Happy Tea Leaves

In the midst of a challenging week, I saw this...

 

Seriously, the tea leaves randomly formed a happy face at the bottom of my glass and it couldn't have happened at a more opportune time.  I have been immersing myself in scripture and devouring every prayer book handed to me in hopes of staying afloat, so it was as though God sent me a smile, reminding me that He is in control and has a plan for the greater good.  So amazing! 

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand." Philippians 4:6

Birthday

Here I am another year older, but none the wiser.  I am grateful.  I am grateful for the friends who took time out of their busy schedules to wish me a happy birthday.  Grateful for the sweet birthday cards I received and the thoughtful gifts.  Grateful for an adorable video I received from my friend's son singing me happy birthday which I will forever cherish.  Grateful for the free Starbucks coffee I got.  Grateful to share a delicious birthday dinner and my favorite strawberry cake with my family (same cake as my first birthday above - some things never change!).  Grateful for friends who know that the way to my heart is through a birthday card with an Echo look-a-like on it or a handmade drawing from their adorable kid. Grateful for an attempt to celebrate my birthday from someone who doesn't believe in birthdays.

Birthdays are special.  Don't ever let anyone make you feel small and insignificant especially on your birthday by telling you that your birthday is just another day, because it's not.  Your birthday signifies the day that you were born and those who love you will want to celebrate you because they are so grateful that you are in their lives.  Without a birth date, there would be no you.  So don't let anyone downplay such an amazing day.  Remember that you are valued, worthy, and special.  Celebrate your birthday.  Celebrate you.

Merrell Down & Dirty Mud Run

J and I have been attending a fitcamp in Burbank over the past year in an attempt to get in shape, build endurance, stay healthy, and most importantly, it's a lot of fun!  The team just completed their first organized race - the Merrell Down & Dirty Mud Run.  I was too intimidated to run this year, but after seeing how much fun everyone had, I may just conjure up enough courage to run it next time!  Luckily, there were professional photographers at every obstacle to capture the day!

J #788 starting his 10K alongside our coach

Carrying a sandbag uphill for their first obstacle

Balancing skills at work

The final stretch, crawling through mud - eew!

Congratulations!

The proud finishers!

Before the race when J was still nice and clean

Santa Anita Canyon

This past weekend, we went hiking in the Santa Anita Canyon and took the Newcomb Pass trail.  Our total distance hiked was 7 miles - go us! 

On our way up the mountain.  Echo looks almost human in this picture, LOL.

My favorite photo of the hike.  I love the trees surrounding us and the way the sunlight shines through.

The boys were not impressed by beautiful majestic views at the top...

...but I sure was!

I love this picture of Echo because he looks like he's smiling!