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 :)

BIrthday 2011

I have mixed emotions about my birthday this year. I have never enjoyed having my birthday on General Conference; I enjoy my birthday and I enjoy General Conference, but not together. It is something I will have to deal with for the rest of my life... I know. I'll someday figure it out. So my family came over to watch Conference (since they don't have t.v.), and the talks were good, the music was good, the food was good. After dinner, I went with a few of my family members to the Grizzlies Hockey game. It was a lot of fun.

There were different mascots there, running around and it was almost more fun watching them than watching the game. During the first intermission, the mascots all came out on the ice and did a bowling game (it happened to also be Grizzby's birthday - he's the mascot for the Grizzlies). The pictures are fuzzy... but this is Swoop (Utah), Bear (Jazz), and one I called Little Willy (he was there with Willy from UVU). There was also the drum line from UVU dressed in green suit things... they were cool looking. I tried to get pictures of all the mascots that were there, but they weren't always in the best place for a good picture. So there was: Grizzby (Grizzlies Hockey), Bear (Jazz Basketball), Swoop (U of U), Rocky the Raccoon (Rocky Mountain Raceway), Willie (UVU), Little Willy (UVU), Harley (Utah Blaze), Leo the Lion (Salt Lake Real), and for this intermission, there was Jack the Kangaroo (Jumpin' Jack Cash). So many people remembered my birthday this year, and I am grateful to those who did remember - the day of, or later. I am blessed to have such wonderful friends and family who love me and look out for me. I don't necessarily like getting older, but if I can have my friends and family around when I do... I think I'll be ok :)

Happy Birthday Crystal!!

Yesterday Crystal turned 16!!!! I can't believe how fast she's growing up.

Crystal, you are an amazing person and I am glad you're my sister! You are so cheery and bright. You have such a great sense of humor and I love being around you (even when we get on each others nerves. LOL). I'll try to stay off the road when you're driving... hee hee. You make me happy and I want you to know I love you :)

Happy Birthday Casey!!

I know I used this picture on a previous post... I cannot find any of my other pictures :(
Anyway, Casey's birthday was yesterday. He was born when I was 21, so there is something between us even more than between Ed and I. Casey has always been "my baby" when we've been out; everyone thinks he's my son. It's funny because when Mom is with us, people really get confused. Ha.
Casey, thanks for giving me hugs every day at school. You are fun to be around and have such a cute personality. You are such a sweet boy - I love you!!!

Happy Birthday Ed!! (very late..)

I am such a horrible sister!!!! I forgot to post on your birthday... I'm so sorry.
Ed's birthday was last week (and it took me until today to remember that I didn't post anything about it... bleh). So, a week late...

Ed was born on October 2 (my half birthday). He was my youngest brother for 4 years, so we have a connection I don't have with my other brothers and sisters. We were born around the same time, length, and weight... so he was "my" son. It was fun. Ed always makes me smile and he has such a great sense of humor. Brother, I am proud to be your sister. You can do anything you set your mind to. Thanks for being so nice to me and for goofing around with me, it's so fun!
Love you Ed!

Happy Birthday Mindy!!

Today is my sister's birthday. This is a picture from last year, I can't find any of my 'updated' pictures and it frustrates me... the only thing that's changed is the baby looks older ;)
Anyway, I want you to know how much I admire you! I have so many good memories of when we were kids (I really try to forget the bad ones. LOL), it makes me happy! You are amazing with your kids - Avery, Jordan, and Chloe - and I know that they love you. You married a great man, and I'm glad you did! I know I haven't always been the best older sister, but I am trying to make up for it as much as I can. I love you and I'm glad you are my sister!!

Happy Birthday DAD!!! (late... oops)

Hey Daddy!! Sorry this is late... this is the only picture I could find on my computer to use. I used it in a post before, so sorry for the repeat.
Dad's birthday was on the 1st of September...
Dad, even though I am horrible at showing how much I love you, I do love you! You have taught me the meaning of hard work and not 'wimping out' on things I'm doing. You are a great example to me and I hope that my future husband has some, if not lots, of your good traits. It has taken me a long time to realize that you do love me, and you show it by your actions. Thank you for being such a great dad and father! LOVE YOU!!!!

Happy Birthday Kati!!

Yesterday was my sister's birthday. 19 is old... LOL. This is the only picture I had available on my computer right now sis... sorry if you don't like it ;)
Kati, I want you to know how much I admire you and how proud I am of you! You are a brilliant person and I am glad you are my sister. It's hard not having you around all the time, but I do enjoy the time we get to spend together. You are amazing! Love you, sister!!

