The Big 3-0

Last Thursday I entered my 30s and as we do every year, we headed to Northpark for my birthday.  We listened to Santa tell stories, checked out the trains and ate lunch at Corner Bakery.  We heard so many amazing choirs sing.  The kids would just freeze and watch them until we coaxed them away.  It's such a wonderful place at Christmas time and we always enjoy our time there so much! 

My very favorite thing about my birthday is getting texts, emails & phone calls!  Jeff thinks I'm a dork but I count them every year and this year I had 22 birthday wishes! Thank you to all of you that made me feel so special.  I'm constantly reminded of how thankful I am for you.

Celebrating after dinner with family :-)

And friends!  Thanks to the conspiring of my amazing husband and sister :-)

Love these girls so very much!  They love, they encourage, they make me a better person and I'm so thankful for them.

I was so afraid of turning 30 all year long.  I think I started dreading it the day I turned 29. I loved my 20s.  I loved my college years and getting married and having babies.  I always say I want to freeze my kids at their ages but lately I've realized that I really want to freeze all four of us at our ages! 

Older people tell me all the time (especially in grocery stores) "You don't know it yet but these are the best years with your little ones and they go by so fast."  But the thing is, I do know it!  I feel like I'm right in the middle of the best years of my life and all I can do is take pictures and videos and watch the time pass. 

A few weeks ago I felt so convicted knowing that my heart should be thankful for 30 years and all that it has included.  And I am!  I'm thankful that I turned 30 and I'm so thankful for the family and friends I have around me!