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Today is my last day being 33…what shall I do?

Well I think I will go for a run with the dog at 5:30am because that will be my only alone time for the day. I will come home to 3 kids already awake and wanting breakfast. Way to early for me but I’ve learned… this happens.

I will quietly put on my headphones, open my bible and steal some moments with Jesus for much needed strength and patience while bowls of cinnamon toast crunch are being devoured and Dragon Tales plays on netflix.

I will take a shower and get ready in less than 30 min all the while the bathroom being a revolving door of people in and out asking questions like “where is my favorite rock?” and “what if superheroes really controlled the earth?” and “why can’t I wear my bathing suit out today?”

I will use my best persuasive tactics to get 3 little people dressed and out the door by 8:45. I will be the referee while driving reminding little hands to keep to themselves and repeating “use kind words please”. One hand on the steering wheel, the other one usually stretched awkwardly behind me searching for a dropped object that is needed NOW!

I will play legos, paint toenails, help with art projects, play hide and seek and I spy.

I will wait for that magic hour of room time when I can sit and take a deep breath.

I will clean up a lot of messes and give lots of hugs.

I will make a quick, easy dinner so we can go off to ballet and basketball.

I will do baths, books and bedtime routine all the while trying not to fall asleep before the kids.

When the house is quiet I will prepare for the next day, when we do it all over again. And again I will steal a couple moments. But this time with my other love. My husband. When did it happen that a short, uninterrupted conversation at the end of the day becomes a gift? Well I’m sure it’s almost 10pm now, bedtime it is.

Yes, this is what my average day looks like these days. Is this what I thought age 33/34 would look like? Probably not. I’m not sure what I thought it would be, really. Honestly, it wasn’t that long ago that I thought 34 sounded old! Of course as I proudly take on that age tomorrow it doesn’t sound old at all! I love my life, though draining at times. But along with the long, tiring days there is a whole lot of fun, silliness and newness with each day. This is what keeps me feeling young no matter what age I am.

So happy birthday to me. Joyfully embracing another new year and thankful for each moment I have!