Happy Birthday to MEEE!

How TIME FLIES! I'm old -but the birthday was goooood. Here's me -32 years old.

During the day, Mom and I went shopping and spent a little time together. Later, Lance told me that we'd stay in for the evening and cooked me a romantic and wonderful dinner for my birthday. We had king-crab legs, steak with mushrooms, shrimp, and baked potatoes... It was awesome! He was such a sweetheart and made sure that my birthday was full of happiness. :O)

Here's my HOTT CHEF.

...Some of dinner.

Ok, here's the two of us before we headed to Lance's family's house to pick up the girls... Once we got there the entire family (including Scott and Candace/ kiddos as well as Chaedon) were gathered for a surprise party just for me! WOW! Who gets that??? It was the sweetest thing ever! They gave me some beautiful gifts, and Donny even made me his famous orange cheesecake for dessert. WOW. *Lance took a picture with his cell for me! The next morning the girlz and I took off for a fun weekend in SLC. Here's our "on the way" photo! Yeah, Mia has a thing for toothbrushes, and Ella was more interested in her "homework" than posing for a picture! You'd only see Sabrina's car seat, so it wasn't worth it to try to get her in the shot... :)

Generally speaking, this weekend (my birthday weekend) is the pique of the fall colors in Logan Canyon. I think our early mountain snow storm drabbed out the colors a bit... I tried to catch a glimpse of the beauty, however.

While in SLC we had an awesome little chick -Andie- come and do "glitter toes" for all of us! Here's the order, starting with me on the bottom in the darkest red: me, Mom, Rach, Lex, Mary, Sarah. We had SOOO much fun just hanging out and enjoying each other's company... It's what the ultimate birthday weekend was to me --time with those I love.

...Got my traditional carrot cake!!!

Here's me and my sisters -the picture says it all. We're the best of friends. I can't imagine my life without them -and truly, they made my birthday absolutely wonderful. Left to right: Rach, me, Sarah, Mary.

Getting older isn't a big deal. I think it's just weird to know that there are SO many more people who are younger than me...

Hmmm.

It's been an amazing 32 years. I couldn't ask for more.

friends

My BFF Erin took me out today for my birthday. She's such a kindred spirit. I'm so grateful to have her in my life -she understands me better than almost anyone, I think.

Earlier in the month, my sweetheart friend Jami took me out for my birthday too -and today sent me a text just telling me she loves me.

I have some of the most amazing and beautiful friends in my life. I'm so blessed.

September 30th

September 30th- worst day of my life.

the reason.

Lex and Noah

There were a few birthdays I've missed in the shuffle...

Lexie- an amazing woman lucky enough to find my brother and set him straight! I can't imagine someone built more perfectly for him -to adore him like he deserves, and to be treated like I know Dave treats her. She's one of my heroes; knowing what she's been through, and seeing what comes out the other side -a testament of faith and endurance. Lexie, you know how highly I think of you, and how much you are adored in this family. You're as much a sister to me as any of my blood siblings, and I can't imagine my life without your contribution. I love you, and happy birthday!

Noah -Lex and Dave's son turned 2. The party was fantastic -and parks are quickly becoming the locale of choice. He's the most gorgeous baby -and his future is so bright. I'm so grateful to know this little man and to see first, my brother in a new generation, and second, see this incredible little boy develop and bring so much joy to his family.

I could start a blog simply writing about birthdays -but each member of this family is such a critical piece of the whole. I can only thank God for blessing us so abundantly.

OLD

Yesterday was parent-teacher-conference. As I walked to the school, I suddenly had a burst of severe old age. I know, many of my friends have been doing this for a long time -and it's certainly no big deal. This was a small seemingly insignificant rite-of-passage, but it really came in to focus to me as I approached. I wasn't the girl I used to know: the woman with no children, no husband, no responsibility to anyone other than myself. My life has transformed to being all about these other people around me, and I am lost in the shuffle right now.
...Maybe this is what growing old is.

UGH.

Happy B-Day, Tessa!

Happy FIRST birthday, Tessa-Roo!!! Look at this little love! Rach and Seuao make some pretty adorable babies.

Monday we went to SLC. The place was decked out in brown, pink, orange and green. Rachael had some fun games for the kids -with a "shoe" theme (those invited were asked to bring gently worn shoes to donate to "Soles for Souls" in Tessa's name. CUTE, huh?!) There was some fabulous bbq and lots of chatter and chillin'. It was SUCH a fun little party!

Here's the super-talented and beautiful mom herself, Rachael!

Here's my Ella-Boo during one of the games!

Me and Sawa-Bo-Nana. BRIGHT sun! :)

Here's Ella "helping" Mia!

The messy birthday girl at the end of the party. Good stuff!

*Rach, you did an amazing job. Love ya!

Happy B-Day, Chaedon!

September 16th was Chaedon's birthday! The fam got together and had a fantastic picnic at the park.

Left to right; Chaston, Ella, Mia, Aneesa. Do you notice our little Mia mooching some bites? ...Classic.

Here's our new teenager!! Terrible lighting in this photo! GRUFF.

Here's me and Mia.

Here's Chaedon and Ella while singing "Happy Birthday" --with no candles on the cake. :)

Me and hot-bunz.

More Mary Photos

It's not my fault. Mary is fantastic with the moments she captures -and I had to steal these too. ...Here's me with my newest niece Phoebe! :) -SUCH a doll.

Bri-Bri

Everyone likes to see the baby!

Here are some pictures I took yesterday!

I must also say that it's BIRTHDAY season! This used to be a dry-spell for my family, but with all the additions, we're looking at a LOT more! Today is Chaedon's birthday, and my boy is an official TEENAGER. I'll write more about him later when I score a good picture! :) We also hit Lex & Noah's birthday, and I must say that as mine is creeping up on Oct 2, we're starting to hit celebration mode for MEEEE (right, hunny?)

Pic for the ole' blog

Mary did this picture too... I believe this one was taken the night she was born -Mary came to see us right after the birth. It might have been the next day, but I don't think so.... I wanted to pop it in the ole' bloggoroni for safe-keeping. :)