CEL-E-BRATE Good Times... Come On

Today I am 28.

Birthdays are different now.

For me they are a time to reflect on the past.

Suffer through the coulda, shoulda, woulda's, and then be thankful for all that I have experienced through the years.

This last year I've questioned my age a lot! I just feel so different, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually! It SUCKS! Hahaha! This getting old stuff is rough! I thought I was just going through a phase but I now realize that it's part of growing up and no one warned me about it! Can I change my mind? I just wish I could freeze time. Well maybe after Jason and Lucie are potty trained, then I'll freeze time. Sometimes I feel like I'm running out of time which is not a good feeling. There is just so much to do and so many things pulling me in different directions that I feel like I'm missing out on the small and important things that life has to offer. My goal this year, my 29th year, is to not sweat the small stuff and really focus on enjoying this time with my little family. I'm gonna "live in the now" and be happy doing it!

blah, blah, blah!

So now to the reflecting...

I used to be a baby... notice the chapped chin. I drooled, a lot. Still do.

I am 3yrs (?) in this pic. My sisters, as well as my Cori, wore this dress when they were 18 months old. Needless to say, I was a RUNT!

This is my Mom's favorite picture of me.

Me and Grandaddy on my Baptism Day. November '89

I went through an "I'm weird so I'll dress weird for attention" stage.

I even made my dress out of my dad's old ties.

Once upon a time I did pageants. It's a Southern Thang!

This was at my very first pageant. The Little Miss Bartlett Pageant in Memphis, TN.

I was 4th alternate (which was really good).

I didn't care that I didn't win, I just wanted to do it cause my BFF Lisa did them. (She was 1st Alternate and then won the next yr, still so proud)

I was a gymnast. Well technically, not really. I liked to start, then quit, then start, then quit, then start again, and then quit again. I was a "Gym Brat" (my mom was a coach and I ran a muck all over the gym)

I played Softball for a cool minute. I was the catcher and I was terrified of the ball. I would flinch and duck every time the ball came flying out of the pitching machine.

I played soccer. I was actually really good at this. I WAS fast. I emphasize WAS because I'm not anymore. In fact, even though Precious is 16 months old, I still run like I'm pregnant.

Of Course I danced. Now this I loved. And I was pretty darn good at it too.

One night while in HS. My girlfriends and I busted out these costumes (yes, Terri's too) and stretched them on our bodies, peed our pants and took pictures! It was hilarious!

I was a Castillero "Showstopper"! I tried out for every solo but never got one. It was tragic... still recovering...

and we all know that I was a cheerleader. For many, many years. Sometimes I miss it. But I don't think they have cheer squads for babies mommas.

I wonder if I can still do this...

and wish I could still do this. Partner stunting was so FUN.

This is me at my very first UCA Camp as an Instructor.

Today I will be Happy, Healthy and so Thankful for these people.

I like who I am because of them.

and I look forward to many years of celebrating with them.

Happy Birthday to me!