Reflecting

I got a notice in the mail 60 days ago to renew my drivers license. Ugh, fun, I thought. Waiting in line, waiting to be called, waiting, waiting, waiting. Even though I don't mind waiting these days when I am ALONE, I am still a VERY impatient person. I just stuck it in the pile on my desk and thought 60 days is awhile, I have plenty of time.

So yesterday, 59 days later, the day before my license was due to expire, I went to get it done. Not like waiting until the very last moment, but with the holidays, doctors appointments and the girl's birthdays, there just wasn't anytime left to deal with other not-so-important issues, like the renewal of my license.

When I arrived, the line was out the door. Out the door into the 20 degree weather we happen to be having this week. I thought I would die it was so cold, but the line moved fast. When I finally sat down, took my coat off, my number was called. Wow, quick. I didn't even get to break out my new book.

Well it just so happens that the MVA and Social Security are finally connected now, and even though I have been married for three years, I never bothered to legally change my name. Yeah, whoops. Every year at tax time, I am reminded of this, and I swear to my husband that I will get it changed, but I never do. Ya know, IVF, then being pregnant, bed rest and delivering, taking care of triplets...and oh yeah, getting pregnant again...I just couldn't find the time! Well, long story short, I was only able to get a 45-day temporary license and in those 45 days, I have to go and change my name legally and then come back. I was going to have to pay for two licenses, but the sweet lady behind the desk changed some things and made it so I only have to pay the $30 dollars when I come back. 

But while I was sitting there waiting for her to do all of this and talk to her boss, I started thinking about the last time I was here at MVA. The same MVA. How different my life was and how crazy it seems to look back now. Just 5 short years ago.

The lady made a comment when going through all of my information on the screen, when she got to my weight. It had said 110lbs, and so she says, "well you're obviously not 110lbs anymore," NIIIICE! "Well yes, I may be 9 months pregnant and not 110lbs right now, but let me assure you, I am not too much more than that when I am not pregnant, even five years later!" So, yeah...it's lucky she was nice.

In 2007, on January 4th, I turned 21 years old. My best friend, Kim and I went to MVA to get my new license and head to Olive Garden, our favorite restaurant. Seems like yesterday. Of course we went out that night, and this photo was taken. 

Yeah....oh how life has changed. And yes, this was taken in a bathroom and NO I wasn't drunk! This was normal activity for Kim and I! Ashamed....not at all! Haha! My flat tummy, oh I do miss thee!!

I was in my 3rd year of college at UMBC, studying Social Work.

Kim and I were attached at the hip.

I still lived at home, and even at 21 had a curfew.

I drove a white Mercury Cougar.

I totally had a major crush on "the guy who worked at our school info desk".

A Blog? What was that?

I had no idea I would meet my future husband that year. 

I didn't know if I would ever be a mom because just a few months earlier I had been given the horrible diagnosis of endometriosis. I never expected God would bless me as He has and I would become a mom of multiples.

And here I am 5 years later already.....time flies!

Bachelors Degree and a Masters Degree.

Married for 3 years. And Kim's married too.

Mom of triplet girls, and another on the way....didn't see that coming!

Stay-At-Home-Mom....really didn't see that either!

Driving a BIG SUV full of car seats, toys and strollers.

Not living at home, but only across the street!

No curfew, just too tired to ever go out! Haha!

And to think the next time I step into the MVA, which will seem like tomorrow, I will be 31. 2017. Like over half way to 60. 1/3 of the way to 90. Phew! AH!

My triplets will be 5 and in KINDERGARTEN, E will be 4. Holy cow!

I will have been married for 8 years.

I wonder what God has in store for me over the next five years. I can't wait to find out! It's so weird reflecting on the past and thinking about the future and all the joy it hopefully holds.