Tuesday, July 12, 2011

On the Eve of My Forty-First Birthday

I'm hopeful. Isn't that the best way to be?
Kevin and I had our first counseling session together in a long time. I want to work on anger issues and how they affect my parenting, and he wants to support me, and we BOTH have tremendous loads of crap from our childhoods to deal with - and the good news is: it's possible! It's possible to deal with it. And to heal. And to improve. That news is the highlight of my year.

I'm loving my children. On the eve of turning 41, they are ages 10, 8, 6, and 3. They are funny, sweet, smart, loving reflections of the joy of the Lord. I can't wait to hug and kiss them on my birthday tomorrow.

I'm able to run. For yet another birthday. And I have a neighbor nice enough to run with me each time we are both willing to put down the snack foods and put on the running shoes. I still love running more than I hate running, and that keeps me getting out there.

I'm excited about the cake and ice cream. From age one aaaaaaaaaaalllll the way until tonight, I have loved cake and ice cream. And it's even sweeter when it's in honor of a birthday celebration.

I have purpose. I seek to grow in my love for God every day. I want to be a better wife, and have fun with my husband and our kids. I homeschool with conviction (and am ELATED when next year's pieces of curriculum arrive in my mailbox one by one). I maintain and improve our home. I buy portions of grass-fed beef; strive to improve at sewing; read good books; want to grow closer to my friends; try to do Weight Watchers, then screw up, then try to do Weight Watchers again; organize closets; analyze relationships; and continue to pray for everyone I love and plenty of people I don't even know.

All that oughtta keep me going another year, huh?

5 comments:

Katie and Mark said...

That is a wonderful birthday post! Happy (almost) Birthday! I'm sure you have something wonderful planned, and whatever it is, I hope you have a GREAT time. :)

By the way, I am glad I can run with you too, and if you find out some amazing tips on controling anger while parenting, please feel free to teach me a few things on our jogs. Ü

Sally said...

What a wonderful beginning to another year. Happy Birthday and blessings on your special day.

Blah Blah Layla said...

Hopeful, indeed! Love your reflections and hope it's an amazing day kicking off another year of life!

heathorock said...

happy end of your birthday evening
you're in for another great year!!!

Agie said...

Happy belated birthday! Came across your post today and was curious because your intro shows you are a convert to the Catholic faith.I wish you well in your new path. I also hope you and your family find a good pattern of living within your community - one where you are actively involved in learning more about being a strong representative of the Catholics. In doing so, you will enjoy the framework of support and the resources will help your children learn invaluable life lessons. My brother used to say that the catholics have the best preparation and ceremonies to celebrate the major steps in your life - and we have found this to be true. I am 56 years old and my children are now 31, 30 and 28. I look back on their early years with pride as I too enjoyed every moment with them as children and am lucky enough to be actively involved as adults. My ONLY regret is that I didn't recognize stress as a young parent- I thought I could handle all of the pressures but in hindsight I could have said "I don't care because I emotionally can't afford to care" more often. Also - it's been said that you are as happy as you make up your mind to be and I believe if you are happy - your children will be happy. Look at each person you meet - don't look at the color of their skin or what they have - just treat them better than you would like to be treated - teach your children the same and all of you will have less stress. So...from a very happy mom to a younger happy mom -keep up your good work of caring and forming your children - you are so very blessed.