30th Birthday Blues

Well, the time has come to celebrate another birthday. This one isn't just any regular birthday either. It's the big 3-0. As my sister so kindly pointed out to me, I'm thirty years old with 3 kids and a lot of responsibility. Zach sang the Tim McGraw song, "My Next 30 Years," to me this morning. I would be lying if I said I'm not a little sad to leave my twenties behind. A lot of great things happened to me in my twenties. I graduated from Tech, married Coop, lived in North Carolina for awhile, became an aunt, lived in Monroe, became a teacher, became a mother, moved to Shreveport, became a stay-at-home mom, lost a grandparent. It was a big decade. So I've decided that on this day, this very special day, I'm going to look back and be thankful for what I've been through, and look forward and be excited about what is to come. Here is a list of my 30 thankful thoughts:

1. I'm thankful that I became a Christian when I was 7. I really don't remember a time that I didn't know my Lord. He has always been with me in my life, and will always be here for me. I remember when I decided to take the steps to fully devote myself to being a Christian, I felt such peace. I was only seven, so I couldn't have had that much weight on me, but I felt so much relief even at such a young age. Relief that comes from knowing that no matter what had happened in my life and what will happen in the future, God will always be with me. Still to this day, I have fears and worries. Sometimes I worry about all the ways that my life could turn upside down. Things that could damper my future plans or worse, change my plans forever. Those worries can consume me, but I have a peace that comes from knowing that no matter what ugly this world has in store for me, there is a Master that has my name on His lips that will be with me always. He knows the plans HE has for me, and in all that could happen in this world he will make it good because I am His.

2. I'm thankful for Zachary Ryan. True heroes don't ever admit that they are brave or anything special because they know people that gave more than they were asked to give. These thoughts can haunt them at times. However to me, a hero is someone that is simply willing to serve. Being willing to serve your country, your family, your community, people you don't know. That shows true courage. My Zach shys away from recognition of his service and doesn't like a lot of attention. He is always quick to talk about others that gave more than him or are still giving their time, but to me he is a hero. My hero, my compass, my comedian, my joy, my past, my future, and everything in between.

(I've got to speed this list up or Lee Cooper is going to turn blue in the face.)

3. I'm thankful for Lee Bradford, Lauren Kate, and Wade Harmon. I am thankful that God has given us such little blessings and look forward to the day that he adds to this family that Zach and I started. One day in my next 30 years I'll be rocking grandbabies and know that this has all been part of a plan.

4. I'm thankful for my little two bedroom house. The time we have spent in this house with one bathroom has been full of laughter and growth. 

5. I will be even more thankful for the memory of my two bedroom house. "Moving on up....."

6. I'm thankful for my family history. I didn't know but one of my great-grandparents, but because of family stories, I know that they were people that worked hard, loved their kids, and established a great foundation for generations to come.

7. I'm thankful for my mini-van. I am. Can't help it.

8. Thankful for birthday text, messages, and phone calls.

9. Thankful for the health of my babies, husband, and loved ones. This should not be taken for granted. So much can happen to people in the blink of an eye. 

10. I'm thankful for childhood memories. My parents and sister have always been with me, and I'm so happy that my special moments growing up always included them.

11. I'm thankful for my in-laws. From day one, they have accepted me into their family. Thanks guys.

12. I'm thankful for a husband that works so hard for his family.

13. I'm thankful that Jake is such a good dog.

14. I'm thankful for my Mama's new hip, and my daddy's happy feet.

16. I'm thankful for those friends that know when they look at my face or hear my voice that something is wrong. I'm thankful that I have a few close friends that I can call and no matter what mood they are in or I am in, we will join each other in the middle. 

17. I'm thankful for Marley Elizabeth, Patterson Henry, and Ava Margaret. They have made being an aunt such a joy.

18. I'm thankful that nobody is really making me finish this list because the kids have gone insane. Apparently they didn't get the memo that it is MY birthday.......