thirty five

I had a birthday a few days ago.  I turned 35.  Is that old or young?  I think both.  And even though my husband or kids would tell you differently, I really am growing up.  I can feel myself getting more mature by the minute.

It was a really mellow day and I loved it, although I am not sure I would have when I was younger ;).  I had a few things to be frustrated about.. like my phone shattering and my van being in the shop.  So I was without a (real) phone and without a car.  But I woke up in a great mood and didn't care what happened.  Simon and Zack have Let's Play Music classes on Wednesdays and Simon was the first one out of bed that morning.  He found me nursing Eden on the couch and said so excitedly, "Mom guess what today is....!"  I just smiled at him and let him answer himself, "It's MUSIC CLASS DAY!"  Then I told him it was by birthday too and he said, "Cool"  Which is really how I felt about my day.  Not sad (at all) but also not really that excited either.  just cool.

I heard the older boys in the kitchen while i was nursing so I went back to bed because I had a feeling they were bringing me breakfast.  And within a few minutes, I had a plate of scrambled eggs and cold toast.  Roma ate most of it for me.

Aaron left for work and said he would come home for lunch.  I said cool.  Debbie called and we chatted for a while.  Jane stopped by to drop off the most thoughtful gift.. a willow tree figurine that I will treasure forever, along with a cafe rio gift card and the sweetest card.  She also offered to take Simon, Roma and Zack for her morning music class and drop them off after lunch.  I knew Roma would LOVE being there for her class (and she did.)

Since Eden was asleep, Ben and Luke and I capitalized on our quiet time and played a couple of rounds of Rummikub.  I told them to go easy on me since it was my birthday but they didn't obey.  I lost every time we played.  We got some banana bread out of the freezer and laughed through a few games.

Then I took a bubble bath, in my quiet bedroom, which is rare.  I listened to a few of my favorite Marianne Williamson devotionals.  I've heard them all dozens of times, but I really love her.  I took time getting ready, actually applying makeup in front of a real mirror.

By this time, Aaron was home for lunch.  We heard back from the shop that my van was ready, so we decided to go out to eat and pick it up on our way home.  We took Eden with us to Cafe Rio (had to use my new gift card, of course.) and had a delicious meal and Eden was a peach.  After we picked up the van, Aaron took Eden home and I stopped off at JoAnn's to get a couple of things... because lately I really feel like crafting instead of packing my house.  I figure my birthday is a good enough excuse to make a mess with paint.  Kristy called while I was at the store, so we were able to chat while I roamed around the store with nothing to do but browse.  It's amazing how great it feels to push a shopping cart without any kids inside or nearby.

while ringing up at JoAnn's I had a coupon on my phone and showed the cashier.  It's comical, really because the screen on my phone is shattered into a million pieces and she was trying to read the code and having a hard time.  She said, "I would be so pissed if this was my phone."  I said, "I know.  And it's my birthday."  She said, "Well, my cat ran away this morning."  I asked, "Is it your birthday?" She said "no." and then I told her. "It's not that big of a deal, then."  She looked at me without an expression and I walked out to the car smiling.  I was joking, obviously, but not everyone gets my humor.. and that's too bad.  I'm sure her cat came back, the very next day. thought he was a gonner, but he just couldn't stay away, oh no.  Anyone know this song?

one of the projects the kids and I made this week.

When I got home, Aaron was playing Uno with the kids.  I returned texts, took Zack to his music class, opened a $weet card from my parents and a cute package and card from Aaron's parents.  Man, we came from good stock.  Aaron had made a cake and had dinner marinating in the fridge (grilled chicken and a yummy salad.) but I told him I'd rather go up to the temple and walk the grounds while the sun set.  So everyone packed up in the van and buckled up.  When I say go, we go... at least on my birthday.  I LOVE when Aaron is in a good mood and he knows that's all he has to do to make me happy.. just be happy.  I didn't get any presents from Aaron and the kids, but I don't need anything and their cards were totally enough.

We picked up Zack from class and headed up to the temple.  But because we were already hungry before we even got on the freeway, we stopped at Sonic and got everyone a kids meal. Lori called while Aaron was ordering and I answered, which is a total no-no for our marriage.  No talking on the phone when we are ordering and passing out food to the kids.  But it's my birthday, so bring on the crazy.. the kids meals also came with sticker dispensers which ended up all over their faces.  We also had to make a bathroom stop.. (seriously?) on the way so the sun set before we got to the temple.  I love the temple at night because there is a great view of the strip and mountains all around the valley.  I absolutely love Las Vegas and our time here.  It's been so good to me.

As we walked around the grounds (and tried to avoid sprinklers) I had a chance to hold each of my kids hands and talk to them for a minute privately.  Zack was especially cute talking about how good he felt there and that he was so glad we came. Ben too.  I feel terrible that I've never taken Ben to do baptisms here.  Having a baby kind of puts a wrench in any temple plans, but still.  He's been with the youth, but we need to take him soon.  We took a couple of pictures and then got back into the car.

We came home to cake and ice cream and stayed around the table for while just talking.  Not really about anything special.  Just enjoying each other and the ease of knowing there is no school or homework to worry about.  We ended up staying up even later watching the new season of Survivor premier (yes, we are still huge fans.  it's the only television we watch.)  I think it was around midnight before we got into bed... so I used up every minute of my special day doing what I love to do best, hang out with my family.

I don't really have any new goals for the new year except get back in shape, read more books, enjoy living near my extended family and continue to invest my time with my kids and husband.  Thirty-five is going to be a year of adjustment.  Give me this mountain.  I am ready to climb.