Today I reached a milestone in my life. I turned 50! That's a hard thing to say (type)! I haven't quite figured out how to feel about this yet, but one thing I have figured out is 50 isn't as old as I thought it was when I was 25.

Twenty five years ago I had been married for all of 3 years and we were expecting our first child. At that time I wasn't quite sure how a new addition would affect our lives and now I know. It fills your life with laughter and love, joy and pride, fears and doubts, and blessings too many to count. And now that baby who I hadn't seen yet on my 25th birthday is about to be married. Where did those 25 years go? She has grown into a beautiful, talented, smart, witty, caring young woman who cares about her family, friends, and students. She is one of the strongest women I know and I am amazed at her strength.

Twenty years ago when I turned 30, our second daughter had been part of our lives for a little over two months. I now had a four year old who was a "little mom" and helped take care of this little sister - talking and singing to her, keeping her entertained for hours at a time, and forging a very special bond. I was blessed to be able to stay at home with these two precious girls. I now have a very independent "middle" child who has been this way for as long as I can remember. I remember her first day of kindergarten worrying about the short walk to the bus stop. She assured me that I didn't need to walk down the hill with her to catch the bus, she could "go by herself" with her big sister. At the time I was crushed that she didn't need me. But now I am in awe of this independence. She is full of life, and destined to become a wonderful nurse. She has also grown into a beautiful young lady, full of determination and loyal to her beliefs. I am so proud of her.

When I was 32, our family grew again. Little did we know at the time how upside down our world would be turned by this baby boy! Our days of baby dolls, pink bows and ruffled dresses turned into hours filled with blue jeans, mud, tree forts, hunting, anything with big tires, boots and the outdoors! Now that sweet baby boy with wavy brown hair and dark brown eyes has grown into a handsome young high school graduate. All those hours of taking toys apart and "building" things with leftover parts has taught him that he is very mechanically minded and he will start college soon to pursue a career that will put these talents to use. He is very much like his Dad - a huge heart hidden inside a rough exterior. As I am writing this I was just blessed with a precious hug from him and a wish for a happy birthday, and a priceless "I love you, Mom".

So on this day that I haven't decided how to view yet, I do know that I have been blessed these past 50 years. Blessed with loving parents and a very special sister, a great husband, health and happiness, and 3 awesome children. My hope and prayer is that I have been the best daughter, sister, wife and mother I could be for each of them. And I hope they all know how precious they are to me. I'm thankful that they've been with me on this wonderful journey that is life and pray that they will all be with me for many more birthdays to come.