Cheers To Fifty!

Today is my 50th birthday y'all! That's a half century of living on this earth! I am so grateful to be living another day. So thankful for my friends and family who constantly think of me not just on my special day but throughout the years. All the random "hello, how are you doing?" and "thinking of you" texts are always a sweet surprise. Something that we all need from time to time. Blessings to those who have such a friend and wonderful children who write the sweetest letters. Just hearing those words "happy birthday mom" come out of their mouth without having their dad remind them is music to my ears. Adding in hugs and kisses is a bonus and I'm especially grateful to have one of my children home with me all day while I celebrate. So happy to not be spending it alone. This weekend should be all about me but it never is because I just don't allow it. But I know that I will have a great time regardless of how I celebrate. With the kids at school all day and Jon working until 9 sucks but it's okay because like I mentioned, I'm glad to have at least one of my daughters spending my 50th year of my life with me today. 

49 Septembers!

Turned 49 today and it honestly felt a little off. Maybe it's because we are still living in the middle of a pandemic or maybe it's the fact that it's my last year in my 40's! Yikes! Nonetheless, my family made my birthday pretty special and because it fell on a school night celebrated it with pure simplicity. Although Jon worked we managed to have dinner at a decent time in the evening. My two oldest daughters including Lexie who is serving a church mission in Arizona called me today. Those phone calls totally made my day. Chelsea, who in all honesty hasn't written me a handwritten letter since like the 4th grade made, and wrote me the most brutal and loveliest letter! I laughed because she's so much like me, and I even got a bit teary-eyed reading it. I can't even imagine growing up in her era right now which makes me all the more grateful that I am living in a generation today where I can pretty much handle my own and teach my kids to be fearless, yet kind. Noah who is such a sweetheart has been so tired lately with having seven zoom classes a day and although he knew my birthday was today sort of forgot, but then after hinting to him that today is a special day he remembered! Crazy kid! 

48 Trips Around The Sun!

This past Tuesday I turned 48 and in all honesty felt like another normal day to me. I don't feel any different, I don't feel any older, but what I do feel is that time is flying by so fast. Especially with my kids. Having two energetic kids left at home to communicate with, laugh with, entertain, and explore with keeps me young at heart. I'll also tell ya this...there is definitely a maturity that comes when aging. In all aspects of life, and I love it. I love that maturing with grace, and accepting your age can set you free. Realizing that not caring about "not caring" is liberating, and that what matters most are the things that are important. Not the petty ones. To not sweat the small stuff, and to love others unconditionally no matter who they are or what they have done. To forgive. But most of all to LOVE, and to be of great cheer! Here's to 48 trips around the sun! 

F o r t y - S e v e n !

So today is my 47th birthday, and I have to say that I'm pretty excited to turn 47. 47 just sounds really nice. i feel like you can dish out a little bit of advice to those who are young moms in their 20's, and 30's because I've been there done that with four children, but still take advice from those who are in their 50's, 60's, and 70's whose children have graduated college, gotten married, and are grandmothers, and great-grandmas. 

A Little Encouraging Post To Myself, On My Birthday Weekend.

It's Friday and we are gearing into the weekend in which I know will be spiritually edifying! General women's conference, and my 46th birthday are both this weekend and to be honest I couldn't be more excited. I love attending with my girls, and celebrating my special day with people I love. Nearing my 50's doesn't scare me too much. Maybe it's because I see my sister aging gracefully, and the way she embraces life, and her age is impressive. Same with my momma. She's in her 70's, and looks as if she's in still in her 50's. So grateful she's doing well with her battle with cancer and all! 

Celebrating 45.

This past weekend my dear friend Maggie and I celebrated our 45th birthdays, and it was so much fun! We had a sleepover at her place for my birthday, and then she slept over my house for hers. We stayed up late like a bunch of teenagers laughing and just having a good time. I ended up going to church with her on Sunday, and on our way back to my house had dinner waiting for us cooked by Jon and the kids. BBQ pork chops, homemade mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole awaited us as we came home. 

Then, came the brownie cake. 

The girls whipped up some brownies thanks to Betty Crocker, and when I pulled out the sparklers Maggie was in awe! She had never seen sparklers on a cake before. I have seen this done on other peoples birthday cake including my own last year, and since I had a ton of sparklers left over thought it would be fun to light them up on the cake! It was so much fun trying to contain them while the family sang happy birthday to us. Here's a short video of it. I cracked up after watching it too many times! 

