My 34th Birthday - One for the Books

Growing up, birthdays were big in our house.  Each birthday morning began with members of the family dog-piling on the sleeping birthday boy or girl and yelling "Happy Birthday!!!".  It may not sound fun, but it was.  The celebration always seemed to last at least a few days.  

I was at home until just after my 19th.  Years 20 - 25 were my single days in LA, so birthday fun was pretty easy to come by.  I turned 26 just after Doug and I got engaged, and he took me to Disneyland that year.  By my 27th, we were expecting Olivia, and things were starting to shift.  No longer was I the center of the universe, and my birthday the most exciting day of the year.  I suppose this is a normal step in maturation.  Sadly though, my birthday celebrations were kind of a slippery slope from there.

Last year was especially bad.  It culminated with my getting pulled over for an incomplete stop at a stop sign.  NOT GOOD!

So, let me tell you what been happening THIS year!

Yesterday, I got a card from my sweet mom along with some mad money (yes- it will go toward my new MM).  Thanks Mom!

Today, my friend, Shawna, took Michelle (she turned 33 on Feb 4th) and me out to a lovely birthday lunch at Lemon Moon.  So fun.  Doug came home for his lunch hour and watched all three kids, so I could lunch in a very relaxed fashion.  It was awesome!!!  They each had their babies with them, and were surprised when I showed up without mine.  They said that they are so accustomed to seeing me wear Conrad all the time, it was shocking to see me show up without him.  We had a wonderful time.  There is nothing quite like being able to to visit with your friends with no distractions.  I actually did start to miss my kids by the end of lunch, isn't that funny?

THEN...I get home and the UPS man rings the bell.  I buzz him in, and guess what?  He had a package for me.  I open it up to find.... (drum roll, please) a gift certificate to Malia Mills from my lovely SIL's Diana and Rachel.  WOW - now that is some serious thoughtfulness.  Thanks guys!  I am in a shocked state of joy...

I haven't had a birthday like this in many years.  AND there is still more to come!  Tonight I am meeting my old work friends at El Chollo in Pasadena (this reunion just happened to coincide with my big day), AND THEN staying in Pasadena and meeting up with Dani and Brooke for a movie...Tomorrow (my actual birthday) we have a play date at travel town with my SIL, Sarah, and her kids and then...I'll pick up a red velvet cake from Suzie Cakes in Brentwood for our family celebration tomorrow night.

Now, this is a birthday!

Amen

I found this wonderful talk at LDS.org today, and had to share it.  I have spoken in sacrament meeting twice on Mother's Day, and kind of blown it both times.  This is what I wish I had said.  I add my testimony to that of Sister Pace.  Mothering our children in a loving and respectful way requires the overcoming of our selfish tendencies, which leads to true joy - the object and design of our existence.  There have been dramatic changes in me since undertaking and embracing the path of motherhood.  I am a more conscious and evolved person.  I better understand the "why" behind many gospel principles.  I know that more growth lies ahead in the years to come.  

As an aside, I think it is so important to change and reframe our thinking about the role of children in our lives.  They are not burdens to be borne, they are not weights around our necks.  They are our spirit brothers and sisters, entrusted to our care for the early part of their mortal lives.  The human infant is born the most dependent of any mammal, and has the longest period of dependency.  The infant, baby, toddler and child need us in both physical and emotional ways.   As we feed, clothe, and love each member of our household we should be mindful of the Savior's example, and remember that as we serve them, we serve Him.  

Jeff and Andrea - Married December 30, 2008

Here Comes Trouble!

This is a picture from our second Bethlehem night (back in December).  I found it on the Christensen's blog, and I about died.  Yes, he's on top of our car.

Malia Mills Coupon - Lucky Day!

I am thrilled to share this special offer with my readers.  Click on the iPaper icon to print or email the coupon to yourself and your friends.  Valid in store or online through August 31, 2009.

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