Tanner's 42nd Bithday

 Tanner’s birthday this year had some highs… and it had some lows.

On Friday, 3 days before his birthday, I dropped the girls off at a birthday party for Sophia (so darling) and then we drove out to Indio to see Brian Regan live on stage! I got us cheap tickets because #wearepoor and Tanner was a little disappointed and complained. But luckily, we scored VIP passes and got to sit in the front! We had a great time at the show and laughed a lot. We were given $10 in slot play and lost that in about 5 seconds but that was fun, too. We had good talks in the car during the drive and were able to connect a little bit.
Saturday, Cami had arranged for us all to go to 3 Arch for Jessi and Tavian’s birthday celebrations. It’s her birthday coming up, too. And also… Tanner. I was super excited to go to the beach and spend time with my family but Tanner was NOT.
Now, let me be clear: I asked Tanner SEVERAL times what he wanted for his birthday and each time it was like talking to a brick wall. I tried my best to please everyone and make everyone feel loved and special. But clearly Tanner was feeling the opposite of that. He was ugly and mean and we ended up leaving for the beach without him. It made my heart sad but I’m in control of me so I focused on the positive. The beach was gorgeous and so fun. I loved being down there with my family. We had the beach to ourselves and it was wild to look around and see the cousins all growing up! It’s happening so fast now!

Hours later, Tanner showed up with his tail between his legs. Everyone was packing up to leave so we stayed and talked for a little while longer and watched the sun go down. I cried. It’s not like I’m not trying!! Ya know? I just want everyone to be happy but I’m just one person! We got Handels on the way home and Tanner was great to smooth things over. When I talked to Angel about it, she said Tanner probably just wanted a chill day at home because he’d been gone so much and working so hard. I feel badly that I didn’t see that need and try to fill it. I’m sad that Tanner had to fight for it and not just ask. But I’m grateful we came full circle and I’m thankful for my best friend who helps me see things clearly.

Sunday, we went to my parent’s ward to see Elder Cotton give his homecoming address. It’s crazy to have such vivid memories of him in primary and here he is now, a returned missionary! Another young man gave him homecoming talk too and wow- he had struggled as a child/teen and left on his mission later in life. I remember him being squirmy and rebellious but what I saw on Sunday was a MAN. I was so impressed and in awe of what the Lord can do.
My mom made us chicken n rice and baked Tanner a delicious chocolate cake. I failed to take any pictures but it was a super nice time and once again, my mom out did herself. I hope Tanner knows how many people out there love and support him.

Monday was Tanner’s actual birthday and sadly, he got asked to drive out to Yucca Valley and check on a building and wasn’t able to have a fun celebration with his work friends. BUT, we did end on a high note: we took the kids (after Jack’s first soccer practice which he LOVED) to Fleming’s for a fancy steak dinner. The girls got all dolled up and even had make up on. We poured water into the wine glasses and we all order steak. The kids menu even had filet mignon! Everyone had good behavior and we drank Shirley Temples and shared too many desserts. We sang to Tanner and he finally blew out his birthday candles and in true Peterson fashion, we all collapsed into bed that night with full hearts and full tummies.

Thanks, Rockwell, for picking up the $600 tab!

Tanner is now 42 and he’s hoping that this is the year that things finally start to take off for him career wise. If we can start making (and exceeding) some financial goals, then other things like his physical and mental health will fall into place, too, I believe. Tanner, if you ever read this (I’m guessing if you are, you are in your 70s and finally have time to look back on your life) I want you to know how much I love you. Right now, in this phase of life we are in, I’m so proud of your ambition. I’m so lucky to be married to a man who’s not afraid to work hard and provide for his family. I’m also proud of you for pursuing some of your personal goals- a major one being working on your pilot’s license. Before Steve died, you felt compelled to step in at Rockwell and help in any way you can. That shows your character as a man who lives his covenants. You were there to bear another’s burden, lift up the hands that hung down, and bring hope and compassion to a suffering family. You try your best in all you do and that includes looking your best- I like the new, funky blazers you recently bought for yourself. You love to be soft and snuggly with the kids. The affection you show them helps them to feel safe and secure and in a world where life can sometimes be heavy and chaotic, that’s so important. I love that you love to sing with MCO and are passionate about that organization. The music that fills your heart and mind each week is a balm to your soul (and our children’s) and I’m thankful for your stellar example with dedication to music.
At the end of the day, we know you love us and would do anything for us. You are devoted to us and the Lord and I have high hopes that this next year we will see a beautiful building start to rise on the firm and solid foundation that you’ve created.
Happy birthday! We love you!