One Year Older and Wiser, Too!

In keeping with one of my favorite mantras, I anticipated my birthday this year with very low expectations.  (Some may think it sounds negative to maintain low expectations, but I have found it to be a very effective method for managing some aspects of life!)  So with my low expectations, I was completely surprised and delighted by the festivities surrounding my 39th birthday.  I have this amazing friend and neighbor...and she worked with my kids to make the day very fun and special. She had helped them get some decorations and gifts and plan out an awesome celebration.  I love that she worked with them instead of just planning it herself.  They were so excited and into the whole thing. It just made for a really great day.  Thank you, friend.

With Tod being gone, I knew that I just wanted to have a simple, fun day.  No big plans but just time together.  I woke up to a decorated house and fun birthday atmosphere.  My kids know that I love Hawaii, and so they chose luau themed decor.  Not only had they decorated but had also cleaned up the house the night before which was very sweet.  We had some doughnuts for breakfast and headed to the library (seriously, one of my favorite places!)  Ashton had violin after that, and Cole and I had a lot of fun playing at the playground while we waited for her.  In the afternoon, we were able to skype with Tod.  As we were talking, the doorbell rang...and I received a beautiful bouquet of birthday flowers- gerbera daisies and orange roses...the colors were amazing, and I couldn't stop smiling. Regan had the hardest time understanding how those flowers made it all the way here from Germany! I love that man of mine.

For dinner, we headed to Chili's (one of my top restaurants) and had a birthday meal.  Krystin kept Luke which made for a much more enjoyable, relaxing evening together.  I love my kids, and it was great to be able to take them out for a nice meal.  We had a lot of fun.  They are at some really fun ages.  Of course, we missed Tod so much.

When we got home, the Salazar family joined us for desserts and gifts (again, Krystin had done an awesome job of helping the kids get some presents.)  Cole got me a picture of Tod and I last year in Chicago (he came up with the idea on his own!).

Regan made me some artwork (love her creativity), Jordan got me a long desired new paper cutter, and Ashton got me some of my very favorite sweet treats (which I greatly enjoyed).

Then we dug into some ice cream cake!  About that time, Jackie and Tanner arrived bringing another yummy cake.  I felt very spoiled and loved.  I also loved reading all the birthday facebook messages and emails and talking to Dad and Pat and Katy during the day...and night (a late night birthday call from night owl Mel was the perfect ending to the day!)  It was a sweet, never to be forgotten birthday. For some reason, I don't have a picture with Krystin, but I will certainly always be grateful to her for making this day special.

And now I am 39 years young!  How is that possible?  I certainly don't feel that age most of the time. At one point today, Ashton asked me how it felt to know my life was about half over.  Wow, I had never thought of it that way at all!! Life is so good, and I am so thankful for all the blessings that come along with the challenges. Birthdays often cause me to reflect...I like to think back on happy memories from past days...and future memories to be made.  Is it possible to have a birthday and not think of your mom?  The one who gave you life?  I certainly took some time to reflect on memories of Mama and all that she means to me.  I am so thankful for the family I grew up in...just an amazing life.  And I am so thankful for the family I have now. I love being a wife and a mom.  It is the best.  I have my struggles, but I am comfortable in my own skin and at age 39, I like who I am.  So here is to another great year!!!