My favorite things at 34

In no particular order, here are some of my favorite things that make me smile and bring me joy:

My darling baby boy. The way he smiles and laughs and fits into my arms. His big blue eyes and soft cheeks. His love for his big sister, and her love for him. The way she holds him, and the way he looks at her.

Sitting in my daughter’s pink tent at night watching her go to sleep, answering (as best I can) her questions about God (“Yes, he is stronger than Hulk”)

Recording stories on our new Spotify channel and eating chocolate

Morning coffee with my favorite half-and-half from Trader Joe’s

Home-made popsicles with all sorts of things mixed in from our pantry

Early morning swims in a pool at our gym down the street

Friends who have been so good to me. A community I have leaned into.

Work that is meaningful, gentle, and compatible with the season I’m in.

Milk keifer and saffron

My red double stroller and walks with Jack and Laura.

The benefits reaped of a marriage going on 11 years. The way he hugs me after a long day’s work, how he cherishes me, the way we’ve come to forgive and repair more easily than before. The way I know him and he knows me.

Going to church, resting in the liturgy and the fellowship we have here, being a part of (and practically sobbing through) my son’s recent baptism

Our stick pile on the front porch

Teaching Laura, my 3 year old, how to meditate

Costco’s $5 rotisserie chickens

Laura’s squeals when she’s happy. The way Jack holds my hand when I nurse.

Grandparents who love and cherish my kids. The sweetness of their time together.

A morning liturgy when I’m making my bed: There is grace for what lies behind, and grace for what lies ahead. I am clothed with Christ, and beloved by God.

Pink weed-flowers from our backyard, picked so carefully, and proudly given to me by my daughter.