The Big 3-0!

"Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength." -Betty Frieden

Last week I turned 3-0.  I must say I was not all that excited about this milestone and being out of my twenties, but there is something about a birthday that makes you feel loved, appreciated, and cherished by those that love you.

I had a wonderful week being spoiled by my family with lots of special gestures and treats! My parents cooked my favorite gumbo and got me a yummy cookie cake last weekend, and Melvin came over to celebrate as well! It was so wonderful to be home with them near my birthday and get spoiled! (I always make sure to plan a trip home near my birthday for a little extra spoiling from family--there's nothing like it!) I also celebrated my birthday with BB while we were at Granny's house.

Emily and the boys made me cards, picked me flowers, and we had  birthday lunches at Olive Garden and a Japanese restaurant (both my faves!!). Emily basically spent the whole first part of the week at our house, and the boys and I LOVED it!

Tuesday night Philip took me to see my FAVORITE musician in the world, Jack Johnson. Not only do I know all his songs, but our lives are sewn together with memories related to so many of his songs. (Special anniversary post to come soon and you'll see what I mean!) :) So I seriously teared up 4 times as we were sitting on the blanket on the lawn snuggled up just listening to the beautiful, meaningful music for hours! :) I think I may have been the only person to cry at a Jack concert! Haha!

On my actual birthday I got lots of sweet calls, texts, messages, and special treats from friends. My sweet boys (including Casey who came over from ATL) and Emily cooked me dinner, and we played and talked outside on the porch until the sun went down. It was wonderful!

One of my favorite memories of the day included a conversation in the car that went like this...

Landon- Mommy are you old? 

Me- I guess so, I'm 30 now. 

Landon- I don't want you to be an old mommy. I want you to be a young mommy so you can stay with Owie and me for a long time. 

Such love in those words, and a mommy lesson at that. 

So it was kind of a simple birthday filled with family, friends, and so many of my favorite things! Just the way a 30th birthday should be! Into the next decade where there will be new opportunities and challenges to take on with strength and grace!