My favorite songs...

There are some songs that just touch your heart more than others. When a song gives me chills or makes me tear up, well I love that feeling (dork alert)! I am a self-proclaimed "sing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs-in-the-car" type of girl. I have been caught by people driving by one too many times and passengers, well they are always in for a personal concert (I'm looking at you Chelsi...who can forget the monotone octave version of Kelly Clarkson's "Breakaway").

Music just makes me happy, no I am not a good singer (I didn't make chorus in 8th grade when everyone else did...seriously not exaggerating everyone made it) but why should my lack of tone keep me from enjoying the fun ;) I wouldn't say I have a particular type of music, though my listening choice has changed some since I have a child with me at all times now. Noted, I don't want her hearing a popstar sing about how "whips and chains excite her" so we tend to listen to mostly Christian, Country & our favorite Amos Lee when in the car.

Some songs will forever be my favorite and others are just what I am listening to right now in time. But seriously, these songs have made me smile, given me joy and even hope during times in my life. I thought it was only fitting to share my top 10 with you all (hello to my THREE readers).

The list got a little long with my commentary (I had to explain myself, ok!!) so to help you along I will break it up with adorable pictures of my little girl...you're welcome :)

1. Keith Urban, "Making Memories of Us"
The acoustic version was my first dance with my husband at our wedding. Whenever I hear it played it takes me right back to that moment and one of the happiest days of my life. I often look back to that moment as a reminder of how exciting I want the love to be in our marriage. That song is guaranteed to make me smile!

2. Amos Lee, "Colors"
My husband introduced me to Amos Lee when we were first dating. This is one of the first songs he played for me on the guitar and I immediately fell in love. The tone in Amos' voice is so sweet and comforting and to this day I have never listened to it without full on chills :) We even named our pup "Amos" after Amos Lee. I may have even told the real Amos this when I met him...some things are really better kept to yourself ;)

I'm so glad they named you Amos.
3. Josh Wilson, "Before the Morning"
I first heard this song after learning some upsetting news and it immediately comforted me. Later I heard he wrote it after learning his unborn son had a heart disorder and was not expected to make it after birth. His son ended up living and is now almost 10 and living a normal and healthy life. This song is about faith and the words, "Would you dare to believe, that you still have a reason to sing, that the pain that you've been feeling, can't compare to the JOY that's coming." I just love it. Such good reminder to keep the faith in times of pain and has proven true time and time again in my life. Love it. Love it.

4. Renee & Jeremy, "Welcome to this World"
I found this song online and put it to a slide show for Leighton's first birthday. When I watch the montage I can NEVER make it through this song without tearing up. I've already talked about my love for the day she was born but how fast everything goes by is truly amazing to me. Being a parent is true love and also the scariest thing I've ever done!

I get it, everyone's happy I was born.
5. Amos Lee, "Learned A Lot"
My husband first found this song last summer before it was officially released. We could only listen/watch it via you tube for a long time and I bet I viewed it at least a hundred times. Seriously, go watch it now. You won't be sorry!

6. Matt Maher, "Hold Us Together"
In the past year I have fallen in love with Christian music. I love that I can play it in the car with Leighton and don't have to worry about the words or message the songs display. This song is fun to sing along with and has a message with a purpose. Even my husband loves this song!

What? I'm just cooking here on the kitchen floor. Get back to your list.
7. Dave Barnes, "Grace's Amazing Hands"
We had a friend sing the acoustic version of this song during our wedding ceremony. It's a great song describing unconditional love.

8. Amos Lee, "Violin"
Ok, I know you are probably sick of hearing me go on and on and on about how much I love Amos Lee but I am not kidding I can listen to his music on replay and never get sick of it. This song is my favorite from his new album "Mission Bell."

Again, nothing to see here, just a little baggie organization going on.
9. Newsboys, "Arise My Love"
In the spirit of Easter, this song is definitely one of my favorites. I actually have a new favorite Easter song I heard on the radio last week but alas I can not find it. The only words I can remember from the song are "Jesus" and "Hero" and turns out there are A LOT of songs (rightfully so) dedicated to this topic :) So, I am left with my ole' trusty favorite from my childhood. This song was always performed at my church's Easter program...again, chills!

LAST BUT NOT LEAST...... DRUM ROLL PLEASE...............

10. ANYTHING our princess sings!

She has the voice of an angel ;))))

I AM the next American Idol!