I’m 34.

In honor of my 34th birthday today, I thought I would list 34 things I am grateful for. I feel incredibly blessed and could list WAY more than that, but for today, 34 will do. :)

• 1. First and foremost, for my God who has blessed me with a wonderful, incredible, happy life. His grace and love sustains me and has blessed me more than I deserve. Sure life isn’t always pretty, but His mercy and love are always there to remind me that that’s ok. :)
• 2. My amazing best friend and husband, Michael. He loves me unconditionally, knows me inside and out and always goes and gets me some sweets when I need it. His hugs have always been THE BEST and it’s because of him that I have my next blessings.
• 3. My beautiful and sweet daughter, Caylin. She is the sweetest and bravest girl I know. She is a great mix of feisty, silly, sweet, loving and stubborn. Her heart is SO big. She is THE BEST big sister ever. She possesses qualities that I wish I did and she’s only 6. I am proud to be her Mama.
• 4. My sweet Jack. He is a Mama’s boy and I thank God for him. He was a surprise (to us, not God) and I don’t know what I would do without him. I love how mischievous he is. He’s also so sweet and loves to give hugs. I love receiving hugs so how perfect is that? He is fearless and knows no bounds, which gives this Mama heart palpitations and her first gray hair strands, but he’s so worth it. I’m thankful for a son. Boys do rock. :)
• 5. I am grateful that I can stay home with my children.
• 6. I am grateful that because I stay home, I can homeschool my children and spend so much time with them. Time is fleeting and these little people are SO important to me. They teach ME so much.
• 7. I love living in the great state of Tennessee. So thankful to put roots down here.
• 8. My sweet dog, Maggie. She has been my sidekick for 9 years. She is the sweetest dog you’ll meet. Loyal, so wonderful with Caylin and Jack and although yappy at times, she is a protector and a true friend. She came into my life when I needed her and even though I don’t take as many photos of her as I used to and she’s not the center of attention anymore, she sits off to the side not resentful, but just watching us lovingly and understands. I’m going to miss that dog so much one day.
• 9. My Mom, Dad and sisters.
• 10. My bestie, Nichole and her sweet family. They truly ARE part of my family and I love them and miss them. Wish we lived closer. Sigh.
• 12. Silly kitchen dance parties with Caylin and Jack.
• 13. Laughing so hard my stomach hurts and I about pee my pants.
• 14. The running hugs my kids give me during the day. The best kind of hugs, in my opinion.
• 15. Dreams that are big and friends who remind me that no matter how big they seem – they can be achieved.
• 16. BIG dreams and being excited about what the future holds.
• 17. Creative friends who have blessed my life and given me some wonderful opportunities that I am grateful for.
• 18. Sincere and genuine people that pop into my life, bless it and ask for nothing in return. Kindness DOES matter.
• 19. Pinterest
• 20. Etsy
• 21. Jack’s giggle
• 22. Caylin’s BIG, beautiful smile
• 23. Michael’s corny jokes that make me laugh (including the “profit” jokes that I pretend I can’t stand) ;)
• 25. Photography – capturing my life in photographs makes me SO happy.
• 26. Project Life – thank you Becky Higgins for a simple, sweet and easy way to capture my family’s story.
• 27. Target
• 28. The wonderful homeschooling group that we are a part of. Such a blessing!
• 29. Insulin
• 30. My lap top and the internet
• 31. Mexican food
• 32. Sweet people who have Type 1 diabetes themselves or someone they love has it and they email me support and encouragement.
• 33. My sweet blog and all of YOU sweet blog readers who take a bit from your day to stop by and check it out.
• 34. And lastly, another year of life to enjoy these blessings and more.

Looking forward to year 34 and I’ll continue to be thanking God along the way. Today is an all smiles and laughter, funfetti cupcake kind of day!

Hugs!