"...far more than rubies..."

We will never find a more noble, pure, hardworking, beautiful, diligent, honest, inspiring, touching, loyal, patient, self-less, honest, wise, influential, understanding, encouraging, forgiving, faithful, loving woman than our mom.

Proverbs 31, Philippians 4:8, I Corinthians 4:4-8

"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." -Abraham Lincoln

We all know that we live every day and sleep every night with "angels 'round about us" (because she's praying for us) and that we must "always be on our best behavior" (because we never know who is watching)

We know that we shouldn't do it, say it, or write it unless we want the whole world to know.
"Be nice to your sister" and "take your brother with you."

Love you, mom!  Have a great Saturday!!

Burning Candles

"My candle burns at both ends;
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends--
It gives a lovely light!" -Edna St. Vincent Millay

I used to believe that unless I was doing something to keep me busy every minute of every day, I wasn't doing enough.  I have always wanted to live every day from the moment the sun peeks over the horizon until I can't keep my eyes open any longer, I was just living in such a way that was so productive that I was missing out on the most important pieces of life.  I was worn out, burned out, and never available to just sit, talk, and listen.

I'm not quite sure when it was that I started realizing that people are so much more important than squeezing in an extra hour at the gym or an extra mile into my run; that friends, family, relaxation, and love are more important than getting an A on a test; that it's okay to say "no" when asked to do enormous projects; and it's okay that the projects I do take on aren't full-on amazing, incredible, or perfect.  "Good enough" is never flawless but then again, what is?

I still try to live every day from the time the sun peeks over the horizon until I can't keep my eyes open any longer but I'm better if I sleep in on occasion, make a few mistakes, and miss a deadline or two every now and then.  I love being able to focus on the most important things in my life: living, breathing, serving, and spending every moment that I can with my friends and my family <3