Another Year Older and Wiser too....

....... Happy Birthday (clap) to ME!

I'm not mentioning it to draw attention to it by any means. But I do have to acknowledge it because people I love did nice things for me and I have to acknowledge THEM. I'm blessed with wonderful family and friends and it made the event a little easier. It was a big one.... the big 4-0 (A shudder just went down my spine as I typed the numbers) and I would have just stayed in bed and skipped the whole day altogether if I'd had my way. Turning 30 was worse, but turning 40 is by no stretch of the imagination a pleasant experience. It's just a lame thing.

The night before my birthday my mom and dad called from Salt Lake, out of the blue, and offered to take us to dinner. I already had dinner cooking but appreciated the offer nonetheless. We just don't get to spend one-on-one time with them very often and it's nice to visit with them when there's nothing planned. They did agree, however, to join us for dinner and family home evening. Caitlyn gave the lesson on the plan of salvation and it thrilled me to see her practice teaching gospel principles. I think the best way to learn something is to teach it! She'll be a great mom someday as she teaches her family things that are important to her.

On my actual birthday Brook took me to lunch at my favorite restaurant, Kyoto. If I knew that I had one last meal, it's wbere I would eat. It was nice that Brook took time out of his hectic day to spend some time with me. I knew that he had a crazy day at work, but he insisted that we go anyway. I'm lucky to have him.

Birthday night was fun also. Brook's mother, Lola, called and told us that she and Max were bringing down dinner. When I got home from Brynn's swimming lessons I walked into a kitchen spread out with food! She had a cake, steak, potatoes, rolls, salad, and whatever else she dreamt up. She was just cutting and cooking her heart out. It was entirely over the top, but so thoughtful and kind of her. We had a little birthday party and played games until it got late.

I appreciated so much the phone calls from family and friends wishing me happiness on my birthday. Thank you because little things mean a lot. My favorite well-wishing came in the form of a card from my Colorado girlfriends (Jeni Rhees-the ringleader-, Connie, Kelli, Kristie and Katie). It was completely unexpected and it made my whole day. It's really a blessing in life to have good girlfriends! Nothing can replace them. I'm so lucky to have friends who are the best people in the world. They are thoughtful and kind and amazing gals who always make me want to try a little harder to be a better person. I love you all!