30

I never thought I'd 'care' that I turned 30- it never crossed my mind that it should bother me in anyway as it does some. Then 4 months ago, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis .  As my 30th birthday approached, I felt disappointed.  I never planned to have an incurable chronic illness by the time I was 30.  Which is understandable, but silly.  I don't think life is EVER exactly as we planned.  God has a bigger plan that we do, and even when things are NOT the way we want them, He is still in control and He is still mighty.

The Lord so sweetly surrounded me this weekend of my birthday- whispering in my ear: "You are so loved, so blessed, and will be okay."  My sister contacted just about every friend that I have and asked them to send her memories, pictures, and a letter to me.  She put them all together in an adorable box and I LOVE IT.  It was just what I needed yesterday.  A time to reflect on the number of people He has blessed me with, who love me, and who would help me with anything, anytime if I'm not feeling well.  I have the best friends in the world!!

Richey got me (well I picked them out!) some COWGIRL BOOTS!  I've lived in Texas 23 years... it was time I got some.  :)  And some gorgeous flowers (as he always does), Sprinkles cupcakes, and a gift certificate for a pedicure.  He is so good to me.  I love that man. :)

Riley modeling them (along with her swimsuit top and undies... her outfit of choice lately!)

Friday night my Book Club- The Cover Girls (LOVE THEM!), surprised me with a birthday cake!  This month our book was Tina Fey's Bossypants.  If you haven't read it- you MUST.  It's SO hilarious.  In the book she talks about planning her daughter's 3rd birthday and how she wanted a Peter Pan party and made her daughter a ship cake with Captain Hook and Peter Pan.  Well... that's exactly what I got!  So funny! (Notice the "30 Rocks"... you know, like: 30 Rock, Tina Fey, get it..?)  It was perfect.

Saturday we out to dinner with our besties (We were missing a couple that was out of town) to one of my FAVORITE restaurants.  The atmosphere is perfect, the food is amazing, and OMG they have home made Butterfinger Creme Brûlée  Can you think of anything better?  Well a close 2nd is the Sprinkles cupcakes we had later. :)

Despite my girls having pink eye, then Reese getting an ear infection... we still had a fun weekend.  Sunday we stayed home from church so we didn't pass pink eye around, relaxed around the house and I snuck away for a bit to do a little shopping.  Some new TOMS and some shopping at "Forever 21" seemed appropriate on my 30th birthday! ;)

So, today, I am 30.  I am feeling good (praise the Lord), am blessed beyond measure, and rejoice that I have a God I can rest in.  He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will NEVER be shaken! (Psalm 62:2)

I Can Rally

After being diagnosed with MS in October 2011, I went through the grieving process as most people do when diagnosed with a life-changing, forever, auto-immune disease.  (The diagnosis is a whole other post)  I'm still 2 1/2 months later am trying to get used to my new "normal." After getting over the initial shock, I got angry.  Then determined.  Determined not to 'let it win,' not to fret and live in fear, not to let it define me.  It reminded me of a blog post I had read months before on the blog Enjoying the Small Things by Kelle Hampton.  She is an incredible writer, talented photographer, great mama, and beautiful soul.  I'm so drawn to her writing and her blog.  She puts things into words that describe things so well... I was reminded that day of a post she wrote titled, "I Can Rally."  (Click to read it-- hysterical and SO true!!)  When my kids are driving me nuts, up early, and I'm super tired, I often say in my head, "I can rally" (since I read this about a year ago) and giggle at myself.  It's silly, but true.  You rally.  Do it anyway.  Do what you can do because you need to.  Smile and... slowly come alive.  I'm thinking my new "reality," needs some rally-ing.  Resting in Him and rallying-- getting myself together and fighting- researching, finding the best doctors and care, but at the same time trusting in Him that everything is exactly as it should be according to His plan.  


I've decided that's my new motto: "I can rally."  and " I can rest {in Him}." Praying you can too.