38

38. 38. How. Did. This. Happen. I'm not going to lie, but when someone else says they are 38 I don't consider that old, but man, it sure makes me feel that way. Just this last week I was taking a picture with Hannah and the wrinkles around my eyes were out of control.

My 20 year reunion is summer and it's hard to believe. I've literally lived away from home for longer than I've lived at home. Whoa.

I've honestly felt pretty overwhelmed this past semester with my student teacher and the busyness at home, then Hannah got sick Monday causing me to have to leave work. She stayed with Brian yesterday and hopefully is on the mend now.

It seems like I always have a huge running to do list-never getting it fully tackled-the laundry, cooking, cleaning, not to mention the most important part, taking care of the kids and spending time with Brian seem to consume my every minute. The same is true at school with all of those responsibilities. It can feel like such a rat race.

Than I stop and consider where I've been in 38 years- raised by a loving family, a college graduate (even though it took me way longer than it should have), a teacher, a friend, and now raising a family of my own. I really need to focus on the many blessings that have come my way. Those weren't earned, they have been a gift from God who has loved me even when I've struggled, even with the challenges I've faced.

Each wrinkle tells a story and there are still so many stories to be told. It's hard to think of a time when life won't feel so crazy-when the kids won't call my name a hundred times a day. A time when I actually feel like I have time to spend with my husband and the house isn't a tornado from the kids stuff everywhere. It'll be then that I'll look back on these times a lot differently, and I'll wish I was needed the way I am now. That's what I need to focus on in the midst of the craziness of life. Enjoy it. Soak it up. Celebrate. 38.