Im 46.

Time flies. I can remember turning 40 like it was yesterday. That was a hard birthday for me. But looking back I can honestly say that my forties have been my favorite decade so far! I have really loved being forty. I think I can say I finally feel comfortable in my own skin.

So today, because it's my birthday I am waxing nostalgic. 45 was a great year for me. Here's the top 5 reasons why:

1. I started exercising and after 45 years finally realized the benefits of it. I was shocked to find out that I actually really love it. I feel so much better when I do. I couldn't believe that I could run. I literally didn't think I could do it. I am not fast, and I am not great at it, but I CAN do it and I like it! I don't want to ever stop!

2. I started reading. I don't know if I had ADHD or what the deal was, but I never ever liked reading. I would try all the time and I would occasionally read a book or two, but this year I discovered that I LOVE it. Maybe it's because my kids are older now and they don't interrupt me constantly - and that I get enough sleep now-- but whatever the case-- I have developed a love of books and I can't wait to find more great ones to read.
Here's some of the ones that I read this past year:

The Guernsey literary and potato peel pie society
The Princess Bride
The walk series- 5  books
A tree Grows in Brooklyn - my favorite!
Saving CeeCee Honeycut
Austenland
To Kill a Mockingbird

3.  I went on a "pleasure cruise" with my hubby of 25 years. This is something that I have wanted to do for 25 years and really didn't think we would ever be able to do. It was awesome! We loved that week and talk fondly of it all the time.

4. I became a Grandma. I never ever knew that I could love another baby like I loved my own! It has been an awesome thing to feel my heart open and love that way again! He is perfect. I am so blessed. I have been so happy to see Matt and Casey have this experience in their lives. They are awesome and it is a huge blessing to know that they are going to be tremendous parents.

5. I read the New Testament for the first time. I really loved it. The scriptures are becoming more a part of my life. I feel like I am finally "getting" them. I am reading the book of Mormon again and am grateful for it.

Life is great! It has it's ups and downs, but overall, I am SO blessed. I feel so happy and am so lucky to have the wonderful awesome husband and children that I have. I have great siblings, wonderful in-laws, I love my job, I love where I live. I am just happy to be alive! Heavenly Father is so good to me. He is so generous with his forgiveness and with his patience with me. I love the Lord. I am grateful for his mercy and for his example. I have had some hard days in my 45th year too, my life is not perfect by any means and I still struggle with the same stupid faults I have had for 25 years, but I know that is part of life too. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me. Bring it on! Getting older isn't half bad!! :) 

p.s. I also had to start wearing reading glasses this year... losing the eyesight! haha!