birthday's are fun

today...was a great day!!

that's all.

Rewind: 35th Birthday

2 months ago I had another birthday--the 35th--and had many mixed emotions about this particular one. Happy, sad, strangely adult and still overwhelmingly young and behind on "my plan" for my life.

I know, I know. I'm such a mess.

All that aside, what I want to focus on here is that fact that I was able to celebrate plentifully; first with my Utah Lovelies and then with my Colorado Lovelies. I feel adored and blessed by all of the amazing people the Lord has placed in my life. Seriously ADORED!!!

My Utah lovelies always make me feel so special, loved and like I belong. My life has been extremely blessed since I've started taking my trips to the Great State of Utah. And, lets be honest, I just can't get enough of the Seevinck lovin' that I receive. I feel so at home and safe when I'm in their presence. Plus, I laugh so much and always come back with new insight into life. They just have a way of doing that to me; most times without even saying anything. It just happens.

Love, love, love you all!!

My Colorado Lovelies are fan-flippin'-tastic!! I went to the Rio on my birthday; then had a slumber party with the Y Besties; and just when I thought it couldn't get any better I was able to have a wii bowling party with the lovely ladies that hold me up, inspire me and remind me of God's love everyday. I would be lost without these ladies.

One of the things that blessed me the most from my birthday was some of my friends wrote "35 Things We Love About Raelynn" in honor of my 35th birthday. I ran across it again tonight when I was straightening up my room. So I thought I would share it here because I love it so much.

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"35 Things We Love About Raelynn"

From Jenn

1. Her generosity and giving spirit

2. Her creativity

3. Her love of shoes!

From Gayle

4. How she can make me laugh effortlessly

5. How she faces life straight on...whatever comes her way

6. She pursues her passions

7. She has worked with that personal trainer! I would have quit a long time ago.

From Natalie

8. I love that Raelynn's heart is steadfast with hope and that she keeps trusting even when she doesn't understand how things will work out

9. I love Rae's shiny black hair and deep brown eyes--she's such a beauty!

10. I love that Raelynn can dive the depths of conversation and have your rolling with laughter

From Carol

11. I love that Raelynn honors and values family in truly Biblical ways...living life in community, loving, serving and always showing deep devotion

12. I love that Raelynn is a friend to ALL!

13. I love that Raelynn brings me overflowing joy and laughter in my life

14. I love that Raelynn loves some Strawberry FANTA baby!!!

From Liz

15. I love how she loves kids. She has an amazing way of connecting to them and making them feel special and important

16. I love her passion for her heritage

17. I love that she uses her voice to teach and bless on the worship team and with the kids

18. Her sharing at the CME about dreams

19. Her blogs

From Jacki & Jill

20. Her honesty

21. She is an encourager

22. She is always humble

23. Her gift of wisdom

24. She has such integrity and compromises for no one

25. She is full of grace and the first one to forgive

26. She has endless compassion, even for those who have hurt her

27. She is completely reliable

28. She is a warrior and intercessor for her family no matter what

29. She honors her spiritual leaders

30. She likes cheese tortillas

31. She is sacrificial

32. She loves Jesus, but is willing to admit that sometimes she is pissed at Him too

33. She is willing to share the knowledge the Lord has given her even if she is out of her element

From Shauna

34. I love her passionate fire for the Lord and people

35. I love the overflowing joy and laughter that she brings in every situation

From Halen

Bonus 1. Raelynn is inspiring in her tenderness to the Lord

Bonus 2. I LOVE that her love language includes chocolate bars

Bonus 3. I love that her love for others is accompanied by action

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Hello!!!

Can it get any better than that?? I don't think so. I keep this list in my journal and when I start feeling lost or in doubt about who I am...I read this list again. It always helps me find my way back and erases the doubt that is plaguing my mind.

This list is truly one of the best gestures of love I have ever received.

