30 years

When I was little, 30 seemed so old. I remember playing with Kristie and Alyssa and making our own driver's licenses and thinking "we're going to be so old when we get to drive!" But then again, our moms were only in their twenties at the time. Now that this milestone is here, I look at what I've accomplished In the last 30 years.

I have great memories of growing up with my sister and little brother and cherish the times we spent with the Stumbos. I look at my little family now, especially when we have one of our biweekly dinners with the Blaufuss family and am reminded so much of my childhood. It is so special to have friends that become your family. I finally understand the blessings we had growing up with great friends and fellowship.

I have accomplished a lot of the typical milestones in my life: graduating from high school, setting off for college, learning how to manage on my own, falling in love, having my heart broken, becoming Mandy. It seemed like such a long road to get to here, but it really isn't. I'm sitting here bouncing my big boy, Evan, on my knee and watching Ethan and Morgan kick in their bouncers, and I GET IT. This is what I was destined to be. This is who God knew I would become and He has guided me on this crazy path of life. Who knew 8 years ago as I was making the decision to move back to California, that my path was being carved out ahead of me? Who knew that God had already planted a seed and was moving my husband closer to me? I didn't understand the closing of some doors at that moment of my life, but I prayed and followed. Who knew that my road would take some detours into teaching and I would meet my forever friends an new family along the way? God knew. I feel him smiling down on us as we learn how to be a family and how to function as a unit. It sure does take a long time to see a plan come into fruision. I just feel blessed to have my eyes opened to it.

Love,
Mandy

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