Halfway to 50...

Well, folks...it's my birthday .

I'm 25 today.

And just in case any of you were questioning... my husband's ultra-sweet birthday post yesterday wasn't posted the day before because he forgot which day was my birthday. I happened to be out of the house shopping with his mama that morning, and he got a chance to snag the computer and blog. Not only was it jaw-dropping that he blogged on our blog...something I would have never thought possible, but his words melted my heart. I called him in tears after reading his sweet words. I don't care if our last few posts to one another sound cheesy, because it's the truth and we LOVE TO LOVE EACH OTHER OUT LOUD! :)

I think its normal, especially as we grow older, to become reflective on our birthdays. To think of where we are, where we thought we'd be, how far we've come...etc. One thing I haven't been able to get out of my head as my birthday was approaching, was just how blessed I truly am.

So...I've seen this type of thing done on other peoples blogs, and I thought it would be fun to do for my 25th birthday today. (Brace yourselves...)

THE TOP 25 THINGS I'M MOST GRATEFUL FOR ON MY 25th BIRTHDAY!

#1 The Gospel- First and foremost, I have to acknowledge my ultimate blessing and that is the Gospel in my life. As cliche as it is to say, it is the reason I have anything that I have. It is the reason I am who I am and the reason I am where I am in life. I have been blessed to be raised in the Gospel and am grateful that I had the opportunity to pray and know with a surety that what I had been taught, is in fact true and real. There is nothing that brings me greater joy than the promises and blessings that come through living the Gospel. All encompassed within this blessing is My Father in Heaven's plan for me, Our Saviors infinite Atonement, the scriptural word of God that I have at my fingertips, the power of prayer...and it continues. I can't say enough about my gratitude for this blessing in my life...and I know it predicates all other blessings that have been bestowed upon me.

#2 My AMAZING husband- I recently posted a blog on what a lucky girl I am to be married to who I'm married to, but just to reiterate...I really am truly blessed to have my best friend as my eternal companion. I know what we have is eternal and I am grateful that he tries so hard with me every day to make that possible. He makes me a better person and he strives everyday to make his family happy. I love his smile, his hard work and dedication, his way of showing affection...everything about him. I live for him and love him more than I ever thought I had the capacity to love another human being. I could go on for days and I would, but I'm only at #2 and I want to get through this post before I turn 26.

#3 MONTANA my BELLE- My sweet angel baby...and she will always be just that, my baby. My love for this little chubby cheeked toddler is just as deep as the love I share with Marc, but in a different capacity. There are almost no words to describe either kind of love. My gratitude for the calling of being a mother, rocks me to my core. I am humbled beyond belief when I think of what a sacred duty I have been entrusted with and I strive every day to give this perfect child everything she will need to brave this world. I dread the day she will leave and go on her own to live what she has learned...but she will always be my baby. I love her spunky, sassy personality. I love that she is brilliant. I love that she loves music...my heart sings, when she does. I love that she looks like her gorgeous daddy. I love everything about her...EVERYTHING. And that will have to sum it all, again for fear that if I continued to write a full list, I would never stop. I look forward to the honor and blessing of having more children in the future, and promise to love them every bit as deeply.

#4 Parents- My parents are heaven sent. I am so grateful for their examples of righteousness and love. I have never questioned their infinite love and devotion for me and my siblings. I spent my childhood being in awe of my super-hero parents. I never knew what it meant to go without, even though we didn't always get everything we ever wanted. Laughter and love were the two key ingredients for our family and to this day, the Spirit and energy in my parents home resonates with those two elements. My mother taught me exactly what a mother should be...I am who I am as a mother, because of her example. My father taught me to stand up for what I believe and to be firm in the Gospel. My parents as a team, showed me what it meant to grow and build an eternal relationship and family. I am forever indebted and grateful.
Completely worthy of this category, are my wonderful parents-in-law. In the four short years I have known them, my in laws have taught me so much. I have been blessed to be able to marry into a family that encompasses the same values and love that I was raised with. I am grateful for the devotion that they have to the well being of their children and grandchildren...and their willingness to do anything and everything they can, so that we can all be happy and prosperous. I am grateful for their rock solid testimonies and the examples that they have set. Their testimonies have strengthened mine and I am so grateful for their loving influences in my life.

#5 Sisters- Every girl needs a sister...and boy, do I have them! :) I want to write something about each and every one of them but I already am so concerned with how long this post is going to be....
I am so grateful for my four sisters. There is no match for the bonds of sisterhood. My sisters are true examples and idols for me...older and younger. I want so much to be like them and I strive everyday to emulate the qualities that they bear.
Sisters-in-law- I am also incredibly blessed to have four sisters-in-law on my husbands side. These women have all taught me so much about life, marriage and motherhood. I have looked to their wonderful examples and hope that I can become amazing women like them one day. I am blessed to have them as sisters.
I have to include that I have Honorary Sisters in Law (you two know who you are)...that I will feel very blessed if one day I am able to call you my official sisters.

