In observance of my big 3-0, I wanted to come up with a witty post like my friend. I have been laughing my can off at her post since reading it, and have gone back many a-time to go get another chuckle. I love her wit and wisdom and she has a talent with words. So, instead of having to actually work hard and create my own witty post I called and got her permission to just re-post hers. It's a cop-out I know, but seriously you'll love it!

Disclaimer: The below section was NOT written by me (with slight editing to save privacy), although many of the events and thoughts may have hit a bit close to home. :)

Today I turned 30. To celebrate, I'd like to take a look back at my last ten years with a quick review:

Age 20: Graduated from Dixie College, worked in Kanab, went one semester to the University of Utah
Age 21: Moved back to St. George, met husband, got engaged
Age 22: Married husband, moved to first home
Age 23: Finished college at SUU
Age 24: Baby #1
Age 25: Ran my first marathon
Age 26: Baby #2, moved to current home
Age 27: Baby #3
Age 28: Can't recall anything, survived?
Age 29: Ran second marathon

But being the realist that I am, I have to concede that while these were all pretty big events in my life, they weren't without some hardships, as well. So, since I HATE blogs about perfect husbands, children, hobbies, color schemes, and yummy treats, I have to interject some realism into my "20s List" (to help out all those folks that, like me, need to know that everyone else does NOT have a perfect life).

Age 20: Was so confused about where to go after Dixie, I felt lost
Age 21: Felt like I had to compete for husband's affection, I won, but what was this, "The Bachelor"??
Age 22: Felt like a failure for not getting married in the Temple
Age 23: Gained a significant amount of "we're in a comfortable routine now" marriage weight
Age 24: Did not know what the joys of motherhood were all about with a new baby that screamed for hours and hours every night for two months
Age 25: The year of the mouse invasion in our home - I didn't sleep for weeks
Age 26: Found out I was pregnant when Baby #2 was 5 months old, cried for months because the smells in our new home made me want to vomit and I felt like the old owner's dirt, and bird droppings, would never leave no matter how much I cleaned
Age 27: Threw a flower pot at my husband in front of his friends because I was very emotional
Age 28: Was consumed with three little kids, two of which weren't ready for Nursery at church
Age 29: Ran a marathon and didn't lose a damn pound

Life's not always great, but I am so thankful for the opportunities I've had to finish my education, have a family, and live in a place I like. As Tim McGraw would say I'll "drink a little lemonade and not so many beers, huh, maybe I'll remember my next 30 years." OK, so the beers haven't been a problem, but I can always "do it better in my next 30 years."

Okay, Crystal back again! :) That was funny huh?!? I am so grateful for ALL the ups and the downs honestly because, for the most part, I'm very proud of where I am. It's never an easy road and each day brings its own challenges and rewards, but as a man very dear to my heart just told me, "We're making it!" So here's to mid-life and all the great times we are to have. I hope you're ready for me, because I'm about to own it!

P.S. Forgot the picture. Yates had to work (boo!) so he brought home Chili's To-Go and I ordered my favorite treat! All that chocolatey-gooey deliciousness topped with ice cream and sticky caramel was all I really wanted for my birthday! The kids were more than happy to do the honors and help me ring in the big day in style!