A Memorable Birthday

So if the title didn't give it away, and you were unaware, it was my birthday this past weekend (the 16th). I didn't post about it on the day because, well, it seemed a bit strange to post a "Happy Birthday to Me" entry on my own blog...you know what I mean? So I decided to post about it after the fact. :)

I really had low expectations for my birthday this year. If you know me, I LOVE birthdays and always desire to make sure whoever's birthday it is does not go by without a celebration, and without the person feeling very special on their special day. My birthday is no exception. However, this year I was feeling alright about my birthday being more low-key than ever before. I mean, we live away from everyone who I'm used to celebrating with. We aren't in town for my mom's, grandma's and my "triple birthday party" (family tradition - the three of us have birthdays within 3 days of each other). We really do not have a great deal of money to go blow on expensive material items and fancy dinners. And, we have Maddie now, which adds a different (and wonderful) dynamic to any situation. This did not stop my fabulous husband from making sure I felt celebrated and special on my special day. :)

My birthday, although on Saturday, started on Friday. I came home from work to find a beautiful floral display that had arrived especially for me from my mother-in-law and father-in-law. I love flowers! In the spirit of our upcoming trip to Hawaii, this gorgeous tropical arrangement is now perched on our table, filling the room with wonderfully delicious smells! :) I looked through our mail that afternoon, and had received a special card from my dear friend Kelsie (and her husband, too!), which included a gift card for dinner at the Macaroni Grill. I didn't have dinner figured out for the evening, so I jumped at the chance to use the gift that night. Brant, Maddie and I had a marvelous time at the restaurant, which was an unexpected treat! It was a great way for us to celebrate my birthday over dinner, just the two of us (well, 3 of us! :) ).

Saturday, was a wonderful day. I received so many well wishes in the form of phone calls, cards in the mail and email. I felt remembered and special. The weather was gorgeous on Saturday, reaching 55 degrees! It was beautiful out here. We went to the outlet malls to spend some birthday money I had received, which is always fun! I really haven't changed my wardrobe since before I was pregnant. It was VERY refreshing to try on new clothes! In addition to new clothes, Brant also gave me Snow White, which is newly released out of Disney's Vault. (If you were unaware, we have been collecting the classic Disney movies as they are re-released out of the vault, so this was an important and exciting gift!)

Saturday night I had a birthday party! We invited 7 of our friends to join us for dinner at Red Robin. It really was a lot of fun. I haven't been to Red Robin in close to a year, so it was a fun treat. Here are two pictures of the group. I've included both pictures to be sure everyone was shown, including those who had the camera.
Our friends: Kevin, Meredith and Faith (she's actually sitting just below the bottom of this picture). Josh and Sarah (she's holding Maddie). Kate and Ben. We had a great time!
Red Robin must know I like ice cream! :) I will admit, I thoroughly enjoyed being sung to in public; especially when they give you a prize like this! Maddie was all ready to dive in with me.
We came back to our house, and very much to my surprise, there was a cake waiting for me. I was so happy to have a birthday cake! Usually, my birthday cake comes around when I celebrate with my mom and grandma. We have a big, rich chocolate cake. Mmm. This year, I had resigned myself to thinking I wasn't going to have one, and that was fine with me. But no. Fooled again! Brant made arrangements with our friends, and this beautiful dessert was the outcome. It was delicious!! We also had my favorite cookies and homemade ice-cream to go along with it. Woohoo! Fabulous!
The night ended with a rousing Wii dance party! We pulled out our new "Just Dance" game and everyone stepped out of their comfort zone to give it a shot. We had some pretty good laughs!

I must be in my element, and I am very proud of it! :) I'm dancing solo to "Cotton Eye Joe."

Brant and Ben are dancing to Brant's personal favorite, "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!" Let me tell you, Brant knows how to move those hips!
Meredith and Josh were dancing to something...I just can't remember what it was called. It was pretty funny.

Kate and Sarah were dancing to "I Like To Move It, Move It." So fun!

Enjoying the show! (Kevin, Faith, Sarah, Maddie, Josh and Tucker)

I was so very blessed on my birthday this year. Being so far away from everything I'm used to, I was convinced I'd feel a little out of place this year. But much to my surprise, I can honestly say, I felt at home in this place. I had such a fun day and such a fun party with really good friends. It was indeed a memorable birthday!