Lordy, Lordy Baby, I’m 40! {and why that makes me happy}

ecard1As the self-proclaimed cheerleader for birthdays, I do love my birthday month. Yes, around here it’s not the day or the week, it’s the month I celebrate. Because, Y’ALL, the day you were born should be celebrated with gusto, no matter the number!

And, yes, today I hit the 4-0 milestone and I couldn’t be happier. The 30s were good to me.

Real good.

Four babies, lots of new friends, fabulous vacations, loads of great memories, some major life lessons, a huge surgery that changed my life and so much of God’s goodness and mercy happened from 30-39. I lived it with no regrets. Now, it’s time to get to living in my 40s. They are the new 20, you know. For the last several years, I’ve shared the things I want to do during my birthday year, so let’s get to it, shall we?

I’M 40: 40 THINGS I WANT TO DO

For the Spirit
1. Attend Daily Mass once a month. {yes, a repeat from last year that needs major improvement}

2. Hit the confessional once a quarter. I *did* do that this year and it felt great. Best piece of advice from a beloved Deacon? State your worst sin first. No reason to delay ripping off the bandaid.

3. Finally hunt down that spiritual director. Having that spiritual board of directors has been awesome, though.

4. Find small ways to pray for folks and my family throughout the day, perhaps offering up some more of my mundane household tasks for a specific intention.

5. Practice some great advice from a friend: your beauty routine should never be longer than your spiritual one.

6. Conduct an examination of conscience before bed each evening.

7. Stop lying to God.

8. Start asking for forgiveness from my kids.

9. Volunteer with Mobile Loaves & Fishes.

10. Listen to more singing nuns.

For the Body
11. Integrate a regular exercise plan into my life. It’s time for me to reacquaint myself with Jillian Michaels and my Mizunos.

12. Aim to sleep 7-8 hours a night.

13. Drink more water.

14. Drink less Dr Pepper. Nevermind, that’s just not right.

15. Eat a green vegetable more than twice a month. #notevenkidding

16. Buy some anti-aging cream. That stuff works, right?

17. Kegels. Because every mom knows what I’m talking about.

18. Try a new recipe once a month.

19. Put the kids in charge of the kitchen.

20. Stop complaining about my body in front of my girls. Actually, strike that. Just stop complaining.

For the Mind
21. Read 12 new books. I used to love doing this pre-kids. Time to love it again.

22. Stop reading things that steal my joy. You know what they say about comparison.

23. Unsubscribe from all those d#mn email newsletters.

24. Play more educational games with my kids.

25. Learn algebra so I can at least look reasonably smart with my 8th grader.

26. Snap more pictures.

27. Sew something fabulous.

28. Take piano lessons. Again.

29. Declutter more. Donate it and spend less.

30. Take a formal graphic design class.

For the Heart
31. Invite a different family over to the house once a month and get to know them better.

32. Set aside a “screen-free” night once a week to disconnect with the virtual world and love the real one.

33. Stop gossiping. It’s such a buzzkill.

34. Make good on my promise for mom-son date nights.

35. Write an unexpected note of gratitude (aka the ministry of the unexpected note) to someone whenever the mood strikes. People need to know how much they’re loved and appreciated.

36. Go dancing with Scott. My good gravy I miss doing that.

37. Trust my kids more. They’re bigger than I think they are.

38. Know when to put up the mom radar. The kids still need forming.

39. Have more date nights.

40. Make that vacation to Hawaii a reality.

Oh, and I hope you’ll come back later today for some super fun news, say around 1pm. Best birthday present ever!

21 Comments

  1. Meredith on June 11, 2014 at 7:21 am

    Happy Birthday! I love your list…. My 39th birthday is next and I’m so excited for that, but will embrace my 40s when it’s time:)

  2. Colleen Martin on June 11, 2014 at 7:46 am

    I want to go to Hawaii so bad too! I think that would make an awesome 4oth birthday present!! I love your number 37, I still see all my kids as little and have to make myself allow them to do more things. My oldest will be in 6th grade next year and he has so much to learn because I keep babying him!! Great list!

  3. nicole on June 11, 2014 at 7:55 am

    Happy, happy birthday Kathryn! LOVE your list… And LOVE you. And yes, 40 is the new 21, no? My big 4-0 is just around the corner. Maybe I should make a list like you… Imitation is the best form of flattery, no? I want to be just like you in so many ways! Make it a great one. I know you will!!!

