Pressing on

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I stand here in the thick of it

Wondering how it got to be this way

Is it written on my forehead

And I cannot see it?

Is it a part of me, always will be

And I need to accept it?

How did it get to this point?

Who was the one directing the traffic?

I do not like standing here, right here

I am not meant to be in this place

I need to keep moving

Traveling to the places that free me

I am the one directing the traffic from now on

I will not accept what currently is

I will keep pressing on

Until I arrive at home

Summer Memories: Beach Volleyball

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This summer I got to spend some Saturdays waking up bright and early, traveling down to the shore with Brian, and spending the entire day on the beach watching him play beach volleyball. I love that he invited me to go down with him. It was such a nice experience. Driving down together. Chatting in the car. Discovering new music. Watching him play. Learning more about him. And soaking in some sunshine and a couple of naps on the beach. Life is incredible.

I am so honored to call Brian my brother. So proud of the life he has created. Brian finds the joy and fun in the everyday things that encompass his life. He is always willing to play, laugh, and have a good time no matter what it is he is doing. He is his own person. So strong, caring, and loving. He lives life enjoying what he loves doing and is passionate about so many things.

I know that if I ever needed anything Brian would be one of the first people there for me. Over the past couple of years we have gotten closer and it has been such a wonderful blessing in my life. I am also lucky that I work close to where he works. It gives us the chance to get together for lunch. There is no better way to break up a day at work than sharing lunch with your older brother.

Not only is Brian an incredible brother to me but he is also a loving husband and an amazing father. I look up to the relationship that he has with Laurie and hope to one day have that for myself. They are so kind to each other and that is so extremely important. I just adore watching him interact with Hannah. It makes my heart swell with pride. I knew that he would be a good father, but to watch it unfold in front of me is incredible.

Having the opportunity to spend time with Brian this summer was one of my favorite memories. I am so incredibly lucky to have such an amazing older brother to look up to.

Summer Memories: Jack Johnson Concert

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I love spending time with my family. Whenever we are together I laugh hysterical. So hard in fact that tears fall from my eyes. Every time I am with them I am happy and overcome with love.

This summer we boarded the train and headed into NYC to see Jack Johnson play at MSG. The entire evening was wonderful. Laughter filled the train. Brian and I practiced for the mud run on the train station stairs. And hearing Jack Johnson play was magical. I love that we all enjoy his music and take the time to go out and see him.

During the last song I stood there amongst my family,

Better Together

was being played, and I closed my eyes attempting to capture the beauty of the moment in my mind forever. As a family we are Better Together. I am so blessed to have each of them in my life.

Summer Memories: Macys Fireworks

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I had nothing planned to celebrate July 4th. I was just going to let the day unfold and see where it took me. Christian and I spent the morning riding around town on our bicycles. It was a hot one. Which is perfect weather for me but definitely not perfect weather for everyone. I had a blast on my bicycle and was so proud of far Christian rode especially in the heated conditions we were under.

On the spur of the moment we decided to head in to see the Macys Fireworks. Off we went. Backpack packed with snacks, drinks, and uno. We got front row spots right on the water on the NJ side. We spent all day playing games, talking, laughing, soaking in the sunshine and each others company. When nightfall came we both watched in amazement as the fireworks filled the sky with the NYC skyline as its backdrop. It was a spectacular show.

I was so happy to be right there in that moment and sharing it with Christian. After the fireworks ended we let the crowd disperse as we sat and talked. Once tiredness crept upon us we headed back home smiling from ear to ear. It was an incredible day.

What a wonderful summer memory to be engrained upon my heart.

Summertime Memories

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The summer has come to a close. Not with a bang, but rather with a quiet solitude. Which somehow seems to be exactly as it should.

This was a good summer for me. Filled with lots of family time. Laughter. Fun. Swimming in the ocean. Swimming in the pool. Sand between my toes. Fireworks. Watching volleyball. Lots and lots of sunshine. Riding my bicycle. And going on fun adventures. Just to name a few. I created many amazing memories and have such wonderful things to look back on and smile about.

Thank you dear universe for giving me this precious gift this summer. Thank you for cracking me open. Making me see myself. Learn a lot about who I am. Thank you for opening me up to fully experience unconditional love. A type of love that can only come from family. Family love is like no other. It is always there, especially Belthoff Family type of Love. We can overcome anything together. That is a true blessing that cannot be overlooked.

As summer comes to a close I would like to take the time to look back on some of my favorite summertime memories. So that is what I am going to do this week. I hope you will join me and share some of your favorite memories that you created this summer as I share some of mine with you.