Thump, thump, thump

My heart is pounding in my chest right now.  I can literally feel it.  It is pounding out of anger and frustration.  What is going on??  This is not, by any stretch, normal behavior for me.

My middle schoolers have been bringing out the worst in me.  I am just so grateful that they haven't seen it.  

Headed out.

I'm going home.  I need to sit on my mommy's lap.

Such is life.

So many things go without explanation...so many things we just do based on the assumption that it's the "right thing to do" while deep down hoping we're not making a terrible mistake. 

So we trust.  We trust that God is in control and that regardless of whether or not we do "the right thing," there is nothing that can throw him off.

With my empty hands held open today, more than ever, I detach from my ache and attach to my savior. 

Thank you, Lord, for your warm embrace.

My Girls

Dancin'

Spelling bee:

Nae Nae won, of course

Shanebo

Sweet 16

My baby brother turns 16 tomorrow!! We went out to celebrate today with a beautiful lunch with the entire family.

He has grown up to be such an amazing young man. Yesterday was a more challenging one for me, so he offered to take me shopping, cleaned the room I stay in at my parents, and drew me a nice hot bath with a lot of salts. All of this, after he first made sure that I knew that I didn't have to drive down if I didn't want to "just for his birthday."

I am so unbelievably proud to call myself his sister. He has such a kind heart and spirit, and so much potential! He will make someone very happy, someday.

Can't tell we're siblings, can you?

Race day--brrr!

Holden and I ran the Take 5 race through the Garden of the Gods this morning! It was so beautiful, and the giant rock formations were emerging from the settled fog. It was also quite cold, however. As you can see, Holden wasn't too thrilled by the time we crossed the finish line.

The weather fits.

It's a gloomy day, and one wherein my heart is especially tender.