Sunday, December 13, 2009

28

Ten years ago...

I was turning 18. I had already been through so much in my life at that point, and had already learned so many life lessons that I pretty much thought I had life figured out. HA!

I was already in love with Devin Riley, but also dating someone else too. Devin won. I think I made a very good decision.

I was pondering moving back to Kansas and going to K-State so I could be with Devin and Amanda, or staying in Maryland. A few months later I chose Kansas, and 9 years later, I am still happy with this decision.

I was trying to figure out what to do with my life, when deep down inside I knew all I wanted to be was a mom.

I worked at Baby Gap.

I wasn't the least bit active. Since then I have climbed 5 fourteeners, braved spin class and figured out how to run for longer than 3 minutes without wanting to die.

I considered myself a really good singer. Now the only people I sing to are my two little girls, and my repetoire includes songs like "Ba ba ba ba...thank you God for baby Jesus."

I was meeting Devin's family for the very first time. I sat on the couch and watched the Disney Channel with Daniel and Caitlyn. When I returned home from the trip I told my mom that I wanted to be part of that family.

I was more interested in hanging out with my friends than my parents. Now my parents are my friends.

I loved to make people laugh and have a great time. Still true.

I discovered The Cheesecake Factory.

I was late to just about everything and trying to figure out how to not be. I used to stop at Dunkin Donuts and get coffee for my 1st period teacher so she'd excuse me for being tardy. Maybe I'll have this figured out by birthday #38.

I had two piercings in each ear. Since then I've had an eyebrow ring and my first tattoo.

I felt God's whispers of love and grace, even though I had no room for him in my life. I'm so thankful for a God that forgives all things.

Those are my memories. What do you remember the most about me through the years?

9 comments:

Caitlyn Riley said...

I remember when you came to our house in Virginia and took everyone to Gap Outlet while I had to stay home and finish a project, in the 5th grade! haha.. I was so upset!
I remember that Devin wanted to go visit "a friend" in Italy.
I love you Marie and am so happy you are a part of our family!

nat said...

Oh wow, I could go on for so long! Even though I didn't know you yet when you were 18, I remember hearing about you from my Mom who knew your Mom! Isn't that funny? Since then, Marie, we've had such good times! I remember reading at your wedding. I remember you trying to set me up with Ben. I remember going with you & Devin to Krandy's wedding the day after you got engaged. And so much more. Happy Birthday, dear friend!

Steve, Amanda, Kyle , Owen, and Madilyn said...

Marie, I wish you a happy birthday, now for the things I remember most. You are such an amazing person. I love your bubbly personality, your beautiful red hair, and I remember the fun we had at youth group in LV.

H.E.A. said...

I remember coming to your house for American Idol. You were always so open and caring and willing to share your space and time with me. I'll never forget that. You were a bright shining light in a year full of darkness for me.

I love you and hope you had an AMAZING birthday!!

Megs said...

happy birthday! i DON'T remember you being such a great writer, and now, you're one of my favorite bloggers. :) hope the next 10 are just as you dream them to be!

Amanda said...

It is simply impossible for me to sum up what I remember MOST about you. When we were 18 we had already been best friends for 5 years! What I do KNOW about you is is that you exemplify what a best friend should be. You have always stood by me and I have always been able to come to you for encouragment, advice, comfort, and fun. God couldn't have given me a better best friend. Happy Birthday!

roz said...

Devin, home from college for the holidays, requested permission for a "friend" from Maryland to come visit. At some point during the visit, I remember you and Devin posing for a photo in front of the huge oak tree in front of our Fort Monroe house. I looked at the two of you standing there together and just KNEW!
I am so proud of you and Devin and that you chose to become a part of our family...we love you!

I also remember meeting your Mom at an AFTB conference. We sat at the same round table on the first day..random. When I saw her name tag, I had to ask, "Do you have a daughter named Marie?". Without answering, she looked at my name tag and said, "Do you have a son named Devin?". We enjoyed the week together so much because of that connection! You have a great family!

Keri said...

I remember 15 year old Marie at Spring Canyon....fun and always kind of a little bit in trouble:) I especially think of the BV band jacket. You are still essentially the same person--older, wiser and more mature now--but still just as funny, loving and encouraging as you always were.

Lisa said...

I loved watching tv at your house on Ratone (I think?). We have the same taste in shows! I did not love student teaching with you. Thank God you and Jessica were there though, or else I probably would have been a college drop out!!

One question...what's your trick for running more than 3 minutes? I was on a trying to run kick last summer, got to about 8 min, then stopped. Now I can't hardly go a couple minutes. Any advice?