Chan's 40th Birthday!

 In our family, we like to take our time celebrating birthdays. Birthdays are a big deal and it's always nice to spend some time honoring and showing extra love and attention to the birthday boy or girl. So, for me, it's been a week long affair and I am not sad about it one bit!

All my life I've been so excited to turn 40. When I was a teenager, I looked up to the women in my life who were around 40 years old (Lisa, Robyn, Amy, Julene, Tiffany, Debbie, Janet... and so many more!) To me, their lives looked perfect. Married, kids are all born to them and they are busy and happy raising them, they have a home, are rooted in the community, and serve faithfully in their ward. They are vivacious and beautiful and have all the answers... 40 is something to be admired!

Well, here I am and I gotta say, it's pretty great. Tuesday was my actual birthday and I came to school and was showered with so much love and attention. There's nothing quite like a room full of kindergarteners to make you feel special on your birthday. Mrs. Kliss gave me flowers and a card and brownie bites to share with the kids. The kids made me little notes and sang to me and laughed when Mrs. Kliss asked if I wanted 40 claps or 40 spankings. My co workers brought a nice little lunch for us to share after we got off work and it was so fun!

I had bookclub that night after Tanner brought me some Waba and it was a lovely evening and I felt so happy being there! Anne gave me fresh flowers from her garden that smelled so good and I love having them on my nightstand.  I had bookclub again the next night and shared some of my birthday goodies with the group and Angel led the best discussion! I'm so proud of her. She gave me such a funny box of gifts and a calendar of men wearing kilts that Tanner totally took offense to... ughhhh. But it was still funny.

Thursday I had a nice dinner out with the kinder aides to celebrate me and Savannah's birthdays. We are 20 years apart but kindred spirits. I love my co workers! 

Saturday was my BIG birthday brunch and my whole goal was so invite everyone I know so that no one would feel left out or excluded. Luckily, Jill was happy to host and did a fantastic job with decorations and food. The big 40 marquis was so cool! My mom and I made egg casseroles and I brought a ton of fruit. Haley did yogurt parfaits and Jill did pastries. Sweet Desiree noticed I didn't have a cake and had Zach go to the store and get me one so everyone could sing to me and I could blow out the candles. 

The whole morning was soooo nice. I invited about 100 people from far and wide and about 50 people came, mostly from the ward. But a few school moms and Emily and London came which made me so happy! Shelley came late because she got a flat tire but helped me clean up and open presents and it was the BEST having her there. My mom brought Kari and Cami and I think Kari was a little overwhelmed but I'm so glad they were there. People were so generous and thoughtful with their gifts and I felt so loved! It was so wonderful seeing so many people I love all gathered together in one place. It really wasn't for ME. I just wanted a reason for people to gather and feel. loved and included. And I hope every one left feeling better than when they arrived. 

Later, I took Ray to Mia B's 11th birthday party at Erika's house and when I told Ray she was invited she said, "She's including me?? Wow! Those girls are being so nice to me lately!" That kind of broke my heart and I hope the girls continue to show Ray the love and respect she deserves. THEN, Jill and I took Ava and Ella (who'd been playing together all day and are now BFFs) to help Courtney with Natalie's sweet 16. Parker, too, had been running around all day helping set up table and things for my party and then getting Kaelyn and Natalie to where they needed to be to do what they needed to do... He was so cute taking pictures of them so they could post the night on social media. Parker is winning! He had a blast at the party and I'm so happy he could have such a great day. 

And me too! It was sooo fun and I wasn't even exhausted! Just happily satisfied. Tanner was a huge help with the casseroles, watching the kids, supporting me, and just being an all around nice guy. I know this time of year is hard for him because it's MY birthday and then mother's day. But giddy up! Because it's gonna be all about me for a little longer! We've even got Teacher Appreciation all next week!

So, here's to my 40's. It's gonna be great! Come what may. 

And oh! I almost forgot! Kim and Monte got their mission call to the Philippines on my birthday! Woo Hoo!