Another year, another year older. This year, I decided to list 35 things that have happened to me- some I’m proud of or hold fond memories, others not so much (more of a learning experience). Note: Some of these correlate with my actual age, a date, and something I just happened to think of. I’ll note on the post

1. I turned 1 on June 22, 1986. 35 years later, the 80’s feel like they were only 20 years ago.

2. When I think of the number 2, it reminds me of the 2 miscarriages I had before we had Anderson. It was sad and frustrating. It tested my faith but with a strong support system, we kept moving forward. Ladies, don’t ever think you are the only one and that it’s your fault. God’s just making a way for something better!

3. I don’t know what I’d choose if I had 3 wishes. I’d like to think I’d just give them to someone who really needs them. I don’t think I do.

4. My sister’s 4th child Sidda is like a daughter to me. She’s spent many a night with us.

5. My 5th birthday was at our house with a slip and slide. The cake even had a slip and slide on it. Friends from the Strawberry Patch (daycare) attended. In true Southern fashion, I wore a giant yellow bow in my hair with my bathing suit.

6. For my 6th birthday, I had my first sleepover with friends Kristy and Brandi.

7. My sister’s birthday is December 7. What a blessing to have a best friend and sister all in one!

8. I picked up my first softball at age 8 and retired years later at 14, when I decided to pick up a phone and call boys. I didn’t pick up another ball until my oldest was playing T-Ball.

9. I think I was 9 and the year was 1993 when I got my first diary. I kept a diary until 2002 and then revisited writing in 2017 in the form of this blog when my grandmother passed away.

10. The number 10 was my jersey number in softball because of Chipper Jones, the cutest ball player I’d ever seen who played for the Atlanta Braves.

11. In true Are You there God, it’s me Margaret fashion, I became a woman at 11. I was so disappointed. I wanted it to go away. Lucky for me it was in the summer and not at school.

12. I was 12 years old when I got my first real kiss. Ironically, it happened across the street from where I live now.

13. The same summer of the surprise party as noted below, I experienced my first broken heart as my first love moved away.

14. My parents and friends surprised with me with a birthday party when I turned 14.

15. I celebrated me passing my permit test with lunch at Dairy Queen in Linden.

16. I went to take the driver’s test on my 16th birthday. I failed the eye exam because I didn’t know I needed new contacts. I was embarrassed when people asked if I had my license. I finally got new contacts and passed the test a few days later NOT on my actual birthday.

17. At 17, I flew for the first time to Salt Lake City. I also was baptized surrounded by friends and family. I remember one of my friends coming to support me. Thanks Emily!

18. On June 18, 2020, Anderson had his first surgery to remove the blockage on his left kidney. It was 3 agonizing hours as I waited alone (due to COVID, Will could not come in until after we were in a room). I take that back, I wasn’t completely alone, the sound of other mothers waiting in other rooms lessened the loneliness.

19. I was 19 when Ben, my sister’s oldest came into the world. In a lot of ways, he is like me (I’m sorry Ben!) but I am so proud of him. Ben, keeping being you!

20. What I thought was a very adult relationship at the time, ended with us both cheating on each other. The first time and last time I ever cheated on someone. One of those relationships you knew wasn’t right but for some reason you stayed with them until it finally didn’t make any sense (like a brick hitting you over the head).

21. I graduated college at 21 and started my first big girl job as a Banquet and Catering Assistant for NorthRiver Yacht Club. I was hourly and thought I had made it when they finally agreed to get me business cards. My first few weddings I got under my belt was at this age.

22. I experienced another heartbreak- one I wasn’t sure I’d recover until I met my now husband.

23. When I turned 23, Will and I celebrated our birthdays together for the first time. He turned 27.

24. Will proposed to me 2 days after Valentine’s Day when I was 24. When the holiday passed, I thought, is he ever going to ask the question. He surprised me!

25. I was 25 when I got married. We were surrounded by all of our favorite people. One of the best days of my life.

26. Will was 26 going on 27 when he met me. Now, he’s the big 4-0! He’s going to kill me for posting this.

27. I got my first promotion and was actually over a department at the age of 27. I became the Membership Director of NorthRiver Yacht Club. I had my own budget to monitor and my own office.

28. I had my first child at 28.. After leaving the hospital thinking we’d have to wait longer, my water broke in our car at the red light at DCH. We had to make a quick U-turn.

29. As Bear Bryant once famously said about coming to UA, Mama callled. I was ready to move back to my hometown. So thankful I did.

30. We celebrated my 30th birthday and dad’s birthday in true Rogers style, complete with our favorite band Mojo Trio. Days later we lost a friend, a musical inspiration, Mr. Joey. Although, I didn’t know him as well as my dad, I still was saddened to hear of the news. Music lost a great guitarist.

31. I have always enjoyed Halloween. My oldest son’s first Halloween he dressed as a member of Lolly Pop Guild from the Wizard of OZ, a costume made by his Nana. I will never forget how cute he looked.

32. My grandmother gracefully left us when I was 32. I began writing again to deal with the grief. I spoke at her funeral, something I could have never imagined doing but it was important to her.

33. At the age of 33, we began the journey to conceive our 2nd child. It was full of bumps, tears, finger pricks, and blood pressure cuffs but you know the happy ending.

34. I gave birth to our caboose and rainbow baby. Days later we started his kidney journey.

35. At the age of 35, I decided with Will’s blessing to work part time and take a job I love.

36.

I intentionally left 36 blank because it’s a new year. Celebrating in a few weeks in New Orleans. Who knows? Maybe I’ll hold a baby alligator or try that flight of champagne I’ve seen on my instagram. Hopefully, we will potty train Anderson. Can’t wait to see what’s in store.