Maggie was filled with so much joy on this day, and it showed! I love her dearly, and would do anything for her. It's nice to have a friend close by who's known you for half your life, and no matter what will be there for you. I loved her reaction when she opened up her gift too. She's a great cook, and is a hoarder of cookbooks so I gave her this one to add to her collection! 

What a treat it was to celebrate our birthdays together again. We didn't make it to the temple this time, but plan on going next month! We usually go together on our birthdays, or mothers day. I have to say that this was the best weekend ever spent with a wonderful friend! 

Happy Birthday to us, and may we have many more to treasure just like this one! 

CELEBRATING 44.

My birthday this year felt somewhat different. Good, but different. With Sierra out west, and the rest of the kids at school, and with Jon no longer having days off during the week my birthday felt like any other day. And it was okay. Sure Jon could have requested to take this day off, but because he's only been with UPS for a little over a year doesn't want to take advantage of the company. And in all honesty I'd rather have him save those days for our children's activities/recitals as opposed to my birthday. We can always celebrate it over the weekend, and that's exactly what we did. 

So on the actual day of my birthday, and on Friday I had two great friends take me to lunch, and it was fun. I thought I was going to be home all alone all day on my birthday, but it turned out that I wasn't. I also helped a friend in need and serving her was something that I wanted to do as opposed to staying home feeling lonesome. 

Then this past Saturday, the kids finally baked me a cake. They have been so busy with school, and after school activities, and with Jon coming home late every night they just couldn't seem to fit it in their schedule. They didn't want me to make it either. Perhaps it's because they feel I'm not that great of a baker which they're probably right, but at any rate they baked me cake and had a fun time spreading chocolate frosting (my fave) all over it. And added sparklers for good measure. They sang happy birthday to me and it was the most sweetest thing I ever heard. I just love my family.

^^^ We then had dinner at the Rustic Grille which was actually pretty good. We'd never tried it before, but I heard it was good. I had a burger and fries, and it was really tasty! ^^^ 

Fall is definitely in the air with the leaves changing in color, and seeing fall decorations in the stores gave me an itch to finally put my fall wreath out as well as buying some mums for my little porch because let's face it...my porch needs a little help in the decorating department. We spotted this cute little spot out in the country which was surrounded by mums, corn stalks, and veggies that were still in season.The kids helped me pick out a couple of mums, and then afterwards I took a picture of them goofing around. Good thing the owner obliged to their silliness, and allowed us to take as many pictures as we want, and anywhere we wantted! I only took one.) I can tell that they love this season, and the smile on their faces proves that they do! 

I'm so grateful for my family, and for all the effort they made in making my day special. In spite of their busyness with school, and work I feel their love through their cards. I always look forward to the kids making me cards, and this year Lexie wrote me a letter. I love how she put the time in her busy schedule to sit down and put pen to paper to write down the most loving words, and to also strengthen me with her words. I love that Noah wrapped one of his Hess trucks in a Ziploc bag, and shouted "happy birthday mom! Open your present." I just love it. And as always with Sierra out west I love  it when she posts a photo of us wishing me a happy birthday through social media Also...FaceTime is a miracle!! 

Yes. I'm in love with my life, and I'm extremely grateful for all those who took a moment to think of me. Receiving not one, but two edible fruit arrangements was also interesting, but most of all awesome! See...I told you my birthday was different this year! My dear friend from Texas, and my in-laws from out west sent one to me. I have never tried one, and now I can say that I have. It was delicious, and nice to have eaten something healthy for once! It's all gone now with the help of my family, and once again I'm so grateful for their thoughtfulness. 

I also want to thank all my Facebook friends who sent me birthday wishes online via social networking. Although Facebook may be getting a bit old for some I don't think I'll delete my account. It's so nice to see friends I've known for half my life, and since childhood wishing me a "happy birthday." Those two words can sure mean a lot to someone, and they most definitely meant the world to me. 

I look forward to another year of living with my sweet family, and I'm thrilled to see what 44 has in store for me. 

Happy Monday! 

42 will be special.

"Happy Birthday" were two words that Chelsea and Noah kept uttering for a whole week straight. My dear friend Ceyda came to visit me bearing all kinds of gifts from kitchen towels to bath and body products, making me and my house feeling loved.

For years I used to say that my birthday is just like any other day, but I refuse to feel that way anymore. I refuse to feel like each day is like any other day because each day is different, special and unique. I am the one that makes life my own, and if I want to do something or change something about myself that is going to help me become a lovelier, more "better me" then I'm going to be like Nike, and "Just do it!" 

