Today I turn 35. In my head that seems impossible. But it’s true. And I am ready to celebrate! Bring on the free birthday dinner at Provinos! I need more garlic rolls!
Sure, there is a little part of me that thinks…what the heck have I done with this life? With the last 35 years? What am I gonna do in this coming year? Am I wasting my existence? I guess turning ‘advanced maternal age’ really makes you question things. But then there is a little part of me that thinks….wasted life? GAME ON. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. WATCH ME NOW.
In the past, I always thought of me looking forward to my birthdays….gift giving is my love language and when I get something (whether it be a rock or a note or whatever) I feel oh-so-filled-with-love. Birthdays always feel so lovely because I feel so loved. But this year is a little different. I guess I feel myself looking forward not to just TODAY but to the entire year ahead….like the gift is really this precious time that I have. This coming 365 days that I can fill with just about anything. And I can go just about anywhere and do WHATEVER. Sure…I am still looking forward to the gifts today…I would be lying otherwise….but really, I am SOOO blessed. Like enormously out-of-this-world blessed. I feel that. I wrap that realization around me like a thick down filled blanket. I have amazing, healthy and hilarious children that are learning about Jesus. I have a husband who does ridiculous things with me just to make me laugh (if you didn’t see our Instagram from last night….this will explain things). I have parents that are so kind and in love and are everything I want to be one day. I have the BEST JOB on the planet. And I don’t look terrible for being 35 🙂 I really do feel those gifts….the gifts from God….and I am super excited about the coming 12 months.
Jeremy asked me to put together a wish list of gifts for my birthday and I thought I would share it here. I know these might be randoms but they are just things I loved….
I want to start scrapbooking this year. I found out about Project Life and it’s supposed to be scrapbooking for dummies…so basically anything from this collection would be awesome. They sell it everywhere (Michaels, Walmart, etc.) but I have seen some more variety on Amazon.
The Anthropologie dish ware is GORGEOUS. I love the organic lines. I think I would just get one plate, one bowl and one mug and make the boys use paper 🙂
This art is EVERYTHING. I am obsessed. I need it in my life.
I’ve realized that I want this lamp….that is a weird thing for me to say but I just keep thinking about it.
Okay in full disclosure…I already have this necklace from Noonday Collection. I love that company because they give back. You should check it out and if Jeremy wanted to buy me something else from there I wouldn’t mind 🙂
This gold polka dot mug would make me feel so freakin together. even if I was still wearing yoga pants.
Fringe boots have been on my search list for a while now and I just couldn’t find the right ones. These would definitely be an investment but I truly love the shape, the heel, the layers of fringe, the color, the texture, the toe….I am very picky when it comes to fringe boots apparently.
I love wearing tunics and dresses over leggings but honestly….it’s gonna be hot here in like two weeks….#southerngirlproblems….and I need those dresses to be just a smidge longer. My friends rave over these lace extenders so they definitely made the must-have list.
I have been searching for clothing with certain parameters….something for Jeremy’s brothers wedding….things that are perfect for everyday comfort that still look half decent….and church dresses that are nursing friendly. I’ll take one of each of the things above…..jeggings (with faux waistband), this gorgeous blush pink dress, this tunic (you must see the back) and this button down dress that will be PERFECT for all summer long.
And for anyone looking to shop other things I have been loving….here are the links:
Can’t wait to share with you some of the goals for my 35th year of life….the list is so fun it’s crazy! Oh and just so everyone can celebrate with me…go eat a cupcake….there are no calories today 🙂
Happy birthday!
Project life is, indeed, a simple way to scrapbook. Go for it! I’ve been scrapbooking that way since 2014. My only advice is to be true to you. There are millions of blogs and youtube videos about Project Life. Just do what you want.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRLFRIEND!!!!!!!!!!
Happy birthday Katie! Today my husband turns 36, and all he asked for was a box of nestle drumstick ice cream cones, so that’s what he got!
Happy Birthday, Katie!
Happy Birthday!! Have a great day celebrating!!
Happy Birthday! Just wanted to chime in and let you know about the Project Life app. It’s the same idea except you can do it on your phone. I just started with it a couple weeks ago and am converted!
Happy, Happy Birthday! You definitely have your priorities and eyes focused on the right things. From someone who is just a stones throw away from 50, the next years will bring you more confidence in yourself, who you are and who you want around you. Enjoy!
Happy Birthday! My sassy two-year-old Ellie shares a birthday with you, so I’ll eat a cupcake for you tomorrow. 🙂 Happy to see Project Life on your list. I’ve been doing Project Life for 6 years now and it is AWESOME. You can buy the albums, page protectors, kits, everything on Becky’s site too (link below). They have so many awesome products to choose from, but if you’re just getting started, keep it simple! One kit, the main style “A” page protectors, and go. Also just a tip – the faux leather albums are so durable (and cute!). I love them!
http://www.shopbeckyhiggins.com/collections/physical
Thanks for the heads up!!!
xo kb
I had to chuckle at the “lace extenders,” which are very pretty, btw. My grandmother’s generation called them petticoats and my mother’s generation called them slips. A great idea would be to take a half slip and sew a border of lace or crocheted tatting to the edge. You could customize the color and pattern to your outfit.
