Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Happy Birthday to me

Today is my 56th birthday. Sounds ancient to those I know who are younger than 40, but it's all a matter of perspective. When I was in my 20's and 30's, people who were 65 had one foot in the grave. Now, here I am just 9 years away from that ripe old age, and guess what? I may be getting older, but I'm also getting better. Just ask Rick. Lol!

I am enjoying being more relaxed about things that really used to bug me. Things like needing people to like me, having people like the way I dressed, having the best and latest of things, (at all costs). Now it's pretty important that I like how I dress, and jeans aren't the most comfortable pants I own, so I only wear them when I'm feeling thinner. I used to try to get my mom to wear Levi's when I was young, you know, I wanted her to be more amazing than she already was to my friends. She refused, now I know why, it takes a while to get smarter about that stuff, and moms are always right. I still want people to like me, but it doesn't make or break my day if they aren't that happy with me.

I am able to admit my mistakes (who me?) easier than I used to. I must have more self confidence than I used to, but I now realize that we are all human, including me, therefore we all make mistakes.

I still love my house to be clean, but I no longer think people judge me by how many of Baxter's paw prints they can see on the floor.



Not quite the actual size of Baxter's paw, but darn close. Actually, Baxter's is probably a little larger, he weighs about 120 pounds. Love that boy!

I guess as I've "matured", I find that I'm less judgmental of others, so I cut myself some slack too.

With Christmas coming I'm reminded that I now include Christ more in our celebrations than I used to. Presents aren't necessary anymore for me to have a good time, just my family around me makes me very happy and content.

And I'm about 10 pounds heavier than I want to be, but that too doesn't matter like it used to. I think it's not only the growing up process, but also Rick's service in Iraq, that put things in a better perspective for me. Some "stuff" just doesn't matter as much any more.

Then there are those things that matter more. My family has always been a huge part of my life, but I now look at them through different eyes and honestly realize that without them life wouldn't be worth living. They make me happy, they are the reason that I do what I do.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ now plays a bigger part in my life than ever before, I only wish I would have felt this many years earlier. I missed a lot of time not being totally committed.

I love my job and my friends that I work with. I've had many "happy birthday's" today from friends and family alike. I am so blessed and I'll try harder in the year ahead to show my gratitude.


The best birthday wish I received today came from my little mom. She called me before I came to work to wish me happy birthday and said "You were my Christmas present". Made me cry. But,I thought about what she said and I guess I probably was her Christmas present that year. With 2 older brothers (who I love very much, they taught me way cool stuff growing up, like how to count to 10 burping) and since her and dad didn't know if I was a boy or a girl, being born just before Christmas, I guess I was a Christmas present that year. My mom is such a sweetheart, the most Christlike person I know, what a blessing it is for me to be her "Christmas present".

5 comments:

Collette C. said...

Hope you are having a happy day. Enjoyed reading your blog today. I'm so glad to read of your contentment; that is such a good feeling. You are a very important part of our family. Thanks for all you do. Love you

whitney said...

hope you had a wonderful day! love ya

Michael & Nikki said...

I love reading your blog! I can connect with everything you say. You are an amazing woman, and such a great example. so Thank You!! Love ya Aunt Wendy!!

Lindsay said...

What a great post. You have always been such a great example to me. I hope you had a fabulous birthday. We love you!

The White Family said...

You are an amazing lady. I learn so much from you. I appreciate your example and think you should write a book. You are a great teacher!