These days my life seems to be flashing too quickly right before my eyes, and thinking that my birthday is like any other day is like saying you being born in this dispensation means nothing. It's a scary thought sometimes you know...getting older. Having wrinkles slowly creeping into the corners of your eyes knowing that your best friend will be the crows feet that you'll be seeing in the mirror every morning. Noticing the gray hairs that are visible from 5 feet away. Not being able to finish a snickers candy bar, or digest spicy food properly. Tums are always in stock at my house! Using that clarisonic so many times a day that the bristles are begging me to move to a much clearer face, and begging ladies at the makeup counters for samples of "all about eyes". It's a bit freaky, but knowing that I'm eight years away from turning the big "50" is a bit overwhelming to me. Then again...I have a daughter in college so why don't I feel that old.  

It's because I'm not. 

When I turned 40 I wasn't afraid...at all. I was actually looking forward to it, and so far these years have been treating me great. Stress, and living life worrying about every little thing is meaningless. It's not me, and I refuse to allow any of that get in the way of the life I'm living. I'm sorry, but I had enough of that in my earlier years. 

No...so far this year has been a great challenge. Even though Jon lost his job this summer I managed to have my first article  published in the Deseret News, have one of my dear friends from Utah visiting for my birthday, a new calling in the church that'll help me grow spiritually, and kids that are healthy, happy, love school, and are pretty wonderful. 

So in my 42nd year I am blessed more than words can say in making each day wonderful, and celebrating my birthday is not like any other day. 

It is special. 

Happy birthday to me! 

A be-lated Birthday note, and a Testimony

I just had to share this letter with the world. I love the brightness in color, and that it's handwritten, the beautiful words, and the person who wrote it. One of my favorite sister missionaries who served in our ward for a short time sent this to me a few days after my 40th birthday. I was lucky enough to have had her and her companion over for Thanksgiving dinner last year. Sister Moeai is someone whom you once meet...you immediately fall in love with her, and her personality. We are like sisters. We probably even look like we can be related. She is from Hawaii. Every single person that I have met from Hawaii becomes a friend for life. I thank my Heavenly Father for putting her in our path, and for continuing to have missionaries serve in our ward.

The kiddos, Sister Moeai, and me~Thanksgiving 2010

I am grateful for the testimony that I have for missionary work and the restored gospel. We as members are responsible in helping the missionaries share the gospel with our fellow man. They are here for a purpose...a divine purpose that can fulfill the life of any family or individual soul. They certainly fulfilled my life nineteen years ago when I converted to a life of Christ. They hold the truth in the palm of their hand (or backpack) to share with the world, and it's called The Book of Mormon. I love that book. I know that it is a true testament of our Father in Heaven. I know that it testifies of Christ. I know that because of prayer, and after reading it in its entirety...I believe that it is true. It has blessed my life in so many ways. I know that the Book of Mormon was restored by Joseph Smith who is a prophet of God. I know that the Bible is the word of God as long as it is translated correctly. I am grateful to have a firm testimony of the gospel and the truth that it holds. I know that we have a living prophet today who guides and leads us into trying to live a path like Jesus Christ, and to avoid destruction that life brings today. I look forward to hearing President Thomas S. Monson, and his counselors at General Conference this weekend. Conference is coming at the right time for me, and so did this letter from a wonderful sister and friend. 

If any of you are interested in a Book of Mormon, e-mail me, or contact the LDS missionaries in your area to request one. The best part is that it's given to you FREE without any obligation. I did it, and it truly changed my life for the better.

An Evening with Legacies

"Tennis has stuck with me after more than a decade; it's in your blood. You don't know how much you miss it until you don't play, its amazing and tennis is my life."

~Jimmy Connors (September 24, 2011) 

For my 40th birthday Jon surprised me with two tickets to the Champions shootout game, and took me to Philly to see two of my favorite tennis players that I followed back in the 90's play against each other. I have never sat in on a tennis match before (except for my daughter's), and it was definitely a night to remember. 

As you can see it wasn't a full house, but there were enough fans to make this evening memorable for these tennis legends as they all entered the court to cheer them on.

There were three matches. Andre Agassi and Jim Courier were the first ones to play against each other. It was so fun watching these two play. Andre showed off his power swings and Courier played with finesse. They both played well and Agassi ended up winning the match.

