Happy Monday, everyone! Aaron and I just returned late last night from being in Georgia last week for my sister-in-law’s wedding, and it was a WONDERFUL occasion. So grateful for time with family, and to see Alisha married to an incredible man. And grateful to be waking up today to the beginning of a new year in my life!

I won’t lie, 27 feels somehow less exciting than 26 did. Maybe it’s because it’s closer to 30, or maybe it’s just one of those random ages that you don’t feel you could have possibly reached already. But in spite of that, I AM excited for a new year, and to look back on all the blessings of this past one. It’s one of my favorite birthday traditions to spend a little bit of time in the quiet of the morning to put in writing (I’m a sporadic journaler, not faithful, but I always try to write on my birthday) a few of the things that make my heart feel so full as I look to another year and another age. And today is no different. Here’s just a little (in no particular order) of what makes this birthday morning feel so blessed….

– The sun is shining and the birds are singing! (Spring might REALLY be here!)
– I’ve been married for 2.5 years to an incredible man that I get another year of falling deeper in love with.
– I’m going on one year of having the two best kitties in the world, that have made work-from-home life oh-so-happy.
– I’ve gotten to see my family several times over this past year, and am so happy to have my brother living in the same state as me.
– I married into THE best family I could have ever asked for. It’s such a joy to be a Watson and to get quality time with them a few times a year, as well.
– I’m wearing a new, happy dress that I got for only $10 (originally $76) and we all know a good bargain makes me happy. :D
– I miss my grandma terribly, but am so grateful that I was gifted jewelry of her’s while she was still alive that I can wear daily and feel like I have part of her close by.
– I love that I’ve looked more like my Mom as I’ve gotten older, and will always count that as the highest compliment.
– I’m grateful to be part of a wonderful church body, and to now be dear friends with people I was still just getting to know at this time last year.
– I love that I was born in Spring, and right around Easter time….because the greatest birthday and life blessing of all, is that I’m rescued and loved by a merciful Savior.

There are SO many more things I could share, but the point is that I’m one blessed woman. So, if 27 is anything like 26 was, then I’ll take it! And, in turn, to bless someone ELSE I will be hosting a birthday give-away! But due to having been gone all of last week, I don’t have it gathered together just yet. So, stay tuned for that to come later this week (it just means I get to celebrate my birthday for the whole WEEK, right??)

Thank you for all being wonderful friends and supporters over this last year, and I’m definitely excited to see what 27 has in store! But for now, I’m going to hurry and get the rest of my work done so I can enjoy an afternoon off with some girlfriends…. :D Hope you all enjoy your Monday, and a VERY Happy Birthday shout-out to my awesome birthday-buddy-friend Micah!