in this photo, and the excitement continues to grow for next weekend!

The picture, I think I was struggling to even stand up at this point! #NoGallbladder was kind of a joke...but I was feeling it by this point!

I can't wait to start the race this weekend just me! No boot, no post-surgery, no nothing! Just a princess, ready to have fun!

Again!

Perfect Princess 2015, here I come!

My Kayla bracelet is here!

I am just in love with my bracelet from the OHOH fundraiser event!

It's just gorgeous!

And everytime I look wear it (which might just be every day!) it will be a beautiful reminder to pray for Kayla, and other children battling Childhood Cancer, and remind me that a cure is a must!

If you don't know Kayla's story, you can check it out here! She's a blessing!

Not just a bunch of pink tulips

16 years ago, my sweet friend Tammy sent me an enormous bouquet of pink tulips.

It was the only bright spot, on a very dark day. 

And every year, I buy myself a bouquet of pink tulips (or as close to pink that I can find). 

It makes the day better. In some sort of way, it reminds me that God renews my strength each day. 

The lovely Kara Tippetts posted the other day, "even bad days have good moments" and today was no exception. 

Then today, my friend Tommy posted... "The cost of making someone's day is easily one of the most affordable gifts" and today this resonated with me. 

16 years ago, my friend Tammymade my day. 

Today, it still makes a huge impact on my heart. 

Elijah Cole Smith 2.5.1999

My people

One of my personal challenges for 2015 is to find more time with "my people". My friends in this season of life, my family, and my friends from previous seasons---and to not feel so burdened when people move on. Maybe God is making space for new relationships. 

 I love this verse! #TisTheSeason