A Day for Reflection

As you have noticed, I haven't posted much in a few weeks. I was trying to finish a big writing project, and then we had both sets of grandparents visit. It was fun!

So today is my 40th birthday. This deserves a few minutes of reflection.

I've heard that the question people ask when they turn 40 is, Do I feel satisfied with what I've done with my life? I was thinking about this yesterday, and I am so happy to say that the answer is yes! As I moved about my day, I realized that the explanation for the answer is in the everyday, mundane activities that I do. So I thought I would list them as proof of my happiness. What is extraordinary about these activities is that as a set they are exactly the activities I would chose to do on an everyday basis. In other words, I enjoy them, and they are mine. I don't feel trapped, compelled, or regretful. I do them because they are my choice. I wouldn't do it any other way. Here they are, in no particular order:

• Looked out the window and saw a beautiful park across the street.
• Helped a kid make her sack lunch for school.
• Washed the extensive hardwood floor in my house (okay, this was my least favorite activity. But I got it done by 8:30 am so that it would not hang over my head, admired my technique while I did it, and felt great about my clean floors afterward.)
• Read to The Buddy.
• Took a nap.
• Read a big chunk of The History of Christianity, Volume 1--Beginnings to 1500.
• Cleaned out a closet.
• Snuggled by my slightly feverish 2-year-old while he slept.
• Set up a train track for Aidan to drive his Thomas-the-Trains on.
• Made homemade beans in the slow cooker.
• Sold an old wooden desk on Craigslist.
• Dictated spelling lists to two girls.
• Cleaned out the mudroom/laundry room.
• Admired my 12-year-old's school pictures, realized how handsome he is, realized and confirmed that the girls are really smitten by him at school, and amazed myself that my first little baby is growing up into such a capable, handsome, fine fellow.
• Greeted another very handsome man (my husband) for lunch at home.
• Heard that plans are on for my birthday request--camping at the lake.
• Washed and folded three plus loads of laundry.
• Said my prayers and asked for things I need and want.
• Went to a meeting for middle school parents.
• Pondered the scriptures.
• Talked to my middle-schooler about stuff after the younger ones had gone to bed.
• Went to the store late at night to save the family from the dreaded tragedy of being out of peanut butter.
• Read about the ancient Sumerian and Akkadian civilizations.
• Day-dreamt pleasantly about the educational, intellectual, and professional possibilities for me after Aidan gets a little older.
• Joined my family in an easy-going family home evening.
• Fell asleep reading well before 11:00.

It doesn't get any better than that!

My family made my favorite low-carb breakfast this morning and brought it to me in bed whilst singing "Happy Birthday." The girls had picked flowers from the yard and put them into a beautiful old vase that was once my grandmother's. I was a wonderful way to start the day!

Also, I'd like to thank Borders, my Allstate agent, and Art.com for wishing me a happy birthday.