The List of Moments I

In honor of deep, philosophical lists....I have another one for you.

Can you pinpoint some of the happiest moments in your life? I know I've only been around for twenty seven years but in my time, I have lots of memory snapshots that make me smile. If I condensed my life into a series of happy moments, ones that I never want to lose, it would look something like this list. The highlights, if you will.

Chelsea posted her "Life, as I know it" lists here and here. She considers her list as memories she hopes would pop up as her life flashes before her eyes. I like thinking of it that way, too. 

Moments 1-25:

1. The car ride home with Henry after we bought him. His tiny little puppy belly resting on my lap the entire trip. Looking over at Nate to say, "I can't believe we got a puppy."

2. Getting the phone call from my dad when I was in kindergarten. He said, "Julia, you have a baby brother." And I immediately said, "I wanted a sister, but okay."

3. Learning to ride my first big girl bike [pink flowered banana seat, basket, and streamers included] without training wheels. The sound of my dad yelling, "You're doing it!" as he jogged behind me.

4. Hearing Nate say, "I love you, " for the first time while huddled in a Spanish bar. It was one of those times in my life where the world around me slowed down and I couldn't imagine being happier.

5. Swinging so high on my brand new swing set made my Pepaw, that I thought I might go all the way around the top bar.

6. Henry jumping up on my bed with a knowing grin, as my engagement ring was tied around his neck. And then, of course, the proposal:)

7. Seeing my grandparents dance to 'their song' at our wedding, tears streaming down Memaw's face and Pepaw grinning from ear to ear.

8. Running to the mail box my senior year of high school to find my SLU PT school acceptance letter. I was going to the big city for college!

9. Walking into my high school gym, all dressed up in a fabulous purple dress, as my name was announced for Winter Sports Court. 

10. Bowls of Mom's homemade snow icecream after a long day of sledding and snowball fights.

11. Making forts out of the couch cushions in our living room with my little brother. Losing track of time as we pretended to battle the invaders.

12. Selling my bike at a garage sale so I could buy my very own Nintendo. Then playing Super Mario Brothers until my thumbs oozed from blisters.

13. Walking across the stage to receive my Masters diploma and hearing my family cheer from the audience.

14. The smell of Sunday morning cinnamon rolls at my parents house.

15. Buying my first pair of designer jeans while sweating profusely and questioning my sanity.

16. The look on my parents face when I come home for a visit. Being welcomed with open arms, hugs, and smiles. 

17. Lounging in our hammock overlooking the Caribbean on our honeymoon, and staring over at my new husband sipping his coffee.

18. Running up thirteen flights of stairs with  my brother to see my first college dorm room. Then getting there to see hideous green stenciled flowers on the cabinets.

19. Dancing with my girlfriends in Spanish clubs until the sun came up. Laughing until our faces hurt. Experiencing a foreign country together.

20. My mom zipping up my wedding dress on my wedding day, then turning around to show my bridesmaids. Mom whispering, "I love you" into my ear before the ceremony.

21. Seeing Nate's face for the first time on our wedding day. Overcome with joy, relief, and happiness...and never wanting to let go of our hug.

22. Shooting hoops in our driveway with Dad. Coming close to beating him in HORSE:)

23. Camping trips with Pepaw, swinging on a rope swing out into the river, canoeing at sunrise. 

24. Losing my first tooth and putting it into the 'toothfairy pillow' overnight, where it magically turned into a dollar bill by morning.

25. Replaying Nate's voice on my dorm room answering machine after his first phone call. Feeling the butterflies in my stomach every single time I listened to that message.

Does anyone have memories to share? Sorry for the lack of pictures but I'm hoping the words paint an image for you.