The Big Three-Oh...

I am thirty.

and so far… I am happily thirty.



Last night, I took away my twenties and tucked them away, storing them in my mind… all of the happiness and all of the sorrows.

Let me tell you- 20 was easy to box up- me and twenty… we never got along that great anyway- so that goodbye, was every bit easy. Twenty three… that one was tough. Two very important things happened that year- things that would truly change my life forever- giving birth to my first-born and marrying my best friend. I held that one tight in my arms- I had a really hard time packing that one up. Packed that life changing year one away very carefully! Maybe I can visit again someday? Twenty eight… another tough one… thanking it for the events that unfolded, but, glad to see it go. Twenty-eight and I went down with a fight. Twenty nine- what a glorious year that was!

But, once all of the twenties were properly packed up, farewells were said, and stored away appropriately, I was ready to adequately welcome the thirties. Although I can’t see very far into the thirties yet, I am positive that there are many good things to happen. I can already see the great beauty. I’m very sure that with the beauty, there will also be sorrow. However, I can always thank the twenties for giving me the appropriate coping skills to deal with the sorrow, and reap the benefit from the new coping skills, that will be learned in the thirties, right? I also see the enormous amount of growth, challenges, experiences, and love that I will find in the thirties- and, I can’t wait!

And how does one write about such a milestone? I am not really sure, but I am going to try, because I have put much thought into it. I can tell you this- while, you cannot write your past, you can certainly write your present and your future. And, that is what I am going to do.

So, I am going to fill you in on some things that the past thirty years have taught me:

I've learned...that you are the author of your own happiness.

I’ve learned… that strength cannot not be bought nor borrowed. And, it most certainly cannot be found overnight. Instead… it takes years, and I think that I have finally found it!

I've learned...that the best music, you'll never, ever hear on the radio. You must seek it out in other places.

I've learned...that picking up everything and moving to Risco, MO on a whim can reap some of the most beautiful, beautiful rewards.

I’ve learned that there is good in every. Single. Person. You just have to look deep sometimes!

I’ve learned… that family is most certain the most important thing in my life. Should your ship ever capsize… you never, ever let your family go down. Bottom line is- you should never let family be taken granted for- and there is no way that I would be “me” without mine.

I’ve learned… that I love children very, very much.

I ‘ve learned… and witnessed the kind of love that has no words. That life-changing kind of love. And I learned it through marriage and giving birth to three beautiful little girls. This love has given me the ability to have responsibilities, and confidence that I never had before. I have also learned how to give my whole heart…

I've learned...that I believe in God, and feel the presence of him in many events in my life. I also believe that I have the liberty to explore who He is on my own, and that He encourages me to. I feel him more in terms of love or judgment, instead of fear, like I used to. I've also learned that He is oh-so-much bigger and more beautiful than the books written about him. ...and that He can be found, most of the time, in the most prominent places away from church.

I’ve learned the value of good friendships. Although, I am not always the best friend… I still value each and every one of my friendships.

I’ve learned… that accomplishing things that so many people never dreamed that you would ever accomplish… is one of the best feelings in the world!

I've learned...that quality is always better than quantity… and that goes for everything (jewelry, clothes, shoes…)!

I've learned...that snail mail is so much more fun than email.

I’ve learned… how to finally breathe again.

I’ve learned… true happiness, and for THAT… I am very thankful!

...and to think that all of this has been learned in thirty years.

...and there's so much more to learn.

but for now...it’s my thirtieth birthday, and the 4^th of July!

So…

Today, I am enjoying the it's-my-birthday things and celebrating the 4^th of July appropriately! XOXO Kristin