Birthday Dinner

Here are the promised pictures: !! (and a few extras)

My friend, Stacey, took me to Joe's Crab Shack for my birthday... here's a couple pics from that.

This was my first impression of Joe's. Never ate there before. But I would go back if opportunity arose.

Yummy crab! We liked to play with our food.

My birthday is on the 2nd, Ashley's is the 5th, so we decided to make a special dinner for ourselves... Sloppy Joes and Tater Tots. So much fun!

Ashley made the sloppy joe sauce

Here's my mad tater-tot flipping skills

The base of our 'tater-tot' cake...

Turned more into a pyre of tots...

The toothpicks are the candles. We even sang to ourselves!

Happy Birthday to Us!!

Happy Birthday to Me :)

Yesterday was my 30th birthday. I was nervous about how it would turn out, but I should have known... I had a GREAT day yesterday!!! The principal announced that I was 21, so I laughed a lot because the kids believed him. Throughout most of the day, kids were telling me "happy birthday" and some sang to me (groups of girls AND boys!), I got phone calls, text messages, emails, messages on Facebook, and cards in the mail. It really makes me realize how many people look after me :)
Here are a few highlights:

These awesome M&M's socks came from Mrs. Chadwick (a teacher at my school). Love them!

These flowers were sent to me by my cute, dear friend, Susan. Happy Birthday tomorrow!!

This cute pot of wheat grass is from Neighbor (Jeanie Vance). Yay for color added to my room!

These 6 cookies were from the lunch ladies at my school: Whitney, Sherri (Carpet Lady), Becky, and Shirlene. YUMMY!!!

Allison gave me the Perfect Roomie Barbie.
In this picture, PR Barbie has a scrubbing pad in her left hand, a post office briefcase in her right hand, and there's a bottle of Pledge Multi-Dusting Surface Spray in the corner. Her skirt says 'I (heart) cleaning!' I missed it in the picture, but there's a little warning sticker on the bottom of the box: Warning - only flaw is her sense of modesty.

Perfect Roomie Barbie is your dream come true when it come to a roommate!

• You'll never catch her sneaking in your cupboards. She has all her food organized on HER fridge shelf.
• Dirty, smelly dishes? Not in your home. They're already done!
• Think she'll be needing a ride? Nope! She comes equipped with her own set of wheels along with a spare key for you too!
• Lastly... she always responds promptly to "Honey I'm Home" and little red Christmas bows.

What more could you need?

This side of the box says: She has a full time job at the ... Post Office - so you'll never have to wonder about rent or possible late night guests.

This side: She is considerate! "What would YOU like to watch tonight?" Always a Plus!

This is so full of 'inside' jokes that there's no way I could explain it all... but a perfect gift from a former roommate :)
I'm sure I'll be posting more later... I have a couple dinners still to attend - for my birthday. I like how it gets stretched out over a month :) Lucky me!
I'm so grateful to have so many good, wonderful friends who like me for who I am and like being around me -- and like me being around them! Thank you to all who are a part of my life; you are AWESOME!!!

Happy Birthday Rob! (sorry it's late)

On Saturday (before my date), we had a family birthday party for my brother Robert. I am just realizing now that I didn't get a picture of him... I'll have to find one to post here. *Found one!



Brother, I want you to know how much I love you and admire you. I'm proud of you for what you have been doing with your life, and how you handle yourself. You have a talent for making people laugh and that's awesome! I know we've had our issues in the past, but I'm glad we can work past them and continue strengthening our relationship :) You help me want to be a better person - so thank you!
Love you, Robert!!

Happy Birthday Jake!

I don't know if you read my blog, brother, but publicly I wanted to wish you a happy birthday and tell you how much I love you and look up to you (literally and figuratively). I'm proud of you and the decisions you've made thus far in your life. Even though we don't always get along, I do love you and will always support you. Thanks for being my brother! XOXOXO

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!

I won't post here how young you're getting... :) You've already seen this picture, so the only thing that will be a surprise for you is what I'm writing here!
I know I have not always been the best daughter, but I am what I am today because of you and your unending love and support. I do very much appreciate you and all you have done for me.
Have a wonderful birthday!!
LOVE YOU MOM!!!!

Happy Birthday Chloe!!!

This is my new niece Chloe. She was born this morning at 12:20 weighing in at 7 lbs 9 oz and measuring 20 inches long. Welcome welcome sweetie!!