30!

Well, today is my thirtieth birthday!  It's pretty hard to believe, but it kinda makes me excited.  I'm not one of those women who is crying at the loss of my twenties, instead I am excited about what the thirties will bring.  I feel like I can finally let go of some of the things that always held me back before, like worrying so much about what other people think of me, and feeling like I have to please everyone, and being so indecisive about what I want in life.  I have a great life, and now I feel like I can finally focus on that and just make it even better. 

Here are some of my accomplishments during my last decade:

• Got engaged
• Got married to my love (and just celebrated 9 years!)
• Became a kick-a** bank teller =)
• Graduated from UMHB
• Bought a car
• Became a teacher
• Worked in a very difficult school - and liked it!
• Made some BFFs who I love and would do anything for
• Taught in Killeen - something I never thought I would do!
• Taught (and am still teaching) in the district I always wanted to teach in
• Bought a house
• Started working on my Master's degree
• Became a mom to the most amazing little boy

Not bad for a list off the top of my head!  =)  I can only imagine what 30 will bring!

Today I was reading through a book that was given to me at my baby shower - my friend Mistie got a spiral and had everyone write "Words of Wisdom" to me about being a mom.  I love to read over them every now and then to remind myself what all of these "seasoned" moms mentioned as being most important, but the one I always come back to is the one my own mom wrote:

"Go camping and fishing, have picnics in the back yard.  Put more efforts into memories instead of stuff.  The stuff will fade away and the memories will last forever."

I've been thinking about this a lot, and coming to a realization of how true it is.  I've been trying really hard to make memories with Mason (even though he won't remember them yet!) instead of focusing on the stuff.  Today, in honor of my mom's thoughtful quote, Mason and I went to the park together, just to have fun and make some memories. 

I am absolutely amazed at his reaction to the park.  He watches the other kids so intently, he runs and climbs and jumps and slides like he's been doing it for years.  He is so much fun to watch, and I really treasure these times with him. 

And of course, I have pictures.  =)

 (Wow, Mama needs some eye cream!)