Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Turning 40


So it happened.  I'm 40.  I've never had an issue with getting older.  Thirty came and went without much thought.  But, I distinctly remember waking up in a bit of a panic this past December with the realization that I'd be turning 40 the very next month.

I remember when my mom turned 40.  How could I already be at that milestone?  Think about it.  Twenty years ago, I was just 20.  I was young, about to meet Nick and start nursing school.  I had no idea of what the next 20 years would hold, but who does right?  To be honest, 20 years have flown by and that's the hard part.  In another 20 years, God willing, I'll be 60!

Rahel recently told my mom I was having a midlife crisis.  
I hope that's not true yet, I'd like to make it closer to 100, so I can't peak for another 
10 years at that rate.

But I have become acutely aware of how fleeting time is.  

In the past 10 years, I've gone from having a house full of preschoolers to a house full of teenagers.

And in another 10, I'll likely have a house full of graduates and newlyweds and maybe a 
grand kid or two.

As days seem to slip by one right after another, I want to be sure that my eyes are on the One who knows the whole story.  I can so easily seek after my own will and desires.  God has repeatedly reminded me lately that His ways are better than my own, that He is in control and that He will guide me if I'm listening. 

As 2018 came to a close and the New Year began, the word TIME kept coming to my mind.  I kept telling Nick, this year is all about time. I don't know if it's my 40th birthday, the fact that many of our kids are quickly approaching adulthood or if God has another reason for bringing this word to mind.

  What I do know is that all of our time here is limited and what we spend our time on is important.  We must live our lives with eternity in view.

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 
Colossians 3:1





January 2019

The New Year kicked off in the best possible way, filled with visitors. 

The Armstrongs on their maiden voyage to the farm.




And then the frequent flyers landed. We love having the Schusters here!





Another great day at our favorite hiking spot.





Yordi getting her departure braids done by Ra Ra.  


And then the birthday bashes resumed.  Caleb turned 15.




Followed 3 days later by Rahel turning 17.



Our week was crazy and their birthdays fell on school days, so we celebrated with a joint party.  Two birthday dinners and two birthday desserts.




Rahel showing off her birthday highlights.


I can't believe how old our kids are getting......which brings me to my next post, turning 40 (I can't believe how old I'm getting!!).

December 2018 part 2

After Christmas we headed over to the beach for a few days.  I've always lived within an hour drive of the ocean up until the last few years and I miss it.  It is one of my favorite places to be.

 



We took the most wonderful walk on the shore and found so many treasures along the way.









It was Colon's 11th birthday and this walk was such a blessing. 






He's a handsome one. 


Boys at play.


I love watching them all playing together.



Girls getting in a nice run.


Of course there was a competition.






And what's a beach trip if you don't bury someone?






Soaking it all up.



My happy place.






The sunshine was so good for our souls.


We made it back from the beach in time for Colton's traditional dirt cake. 



And celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary the next day.


Of course the highlight of our trip was spending time with precious friends and family.


We even managed a roadside get together with the Drakes on our drive back home.


And that wraps up 2018

I guess at the end of a year we are suppose to reflect.  As I reflect back on 2018, I can see God's hand in all of the highs and lows.  My wish for the new year (which is already in it's 2nd month as I write this) is for TIME.  Time spent with the Lord and time well spent with those I love so dearly. 

Teach us to number our days,
    that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Pslam 90:12