Reality? Check.

Let me just come right out with it. I'm 40. There was no stopping it. But it still just doesn't seem right that I am now the same age my own mother was when I got married because, honestly, she was...well...OLD. 

I had a few moments to think about this impending birthday several days ago. I wondered what it is that I could say that I have accomplished in these 40 years of living and what exactly I hoped to accomplish in the next 40? 

Do I wish there was more on the "What I have accomplished list"?. Truthfully, yes. But I am content to know that there is not a lot on the list of "What I Wish I Hadn't Done." Here are some of my most happy accomplishments:

*Graduation from High School in Texas without ever compromising my standards.

*Earning a diploma from Brigham Young University with a 2 year old and one in the oven.

*My marriage to my friend and husband of almost 20 years.

*My home

*My 4 kids

*Learning to slalom ski, snow ski, play tennis and golf.

*Getting up every morning rain, shine, cold, or snow to run.

*Learning to bake yummy breads and goodies.

*Making dinner for the fam 5 nights a week.

*Sewing the occasional apron, tablecloth, or halloween costume.

*Not ripping our lastest dog's head off for destroying all of my most expensive pillows, blankets, shoes, placemats, and baskets.

*Having the courage to call people on the phone. (Okay, so this is a work in progress, but I am MUCH better than I used to be).

*The time I spent with the Young Women in our area. 

*The wonderful friendships that I have developed. 

Accomplishments I would love to add to the next 40 years.

*See my children happy, healthy, contributing members of society.

*Learn a second language.

*Redo both upstairs bathrooms.

*Cure my scleraderma.

*Finally run a marathon, play tennis, do yoga, play golf, and all things physical once again.

*Read all 4 of the standard works.

*Serve a mission with my husband.

*Go on humanitarian trips with my husband and kids.

*Be a better wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. (and I would add aunt, grandmother, mother-in-law etc.)

*Learn to be more artistic.

*Learn how to be a better cook, photographer, writer, gardener.

*Keep life in perspective. 

*Recognize and express gratitude for the blessed joy in my life everyday.