Turning 30

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I've been thinking a lot about a certain birthday that is coming up in just a few days.  I've been looking back at my life, my childhood, and growing up.
What I've accomplished, and where I've been.

I made a little list - things I'm proud of....some things I would have never guessed I would do.
Things I'm thankful for, and what I want to remember.

I grew up in a loving and wonderful home.

With two amazing, involved, caring, and committed parents.

One protective, loyal, and outgoing big brother.

And a family dog that will never be forgotten - my best little buddy.

We had the beach - almost literally in our back yard.

I went on unforgettable family vacations to Europe, Hawaii, Central America, Key West, NYC, Disney World, and more.

Was on the volleyball team, cheer-leading squad, tennis team, and swim team.

Became very involved in Church, Children's Choir, Student Government, and Journalism.

Had amazing high school memories, most of them with my partner in crime, Ashley.

Graduated high school, and got into my dream college.

Made the greatest friends a girl could ask for.

Fell in love with my best friend and soul mate.

Lived on my own and gained independence. 

Got a post-graduate degree.

Became a working woman in a field that I love.

Was proposed to on my hometown beach, with violin players, rose petals, and a glorious sunset.

Married my college sweetheart - my perfect person to share forever with.

Gained the world's best in-laws, and new family.

Had the most incredible and beautiful honeymoon.

Bought our first home together.

Moved 727 miles away and grew so much as our own little "team."

Spent an incredible month traveling all over Europe.

Moved 440 miles away, and became real Northerners.

Were blessed with the greatest joy - a precious baby boy.

I have moved 6 different times.

I have lived in 7 different states.

I've seen a lot of the country, and a lot of the world.

I try not to take my life and experiences for granted.


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Now, it hasn't all been roses.  I've made mistakes. My heart has been broken.  

I've been hurt by others.  I've hurt others.  Friends have come and gone.  I have real-life struggles.  I've been ashamed, worried, lost, fearful, angry, troubled, stubborn, and selfish. 

I hope to learn from those experiences and grow from them.  

I hope to trust God and His plan for my next 30 years.   In 30 years, I wonder where I'll be?
Will we be grandparents?  Where will we be living?
Will I be proud of who I am and what I have done? 

I hope so.  

I'm excited for this new milestone.  I feel like I'm finally learning who I am, Whose I am, and being comfortable in my own skin.  I think I'm really evolving into a woman - and I like that.  It comes with responsibilities, but responsibilities I think I'm ready for.  A lot of that has to do with becoming a mother.  I am feeling much less selfish and that is a refreshing feeling.  

I am blessed.  I am thankful.  I am hopeful.  I am ready.

Thirty, let's do this :)