  4. Beth (A Moms Life) on June 11, 2014 at 8:01 am

    Happy Birthday, Kathryn! I love your list. And as a 44-year-old, I can honestly tell you that #16 doesn’t work. But that doesn’t stop me from trying!

  5. Rita on June 11, 2014 at 8:07 am

    Happy birthday to you! What a wonderful list! I may have to create my own list when my birthday comes around….

  6. Shandra on June 11, 2014 at 8:21 am

    Happy Birthday, Kathryn!! ::confetti::
    Loved your birthday post! I also love celebrating birthdays….even my own. I need to make a list like this…of course mine will be a tiny bit longer. 😉

    Have a wonderful birthday! Gig ’em!

  7. Lynn on June 11, 2014 at 8:28 am

    Happy 40th! My 40th is in August and a “List of 40” is a great idea. Wishing you a very beautiful birthday!

  8. Bea on June 11, 2014 at 9:35 am

    If y’all ever want a group to go dancing with, I think I can round one up! We go a few times a year. So fun!

  9. Molly Ishmael on June 11, 2014 at 9:43 am

    Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday!!! I hope your day, I mean month :), is filled with laughter and family!

  10. Laura teran on June 11, 2014 at 9:50 am

    Happy 40th Birthday Kathryn!!!! Hope it’s the best one yet, but like you said….they are all precious!

  11. Kelly Kopp on June 11, 2014 at 10:01 am

    Happy 40th Birthday Kathryn! I’ve followed your blog for quite some time and I think this is my first comment. Apologies for being so quiet. 😉 Thank you for all the fabulous posts. I’ll be at the Edel Gathering and really hope I get to meet you. 😀 Have one heck of a day…you certainly deserve it! Oh, and how could I forget…Congratulations on your adorable baby girl! Gianna is just precious. <3

    • Kathryn on June 11, 2014 at 10:29 pm

      Please come introduce yourself at Edel! Thank you for your birthday wishes and sweet words about Gianna. We adore her!

  12. Verdina on June 11, 2014 at 11:34 am

    Wishing you a very happy, blessed birthday – month – year & many, many more! As I approach my 77th birthday, I can say that I don’t really enjoy them so much any more. BUT… I have said for years that the old saying, “Life begins at 40” was so true for me. That was the very best decade. So… enjoy the best decade (or make it the beginning of a number of “best” decades). Love your lists and the fact that you really do try to follow through on each item. Have I ever told you I think you are amazing?

    God bless!
    V

  13. Karen on June 11, 2014 at 12:45 pm

    Hey! My bday is 6/13! ’77 though. Happy birthday and great list! I can’t think more than a couple weeks in advance right now, but I love your list!

  14. Kelly on June 11, 2014 at 9:00 pm

    Happy Birthday! great list. We were in Maui in April and it was absolutely amazing. loved it, totally worth it.

  15. Elise on June 11, 2014 at 10:17 pm

    Happy birthday, dear Kathryn! Praying your 40th year is beautiful and abundantly blessed. And I love love LOVE your list. So fantastic.

  16. Lenore on June 12, 2014 at 10:43 am

    Happy birthday! You are such an inspiration!

  17. Aileen on June 12, 2014 at 2:18 pm

    Happy Birthday, Kathryn!!!

  18. Lauren on June 12, 2014 at 10:59 pm

    Happy belated birthday, Kathryn! I think I commented on your laundry printables post, but my 39th birthday was June 10th, so we’re practically birthday buddies! 🙂 Also, my uncle is on the board of directors for Mobile Loaves and Fishes, which in a completely irrational way makes me feel like we have a connection there. I’ve loved your blog for awhile now. I’m not too far away… in Houston, but sadly, had a schedule conflict and won’t make Edel. I was so looking forward to meeting so many wonderful women.
    Anyway, keep doing what you’re doing. I’ve drawn so much inspiration from you.

  19. Elisabeth on June 13, 2014 at 12:56 pm

    Very, very happy birthday ! Mine is at the end of the year… I love your list and will begin to think about mine.

  20. […] the last few years, I’ve given you my list of things I want to accomplish in the year. On my 41st? I decided to simply say […]

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