Isn't the title of this post funny? Here and there you see things titled this way and I have to chuckle. I mean who says that the joy of life stops after a certain age? Like do we just shrivel up into a corner of existence once we reach 40, 50, 60 and so on? I don't think so. Today I am celebrating 42 years of LIFE on this earth. Join me for a bit of reminiscing and encouragement for you and me.

So, what's with this over-the-hill thing? Yes, I realize I'm only 2 years over my own personal hill. tsk. But, let me tell ya, I'm not coasting down to some miry age pit. I am on a mission to make this "second leg" of life the best.
A GLIMPSE INTO THE PAST
Yes, my first 40 years were some of the most rewarding years because I was learning and growing as we all do. My blessing of wonderful parents, siblings, and extended family made it so that I cherish it all. Especially because I chose to give my life to Jesus at the age of 18. Then, like many, once I finished my grade school years, I headed to college. My college career time wasn't a typical four year stent. I started out commuting to a radio campus of our state school, took a year off, and then transferred to a different school out of state.
Next, I graduated college with honors in 2000 with my bachelor's degree in Interpersonal & Organizational Communication with a minor in Business. I also completed my work not only an honor student, but also married to my highschool sweetheart, JC, from our junior year on. He too, initially started at a different school and transferred as well, though I was a year ahead of him. At this point I was ready to take life on. Little did I know how much the next 20 years of my life would play an integral role in who I am today.
MOTHERHOOD
As the years crept closer and closer to 40, I kept getting reminders by well-intending folks (particularly when I turned 30) that life is about to change. I kept thinking...really?? Honestly, I will admit that my 30's were the hardest years I've ever lived, but full of joy at the same time. By the time I was 30 I have 3 children ages 5 under and had nearly lost my life during my second pregnancy. That was a wake-up call I will never forget. Also, later my youngest of 3 was having much difficulty in her diet. We're talking battling doctors, a trek down a elimination diet path, and some other family stress thrown in to make it all worse.
Then, by age 33 I have 5 children and was feeling pretty blessed to have them all healthy and happy for the most part. It was in this time that we hit some hard times financially. I happened to find a large dresser for free, fixed it up, painted it and sold it. That afforded us a happy trip to the grocery store and began my journey to help remedy our situation. Having the medical issues we encountered had cause us to accrue debt. You can read about our journey to
debt freedom HERE.
DEALING WITH GRIEF
However, it's also at this time that my family and I had the most extreme loss one can imagine. As some of you know I dealt with
subchorionic hematomas from my 3rd pregnancy on (a large bleed between the lining of my uterus and the embryonic sac). Sadly, our 6th baby, a little girl, had her life cut short by the bleed breaking my bag of water. She was perfect in every way, just my body quit on her.

I really have no words even know to describe those times, but let me say, you never forget the very real pains both physically, mentally, and spiritually. In addition to that loss, in the next year or so we lost another baby just before Mother's Day. A good description is feeling like my happy little world was crumbling. Many questions of WHY left me feeling empty. God was and is my ROCK and REFUGE.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, MY God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. ~ Psalm 18:2

My two sweet babes are now blooming in heaven. What a reunion that will be someday. What sometimes drags me down is I have a hard time remembering the good times that were also occurring during the hard times. Stress has a way of wiping out memories of joys, and I feel robbed of some of my children's childhood moments. Though I focus on the now and is why I so often mention looking for that pause button. Time goes by too fast. Thankfully, I am here though my life was threatened to be wiped out. I am LIVING.
A NEW JOURNEY
I began my blog 6 years ago this past Mother's Day. Honestly, I was going to throw a big party on here to celebrate and show thankfulness for how far God has brought me. However, I was sick over that time and lost all steam I had to get it done. Can you believe I've published over 500 blog posts? Yowza! That's roughly 85 posts a year. {{mic drop}}

God has allowed me to use my degree in the best way I could have ever dreamed possible. My job as a homeschooling mama and wife comes first. And I also count my blessings that I am not stuck in a corporate world battling egos and timelines. I make my own schedule and get to share my passions with you. Isn't that amazing?!?
Another realization I've had is that I am also here to mentor to young moms who may be facing the same trials. I have had so many reach out to me with heavy hearts as they are dealing with the same kind of hematomas wondering whether their baby will make it. The only reason they found me and my story is because I have a blog. I am happy to say that my kind of case was more rare than common. I celebrate when they tell me they get to hold that chubby baby in their arms.
Then, there's also those struggling with hurts or finding purpose and the emails and messages I receive are telling me they found hope by following what I do. What an enormous blessing!! I feed off of that kind of feedback. It fuels me to continue on when I want to quit. Sadly, I can let one negative comment out of a thousand throw me off at times, but then I pull up my big girl panties, give it to God, and carry on. He is so good and faithful to have my back every time.
So, here I am ready to tackle each day as it comes. Not counting down to 80 or playing into that admonition that my life is slowly ending. Rather, I say...LET'S DO THIS!!
THE FUTURE OUTLOOK
I may be facing more wrinkles, the onset of gray hair, and my racing stripe varicose veins, but one thing is for sure...I earned every bit of it. With humility, grace, and pride I continue on. One of my future focal points is my health. I've been dealing with a shoulder injury for the last couple of years that is telling me it's time to change things up. My entire right side of my body is out of whack which has caused me to be the least fit I have ever been in my life. Honestly, I'm embarrassed it's gotten to this point, but I intend to remedy that. I need to get in shape for my life's longevity, but also have less stress for sanity's sake.
My children are growing faster than I can blink and I know this is a glorious time of my life. To hear them bustling about, sharing in my daily life, and being my best friends make this a phenomenal time. JC and I are so blessed.
I am focusing on taking time to stop and smell the roses, savor, and just be. Do you crave that too?

My family and I are nearing the point of making some major changes. We are looking for God's guidance to make the right choices. Our home renovation is nearing completion which will be such a HUGE relief on our time and finances. We've had some offers we can't refuse as they are answer to prayer. We feel fully blessed at what we've been able to accomplish in such a short time. Being able to tackle our home, our debt, and get ahead is an amazing achievement all by the grace of God.
FINISH STRONG
I invite you to follow along in my (our) journey. My goal is, as always, to inspire you to new ideas and adventures of your own. For me, hearing from you here on my blog, via email, or social media interactions shows how wonderful it is to have support and friendship. Thank YOU for being there to encourage, uplift, and laugh...because I believe laughter, along with prayer, is the best medicine.
I'm on the other side of this proverbial hill and encourage you to see your own hill as motivation to finish strong, hit it hard, and, most importantly, enjoy the ride. There is much to be thankful for. Sometimes it's just taking the time to see what's before our very eyes, don't you agree?

Encourage others by pinning and sharing. So many are looking for hope for their life journeys. Uplifting each other reaps the best rewards.
UP NEXT
Up next, I'm back to
TRASHURE fun with this footboard my brought me. Any guesses as to what it will become?
See HERE.

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to
sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to
my shop. Until next time!
MEWE | PINTEREST | GAB
Read more on my life perspective of life after 40:
