"Me" holidays!

One thing about my life that I sometimes wish was different was the fact that all my "special" holiday's are all wrapped up within a two week period.   That would be my birthday, anniversary, and Mother's day.  I honestly don't know if it's easier for Ben to get them all over with and not have to think about it for another year, or harder to find things to do for me.   Besides that, Aubrie's birthday happens to fall on mine, too, so things definitely get crazy, busy for me.   This year was a good busy!  This year our birthday's fell on Sunday.  While there isn't much to do on Sunday,  it's nice to get the Happy Birthday wishes at church, and an extra good reason to take that Sunday afternoon nap.   The week prior was a great build up to my birthday, which I think added to the fact that this was an amazing year for me!  

It started off with a  temple trip Thursday night.  After our session, we  had a fun time getting to know the Bishop and his wife over dinner.  Friday was Ben's sister's wedding reception. We were able to catch up with some extended family and old friends, while we were there.  Before the reception Ben surprised me with an early anniversary gift...diamond earrings.  The way he gave them to me was so cute.  He had this gun holster on and said I want to show you something.  He started to pull out something black, so thinking it was a gun I started to get pretty irritated.  Then I realized it was a box.  He got down on one knee and opened the box!  It was so romantic and sweet.  Thanks sweetie for a wonderful 13 years of marriage.  Through the ups and downs it's all been worth it!  I LOVE YOU!!

Saturday morning I spent hiking and having breakfast to celebrate another friends birthday, and Sunday afternoon was spent with lots of old and new friends as we celebrated a friendship with a family who would soon be moving.  So though those things didn't have anything to do with me, I was perfectly happy  spending time with friends.   

Saturday night we did celebrate my birthday and anniversary with the Lorenzana's.  We started with dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.   Michelle had thoughtfully put together a bunch of Kelly Green (my new favorite color...step aside yellow) gifts.  My favorite was a Vera Bradly make up bag, which she went all over town looking for:)   After dinner, we went to the movie, "State of Play".  It was a nice relaxing evening with good friends.   

Monday continued the celebrating.  Michelle and Erin  (along with help of other great friends) pulled together a birthday luncheon. The food was great, the gifts were thoughtful, but most of all  it was great to be surrounded by so many friends.  I really didn't realize how much I needed it, until the lunch was over.  I feel so blessed to have so many caring people in my life.   

While I was at my luncheon, Ben was helping me make Aubrie's birthday special.  I had coordinated with her teacher to make sure the kids didn't' bring their lunches and to find out what pizza they liked best.  Ben showed up at the lunch room with Pizza and drinks.  Of course, Ben always goes above and beyond duty, and he also showed up with bags of candy and a Pokemon card for everyone.  Aubrie was the star of the day!   I think everyone should feel like that on their birthday!!!  The boy from church, that is also in her class at school, brought Aubrie a birthday present.  It was so cute of him.  He gave her a necklace and bracelet.   She was so shy about it, she forgot to say thank you.  I love to see these cute, innocent crushes.  It's the teenage years I'm worried about. haha   Aubrie's birthday party will actually be this Friday.  I have started holding it over Father and Son's camp out.  That way the boys aren't here, and the girls can stay really late and do fun "girl" stuff!

So today marks 3rd special "me" day.... Mother's Day!  Today I felt especially grateful for the privilege I have had to give birth to and raise 4 amazing children.  Though I have many years left in the "parenting" years, I know that they will be out of the nest before I know it.   I just hope that I can love them and teach them well enough that they will come back as friends.  The little irritating things they normally do didn't seem to irritate me as much today.  I saw through different color glasses for some reason, seeing things more through their eyes, and enjoying things more.  Life gets so crazy, we seem to forget to sit back and enjoy the ride!  

Today Ben made sure my day was special, by making breakfast, a great steak dinner, and making sure that I got to relax.  Thanks sweetie for making my day a good one!  I'm glad I'm the Mother of your children!