Well today I turn 31!
I THINK I’m OK with that. My most upsetting birthday was 29! LOL! I knew it was the last of my 20’s!! I have to say SO MUCH has happened to me since hitting 30. All FABULOUS things, that I am so happy about and grateful for. Why I was so upset about leaving my 20’s I don’t know! (OK thats not entirely true! Who doesn’t want to be able to say they are 20-something?!)
I asked the kids how old they thought I was going to be-
Noah said “I think you look like you will be about 90!” (oh my word!!!!!!!!!!!)
Alexa said “I think you look 26!” (OH! A girl after my heart!)
Amber says “Why do we need to know how old you are? I just know you are REALLY old. I don’t want to get as old as you. I want to stay this small forever!” (OH! I wish you could too :D)
I am enjoying the “30’s” more than the 20’s. I know WHO I am, what I want, where I am going and how to get there! (I think! LOL!)
I have everything in life one could hope for.
My first year in my 30’s was a great one!
I figured I would list the top 10 things that occurred in the last year: (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER EXCEPT #1)
1. Alexa became “officially” cancer free, 2 weeks after I turned 30, and is doing AMAZING! I don’t think I could ask for anything more from life, than happy and healthy children. The day we found out she had cancer, never did I think she would be here, looking and feeling so amazing. I am eternally grateful to God for all he has given my family, and of course by blessing me with my children. I am also thankful for all the progress Cancer research has made, because without funding and brilliant minds, my Alexa would not be here. Alexa continues to amaze me daily. Be it with her growth, health and progress, to being manipulative, and full of attitude! LOL! I HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR HER FUTURE.
2. I was able to fulfill my dream-starting the My Timeless Templates line with Papertrey Ink! That is something that was beyond my wildest dreams! I cannot even put into words how I feel about being given such an opportunity to work with such a company like Papertrey. Nichole is my stamping idol! I know I sound lame, but she truly is. She is also a truly amazing, and down to earth person, who I admire greatly (and Im still in shock she is YOUNGER than me!) Im also thankful for the love & support you all offer to me as I experience this new venture. Your excitement you share with me propels me further. THANK YOU!
3. I got skinny! (and healthier) I worked hard to lose the weight I have been yo-yoing with for the last 7 years! The weight I had been wanting to lose SO bad since having Noah. I would lose a little, then get too comfortable, and gain it back faster than it left :C. Its hard because I was always very thin. Then when big time of stress in my life hit, I got heavy due to stress eatting.
I was doing good when Jay and I got married, but when Alexa got sick I hit a severe downward spiral. The ONLY thing I could control at that point in my life was what I ate, and I chose all the bad things. Finally my 30th birthday was a big wake-up call. In September I decided I would NOT have the weight on my by the time I turned 31! I lost 65lbs, and not only do I LOOK better, but I feel better.
I changed the way I look at and deal with food. I don’t use it to cheer me up when Im upset anymore, and if I do have a treat, its just that-a treat! Im not going to beat myself up over it for a couple days while I eat even more junk!!!
I eat better, and workout almost everyday. I make better choices, each day. Its a continuous lifestyle change/effort. I’m so proud of myself and happy for the changes I have made. I look forward to each new day, full of energy! I also feel like I could actually be in the infomercials! LOL! I mean seriously, when you watch it, you think these people are so FULL OF IT! But its so true! What is hilarious, is yesterday they had the Mitch Gaylord infomercial on yesterday (only a NEW one I think), and I was just like YES! Its true! That program does work! LOL! I love you Mitch Gaylord! LOL!!! It was HIS infomercial that made me FINALLY say-“OK I’m committed-DONE!”. I ordered it right away.
The pants I am wearing on my birthday are a 6! I’m 5’10, so that is pretty good. My shirt was a small 😀 LOVE THAT FEELING! So if you think YOU can’t do it, its not true. You can.
4. I inspired people! What is better than that. This year I felt like I was able to inspire so many people! Inspiration in the form of sharing my weightloss-therefore encouraging so many of YOU, to get in a healthier lifestyle. I have inspired my family and friends (in real life! LOL!) too!
