Thirty-Five

I can remember when 35 was ANCIENT. I can remember being in my 20's talking to my friend Kerri about who we wanted to be in our 30's. Naivety was bliss back then. I can remember thinking I was SO wise and smart at 25. I can remember watching a lady in her 40's when I was 22 talk about her life. She said something that I never forgot. In your 20's your worry so much about what others think. In your 30's you say, "Forget it! Who cares what they think." In your 40's you realize no one was thinking of you anyway! I loved that quote and I always tried to call it to my mind when I struggled with who I was in my 20's and now think of it and laugh when I have caught myself saying, 'Who cares what they think.' I can remember wondering if I would ever have a family. I can remember looking at people in their 30's thinking they looked so old and mature.

Thirty-five came and went last Sunday. I found myself so content. So happy to be with my little family. So okay with who I was. I told Sam 35 felt great. It felt like a sigh of relief. Relief from what? Not sure. Thirty-five just felt good.

What I woke up to Sunday morning! All my favorite things: Words Sam thinks about me in a framed picture, pedicure, pictures of my two favorite men, a card and chocolate. Sam outdid himself this year. This words of affirmation girl feels very filled up after this birthday!!

My men off on a mission to get my birthday presents

Sam ran a 12K on my birthday. It as SO fun to get a Starbucks, walk down in the hubbub of the runners and meet Sam to wave at him as he ran. Then we raced to the finish line that was on the beach to cheer Daddy on as he finished. The day was yucky out but the beach is always nice no matter what the weather. Plus Max got to wear his cute hat!

Max on the way to drop Sam off at his 12K run. A friend from Playgroup made Max this adorable hat!

Waiting for Daddy to run by so we can say HI

Waiting for Daddy at the finish line

Here comes Daddy!

Always walking around

We went to our favorite little place: Wholly Bagels! YUM it's like being transported back to CA

Sam's parents brought me over a HUGE Chocolate cake and presents. I couldn't finish my piece...that's just how chocolatey the cake was!

I HEART pedicures!

The weather lately has been in that in between spring/winter annoying stage. But on the nice days we are always out and about. I am so thankful for where we live. I love experiencing God's goodness each day whether it's overcast or sunny.

Max and Daddy have been taking quite a few skateboard adventures

We have headed to the beach often and Max is loving the beach and ocean as much as we do

We got pictures on our shelves and it makes me so happy to just sit in our living room at night looking at our little family. I am so blessed to have a VERY talented photographer for a husband (especially when he humors me each month and takes tons of pictures for me of Max)

Waiting for Momma in a store took a bit long so Daddy and Max found a fun new chair. Max thought he was king of the world

Thirty-five is neither ancient nor boring. In one of my favorite magazines, O Magazine (that my beautiful Aunty gave me a subscription to each month!) Oprah ends each issue with "Things I Know For Sure." While thirty-five feels way too young to know much to me these days, there are a few things along the way I do know. I know that I did not know everything at 25, nor do I know much of anything at 35. I know that my parents were right: they get smarter every year. I know that God is good. I know that promises are fulfilled and dreams really do come true. I know that friends for life are a gift not a right. I know that no one is perfect and hurt should always be forgiven. I know I don't feel like the people I looked at when they were in their 30's but know the secret now: they didn't feel like they were in their 30's either. I know that the beach and summer are still my MOST favorite things. I know that marriage is work but the greatest gift I have ever received. I know that 35 is full of life and possibilities, so many lessons learned in the past, so much future to look forward to and so much LIFE to live in the moment. I LOVE being thirty-five!