Happy Birthday to Me!

So here I sit on the eve of my 30th birthday, alone watching the clock tick away the last few minutes of my 29th year.  I am not scared to turn 30, I am ready for a new decade, but I definitely didn't think this is where I would be for this birthday.  I have decided that my new goal for this year would be to appreciate the little things in life along with the bigger ones.  So here is my list of 30 things that I am thankful.

I am thankful for....
1. my beautiful little girl.
1. my beautiful little boy.
1. my husband.
4.  my family.
5. my friends.
6. my faith in God.
7. the food on my table.
8. the roof over my head.

9.  the clothes on my back.
10.  the memories of loved ones that have passed.
11. a good song on the radio while driving.
12. the calming sound of the ocean.
13.  the feeling of freedom.
14. the color of the leaves as they change.
15. how passionate my little girl can be.
16. how laid-back my little boy is.
17. chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.
18. the wind when it smells like honeysuckles.
19. the smell of fresh flowers.
20. flip-flops.
21. the warmth of the sun on even the coldest day.
22. a rainbow after a rainstorm.
23. the smell of fresh cut grass.
24. swedish fish and Dr. Pepper.
25. snuggling in bed on a cold day.
26. my little girl's smile.
27. my little boy's giggle.
28. the strength in my marriage.
29. the love I feel from the ones I love.
30. my inner strength.


My two greatest gifts:

The Eve of my New Job

So I got a part-time job.  I am happy to have the opportunity to get out of the house for a little while and to have some adult conversations. Just think, a conversation that doesn't have the words: cheerios, potty, poopy, snot, pee-pee, Calliou, Barney or Sesame Street in it. :-) Or answering the same questions at least fifteen times in five minutes.  I am truly sad to leave my babies everyday, but I know that they will be in good hands and be safe and happy.  It did come with so many things to get ready, that I am feeling actually prepared to start.

We found a nanny to watch the kids two days a week.  It is more money that we would like to spend, but it is a better situation for all involved.  Anna is so excited for her to come in the morning, that she is still trying to fall asleep. 

I hope the excitement wears off soon because I am not sure how many more late nights I can handle. 

It's not my ideal job, but I am thankful to have a job and make some money for my family.  However, I am still looking for my dream job.  I know I will find it, I just have to be patient. 

I am always so afraid that I will oversleep that I am wide awake and have trouble falling asleep.  I know tonight will be a long night, but usually the first night is the worst and then I am over my fear.  I will let you know that I have never overslept for an important moment in my life.  I am confident I will make it on time, but that never makes it easier to fall asleep.

I hope this is the dawn of a better life and I am hoping that we do amazing things with this change.

A little bit of hope

A very dear friend of mine tragically lost her daughter and grandson one year ago today.  I know that the pain is extreme and still very raw, but maybe this brings a little hope.


The sun's touch is a little warmer,
Even though each day is a little darker.

Each rainbow appears a little brighter,
But every smile is weaker.

Every cloud just a little fluffier,
While the air seems heavier.

Even the moon is a dazzling light,
While the night's silence is deafening.

I am envious of the skies,
Each dancing with the stars,
Full of freedom and love.

I hope to meet them again
And dance into the winds.

Sadness is overwhelming,
While waiting for that moment.

Until that moment, I know that
Earth is smaller without the ones we love,
Because Heaven received not one, but two angels.

Ocean Breezes

We spent the last week at the beach.  Slathered in sunscreen and wearing our hats: we played in the sand.  Lucas loved every minute of it after he got over his fear of the great wide ocean.  Anna was a little more scared of the ocean, but by the end of the week, she wanted to play in the water.

I am so glad that both peanut and cookie loved the beach.  I know that it is important to Daddy that they love the ocean.  I know that they may have a little fear each time, they will love the beach as much as he does.  I, however, am still trying to clean the sand out of everything and everywhere. 

We had beautiful weather and an amazing time.  Here are some pictures of the little ones on the beach.

Anna took this last picture and I think she did a pretty good job.

Wordless Wednesday

Kaliedoscope Explosion

Brightly colored lights exploded above,
Squealing, shrieking, whining through the sky.
Blue
Yellow
Red
White
and Green.
Eyes full of wonder---gazing.
Sun kissed cheeks and sticky fingers
pointed toward the stars.

Shiny, bright streams of lights,
shooting towards the heaven.
Giggling in the darkness,
a brilliant, incredible burst of life.



Happy Birthday America!

Five questions Friday

Thanks Tiffany (NY Island Girl) for posting this, I love these types of things!

1. What is one thing you miss the most about childhood?


2. Are you still friends with your friends from high school?

3. Is there a catch phrase, cliche, or word that just drives you bonkers every time you hear it?

4. What is one thing that you think symbolizes America...besides "Old Glory"?

5. What are your 4th of July weekend plans?

 
 
Answers:
1. I think the thing I miss most is the carefree summer days: catching lightning bugs, playing kick ball, eating ice cream, playing on the swingset and the water wars.
 
2. I am still very close with 3 high school friends.  I love those girls.  There are many I still talk to, but I don't get to see as often as I would like.
 
3. I don't like the 'f' word.  It is a word, I rarely say, its usually an event when I do.  I just don't like it and it drives me crazy that so many people use it without any concern.
 
4. I think that fireworks are a great symbol of America.
 
5. Trip to the zoo, visiting some friends and then a BBQ with a friend I haven't seen in quite a while.  Relaxed, but fun.