I’ve also inspired people to make affordable gift items through my template line! Many people who are new to papercrafting or thought “I can only make cards”. Or, I can’t do that, its too hard. Then next thing you know they are whipping out LOTS of gifts for everyone, in a fun, creative and affordable way! THAT ROCKS!!!
I have also inspired people by sharing so much of my daily life (OK so at least that is what people tell me! LOL!) here all the time. I’m an open book. Probably too much! LOL! But I think people like seeing I’m a REAL person, just like you, with daily hiccups in life. I am SAHM who goes crazy every now and then with my ventures at home, and balancing everything. Im not perfect! LOL! Which is definitely apparent if you come here 😀 But Im OK with that.
5. My gallbladder was taken out! I never had any medical issues in my life, but 2 months ago (not even) had my first surgery! This lead me to realize I could never get that Tummy Tuck I always wanted! Surgery is serious, scary and recovery is terrible when you cannot tolerate the simplest pain meds! It was a interesting experience, all in all. Guess if I ever do hit it big I know plastic surgery is NOT in my future :C
6. I got the camera I have wanted for a VERY long time 😀 I am excited to expand my photo knowledge through the next year, and have some goals for myself-like take a class or two, maybe enter a contest, get REGULAR photos of my kids, and make sure I continue to learn how to properly use the fabulous settings a professional grade camera offers (otherwise why spend the money for it! That would be LAME!) Still need to get signed up for some classes though.
7. I received a video camera and I actually learned to make. edit and post videos for my blog! WAHOO! This was a big goal for me and I am excited by all the future ideas and possibilities with that fun toy.Plus getting eqsier videos of the kids is great too.
8. My brother had a baby! Never did I think I would see the day. Better yet I was there in the delivery room to see her enter the world! A truly amazing gift for someone to give you!!! Such a miraculous, and personal thing. I was over the moon to be able to bet there. Of course Im totally in LOVE with my niece. I should get to see her today-so happy dance! I also have to say Valerie is doing a fabulous job being a mom. I am very proud of her. Prior to Gaggy her and my brother lived in Las Vegas. BIG PARTY SCENE-enough said! I worried they wouldn’t TAME their lifestyle to fit the new duties of parenting. Well they are doing a great job!!
9. I started an Etsy shop! That was a huge NEW YEAR goal and I’m so happy to finally do it (yes I will be updating with new stuff soon! I need to get deadlines done first) Im so happy that the items I spend so much time on get to go to good homes 😀
10. Everyday! I am so thankful for everyday I have! There is something amazing in each day if you take ONE SECOND to recognize what it is. I often remind myself of that at the end of the ay when the kids are screaming and fighting! LOL! They are HERE! ALIVE and well. Blessing my life in ways I can’t even put into words. They are healthy and I am thankful for all the crazy loud noises that fill my home. I know that ONE DAY, this house will be silent. My kids will be gone to live their own lives, and I will long for their little hands tugging at me for something, hugs around my waist, and little loud voices that fill this house. It is so sad to think they will grow up some day. I would FREEZE them right in this moment if I could.
I awoke today on my birthday to Amber shoving 20 little hand drawn pictures under my pillow to surprise me (then explaining what each drawing was), Alexa singing Happy Birthday (cha cha cha) dressed in some horrific get up she put together (telling me this was what she was wearing to our lunch-UM, NO!), and Noah saying “Can we eat your cake for breakfast? I’m starving! Its your birthday so you get to break the rules don’t you?” (so yes I gave him cake!)
Now that is a super birthday 😀
85 Responses for "Thirty One"
Happy HAPPY birthday Lauren 🙂 I hope you have an amazing day and a great year ahead. I am twenty nine now and I am okay with turning 30. I totally know what you mean- I was depressed when I turned 20 and my 20’s were a blur with child having and rearing- but my 30’s look great 🙂 inspired by YOU I’ve begun taking care of my body and many other great things are in store for my 30 decade. So here we go girl! 30, flirty and fabulous 😀 Have a great birthday!
Happy Birthday Lauren, have a very blessed day!
Caroline and I wish you a very happy and blessed birthday! We hope your day is as special as you deserve it to be- with many wishes fulfilled!
I loved reading about all your happiness over the last year- boy you have had a busy and wonderful time! I am so happy for you!