Happy Happy Day Katie!
I remember 35 and having littles and love reading your blog for the fun at this stage. I love to share in / recall the faces of surprise and delight at holidays that happen with a mom’s love and care (face it – do dad’s beg to wear shamrocks or dye the easter eggs?) I stopped at three boys, and two are away at college now, so I only have one left to do chores and make Mom a dual syllable word when called on to do so.
Remember that the littlest get more attention when the others are grown and gone – they get their turn with more of you to go around – just at the other end . . .when they are old enough to really ask for the moon! [I like that saying that “the first child shows you how deep the river of love can be, and with each one, you learn how wide”]. Here’s one thing that definitely can get richer – a good boyfriend (like your J and my K) learns even more about how to make you smile over time. I wish for you the happiness that many years of passion can weave in the tapestry of love.
I know you are exhilarated and exhausted more than you let on – the two sort of balance each other out in these ages as if the kids own enthusiasm alone carries you aloft. Have a wonderful guacamole kind of birthday weekend. Facetime with your girl Sherry. On that note, your readers send you
“anti-wrinkle, lots of helium, silly, hopeless, snorting birthday laughter”
as our wish for you – it is only fair to return this favor. You delight us!
Happy birthday, KB! I turned 33 in December and am trying to milk this Jesus year for all it’s worth. Goalz, goalz, goalz and soaking up all God’s good gifts to me. I pray this is a year filled with God’s blessing!
Happy birthday, Miss Katie Bower. I think you rock. I have got disillusioned with DIY blogs per/se. But I continue to follow you because I not only like you, but I like your value system. You are not afraid to speak of your love for the Lord, and how you want your boys to be impacted by Jesus. Amen, sister. Without God, we are nothing. Keep witnessing. Our Lord loves it when you do! … I would get the lovely Etsy print and the fringe boots and call it a day!! God bless you and your precious family!
Happy Birthday Katie!
That last dress. I swoon. When I checked out the website, I saw the shoes. Holy cats I’m going to be in trouble.
Off to have a calorie free cupcake. Thanks.
I just learned about lularoe (because apparently I live under a rock). They have the best leggings ever on earth-seriously they’re like made by magical elves. They’ve also got these amazing tops called Irma and a super cute dress that can be worn backwards so the zipper is in the front (nursing friendly, called Amelia). The style reminds me a lot of what your style is. I don’t sell it, don’t know anyone who does, I’m just a fan. 🙂
Happy Birthday Katie! That lamp is super cute!!! I say if it’s been a recurring thing on your want to buy list, it’s worth it!!
Happy birthday! Just so you know, there’ll be 366 days until your next year – so your birthday present of the next year comes with one whole extra day. Enjoy!
I have given Project Life a go several times now and I really love how simple it is. This year, instead of trying to keep up with weekly layouts, I’m only doing one 2-page spread per month. If it’s a really exciting month, I might do two spreads. When I did the weekly layouts, I found that some weeks I was including pictures just to fill the space. So not worth my time. And ditto the app–it is WONDERFUL.
Happy 35th!
Happy birthday Katie from Germany!
Love you and your blog so much!
Thank you Elisabeth! Sending you love all the way back to Germany!
xo – kb
So glad to hear that you can modify it to do whatever you want. I can’t wait to give it a go 🙂
xo – kb
YAAAAS! You just made my whole year 🙂
xo – kb
Thank you Crystal! I seriously got lamp lust 🙂
xo – kb
I’ve been hearing that same thing about Lularoe. Thanks for the headsup!
xo – kb
Right?! I would totally go broke if I had two hours to browse that site 🙂
xo – kb
Aww…thank you Sherri. I really appreciate you and your comment. That touched me!
xo – kb
Thank you Josie. That is the goal – milk this Jesus year!
xo – kb
My mom calls them slips except mine aren’t nearly as lovely. I definitely want to try my hand at a DIY version but I don’t think I could make some!
xo – kb
Yes! This was my favorite slew of statements in one comment. Seriously – I do need to FaceTime Sher and thank you so much for all the well wishing…you are my jam missy!
xo – kb
Happy birthday, Katie!
Happy birthday Katie! You are such a lovely person and I hope your year is a wonderful one!
Happy birthday, Katie! Was going to mention the Project Life app but I see Lindsey already did. I use both the app and the physical PL products but I find myself forgetting I did an app page and I print the photos for nothing! Just suggesting you find a way to organize your PL protects!!!
**** projects. Sorry for the typo!
Thank you Katie! Feeling your love!!!
E
Happy Birthday. I LOVE project life. 2 under 2.5 and I have quite a bit done. I keep 3 books going for each boy. And up until these last big scrapping session I kept it very simple only cards. Due to swaps I collected some stickers and what not but a great kit is all you need. Just slip the pictures and cards in and don’t over think it. I do mine in chronological order. Some events have lots of pictures other times there can be a few weeks gap. Journalist is what makes it great.
Hope you had a great birthday, Katie! I need that lace extender thing. I’m tall and all dresses are just a smudge toto short on me.
Happy birthday! You had my mouth watering at provinos… The garlic rolls made it worse :/ luckily I have a trip planned in April, I just hope there’s time. I also love noonday and am obsessed with my latest purchase!