May 19, 2025 - Monday



42 years old today. It kind of feels like an unremarkable birthday. My friend Jane described it as a "whatever" birthday when she turned 42 last month. I think it's unfair to go down that path of thinking, though, because whether or not it was a remarkable day for me, my family and friends did everything they could to make me feel like it was special, no matter the actual age I turned. Ben and the kids have spent weeks (probably months, honestly) talking, thinking, and planning for this day...ALL to make me feel loved and to celebrate me. And I do feel SO VERY loved, without a doubt. I have been a little hormonal and a little sad and irritable lately, but I am still so grateful. I have so much more than I deserve and more than I ever imagined I would. My life is overflowing with love and affection from my husband, my four amazing kids, my parents, and several wonderful, thoughtful, sisters in Christ. I have gotten calls, texts, gifts (expected and totally unexpected), and Facebook messages galore. I thank God that he still piles on the blessings, even when I'm grumpy. I ended up bursting into tears this afternoon because the day had just turned out to be so much harder than I expected and none of my plans panned out! The kids felt so sad and like they were failing me, and I just had to keep telling them over and over that they are wonderful and couldn't have possibly done more to please me. Poor guys! Anyway, I fully expect 42 to be one of my best years yet. Life just keeps getting better! Now if only I could get these dang hormones under control.

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