My birthday!

I think my birthday is still one of my favorite "holidays" to celebrate! My parents always made sure we had a special day. It was never anything over the top, but Dad would take us out of school for lunch, we got to choose the dinner we were going to eat, and we didn't have to do the dishes! There were never annual, grand parties with over-the-top decorations or tons of friends...and that was ok. I just knew that was my special day. Since becoming an adult, I have always reserved my birthday as a special day to be spoiled and to spoil myself. I think it's because it's a holiday I don't have to share with anyone else. Sounds a bit selfish, but I feel like it gives me an excuse to simply be Alisha...to celebrate the day I came to be and to remember who I am. Sometimes I think my individuality gets lost in the roles I play (and adore!). I forget that I am more than a wife, mother, daughter, aunt, friend, etc. so for my birthday, I get to remember that I am me! I get to be celebrated...and loved...and that's the best part. This year is no different. I have felt completely spoiled and absolutely loved. Of course, I decided to celebrate my birthday week rather than just a day. On Wednesday (3/1), Jonas and I went to the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. While that may not have been an entirely stress-free activity (what is with a 19 month old?), I enjoyed seeing all the animals, but most especially watching Jonas discover and explore! He LOVED the penguins and watching the sharks swim overhead. He did NOT like the aquariums with the large fish. He'd approach one, quickly turn around, and say, "Bye-bye!". It was actually pretty funny to watch.

After we explored the aquarium, we grabbed a quick lunch then indulged in a gourmet donut from Beyond Glaze. I couldn't resist the chocolate peanut butter swirl! The whole chocolate/peanut butter combo gets me every time.

I continued my birthday celebrations on Friday (3/3) with my traditional birthday lunch with Jeff and Jonas at the Communal. I love traditions. It doesn't have to be anything big. It's just something out-of-the-ordinary and special. Jeff gave me my traditional roses (one for each year) then we walked down to the Provo Bakery to pick up my traditional lemon birthday cake.

After that, Jeff took Jonas and I got some "me" time! I treated myself to a relaxing pedicure before going home to see the older boys and Jeff off on a campout. That meant Jonas and I got to spend the evening together. We rented a movie, got in our pjs, and enjoyed a night in.

The next morning (3/4) Jonas and I went out to breakfast at Cafe 300. Scott recommended it but warned me that they had big pancakes. I underestimated their size. They were HUGE! Luckily I only got one! I loved spending the morning with my little man...and a gigantic pancake.

That afternoon, Katie and Greg took Jonas and I out to lunch! I felt completely spoiled. I am very lucky to not only have a wonderful family of origin, but an amazing family that I married into.

Uncle Greg sat with Jonas in the back seat...now we know why! Jonas loves his Uncle Greg.

Finally, my actual birthday arrived! Again, I was completely spoiled with phone calls, texts, and social media messages wishing me well on my birthday. I am grateful for family and friends, near and far, who took some time out to wish me a happy birthday. After church, I was able to do a little scrapbooking (which may not seem like a huge deal but it was a gift that the other boys entertained Jonas so I could have a little time to do what I wanted to do) before the boys made me my traditional fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green bean dinner. (See...more traditions!) Jeff's parents, Katie, Greg, Scott, Mel and Kaia joined us. More than anything, I think that's why I enjoy my birthday. I just love being with or hearing from the people I love. I wish we took more time to reach out to those we love year round...not just on special holidays. The night ended with candles and a lemon cake. I would say it was another successful birthday!