I am 30!

I know everyone says they never thought they'd be a certain age or they can't believe this is what a certain age feels like.  Well, I never thought I'd be 30 and I certainly didn't think this is what I would feel like, look like, or think like at 30.  I guess I never thought I would be out of my 20's...I figured I'd stay 27 or 28 forever.  I don't feel like I look any different than I did at 23...I am wrong.  I don't know what I expected, but I don't feel as old as I know some (younger) folks think that I am.

I do know that God has incredibly blessed me at this ripe, young age of 30.  Jesus has saved my soul. Period. My husband rocks.  He is my soulmate and my best friend.  Noah and Gavin light up my life.  They are both so different, but they are each such a part of me.  I have a sweet angel watching over me in heaven and another on the way.  I want to hold this baby SO bad!  My parents are my biggest fans and best friends.  They know me so well and love me better than I can imagine.  My big brother is one of my dearest friends.  He challenges me to think about things in different ways and from different perspectives, can play a mean game of Rummikub, and can make me laugh like no other.  I truly enjoy and appreciate both of my sister-in-laws and would consider them two of my best friends.  My nieces and nephews are such treasures to me, and I wish I could see them more than I do.  And yes folks, I really do LOVE my in-laws and enjoy being around them.  I know there aren't many people that can say that!  The list could go on and on about the blessings of my extended family, my close friends (near and far), and my church.  God has SO outdone Himself with blessings that I do not deserve.  I pray that as a look ahead, I will relish and dwell on these blessings and leave the pessimistic part of me behind.  God is good and I am grateful!

I had a week of celebrations for the big occasion.  It started with the traditional trip to Skips and the Braves game.  Then, I had a great birthday supper with friends and family!  I asked for money and manual labor for my birthday and everyone delivered.  A couple of weekends ago, dad and David worked tirelessly in the front yard!  It looks amazing!

Thanks again to everyone for making my 30th extra special!  You've made the trip out of my 20's a little easier.  

Baseball Fever

Baseball is here and I am feeling it!  I LOVE the Braves and have even enjoyed a going to a couple of Clemson baseball games since we have lived here.  It has been a recent tradition for us to go to the Braves game for my birthday.  This year the game just happened to be on opening day.  Wow!  We had perfect seats, perfect weather, perfect food, and we won!  It was a great evening...even though I was celebrating turning 30!

The festivities for opening day are awesome!  Chipper lead the team out onto the field during a fireworks display, the giant American flag...it was a great environment!

 The boys were ready to catch some foul balls!

 The men!  

 Mimi and the boys

Family photo op!

 Our silly pose...Gavin chose to act asleep!

I had to include this picture of a random stranger.  This man was at the game all by himself with a 3 month old baby.  He stayed until the very last inning (which was over around 11:15 pm).  She was an angel the entire time.  I can just imagine the conversation with his wife went something like, "You aren't going to the game unless you take her with you."  To which he replies, "We'll see you later!"  What a devoted fan!

Preschool Fun!

It's hard to believe that our first year of preschool is coming to a close.  Overall, the experience has been extremely positive, and I feel like Noah has grown a lot as an individual over the past year.  We are excited that he will be attending half day Kindergarten there next year and his best bud will be in his class again!

They have A LOT of field trips, extra activities, etc. at the preschool.  Here are some photos from the Easter egg hunt. 

Noah's teacher, Mrs. Kiser, is a phenomenal artist and jewelry maker.  Close to the end of the year, the students do an art unit that teaches them about different mediums, artists, materials, etc.  I was highly impressed at the work these 4 and 5 year olds created!

 Noah's favorite piece was his self portrait.  He is attempting to imitate the face he drew!
                                                           

Preschool has been a lot of fun.  I am definitely looking forward to less of a routine this summer, but know that by August, it will time for us to get back on a schedule!