Celebrating In Style

Once upon a time I thought that turning 30 would be a really big deal. Like I would freak out a little that I was suddenly old and we would celebrate the occasion for a whole week with parties and whatever else people do to celebrate for a week.

And then somewhere along the way I realized that 30 wasn't old at all. It was a reward. I have four children (almost) and have put my husband through medical school and 30 is the age that reflects those accomplishments. I have a feeling that in ten years I will feel the same way about 40.

And somewhere else along the way I realized that while dressing up and going out and making a big deal out of things can be fun sometimes, the celebrations that mean the most are the ones spent at home with my family.

So, my big day that once in my head looked like fanfare and fireworks started out with this handmade banner from my kids. This was the handiwork of my oldest daughter Samm who loves to make everyone feel special especially on their birthday. She was even nice enough to GLUE it to the table for me!

Once my breakfast surprise party was over I planted my feet in the kitchen and they stayed there until 5:00 when I rushed up stairs to jump in the shower. I started out making this butterscotch cheesecake which I was a little worried about based on it's looks, and then spent the rest of the day making freezer meals. My Dad said it was a stinky way to spend my birthday, but it felt nice to check something off of my to do before baby comes list. Although it was really more like half a check mark since I didn't get it all finished and I'm back in the kitchen today.

During the afternoon there was a knock on the door and I was handed a beautiful bouquet of flowers sent to me by a certain handsome doctor! I also received many phone calls and text messages and facebook messages from friends and family wishing me a happy birthday. I felt pretty loved by the end of the day.

And once the doctor finally got home we celebrated with grilled pizza and cream soda. And I blew out 3 candles on a slice of my surprisingly very good even though it was ugly cheesecake. PS. That is not my husband in the mirror, it is our friend Chris who's wife and kids left him for six weeks to visit family in Utah. Poor guy!

Finally an hour after bedtime we had the kids all tucked in bed with a hug and kiss and drink and a recounting of what their favorite part of the day was.

Then Josh and I got to sit downstairs together and watch a movie, until his eyes couldn't stay open any longer and I sat with his head on my lap and watched most of it by myself.

And when I finally couldn't stay awake any longer I hobbled my tired body upstairs to bed and fell asleep more than happy about how my big day had turned out.