The past few months I have been... dreading? no, but not excited... anticipating? no, but wishing it would not come so soon... and yet... hoping to feel no different? yes, and wondering when the last time was that I had a birthday and felt older...? Not in many years! I felt older when I turned 19. I was tired. In deep pain; and filled with shattered ideals so it was a rough birthday and I remember feeling grown up; in a sad, contemplative type of way. But not since then have I felt any different after growing another year older. I still feel like the woman I became that year between 18 and 19. And I think I like it that way. LOL!
One of my friends, who recently turned 30 also, said, "30 is the new 20" and it resonated with me. Yes! I really only feel like I am finally turning 20: barely older than I felt 10 years ago but just a bit...
And I've had a busy 10 years. In that time I met and married the love of my life, moved half a continent away from my childhood home and made a new home and life, gave birth to 5 children, went to college for the first time, started my own business, and along the way grew up a lot. I know who I am more now than I ever did and I am happy with the person I feel God has made me to be. I don't do it all right and I still have major flaws and weaknesses, but I see more now what those are and am learning to see them through God's eyes and know that He has a plan for stretching me and growing me more each day into His Image.
I am learning more every day what love is and more about men from a husband who is so deeply fascinating and complex to me. I never wanted to get bored in marriage or fall out of love with my man so I work very hard on my attitude and creating a atmosphere of love and respect. I fail all of the time but it is the deepest desire of my heart since I feel that in this way I honor God and serve the one He has called me to minister to. I sincerely hope that as the years go by my hubby can say that I had a heart that ever seeks to love and respect him.
So enough philosophizing.... My day was really special. This picture is of Todd and I heading out to dinner after a day filled with fun! My dear, dear friend, Michelle, went with me to see a movie (Maid of Honor; it was a blast!), took me out to lunch, and then we headed out to down town for some photos. We had so much fun! Then my wonderful, dear neighbor and her husband brought over homemade birthday cake! Complete with 30 candles!!
She had helped the children all make beautiful birthday cards for me too!
Then Todd and I headed out for our date. The food was amazing and, as usual, I found some interesting photo opportunities:
Don't forget to check out Michelle's blog for more photos and leave her some lovin' for all her work on the fabulous birthday pix!! Girl, you are the best!!
(more birthday pix HERE)
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