Thirty Six

a little summer color and light on this grey winter day

I tuned 36 yesterday!  Yay! And in celebration, I'd like to list 36 things that I am grateful for on this lovely day.  In no particular order....

1. discovering a new passion for aerial acrobatics. oh my goodness, yes.
2. huevos rancheros filling my home with amazing smells as I snuggled in bed yesterday morning
3. sweet cards made by even sweeter children
4. a new knitting pattern book full of delicious potential
5. emails with a sheep breeder
6. homemade gluten free cookies made for me by my baking wonder kids
7. so many new words spilling from the lips of my nearly two-year-old munchkin
8. the wild giggles that explode from deep in his belly as he plays with his pops
9. my rapidly increasing strength and flexibility due to diligent aerial practice
10. new babies on the way, growing in the bellies of ones that I love so very much
11. finding time to read books again
12. lengthening days
13. the occasional decent night of sleep
14. the trust and companionship of good friends
15. a partner who makes me my favorite breakfast and dinner on my birthday
16. sparkling blue eyes of my three amazing children
17. finally getting my pullover on the trapeze
18. a toddler who finally naps consistently on his own
19. a partner whom I trust with all of my heart
20. his hugs, which warm me to my very core
21. fresh eggs from our chickens
22. fresh milk from our cow
23. fresh kale still coming from our garden
24. the soon-to-be drying off of our cow, which will offer me one less thing to do each day
25. the night out I am treating myself to tonight with some dear lady friends 
26. a house that sometimes stays tidy for an hour before the next whirlwind moves through
27. soups... warm, hardy soups that fill my belly and warm me from the inside out this winter
28. the big smiles that greet me each morning as I open my eyes to Jade leaning over me saying, "play?"
29. big ideas and plans for our home and land this year
30. my beautiful daughter sitting across from me as I type this and her magical smiles
31. the powerhouse wood stove that is the heart of this home all winter long
32. birthday wishes from loved ones that brought smiles to my lips throughout the day yesterday
33. the tiny juncos that visit the feeder just outside my window 
34. the fact that Jade does not want to touch his runny nose, but rather runs through the house shouting, "bubble!", every time he needs his nose wiped
35. a thirteen-year-old son who still offers me hugs every single time he thinks I might need one
36. the year to come and all that it will bring!

xoxo