30 Happy Things

Birthdays make most of us reflect on our lives and think about how the time is passing. New Years does the same thing. So when your birthday is on New Years day, I'd say I get a pass on being a sentimental fool for a few days. So in the reflecting I've been doing, I realized a few things. First, 30 sounds so old when you're a kid, seems so far in the future. But it's here so fast and you quickly realize, you have to pay attention, or life is literally going to pass you by. Second, 30 is not old. If you disagree, talk to my 88 year old grandma. And third, I am ridiculously happy with where my life is. Much more happy than I would have ever imagined being. And with a much different life than I imagined for myself. So here are some of those things that make me happy, in no particular order and with as little editing as possible.

1. The happy "good morning, mommy" from Sebastian every day.
2. The giant grin on Oscar's face every day when I say "good morning!"
3. Brian's tossled curls every morning.
4. A promising career and a job I actually enjoy going to.
5. A husband who will throw me a surprise party.
6. Friends who will come to said party, even though they only had a weeks notice. 
7. Friends with kids who are going through the same things as us on this parenting journey.
8. Friends without kids who don't mind spending time with our crazy family.
9. Running.
10. Yoga.
11. Biking to work.
12. Seeing huge trees when I step out my front door.
13. Rain and all the life it brings.
14. Cooking and baking for family and friends.
15. Being able to afford healthy food.
16. Being challenged daily by my children.
17. Living with a houseful of boys.
18. Parents that love being grandparents.
19. In-laws who I love like a second set of parents.
20. A husband who does everything for his kids.
21. Friends that have stayed friends for years and across hundreds of miles.
22. Family and friends that drive hundreds of miles to come visit.
23. Burning Man.
24. Camping.
25. Hiking with Brian.
26. Watching the complete happiness of our greyhound Ginger as she sprints.
27. The Oregon coast.
28. Learning to love who I am.
29. Being with the same amazing man since I was 16.
30. All the amazing sunsets I have seen and have yet to see.

Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica 5/1/2012

Black Rock City, 9/12/2012

Oregon Coast, 9/22/2012

Bald Peak, OR 1/1/2015

UPDATE: I forgot one of the best things ever. Listening to Brian play his music.