The Atkinsons

It's my birthday and I'll knit if I want to...

Today I turned 28. And I want to say it made me cringe, but it kind of didn't. Last year I was really feeling it, I was thinking 27! That's getting up there! But seeing all the changes in my life and how much joy it has brought me I'm thinking bring it on! I can't wait till I'm 50 and I've experienced all the wonderful things my life had in store for me. 

I am always so busy, and the few of you that follow this blog may have noticed that i haven't posted in a while. LIFE! However, today I am going to do whatever I want to do and not worry about the dishes, or the way my house looks (ok I did a few dishes) and I took tomorrow off so I'm going to do what I want to do (even though technically my birthday is over now) and currently that is writing a blog post!

I would be remiss if I didn't say some of the thoughts I've had today as I turned the big ol' 28. This morning I woke up to the smell of german pancakes and fresh syrup (I mean literally, it woke me up). I knew my husband was making me something delicious in the kitchen and it just made me feel pure joy. I laid in bed and waited for him to come get me since I knew he wanted to surprise me. It was only a few minutes later. The pancake was divine, but really it could have tasted like dirt because what matters to me is that my husband spent last night shopping for and practicing making the pancake, and got up early (which is a BIG deal if you know my husband) to do something special for me. It made me realize how lucky I am and the great love that my husband and I have for one another. 

I have been thinking a lot about the dichotomy of life and how much I have valued it's manifestation in my own personal experiences.  Kc and I have never had a perfect marriage, and sometimes things have been really really hard, but we always loved each other and wanted to figure out a way to make the other one happy- even if it took some great sacrifices- including our self dignity. Looking back I am so grateful for those hard times because I see how it has made KC and I as individuals better people and have a better marriage on a whole. It also makes me appreciate that everything in life that is so lovely and beautiful requires a lot of hard work and pushing through things that aren't always easy. Marriage is one. Having a child is one. I could not even put into words how much I love Olive, so I won't try, but having her hasn't come without it sacrifices. Despite this, the great joy and happiness she brings me every day, it's so beyond worth it. I've seen this in my training for and running a marathon. I see it so vividly in my yoga practice. Sometimes I would struggle when I would see someone show up to class and do something on the first try that took me months to learn. But I soon let go of that when I realized it was that much sweeter for me having worked so hard for it. There is so much value in the process, in the journey. 

And so, that's what i have to say on my 28th birthday. Here are some of the things we did to celebrate. Yesterday we went to SLC and got dim sum, because I had been wanting to try it. It didn't disappoint. I went to Ikea and bought a few things..... too many. And today we took things at leisure. I decided to finish up a knitting project I've been working on, because I never get time to knit anymore. Kc helped me do everything and just spent time with me. We took Olive to Chalk the Block to check out some art work. Artists blow my mind! Mostly because I am SO not artistic and I just think how can people do this! All in all it was a wonderful day. Here are some pictures. 

Happy Sunday!