I turned 30 this week.
The day passed without a lot of fanfare. It was our son’s first day at a new school, so my heart was walking around in a first-grade classroom all day. (These fun pictures are from our anniversary date back in December.)
I realized on the last night of my twenties that the meaning behind a birthday was shifting for me. Instead of hoping to be celebrated by others, I’m ready to use this day, once a year, to celebrate the life I’m living. (I’m hoping I can pass this way of celebrating on to my kids, too!)
It’s a good life. Not without its ups and downs, but still, a very good life.
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season! After a December that was consumed with our move, we finally found Christmas—at my parents’ home in Utah. It was beautiful celebrating the birth and life of Christ with so many people we love.
And if you want to know the secret to a stress-free vacation, just move first! Packing a family of five for a five-day trip was a cakewalk compared to packing a family of five for life in a new home. 🙂
We’re settling in to our new place and feel so optimistic about this fresh start for our family. See you back here soon, friends!
Oh and while we’re at it, feel free to tell me if the thirties are as awesome as everyone says they are. I’d love to hear your perspectives on growing up!
Thirties for me were probably more like your twenties were for you, with getting married and starting a family taking the lead in terms of time and energy. I’m guessing and hoping that thirties for you (and forties for me) will be great!
Wishing both of us a happy (and maybe less chaotic?) next decade! Miss you!
YES. So excited for you and your family and a fresh start! Life is good. Happy birthday and congrats on entering the thirties (what?!)!
Happy 30th Birthday!
It’s a good one. I was a little sad when it came, I loved my 20s. You’ve already well on your way to the items I would have classified as “my 30s” – marriage, kids, creating a home as a family. And you did it with a little more energy gifted in the 20s. (Yes, mom was right, you are more tired in your 30s). It does take a little more effort to stay in shape. I would say this decade brought me a bit more authenticity. Just as a gift of time, I know myself even a bit more than I did in my 20s. I focus more on what I like and can make choices, based on experience, of what truly makes me happy. Without guilt I to leave a party early so I can get some sleep and enjoy the morning. Without any questions I put my kids first, because I want to spend time with them and decline other social obligations. I know I prefer skiing as a date with my husband over anything else. Without doubt I know I need him around, to enjoy life and not just survive. I also know now female friendships don’t last forever, even the ones that in my twenties appear they would. We still change, we still evolve. The 30s are great.
Hi Suzy! I’m sorry I’m late saying so, but I wanted to thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. I love all those details that we know about ourselves now—that we didn’t know at the start of the decade. And I appreciated your reminder to stay open to change, too. Best wishes to you, and keep in touch!
Happy Birthday! When I turned thirty I was on the cusp of some enormous adventures…some thrilling, some devastating. My greatest lifetime gifts arrived in my thirties! My sense of self was clarified and my faith proved triumphant.
I’m late getting back to you, but I wanted to thank you for the birthday wishes, Missy! You have been through a lot, and I always admire your outlook and advice. Hope you’re having a great weekend!
Happy birthday! I’m midway through my thirties and it’s awesome. Something freeing happened when I turned thirty, in that I didn’t feel nearly so insecure about myself anymore – I gave myself permission to be myself, to try new and different things. Seems like you have been doing this for awhile already, so you’ve got a head start! 🙂
I had my fifth child when I was 31, and consequently my 30’s have been busy, a little crazy, and more fulfilling than I could have imagined. I have learned to let go of the expectations that I thought everybody else had for me, and found myself. I have tried to savor these years while my kids are home with me. My oldest will be leaving home in just 2 years…when I turn 40…and I want to make sure that these years really matter…unique years where I have little kids, middle schoolers, and high schoolers. This is a wonderful decade, with so much change, so much growth, and so many lessons learned that I would not trade for anything. Happy Birthday, and may your 30’s be awesome!
Wow, girl. Five kids at all different stages? You are amazing! I really can’t imagine. I love what you said about letting go of the expectations you *thought* everyone else had for you. Sometimes we work stuff up in our minds, huh? 🙂 Love your blog!
Happy birthday, sweet friend!! I was missing reading your posts 🙂 But, I know you have been super busy. I had our third little one at 31; one just-turned 28 and one at 29. Life and birthdays kind of slow down and become much more about spending time with those we love the most. Beautiful photos!! xoxo