Enjoy being 31- and all the 30-something years ahead. I have a feeling your fun has only just begun 😉
Love, Sarah
Happy Birthday, Lauren! Thanks for sharing all your blessings (and talent!!) with us. I will be 52 in June and from my experience, I can tell you life just gets better!
Hugs to you and your precious family! —Lisa
Happy Birthday! And, congratulations on all the successes over the past couple of years with your stamping/creating/writing/video adventures. Thanks so much for sharing your talents with us here!
Happy Birthday Lauren, I hope you have a wonderful day. You have inspired me so much. I am Going to 53 this year and you have inspired me to exercise. I walk almost everyday and Have lost 12pds and 3inches. I am a petite girl, who only weighed this much when I was carrying my children, I would like to get down to my original size of 3 not 9. Susan.
Happy Birthday Lauren, I hope your day is EXTRA special!!
That sounds like a super Birthday! Happy Birthday!!! Enjoy your day! 🙂
Happy Birthday Lauren!!
I have a feeling my 30s will be great too!
I’m 29, yikes!
May this day be filled with sooo much love and happiness, and I wish you many more beautiful years to come. Happy Birthday Lauren!!!!!
Happy Birthday Lauren,wish you have a wonderful day.
I looks every day on your blog and you inspired me so much.
I am going to 53 this year.
Hugs Monika
Happy Birthday Lauren!!! Wishing you lots of love & happiness, hope your day is as fabulous as you are girl!!!
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!! Enjoy your DAY!!!!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I hope 31 turns out to be as great as 30 was!!
Happy Birthday Lauren and have a super day filled with all the things you love. Ann Lind
Happy Birthday Lauren!! 🙂
Happy Birthday from Germany!
It sounds like you are having a wonderful birthday!! You have such a grateful and positive attitude that it simply spills over and graces all of us with it! I love coming here and reading about your daily adventures! :> Hope your day continues to be just as good as it started! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :>
I’m 31 too. It’s a great age, IMO! 🙂 Happy Birthday!!!
Happy Birthday, Lauren! Enjoy your day 🙂
oh my – your kids crack me up! I told DH what they said about how old they thought you were. I hope you have a wonderful day – you deserve it and WOW, I didn’t realize it was 65 lbs – dang you are AWESOME!!
Lauren, You don’t sound as if you need anything more but I am wishing you a very Happy Birthday and all the best for the year ahead none the less – hope it is a great one!
Happy Birthday Lauren!!! I loved reading your top ten list. You can even inspire me with non-crafting things.
Sounds like you are going to have a fantastic day. Enjoy it!!
Have a great birthday!!!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Lauren, I hope you have a lovely day. Thanks for sharing your top 10 moments – what a lovely read. Gemma (England, UK)
Hope your day is filled with memories to take you into the next year!! Kinda like paddles when we were kids, you know, 31 and then 32 to grow an inch, only memories!!!!!
Seriously, Lauren, I have been so impressed and love reading your blog since finding you in Nov.
Never can wait to see what you’ll come up with next.
We love ya, girl! Have a wondermous birthday!
Wishing you a great day and year. Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Lauren!!! And many more!!!! I hope you’re being spolied to the max 😉 Have a wonderful day with you family and loved ones!
Happy Birthday Lauren. I hope you are having a wonderful day surrounded by the ones you love and are being spoiled.
Happy Birthday shoutout to ya! I recall when I was turning 26 and met up with some friends at the college I was attending part-time (working full-time afternoons at the time), and my good buddy Joanne was almost apologetic for bringing attention to it being my b’day (‘cuz I was SO OLD, don’t ya know?! LOL!) … she and some friends had asked me to meet them at the student union, and had arranged for the Beatles “they say it’s your birthday” to be playing when I walked in!
I just always say “It sure beats the alternative! Thanx!” when folkes say something about being another year older … Hope you have a t’riffic one!
Dear Lauren,
Here’s wishing you a VERY VERY HAPPY & BLESSED BIRTHDAY!! Thank you for sharing so much of your life with all of us – I almost feel like I know you. I am so proud of you and all of your accomplishments- you are truly an inspiration. You creativity is is always breathtaking and I wish you many more years of happiness w/ your family, your craft and your future endeavors!
