I'm pretty sure that I've mentioned at least once a year how much I love birthdays. I've been a little late in my excitement this year, because May got away from me, but it hit me and I'm all about celebration mode. My presents from Josiah and Jim are bought (my running shoes went on sale so I bought two pair for the price of one. Yay!), I have already eaten my cake (a gluten free, all natural chocolate lavendar cake. My parents are here now, so we are celebrating early, so don't think I'm just impatient to have my cake!) and I am just ready to enjoy the day!
I found the above quote on Pinterest during one of Josiah's naps and was struck by how truthful it is. It's really easy, at least for me, to complain and focus on the bad things in life. Especially after a couple of years of infertility and an adoption wait, it was hard to get back to a more positive outlook. However, seeing so much negativity around me, I would really like to be an encouragement to others and bring them up instead of joining in the bad moods. I love my family and friends dearly, but I have heard so many complaints recently that it makes me sad that we are wasting our precious days on earth finding the faults instead of the joys.
So, I wanted to share with you 29 joys in my life as I get close to my 29th birthday (June 1, if you are curious). I'm trying to be a little creative because this list could be really repetitive to share the same joys over and over. The first few have to be mentioned though, even though everyone knows they make me joyful.
1. My husband. So many good things to say about this man. Patient, kind, good. A good father, a sweet date, a gentleman and a man of honor. I am so glad to have gone through trials and joys with him.
2. My son. Josiah Samuel. The center of the Parrish universe. Currently sleeping so peacefully (and raising a hand? He always raises his hand while he's sleeping...). Such a happy baby. Full of smiles, so smart and so strong! So handsome.
3. My dogs. Need I say more than they are cute, cuddly, lovey, and just the best?
4. My job. And the fact that I still have one. My bosses are awesome, my co-worker is awesome, what I do is awesome. I am proud to be a Lou Kraus Music employee. I love the connections I've made through this job and being able to help kids start and continue to progress in music.
5. My students. Speaking of kids start and continue in music, I have been blessed with a particularly talented and hard working group of students this past year or two. They are all doing such a great job this year, racking up awards and opportunities.
6. Adoption being possible. How many children would be without homes or safety and how many people who would love to have them would be without them if this wasn't a possibility? The difficulties that potentially accompany adoption don't change my mind that it is necessary in this fallen world and such a blessing to be a part of.
7. Etsy. Cardigan onesies with bow ties. Homemade shirts. Cute gift ideas. I'm addicted to Etsy.
8. Bountiful Baskets. Money saving and totally a "crunchy" thing to do. It's like Christmas every other week, never knowing what you are going to get but always excited to get it.
9. Bamboo clothing. So soft, so cute, supposedly eco-friendly. What's not to love.
10. Kale salad topped with fresh fruit and yogurt for dressing. Seriously my favorite go to meal at the moment. I use almond milk yogurt for my dressing, and usually use strawberries and blueberries. So freaking good!
11. Mango. I tend to eat at least two a week.
12. Gilmore Girls reviving. Seriously, who knew that so many years later we would be looking forward to new episodes of the one show that I became addicted to in college? And the plan I have to meet with my best friend to binge watch them is also something super exciting to look forward to!
13. The new Jungle Book movie. We went on a date to watch it and we were so happy with it! I really like this movie. It's not something I'll show Josiah until he's quite a bit older (a little too scary, I think) but it's super good!
14. Charlie Brown in general. My dad and I enjoy the Peanuts cartoons and movies and it's just something sweet from my childhood that makes me think of my dad. The new movie is pretty darned good (I love that Charlie Brown is such a good guy), but anything Peanuts makes me nostalgic and happy.
15. Josiah's birth mother. Without her decision we wouldn't have Josiah. Even with some of the harder stuff we all have to deal with, she gave us the greatest gift and did it in such an amazing way. He looks so much like her, and I'm so grateful for her beautiful smile and sweet features that we get to witness in our son every day. So joyful to have her in my life!
16. Coffee shops and libraries. Places to go with my son that don't mind me sitting and feeding him in the corner. An excuse to get out of the house for just a while.
17. The stroller. Seriously, the stroller of freedom. The first time I felt physically amazing after Josiah was born was taking him on his first stroller walk. So much freedom!!!
18. Being able to run. Even at 5 AM after a 3:30 feeding and a 4 AM workout. Even when it's cold, or I can't see or I run past a dead cow (just a couple of weeks ago, got to call 911 about it and everything). I don't take a single day that I can shake out my stresses and take some time to myself for granted. I love making my body move and trying to make it better.
19. Good people. People who check in and follow through. People who are kind. People who are dedicated. People who are honest.
20. Living in a small town.
21. Being able to play an instrument. Or two. The challenge of classical music, the success of mastering artistic expression. It's pretty sweet.
22. The feeling after a good sneeze. Seriously. So nice. Much relief.
23. Jokes that make you laugh too hard.
24. Big windows with great views.
25. Planning vacations (even if they are just imaginary, will never happen vacations). Related, pretending that Jim and I will be on the Amazing race someday. Because we would totally be awesome at it. Except I struggle with accents, jet lag, and directions... so maybe not.
26. A full nights sleep. Something I look forward to getting again one day.
27. Good smells. Seriously, anything that smells good.
28. I suppose I wouldn't be a good Christian if I didn't mention my faith. Without God, all of this wouldn't be around. I know that, I respect that and I REJOICE in that.
29.Birthdays! Celebrating the day the world went from without me to with me... totally worth celebrating, right? Okay, eating some humble pie, I still really like birthdays...
