30 years...wow!

30 Blessings…

As I turn thirty today, I think about the many blessings I have had in my life. I can’t believe I am thirty (I vividly remember my mom turning thirty – did she feel as young as I feel?…probably) My mother-in-law asked me the other day “Where did you think you would be in your life at thirty?” – it was a no brainer – “right here”. The planner in me made it all work out….I wanted to be married with two kids (almost made that one – off my 1.5 months) and teaching…I think, so far, I am on a roll and can’t wait to continue this journey with a great family and wonderful friends.

My 30 blessings –

1. My BEAUTIFUL daughter, Ella Marie – she teaches me more about love each day

2. My hilarious husband – Travis – who knew those days flirting at Abercrombie would lead to this?

3. My baby boy, Jonah Monroe, on the way….I am so excited to meet you.

4. My amazing mother – whose strength, love, knowledge, and attitude get me through every moment in life

5. My great dad – who is always there when I need him and loves Ella (he is even watching her today while I get my hair done)

6. My bro, Adam – who I wouldn’t trade for the world, even though he drives me crazy sometimes – even after 27 ½ of knowing him, I still have a hard time adjusting to his care-free attitude on life – we are the typical older child (Type A) and the younger boy rebel….I think Ella and Jonah will be the same way – but boy do we have some great childhood memories

7. My grandma – she has been a part of most of my memories and I am so thankful that we have such a good relationship – I can do no wrong in my grandma’s eyes – I feel lucky to have gotten to grow up with her around

8. My crazy, fun and huge NY family – I had always wished when I was younger that I had more cousins that lived close by but now I have my closest cousin, Amanda, right here and the rest of them just a plane ride away – it makes getting together so much more fun.

9. My NY connection – I LOVE NY and LOVE that I can go there at any time

10. My mother and father-in-law – I am so lucky to have such cool in-laws that I could never imagine being annoyed with (like so many families are). They have always treated me like a daughter and we grow closer each year (especially with these grandkids coming along)

11. A cool brother-in-law, Cody, who loves Ella like nothing else and will have so much fun with a nephew!

12. A great step-dad, Wayne, who always treats me like a princess and will help us out anytime, without fail

13. An amazing best-friend, Jenn, who is ALWAYS there for me – you would think that teaching next door and living practically next door would drive us to kill each other but it actually makes life that much greater. Our daughters will be best friends too. I wouldn’t be the person, or teacher that I am today if it weren’t for Jenn.

14. A rewarding job that I still love and feel that I am really good at. Teaching my 3rd graders keeps me sane, driven, and independent and I can’t imagine not doing it.

15. Wonderful co-workers – we are a great group who knows how to have fun

16. A home that I love and can decorate to my little heart’s desire

17. A loyal, loving dog, Colby, who doesn’t hate us for neglecting him since we have had kids…he is so good with Ella and loves us no matter what (the cats are another story)

18. My childhood friends that I am still connected with – Anne, Kelly and Melissa – we have known each other for 22 years and can get together to reminisce like it is nobody’s business

19. My AMAZING childhood – I felt that I had everything I ever wanted – and wonderful memories to prove it

20. I hate to say it but Facebook and blogging has become quite the blessing – it has reconnected me with so many people – family and friends

21. My love for shopping (thanks to my mom) AND getting a great deal – although, Travis wouldn’t think this way – I have saved us lots of money over the years

22. My Missouri family (Travis’ family) – these are the most kind-hearted, non-judgmental people you will ever know…although their way of life is so much different than ours, it is so refreshing to visit and enjoy the simple things

23. My girl friends – can’t wait for a night out tomorrow night!

24. My Aunt Jo and Aunt Donna – the two greatest aunts in the world…I love you guys!

25. My AZ family (The Haug’s) – you have always made each holiday that much more memorable

26. My crafty abilities – I feel pretty blessed that if I have a vision, I can make it happen

27. My closet, as stated in #21, I have managed to save us a lot of money but that doesn’t mean I don’t own a lot of great stuff

28. My education – I have always loved school and loved all the schools that I went to (Redbird, Johnson, Madison, Taylor, Brimhall, Mesa High and ASU – all living in the same house, while Mesa was growing) – I have to point out that my 3 years at MHS were some of the best in my life – Go Jackrabbits!

29. My metabolism – luckily, I haven’t had to work hard to stay small (we’ll see after this baby is born) – and although, hemming every pair of pants that I own stinks, being petite isn’t so bad

30. A lifetime left with more blessings to collect and dream of….I couldn’t be happier at this moment!

Thank you to everyone that has been a part of my life – this shy, little girl is now 30 years old and is making her mark on the world in more ways than one!