The second match was Pete Sampras (my fave) and Jimmy Connors  (my mother's fave!) This part was surreal. I couldn't believe I was actually watching Connors play. This is a man after my mother's heart, and as I watched him I had flashbacks of when I was a little girl watching him on T.V. I wish my mom could have witnessed this moment. I couldn't believe how well Connors played at his age. He is 59 years old and played so well with his huffing and puffing and all. After the first set was done Connors said, "Is it over yet?" Everyone chuckled. He was out of breath, but was a great sport. I could tell he still has a strong love for the game.

Can I just say how much I love the outfit Jimmy sported on this evening. I love his chartreuse green sweater vest (so preppy), and check out his vintage Nike's. At the end of the game the MC asked him where he found his vintage Nike's and Connors said in his closet. He's old school, and apparently he dug in his closet and grabbed his 20 year old racket and 20 year old Nike's. They are both in excellent shape (including him.) I think Connor's looks good at 59! He's always been a bit of a show man and he still has it!

Pete Sampras showed off his tricky flutters. He is so good with the racket and ended up winning against Connors, hence having Sampras and Agassi play against each other in the end. They both put on a big show. It was like this: Deuce, advantage Sampras, Deuce advantage Agassi. I mean they were really keeping the game going. Sampras hit a few aces, and hit the net a couple of times, but the ball went over. It was a great evening, and I really didn't want it to end. 

I wish I could afford to attend every game in person (including Wimbledon). I look forward to the U.S. Open next year and hope to attend with our oldest daughter. My mother will be here, and she just may have the opportunity to finally sit it on a tennis match...besides her granddaughter's.

Happy Autumn

"Delicious Autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns!"

~George Eliot

Today is officially autumn and I am loving the rain that is coming down at the moment. The leaves are beginning to transition into the colors of autumn. My heart is filled with so much gratitude today. I feel so blessed to have great kids who are enjoying school and are not complaining about homework...yet. My mailbox is getting filled with good mail. I've been talking to my mom over the phone almost every day and she is counting the days until she comes up. She is willing to come to church with us to see what we are all about! Can you say missionary moment?? It'll be exciting for her to finally make it to the east coast and see all the sites this part of the country has to offer. Not to mention that she is coming up at the right time of the year...FALL, MY FAVORITE!! 


September birthdays are the best! I have many friends who have birthdays this month and if you are reading this I want to wish you all a fabulous birthday! I am looking forward to mine tomorrow! 

The BIG 40!! 

Jon is off on my special day, and we have plans to watch tennis legends Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Jimmy Connors, and Jim Courier play at the Champions shootout match in Philly. I've never had the opportunity to watch any of them play live, and tomorrow I'm going to have my moment! Looking forward to a fantastic weekend! 

Hope y'all do the same! 

XO

September.

Have I told anyone else besides my family that September is my favorite month? Well it is. It is my birthday month, the beginning of football games, school, and my favorite season...Autumn! I'll be seeing my 40th birthday in about 23 days, and I am feeling pretty good about joining the elite 40's soon.

Last night I wasn't feeling so good. I was feeling a bit melancholy and out of sorts. I really try to accentuate writing positive and uplifting things on my blog. I don't want someone who visits my blog to think that they are reading a therapy session. I do however, feel the urge to regurgitate as to why I think I may be feeling this way:

I am getting a lot more gray hairs than I have ever gotten since I moved here three years ago. 

I have a junior in high school, and although she doesn't cause me stress, I can't help but to think how much stress I'll be going through with young men asking her out on a date...yes, the dating scene has officially begun! So young men...beware of the Lioness!

I have an almost tween who is sharp as a whip, and I know that the 'middle school years' will fly by for her just as quickly as Sierra's did.

My six year old said goodbye to kindergarten and is now in first grade...tears! My little girl is not a baby girl anymore!

I am throwing a baby shower for one of my sisters in our church this weekend, and I have been real emotional about the whole thing. I really love this sister and have so much compassion for her. She is having her first child and it is a boy! Which reminds me that Noah is no longer a baby...he's now a little boy. More tears!!

Let's face it. All of my kids are a grade older, and I really don't want that to happen, but it's inevitable. They have to grow up, continue to learn, and become someone important in this world.

Although I was feeling a bit pensive all day yesterday, I had a fabulous morning and I am feeling a lot better today. As I was getting dressed and fixing my hair my youngest comes up to me and says, "You look very beautiful today mommy, I like your lipstick and your hair. That really made my whole day! I needed to hear that. When I hear compliments like that from my youngest daughter or any of my children...turning 40 doesn't sound so bad.