I turned almost 30.

My dad took the photo on the right on my birthday before we headed out the door for church. While we look slightly awkward & maybe like we don't love each other very much, he insisted on the spacing so that the skeleton could be seen. He thought it was hilarious! A skeleton in our family photo! Funny, Dad. :)  

I turned 29 on Sunday. That's almost thirty, but not quite - which meant that it was a reasonably mellow birthday without much fanfare (or unnecessary angst about growing old). Mike made me breakfast after letting me sleep in (which I suppose is fanfare - & quite welcomed, of course), & my dad was in town, so I was really just pleased to get to be with the very favorite males in my life. I loved hearing from my friends & family & it warmed my heart that people took the time to send sweet gifts, to call, email & text, all while saying nice things about me. It's always a happy thing to know that people are thinking of you (even if Facebook sometimes serves as a reminder). And my Texas friends! I feel like I whine a lot about being isolated & lonely, but there really are a few sweet girls who have made my life happier. Friend Natalie delivered a surprise treat the night of my birthday (which of course I ate for breakfast the next morning, hooray!) & Noelle brought over the prettiest orchid you've ever seen on Monday. I'm grateful for these sweet friends, & I'm certain I'd be far more of a total mess than I already am were it not for their generous extensions of friendship.   

I like my life right now. I'm happy with almost-thirty. Despite the fact that I told a group of teenage trick-or-treaters to Be good! as they walked away from our door (I'm so old!! Pass the eye cream, please), I like where my where my life is, I love my family & 28 to 29 was full of a zillion adventures! More to come this year too, I think - which means that 30 will be happy as well.