35

In 8 days I will be turning 35. As I have reflected on things, I realized that I don't mind getting older. I am not freaked out about it. (I even found my first white hair!) The only thing that blows my mind is how FAST time flies by. My children are getting old. I have so little time left with them all still in my home.

As I look back over the last 35 years I can't help but smile. While they have not all been great years (most of them have been wonderful), they have all been filled with love and family. Though I have not loved going through some of the tough times, the lessons I have learned and the woman I am becoming as I grow are priceless gifts from a loving Father in Heaven. I have so much still to do, so much to look forward to.

I started out in this world with perfect parents, well, perfect for me. They provided me with all the lessons I needed to become a happy and successful wife and mother. They continue to fill my life with love and blessings. They also gave me my best friends, my brothers and sisters. And now their family has grown from 5 kids to soon to be 32 decedents and spouses. I am the luckiest girl!

I am grateful for everyday I get to spend with my sweetheart, Richard. He is my rock. I could not have a more tender, loving, spiritual husband. He is attentive to my aches and pains, my worries and self doubts. He lifts me, reassures me, cares for me and makes me feel beautiful. He also brought his wonderful parents and family into my life. What more could a woman want?

And I have 9 amazing children. I am truly in awe at how great they all are. It seems only yesterday that Richard was still in school and I was lugging around 6 kiddos (5 years old and under) to the store. I had the twins in infant carriers and had to push one cart full of kids and pull one for the rest of the kids and a few groceries. I am glad those times are over, but they sure make for fun memories. I do not claim to have much to do with how wonderful my children are. I love them and do my best and Heavenly Father makes up for all I lack. I can't believe that Sam is 15. He is getting so close to college and a mission. I remember thinking as a new mother (I was 19) that I would be 38 when he turned 19 and would go out into the world to serve the Lord. And now, THAT IS SO CLOSE! And the rest of them are just behind him.

In this year of my life, my kids will be turning 16, 15, 13, 11, 10, 10, 7, 5 and 3 and my husband will be turning 39. We will have our 16th wedding anniversary. I will get to teach Sam how to drive and watch him go on his first date. Josh will get to start seminary and high school. Tim will be in junior high. Sara will be in her last year of primary. Nate and Drew will be double digits. Daniel will not be the youngest in school anymore. He will be the big brother to Laney who will start kindergarten. And Susanna, bless her heart, will be the only one left at home.

It is going to be a great year and I am looking forward to diving in and seeing all that the Lord has in store for me!