Helena

I have a new friend. Helena. Unfortunately we haven't had much time to hang out as I've been super busy at work. But, my friends, this weekend Helena and I are going to get some bonding time. By the way, Helena is my new CamelBak Hydration Pack. Yep, that's what I said, hydration pack. On Sunday, Helena and I will head out for our maiden voyage hike together. I'm super excited about my new Helena CamelBak Hydration Pack. A great big thank you to my Y Besties who purchased my cool hydration pack for my birthday. You all Rock!!

Blog Catch Up: My Birthday

I was fortunate enough to spend my 34th birthday in California with Rebecca & Vivien--where I was spoiled beyond measure. I was able to have a day of relaxation where I stayed in comfy clothes all day, took a nap outside on the patio where I felt the warmth of the sun on my skin. A sheer delight since Colorado had been quite snowy and cloudy. I also had a couple of days of exploring the Redwoods, the coast and the quaint town of Mendocino--which by the way, I want to move there and garden and play on the coast everyday.

On our way to see the Redwoods, we stopped about a million times for Rebecca to pull out her prized pony, aka a Nikon D90 she got for Christmas, and take pictures along the way.  So, needless to say, if she was posting this...the pics would be better. But alas, I don't have a pony, so don't judge my photos!!

One stop of the drive, I absolutely loved. It was the Tulip Hill Winery.


The tulips and florals were absolutely gorgeous. We were on a schedule, so sadly, no wine. Plus, I was the only wine drinker of the group anyway...so whatever....on with the trip. We made it to where we were staying near Redwoods National Park. A lovely place called the Benbow Inn. It was spectacular. When we arrived they had a bottle of champagne waiting for me as a birthday treat!! Fantastic!!



We arrived at the Benbow Inn just in time for afternoon tea and yummy heart shaped scones. After that we headed for the Redwoods. I don't really have words that can adequately explain how much I enjoyed the Redwoods. I was overwhelmed and in awe of this massive giants. Most have been there for about 1800 years. Can you believe that? Long before I was ever a thought in this world, these trees were standing, and when I'm no longer here, they more than likely will still be standing. Amazing.




My Redwood tree pics aren't that fabulous. Remember, I don't have a pony. Rebecca, send me some photos for my memories. Grrr!! While there, Vivien pulled out the Native American flute--which they didn't teach me how to play again!!--and this amazing thing happened. You see, there was a hawk flying over head and he kept circling around to the music. Eventually he brought some friends, and then more friends. These hawks circled above us while she played her music. It was fantastic.



After loads of fun exploring the Redwoods we took a wee scenic route in order for me to see the coast on our way back to Woodland.



We stopped in the quaint city of Mendocino. I love, love this town. I think all the gardeners of the world live and/or retire here. Every house and garden was a treat for they eyes.




Basically, I had an absolute blast on my birthday. A big thank you to Rebecca, Vivien and Mook for all the love and fun. It will be a birthday I remember always!!

april 7th

happy birthday to me!!

slc, knitting and birthday pavlova!!

i went to SLC for my birthday. i stayed with the fabulous duo of Corky & Sharon Seevinck. they always make me feel absolutely loved and adored when I am there. Yay for Corky & Sharon!!! And to top off my vacation-o-fun, I was blessed to have Vivien and Rebecca to hang out and play with during my, too short, stay.
I was able to rest, laugh a lot, enjoy great company and have absolutely no stress or obligations. whoop whoop!!

first thing we did--just a few hours after arriving in SLC--was go get our knitting supplies so I could learn to knit a hat and so Rebecca could begin her knitting adventure--by the way, she's an addict now. And after a few minor mess ups, i accomplished my goal in less than 24 hours. Sweet!



and i must give a shout out to chef Vivien for making amazing dinners and especially for my birthday dessert, Pavlova.

it was scrumdiddlyumpcious!!!

it looked a little like this...



but decorated much better with strawberries, kiwi's and blackberries by the lovely Rebecca!!!


basically, my trip was ALTOGETHER LOVELY!!