Turning 23... So Much to be Thankful For.

This week was such a blessing as I felt so much love on my twenty-third birthday. I can't begin to thank everyone for all the wonderful birthday wishes this year. Twenty-three seems like a pretty boring year, there are no Taylor Swift songs to jam out to all day, there isn't any special privilege that you finally get to enjoy after many years of going without, so what is there to be thankful for this year? I can name plenty of things in my life that I am especially thankful for. There are so many blessings I can't begin to count them all. I thought I would share with you 23 things that I am thankful for on my birthday.

1. My parents. I don't know what I would do with out them to help guide me in my life.

2. My boyfriend. Matt walked into my life a short time ago, but he has melted my heart.

3. God. God works in mysterious ways and has shown so many blessings in my life lately.

4. Friends. I am thankful for all of my close friends that are always there to support me and enjoy this crazy adventure with me.

5.Felix. My furry friend is always there to make my day better.

6. Teaching. Student teaching has been everything I could hope for and so much more.

7. My job. I had to leave it at the end of the summer, but I seriously miss all of my coworkers everyday.

8. Blogging. I am thankful for all of you that read and follow my blog.

9. Health. This year we have seen our ups and downs with my dad's health, but I am glad to say he is back to his old self again and I couldn't be more grateful.

10. My Host Family. While I am student teaching this semester I am living with a family, they are so kind and so sweet. I couldn't be more grateful.

11. Hawkeye Football. This house was raised on football and I will always enjoy watching a Hawkeye win.

12. George and Nick's Pizza. George and Nick's is a pizza place close to my hometown and it's pizza is to die for! It's so good!

13. New Beginnings. There is so much unknown ahead of me, I can't wait to see what God has in store for me.

14. Our many many furry family members. Each one has it's own personality and contributes to our family in their own way. I don't know what I would do with out any of them in my life.

15. Traveling. I would love to do more, but each time that I am able to go somewhere it is a new adventure I can't wait to experience.

16. Movies. I have an obsession with movies. I could watch them multiple times and never get bored.

17. Hometown. When I was younger I couldn't wait to get away, now I feel a comfort in coming back home.

18. My favorite bloggers. I draw inspiration from all my favorite bloggers that contribute material everyday.

19. New Smyrna Beach. My second home that never ceases to amaze me.

20. Mama Mia. Anyone that knows me knows that I am obsessed with this movie and the music, I think the second one is wonderful too.

21. Date Nights. My boyfriend has turned my world around. Each date night is a fun adventure with him.

22. Happiness. I have so much in my life to be happy about and I couldn't be more grateful.

23. Love. I love so many people and things and I feel love in return. I am so thankful for everyone and everything that has shown me love.

I have so much to be thankful for on this birthday. I feel that it is so important that we take time to reflect on all that we are thankful for in our lives.

Outfit Details:

Bibs. I bought these are Nordstrom a few years ago and have gotten so much use out of them. Here is a similar pair. I also want a longer pair for this fall!

Striped shirt. I bought this at Madewell a few years ago, Here is a similar one from Madewell. It's so comfy and I can wear it with many different outfits and layer it.

Decor:

I hope to do a future post on my bedroom decor. Here are a few special pieces I've picked up lately.

Tray.

Moscow Mule Mug.

Candle.

(Flowers I made with supplies from Hobby Lobby!)

Thank you to all that made this birthday the sweetest of them all.

xoxo ariel