30 years, seriously?

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) This was the daily Bible verse on my 30th Birthday. For as frustrated as I feel lately with thinking about the future, this is something that I need to remember. Last Monday I turned 30. When did that happen? While I may act like I am in my 30's most of the time it just feels like I'm lying to say I have been alive for 30 years.

I had a wonderful birthday. Greg had the day off anyway because my birthday fell on Columbus Day this year (bank holiday), so I took the day off as well so we could spend it together. We slept in, went to check out the new Yukon Target (!!!!), went to lunch and went home to veg on the couch and catch up on all our shows we've DVR'd and haven't had time to watch. It was a wonderful, low-key day - just what I needed! My parents stopped by that evening to wish me a happy birthday and give me a present ($$) and then they went on their way. Tuesday we had dinner with Greg's dad & step-mom for my birthday. It was great to see them - Greg sees them a lot more often than I do because he goes to lunch with them every so often. Thursday evening was spent having dinner with Greg's mom, step-dad and 2 brothers to celebrate my birthday. This has truly been a birthday week! Friday night I had the honor and privilege of spending time with Miss Molly Taylor while Jen & Bob drive up to Stillwater to go to walkaround for homecoming. I have been dying to babysit her since she was born and I finally got my chance! Jen was afraid she would be a bit fussy because she didn't get e good nap that afternoon, but she was a angel! She played well and gave me lots of smiles, ate dinner very well and fell asleep during her bottle before bed. I could've put her straight to bed but I wanted to brush her teeth so I set her in her Bumbo chair and started brushing. It woke her up a little, but it was probably better because she had fallen asleep a little earlier than she should have anyway. After that I held her for a few minutes then put her in bed. She didn't fuss a bit and just played for a few minutes, listening to her music, and then fell asleep! She was truly a joy to spend time with - you can't be anything other than happy around her when you see that smile!! Saturday night we got to spend over at the Taylor's again, this time for a small cookout with a few friends for my birthday. I wanted to keep it small and not at all about my birthday so we just did 4 couples (counting Greg & I) and the Taylor's hosted because it was already baby-friendly and easiest for the moms. It was nice to see some friends and to have a social evening with no agenda. We played with kiddos, we ate, we visited and we all went home to go to sleep! Sunday was my family birthday celebration. After church Greg dropped my off at my parent's house. I went with my mom and sister to meet my SIL at Mistletoe Market, a holiday shopping extravaganza that has over 100 booths full of holiday decorations, gifts, clothing & food. I was lucky enough to do some Christmas shopping for my nephew and one of my nieces, as well as a birthday present for a little man that is about to turn 1! Later that afternoon we had 2 soccer games, both Kayden and Bella had games within half an hour of each other, so we all watched those. Then we met Greg up at Yamato for a delicious Asian meal! Before going home to go to bed Greg & I helped my parents finish emptying out the kitchen cabinets at their house - they are remodeling this week!!

I had a truly wonderful birthday week and I can't thank my friends and families enough for all of the cards, calls, text messages, myspace/facebook comments, emails and gifts. I am really blessed.