LAST BUT NOT LEAST 41-50

NUMBER 41 - TIME is an interesting thing. Every year seems to go faster... Three years ago seems like three months ago, and yet, three years in the future seems like a long time...and so it goes. It doesn't really make sense. I am constantly frustrated with the fact that I simply don't have enough time for...most anything. Some days I can barely keep up with my dishes, laundry, bills and or running of a household. Then, I have all these great ideas about reading a book, finding a new recipe to cook, learning something new on the computer or scrapbooking. No time for that either. The thing I hate the most is not having enough time for relationships. I wish I had more time to be with my friends, my kids and my husband. I feel guilty for not doing a better job of developing these relationships. I know that I need to focus on today and do the best that I can, but it just doesn't seem like it's enough. My goal for the next 50 years is to live in the moment and appreciate those around me...now. Yep. Time is an interesting thing.

NUMBER 42 - ROSELYN - No, I didn't forget about you, dear. :) I am amazed by you, your attitude about life and your courage to face life's challenges. You are are a beautiful girl and we have already seen you mature so much in the two years we have had you. Much like Romeo, I am sad that I missed out on your childhood. I wish I could look into a crystal ball and see what you were like in those early years. I LOVE when you tell me stories about your life with your first family. It helps me understand who you are. Thank you for loving us even when we aren't very lovable. I am blessed to call you my daughter and excited to see what God has in store for you! Love you!

NUMBER 43 - "COURAGE DOESN"T ALWAYS ROAR. SOMETIMES COURAGE IS THE QUIET VOICE AT THE END OF THE DAY, SAYING..."I WILL TRY AGAIN TOMORROW." This quote was shared with me this fall by some friends who lost their 22-year-old daughter. I think it might be one of my favorites now! I guess I would say that...I get it. I believe that I am a courageous person...or at least...I want to be!

NUMBER 44 - ADVENTURE - I often wonder if I am a risk-taker or someone who likes to play it safe? Well, I guess that maybe I am a bit of both. My inclination is usually to be warm and safe, but at the same time, I love new adventures. Parasailing, snowmobiling, water sports and traveling to remote places do not scare me at all. It seems that many women my age don't really like that stuff...but I do. I am glad that Allen puts up with my need to DO something because I know that in most cases, his choice would be to sit and read a good book. Yep, I like ADVENTURE. Bring it on!

NUMBER 45 - FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE - PHILIPPIANS 2:1 IF YOU'VE GOTTEN ANYTHING AT ALL OUT OF FOLLOWING CHRIST, IF HIS LOVE AS MADE ANY DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE, IF BEING IN A COMMUNITY OF THE SPIRIT MEANS ANY THING TO YOU, IF YOU HAVE A HEART, IF YOU CARE---THEN DO ME A FAVOR: AGREE WITH EACH OTHER, LOVE EACH OTHER, BE DEEP-SPIRITED FRIENDS. DON'T PUSH YOUR WAY TO THE FRONT; DON'T SWEET-TALK YOUR WAY TO THE TOP. PUT YOURSELF ASIDE, AND HELP OTHERS GET AHEAD. DON'T BE OBSESSED WITH GETTING YOUR OWN ADVANTAGE. FORGET YOURSELVES LONG ENOUGH TO LEND A HELPING HAND. -The Message

NUMBER 46 - LIFE VERSE -PHILIPPIANS 1:6 - "THERE HAS NEVER BEEN THE SLIGHTEST DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT THE GOD WHO STARTED THIS GREAT WORK IN YOU WOULD KEEP AT IT AND BRING IT TO A FLOURISHING FINISH ON THE VERY DAY CHRIST JESUS APPEARS." - The Message My interpretation? I am a work in progress. I will be until the day I die. God will never give up on me as long as I am willing to keep trying.

NUMBER 47 - UNEXPECTED SURPRISES- When things happen...I mean really good things..and I wasn't expecting them...it's the best. I guess that is why I like surprises - mostly for other people. It keeps life interesting.

NUMBER 48 - USA There are a lot of problems in this country, to be sure. But I am very, very thankful to be born in the United States.

NUMBER 49 - THREE LAKES, WISCONSIN is a place that our family goes to every summer for a couple of weeks of retreat. I love it because we unplug from life for a few days, enjoy the outdoor and enjoy each other. We have made many memories there over the last few years and I know there are lots more to come! I love this place! :)

NUMBER 50 - I am a person of FAITH. My faith in God is what I keep going back to when life doesn't make sense. I do not have it figured out, I make lots of mistakes and I even have doubts on occasion...but when it is all said and done, I hope that I was known as a person who TRIED to live out her faith. It is my foundation for life and I couldn't imagine life without it.

There it is... My Top 50 Thoughts for My 50th Year! Thanks for reading and Thanks for all the birthday well-wishes!!