36-Just a Number

So, tomorrow I turn 36.  36 years ago, my mom was 36 when she gave birth to me.  4 years to go until I'm 40.  Yup, it's all just a number.  As this day was getting closer, I have thought of several things.  First of all, I can't believe that my mom was my age when she gave birth to me.  Mainly for this reason, she was 17 when she gave birth to her 1st child...then 36 when she gave birth to me, the youngest.  Can you imagine?  Almost 20 years having children?!  Ok, sorry Mom, this means everyone knows your age...I know you don't care, but really you spent so many years pregnant & then all those years with children in your house.  WOW. 

I've also thought about where I am in my life.  I never imagined I would be married for just shy of 10 years & have a 3 (almost 4) year old.  Nope, I thought by now I would be married for 15+ years & have somewhere between 4-10 children.  LOL.  My, how things don't always go the way we think.  I must say though, being a stay at home mom now, to my precious boy, is a good thing.  We are enjoying so many things together.  I am learning to enjoy moments in a whole new way.  Life has definitely thrown some curve balls my way, but I can honestly say that I have grown from each one.  I may not have felt like it in the moment, but in the end, I know how I have grown.  It is tempting to look back & wonder why I don't have more or why I haven't accomplished more, but honestly, I am blessed to have lived another year.  I feel honored to be 36. 

So, tomorrow, I will celebrate.  I will celebrate life.  I will celebrate my parents for the life they have given me.  I will celebrate God & how He has molded me & made me who & what I am as a 36 year old.  I will celebrate.  I believe birthday's should be celebrated no matter what!  I don't agree that the older you get the less birthday's mean.  I personally feel that the older you get, the MORE they mean.  (just my opinion!)  Thank you Lord for another year!  Thank you Lord for all the blessings you have given me this past year & thank you Lord for everything I have learned! 

All in all...36, is just a number!  Woo hoo!  I am 36!  :-)