October 12, 1987.
30 years ago. My parents were expecting to bring one baby into this world. God had a small surprise in store. You see, my mama, had an early sonogram and that ended up being the only one she had before giving birth.
The doctor believed that they were going to have one ten pound baby boy. After I was delivered and weighing five pounds the doctor told my mom to push and see what the next baby would be. Another five pound baby girl was born. That was my twin sister, Kelsey, born four minutes later.
We often ask our mom what was going through her mind when she heard those words. As our dad is trying not to pass out she responds with, “I felt sorry for the nurses that had to quickly double everything in that moment.” It doesn’t surprise me that she would think that. She has always been one to think of others before herself and being a nurse herself she had compassion for what they were going through. We are so blessed to call you ours, mama. I love you, fiercely.
What a beautiful 30 years of life it has been. As we were nearing the end of our twenties I began wondering how I would feel about it. Is this where God has called me today? Have I lived my life in the way that He has designed for me? In 2011 I truly began my relationship with Christ and it has been the most beautiful journey since. Yes, I have always believed in the Lord, but to boldly live for Him, be in scripture and reading His truth, and growing more intimate with Him daily was something I was desperately missing.
I wanted to give you a small peek of what life has looked like since 1987. So in honor of my twin sister, Kelsey, and I turning 30 this past week here are thirty photos from 1987-2017.
Much love!
Little babies. The memories we hear of these years are so lovely.
How blessed to always have someone to play dress up with…
…and take countless naps with.
You always have someone to laugh with.
Snowbabies
Always wishing we were in the snow.
All we wanted for Christmas that year was our two front teeth.
Many birthday celebrations shared with the whole family at the Viola Gym.
Finding out you’re going to be an aunt again.
Sports. Always having an encourager on the court with you.
Opening gifts before school was tradition. 16 years old.
Again. We loved and continue to love all sports.
The next two photos of having a blessed opportunity to go to Hawaii and play basketball for Team Kansas.
“You smell like pine needles, and have a face like sunshine!” – Bridesmaids
Family Photos
Running our first half marathon together.
Countless Celebrations
Birthday photo after birthday dessert
First womb mates and then roommates.
Born snow babies. Always snow babies.
Singing Car Karaoke always makes the drive that much better
You always have a date to weddings
Yep, always.
Our love for Wichita and adventuring around the city to all the fun local spots
Running a 5k in the snow on NYE. Again, snow babies.
Seeing one of our favorite bands (NEEDTOBREATHE) in one of our fav states (CO)
Our last birthday in our twenties. 29; what a year of growth you were.
Playing in Christmas recitals together.
And life in this season while I’m on the race.
Still encouraging and loving even with miles and miles in between.
Praying and reflecting on the life that God has chosen for me, the people that He has placed in my life, and those that He has in mind for me to meet. My heart can’t help but explode with joy. I am so grateful. My life is far from perfect. I love living for Jesus and finding freedom when I surrendered everything to Him. That freedom allows us to live wide open in the spaces where God has placed us and in the ways He has made us.
Kelsey, I love life with you beside me. The love, adventure, joy, empathy, compassion, hugs, friendship, and the delight you share with myself and others will always be treasured. So many rewards are yours, sister. What fun it has been with our beautiful family and friends always there teaching us and loving us so well. Cheers to the next 30 years! Love you with the fire of a thousand suns.
To God be all of the glory.
