30 at 30....

It was my birthday a few days ago! I'm 30 :). I have to admit I approached it with a little hesitation. Not so sure I was ready to let go of my 20's. When you say you're twenty-something that seems young... saying I'm 30 seemed like a "change". But, I have to say as my birthday arrived I feel nothing but blessed and excited. I truly believe that the 30's are going to be some of the best years of my life! It's wild to think that when I turn 40 Shaelyn will be almost 16! These years will be the "growing up" years of our family... I'm excited for them!

So at 30, I thought it would be good to take a moment and write down 30 things I'm thankful for. Here are some ... in no particular order!!

1. Grace. A Heavenly Father who has taught me about grace and constantly showers me with it.

2. Matt. An amazing husband I fall more in love with each day.

3. Shaelyn. She is kind, thoughtful, tender hearted, helpful, sweet and beautiful.

4. Monreau. My afternoon companion. Funny, smart, energizing, compassionate and beautiful!

5. McLleyton. My sweet boy! :) The Lord knew I needed a boy! He keeps me on my toes, makes me laugh, makes me run... he is smart, curious, affectionate and a joy!

6. Seasons. I love the change of seasons. (especially if we could end a MI winter in Feb :))

7. Uncontrollable laughter .... there is nothing like listening to my girls when they think the other one is so funny they can't stop laughing.

8. Living next door to my sister. What an amazing gift. A childhood dream come true!

9. Football. I love football :). Even more now that I have a little boy who likes snuggling in and watching recaps of Monday night football on Sports-center in the morning. (it's true :))

10. Health. I truly am so thankful I have my health. My sister was 28 when she had breast cancer I remember thinking the day she turned 30 how exciting it was to move farther away from cancer. I am truly thankful to be 30 and healthy!

11. 5 siblings! I have always loved being apart of a big family! It's a gift I'm so thankful my parents gave us! I have a whole new appreciation for all the hard work that it took :), but I love it! Times together are now a little on the crazy side, but it's a fun crazy!

12. Same Day Delivery. Another dream come true. I am so thankful that Matt loves what he does as much as I do!

13. Books. Rarely a good novel... more like Curious George and anything with a turtle in it! They are the only thing that make McLleyton sit still. I love when he'll snuggle and read!

14. Sister-in-laws. I have 3 sister-in-laws who are amazing! I love each of them and truly consider them sisters. Isn't that a rare, amazing gift!? :)

15. Sleeping in. It's interesting to think that I now consider 8am as sleeping in. Rarely happens but I love it when it does!

16. Forgiveness. Friends, family and a husband who have taught me so much about it!

17. Family Vacations. Probably my favorite thing in the world. Today a vacation is an immense amount of work. But, I LOVE seeing the time through their eyes. These are some of my most treasured childhood memories and I feel blessed to now make some with our kids!

18. Cousins. Shaelyn, Monreau and McLleyton are blessed with some amazing cousins! 3 right next door and 6 across the country. These are special relationships I am so thankful for!

19. Date nights. It's a gift to have a night a week to just be the two of us!

20. Friends. I am so thankful for the amazing friends we've been given. Who love us, encourage us, push us and challenge us. We are so much better because of you!

21. Prayer. Their is power in prayer. I've seen miracles and answers I'll never understand in this life, but I know the power prayer and for this I am grateful.

22. Potty training. It is true I am thankful for this :). It means I won't be changing diapers for much of my 30's :).

23. Parents. I have amazing parents. Both mine and Matt's. They have great marriages, they love Matt and I and they adore my kids! Doesn't get much better!

24. Our House. Doesn't quiet function like I'd dream it to... but it's home and right where we're supposed to be! We are blessed!

25. Weekend getaways. Like we just got to have are amazing!!

26. Crayons. My girls spend a ton of time coloring! It's such a peaceful activity! I love it!

27. 9 years of marriage. Best decision of my life was to say "yes" when we asked me at 19!

28. An inheritance of friends. My parents always told us growing up that the greatest gift they could give us was an inheritance of friends. It is very true and we are definitely blessed by friends all around the world!

29. Showers. I always feel thankful when I manage to get a shower in :)... it's a bonus if I do my hair!

30. Dreams. Dreams for our marriage. Dreams for our kids. Dreams for more friends. It's such a gift to dream....