30!

I am 30 years old now. Wow, it feels odd to type that.

Today was not the day I had envisioned and hoped for over the past year, it was quiet and uneventful. Turning 30 is a big deal, they say your 30's are the best years of your life. I was kinda hoping to start my 30's off with a bang, or at least a fun day.

My morning was quiet with just Aubrey and I. Ashlyn was at MDO. We ran an errand and then came home. I picked up the house a little while Aubrey played, we ate sandwiches for lunch, then picked Ashlyn up from school. (Aubrey's favorite part of the day!) After naps the girls were extra cranky and objected to anything I asked of them. When Phillip came home we went out for dinner, then back home for Cheesecake. Ashlyn helped me make the cheesecake the day before and was so excited to eat it. She insisted I have candles, sweet girl. Because every birthday cake needs candles! My mom gave me my birthday gift while we were in Texas with strict instructions not to open it until my actual birthday. It's been on my dresser tempting me to take a peek all week (I didn't :) ), so I was anxious to open my gift. My parents gave me two charms for my Brighton charm bracelet and some birthday money. My mom also gave me a special book she has spent many many hours making for me that shares about her life and our family. It meant the world to me and made me cry!

My mom was always good at making us feel special on holidays and birthdays. My favorite birthday was when we were stationed in Germany. (My dad was in the Air Force) When I walked in the door from school there were long streams of ribbon hanging from the ceiling. It was long curly ribbon and they were all over the living room ceiling. I thought it was the best thing!

My next favorite birthday memory was getting my own telephone for my room. I can't remember if I was 15 or 16. It was maroon and corded. Man, I thought I was somebody. I wanted badly to have my own phone line but was happy to just settle for an actual phone in my room. Now that crazy phone is so outdated! My mom has that exact same style of phone in the toy basket at her house for the girls to play with. When we were there for Christmas Ashlyn held up the phone with a puzzled look on her face and said "what's this". We only have cell phones, she's never seen a corded phone! I died laughing!!

My 20's were filled with so many memories. I don't think I will have another 10 years with so many life changing events.
*I got married, ok so I was 19 but I turned 20 two months later
*I moved away from home to another state
*Got my first new car
*My new car was sent to the body shop 3 times. None of which were my fault. Phillip still drives that car. I don't think it will ever quit running, it's a great little car.
*I worked three jobs for the same health system, two of those I loved and are still friends with many of my co-workers.
*Bought my first house.
*Bought my second new car. Dumbest purchase ever.
*I was pregnant with my first baby.
*I gave birth to my first baby. Hardest thing I've ever done!
*Quit my day job to stay home with my sweet baby.
*I was pregnant with my second baby
*Bought my third car. I love my mommy-mobile!
*I gave birth to my second baby. It's easier the second time around!

And there's so much more in between all of those memories! God has been faithful and has blessed me more than I deserve!