Happy birthday to....ME!

So today is my birthday but not just another birthday, no, today is my 40th! You know that birthday that puts even the most resilient to bed with a quart of rocky road ice cream. Yep, it's that one. I'm officially not in my 30s anymore and I'm 10 years from 50. Whoa, when I think about it like that it sounds even worse.

I know there are you who have made it to 40 and survived. I know that they say that 40 is the new 30, but who are "they" anyhow?

I know I have to get older if my kids are even gonna be old enough to marry and give me grands so I guess it's a good thing when I think about it like that.

Really I don't feel like that much times has passed that I could actually be 40 but it has. When I think back on the last 20 years, I'm amazed at all the Lord has done in my life. He's blessed me in so many ways it mind boggling.

When we arrived in Croatia I was just barely 28. I didn't have a clue about life or raising kids and for that matter I don't know much more than I did then. I had boys who were 7 and 4 and a sweet little girl who wasn't yet 3. I had only been married 9 years and only saved for 7. We were still trying to figure things out and there have been many a pothole in road to now that we had to maneuver though.

I can't remember turning 30 or even 35 for that matter. Life has always been so full and busy that my mind has filled to capacity and I think it's pushed some stuff in a back corner to keep relevant things available for recall. I'll remember this birthday for sure. We've just completely packed up Joshua's room to get him ready to go to the States and start college in the Fall. It's a crazy time, with the mixed feelings of Josh leaving and the big 40 i'm not sure how to feel.

All I really know is that I feel blessed. So blessed that I sometimes wonder why God cares as much as He does. I'm so thankful to be turning 40 today. Thankful that I have entered another decade of my life and I'm excited about what this next 10 years will bring. Hey I'm thinking there's bound to be at least 1 wedding in the next 10 years if not 3.

Anyhow, I really just wanted to let off some steam and you all are such good listeners. How'd you make it through? Any advice or words of wisdom for my next 10 years?