28

I can't believe I'm 28. It doesn't bother me, it's just that I still feel like a kid. I still feel like I should have a curfew and I feel like Jason and I are just playing house (a very realistic version). It feels like one day I'm going to wake up and be back in High School worrying about my latest crush or an Algebra test, I can't believe how fast the time has gone by.

I am happy to be getting older. I say this today, but I know the first time I see a wrinkled face looking back at me in the mirror or I spot my first grey hair glistening in the sun I'll be upset about it. But, for now, I'm going to enjoy it and be happy as I get older.

I've found as each year goes by I've come to appreciate smaller and more simple things in life. Little things like long showers, the perfect cup of coffee (and actually getting to drink the whole cup before it gets cold) and having my hands free to hold my guy's hand are luxuries these days. But when I look back at the days when these things were every day occurrences I don't long to be that person again. It's kind of fun to have such simple things feel like such a treat because when the opportunity strikes to watch the morning news with a warm cup of joe it feels like I'm pampering myself and it's such a simple thing. It doesn't take any planning, it doesn't blow the budget, it just happens when everything falls right into place.

As each year has passed I've realized a simpler life is a much better life. The less complicated things are, the less stress there is and the more time we have to focus on the truly precious things- like how angelic Ashley looks on the swings with the sun shining behind her, how much unconditional Love Hauser has when he just wants to be right next to me, how special it feels to have Colin hold on to my shoulder (the beginning of many hugs to come) and how great it can feel to share the details of our days while Jason and I take our family for an evening walk. Those are the times when the simple things look and feel like miracles.

This year has had its ups and downs and the ups have been amazing and the downs have been pretty horrible but being lucky enough to have a simple life has allowed me to see life's little miracles and witnessing those almost daily has left me feeling blessed this year. So today I'm going to celebrate in a simple way and just enjoy my day.

Thanks for all my birthday wishes, those are some of the little things that make the day feel so special.