#6 Brothers- Brothers...can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. :) jk...I love my two, hilarious, fun-loving, sweet hearted brothers. Without them, I wouldn't know the truest form of humor and laughing out loud. It's been crazy in the past few years to watch my two "little" brothers grow bigger and taller than me and become men. And I am so proud of the wonderful men that they have become. Their wives will be lucky gals.
Brothers-in-law- In addition to my two brothers, I have FIVE brothers in law (so far). I am grateful that my brothers-in-law on Marc's side have been of such influence to Marc. His older brother, as well as his sisters husbands, I know have been examples that he's looked up to in his life, and I am grateful that they showed by example to cherish a wife and family, as Marc now does. I am also grateful for my sisters husband and his devotion to his family. These men are all great examples of honoring their priesthood and I am blessed to have them all in my life.

#7 Girlfriends- Every girl needs a good girlfriend. I am blessed to have more than one. I don't want to make a list...because truly, you all know who you are! Some of these friendships span about twenty years now...some only a few years. Some I talk to daily, others we only get to talk every few weeks or months. Nonetheless, these friendships are priceless and irreplaceable to me. I know that you will always be there when I need you, to give me support, love and a shoulder to cry on. I look to your examples to mold myself into the person I want to be. I am who I am very much in part to your positive influences in my life and strive everyday to emulate even half of the amazing qualities you do. I love you all.

***Okay, now I promise the descriptions will be less long-winded now. Don't give up on me.***

#8 Marc's Job- Really, this job came out of the blue for him a few years ago. It was supposed to be just that...a job. And it turned out to be a career that has given Marc the opportunity to progress, learn and grow...so much! He has learned his many talents in the business world and loves what he does. I am impressed daily with what this man can accomplish and I look forward to watching him continue to grow and be successful as I know he will.

#9 Ryder/ Music Students- As many of you may now, when we moved up here I could no longer work for Marc's mom in Elk Grove. I am so grateful for the years working there for so many reasons. I'm grateful for the skills I acquired, the stronger bonds it built with my mother and sister-in-laws, and for the opportunity it provided for me to help support our family while bringing Montana with me. Luckily, I have been so blessed since moving here with the opportunities to continue to help support the family in a minor way. I watch my friends little boy four days a week and also between here and Elk Grove, teach nine piano and voice students. These opportunities have truly been heaven sent and I felt the Lord literally designing a plan for me to be able to have these options. With economic times being what they are, it is nice to be able to count on some extra money, but also that it enables me to live out my dream of my career of choice...a stay at home mom. No job can replace this for me, and I adore it.

#10 Two Homes- I have two homes. Elk Grove will forever be home for Marc and I. I think where you grow up and where your family is, really is always that place where your heart will feel at home. Also, in the past five months, we have realized we love our new home. El Dorado Hills feels like "ours". We love the area for so many reasons, but mainly the closeness to one another that we've felt since moving here has been priceless. We love the home we live in and are grateful every evening for the beautiful sunsets! We truly enjoy living in such a beautiful place and feel it a blessing to be able to call it our home.

#11 Health- I am grateful that I've made it to 25! That is a blessing in and of itself. I am lucky to have made it thus far with the worst things I've encountered being food poisoning, a broken ankle and a fender bender with minor back injuries. I know that there are those that suffer daily with crippling illness and accident. I am grateful thus far the blessing of health in my life and the life of my family.

#12 Running Shoes- ...and my jogger, work-out gear...etc. All these things have turned into a love affair for me. I look forward to the time that Marc gets home and we get all geared up for our evening run. I have to credit the beginning of this new love to my friend Rachel and her willingness to come to my house every morning in Elk Grove and run with me. It has become something that my body needs and craves. Not only that, it has become a time where my mind rests and reflects. It's a very therapeutic time for me and has changed my life. I feel like I have the control of my body and love to feel it get stronger as we push ourselves everyday. I'm grateful for my husband for running with me and for pushing the jogger often times further than his equal shift. It's a past time I hope we can always continue together.

