Another Year Older and Wiser

Happy  Birthday to ME!  I must be getting older because the years seems to pass like months.  I just can't believe I'm the big 3-4.  It seems unreal to me.  I honestly don't feel any older, yet I have a 9 year old, I've been graduated from high school for 16 years and college 12, I've been married for nearly 15 years, and some of my dearest friends became my friends over 25 years ago.  Time continues to march on despite any efforts I make to slow it down, so I've decided to embrace it rather than resist.  Getting older isn't all bad.  I wouldn't go back to my 20's if you made me.  The 30's are my decade. I feel like I'm becoming the person I am supposed to be.  I enjoy my life and the people in it much more now than I ever have.  There is nothing like a birthday to make you realize just how many incredible people love and support you.  I felt so much love all day and it felt amazing.  This upcoming year is going to be my best yet.  My biggest goal for my 34th year is to be more spontaneous.  Tomorrow isn't guaranteed to anyone so I'm going to live it up!

The amazing sweatshirt I'm wearing in the above picture was picked out and gifted to me by Griff.  There is no doubt I'm proud to be a Griffin.

My birthday began with a beautiful 6 mile run.  It set the tone for the rest of my day.  My mom and dad sent these absolutely gorgeous flowers.  It's one of the prettiest arrangements I've ever seen.

I checked Hank and Max out of school so we could have a little birthday lunch at Costa Vida with this crew.  Hank opted to take the picture rather than be in it.  Our lunch outings aren't for the faint of heart.  Jeri pretended she didn't know us, haha!  Let's just say the kids were EXCITED about my birthday.

I really wanted my birthday dinner to be at my favorite restaurant, however I was a little leery taking my kids to Pizzeria 712.  I decided it was my birthday and they could eat where I wanted to for a change.  That might have been a mistake.

 I kept Sam entertained by taking some selfies.

This is the best family picture we could get.  Pretty typical really.  Hank enjoyed his food but Max was less than impressed.  In fact, he took one look at his pizza and said, "I'm not eating this crap." and then proceeded to leave the restaurant and sit in the car.  I loved my food and that's all that matters!  There is a reason Randy and I frequent this joint without our kids.  Randy took me out to a delicious dinner in Salt Lake at Finca the weekend before my birthday so I got at least one peaceful birthday dinner.

Later that night, Randy organized a birthday party back at our house with all our family.

At least one of my kids would take a picture with the birthday girl.

Birthday Smooch!

Randy did a mighty fine job picking out the cake.

I had to make sure everyone was singing to me.

I'm not sure it was necessary to put 34 candles on my cake!

I had to bring in reinforcements to help me blow them all out.

Randy did a fabulous job of hosting.  I didn't lift a finger all night.  

I love these beautiful ladies.

Kate and Dan were kid-less since the girls had dance.  I missed my girls but I'm so glad my big sis and Dan were there.  My mom, Sarah, Kate and I enjoyed a birthday shopping trip a few days earlier.  They gave me so many darling things!  I hit the mother load.

So grateful these two decided to make me 34 years ago.  Best parents in the world for me.

And then Sarah and I decided to have a little photo shoot.

Let's just say one of us is stronger than the other.  

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

I think it's safe to say we kinda like each other.  What oh what would I do without her mug?  Man, I have an incredible life and so much to be grateful for.  Thank you to everyone who made my birthday so special.  I'm a lucky lady.