Today, I'm 29 years old. Twenty nine. Twizzledy to the nizzledy.
(…that was gangster talk for '29').
Yes, my dear friends, today is my date of birth. Twenty nine years ago today, my mother endured what can only be described as extreme pain to bring me into this world. Frankly, let's face it, birthdays shouldn't be about us. They should be about what our mothers endured to get us here.
As we tend to do on days like this, I found myself reflecting over birthdays past… trying to remember where I was or what I was doing on those celebratory occasions. I could only remember a small handful. I can barely remember what my name is half the time, so I was pleased as punch to at least be able to grab at a few from the memory jar.
9 years ago, on my 20th birthday, I welcomed this monster into my family:
9 years Toby-turd has been with me. He's been my main man through many moves, breakups, and major life changes. Toby is at that stage of dogness where he's like a super dog. He can read my mind. And with the smallest glimpse of eye contact, he can know exactly what I need him to do or where I need him to be. He no longer chews things, gets into the trash, or poops on my floor. He's just the best dog ever. And was, no doubt, one of the best birthday presents ever.
8 years ago, on my 21st birthday, I realized that no matter how bad you think you want it, eating a hot dog from 7-11 at 1:50 a.m. is not a good idea. Ever.
10 years ago, on my 18th birthday, I ate a rare steak for the first time. I then realized that I have a hidden, deep, passion for grilled, rare meat. I also had a confetti egg smashed on my head.
See all this valuable information that you're collecting from my memory jar?
… let's see if we can go further.
23 years ago, on my 6th birthday (aren't you glad I'm here to do the math for you?), I remember my lifelong friend Michaela showing up and falling asleep at my birthday party. It was, like, 3:00 in the afternoon. Michaela stayed asleep for the remainder of the birthday party, slept through the night, and was one of the last to wake up the following morning. She was always a party animal, that one. That's why I always attended Hanson concerts with her. Because she knew how to get down, baybee.
Yes, I've been to Hanson concerts. Yes, that's plural. Concert-s. Not on my birthday though. For years 10-25 of my life, that would've been the best birthday present ever. And truthfully, it probably would still be up there. I have a soft spot in my heart for boy bands and pop music. I can't help myself.
Also, is it terrible that that's all the birthdays I can remember? I've had 29 of them now! … and how many could I remember? Four? Pathetic memory, I tell you.
Truthfully, though, I am thankful for another year. Sure, I'm getting ‘smile lines' on my face. My boobs aren't nearly as perky as they once were. My leg hair now grows in dark and… well, let's just stop with the physical changes there. Point being, I am aging.
And I am okay with that.
Because while I may not remember many birthdays, you know what I do remember?
The day I became Mrs. Elliott.
And the day I became a mother for the first time.
And then the second time.
And then the third time.
I remember the days I've spent in the hospital with loved ones. And I remember the ones that have been lost. I remember the college graduations, the cross-country moves, and the deep conversations with friends.
I remember years upon years of the most incredible, colorful, difficult, joyful, gut-wrenching memories. They've given me these creases on the corners of my eyes and the smile in my heart.
Lord, thank you for blessing me with 29 years of life! It is a joy denied to many. And for it, I am thankful!
And Amen.
Nicole @Little Blog on the Homestead
Happy Birthday Shaye!! What wonderful memories you have, both the birthday ones and the others! Hope you got to enjoy some time with your family today and got lots of hugs from the little ones ๐
DaNelle
You, Shaye Elliott, are one of the best!! Love your face!
Shaye Elliott
I love your face too.
Life Breath Present
HAPPY Happy Birthday, Shaye! Such wonderful memories you have. Yes, even of the 4 birthday memories you recalled. I’m only a few years older and I’m not sure I can remember that many lol But those other memories…those are the ones that made up each of your 29 years and those are the ones worth remembering, of you ask me.
So, Congratulations to 29 years and here’s to many more! ๐
Heather Tupps
That is beautiful! I’ve never thought about it that way but it really makes sense. & Happy birthday!
fiona
Happy Birthday, I hope you have a lovely day xxx
Amy McMann
Happy birthday to you,
You live in a zoo!
You look like a monkey,
And you smell like one, too!!
Just kidding! You don’t look like a monkey, and I doubt you smell like one:)
I hope you have a great birthday. I really enjoy your posts.
I had a birthday yesterday, as my oldest says I am now 3 dozen years old;)
Melissa W.
Happy birthday, and thanks a lot for getting “Where’s the Love?” stuck in my head.
Kathy
Happy Happy Birthday To You. May you always be blessed with God’s goodness!!! And yes, I too have attended Hanson concert(s), and I am in no way 29!!! let’s just leave it at that!! But I will say, when you double your age, give me a call and tell me just how many birthday you actually remember in detail… LOL
Cori
Happy Birthday!! I love the way you write! You’re such an inspiration!
Katie
It’s weird to think you’re the same age I am. lol Happy birthday!
Lori
Happy birthday, the post is 5/20 if that is your birthday it is mine too. This was a hard one 50, not so much for the number but for how many years have gone by so fast and I still have so much I want to do.
Shaye Elliott
That’s how I feel about 29 too, Lori! Happy birthday ๐
Brenna
Happy Birthday Shaye! Thanks for all of your posting, you are a true inspiration! ๐
Linda
Happy Birthday! Such lovely thoughts you share. And spot on with which memories are important.
Sarah
“Twizzledy nizzledy”? You are a freaking riot, which is half the reason I follow your blog. The other half of so I can live vicariously through your homesteading adventure. Happy birthday to you!
Cindy
You have been making this 55 plus year old smile for a couple years now. I love your passion and attention to being about your business of being a mom. The farm girl in me loves your passion for the farm and homesteading! Don’t change a thing girlie, you are beautiful in and out!
Cathy
Happy Belated Birthday, Shaye! I love reading you and I love that the best is yet to come and you can’t know that. Yet. Enjoy every day- I don’t need to tell you that- I think you already get it. Hugs from South Florida.
Shaye Elliott
Thank you, Cathy!
Mary
I am ALL about my birthday! As a matter of fact, I have a Birthday cake addiction! ALL of the women in our family shares this addiction. Thankfully my husband is understanding and allows me to have a birth-month. For the entire month of September I may, at random times pull the “it’s my birthday” card.
So…..to you I’d say HAPPY FREAKIN’ BIRTHDAY GIRLY, MAY YOU HAVE THE TASTIEST CAKE EVAH!
Florida really is showing the love, Sending Birthday wishes from Central Florida!
Camille Olivia
Holy Candles! I can’t believe I missed this one. But somehow, I did. So Happy Birthday, you Beautiful Human! By the way…your memory seems to be in top working order. You remember WHAT MATTERS. All those other birthdays? Who cares. You’re here and that’s what counts. Here’s to another beautiful trip around the Sun, Dear One. Bon voyage!
Chichi
I just found your YouTube channel.. hearing you talk about the source of your motivation being beauty…. was the most Taurus thing I have ever heard (and very relatable). So I looked it up to see if I could find a bday and YEP hahaha I love your energy <3