#13 Lexy- This is totally going to sound superficial and materialistic, but Lexy is my car. And no, we don't REALLY call her Lexy, it's more of a joke. But I am grateful for my Lexus. First and foremost, because it is safe and keeps my precious cargo safe. I have never felt more safe in a car. I was the last person that wanted to trade in our 4Runner and was opposed to buying such an expensive car, but since we signed the papers a year ago, I have not regretted the decision for one day. Even when I pay the car payment. I also love the way it makes me feel...its the first time in my life I've really felt like I had something really luxurious and its just one of those guilty pleasures in life that everyone should experience once. Not to mention, its really nice to have the butt warmers in the seats on a cold day. :)

#14 Make-up/Clothes/Shoes- Well, since we are being materialistic...I am grateful for girly stuff. This stuff all helps to make me feel beautiful. For me, getting dolled up is not an every day task, but its something I thoroughly enjoy. I am grateful that these tools are there to aid me when I need a little pick me up to feel good about myself. And even though some days I may not have anywhere to go, my boyfriend comes home every night and I want to feel like I look good for him. A special shout out to MAC make up, Banana Republic and Nordstrom. :)

#15 Chocolate- Since we have changed our eating habits, chocolate has become something that is more of an indulgence. A "once in a while" treat. Every girl needs to just let a piece of pure milk chocolate melt in her mouth at least once a month (get it???)...to just indulge. For me, chocolate is a heaven sent "miracle medicine" for those days when I just need a minute to wash my cares away.

#16 Sushi- It's been a couple years now since I fell in love with sushi. Mikuni sushi to be precise. Some of our favorite things- Maguro as a starter, Edamame because its healthy AND good, and for those Mikuni lovers out there, you'll know what I mean when I say ,"Tommy", "Spicy Johnny" and "Carmichael". It's another indulgence and I implore you, if you have not tried it, don't be afraid. I know sushi is one of those things that is too daring for some, but I promise you, you will not be disappointed. Just close your mouth and chew...don't think about what you're eating, and you'll love it! :)

#17 BLOGGING- Really this should be higher up on this list, but after the first seven or so, the rest of this list is in a pretty random order. How can I NOT put blogging on this list. We all know that it is an obsession for me. But really, it is more than that, my two blogs give me the opportunity to do something I really love~to write. It's an outlet for me. Not to mention I love that it helps me to keep in touch with so many people that I am not able to see or talk to by other means as often as I'd like. I don't care if this makes me sound like a nerd...I LOVE BLOGGING AND I'M NOT AFRAID TO SAY IT!

#18 Music- My life-long love. I can't say enough about music. I feel so blessed to have been given the opportunity to cultivate musical talents and enjoy the blessing of them in my life. I wouldn't trade it for the world and even though I'm not doing as much with it as I've always dreamed, there is always tomorrow and there is always today and a private concert for my biggest fans in our home. Just as good as any sold out concert at Madison Square Garden.

#19 DVR- I mean, HELLO...how in the heck do you live with out it?? haha. Seriously though, DVR has enabled me to watch "productive" television, if there is such a thing. I don't get to really sit down and enjoy a show until the evening time, but I'm grateful that when I do get the chance, I can watch my favorite shows. Not to mention, I would be lost without Montana's shows on-demand whenever she needs them.

#20 Reading- A special thanks to Stephenie Meyer and the Twilight series for reigniting my love of reading. I had kind of gone on an unplanned reading hiatus, and I am grateful that I again make the time in my life for a good read. I just joined a book club and am enjoying my late night indulgences into the pages of many a book.

#21 Nap Time- No, not for me...for the kids. Nap time is my time of day. I get done what I need to get done...and sometimes just do unproductive things because, well, it's my time. And although I enjoy the time they are awake because they're just so darned cute, I also think they are VERY cute when they are peacefully sleeping! :)

#22 Cell Phone- My life line to the world...it would be a rare time when you'd find me without my phone. I try not to be obnoxious with it, but I like to be in touch with those that I love. I must admit, I'm a bit of a text-a-holic. :)

#23 Day Planner- What can I say, it keeps me focused, on track, up to date and remembering the things I need to do every day. Plus, its fun because Marc leaves me little notes and drawings!
#24 Disney- Disney is magic. I always liked Disney, but since marrying a man that would probably legally change his name to Mickey if I gave him the permission (jk)... I have grown to absolutely adore everything Disney. From our semi-annual trips (we leave in a week), to the Disney movies and shows...we love it all. And we've loved passing the obsession on to Montana who knows the word Disney, what it means and can tell you probably over fifty characters names by looking at their picture. She loves Disney Princesses and is going to be Snow White for Halloween. We were just watching a Disney Vacation Planning CD all about Disneyland to get her hyped for our trip...and I started crying watching it. It really is just so magical!

#25 Marc's Golf Clubs- I know this is a silly thing to be on MY list, but I really am grateful for Marc's golf clubs. They are his outlet and he needs it. It makes him a happier man and it feeds the athlete inside of him. Not to mention it has given him opportunity to bond with his dad and I know that those times are priceless for him. I look forward to one day taking up the sport with him and enjoying it together.

Well trusty-blog friends...if you're still there, that's my list for today. I am grateful for these and so many other things in my life. I am grateful that you took the time to share with me whats most special to me at this stage in my life. Here's to being 25...if there's anyway for me to have a more blessed year than the last, then I am a lucky girl!

I think I'm going to go rent a car now...just because I can! :) jk