Loving Life

I think that my greatest achievement has been becoming a mother. My kids are an absolute joy and even in the trying moments, I see that they are beautiful people who love life.

My daugther is just about the happiest person I've ever known. She sings, dances, talks (a little too much at school) and rarely has a bad day. She's so thoughtful and is great at problem solving because she looks for a solution that makes everyone happy. I've always been a little strict with her, but that's because I want to instill strong values and a good work ethic; looking at who she is at 6 years old, I feel confident that she will grow to be an amazing woman!

I was thinking the other day about who Marissa really is and what makes her so happy and I realized that the answer is really so simple. Marissa LOVES life. She finds joy and beauty in just about everything around her. She's optimistic; she's a dreamer, but she always creates her own happiness. What a great lesson for us all to learn! She doesn't rely on others to fulfill her life, she strives to bring happiness to others and she is confident that the world is full of magic and love.

You know, I believe she's right! How could anyone argue that when they see the kindness of a stranger, the love and friendship of siblings, the devotion of parents to their children and the perseverance of humanity in a crazy world. Obviously, with beauty and love comes ugliness and hate, but I'll take Marissa's stance, "love your life and take each moment with a smile!"

Before 30

My birthday came and went and man was it lovely! My husband made sure that I had a relaxing weekend and I really enjoyed myself!

As I reflected back on my 29 years, I realize that I am truly a blessed individual and I have so much to be thankful for. I can't believe how my life has turned out and I know that I too often take my life for granted.

Not that I think 30 is old, but since it is noted as a "milestone" in life, I will go ahead and create a list of things that I would like to accomplish this year.

1. Run a half marathon
2. Participate in the warrior dash
3. have a real start to my first book
4. travel wine country
5. take latin dance lessons


I'm sure that the list will grow. I've got 364 days to go, so I better get crackin'!

Turning 29

My birthday is in less than a week. I'm entering my last year of my twenties and I can't tell you how much I've looked forward to my thirties! However, now that I'm approaching 30, I'm starting to feel like time is moving too fast. My twenties were hard. I had a lot of growing pains, but I had a lot of joy too! I met my husband, got married, had two beautiful children, started a business... I have so much to be thankful for!

I can't help but wonder what my thirties will bring... What will I accomplish and what things do I have around the corner? I'm going to create a list of things that I would like to do before turning the big 3-0 and I'm also going to compile a list of things that I would like to do in my thirties! I'm excited, I think that my life is moving in a fabulous direction and I look forward to what this next decade will bring!