BIG 3-0 (long post)

So today I turn 30! I have been looking forward to this day for a long time. When I think back on all that has happened in my 1st 30 years I can say things like, fell in love, had beautiful daughters, went to college and started a career that I love, have tried to make an impact on others lives, and have shared the most precious day with many many women (again I say what could be better than helping women deliver babies...I guess having your own).

For myself, a way to remember my joys, trials, struggles, and dreams:
* Born 11/9/1981 to a woman that would turn out to be one awesome mother that has motivated me to work my hardest and never accept less than what I deserve. My father has taught me what it is to be compassionate and the joy that one feels when helping others. My older sister (Angela) has taught me many things like crocheting and what it means to dream big and work hard for something. She is always there for me and I couldn't have asked for a better sister, she helps me to try and be a better person.
* When I was 2, my world changed when my little sister was born. Alisa and I played together, laughed together, danced together, and faught like no other together. She has become one of my best friends and I couldn't imagine my world without her love and support. It makes me so happy to see how she has been blessed in her family and life.
* I have had many people come and go in my 1st 30 years. I had never lost anyone close to me before my Grandma Provencio and I'll never forget the last day that I saw my and it makes me happy to know that I had spent the night at her house just before she entered the hospital. I was really little and they wouldn't let me into the ICU to see her, looking back now, I think that sleep over was my chance to see her and spend time with her before she returned HOME.
* In school came many friends, some that made a big impact on my life would be: Jordan Keith (we shared a love of music and dance, best buds from the beginning): Camille Watson (we had some great times and it makes me so happy to know that we still keep in touch from time to time and I have been able to see her family grow): Gina Massey (she taught me what it meant to have high morals and standards, she accepted me for me and shared her beliefs and always made me feel included): Jamie Allen (we have been great friends since my Freshman year of HS when we danced together in Poms, we both have busy lives, but when we get together there is never a dull moment): and of course Lucas (little did I know dancing in PE would bring me my future husband, a wonderful father to my children, my best friend, 5 brother and sister-in-laws, a loving mother-in-law, and soooo many nieces and nephews!)
* 1999-2001 brought a lot of happy and sad, my Grandpa Provencio passed away, I got engaged, started and graduated from HS, married my HS sweetheart and became a mother.
* I had Andie when I was 19, I grew up fast that year, but along with the "growing up" came a love I never knew existed. I realized what it meant to care for someone more than yourself, I discovered that I would do anything to protect and keep that baby safe. It brought out my "maternal instincts" which helped pave the way for my future career.
* After attending EAC and working at MGRMC full-time, we moved to Flagstaff where I began Nursing School, watched my Husband graduate and become a teacher, gave birth to Avery, and said good-bye to my beloved Aunt Mary. This was a stressful time in my life, but Lucas, me and the girls grew closer as a family, and I realized that there was no where else I wanted to be than back in Thatcher.
* Coming back home to Thatcher was both a blessing and a struggle. No family is perfect and with change often comes trials. But we overcame those trials. I started working in the OB department where I met many wonderful friends, co-workers, and mentors. There to share the birth of my daughter Erynn, help me through the loss of my Grandma and Grandpa Tellez, work through very stressful work situations, and so much more. I don't know what I would do without these ladies. I have learned so much from them and would never want to do anything else.
* So here I am today! I have so much to be grateful for, I have been so very blessed. I have wonderful friends that make me feel important and loved. These friends that make me want to try harder and be a better person. Going to lunch today with a good friend, Amber. I know that this will be a good lunch, we never run out of things to talk about! Having some family over tonight for dinner, just wish that my Dad could be here too.

In my next 30 years (God willing I live that long) I will try harder to be a better me. Live each day to the fullest and try to show my gratitude to my family and Heavenly Father more.