23.

     I have been one-score and three years for over a week.
                     I am officially "sooooo old" (thanks Hairy) and I haven't even blogged about it.

My sincere apologies.

Needless to say, being 23 has been eerily similar to being 22. I definitely still look like I'm 18 and I don't really feel any older, or wiser for that matter. But I am sure that magic number of "wiser oldness" is right around the corner. 25 maybe?!?

However, I have been doing a lot of thinking since I turned 23 on the 23rd. I have thought a lot about what I have accomplished in a few short year, what I still want to accomplish and, most of all, what I have been blessed with. So, although this post has been a long time coming and I'm sure my ramblings aren't nearly as entertaining as I think they are, here are a few of my 23rd Birthday Thoughts and, not to fear, there is a picture at the end :)

At 23 I have . . . 

Married my best-friend.

Given love and received love.

Been gettin' teached for almost 17 years.

Finally become a kind-of "real" teacher.

Hopefully helped someone somewhere.

Entered the House of the Lord.

Been completely surprised.

Fallen down and up a flight of stairs, or two.
Wrote down some goals.

Published a paper.

Learned entirely too much about health insurance.

Laughed until I cried . . . . and had other bodily issues.

Finally baked rolls.

Secretly made-out in the movie theater.

Sang Sweet Caroline with 15,000 strangers in Fenway Park.

After 23 I want to . . .

Spend every waking moment with my Bryce.

Keep learning.

Laugh everyday.

Remember what I'm grateful for.

Write a book.

Be a mom.

Travel the world.

Read novels instead of text books.

Make chocolate chip cookies that don't burn.

Love.

Decorate an entire home with pictures of life.

Live in every moment.

Everyday I am thankful for . . . more than any words any explain. Yep, I am actually at a loss for words. Journal this moment people! I have been so bless with a wonderful soul-mate, a loving family, the Gospel, opportunity and happiness. So, Happy "Late" Birthday to me! 23 will be good to me. I am sure. 

Bryce surprised me with BYU tickets for my birthday and miraculously he even cheered for the Cougars!