on today's birthday

For some reason this birthday, 28, feels like a big one. It feels really... old. Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself and thinking it’s like, 30, or something…? This has been a pretty big year for me: celebrating our first anniversary, traveling to Ireland, losing my job, finding some new jobs, getting almost all the rooms in our house painted, re-evaluating the way I blog, changing money habits, and oh, a lot more. 

I think the year to come, after I’m officially 28, will be big, too. We have some decisions to make about our future and some of them could bring big changes. I've been mulling this over in my mind this week, but iInstead of writing an entire post about turning 28, I’ve decided to write what I’m calling my twenty-eight year letters.

Dear Joel, you are my favorite. You are calm when I’m freaking out. You make me laugh. I can’t believe how well you’ve come to know me. It startles me (in an awesome way!). You are so wise and help me to see the other side. I’m grateful for the adventures we take and the sacrifices you make for my happiness. Thank you for being patient and for snuggling me and pursuing me. Thank you for working hard. I can’t even believe how hard you work. I hope I get at least 60 more birthdays with you!

Dear skin, I hate you right now. Why are you acting like a 16 year old when you're clearly 28? Hard core acne when you're almost 30 isn't cool, dude.

Dear parents, thanks! Thanks for making me, giving birth to me, teaching me, providing for me, caring for me, and praying for me over the last twenty-eight years and nine months. You are the best and I can’t express how much I love you. 

Dear friends, I love you. Your phone calls, text messages, and notes in the mail bless me. God has blown me away in the friends department and I’m so honored to call you mine. 

Dear Father in heaven, you are my favorite, I love you, and thanks! I am such a whiny, selfish sinner. Thank you for forgiving my sins daily and changing my life.