Another birthday?!

10.07.2011

This week I turned 36.  I feel pretty ambivalent about it, except I look back at pictures of when I was in my twenties, and then it hits me--I've aged.  I have wrinkles.  I have cellulite.  I have aches and pains.  I'm tired.  Since the clock is ticking, I still wonder if Little Lewie will ever have a sibling.  One part of my brain says I have to try now, and another part says I may not have the stamina to keep up...  Little Lewie is already a whirlwind of energy that keeps both Mommy and Daddy on our toes.

Courtesy of Google Images

Yes, the signs of aging are there in spite of my best efforts to exercise and eat right (at least most of the time).  Still, I'm a year wiser and a year more experienced.  I've learned a lot in one year--this must count for something.  I've grown a little more tolerant of my messy house.  I've learned how to stretch a dollar.  I've learned to be patient during three year-old temper tantrums.  I've learned that marriage is worth fighting for, and I've learned to accept imperfection at most every level.

However, I've also learned that gratitude is everything, and if we ask enough, our prayers are answered (even if they are answered differently than our expectations).  I have a lot to be thankful for, and so while I'm "aging" and "learning" , I'm also celebrating moments both big and small.  This year, I suppose, will go by just as quickly (or maybe even quicker) than the rest, and no doubt, I will find a new laugh line that never appeared before, but as long as I've got an attitude of gratitude, and I've created a new laugh line instead of a frown line, 36 will be a wonderful year.

9 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday! I love the "Attitude of gratitude." I think that's the secret to a better year. I hope you had a fabulous birthday. For what it's worth I think you look lovely. :)

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  2. Happy Birthday and you are indeed speaking my language. Being a year older I'm starting to feel the clock closing in.

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  3. Hapy birthday my dear bloggy friend! I know what you mean about looking in the mirror and seeing ourselves getting older. You look fabulous! I went through a lot about thinking about wanting a brother or sister for my daughter. I had a lot stress over it. It was and is up to God. However, now that my daughter is getting older I am really loving how we can just get up and go. Whatever is meant to be will be. Just do not do what I did and stress so much over it. You are a wonderful mommy and I wish you the best year! happy birthday my friend!

    Mama Hen

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  4. Oh Annette,
    Happy belated Birthday! I hope you had a beautiful birthday. You are a remarkable woman, and you deserve it. Hugs!! ps I'm losing the fight against the gray hairs. Jerks.

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  5. I hope you are enjoying this great autumn day!

    Mama Hen

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  6. My next bday will be 36. And, I have given up on the thought that my boy will have a sibling. Our kids are the same age. I enjoy getting older so far and wouldn't change the smarts I've acquired for anything, but it is scary getting closer to 40!

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  7. Hi! New follower here, Looking forward to reading your blogs in the future.

    Hope you could follow me back too http://iamblissfullyloved.blogspot.com

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