The Big 4-0

I am off to a pretty slow start on the bucket list. I've had 40 years now to get some things done, and all I have is one marriage, and nine kids to show for my time. I haven't run any marathons, built any houses, started any businesses, written any books, jumped out of any airplanes, I could go on, but really, why?

This morning started with a cup of coffee, a four year old snuggled on my lap, and a phone call from a good friend. It is a good day. Having a Christmas Eve birthday has been a bummer at times. It is difficult to get together with your friends on a day that is mostly dedicated to last minute shopping, football, and time with family. As I get older, I don't mind so much. My birthday has become part of our Christmas liturgy. We usually go to a Christmas Eve service, to sing Christmas carols, and read the Christmas story, which I love. We generally have lasagna for dinner, with German Chocolate Cake, or Coconut Creme Pie for dessert. Sometimes I open birthday presents in the morning and we do a family Christmas in the evening. Sometimes we wait and do the family Christmas on Christmas morning. It doesn't matter to me anymore. This year we are going to have a dinner with friends in January sometime, which will be lovely.

My husband had my blog printed for me, and gave it to me for my birthday this year. So, maybe I have written a book, I just haven't sold one. It was very fun to read about our year, and see what I had been reading, and what the kids were doing. It reminded me to get online and blog about what I am doing right now. I have turned 40. I have a lasagna in the oven. Bronster frosted my German chocolate cake. I am dreaming of the restaurant I want to open someday. I want one of my children, or maybe two to become chefs. I would love to have a restaurant where people could come and have a wonderful meal, linger of great conversation, and feel very at home. For now I will practice at home, and see what God brings.

I don't feel "old" yet. My kids keep me feeling young. They have classmates whose parents are still in their 20's. I can still run a mile if I have to. I can get out of bed without needing a walker. I think I'm doing pretty well. I may not be in any history books yet, but my kids might still be, and even if none of us are, we are written in the Book of Life, which is the most important thing anyway.