Thursday, January 21, 2010

The BIG 4-0....

Yep, I am officially out of the 30's and headed into the 40's.... Today started so sweet with my two littlest ones jumping into bed with BIG birthday wishes. Braden and McKenna had such huge excitement in their eyes in anticipation FOR me. Then McKenna snuggled in next to me while I ran my fingers through her hair and gently tapped my finger tips on her forehead- oh those little moments....

Awwww...... 40. What does that number mean? I was really, really dreading this birthday. I know it's just a number, but 40 is a much BIGger number. Am I young or am I old? I didn't cherish 30 much either, but I was okay with 30 because I was a fairly new mother, and was in the midst of enjoying my new journey of motherhood. I had dreams of a family of 4 or 5 (all-together), yet ahead.....
And I was still carded at the counter when purchasing wine to make Martha Stewart's yummy "Bolognese Sauce". So I was considered "young"-looking, right?
....I could still sit with legs crossed on the floor and get up and not be sprung back into an awkward position in a shocking and surprised pain. Ooooo, so I was still "limber", right?
Hmmm.... And let's not forget that the size 8 that I was before getting pregnant was what I thought to be (at the time) "heavy" for me.... Maybe I can still wear a size 8 (in one brand), but there's excess baggage that interferes with the "comfortable" feeling I used to feel in them.

But if I look back in the last 9 years, soooo much more has happened. Yes, there has been schedules added, more wrinkles (yet the noticeable gray hasn't totally emerged!-shhhh Tammy), and a nagging "teenage" acne problem, no splits or high kicks in these legs, and few pounds changed-give or take- but my life is SO blessed with three little souls that dance around me day after day after day. I have learned so much without a textbook, I've met some incredible people, experienced places and things I never even thought of in my 20's. God is SO good. And as my sweet friend, Brandi, says over and over, "He is good ALL the time". Overall, He most certainly has been good to me every day in these past 9+ years.

But 40. What will the 40's bring to me? I certainly feel a "shifting" of sorts (and in more ways than one!) I mean, for the next 9 years, what will life have in store for me? 9 years. Yikes. It's amazing how fast time rolls after schooling, right? But it's even more amazing how fast it goes once your own kids are in school!
I don't want to feel older. I don't want to have to buy a size bigger. And I certainly don't want to miss out on any of the "little things" that matter most. But it's okay not to do the splits ever again. ;)

So a better way to put it is, what does God have in store for the next 9 years?? I'm not entirely sure, but I am feeling a calling... I am making the decision to pray every day about it, along with making other choices to be a healthier me- inside and out. I am currently reading (a non-artsy crafty) book titled, "Honor's Reward" by John Bevere (a totally awesome book). And I am going to give honor where it is due- to my family, my friends, my leaders, my co-workers, myself, but most of all, to my God. And I know He will give BACK to me mounds of blessings in return.

So, here's looking at you 40! A continued, yet slightly adjusted journey through a different set of numbers,
that's all.


15 comments:

Alisa Noble said...

Happy Birthday, Shannon!!!
The next 9 years WILL BE awesome, with all kinds of new discoveries and experiences! Enjoy it!

Cindy said...

Happy Birthday Shannon and it's not so bad! I dreaded 30, that was the one that scared me. But I can say with all honesty, I LOVED my 40's. So much so, that I plan to stay in them for evah! :D

-c
yapping cat

Cindy (JunqueArt) said...

Happy Happy Birthday to you!!!!! I'm with C, I'm staying in my 40's forever too!

Unknown said...

Sweet sweet Friend! It's just the beginning of your new and amazing journey. I look forward to seeing what the next 9 look like!! Love you!

Diana Ferguson said...

Happy Birthday! These years will be good.

Anonymous said...

hey neighbor - happy belated birthday - so glad you are a part of the team!!! may God bless you and your family this year!

Anonymous said...

hi guys so happy to be between you yayaay love the blog soo much ^^

Linda Jo said...

Well, happy belated birthday! Wow! Your 40? I can't believe it!!! Well....40's are great...50's are better tho! I wouldn't go back for anything.

Linda Jo said...

Well, happy belated birthday! Wow! Your 40? I can't believe it!!! Well....40's are great...50's are better tho! I wouldn't go back for anything.

Suz said...

Happy belated birthday...forty seems so young right now :-(

You don't look a day over thirty!

Tara said...

Happy Bday, Shannon! Welcome to my side of the fence!

Debra@CommonGround said...

Happy Belated Birthday, Shannon! I found you from Jan's PDB. I need to get this book by John Bevere. I love all his and Lisa's books!
come by my two blogs when you can.
blessings,
Debra

Jamie said...

Happy Birthday!!!! You certainly don't look your age:) Hope to see you at Paper Cowgirl. Love, Jamie

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