Birthday Girl!

Well guys, this girl is 26 now! I told everyone I wasn't planning on celebrating my birthday this year because I had plans to remain 25 from here on out. BUT we celebrated of course and had a lot of fun doing it. I try not to think that I'm one year closer to the big 3-0.... but I do. I still feel 17... don't you? It's weird, time never stops and in some ways I'm grateful for that but in others, I'm not. Not that 30 is old per se but after 30 you're on your way to 40 and that's old. The 20's sure are flying by and I'm trying to enjoy this crazy life the best I can as a mom with 3 boys, a wife, sister, daughter, granddaughter, cousin and friend!

My cute little sister, my one and only, took me out to breakfast! Now this year was really special because this was the first birthday I have spent with ALL my family since I was 17! Since before I left for college and then got married and moved away! SO it was awesome celebrating with everyone. Brittany took me to Batter-Up, the best pancake place here in town. I had chocolate pancakes.... mmm! The best. After that since Jake had to work it was just like any other day at home with the boys, I opened some cards and packages I got in the mail, which is always so fun and the boys enjoyed helping me with that! Jonathon was so excited for me that it was my birthday. He was still half asleep and walked into my bedroom to give me a big birthday hug and inform me that it was my birthday. Caleb had no clue of course what was going on but he sure enjoyed all the treats we got all day. Jake kept the tradition my mom has been doing for me on birthdays since I was little and set up the kitchen downstairs in pink decorations and pictures of me as a baby. All my cards are set up on the table now, I love cards :) Especially the music ones the boys got me so we can dance to them!

When Jake got home I left, ALONE, and did a little shopping for myself. You know, got some new shoes, a new top, things like that. Then after that we picked up my birthday desserts and headed over to Edo-Ya, the best place ever. I have pictures going here for my birthday dinner since I was like 6. We had Filet Mignon, shrimp, chicken, fried rice, soup, salad, shirley temples and some yummy german chocolate pie from Marie Calendars, which should be a sin because it's so good. The boys loved the fire, well kind of, at first they hid and covered their eyes, but then ended up clapping for the chef. It was a good night with my favorite people, great food and fun gifts. I'm glad we celebrated my 25th year, it was one of my favorite years yet and deserved to be celebrated!!! Hooray!