The Blessed Thirty

It's true, I'm turning 30 this Sunday. No matter how hard I try to deny it, it's happening. I know when I look back on this time, I'll laugh at myself and say "it wasn't that big of a deal" and "you had no idea!" But that's the future. This is now. HOLY CRAP, I'M TURNING 30!!!!!!!!! I always thought I would be ok, and take it with good grace; it is, after all, just a number(and those who know me well, know that I haven't grown up since about the age of 16). But the closer it becomes, the tighter my grip on my youthful 20's gets. I think it's funny the things we come up with to make ourselves feel better, like "Thirty is the new Twenty". Bull! I would much rather be turning 20. To be honest, I kind of wasted my twenties in terms of education and being motivated (I did neither!). However, they were a lot of fun! I look back on those ten years and think, what the heck happened? That went by WAY too fast! I know I am prone to overly dramatic rants. So I'm going to do something different. Like so many of my friends, blogging has become somewhat of a journal for me, so I'm going to write my thoughts. In the form of a list; not a list of things I wish I had done before this momentous occasion, but a list of things I've been lucky enough to do and become in the thirty years I've been on this earth. So without further ado, I give you...




The Blessed Thirty!!

(In no particular order, except number 1 and 2, which are the BEST ones :))

30. Surfing in Southern Cali and the wonderful Oregon coast (everyone should try surfing, it's a blast!)

29. I've had a lot of wonderful roommates (some not so wonderful!)

28. I've been on a fishing trip to Alaska, thanks to the wonderful organization, Make a Wish Foundation!

27. Traveled to the Caribbean twice.

26. Had the best job working at LDS hospital in the maternity ward as a CNA. I was able to assist with deliveries, take care of the new little ones and also take care of the mothers. The people I worked with, however, made it the best job I've ever had!

25. Had an amazing high school experience. I think I'm blessed in saying that all three years of high school were great! I made friends that have lasted for about 12 years, learned things about myself that have stuck with me to this day and had SO much fun.

24. Danced for most of my life.

23. Took Violin lessons ( that's a lot harder than it looks!)

22. Had many wonderful church callings, including nursery leader, which I LOVED. I'm very sad they released us. I cried a lot that day.

21. Found that I had a writing talent and I'm still working on developing it.

20. Traveled all over the United States with my family. I'm so blessed to live in such a beautiful country.

19. I found out that I'm stronger than I ever thought I could be when I moved across the country to Ohio.

18. Have been blessed enough to live in Ohio, not only because it's beautiful and there are so many things to do, but because, and most importantly, I've met so many wonderful people. They have helped me become a better person. I'm so thankful for the many friendships I've developed. It's going to be hard to leave. Luckily, we're still here for three more years. :)

17. Went to a total of two years of college and found out that I don't really want to be a nurse.

16. Prayed about my education and found out that Heavenly Father really wants me to be a nurse, so back to school I will go.

15. Started taking voice lessons and I love it! Talk about breaking out of your shell. I've been so self concious about my voice. Not any more!

14. Have had the wonderful opportunity to meet Kjirsti Foutz. Not only does she have a gorgeous singing voice (she's the one I'm taking voice lessons from) but she is one of the most impressive women I've ever had the blessing to meet, and she's only 23. She is an amazing example of living a strong gospel based life. and I just love her.

13. Served in the institute council in college and because of that, met my best friend Julie Carlile. How blessed I am to have her in my life! She's been there for everything! The big, the small, the fun, the mundane, the silly. It's been such a fun, pee-your-pants-fall-off-the-swing-steal-your-boyfriend-laugh-till-you-pee-your-pants-again-stay-up-all-night ten years!! We've been there for each other through it all. She's coming to visit me in November and I couldn't be more excited. I love you Jules!!!

12. Learned how to water color paint, and still learning.

11. Found out I actually do like to cook and I'm good at it.

10. I've skiied in the beautiful Utah mountains.

9. My dad owned horses up until I was about 16. I never asked for a pony when I was little; I already had a horse. How lucky was I?

8. I have been blessed to have amazing in laws!

7. I have the sweetest nieces and nephews.

6. I grew up with the best sisters. They are my best friends and I'm very blessed to have them as sisters for eternity. They are wonderful examples. We've been through everything together. What wonderful things, sisters are!!

5. My sisters married wonderful men. They are good brothers -in - law. Also, I've been blessed with a wonderful sister-in-law, Jennifer. I'm so blessed to have her :)

4. I've been blessed to have my brother Scott in my life. He's a good brother. I'm so glad families are forever. Saying "I'll see you later" to him was one of the hardest things I've ever had to endure.

3. Being born to Michael and Deborah Sanderson all those years ago has been one of the biggest blessing that has ever happened to me. First of all, if that hadn't happened, I wouldn't be here, and secondly, my life is what it is because of them. They have taught me the gospel. They have ALWAYS been there. They have supported me in everything. They have loved me no matter what!

2. I've not only met, but married the love of my life!!!

1. In my thirty years here on earth, I've gained a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is the best and most important thing I've done. It has shaped my life and I'm so grateful for it.

I've had a full life. Of course there are many more things I've done that I could have listed, but for times sake and for the sake of only turning 30, I've narrowed it down :).

Sunday there will be tears, I'm sure of it. I'm not ashamed to say that I will be mourning the passing of my 20's. But the tears will quickly be replaced by laughing, because that's what I do best :).