30th Birthday

Today is my 30th birthday. How different the world must have been 30 years ago! In one sense, I feel like I am definitely 30, yet I also still feel like my 20-year old self. The years really do start flying by the older you get. I suppose a big part of that is because I am having so much fun in life. If I could go back to my younger self in my late teens or early 20s, I would have never imagined being where I am today, both in location and in life experiences. I am blessed for all of the amazing people in my life and happy memories. I am also proud of who I am as a person, and I look to my days and years to come with excitement. I have some big, big plans for what I want to accomplish next.

I also never thought I would be celebrating my 30th birthday in a pandemic. Though I will only be able to celebrate with Rob and Mitchy in-person, I am thankful for this beautiful day and interacting with other via phone and social media. I only want to focus on the positives because it doesn’t do any good complaining about things out of your control. Life is what you make it! With Easter being on Sunday, may you find restored feelings of hope, joy, and renewal. I hear so many people wishing this time away to resume to "normal" life, but why not enjoy the slower pace and focus on the things that really matter!? We could all use a reset.

As I embark in my 30s, I want to have a spirit of gratitude and inspire others. To start, I have created my “Top 30 Gratitude List.” I enjoyed creating this list, and I hope you will create your own list of at least 10 things. It is an activity that will instantly boost your mood. It would be a great activity for kids, too!

Top 30 Gratitude List

1. My hubby [Rob]

2. Our baby boy [Mitchell]

3. My parents [David & Sharon]

4. My siblings [JKMNO]

5. My in-laws [all of you!]

6. Friends [new/old & near/far]

7. Favorable health of me and loved ones

8. Running [& my jogging stroller]

9. Coffee

10. Succulents & plants

11. My Jeep

12. Changing seasons

13. Sweatshirt weather

14. Iowa

15. Nature trails

16. Smart phones & social media

17. Baking

18. Snail mail & handwritten letters

19. Inspirational quotes

20. My faith

21. The Great British Baking Show

22. Harry Potter series

23. Old photos

24. Leggings & comfy pants

25. Marathons

26. Family gatherings

27. Sparkling water

28. Fresh fruit & veggies

29. Sunrises & sunsets

30. Modern day conveniences

How many of my items do you relate to? This is not an all-inclusive list, but these are some of my favorites. Now, it is time for me to keep celebrating with my two favorite boys – Rob and Mitchy. I am also going to help myself to a nice slice of this decadent Italian cream cake! This is a recipe from my mom, and it is one of my all-time favorite desserts. It is filled with coconut, pecans, and covered in a luscious cream cheese frosting! I will share the recipe soon, hopefully tomorrow!

It’s back to birthday celebrations for me! Here are some photos just for fun!