What I know to be true

The title for this blog came from my favorite book of all time, I know this much is true by Wally Lamb. As I search other people's blogs and continue to try and be a better person each day for my kids, I see many commonalities among us all. In Mr. Lamb's book he tells the story of his life having to deal with a schizophrenic twin brother, their heritage and its affects on their upbringing, and his struggle to connect with his wife because of his difficult past. What I've learned to be true is that everyone struggles. Everyone had doubt, fear, trepidation, and loneliness. Everyone judges and feels judged. Everyone succeeds and fails. Everyone is angry and happy. Its a constant cycle of the same emotions. The difference is our perception. It's often difficult to step back and recognize other people struggle. Your struggle is not different or new, but it is UNIQUE to you and your life circumstances. The woman who struggles to make ends meet feels the same pain and suffering as the woman who earns 6 figures and feels enormous pressure to "keep up with the jones's" The couple who outwardly struggle to connect are drowning in the same loneliness as the couple next to them who seemingly have it all on the surface but quietly sleep alone each night. We all struggle. No one's struggle is greater or more intense. So I've decided the next time someone gets an attitude with me for no reason, personally attacks me without provocation, or unleashes on me because their child didn't get a solo in my latest show.....I'm going to think of their struggle at that moment instead of my own reaction. I'm going to take all the personal defensiveness out and try and infuse kindness and compassion because if there is something missing in this world, its not love in my opinion, its compassion. Hope everyone has a compassionate day :-)

All about Ava

Ava is my beautiful baby girl, she completes my inner girly girl, and she is my future dancer (;-) I love this little chunk so much I want to squeeze her tight and eat her up! She has such an amazing personality even at 9 months old! She is a fire cracker and has NO problem telling you exactly how she feels. Makes a mama proud :-D This little girl is going to make some noise, make some change, and make some magic when she grows up and I can't wait to have front row seats! She is such a pleasure to have in our lives and I can't say that I'm not THOROUGHLY enjoying dressing this little angel up every day. She is a crawling, cruising, trying to walk, talking, eating, GIGGLING, ball of 5 rolls per arm and leg :) And we are so BLESSED to have this little girl in our extremely BLESSED family!!

All about Caleb

Caleb is my youngest son, the most unique guy I know, and my buddy :) Caleb was born 5 weeks early at a whopping 7 lbs.....! He was in the NICU for 12 days for tachypnea (hopefully I spelled that correctly its been awhile) and that experience changed my life forever. Anyone who has had a child in the NICU knows how tough it is, especially if you also know the joy of leaving the hospital with your baby in previous experiences. Caleb came into the world a screamer and a fighter. The NICU nurses would beg me not to touch him if he was asleep during a visit and I could hear why whenever I came and he was awake. The little man just wanted to be held! Caleb is truly the most unique and magical child I have ever known. To say he is creative is a gross understatement. On a daily basis he comes up with multiple songs, stories, and plays which he exuberantly performs for anyone who will watch. He worships his big brother and he is so very kind and gentle with his baby sister. I feel an inescapable urge to protect him always even though I know he is no longer that baby in the NICU. He is a strong willed, beautiful minded, force of nature all bundled up in this big body with a soft and sweet voice. Caleb inspires me daily (I once put one of his 'moves' into one of my dances.......i kid you not it was this crazy knee spin) he reminds me life requires patience and teaches me new and exciting ways to look at life. Caleb I am blessed to have such an amazing buddy to hang out with every day and to have the absolute pleasure of watching as you grow.

All about Aidan

Aidan is my oldest son, my first born, and my old soul. He was the sweetest most cherubic little baby (well none of my kids were ever little but you get the context ;) He never cried, he was always happy, and he filled our lives with such an overwhelming joy every day. I can honestly say he never gave me one moment of anything but pure happiness. He was a dream child! Watching him grow has been one of the most fantastic experiences. Seeing the world through his eyes has given me a perspective that I am grateful and thankful for each day. Through Aidan I have re-learned compassion, forgiveness, and an appreciation for "the rules" of life as he knows it. He is kind, thoughtful, creative, intelligent, and although his soul is old, his mind is youthful and boundless. I love watching his budding curiosity about the world around him and what our purpose here on Earth feels like for him (this is a child who asked me "mama if Joseph was Jesus's dada, and Mary was his mama, who was God to Jesus...?" at the age of THREE!) Aidan I swell with happiness and pride everyday to have the honor of being your mama :)

My Babies :)

Aidan (7)
Caleb (5)
Ava (9 months)

Welcome to my blog!

I never thought I would ever be the type to have a blog, it seemed so self-indulgent but after seeing so many beautiful pages my friends have chronicling their beautiful families I couldn't resist :) I hope to be able to reach people out there and share life's beautiful moments. I have always enjoyed writing and I think it's an excellent outlet, sort of an online journal. A fun, moderately easy, and at times I'm sure cathartic, way to share your life with others. For those who don't know me, it will be a great way to get to know me and my family. For those that do, a way to stay connected in our ever evolving, ALWAYS busy, and never boring day to day lives. I'm excited to see where this takes me!

A short introduction:

I am married with 3 beautiful children, Aidan (7) Caleb (5) and Ava (9 months) I teach pre-professional level dance and have a company ( Impact Dance!) I enjoy experiencing the world again through my children's eyes and the wonderful blessings, challenges, and adventures life hands me daily. I am deeply spiritual which I believe to be completely different from being religious. I work everyday to enjoy life's blessings and accept the challenges that we all have in our lives. In the end, it's all about being happy and savoring every moment with your family.

:)

Candra