The Week I Turned 30

Well, I have officially entered my 30's...dun dun dun. I've made it quite clear to nearly everyone I know, how much anxiety I have with this number. I have issues with aging, not only me aging but everyone around me as well. It's a fact of life that I have yet to come to grips with but as Randy says "What do you do?". I suppose I can't defy all odds and stop getting older so I am going to do my best and live each day with consciousness and gratitude for another chance to enjoy my beautiful life. On a side note...my mom let me borrow her book 'Women, Food, and God' by Geneen Roth which I just happened to start reading the day before my birthday and I'm pretty sure it's changed my life. A must read in my opinion. I digress...my birthday celebrations have been non-stop for nearly a week. Actually, if you count Dara coming to town it's been going on for closer to a month! Here is a recap...including WAY too many pictures of yours truly, I apologize.

The girls (and Jack) took a shopping trip up to Anthropologie last week and we did some damage! Just a warning, stay out of that store! There were so many adorable clothes, I took close to an hour narrowing down my selections. We had a blast trying on clothes, eating, and visiting. I can't imagine my life without these lovely ladies. Such a fun day! I justified numerous purchases using the old "I only turn 30 once, right?" excuse.

On Friday, Randy told me he made plans for the two of us on my actual birthday so we would hang out with my family the night before and go to dinner. Before dinner, he told me we had to stop in at a Bear River Mutual party at Noah's and say hi. I thought the entire idea was ridiculous. What was the point in unloading the kids and cutting my birthday party short just to say hi to a bunch of insurance people I don't care about. I went along with the plan and soon discovered why Randy insisted we show up.....I opened the door and SURPRISE!!! I had no clue he had been plotting a surprise birthday party with the help of my mom and Sarah. My entire family was there and I was overwhelmed by their love and willingness to be there for me.

Sarah made an adorable banner and provided 3 dozen balloons to make it more festive. Not only did she help with the party, she wrote the most amazing tribute to me on her blog. I often wonder what I did to get such amazing sis.

Speaking of amazing sisters, here is my other sis and her family. They couldn't stay long because Lucy had a dance competition but I'm so glad they were there.

Sarah, Kate, Lucy, Mom, and Jack

Darcelle slaved for days to make me the most adorable cake I've ever seen. I still can't believe how amazing it turned out. I know how much work that took and I am so lucky to have such a great friend, so willing to put her life on hold to give me the best birthday cake ever. It had chocolate and peanut butter inside...delicious!

My adorable niece Isabel

Hank, Dyson, Max, and Colby

Grant, Hayley, and Monet

My Aunt Becky (Larry was also there but managed to escape the camera.)

Riley and Monet

Sadie and Crystal

Jessie

Grandma Joanne and Randy

Chris, Grandpa Sherm, Grandma Yvonna, and Missie

Lynn and Jenni

Griff

Jeri

My mother got all the food ready and made sure everything went smoothly. She also gave me the most amazing picture she has been working on for months. I just hung it in my house and it looks beautiful. I love you mom!

She is a master cross-stitcher if you didn't know.

My adorable daddy just had a birthday on Sunday. Sarah did an unbelievable tribute to him on her blog. I have so much pride saying he is my dad. He is such an incredible man. Happy Birthday papa!

The kids helped me blow out the candles but I didn't want to cut into this masterpiece. Max had no problem pulling the handle off the bag about 2 seconds after this picture was taken.

Jeri and Scott brought the wii and the kids had a blast. Then we watched the first half of the Jazz game. How nice of them to win on my birthday!

On Saturday, my actual birthday, we rushed out the door by 7 am to get to Hank's first Tae Kwon Do tournament. Although the event was pretty poorly organized, Hank's excitement couldn't be stopped. He told me he "knew" he was going to win. I love the confidence! He told me his first place trophy would be my birthday present. I'm pretty sure I was more nervous than he was.

Opening Ceremony

After waiting nearly 4 hours for Hank's turn, Max was due for a nap.
They finally called Hank and he broke the boards like a champ. He did a side kick, jumping over Jimmy and breaking a board then did a front roll and a hammer fist to the next board. I don't think I've ever felt more pride in my life. He went out there with so much confidence and ended up taking 1st place out of 6 other competitors. He wasn't surprised at all that he pulled off the win.

The kid on the left gave him some pretty stiff competition.

Dylan (on the right) has been helping Master Augustine with Hank's class for the past year and he coached Hank to victory.

Both Grandma Jackie and Grandma Jeri endured HOURS of waiting for the star to perform. It meant so much to Randy, Hank, and I that you were both there. Mino couldn't contain his excitement.

Randy and I barely had time to get home, pack our stuff and drop the kids off to Jeri's before our massage appointments at the Grand America hotel. Randy arranged for us to have a couple massage and after a day at the Tae Kwon Do tournament, it felt like heaven.

Our room was on the 12th floor and this was the view from our balcony. Talk about living large! Our room was amazing. If you haven't stayed at the Grand America...I highly recommend trying it out for a special occasion. We had a delicious meal at the hotel that ended with the most delicious dessert I could have imagined. Beignets...who knew they were the most mouth watering treat ever. They were served with hot caramel, chocolate, and berry sauce. AMAZING!

We finished off my birthday celebrations, dancing the night away and pretending I'm not 30! You know how much I love watching Randy dance. Randy went way over the top for my birthday, with Dara coming for a week, surprise party, and a night in SLC. It was such a blast. I love you dear and I love all my family and friends who made this birthday so special for me. I am so blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people who love me. I love you all VERY much. Hopefully you all know that!