28 things I learned in 28 years

Today is my birthday. So I'm sharing 28 things I've learned in my 28 years.


1. Pajamas are always a good idea. And they are even better when they don't match at all.

2. It's not baking if you don't lick the beaters. Growing up my mom always encouraged licking the beaters!

3. It's ok to not be ok sometimes. Not everyday is going to be the best day and I don't have to fake it.

4. Take too many pictures. At the end of the day they are our best reminders.

5. Complimenting a stranger can make you a new friend. Especially if it's the first day of 9th grade and you are shy.

6. As much as I want to, I will never be a mermaid. I'm too afraid of water.

7. Hugs, tears, and laughter are the best medicine. And most often for me, it's in that order.

8. Be aware of how you are saying somethings is being perceived. While you can't control how other's take your words, it is important to be aware of how they are receiving them. It can save a relationship.

9. Trying new foods won't hurt me. I am the pickiest eater ever and have always been scared to try new foods. But in the past few years I have been a bit more experimental and have been pleasantly surprised.

10. No matter how hard you try to make things happen in your own timeline, God's will ALWAYS take over. And trust me, you definitely want things in His time not your own.

11. Waiting for something you really want SUCKS, but is always worth the wait.

12. It's not about me.

13. Make sure you have people in your life that encourage you and lift you up. But also have people in your life that you can encourage and lift up.

14. It is entirely possible to trip while standing still.

15. Sing! Even if you are tone deaf, sing! It brightens the day!

16. I don't have to be the first. I'm the youngest in my family, so naturally my brothers always did things first, and I hated it. I wanted to be the first, for at least something - whether it was just the first to reach the car, or the first to be finished with dinner. But being first doesn't make a difference. Just use what you have to the best of your ability, and for the glory of the Lord, and you'll be alright!

17. I will always be weird. And I'm learning to like that.

18. Being thin/skinny isn't what makes people pretty. Your heart, your attitude, your confidence, how you love, your laugh, your smile, that is what makes us pretty.

19. Dance even if there is no music. And even if you don't know how!

20. Dying my hair is not a good idea. One small color change can turn into a years worth of terrible hair.

21. You are never too old to watch cartoons on Saturday morning!

22. Curse words are dirty and don't make any sentence sound better nor do they help get the point across.

23. Never wear matching socks - that way you always have a party in your shoes.

24. Don't be afraid to get caught in the rain! And if you are lucky enough to be, then walk a bit slower and jump in every puddle.

25. Christmas music is meant to be played year round.

26. Laugh every day.

27. God is always the answer.

28. You are smarter than you think.

getting to know you

photo credit: Dominik Martin

I love knowing people. I don't mean being able to name drop or just knowing a multitude of people, but knowing them. Knowing their middle name, their birthdate, what their favorite color is, little tid bits and quirks, but more importantly knowing what makes their heart smile, their fears, their joys, how to lift them up, but also where they struggle so that I know where to pray. 

So I thought it might be fun to answer a few questions to help you get to know me.

1. Who is the most important person in your life? my sweet derek. he is my everything and i am beyond blessed to be able to serve and love this man for the rest of forever.

2. What do you most look forward to achieving in your life? all my life, i have wanted to be a wife and a mother. you can read a little about my story here.

3. Were you named after anyone/anything? i was named after the song 'aubrey' by bread 

4. What is your favorite part of the day? my favorite favorite are those last moments right before we fall asleep. we lay in bed together and chat about anything and everything, we pray, we hold hands, we laugh. it's perfect.

5. What is your favorite thing to wear? pajamas. i joke with derek that pajamas are my love language. i love that they don't have to match, i love how instantly i can relax as soon as i put them on. pajamas = happy

6. What are your vices? my love for food, and my hands (they bring the food to my mouth)

7. Where would you love to travel? i have always wanted to visit australia and ireland

8. What is something you wish to learn? i would love to learn another language - i have been practicing with duolingo - i also want to learn sign language!

9. What is something that people would be surprised to know about you? i can do a few pretty good accents (british & australian mainly). i am fascinated by accents, i love hearing the different words and the different inflections used. when i read or pray i do so in different accents to . (side notes: i often get the words (not meanings) mixed and call accents, accidents)

10. What is a talent you wish you had? i've always wanted to be a singer, i love singing, but i'm sure no one else loves me singing ;)

11. What has been your biggest challenge? i have always struggled with my weight and self image.

12. What is your favorite season? autumn. the colors, the cool brisk air, the sweaters and scarves, the pumpkin spice lattes, the upcoming holidays, the family get togethers. everything!

13. Do you have a favorite sound? i love the sound of rain. it is soothing and relaxing.

14. What are your three biggest interests? photography, crafts, exploring (obviously those are second to God, Derek, Hubble & Phoebe

15. If you could throw any kind of party, what would it be for? it would be a christmas ugly sweater party, with a fun photo booth, and a hot cocoa bar.

16. What is your least favorite chore? vacuuming. yuck.

17. What is the longest car trip you've ever taken? when i was younger my family moved from alaska to new york and we drove the whole way - with a few stops to visit family along the way.

18. Are you morning person or a night owl? i used to hate mornings, but as i've gotten older i really enjoy mornings and will feel like i've lost half the day if i wake up past 9:30 am.

19. What is the worst hairdo you've ever had? i've never really had a bad hair cut, but when i was 20 i decided i wanted a change, so i got a perm (they had to do it 3 times before it took, but even then the perm wasn't curly like it was supposed to be, it was just a slight wave/crimp). then a few months later, i thought why don't i dye my hair red - and it was terrible, i looked like a brand new penny (maybe i'll post the picture one day). so to cover up that mess, i dyed my hair dark brown, that faded pretty quickly into a weird light brown with a greenish tint. needless to say, i have never, nor will i ever again, dye my hair.

20. What is one thing you will never leave the house without? i always try to remember to take my phone, keys, and purse - but the one thing i never go anywhere without is my wedding ring. but that is pretty easy because it never leaves my finger.