Happy Birthday Whitney!

It’s my birthday! Happy Birthday to Me! I’m 29 years old now and for the most part haven’t ever thought about getting older until I was talking to my friend about wrinkles and realized that I’m just going to get older. I can’t stop it. I think back to when I was younger (I’m still young, just younger) and how badly I couldn’t wait to be in the time of life that I’m in at this very moment. I have a gorgeous husband, beautiful child (I planned for several children, but who’s counting?), home, temple sealing and current recommend, church calling, craft room, all 9 seasons of Little House on the Prairie, . . . and so much more.

Whitney (a few weeks old in 1977)

Each year I realize a little bit more how much Heavenly Father loves me. If I may compliment myself for a second, I was cleaning/organizing my craft room a while ago, which means that I was sitting on the floor spreading out and reading every old letter I ever received and paper I ever wrote and kept over the last 20 years. In the last 10 years since my high school graduation, I never realized how many friends I have made and how much they actually liked me! I had a little ego boost as I was reading those letters and felt so grateful that even though I hardly keep in contact with any of them, that I still consider them friends and I’m so grateful they are a part of my life. Of course I don't have any pictures of said friends on my computer . . . so you'll just have to believe me that I have them.

Emily, Whitney, Donya (in 2004 we were all pregnant)

The same thing goes for all of the friends I’ve met in the last several years since I got married whether I have a picture of them or not. I know that those of you who have visited (or have seen pictures) of our house know that we live in an area that isn’t exactly "well-off". But I can tell you whole-heartedly that the area has been extremely good to us when it comes to great friends. We have enjoyed so many people right here in our ward. I just think of the countless blessings we’ve received since we asked Heavenly Father over 7 years ago to help us find a home.

Whitney (age 3 in 1980)

I’m really looking forward to my 30th year and some changes that I’m going to make in my life (similar to the changes I wanted to make in my 29th year, but I’ll actually do them this time). Happy Birthday to ME!