¤ª”˜¨*¨˜”ª¤ !*¤ª”˜¨*¨˜”ª¤ Happy Birthday Lauren ¤ª”˜¨*¨˜”ª¤!*¤ª”˜¨*¨˜”ª¤
Wishing you a happy and loving day, and many many more in the days ahead 🙂
Happy Birthday, Lauren! Wishing you an absolutely amazing day! Enjoyed so much your post today … your blog always provides me with a daily dose of joy!
Happy Birthday Lauren! You are amazing and blessed in so many ways! Just know that you inspire not only me but ALOT! ……YOU GO GIRL!!!!
Happy Birthday!!! It’s wonderful to look back and see all the wonderful things to be thankful for. I enjoy your blog so much. You truly do inspire so many of us with your creativity! Thanks for sharing with us!
Happy Birthday Lauren!!! I hope you have a wonderful day!
Big hugs,
Melissa
Happy Birthday Lauren!!! Life is only beginning. Have a wonderful day.
Happy Birthday, Lauren! 🙂 I loved your post! 🙂 I just started reading your blog Sept of last year, so I guess I didn’t realize Alexa was Cancer Free! 🙂 How awesome! 🙂
I love how you don’t take your gifts and blessings for granted. You are a wonderful person and I hope you have a wonderful day! 🙂
Happy Birthday, Lauren! You continue to inspire me on a daily basis, and I am older than you. Life just keeps getting better and better, because you start to love yourself more in your own skin. It’s quite empowering! Have a great day.
Hey!
I spent like half an hour reading your post. Not because it was too large (it was-ha ha) but because i read it and analyzed it at the same time. Yes, you are an open book and that’s sweet. Your words about your life and little things make ours or mine a better/sweet one. Thanks for sharing “almost” everything and God bless you always! HappyBirthday…
Happy Birthday, Lauren! You have had a banner year! Great job…glad all of your hard work is paying off & that you’re enjoying & appeciating all of it!
Have a wonderful day & a happy, healthy 31st year!
Happy Birthday Lauren, I hope you have a wonderful day & you get to enjoy some Birthday cake!
Lauren, I hope that you have a fabulous birthday today! I also hope that your tomorrows are filled with many more blessings and that being 31 is better than you can imagine!
Happy Birthday, Lauren! I pray you have a fabulous day with your lovely family. Judging by how your morning started I would say you will.
Happy Birthday Lauren! May you always feel the joy you feel today.
Happy birthday, Lauren! I love reading your blog! I am one of the many people you inspire daily with your creativity and talent and energy, so thank you! I hope you have a great year ahead!
Hi Lauren… Today is my birthday as well… I am 54!!
Have a great one!!!
Happy Birthday!!!
It is not lame to say Nichole is your crafting idol. I tell my husband that you are my crafting idol. Seriously, I wish I had the talent you have and work everyday to do better.
You are also inspiring me to lose weight. I have said it before but we are close to the same age (I will be 31 in Dec) and you look a heck of a lot better than I do and feel. Thanks for the inspiration. I too like the idea of being 30, for the most part. The look on people’s faces when I say I am 30, priceless. They always look so stunned and that makes me feel so good. I hope you had an continue to have a great day.
Happy Birthday Sweetie
Believe me you look younger than 31.. 😉
God Bless you dear
Happy Birthday Lauren! Hope you had a beautiful day!!!
Happy Birthday sweetie! Hope it was a SPECTACULAR day!! 🙂
Happy Birthday Lauren!
Happy Happy Birthday Lauren!!!!!
Happy Birthday! I hope it was a truly special day for you!
Wishing you the happiest of happy birthdays, Lauren. You’ve had an amazing year. You should be very proud of everything you’ve accomplished both personally and professionally. And you are truly blessed with a fabulous family. Here’s to another wonderful year.
Happy Birthday! I hope you have had a most wonderful day, and that your year to come is filled with only the most wonderful of blessings!!
Happy Birthday Lauren!
Happy Birthday! Hope lunch was fun.
Happy Lauren! Hope this year is as good as the last for you! May God continue to bless you and your family.
Happy birthday girlie! What an impressive and meaningful top ten. You are blessed for sure and it’s so cool that you know it and share your joy. The 30’s totally suit you….I’m 33 and I definitely love my 30’s more than 20’s. I have a feeling your list is only the start for you!
