One lucky mama :)

I may be biased, but I consider myself the luckiest person to get to wake up to this fuzzy face every morning.

No matter what stresses I have to face that day, cuddling up to him for 20 minutes first thing in the morning makes all my worries disappear.

I love him so much :)

I get a little big stronger.

Sometimes I wonder if God thinks that I am stronger than I am?

Does he want to challenge my internal strength by making me go crazy?

But then I start to wonder what really makes a person strong.

Is it faking a smile when you want to cry? Is it trying your best to make others happy when you're feeling down in the dumps? Is it lying and saying you're "okay" when you're really not? Because I've done all of those for a long time. But for the first time, last night, I felt really strong. I conquered a fear and I opened up to not one, but two of the closest people in my life. I talked to both Dan and my mom about what was really going on in my head. I've always got lots of crazy things going through that thing, but lately some things have been eating me away. I'm not perfect, and I have problems with myself just like any other person. But to actually let someone in, tell them how I was feeling, and become just a little more vulnerable to those around me made me feel a little stronger.

So, hopefully this is the start of a new me. A me that can open up without being scared of the repercussions. As weak as I may have felt to admit some of my problems, it took me a lot of strength to do so.

Tough Mudder? Yes please!

Dan and I have decided to really challenge ourselves this year.

We are considering purchasing tickets to this years "Seattle Tough Mudder."

Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. With the most innovative courses, half a million inspiring participants, and more than $2 million dollars raised for the Wounded Warrior Project, Tough Mudder is the premier adventure challenge series in the world.

In the Seattle Tough Mudder, there are 28 obstacles. Some of these include swimming, crawling through muddy water filled tubes, climbing walls, monkey bars, and many more. I must admit however, that I am dreading the final obstacle which is running through charged wires, some of which are a 10,000 volt shock.

This goal is different than any we've ever had. We've done our research, and are starting our training today. We are strangely excited about this. It's going to be difficult, and probably miserable at times, but I've always wanted to challenge myself in some extreme way. The average time for a physically fit person to complete this course is over three hours. I could care less if this takes me five (although three would be awesome), as long as I finish.

So, here's to the sore muscles and long runs! Let's get this thing going :)

Thanks to you

I haven't had much to say lately, but I just wanted to write today because I am feeling thankful.

Nothing specifically has happened to make me feel this way... but it's days like this that I love. I just woke up with a warm heart that feels extremely grateful.

So, thank you to all of you in my life. I love each and every one of you.

Follow your heart

Nobody knows you like you know yourself. Follow your heart, but don't forget to take your brain along.

Take my hand...

I like to think that I am strong most days. I am very fortunate with all that I have, so I should be a very thankful. Believe me, I am extremely grateful for my life and those in it.

But there are always challenges in life. Some known to others, and some within yourself. I deal with those more than I'd like. Sometimes I wish I could just tell the world everything that my crazy little brain has going through it... but trust me, the world isn't prepared for that ;)

I deal with the stresses in my life pretty well most days. But there are times that I'd like someone to read my mind and understand. Unfortunately, even if that were possible, I'm pretty sure no one would get it.

Over-thinking can really drive a person crazy. And my wheels are spinnin'

50/50...Make It Count

Today was a great day, despite a couple little hiccups.

It was a beautiful day here in Silverdale. The sun was shining through all my windows and my friend Caitlin came over today! We had a great couple of hours just talking about girl stuff, and our puppies played consistently. It was nice :)

I went to work at 3:30pm, and got sent home at 4:15pm. Short shift, huh? Well, I was feeling totally fine and then withing a few seconds, poof. My eyesight was close to gone, my body got really flushed and I started sweating, and my blood pressure went way up. It was so strange. But random dizzy spells aren't that unusual for me. A co-worker drove me home, and Dan drove me to Urgent Care a little later. They tested for many things, and are doing more tomorrow. I'm sure everything will be just fine, but I'm hoping to get some answers!

After we came home, we watched the movie "50/50." It's about a 27-year old male who gets diagnosed (very unexpectedly) with a rare form of cancer. Unfortunately, they caught it really late. But thankfully, in the end, he ends up being okay. The movie really portrays some of the stages of emotions people go through when dealing with serious things such as cancer and death. It's sad, realistic, and scary. But when it ends, it makes you feel so thankful.

I immediately texted my dad (who I haven't talked to in a day or two) just to say "I love you." Dan also instantly text messaged his mom saying the same. I love when a simple thing such as a song, quote, photo, or movie make you realize how wonderful you have it. Sure, we all have moments that we wish things were different. We all feel pain, regret, sadness, and many other unfortunate emotions. And we all experience things that seem unfair or hard to deal with. But we have life. And we have love. Whether you are in love or not, I guarantee you that there is someone out there who loves the person you really are.

So take a moment out of your crazy days just to say "I love you" to those that you love. I've said that many times, and I will say it millions more. You can't say it enough. And always be thankful. Appreciating what you have can make your life, and those around you, so much better. Life doesn't last forever, but the memories do. So make them count.

But the struggles make you stronger

And the changes make you wise

And happiness has its own way

Of takin' its sweet time

No, life ain't always beautiful

Tears will fall sometimes

Life ain't always beautiful

But it's a beautiful ride