The big 33

I had a great birthday! Friends and family made me feel so special. A great lunch with the girls and Chad, a pedicure, and then dinner with a lively bunch made the day perfect.

They say its your birthday.....

For years I admit, and shamefully, that it was only until about three years ago, I required those around me to rise to my high level of expectations for my birthday. I wanted the world to stop and everyone to do something with, or for me which sounds super narcissistic and mean. I just really wanted it to be MY special day, and I was upset when that level wasn't reached.

Well, today is my birthday and I can say that I my heart has changed. Over the past few years I have pushed off the notion that I needed to be catered to and dotted over, and it has made my birthday so much better.
I am so grateful for the love that I have in my life and when I say "love" I mean the feeling that I have through many different relationships in my life. First and foremost, Chad is a big chunk of that love. He has done everything in his power to give me a special day - right down to having french toast with a powdered sugar heart and a candle on top, waiting for me after the gym. He thinks of me and what I would like instead of what he thinks I should like.... and that is not just today.... he does that all the time.
My kids have showered me with handmade cards and Alison has said several times today "Mom, its your birthday! Happy birthday, mom!" as if it was a surprise every time. Caitlyn makes the best cards. In one of them it read "Dear mom, Happy Birthday! I love you! I hope I can make today as easy as possible for you! Love, Caitlyn". How sweet is that!

Friends have messaged me, met me for a pedicure (I'm grateful for them taking time out of their busy schedules!) and my sister sent me a little package in the mail - including a card that almost made me weepy. All of these gifts, whether they were time, money (wish they wouldn't have -really) or a thought has truly meant the world to me.

So many people dread the day that they turn one year older. I don't. I really don't (besides the fact that my hands are looking older - which I am combating with Olay Regenerist as we speak) My life is great. I have a wonderful little life over here. Thats not to say that it is always peachy, but I really couldn't ask for anything more. The relationships and my family mean so much to me and they enrich my life everyday. This is due mostly to my most wonderful husband who tries everyday to be the best husband/man he can be. Thats all I could ever ask of him. He means so much to me - He really is my other half. We have too much fun together and I don't know what I would do with out his wit.

Years ago, when Caitlyn and Nathan were toddlers, I was on the phone with my Grandma Standage and she gave me advice that I will never forget. She told me to always enjoy the stage of life that I am in. She regretted always looking to the future when the kids would be just a little older - and then she looked back and realized that she had missed out on enjoying them then. That advice has always stuck with me and I try to enjoy my kids as they are. I wish I could freeze time with them right now. I love all of their ages.... but time will move one. Im grateful that I am here, right now.
So Happy Birthday to me. One year older, and hopefully wiser too.

Before and After

It's a nice change... we've worked really hard the past few months to get the house ready to repaint. Our poor neighbors must have really hated to see our house go through this process, but we're really excited about the results. 

Chad is such a hard worker and I'm so happy to have such a handy husband!

Summer 2013

Alison loves her swim lessons....and her froggy goggles. 

Caitlyn has become an expert swimmer. she's doing the backstroke here but she's really good at the butterfly stroke.

Nathan had been great sitting with me... as long as he can listen to "Firework" and play games on Caitlyn's IPod

Love.

I'm spite of everything bad we have to go through, I just love this guy. He brings a lot of love and joy into our family.