Here it comes!

I'm turning 30 on Saturday!

I don't know if it's just coincidence, but Joel has made it a point to tell me just how OLD I am a few times this week. He doesn't mean it in an unkind way, I think he actually thinks the older the better.

But, it's got me thinking. And I can't decide if I'm excited to be turning 30 or if I'm bummed.

Of course it does mean I'm getting older. And my body isn't quite what it used to be (I'm blaming that on the 3 children). I forget more things. I'm going blind in one eye (blaming the cancer for that one). My knees and hips hurt when I work out too much (blaming tennis). But then I think, sheesh, you're not 80.

And I most certainly am not. And I realize that I'm kind of excited to turn 30!

For one thing, I praise God that I am even alive. In addition, he has given me infinite blessings here on this earth. Huge things like my family. And small things like being able to eat whatever food I want, whenever I want. This isn't even possible for a lot of people in this world.

Plus, saying that I'm 30 makes it sound like I am at least qualified by age to care for these 3 small children that I tote all around (and who are sometimes out of control). :)

In that regard, and for many other reasons, my 20's have been a decade ripe with blessings AND challenges. Things I am so thankful to have made it through and can rejoice that we're still kickin'!

So...in honor or turning 30, I will list 30 things that I am thankful for (some serious, some silly, and all most certainly not in order of importance!):

1. My husband...he has been with me through the whole past decade, knows me better than anyone else (and still loves me!) and I hope for at least 30 more years with him in my life!
2. My 3 sons. So sweet, so challenging. I wouldn't trade them. Not even for a girl!
3. Nacho cheese Doritos.
4. My minivan (swore I would never succumb, but I did, and I love it!)
5. A wonderful church with incredible people in it.
6. My hot pink sweater from Old Navy (I got the very last one in the store).
7. Some wonderful friends.
8. A park within 5 minutes walking distance from our house.
9. To be cancer free!
10. Hand-sanitizer foam.
11. My George Foreman grill (we really use it, for lots of things).
12. Cable TV that my parents are getting us for my birthday (I'm pre-thankful for it).
13. The defrost function on my microwave--sometimes I just plan enough in advance.
14. Health insurance.
15. An upcoming 1 1/2 years of free therapy for Joel.
16. Diet Vanilla Coke (I'm sure the regular is just as good too, but I don't like to drink my calories--it's such a waste. If I'm going to consume 200 calories, I'd much rather eat a donut. Seriously.)
17. Ceiling fans.
18. Bug and humidity free Colorado.
19. Cereal.
20. Worship music.
21. God's complete sovereignty.
22. Nap time (the boys, not me...I'm an unsuccessful napper.
23. Getting mail--good stuff, not bills and junk.
24. A big glass of cold water in a plastic cup.
25. The blessing and power of prayer.
26. Being able to read the Bible in 90 days with 600 others at our church.
27. The baby bjorn (it's a verb in this house, "Should I bjorn him?"
28. Mascara.
29. Hugs.
30. Knowing that I am a child of God.

Bring it on 30 years old...I'm just getting started!