Hello 31

Really...31?  How in the world did THAT happen?  I swear I was just 21.  I swear we were just newlyweds.  I swear I just found out I was pregnant with Bryce.  I swear time is not flying by at warp speed!

Instead of focusing on how awful it is to get older, I am going to embrace my old age (ha ha ha) and be grateful for everything I have.

Here is my list of 31 things I am thankful for today:

1.  That God allows me to wake up every morning and start a brand new day.
2.  I have a husband who adores me.
3.  I have two beautiful, healthy, energetic, smart, funny children.
4.  I have a roof over my head and a safe place to sleep every night.
5.  I have enough food to fill my belly and keep me going (sometimes a little too much)
6.  I am not battling any diseases or addictions
7.  My family loves me.
8.  I have awesome friends that love and support me.
9. I have access to medical care if and when I need it.
10.  I have the ability to read and write.
11. Simply put, I can enjoy my freedom every single day because of those who serve and protect our country.
12.  That my husband has a job!!!!!
13.  My husband has a job that provides us with everything we need (and more)
14.  My husband has a job that allows me to stay home and raise our children.
15.  That I was able to attend college and graduate with a degree.
16.  I have been able to travel to some amazing places.
17.  I have conveniences that are often taken for granted.  (running water, heat, clothing, reliable vehicle, washer/dryer, electricity)
18.  I have babysitters that I can count on that allow me to get a break from my kids.
19.  That my struggles are not how will I feed or clothe my children, but what will I feed them or pick out for them to wear.  (Thanks Stacy and Amy for all the new-to-us clothes!)
20.  I have been blessed with creativity.
21.  I am able to enjoy luxuries such as iphone, lap top, ipod, flat screen tv, etc.  That is not meant to be boastful, but honestly thankful!
22.  I have the ability to worship my God freely.
23.  I belong to an amazing community at The Branch.
24.  That I have grown spiritually over the last year thanks to the bible studies I have participated in, and the fellowship of the women involved.
25.  That I am forgiven.
26.  I feel safe in almost every aspect.
27.  That I continue learn new things and have the ability to evolve.
28.  I may not have been blessed with a beautiful singing voice, but I sure sound good in my car.
29.  I have humor, and can laugh at my mistakes.
30.  That I woke up to flowers, a sweet card, and my favorite Starbucks coffee.
31.  My kids sang happy birthday to me, hugged me, and told me they loved me.  Amazing.

I am very blessed, no doubt.  Life is not perfect.  Things can always be worse.



So with that being said...Happy Birthday to me!  31 should be a good year.  :)