Happy New Year ... from Chicago!

While it's been WAY to long ... I wanted to share a few photos with you all ... my husband and I, and a few friends celebrated the New Year in Chicago. I can't tell you how awesome it was! More writing to come ... but for now, please enjoy the photos! God Bless!

~Emily

So ... Why are You Here?

Have you ever thought about the reason why you’re here? I mean really, honestly, sat down and thought about what it is you were put on this earth for? And, with that … have you thought about why you’re still here? I know I talk about this a lot, but it’s something that I ALWAYS think about.

See, I’m a twin. When my sister Melissa and I were born, we were born two months premature. I was just under two pounds and my sister was 2.5 pounds when we were born. We were in an incubator for the first 6 months of our lives and I have to wonder what was so special about us that we made it? And then I realize … and remember … God knows so much more about why were here then we do. He knows what we are meant to do … He knows why He breathed life into us and He knows when we fail or succeed.

After overcoming that obstacle of existing, even after doctors saying we just might not make it, I realize that His plans are so much greater then my own. And why not use the time that He’s given me to make something and be something, even if failing first is the actual first step.

Granted … at times, I sit back and think about what could have been … but then I realize what already is … which I am certain … is exactly what should be.

Ten Honest Things ...

DM tagged me via the blog world to write 10 honest things about myself … so, here goes! (P.S. Thank you DM for including me!!!)

10. I pluck my eyebrows everyday, to keep them shapely and presentable. Hey, we woman have to practice pain for beauty!

9. I hate any type of scary movie. I have nightmares for days if I watch one.

8. I never carry cash. It’s almost a guarantee if I have cash, I spend it.

7. My favorite part of the day is when I wake up and realize I’m still here …

6. I don’t go to church because I don’t want to … not that I don’t ever want to go again, I just haven’t found one that’s worth the time … I know, that sounds really bad, but I’m just being honest here!

5. I really like to dance when no one is watching … whether it’s down the street or down my hallways at home, I love to jump and twirl … in secret!

4. I love Twilight!

3. I drove to California, Los Angeles to be exact, with my husband in 2003. We went through 11 states in the matter of eight days and it was the most exciting trip of my life.

2. I have the best times with my family … my three sisters are the funniest and most entertaining people I’ve ever known.

1. I am more in love with my husband today, then the day I married him.

Ok, so I'd like to tag Patricio, a.k.a. Stupid Boi.

Catching Up ...

It's been a long time ... I haven't been as frequent in my writing as I'd like. I think it might have a lot to do with my time. Sure, that's an easy excuse ... but it's true. I just don't use my time as wisely as I should. It's my own fault ... but, there is so much going on these days, it's hard to find time to just relax, let alone write something thoughtful and meaningful. And you know ... I think that's what I miss. Writing about those thoughts ... those feelings that are still there ... those ideas that somehow, brought meaning to not only those of you out there who happen to read my nonsense, but also to me ... I think they just might be bottled up a little more ... However, I'm learning ... I just wish time could simply stand still for a moment; just to catch up ... to slow down for just a second to breathe ...

Blessed

During this time of ‘Thanksgiving’, I’m reminded of how much I have; how much I have been blessed to receive ... how much I take for granted ...

I know this is so simple, but so many times we focus on the things we DON’T have, that we forget about the things that we’ve been incredibly blessed with ... the things that are staring right in front of us that we simply miss in passing ...

On this day of Thanksgiving, I'm reminded that life is not a series of events that make us ... but a series of moments that define our lives ...

So sit back, take a break from the chaos around you, and be thankful for LIFE ...

Twilight

I always thought that passion was something innate in all of us. Perhaps it's something we learn? Not sure, but I've been thinking about it quite often these past few days.

I read this book ... now don't laugh, but it's about vampires and forbidden love. Yes, sounds corny and unbelievable, but really ... there was so much depth to it, so much heart and passion within it … I couldn’t put it down … It was the kind of book that after you finish reading, you say to yourself, ‘wow, does that kind of passion really exist’?

I’m not entirely sure if it’s the romance inside the pages, which makes me want to be inside the reality the characters live in, but there is something to the story. The human girl who finds love with someone who could take her life because of the ‘creature’ he is. Yet, because of the connection they share, the passion they hold for each other, they both choose life and choose forever, together. Their love is intense and real … their hearts are intertwined and connected … it’s a beautiful display of self-sacrifice …

Now, I don’t really know how this ties into anything spiritual, anything really meaningful at this juncture, but I do find it interesting and consuming the passion and love that these two characters possess for each other. The story is rather mesmerizing, compelling, while the images and detail of the characters are almost too perfect to keep reading. Yet again, the story of these two ‘star-crossed’ lovers, keeps you turning the pages, hoping and pleading with the author to make them timeless … together forever.

It begs the question, if you could live forever, what would you live for?

Ah, this Crazy Thing Called Life ...

It’s been a long time … for that I’m sure. Life has been a series of twists and turns, but amazing nonetheless. My new nephew, Max John is a beauty and a blessing. I couldn’t be more ecstatic that I know him and that I get to watch him grow.

I am amazed by life in general these days. The people in it; the ups and downs … the daily struggle to just be the people we are. Life shouldn’t be about the things we don’t have, but about the things that are right in front of us. It’s a shame it takes us so long to figure that out. But, perhaps that’s why new beginnings and second chances are a part of it all.

I don’t have it all figured out just yet, but I’m learning … and learning to embrace life for what it is … where I go from here, that is still a mystery.

99 Balloons

It's amazing how precious life is ... how fast it goes and how fast it can be taken away ... it's learning to cherish the days and moments that we have that leave a lasting legacy and impression on those around us ... I'd ask that you watch the video below when you have time ... I hope it moves you as it has me. God Bless ...

Justice and Love?

While I wish I could write more at the current moment, I can't seem to get my thought processes in order at the present moment ... however, in this moment, I'd just like to share a quote:

"... Justice is what love looks like in public ..."

The Gift of Life

Dear Friends ... so sorry I haven't posted in some time ... life has been hectic, beautiful, tragic, and wonderful, all at the same time! Will write more soon ... but I wanted to share a few photos of my new, gorgeous, chubby new nephew, Max John! My twin sister had him on October 2nd at 9:43AM ... he was almost 10 pounds ... if you can believe it! He is beautiful and wonderful!!! And ... it's amazing how you can love someone so much you only just met! Thank Jesus for babies! God Bless! More writing to come! ~Emily

Freedom in the Unknown

Life is too short to become entangled in the things you have no control over … I’ve often thought that in those moments, when you realize you have no control over a situation, there is some ‘freedom’ … freedom in knowing that no matter how hard you try, you’re not going to change the moment … the ‘thing’ that you couldn’t control … that could be reassuring to some … that could be failure to others … I'm not entirely sure ... but, somehow … I find freedom in knowing that no matter what, firstly, God won’t give me anything I can’t handle, and secondly, what doesn’t kill me, will only make me that much stronger … because after all, life is too short to worry about the unknown …

Dare to be Great ...

It is not the critic who counts;
not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled
or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.
The credit belongs to the man
who is actually in the arena,
whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood;
who strives valiantly;
who errs and comes short again and again;
who knows great enthusiasms,
the great devotions;
who spends himself in a worthy cause;
who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement,
and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while
DARING GREATLY
so that his place shall never be
with those timid souls
who know neither victory or defeat.

Theodore Roosevelt