Today I turn 42.  Wow.  I don't feel 42.  I remember clearly how it felt to be 18 and trying to project into the future and I remember knowing then that over 40 was O.L.D.  I promised that I would make good use of my time and accomplish everything in my heart before I got THAT old.

Funny... I don't FEEL old.  And now that I'm "in my 40's", it doesn't seem the same as when I was pre-20's... 40 is definitely not old.  

It's too bad that my heart and mind still feel under 20, however my body has started to feel over 40 LOL! No fair hahaha!

So this blog will not be about clippies or about my business and I am not going to worry overly much about grammar, punctuation, spelling, and I'm certainly not going to reread it a hundred times before posting.  I'm just going to write a little about me and what makes me happy... my two greatest accomplishments - Marin & Riley, my friends and my family.

Today, they let me sleep in - kinda - and I'm currently sitting in bed typing on my computer staying cozy in the cool morning waiting for the sun to heat things up.  They are finishing the "almost empty" container of Nutella with a spoon - I know, because they asked... they are good kids.  When I said yes (mostly because I wanted some extra alone time), they acted like it was THEIR birthday hahaha - so excited.  

I didn't have Riley until I was 36 and accomplished many things before starting a family.  I had a very satisfying and challenging 12 year career.  I spent a month in Norway.  I lived at the beach.  I traveled a little (mostly for work, but it was fun and I'm counting it!).  I was married once before (a practice run LOL!).  And SO SO many other things I won't bore you with... but the most important thing I have done is [help] create a family.

I can spend hours and hours with my kids - it takes me quite awhile to build up the need for a real break.  We homeschool and do almost everything together.  90% of the time this is a great joy to me.  I do not WANT to be away from them.  That said, and for those of you reading this that do not know me personally, please realize that I am not an overly-protective, shut-in-type mother and I understand that THEY need to be away from ME LOL!  And, of course, I enjoy my own time, too.  Creating a healthy life for them is my most important priority.  And as they grow, they have many opportunities to explore the world with and without me.  I love watching them spread their wings.

As I have matured, there are a few other things that define who I am today.  I have been able to develop a better relationship with my Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I treasure my sisters and wish that our families could all be closer together - I miss them terribly.  I understand that friends are invaluable and I am grateful for those that I have.

So I'll close with a walk down memory lane.  I had fun looking at old pictures and thinking about all the the good times!  Thanks for being a part of my life.  And I hope you enjoy getting to know a little more about the old lady that makes your clippies :)

My mom and dad and me.

First day of kindergarten, baptism, trek with my favorite horse "Big Red", graduation... yah... that was 1987 - you can tell by the big hair and blue eyeshadow!

Okay, I got a little carried away with pictures of me and my two younger sisters growing up - but this is my blog and I couldn't resist.

My my wedding day, my kids, my adventure as a co-driver for the Race for the Cure, me at a boutique, niece and nephew and my father-n-law visiting.

A group of a few of my favorite girlfriends and sisters.

My sister Melody, our friends, my kids.

My visit to the Los Angeles Temple with my sister, Melody.

 More pictures of my beloved sisters, Melody & Kate.

Hope you enjoyed!

Best,

Julie

Posted by Julie Covey on January 15, 2011