Twenty-six (a birthday post)

A little over a week ago, I turned twenty-six. I know, I know, birthdays happen every year, and generally I'm not all about all the planning and over-the-top indulgence. I prefer doing the things I love, slowly, with my favorite people. But I wouldn't be my feeling, thinking, whatever self if I didn't write about "the passing of time" or some such ideas. The last two-plus years I've had this blog, I've written a few things on my birthday, so it's only fitting I do the same this year. If you're curious, here's Twenty-four and Twenty-five . Because it does me good to remember and record.

What I want to remember about my 26th birthday and a few days surrounding it:

weather cool enough for a walk together the night before
sleeping with the windows open all night long, for the first time since maybe March
sleeping in and waking up feeling rested
leftover frittata for breakfast + fancy "birthday week splurge" coffee that he made for us in the AeroPress
Nicholas dusted and vacuumed and mopped the entire apartment for me, knowing that would be the nicest thing ever for me and make me feel loved
I did a bit of laundry (I enjoy a day more if I'm at least a little bit productive)
talking to my mom on the phone, FaceTiming my brother
Hearing Nicholas humming Frosty the Snowman to himself
A dear friend of mine from high school and her husband had their first baby on my birthday! What a gift. You're already so loved, baby Malachi.
Dinner at Picnik, with a blurry photo of Nicholas and I that still love.
And then a girl's breakfast the next morning....also at Picnik. But really, you gotta try all the things on the menu and the butter coffee is wonderful.
I made my annual almond birthday cake, the same one I made the previous two years. I have so much fun baking my own birthday cake each year!
Nicholas gave me leather Chacos and I received other incredibly generous and thoughtful gifts from friends and family
My father-in-law came to visit for business in Texas and we spent a few days with him! We had a birthday dinner at Hillside Farmacy, had tacos at Torchy's, a fun afternoon at TopGolf, and I made baked doughnuts for us.

What I want to remember about life right now:

God puts exactly the people I need in my life, and I cherish those friends so much
I'm on a big Scandinavian kick—have you noticed? ;)
Honesty and kindness lead to fruitful, refining, life-giving friendships
My blonde hair is getting a little darker and I have mixed feelings about it. Eeeek.
I'm increasingly aware of wanting to avoid waste in my life—my time, our resources, unnecessary expenses or the purchasing of things we don't need (to have or to store)
Flannel pillowcases
Favorite snacks: plantain chips, homemade yogurt
Favorite treats: almond bars, stovetop hot cocoa made with milk
New good habits: consistent (daily) moisturizing for my face and body, eating my lunch outside in the courtyard at work, whenever weather permits
The satisfaction of wearing a sweater that I knit for myself, sized perfectly for me (my Lila pullover)
Currently knitting: Bayard hat
I will always love British film and TV shows (nearly all) the most
A run or walk outside is always good for body + soul. Right now, mornings are cool and perfect for runs
We've been praying together in the car on the way to church: for our hearts to be prepared for worship & for us to be open and eager to hear the gospel
We're in a waiting season, but it's a good and a sweet season. God works in our waiting.
Waffles for supper is still a favorite meal, two decades and counting

I'm thankful for another year of God's grace and provision, and looking forward to whatever's next!