The Bandit

It has been too long since I have hunted down a woman who is otherwise not me. I love to hear others perspective on things. I was truly lucky to have snagged this beautiful lady due to the fact that she just happened to be in town. We quickly got together and she patiently dealt with my babies who had to tag along on this shoot, I told you we got together on super short notice. Needless to say she was charming and lovely and things went better than expected.

So this is my darling friend Jessica. She is actually my husbands friend and was at one time referred to as a "Sleepover Bandit" along with her cousin Ellen. They spent a lot of time with my husband and his brother long before I met him. I was so jealous of these girls at first. But found that they were really all just great friends. I have followed her ever since blogging showed up and have found out why they all got along so well. To me she seems to be one adventurous woman. Never sitting still for a moment. I have loved getting to know her better and to realize just how cool she really is. So here you go people another wonderful woman's outlook on getting older...

On August 4th of last year I turned 30, and I think it's safe to say I was freaking out right before I hit this milestone. I still feel 17 sometimes so it's hard to believe I'm 30! When I was younger I thought of people in their 30's as "old" but now that I am there, my mind has definitely changed. Now I look at people in their 30's as having it all together, the 20's are spent building what you can enjoy throughout the remainder of life and now I get to start reaping the benefits.

I've been doing some serious thinking lately, thinking about what I've accomplished in my 20's and what I want to do in my 30's. I feel like a new chapter in my life is beginning.

I've been married for 9 years to my best friend. Seriously. Sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky. Tony knows everything about me and still loves me slash loves me even more because of it. So anyways, for those 9 years, my husband has been going to school the entire time. First it was an associates of applied science degree, then a bachelors degree, and then onto a graduate physician assistant program. Well, after a long, LONG time of him studying his brains out and me basically being a single mom while he was at school, he finally graduated.... the day after I turned 30 (probably the greatest gift he could've given me).

I have two beautiful little girls, Indie Marie is 5 and Eden Grace is 2 1/2. Indie was born with a rare genetic disorder called Partial Trisomy 13. Considering the diagnosis, Indie is flourishing. She has issues with her vision and hearing and is developmentally delayed but despite all that she makes incredible strides everyday. Eden is as sassy as they come, and smart as a whip. I love them both more than tongue can tell, of course, but it has been a rough couple of years. There were a few months there where I spent my days holding them in a rocking chair reading books to them, singing songs to them, and basically trying not to go crazy. To say I had my hands full would be a MAJOR understatement.

So, what I'm trying to get at is that I can't wait for my 30's. I'm looking forward to my husband being done with school. For him to go to work and not have to do homework when he comes home, that will be something I have never known in our relationship. I'm looking forward to finally making some money, we have been "starving college students" for too long. I'm looking forward to my kids getting a little older and more self sufficient. Indie is making such great progress and she is getting much easier to manage every day.

This might sound weird but I feel like I'm finally becoming the person I'm supposed to be. I'm learning how to manage everything in life so that I have time for everyone, including myself. I have made an effort to find time to go to the gym, and feel like I'm in the best shape of my life. I've made time for book club, craft nights, and girls nights which has helped foster several meaningful and lasting friendships that I really cherish. I've made even more time for my husband and children because they're the most important people in my life. I'm looking forward to spending my 30's with the people I love most!

So there you have it. I feel like my 30's are going to be pretty rockin'.

I hope you all enjoyed meeting Jessica. I know I had a ball taking her picture. My favs are of her laughing. They where so natural. If anyone is interested in doing this and sharing how they feel about either turning 30 or already being 30, PLEASE contact me.