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Last week I turned forty-nine. My birthday was wonderful. I homeschooled, napped, went to dinner with my people, and ate Dairy Queen cake.  When I think about this being my last year before I turn half a century old, I actually feel a sense of peace. And thankfulness. Because forty-nine is awesome. Forty-nine is...

~knowing who I am and what I like, while not really giving a damn what other people think about it.

~using the word "damn" on my blog without worrying about someone being offended.

~accepting my middle age body, curves and all.

~ letting small things go...because...who cares if all my silverware matches anyway?

~watching my children embrace adulthood with confidence and joy.

~living each day in the moment, not wanting to rush life along.

And

~enjoying perfect nights with the ones I love.

Nights like this...

Shout out to my awesome sister-in-law Beth for this beyond beautiful bouquet.

Which of course, made me feel like Miss America.

Wherever you are in this awesome journey called life, my friends, just be there.

Let the past sleep and let the future dream.

Today, just be.