28 things...

Today is my 28th birthday. Wow! I was born at 9:20 am MST at the Safford hospital. My mom was in labor for several days before my stubborn self decided to make my grand appearance. My poor mom! I don't know how she did it, especially since she didn't have any pain meds. I usually utilize some sort of narcotic pain relief during my labors, and mine are very short. I don't know how she made it the 3 or 4 days without anything! In honor of my 28 years, I am copying my cousin, and imparting some of my wisdom upon you all. Here are some of the things I have learned this past 28 years, some are serious, most are not, so enjoy:

1. Trust in Him.

2. Family first.

3. Stand up for yourself- if you don't nobody else will.

4. Expect the best but prepare for the worst.

5. I would rather have a few things that I like and that get used and worn out than a bunch of stuff that I never use.

6. A big bowl of Cheerios with brown sugar is a cheap and yummy meal.

7. If buying the Sponge Bob or Dora toothbrush and toothpaste makes your kids brush their teeth more, buy it! It is well worth the extra cost compared to generic... yup, we're still paying off that penny wise decision...

8. Get an education, even if you think you will "just" be a mom- education will make you a better parent.

9. Almost without fail, the best part of Late night television is the monologue.

10. Chocolate is truly a gift from God.

11. Never say "I would never"- when you do, God simply laughs and makes it happen...

12. The holidays are all about the kids and being with family.

13. No matter how long I know about an important essay, and no matter how well I plan, I will always stay up the entire night before it is due working out the kinks, reworking the transitions, and writing, rewriting and re-re-writing the bulk of it.

14. Either that or I'll stay up blogging about some random topic rather than working on it...

15. There's nothing quite like a strawberry pie made with strawberries fresh from the patch.

16. More expensive isn't necessarily better quality.

17. But sometimes it is...

18. Apparently, I inspire people- I have two friends who are pursuing different career paths because of conversations we have had with each other. One is starting the alternative teaching certification program (she is a stay at home mom) and the other is starting her pre-req's for nursing school (she is currently a teacher). You never know how your influence will affect those around you.

19. "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans"

20. One of these days, we will think back on today and remember it as one of "the good old days"

21. Find joy in the journey- today!

22. There's nothing quite like snuggling in a quilt, surrounded by your children, eating a yummy snack and watching a good movie.

23. A good mattress, a supportive bra and good dental floss are worth every cent you pay for them.

24. Happily ever after takes lots of work, patience and sacrifice

25. In marriage, you can either be happy or you can be right. I guess I would just be a lot happier if he would admit that I'm always right ;)

26. No matter how old I get, I still love chocolate milk.

27. People always come before things.

28. Make the most of this life, it's the only one you get!