"Enjoy the age you're at...

Because you'll never get it back!"  Those were the wise words from my dear great-grandmother, Pearl.  She shared that with me when I was in highschool and it has stuck ever since.  Today is my birthday!  I am now officially in my "early thirties."  I'm 31.  Which is weird, because I swear I don't feel 31 nor do I have any point of reference of how a 31 year old is supposed to feel.  But none-the-less, I am 31.

I'm a big fan of birthdays because it is a day reserved just for you and even if you don't like a big fuss made it is still fun to have a special day.  People are extra nice to you, you might get some funny or thoughtful cards, a gift or two might head your way, and you get to pick the restaurant and no can say anything about it!!  Plus the Hubby is super sweet and tells you how beautiful you are even in the morning when your hair is all whack-a-doo and your breath wreaks.  Then he gives you the proverbial double eyebrow raise suggesting that we start the day off with a little "somthin', somthin'" and I have to remind him who's birthday it really is!  HA!  Just kidding!  (I'll see YOU tonight, Hubbalicious)

Yup, I love birthday's.  I don't care that I'm one year older and my youth has whizzed by me faster than a speeding bullet.  I don't care that I have one unruly grey hair atop my increasingly tired looking head.  I don't care that getting up off the floor from playing with my son is an epic battle and requires stable structures around me at all times.  I don't even mind that as I walk around my neighborhood and I see a car speeding down the street I give them the stink eye, shake my head and say out loud, "slow down!"  Yes, I'm sure my age is only 31 and not 71.

I'm super excited for the year ahead of me.  31 is going to bring with it exciting new changes that I am greeting with open arms and a happy heart.  I'm feeling very lucky today to have the love of a wonderful man and one truly amazing baby boy, my parents whom I adore as well as my bratty little snot-nosed brother.  Those five people make me the happiest person in the world and make feel blessed to be 31 years old today!  So be sure to always remember great-grandma Pearl's words of wisdom and...

"Enjoy the age you're at because you'll never get it back!"

Are you a birthday lover?  Do you embrace each new year or hide from it?  What's your favorite way to celebrate your special day?    

(photo credit)