Thoughts on my birthday

Well, I've got a lot of them. I don't know why, but I have been thinking alot about my birthday this week.  Up until yesterday I didn't want to be reminded- 27 sounds so... well, not old, but mature, adultish, reeealll.  But last night whilst doing the dishes I just kept thinking about how many great things have happened in my life and how I am looking forward to what this year brings.  I decided I want to look at my birthday like people do New Year's Eve.  I want to make resolutions on how to be better, feel better, be better towards others in 'the year of '27'.  

I have so much to be thankful for (yes, Meg I know that I just ended in a preposition).  My family and friends have to be first- I am surrounded by the most amazing people.  I miss everyone that is not near, but smile when I think of them.  Again, while doing the dishes I remembered how my parents always made my birthday special.  Always.  My mom would ask which kind of cake I wanted (many times confetti cake with pink frosting) and dinner (when we were in Tomahawk, WI at the lake for my birthdays I remember asking for Chicken Tetrazini in my  old carnivore days).  My mom would hang the Happy Birthday sign (that we just used for Robin, Johnny's girlfriend- I liked that) somewhere noticable all day long so you felt like the entire day was yours and the attention was on you...and come on, sometimes that's nice, at least in the safety of your own home.  Then at night we would have dinner and amazing cake, and then presents accompanied by lots of pictures.  Then at 10:29pm on the dot, my family would sing  'Happy Birthday' to me.  That was what made it really special.  Them being there, celebrating with me was fantastic- but the fact that minute on that day was mine felt really special.   And now that I am my very own awe-inspiring daughter who was born January 30th, 2008 at 5:16pm, I just know how amazingly special it is to help welcome someone in the world and all the joy that it entails.  

So thanks Mom.

 My 26th year of life was very rich.  I wouldn't say easy, but rich.   Alot happened; when I think about it all it makes my head spin.  Three moves in 10 months and then a beautiful baby girl.  Also, not working outside of the home for this past year has added to the 'change' aspect in my life.  Still trying to figure that one out.  So.  As much as I gained insight, perspective, more flexibility, and darling girl in this past 26th year, I would say that I am happy it is done and I can look forward to the 27th.  If this past year was any indication of my life to come, honestly, I have no idea what is in store.  But I am excited.  And I need to remind myself of that daily.  Mike and I went to a wedding once (and I am sorry to say that I can't remember whose it was) where the pastor was talking about the challenging of marriage (true, true) and at the end of the a long lists of differences in men and women looked earnestly at the couple and said, "But remember, you get to do this."  I get to do this.  I get to be a Mom and a wife and a daughter and a sister and a friend and a granddaughter and an in-law and neighbor and most importantly a child of God.  Because without Him I am nothing.  And honestly, without Him I don't think we can be truly grateful for what we have, because it is all from Him.

So, with the lines on my face and bills we have to pay and all the other minor frustrations that come with being a 27 year-old adult, I say.... bring it on!

(Thank you to everyone reading this for making my life so wonderful.  I love you.) 

First steps in the water...

Pictures from vacation to Hilton Head, SC: 

 Carys' first time in the ocean and water for that matter..