of grateful praise

Happy Birthday to me! I am ever thankful for these 36 years of life. Last year on my birthday, I posted a list of 35 things I wanted to do during my 35th year. Today I look back. I realize that I did many of these things. And I also did NOT do many of these things. Further, I did many things that weren't even on the list. And I consider the importance of having a plan. A goal. And also realizing that life is not always about my plans and my goals. Because, although we like to think we are in control of our days... we simply are not. So this year, My list looks a little different. Surely, I would still like to accomplish the list in it's entirety. But mostly, I just want to live with joy. That's my list of what I want for my 36th year. Joie d'Vivre.

Here is the list from last year-

35 things i want to do during my 35th year ::

1 learn how to knit + knit all my boys beanies

2 find a gluten free daily bread recipe that i like just as much as my former daily bread recipe

3 vacation in maui

4 take a cooking class

5 learn a french song and sing it frequently to my children

6 visit the central coast

7 plant a vegetable garden

8 rekindle my passion for the written letter + write letters to friends & family

9 run wildly with my boys

10 visit the library regularly

11 play chess with the mr.

12 read, read, read

13 keep a nature journal

14 draw, paint, write

15 learn more about photography

16 smile more

17 pray more

18 praise the mr. more

19 fit into my armani dress

20 shop the farmer's market regularly

21 organize, organize, organize

22 picnic frequently

23 go camping

24 meet the new neighborhood, get involved

25 meet the new church, get involved

26 get a family portrait done

27 practice random acts of kindness

28 focus on the fruits of the spirit- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness + self control

29 surprise family + friends with thoughtfulness

30 master several soup recipes

31 memorize scripture with isaak

32 play with the boys... really play

33 take time to listen... really listen

34 kiss the mr. more

35 make a list for year 36

I will still make efforts to accomplish this list. However, it will not guide my days. Instead, I hope that my days will be guided by faith, in hope, receiving and giving joy abundantly. Wishing you Joie d'Vivre friends! And a beautiful year. xox