29 Truths for My 29th Year

...Sleep with the windows open as much as possible.  The air holds magical powers.

...Likewise, hang laundry outside to dry whenever the wind blows.  The smell of line-dried clothes is good for the soul.

...No matter how rough the day has been, snuggling up in Cruz's bed with books at the end of the day is always the perfect pick-me-up.

...Lighting a candle at the dinner table makes you feel more together.  Do it, even if the kitchen is a mess.

...It's important to find reasons to celebrate.  Birthdays and holidays are a given, but each day and season brings new opportunities to party.  Be inventive and create things to look forward to. 

...It's okay if Mumford and Sons still makes you cry.  

...When you've had a bad day, take Cruz to that rocky side of Pipac Lake and watch him throw stones in the water.  Feel the breeze on your face, say a prayer, and watch him.  Then, go home feeling happy.

...Touch your belly and talk to that baby every day for 40 weeks.  Don't underestimate the power of that miracle growing inside of you and soak up every one of the amazingly powerful hormones that makes you a mother.  There's no greater gift. 

...First comes grace, then thanks, and then joy.  Life is really that simple.  

...God is powerful and present...all the time.  

...Help others.  Compliment strangers.  Hug your family and remember that every person is God's unique piece of art.  

...Canning is hard work and peaches will float regardless of how pretty you want them to look.  And as much as you want to, don't touch the lids for 12 hours!

...When all else fails, smile.

...Treasure every new season for its own unique staples.  Make soup and pick apples in the fall, build fires and play in the snow in winter, smell fresh cut grass and tulips in the spring, and sip lemonade with your toes in the water in the summer.  Seasons come and go, so make the most of their pleasures while you have them. 

...An hour at Target every month or so is completely well-deserved.

...Read Bible stories and recite nursery rhymes with Cruz.  Tell him about Jesus and Noah and five little piggies at the market.

...Make it a daily goal to hear Cruz's belly laugh.  No matter how hard you have to work at it.

...One cherry tomato plant and one cucumber plant is probably enough for next year.

...Acknowledge your husband's hard work, listen to his stories, and laugh at his jokes.  Create ways to make him feel special and plan at least one date a month.

...Always be aware that every decision you make has influence.  Being a parent is one of the most important, influential roles given to someone and the responsibility should not be taken lightly.

...Play music in the house.  Surround them with music and guide them to try an instrument or two.  It's one of your regrets.

...Read daily and fill your house with books.  Read Little Blue Truck for the thousandth time knowing that you are paving the way to greater adventures to Maycomb, Hogwarts, and Narnia.

...Good food is one of life's greatest pleasures.  Savor every bite and try new things.

...Life is full of moments that call us to depend on something other than ourselves.  This is called faith and I can't imagine what it's like to live without it.

...Hold babies as long and as often as you want.  They're only babies for so long and when you're old and your kids are all grown, you'll have plenty of time to sleep.

...All habits can be fixed.  I bit my nails for 25 years and quit cold turkey this year.  Anything is possible.

...Make it a point to use all your fresh produce.  And when all else fails, make a smoothie.

...Study the world around you and never stop learning.  Read books with a pen in your hand and seek to understand others by hearing their stories.

...Live in the present and do the best you can with what's there.  Prioritize when the balance gets off, and readjust when needed.  Read Thoreau, pray every day, and kiss Cruz's cheeks as much as you want.  Eat at the table, laugh before bed, and treat yourself to Starbucks every now and then.  Live your best, every day, and when you miss the mark and fall short, know that tomorrow is another one.  
To my 29th year, we have a lot of living to do this year.  Books to read, concerts to see, stories to write, and babies to love.  Let's get to it.