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thirty 1

I now consider myself deep into my 30's.  It doesn't matter now if I'm 31 or 39, I feel like it's all the same and I think I'm okay with it.
I began my day by opening up the gifts that the kids picked out for me.  Jilli gave me a king size milk chocolate bar, Beck gave me chocolate and peanut butter eggs, Jax gave me a large chocolate bunny and Mac gave me a bouquet of blue silk flowers.  These kids do know their mommy -- give me some flowers and chocolate and consider me happy.  Nate also threw in some Reese's eggs, the Tangled movie and a year pass to the Life & Science museum.

The kids also sent me on a Birthday Scavenger hunt. I was super impressed with the clues Mac came up with and thrilled with all of my treasures!

Since my birthday fell on Sunday, which was also General Conference, my wonderful friend, Kristi invited my family and the Brehler family over for brunch.

 We ate some delicious food (I brought fruit on my new homemade platter -- check me out), chatted and let the kids play before we headed back home in time for conference.

I really enjoyed Elder Cook's talk on the role of women and mothers and how divine that calling is.  But when I heard someone yell from the other room, "Mom, can you come wipe my bum?" I was quickly brought back to MY reality and even though it didn't seem very divine at the time, I'm choosing to believe that Elder Cook knows a thing or two more than I do.  :)
During the two hour break between conference sessions we went outside and enjoyed the beautiful day as we played some family basketball -- good times, nothin' but good times.
The day before Nate asked me what I wanted him to make for dinner and I requested salmon, broccolli, potatoes and rolls.  Since my Nate aims to please, that's exactly what he made and he did a darn good job -- he's quite the guy.  We also had cake and ice cream, which was definitely a crowd pleaser.

When the day came to a close, I couldn't help but feel truly blessed.  I had been the recipient of many phone calls, facebook messages, hugs and kisses, compliments and gifts.  How grateful I am to family and friends who took the time to think of me on my special day.  My 30's are looking better and better and yes, I really am okay with being 31.

Getting to Know My New Life

Now that I'm done with the pregnancy and new baby phase of my life, I'm getting to the know the new phase of my life.  Unlike my first phase that lasted almost 8 years, I think this new phase is going to be around a bit longer -- I'm thinking at least a good 15 or more years.  I think I'll call this new part of my life the "Accidents and Athletics" phase.

Exhibit A: Sports Training Arena

I came home to this new addition to my home decor a couple weeks back.  Nate and the boys had screwed some kind of hangy-thing from my ceiling, attached a ball to the end of it, taped off a home plate and were working on their baseball swings.  

My wood floors have become an indoor basketball court, my front door doubles as throwing/target practice and  my furniture is moved around daily to accommodate the latest soccer game.  This last Monday a prayer was answered and Nate bought an outdoor basketball hoop for the kids to take their shots on, allowing my crown molding a break.  

Exhibit B: Accident City

How many times can one little boy split open his eye in three weeks?  Not once, not twice, but three times!  (And this doesn't count the two other prior incidents where he split open other parts of his face, giving him a grand total of five accidents in a year and a half.)  Need I also remind myself that Mac had staples in his head not so long ago?  

Sadly cuts, bruises and looking a little banged up is a new fashion trend in our home.

Exhibit C: No Exceptions for Little Girls

Even Jilli gets her fair share of training and accidents around here.  

With my new phase of life, there's sure to be excitement lurking around every corner and I think I'm okay with that.  Looks like I'll be trading in my diaper bag of sippys and wet wipes for a duffle bag filled with gatorade and bandaids.  

Bring it, new phase of life, I'm ready for ya.