36

Today I turn 36. I am now closer to 40 than to 30. Crazy. Some days I feel my age, in both my body and my mind: some days my bad back makes it hard to get dressed, some days my memory seems to completely fail me, and some days the wrinkles in my face seem to jump out at me. But most days I remember that I am still youthful: I can run and chase my kids (and often I have to chase Phoebe so I don't lose her), my mind is always active, and I often act way less than my age (which can be a good thing, but isn't always...). I think that the older I get, the more I realize that age doesn't really matter. As long as my mind and body are still able to make it through the day, than I am happy. And those wrinkles?... Well, they are just a sign that I have done a lot of smiling in my time (or at least that's what I keep telling myself).
Most years, my birthday is a day for me to set goals for myself for the upcoming year; projects I want to accomplish or things about myself that I would like to change. This year, my goal is to slow down and enjoy my days with my littles, while they are still little. With Finn about to start kindergarten, and Phoebe just a few years behind, it won't be long until they are both in school all day, doing activities after class, having sleepovers with friends, and becoming more and more independent along the way. Of course, that is what we all want for our kids... for them to become strong and independent people who can eventually make good decisions and take care of themselves....but if you ask me, this growing up thing happens way too fast.  I won't look back in 10 years and regret leaving dishes in the sink or not getting all of the laundry done, so if that is what needs to happen to have more 'down' time with my kiddos, than so be it.
So here is to 36- a year of slowing down, a year of enjoying, and a year of love.