Happy Birthday!!

33 years ago, my parents started their (I won't use 'little') family. It took 3 years after marriage to get pregnant with their first child, but 9 months later, voila! Here I was!

I was not an easy child. I know some days were better than others, but as I look back (or reflect, since my eyes cannot go to the back of my head) I was a challenge; as I got older, it got worse. I was shy (not that being shy is a bad quality at all, it just made some things harder), I lied, I stole, I was (extremely) mischievous, I swore, I hit, I yelled (the list goes on, but I'll stop here) - basically, I did anything I was raised not to do.

Somehow, through it all, my parents didn't kill me. Somehow, they still loved me (though it was never said, but as I got older than the previously mentioned older, I recognized that they loved me through their actions). Somehow, I still turned out pretty ok.

People always told me that my parents were good people. You know what? Those people were (are) right! My parents ARE good people :) Thank you, Mom and Dad, for putting up with all my crap and drama for the last 33 years. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for teaching me important life lessons. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for not giving me everything I ever wanted - especially when I wanted it. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for being there for me, even when I didn't want you to be. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for bringing me into this world and for loving me :) I know I don't always say it (some things I picked up on really well. Hahaha), but I do love you both and I am glad that you are my parents!

Now, a few pictures of my day today:

This was a fun surprise for me today! My friend Brenda (who also cuts my hair) found her way into Alpine (getting 'lost' several times and had to call the school to get directions) to bring me this balloon and a cookie! What a sweet friend :)

It has been decided that this gift was from numerous family members (sorry kids, I'm giving away the secret!). The candy came from Robert, the ribbon from one of Kati's gifts, it was delivered by Crystal and Ed - who sang a beautiful 'Happy Birthday' song. Then Ed also gave me some Powerade lids, which were from Mindy, Chloe, and Logan.

Interestingly, this is no ordinary Reese's Egg either... it is the Recess Aide! (say them out loud, it will make sense - oh, and if you know what my job is. Hahaha)

I was invited to dinner by Becky and her family, and Phineas and Ferb :)

We went to Panda Express and had a yummy meal - it was the first 'real' food I'd eaten since Saturday. I had a fever yesterday and slept most of the day. I felt well enough to go to work, so I did... and I really should be in bed now, but then you wouldn't be reading this, would you?

They even got me a cake :) I told Becky to keep the candles, since she'll be needing them in a few months anyway...

I have been blessed with many wonderful and supportive friends. I got many texts, emails, messages via Facebook, cards, gifts, phone calls, and personal well-wishes. Even though I was not feeling well today, it was a good day to be born :)