My Baby Girl is 2 & a Half!

Gabriella turned 2 and a half yesterday, and it didn't even occur to us until about 6 pm. Then we rushed to the garage to measure her height on our special wall in the garage - and she's grown so much! 

I can't believe how fast time flies, and sometimes I wish I could just freeze time. I love the stage she's in right now so much. She is talking so much, and loves being "cozy" (one of her favorite words right now) with her blankets and animals and baby dolls. She also loves swinging on her swing in the back yard, playing in her sand box, making necklaces, coloring, and playing with play doh among other things. 

Her favorite song to sing right now is "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," and she loves singing it in a whisper to me before she falls asleep. Her favorite color is yellow, and her favorite shape is a heart, although she loves stars too. She can be very headstrong if she wants to do something, but also has the biggest heart, and is so affectionate and loving. My heart explodes with love for her every day. I didn't even know a love this great was possible. I am so grateful for her - she is truly my ray of sunshine!

Swell Inspiration

Aloha friends,

Not long ago, I learned about Liz Clark, a woman who has been sailing solo for the past 9 years, as the captain and sole crew member of her own ship. Recently I came across her blog, and now I am even more inspired by her. She is such a wonderful reminder that we all CAN live our dreams, be brave, be supportive of other women, (and humanity in general,) and live sustainably on our Earth. 

Check out her blog for some true inspiration for living the dream! She is truly a magical & wondrous human being.

www.swellvoyage.com

Photo is property of Liz Clark at www.swellvoyage.com

On being ALL IN

So hey, it's been awhile. I know, the last time I posted, my baby girl was 2 or 3 months old. And now, well, she's almost 2 & a half years old. Time flies. A lot has happened between then and now, but I won't try to cover all of that.
What I feel called to write about (briefly) came about last Sunday. I've started going to church again after oh, just about 23 years. I have only attended twice so far, but both times my experience has been  pretty profound. I guess I just really connected with the message both times.
So, this past Sunday, Pastor Dan talked about being ALL IN in life.
Like putting it all out there, putting it all on the line. I really got what he was saying. At the end of my life, I don't want to think I didn't give life my all. I want to know that I tried my hardest, loved the best I was capable of loving, showed up for those I care about in the best possible way I knew how, and the lived the best life I was capable of living.
It's easy to forget to try our hardest when life is so busy and there is just SO MUCH going on at any given moment, with work, children, the horrifying news lately, and all of those other things in life. But being ALL IN seems worth it, because you know that whatever happens, you've given your whole heart to make a difference, in whatever way you can.