Today I turned 29. I am in my 20s for only 364 more days….

Early this morning, Gabriella gave me a card on which, she had signed her name.

I was serenaded by two classes today. One was full of girls and the melody was harmonious. The second class, dominated by tone-deaf boys, attempted twice to perfect their gallant cacophony: It was the most beautiful sound I heard all day. Another teacher stopped to make sure no one was hurt. I giggled to keep from crying.

The giggling could have been the result of  the copious amounts of caffeine and sugar I was given for breakfast. Starbucks’ blueberry scone and a birthday cake pop was the breakfast of THIS champion. The spontaneous hugs and shocked faces of learning I was 29! made my heart full in a way that I had forgotten.

Next year I will begin a new decade of my life. I feel it is appropriate to reflect on this season. Looking back I realize that my “twenty-something years” in a vastly different manner than most of my peers.

At 20 I moved in with my seeeester. THAT was a year we both grew. (Love you Cary. Forever.)

21: I experienced my first heartbreak. I was legal to purchase alcohol. I became a MANAGER. I met Nathan. We got pregnant.

It was a big year.

22: I graduated from college. I had Corbin and became a MOM. I GOT MARRIED. (In that order.) We bought a house. We moved to Milledgeville. I began my career teaching.

This year was even bigger.

23:This year was kind of low key. Visited Ohio during the summer. Nathan started the MAT.

24: I gained my clear renewable certificate. Nathan graduated from the MAT.

25: We got pregnant with Gabriella. So much fun!!!

26: Had darling baby girl. FINALLY moved to the high school. Started my Masters. Flew on a plane for the first time. Nathan was baptized. Corbin started reading.

This was a big year too.

27: Plugged along at school. Nathan FINALLY moved to the high school. FCC closed. We joined Northridge. Corbin skipped Kindergarten.

28: Became the Yearbook adviser. Finally felt like I was using my Journalism degree. It nearly killed me.

29: Who knows what greatness this year will hold??!!!! For starters, I know I will graduate WITH MY MASTERS….. A MASTERS FROM SEMINARY in May. The Lord, is gracious and will let your dreams come true.

I am abundantly blessed and so grateful for all I have been given.

Psalm 34

I will bless the Lord at all times;
    his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
    let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
    and let us exalt his name together!

⁴ I sought the Lord, and he answered me
    and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant,
    and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
    and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps
    around those who fear him, and delivers them.

⁸ Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!