I turn 30 years old today. Remember in 5th grade
or so and 30 sounded SO OLD?! Well, maybe it’s just me, but I feel pretty dang
good. I know it’s because of the people in my life; especially, Peter and our
five beautiful daughters. They make me feel like the most incredible woman on
the planet. The little things they have been doing all day today have been
constant reminders of just how blessed I am. Jane’s unicorn puppet show she put
on for me; Anne singing “Happy Birthday” about 27 times today; Olivia telling
me how much she loves me and it’s the “best day ever!”; Gracie not really
understanding but giving me hugs and kisses anyway—haha!; Claire’s smiles and
chattering; Peter telling me it’s the best day for him because it’s the day I
was born. I am so grateful and humble. Yep, my life is pretty great.
Don’t get the idea that things are absolutely perfect here.
They aren’t. I mean, for the record, this 30 year old bod of mine has had five
babies in less than 7 years and because of that (I am about to get real
personal here, just a heads up) I went to grab Claire’s car seat from the base,
and because of that strain, I literally peed my pants. Just a bit. But then I
started laughing at the ridiculousness of it and that was it. I lost it. Then
it’s the awkward “please don’t let there be anyone in the front room or shared
bathroom (we’re bunkin’ up with my in-laws) that I have to get past and to
because I might die from embarrassment” moment. Thank the heavens for dark wash
jeans! Am I right?! Hope that wasn’t too out there, but at least your day has
to be better than that. LOL!!
On a more serious note, even at 30 I have triggers from my
past that put my anxiety and panic attacks at the forefront. That I will post
about another day. It’s important for me to share my experiences but not today.
Today is a day for celebrating and gratitude and funny stories.
I am grateful to be alive. Even in this day and age and all
of the darkness that comes with it because, you know what? There is still so
much good in the world. I get to text my loved ones any freaking time I want! I
can call them anytime I want or need. I live in a country where I am free to
choose my profession and my religion. I love the US of A!
I am grateful for my body. It’s true. Aside from peeing
itself, this body has done some pretty incredible things. Even if, on a daily
occurrence, one of my precious children asks if I’m having a baby or do I just
have a big tummy now, I’m grateful for this body. It is lined with many tiger
stripes. It is stretched out, saggy, and a bit squiggy around the edges and has
gotten softer in all the places I wish it wouldn’t but, it has also gotten
stronger. I can hold a toddler for hours if I have to, even if those muscles
are protected by a layer of squishy ;) and I have been blessed to house and birth
my five girls. My body knew that one pregnancy just wasn’t working out, that
something was wrong and it healed itself through a miscarriage. A
heart-wrenching, terrible miscarriage through which I gained empathy for my
fellow sisters who have gone through the same and I gained appreciation for
each healthy pregnancy (even the surprise one). I am a comfort for my husband
and children just by being present. What a blessing!
I have an incredibly supportive and loving husband. And
although our marriage isn’t perfect, I know that he has my back. He is the most
honest, kind, selfless, hardworking, faithful, loving, patient man I know.
Which, by my own definition, when he tells me how freaking sexy I am, I should
believe him, right? Haha! For real though. I know people say it all the time,
but I really don’t know what I would do without him. He’s my best friend and he
loves me. I am so grateful I have him by my side and that I was smart enough to
snag him when I had the chance because he “had a lot of girls wanting to date
him” at the time (direct quote from my man back in the day). I’m one of those
people that believe you can be happy with more than one person as a spouse;
that it’s more about the timing and circumstances than just finding “the one”.
For whatever reason, I found Peter and, thankfully, he stuck around long enough
to be drawn into my awesomeness and beauty. ;) Oh, good times. Bottom line, he
makes me a better me and sees me as who I can become and I love him more every
day because of his love, devotion, and loyalty for me. Thank you Peter! XOXO
I can’t end without thanking my beautiful girls. They have
taught me more about life and myself than I can ever teach them. They are
light, love, kindness, and forgiveness personified. Their resilience is
awe-inspiring and hopeful. I am eternally grateful to be their mother and I do
not take the responsibility lightly. I’ll post on the weight of motherhood
another day as well. I love you my wonderful girls! Thank you for being you!
Also, my sweet, incredible friends! I have the BEST friends
on the planet. It has taken a village to raise me in my adulthood and I have
had great friends to do that. You have all been such radiant examples to me.
You love me despite my snarkiness, shortcomings, and venting. You have taught
me what it means to persevere, how to love, serve, and work. How near and dear
to my heart all of you are! I hope you know just how much I love, need, and
admire you. If not, sorry. I’ll be better. =)
30 did seem old, but now that I’m here, I realize how
wonderful life is at this age. I’m married to the love of my life and have a
wonderful family with him. I have just enough life experience to stay out of
trouble with the law but still be able to have crazy good times. Life is good.
My testimony in the true gospel is strong and firm. My testimony in my Savior’s
love and life is even more so. It is through him I have been so blessed. And
although he may not take away my struggles, he is there to get me through them.
He is always there and I am never alone. Not even in my darkest hours because
he is the brightest light of all.
Thanks for a great day everyone! 30 is pretty great but I
have a feeling the next 30 is going to be just as sweet!!
P.S. For your viewing pleasure continue to scroll down for some of my favorite memories =)
Just a girl and her dinner
BB Gun wars
College days
Midnight Denny's runs
Volleyball!
The night we announced our engagement
Bridals
First time through the temple
Us
In N' Out
Perfection
