In my next 30 years

"I think I’ll take a moment, celebrate my age
The ending of an era and the turning of a page
Now it’s time to focus in on where I go from here
Lord have mercy on my next thirty years

Hey my next thirty years I’m gonna have some fun
Try to forget about all the crazy things I’ve done
Maybe now I’ve conquered all my adolescent fears
And I’ll do it better in my next thirty years

My next thirty years I’m gonna settle all the scores
Cry a little less, laugh a little more
Find a world of happiness without the hate and fear
Figure out just what I’m doing here
In my next thirty years

Oh my next thirty years, I’m gonna watch my weight
Eat a few more salads and not stay up so late
Drink a little lemonade and not so many beers
Maybe I’ll remember my next thirty years

My next thirty years will be the best years of my life
Raise a little family and hang out with my wife
Spend precious moments with the ones that I hold dear
Make up for lost time here ,In my next thirty years

In my next thirty years"

I guess we've all noticed like to choose song titles/books in reference to my blogs. I thought this was more than appropriate considering I hit the big 30 this week. I even came up with a few things I want to accomplish in my next 30 years.

I want to raise these boys under the grace of God. I want them to grow up knowing that God loves them even more than I do and his grace is sufficient. I want them to learn virtues not just through teaching but by witnessing us act them out. I want them to be generous and patient. I want to teach them the value of education both in school and out. I want them to know and appreciate that I chose to stay home with them. It's my job and I take it seriously. I want to lead them in the right directions in choosing college, careers and more importantly in choosing a mate. I want to more consistently keep that in my prayers. I feel like my parents prayers were answered in that for me and my sister.

I want to trust Jason that he will continue to make all the right decisions for our family and his career. He has always led us in the right paths. Before he even knew me, he was making decisions that would better our future. He is seeking higher wisdom and I know that. He wants and knows what is best for us and I should trust in that.

I want to keep up with all the great friends I've come to know over the past 5 years. These people have been my family in more ways than friends of civilians ever know. We celebrate birthdays and holidays as if it were tradition. We laugh, cry and encourage one another through some of life's greatest challenges. My life wouldn't be the same without them. My children wouldn't be the same without them. I've always heard "it takes a village", I'm thankful for my village.

I want to run a half-marathon. Yes, 13.1 miles is my goal. I might even do it 2 different times. I fell in love with running when I realized it helped me to lose the weight after my first baby and then with the 2nd. I love the thrill of the race and the fact that I'm only racing against myself. Most people aspire to do the whole 26.2 but I'm still convinced I'll be happy with the 13 miler.

I want to make time for myself. I want to keep up the image of "the girl with matching earrings." I know a good mommy always needs to take time to be herself outside of kids. It's not always easy to do. So many days, my legs need to be shaved or my toes get neglected but those are the things that make me a girl and around this house I NEED to be a girl.

At the end of that next 30 years I want to become the grandparents that mine were to me. I have nothing but respect and love for my grandparents. I was lucky enough to grow up near both sets of my grandparents and I am a better person for having known them. They filled my childhood with loving memories and tradition that I hope to pass on when one day Jason and I have the honor of becoming grandparents.

In my next 30 years, I want to revel in the wisdom that only comes with age. Try not to worry about the wrinkles and gray hairs that are inevitable. I want to make an imprint no matter where this life takes us. I want to be better, in my next 30 years.