Happy BIRTHDAY Lauren!!! Reading #10 brought tears to my eyes— my babies are growing up every day and I would freeze them if I could as well. I’m going to miss those kisses for mommy, the silly pictures and notes, and being the center of their world! 🙁 They definitely light up your life!! Sounds like you were in for a wonderful day and you deserve every bit of happiness and success.
Let me join the line of congratulators! Happy birthday to you Lauren! Don’t worry too much about your age! I am getting 40 next monday and I can tell you as older you get as better you feel.
Best wishes from Germany!
Happy birthday miss 31! Your joyfulness inspires me everyday!
I check out your blog quite often and think that your creations are “out of this world” great! Thank you for sharing and for your wonderful ideas. I have yet to get one of your Timeless Templates – I’m worried that I won’t do it justice. One of these days…..anyway, Happy Birthday!
Lauren,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I hope you have a great one.
You are amazing! Don’t let anyone fool you; you could pass for early twenties. You look amazing.. I am hoping that I could look as good as you!
What is your plans for your birthday??
Charna
So amazing Lauren! Happy 31 birthday my dear and congrats on all the wonderful things you have accomplished thus far. May this year be your best yet!
Happy birthday!
Happy 31st Birthday. I’m glad life is good for you!
Happy Belated Birthday Lauren. Your kids are just too cute, just like their mom. Have a great birthday week, ok? Your card is going to be fashionably late.
Lauren – Happy Late Birthday. You are truly amazing and I look forward everyday to reading your blog. Thank you for being such an amazing person who loves to share with us. You have an amazing family. I am a cancer survivor myself so I can relate to little Miss Alexa. Thank you again for giving so much of yourself to your projects and followers.
OMG…note to self…don’t read Lauren’s posts in reverse order like I did today. I’m totally choked up having read about Alexa last. I’m so happy that she is healthy and here to celebrate your 31st birthday with you, her brothers and sisters and her amazing dad.
Happy Birthday, Lauren!!
Happy Birthday. Hope you have a great day. I am glad that you are counting all your blessings When all else is said and done family is the most important. I have enjoyed reading your blog with all of your ups and downs. Your positive attitude has helped you through those hard times. It also makes it easier for others to go through their hard times.
Keep up all the great inspirational ideas. They are all great Love your videos.
Now enjoy your day with your family. Happy Birthday.
Lauren, thank you for sharing your gratitude list! It’s humbling, inspiring and amazing!!!
Joyeux Anniversaire à toi Lauren, tu mérites ce que tu as et ce que tu es.
Happy Birthday Lauren you are a great Madame !!!
Carole
Happy Birthday and thanks for sharing your list! It was difficult for me turning 30 but 27 years later I can’t remember why it was that way and I have enjoyed all my birthdays since!
Happy Birthday Lauren!!
Celebrate!!
Hugs,
Jodi=)
Hi Lauren! Sorry I’m late! Happy Belated Birthday darling!
I hated turning 30, then 31, and I’ll be turning 32 soon. But… I’ve lived through alot, seen a lot, and LEARNED alot. I’m on a quest to change ME too… I’ve been posting about that on my blog as of late. Stop by if you ever get a second, or anyone else seeing this… I have some cool giveaways going on right now. 🙂
Good for you! a 6?! I’m soo jealous!
Happy (late) Birthday!! So happy for you!!!
hope you birthday was fantastic – its always nice to hear how you put things into perspective – and a nice reminder to cherish the little things because they leave so fast –
take care!
Happy Birthday Lauren! Have a blessed day!
Happy belated birthday; you had an AWESOME year; I love your top 10 list.
May your blessings continue to abound!!!
Lauren .. just like the rest of my life .. a day late ..
Wishing you a wonderful day and a fun year to follow.
Something I read in a card magazine recently ..
Birthdays celebrate the gift of time ..
We celebrate the gift of you!
Cheers!
Maureen
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You are so awesome, man! I can not believe I missed this blog for so long. The great thing is full. Your design, people … … amazing! I can not wait for what youve read the future. I love “everything you say and want more, more, more! Maintain this, man! Just too good.
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