My 31st birthday was Sunday and I am now quite comfortably in my thirties…how did that happen?! Like I did a few years ago, I’d like to share 30 of my favorite things from the past year to celebrate! Some are silly and some are serious, but they’ve all made my 30th year memorable.
1. HEARING D READ. This is probably the biggest blessing of my entire year. When we embarked on his education at home last year, I was not prepared for the challenges he would face. Although never formally diagnosed, we believe that D has signs of dyslexia and that knowledge alone was life-changing for both of us. I read books and did lots of research and we finally found a program that clicks. Today, he is reading (!!) and is so confident. It chokes me up every time.
2. MY KITCHEN TABLE CHAIRS. We replaced our old kitchen table chairs with a metal version and I love them. So easy to clean!
3. THE INSPIRED READERS BOOK CLUB. Tabitha, Shelly and I are having so much fun leading this book club. I really enjoy hearing what parts of a book speak to people.
4. BIRD WATCHING. We became those nerdy bird people this summer. Three different mourning dove mamas came and had babies in our hanging fern this year and it was fascinating to watch every time.
5. GERMAN CHOCOLATE. I could eat my weight in this stuff. My favorites are Alpine Milk and the Milka & Lu Biscuits.
6. DATE NIGHTS WITH MARK. We have decided that our full schedules are no excuse to ditch date night! Once a week, we put the kids to bed and then either make a special dinner together or order takeout. We’ve also been able to go on a few day dates, just the two of us (thanks Mom and Dad!).
7. RUNNING. What can I say about running? It’s my favorite form of exercise and I’m positive it’s made me a better mother too.
8. CROSS-STITCHING. I’ve been cross-stitching on and off for years and I just love the soothing aspect of the little uniform stitches.
9. MY PLANNER. I just use a cheap one from Target, but it quickly becomes one of my most prized possessions. I write everything in there: all of my to-dos (of course), funny things the kids say, prayer intentions, goals and hopes and dreams. It’s like a paper time capsule of my year.
10. MY OLDEST, M. He seems to grow older everyday. We’re entering this brand new era where he’s not a little boy anymore, but not a tween/teenager either. So big, but still my little guy at the same time. I’m trying to treasure him as he is right now.
11. CHIPS AND GUACAMOLE. I could eat this snack every.single.day.
12. THE FARM. We went up to visit family this summer and stayed at the farm. It is, hands down, my favorite place on Earth.
13. THE WINTER OF OUR DISCONNECT. This book has opened my eyes in incredible new ways. Hard to say, but I think it was the most life-changing book I read all year.
14. T25. When fitting in a consistent running routine proved difficult this summer, I tried out T25 and loved it! Such a good full-body workout and only 25 minutes a day.
15. J, MY THIRD. It’s hard to adequately describe my third born. He is so passionate about everything in life. I love his smile and his belly laugh.
16. SUNDAY DINNERS. Some weeks are full spreads, some weeks are just a big bowl of pasta and a salad. Either way, we always sit down together on Sundays to thank God for our week and prepare for the next.
17. STITCH FIX. Many people have conflicting feelings about Stitch Fix, but I am so thankful for its assistance in helping me create my own style again.
18. COFFEE. Liquid sunshine. I look forward to that first sip every morning.
19. SOPHIA. She’s been around awhile, but sometimes I still look at her and think about how incredibly lucky we are to have her. She is a feisty, happy delight.
20. BIG WHITE FARMHOUSE. I have worked hard to grow my shop this year and we’re starting to make some strides! As much as I love each product we sell, I am even more passionate about the heart behind it all: we love family and want to invite you right into ours, just like our Gram did.
21. ETSY WHOLESALE. This site has been a lifesaver for me as a buyer. Quick, easy and straight-forward.
22. TJ. What can I say about my baby? We are so thankful for him. Every single one of us is just crazy about him.
23. LONGMIRE AND BLUE BLOODS. Our two favorite shows on Netflix. We love a good cop drama.
24. MY PURSE. I desperately needed a replacement for my worn out diaper bag and this did the trick. Found in one of my Stitch Fix boxes!
25. FRIDAY FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTS. We have popcorn and other snack foods for dinner and pick a movie on Amazon. It’s our favorite day of the week.
26. LEMONADE ICED TEA. I just discovered this last month. Yum.
27. SENDING GIFTS “JUST BECAUSE”. Gift giving is definitely my love language. I love searching for just the right thing.
28. CLASSICAL MUSIC AND CANDLES. I’m trying to bring more peace to our home and these two things really help. I’m burning one of these candles right now.
29. JET.COM. This site has been a life-saver for me. Groceries brought to my front door, while saving money too!
30. THE READERS OF THIS BLOG. Because of you, I keep coming back to this space. Thank you for reading and sharing a part of you with me.
