40 things for 40 years.......

I have been contemplating this momentous birthday for quite sometime. I recall thinking long ago when Katie was born that I'd turn 40 right before she graduated from high school. At the time, that seemed a long way off, but now it's here. It's been a great life so far! I've been blessed with wonderful family and friends and I feel so lucky! In my 30s, I've gone from having my oldest child being 8 when I was 30 to my youngest child being 8 when I am 40. I absolutely loved my 30s and am sure I'll love and embrace my 40s (What else can I do? I might as well enjoy it!)

I was thinking today about what I wanted to post for my birthday, and came up with a list (I love lists) about 40 things I've learned about myself in my 40 years. I was telling my mom about this earlier in the evening and told her I should just number the paper 1 through 40 and then leave it blank. Haha.....I won't really do that. It's been fun to think about what I might say on my list, so here goes nothing....

1. I always try to treat people the way I would want to be treated. I'm not always successful, but I sure try.
2. I love to laugh as much as possible
3. I don't like running at all
4. The more I play the piano, the better I get.....shocking huh?
5. I love Harry Potter AND Twilight!
6. I love watching Olympic platform diving. Right after Katie was born, I was watching a lot of tv like a lot of new moms do. The 1992 Barcelona Olympics happened to be on and I discovered how much I enjoyed watching the divers. Who knew?
7. Whether I like it or not, names, numbers, faces, dates, and trivia stick in my brain. Sometimes, I can't remember what I ate for breakfast though.
8. I buy Legos for whichever of my children is into them at the time, but secretly, it's because I hope I'll get to help them.
9. I find coloring to be therapeutic
10. I have always wanted a "kindred spirit" friend like Anne of Green Gables, and like her, I have realized over the years, that if I just open my eyes, I'm surrounded by them.
11. I have realized that I have the tiniest, and I mean the teensiest, tiniest knack for photography.
12. Grammatical errors drive me crazy, especially when I make them!
13. I can blow giant bubblegum bubbles
14. I love blogging ~ it's become such a great journaling technique
15. I have learned to be geniunely happy for others' accomplishments
16. I know I like to talk too much, but at least I know that right?
17. I love singing and miss singing with my mom as much as we did when I lived at home.
18. Forgiveness can be hard.....but giving up hurt lifts such a weight off my shoulders
19. I wish we lived closer to family ~ I'd love to be able to call my parents and do things with them more easily.
20. No matter how much I love my friends, Jay and my kids occupy the "BFF" status :-)
21. I've always believed that, had I lived during the Civil War era, I'd have been a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
22. Moving to different places frequently as a child made me a stronger and more outgoing person.
23. I used to love reading Stephen King, but now that scares me.
24. I love life lessons that come from movie quotes.
25. When I was little, I decided I was a Republican because I liked how the word sounded better than how the word Democrat sounded.
26. Having my four little babies was the most profound experience of my life, outside of marrying Jay. They didn't always come in the easiest way, but it was worth it. I love you Katie, Tyler, Anna and Rachel! You are my sweet ones!! I love you too Jay ~ you're the best husband I could ask for, for reasons only known to you.
27. I was always the first c-section patient to be up and moving around the next day because I don't like sitting still. For those of you who know I'm competitive, I didn't know I was the first patient up until after the docs told me so :-)
28. And now that's the cat is out of the bag, I might as well admit that I am competitive and have been known to throw cards on occasion if I am losing badly.
29. A good harmony or chord gives me goosebumps!
30. After living in Sweden and having to consolidate our "lives" into a 6' by 4' cargo shipping container, I realize what matters most is nothing you can pack into a box.
31. I have learned to get up from what I'm doing to listen to my kids. My book, or whatever, will always be there, but I might miss a special moment that I can't get back if I don't get up.
32. I don't mind when Tyler takes someone else out in football, hits someone with his lacrosse stick or pins someone in wrestling, but I feel almost defensive when someone tackles him, hits him or pins him.
33. I really do feel better, happier and easier going when I read my scriptures each day.
34. I am trying so very hard to stop worrying about what others think of me.
35. Plants and I don't get along.
36. I try to smile at everyone I see.
37. My mom (and dad) really do know best.
38. I value and appreciate wit.
39. I can avoid ice cream, chips, crackers, cupcakes and other things, but put a fresh, homemade chocolate chip cookie in front of me, and I'm a goner.
40. I'm eternally grateful for prayer, my testimony and faith, and for the Atonement!
41. (You always have to have one to grow on) I love my family and friends more than anything and am extremely grateful for all of you that love me enough to read this whole post!

I read today a quote by Victor Hugo. He stated that "Forty is the old age of youth; fifty is the youth of old age." I like this....I'm still in the "youth" category! I am a firm believer that we are as old as we let ourselves act and feel. So, with Dead Poet Society enthusiasm I declare "Carpe diem!" I will be seizing the day by doing what I want today when I want. I believe I will start the day with a mani/pedi......


I hope I can always be willing to throw caution to the wind, not worry about what others might think and just have fun!