Henry's Curious George Racing Party

Twenty-Eight

I turned twenty-eight this week: celebrating myself and reflecting on this new chapter and year of life.
I've spent a lot of my life attempting to fit into a mold that I thought was made for me, only to find that it didn't feel quite right: it was too snug or too loose and always, always so frustrating. I've finally taken the time to build a mold around myself that fits almost perfectly, even if there are kinks and flaws that poke and nudge here and there. It's mine and feels right and I'm quickly finding happiness and peace in my very own place.
I really love it.
I've stepped outside of traditions, expectations, and ideas that were not my own. I've redefined who I am by my own standards and I think the next year will only reflect on that more. I love this number. I love this age. I love this life. I love who I am and I love who I know I can become.
I've met some amazing people who have furthered my dreams, changed my expectations, made me think and cry and hope and dream and LOVE.
I am blessed beyond measure for these reasons and a million more, even on my very worst of days. Quirky and weird and hopeful and happy, I can't wait to see what the next year holds.

Henry's 3rd Birthday Theme

I racked my brain for two long months to decide what 'theme' we were going to have for Henry's birthday this year. I asked him over and over again what he would like to have and he just kept telling me 'No party! CHOCOLATE CAKE MOMMY!' Okay, okay...to my dismay, I will be trading out the delicious butter pecan cake I've made the last two years for a chocolate one. Anything to please my boy!
Still, the fact that he really isn't into anything new and obviously doesn't care what we have did not make my decision easier. I honestly thought of just bright colors and the number 3, no big deal, no big theme, no hassle. Just a good old plain birthday party with friends and family...and chocolate cake. But this honestly made me sad. I LOVE planning his birthday every year, it's one of my absolute favorite things to do.
So I thought and thought and brainstormed and asked Henry over and over and over again if he would like 'this' party or 'that' party (and he always told me no) until finally I said 'Henry, do you want to have an ice-cream party this year with lots and lots of ice-cream and goodies to put on top?' and to my absolute pleasure and surprise, the kid got excited about it and said yes.
I had my theme and so I started brain-storming, browsing Pinterest, and coming up with fun ideas. I won't give all of those away yet - I'd rather photograph all the fun at his party next month, but I did finish (I think it's finished, tell me it's finished so I'll stop playing with it...) his invitation!

I think it turned out pretty cool. And because I like to be all nostalgic, here are the invitations I made from the first two years:

Henry's Planes, Trains & Automobile's 2nd birthday.

Henry's Puppy 1st birthday.

Twenty-Six

Today I turn twenty-six.

When I woke up this morning, my husband immediately wished me a happy birthday and then informed me that there was snow on the ground outside.

Hello winter, when did you get here?

I don't know what I will do today. I have no special plans or special requests and I honestly don't expect any kind of gifts. Jeremy and I are very low-key when it comes to celebrations. We see no point in wasting money on gifts unless it's something that we really want.

I have certain hopes and wishes for this year of my life. Many of them are small things that may seem insignificant to others but mean a great deal to me, while others are bigger and life-changing.

I can't wait.

More than anything else, I just want to find myself grateful for another year, another day, and another hour of life with my husband and son and our wonderful families.

I am embarking on yet another great journey and adventure, full of it's usual twists and turns and surprises. If there has been anything that my twenty-five years of life have taught me, it's this: life is what you make it.

I plan on making this year everything that it can be and more.