thirty.

I turned the big 3-0 on June 21st. I'll admit, I was scared to death. I've never felt old until I had P. The responsibility of becoming a parent will make you feel old. But having a second baby on the way, I really began to feel old. When family asked me what I wanted for my birthday, my one and only response to everyone was, "another year in my twenties." The week before the big day, I tried my hardest to accept it. I made a comment at work to one of the girls, "well, I guess thirty is just a number." Her response, "yeah, but it's a big number." The sad thing to me is that I can remember thinking coworkers in their thirties were old. I guess that's how my teeny bopper technicians at work view me now. What goes around, comes around, huh? But now that I am a couple of weeks in, I am embracing this new oldness. Old is good.

My hubby went above and beyond to make my thirtieth birthday exceptional. I woke up to a house decorated in old pictures of me and my past and quotes about getting older. He kidnapped me, we dropped P off at Beme's, and headed to our surprise destination, with a mixed tape cd of the best 80's music playing on the car stereo the entire trip. We arrived in Athens, GA. My home away from home. Taylor said, "For your birthday this year, I got you what you wanted. Now let's go relive your twenties." He's the best husband ever.

We ate at my favorite restaurant, The Last Resort, for lunch then headed to our favorite on-campus spot, The Creamery, for a yummy milkshake for desert.


We visited some of my old stomping grounds.



We talked about old times, when it was just the two of us. And we talked about where our lives have taken us thus far. We have come a long way and accomplished some pretty amazing things. After our awesome day in Athens, I slowly began to realize that I'm not just thirty years old. I am thirty years wise.

We arrived home from Athens to find this in our front yard.


My mom is too funny. And she is absolutely the best. I got a kick out of our new yard decorations, especially when I found out that they had been there since 8 am and all of my neighbors had stopped by to check out my mom's creation. I'm sure the Homeowner's Association was called more than once. I loved it.

And to top off the best day ever, Taylor surprised me with a yummy cake lit up like the 4th of July. It took longer to light the candles than to eat the cake.


It was a great thirtieth birthday. Thirty years has taken me this far. I make wiser decisions. I have a fabulous family, two homes, a car that is paid for. And, I have finally figured out what's most important in life. I hope my next thirty years holds just as much greatness as my first thirty.