Chan's 39th Birthday

 Since my birthday was on a Sunday this year, I told my mom that I really just wanted to come to my home ward for church. I wanted to go to a place where every one knew me and loved me (like Cheers). I didn’t want any drama on my birthday. A few days later, my mom told me that my dad had been asked to speak in church, and that he wanted me to speak with him! I was honored.

So on the morning of my 39th birthday, we loaded up and drove to Laguna Niguel and I spoke in church with my dad. My dad gave me a little introduction and told everyone how I was born right after Josi, and after my mom had struggled for eight years to have another baby. When I got up to speak, I said that my dad had failed to mention that it was 39 years ago today that I was born – yes today’s my birthday! I gave the talk that I gave in my own word a few months ago with a few edits. I was so happy to be there! After my talk, tons of people came up to talk to me and made me feel so good. it was fun to be at church with Angel and the kids had so much fun with hers up in Primary. I just love her so much!

After church we went to my moms for a delicious brunch. She really outdid herself! Everything was beautiful and I felt so loved. Kari and Savannah came to church and over to my moms for brunch so it was a little awkward, but she was nice and it was good to see her. (she had made a rude comment on the family group text about our trip up to Washington.)

After Kari left, I opened the gift that my mom got me. I asked her for a new temple dress, and it is beautiful! My mom really spoils me! Oh! And she made me my favorite mint chip, Oreo, ice cream cake, and it was delicious!

After brunch, we headed down to three arch bay. All I wanted was a Beach day for my birthday – like always! But my back started to spasm and it was hurting so badly! I couldn’t eat or talk or anything! Tanner did a good job massaging my back and that made it feel better but man it was hurting so badly!!! Cami was there, but she left in a hurry because her dog needed to make an emergency vet visit. But Jon was there and he was super nice and gave me a great birthday tribute when everybody saying happy birthday to me. Angel was there, and Luis made everybody cheeseburgers and hotdogs, which was so great! it was truly the birthday of my dreams besides the back pain. The beach was a little chilly so we headed home and I took a bath and Tanner helped get the kids ready for bed. Luckily, I felt better after that. But the day was filled with so much love! I love you in all of the text messages and phone calls from people far and wide, who remembered me on my birthday. I loved it so much there’s nothing better than feeling special on your birthday!

The next day was back to school/work/reality and I was so happy! We all love Rondo so much so it was truly a joy to go back. But man, those kinders are FULL of energy. I was tired. But my awesome and thoughtful teacher, Colleen, brought me Nothing Bunt Cake and some shells she'd found at her beach house in Mexico. She also had a cute card for me and brought cookies for all of the kids and had them sing Happy Birthday to me. It made me feel so special!!! I had to pull Jack out of school early when he was down at the nurses office complaining about his tooth. Turns out he'd cracked his molar and an emergency visit to the dentist later, apparently it will just fall out in time. Poor kid!

 That evening, Courtney, Jill, and I met at Disneyland for dinner to celebrate ME! We brought Parker, Natalie, and Kaelyn too because they are such good friends. We got right in at Blue Bayou and the girls paid for my dinner which was SO good! (I got the pasta) Our server brought me a birthday pin and wrote “Pretty! Adorable!” on it because I told him, if he couldn't spell or pronounce my name, he could write something easier like "Beautiful" or "Super Star". We got beignets for dessert and recieved an extra one and the entire night, Jill and Courtney kept wondering how I was so lucky to get so much positive attention from everyone around me. It's called karma! And being a nice person. We talked and laughed all night. We rode Indiana Jones and Pirates and just enjoyed being together at the Happiest Place. I love Disneyland so much and it was so fun with my friends!

This was a really good birthday and a great start to my last year in my 30s. Every since I was young (like, a teenager), i've looked forward to my 40s so I'm hoping to start gearing up for it now and make that decade the best ever!