39

39 is the age I turned this year...back in October. I had all the best intentions of blogging about my day and how I felt knowing it was my last year in my 30's and then like always, life got in the way. 

There was a time that I would put the kids to bed and hop on the computer and get things done. Now? Now I put the kids to bed and just want to crawl into my own bed with the TV remote or a good book. Or sometimes I just want to catch up with the husband. But the best nights? Those are the nights I actually pass out with the kids and sleep until morning. Or 3 am.  And then I will catch up on things I meant to do on the computer but blogging is never first. And so it falls to the wayside. I'm okay with that because I am doing what I want to do when I want to do it. Catch up on sleep? Why not. Read a book? My fave thing. Talk with my husband? With no kids to interrupt, it's divine.

I spent my birthday morning at the salon after having breakfast with the husband. There is a place called Great Harvest that bakes fresh bread, muffins, and scones daily. Talk about walking into a place that smells great. I could work there...as a taste tester. They also give samples that are actually pretty decent in size. It was nice to just sit and talk and sip a cup of coffee without hearing "mom, mom, mom" a bajillion times.

When I think of birthday traditions, I realize mine is being at a salon. I have been at a salon on my birthday for the last 4 years. Sometimes it's for a just a cut or a blow out. But this year I went and had some color. I was itching to get away from the dark dark brown that is my natural color. Now when the sun is shining bright you can see a dark auburn in my hair. Occassionally it still shocks me but I love it.

You can't really see it in that picture but that was me on my actually birthday, so it will do. I thought I would go with a more drastic change but I didn't want too much upkeep. So here I am...39 and feeling fine. Let's see if I can not let another 42 days pass before I update again!

Happy Birthday

This week I celebrated my 38th birthday. Just seeing that makes me feel old, even though I really don't feel like I'm close to 40. But then again, what is that suppose to feel like? I have always felt like age is what you make it. I know people that flipped out about turning 30, sure it seems scary but it really is like every other birthday. Or at least mine was.

Spencer is really getting into what a birthday is and he had gone out with his Daddy to get a gift for me and it was the sweetest things to see him have a secret. My clue was that he went to a store...which is the same clue Tim and I give each other at Christmas. That kids picks up fast but of course the only thing he truly cared about was cake and when we would have it. He is truly my child as I love all things cake and related to cake. Just don't give me any of that fondant or whipped icing! I am a buttercream gal through and through.

For those of you who follow me on Twitter, you may have seen my NC license plate, which reads 1 LUCKY B and of course that can be taken two ways. In Greek my name means honey bee, which explains my affinity for all things honey. Also I am fond of bees, as long as they don't try to sting me. Anyway, I am one lucky b and to go along with that I received the queen bee Pandora charm, which is adorable!

But of course there is the other connotation that is alluded to which starts with b and ends in itch. I don't mind and apparently it rings true because my lovely sister sent a card that made me laugh. Got to love family, right?

I have to admit the highlight of my evening was getting dressed up and having a nice dinner with Tim. I almost didn't know how to act! And while we did talk about the kids some, we mostly talked about things we never seem to be able to get to when we are in the thick of parenting. It was nice to enjoy my meal without having to share or wrangle or repeat the same thing...over and over. Maybe I need a birthday dinner at least once a month???

Now that I have my birthday out of the way...bring on Christmas! Anyone ready for it? Have you started shopping?

Letter To My 18 Year Old Self

Happy Birthday! You are finally 18. And also 36. Amazing how both ages seemed archaic when we were 10. Now? Not so much.

You've started settling in to your first month of college and while I know you are having a great time, slow down. Take time to really enjoy the experience but don't be stupid about it all. The boy you met at Paradise? Forget him, it isn't going anywhere and he isn't a good person. Matter of fact, stay away from anyone with that last name or who tells you they are a musician.

Your friends are taking you to the circus and it will be such a good time. It will probably be one of the few times you truly laugh out loud for hours without a care in the world. Cherish it, life comes at you fast when you become an adult and sometimes you forget to laugh.

Speaking of friends, there is a saying that says "friends are the family we pick for ourselves." This is very true but not everyone you think is your friend, truly is. Be guarded. People tend to take advantage of your kindness and giving nature which may make you bitter later in life.

Your future is not perfect but the family you build is. You have a handsome, wonderful husband who wants nothing more than to make you happy. Let him. You have a beautiful, smart son who you know will do great things. And at 36 you will be pregnant with your daughter. That's right 2 kids when all you say from the age of 18 to 25 is you want none. A good man will do that for you. Kiss those frogs but know that your prince will eventually come.

And finally, be kind to those that are kind to you. It makes all the difference in the world.

Happy Birthday!

Signed,
Your Older Self
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®