Onward.

The end of a decade.

I've been so reflective and emotional these past few weeks. Not about getting older, or about leaving the past behind or anything like that. Well maybe a little, but really just about how so very blessed I am.

My 30s were so good to me.

We added 4 beautiful, beautiful children to our already abundantly blessed family and lives. I'm so amazed by all of them. By their determination, their creativity, their sense of humor, their love, their faith, their resilience and strength. And just by their total lack of good sense, too. I was talking with a friend recently and she said that the other day that she looked at her son after he had done/said something and she thought "you're an idiot,". And I said, "Oh man, I thought that was just me and that I'm a bad mom for thinking that!" And she said, "Oh, no. They're really idiots."

But they're my idiots, and probably learned some of it from me (and their Dad), so thankfully God's Grace saves us all. Unceasingly grateful for all of them, too.

Moved to our farm where I'm in constant awe of God's beauty. The winding creek that (some years) flows along next to our tree line, Ruby, our border collie, darting through the tall grass that envelops the slope of land leading up to our yard, chasing a rabbit or squirrel or stray cat or the occasional beaver, the swaying fields dotted with acreages on the horizon, the pens of cattle snorting, the smell of hay and protein and livestock, random farm implement/equipment lined up ready for whatever the next task is, even the lagoon as the sun sets and the last of it's rays reflect off the (poopy) water, the panorama of it all takes my breath away. So simple, but just overwhelmed by God's Power and Glory.

Countless moments, memories, and laughs with my husband whom I fall more and more in love with every day. (Seriously ). If someone had told me then, just wait. It gets better. I wouldn't have believed it. In many ways and for many reasons. You're young, you're newly married, you're in love, but you're impatient and impetuous. You're learning how to live life together. How to blend. Everything feels like the end of the world. It's a teeter totter of emotion and what if's. But as time goes on you, you settle in. You trust. It's deeper, it's richer, it truly is patient and kind. No jokes or sarcastic jabs this time. He's the heartbeat of my everything.

Lived life surrounded by the best family and friends. Ever present, supportive, giving, loving people. Celebrating, forgiving, cheering, counseling, uplifting. I couldn't ask for better.

I've grown in so many ways. In faith in God and in learning about myself. Pushing myself and giving myself grace. Trusting God that His plan is far better than mine and I see evidence of that every day.

Not perfect, not without struggle or trial, mistakes, sins, challenges, and fails, losses, tragedies, setbacks, pain or suffering.

But despite that, or maybe partly because of that, just a beautiful, beautiful life. The hard times create a richness for the good times. They give us perspective and appreciation. Teach us to cling to God and hold fast to our salvation for eternity.

God knows what he's doing. He's the "secret to life" and it's no secret. He reveals himself to us willingly when we take that first step.

Thank you all for your wishes and blessings. You helped me close one chapter and begin the next in the sweetest way. Grateful for you all, too.