My 40th birthday was on a Wednesday. I was a little stressed as it approached because I really didn't want a surprise party and I was worried Marshall was going to go against my requests. I calmed down once I realized it was going to be a chill day. My only birthday request was a nice bike ride. I went running in the morning and that was huge because I haven't been able to run because of my hip/IT band problem. It was a true gift being able to run again.
I told my family not to worry about all of the normal birthday stuff like breakfast because I wanted to wait and celebrate on Mother's Day. Plus, everyone had stuff that morning like early morning seminary and such so it was easier not to worry about breakfast. Once everyone went to school, I did some school work and then went on my bike ride once the temperature was warm enough for a short sleeve shirt. It was a fun bike ride.
I did school work through the afternoon. I kept taking pictures to see my 40-year-old self. In some ways I feel old and I notice my wrinkles, in other ways I feel the same as when I was 25-years-old.
We didn't do anything special for dinner either because of the same reason. Everyone had soccer and such so it was too crazy. Plus, eating out is no longer fun with being gluten free. I was just excited to celebrate on Mother's Day. I was happy to combine the two into one big celebration.
I did want a birthday dessert. The Pavlova didn't work out but thank goodness Twisted Sugar has yummy gluten free cookies. So that is what we had. It hit the spot. Marshall gave me this beautiful bouquet.
It was go go go all day. Finally at 9:00 everyone was home. We did dessert and presents. James gave me a candle and a cute flower pot with a pen flower for my desk. Lynnlee made me a jewelry tray in her ceramics class. She also gave me some coupons. Kade gave me a grand piano....the size of a laptop. Tag and Sienna made me cute cards. Tag also gave me some yummy candy.
The best surprise was a book of kind birthday words from family and friends. Marshall gathered messages from my friends and family. They were so nice and so thoughtful. Marshall, James and Lynnlee took turns reading the messages and I tried to guess who they were from. I cried because they were so nice. I felt so loved! I feel very blessed to have such amazing friends and family!
