Happy 43rd Birthday to me!

Well...another year in the books, another year older, and (hopefully) another year wiser. I think the thing with getting "wiser" as you get older boils down to simply recognizing that you don't know everything. I guess therein lies the wisdom. There is a humility in "ignorance". There is a sense of realizing that everyone's story is so complex (and messy) and that there is no way you could possibly know everything. It's liberating to break free from the expectations of omniscience. It's relieving to embrace your limitations instead of try to hide them. I wish I could say I have perfected this, but I think I still have a few more years of wisdom yet to gain...and I'm excited to welcome this next year. There are so many people who try to hide their age. I am not one of them. I am 43 years old. I have earned every one of those years. They may not have been perfect years. There are mistakes and regrets that hindsight haunts me with; however, the present reminds me that without those bumps in the road, I would not have gained the "wisdom" I have nor be the person I am today. I would like to think that is a good person who is simply trying her best every day. I am grateful for grace. I am grateful for forgiveness because I know I am not perfect. I am grateful for second (and third...and fourth...) chances, and I am grateful for the times I get things right. I'm grateful for the people who chose to take a moment to celebrate me today. Some were friends that I only hear from once a year. Others were family members. All are loved and appreciated by me. As is the case with most years, I try my hardest to drag out my birthday celebrations. I enjoy the freebies or discounts I get at this time of year. I take advantage of any excuse to spoil myself without guilt. Jeff thinks I'm pretty funny because he could care less about how many times I decide to get a pedicure or how much money I spend on a new outfit, but I do. I have always tried to live a frugal life (and I would like to think we have reaped the benefits of my frugality). It's hard for me to spend money on myself when I think of what that money could be used for to benefit someone else or the family as a whole...but on my birthday, I drop the guilt and simply enjoy. One day, I cashed in on my Cafe Rio discount and free Crumbl cookie. 

I also enjoyed a nice pedicure on my actual birthday then a massage and a relaxing hour in a salt cave after I returned from NYC. (The salt cave was courtesy of a gift card Nichole and Krystle got me for my birthday. It's actually a really relaxing experience! You literally sit in a room full of Himalayan salt. The room is made up of salt bricks and there is tiny particles of salt pumped into the room. It is a detoxifying experience.)

On my actual birthday, Jeff and I picked up my birthday cake at Provo Bakery then walked to the Communal for brunch. I love traditions. This is something we've tried to do every year. There's been one or maybe two years that we couldn't go, but overall, this has been my birthday tradition. Some people might laugh at all my "traditions", but, to be honest, it's simply because I don't have to reinvent the holiday or birthday activities from year to year. So, in actuality, traditions help me be lazy. Haha! Still, it was a nice morning with Jeff. (That afternoon, I got my pedicure then that evening I worked on a puzzle as we binge watched some shows while it snowed outside. Just a perfect, quiet birthday.)

The day after my birthday was Sunday (March 6th). Jeff hosted a family dinner for my birthday. Scott, Kaia, Amber, Dallin, Gma Penny, Grumpy, Katie, and Greg joined us. There are only two dinners I get to sit out without feeling guilty - my birthday and Mother's Day...even though sometimes it's hard for me to watch others make dinner for me in my kitchen. (If you know...you know!) Yet, I love that they are willing and want to serve me in this way. We had my traditional chicken and mashed potatoes then indulged in the lemon cake. Jonas helped me blow out the candles; actually, I think I only had time to get one out before he finished blowing out the rest. It was the perfect way to round out my birthday weekend.

Basketball

This year, both Danny and Jonas played basketball through Payson Rec. Danny is the kid who tries every sport there is. He has cycled through football, tennis, track, wrestling, basketball, and is going out for the lacrosse team in March. Unlike Dallin (who stuck with basketball), Danny seems to enjoy bouncing from sport to sport. He enjoyed playing basketball, not because his team was the best, but because he had several friends on the team. In fact, I'm pretty sure that was the only reason he played, but he had fun doing it.

Jonas is still in the phase of trying all the sports and (hopefully) picking one or two he wants to stick with later. This was his first year playing basketball. As such, his season was just 6 weeks (once a week) with 3 weeks dedicated to skill development and 3 weeks of games. He too had a couple friends on his team and he seemed to enjoy the sport. I like watching him play. He really pays attention to the coach and tries his hardest to implement the suggestions and direction he receives. Even with just 3 games, he really improved over all, especially in his defense. He made at least one basket in each game and was a team player. He would actually pass the ball and help with rebounds. I'm not sure this was his favorite sport (I think he liked wrestling and football better), but he still had fun. We're going to take a break for now. He wants to enjoy some free time, and I don't blame him. We'll continue with gymnastics and music classes, but we'll pause his exploration of sports for the time being. I'm just happy that both of the boys are willing to try new things and stay active!

Happy Valentines Day

To round out all the February fun, we celebrated Valentines Day on Monday, February 14th. (Jeff and I actually continued the Valentines celebration into the following day simply because it was difficult to find time to squeeze in a date prior to then.) Each day leading up to Valentines Day, I put a heart on Jeff's, Danny's, and Jonas's doors with something that I loved about each of them. I honestly don't know how much they pay attention to those little hearts (actually, I know Jonas loves them and asks me what they say each day), but I love (and need to do) them. It helps me see the positive and really express my appreciation for some of the little things.

Valentines morning started with a feast of everything pink or red, plus gifts for the boys. 

That afternoon, I had the opportunity to help with Jonas's class Valentines party. They got to decorate sugar cookies, read a special Valentines book, made a craft, and played bingo, in addition to exchanging Valentines. This year, Jonas wanted to give out crazy straws that said, "You're a CRAZY, awesome friend." I appreciated all the non-sugary Valentines Jonas received, although I think he would have preferred all the sugary treats.

When Jonas got home from school, I helped him make his Lego car that we gave him for Valentines. Following that, Jonas noticed that I had not received any Valentine gift/treat. He sweetly rushed into the office to make me a Valentines card. Dad came home about that time with flowers and a card for me. He also had chocolates that Jonas bought off of him to give to me. I was grateful that Jonas noticed and cared. That is the type of boy he is...just like his daddy. 

That evening, I got the "heart baker" pizza from Papa Murphy's for dinner. I contemplated making a special meal, but after all the food prep for the Super Bowl, I opted for the easy dinner choice. The boys didn't complain. After dinner, we went to Katie's house to celebrate Gma Penny's birthday. She, unfortunately, has to share her birthday with Valentines Day; however, we try to make it special for her as well. Katie made a yummy dessert and Jeff got her a gift...yes...a bikini. I just shook my head. He said he wanted to get her something she would never buy herself; well, he did! She laughed so hard. I'm pretty sure that bikini is going to be a traveling gift for whoever's birthday is up next. 

As you can see, with all the celebrations of the past weekend, Jeff and I struggled to find a time to squeeze in a date...so we took Tuesday morning off! I am so grateful for a husband who, in spite of all he has going on and all the stress of building a new house in addition to work and church responsibilities, will carve out time for me. For Jeff and I, it's essential. We need those moments to simply be husband and wife; to celebrate our love and to nurture our relationship. In year's past, we've done some pretty unique things around Valentine's Day. So we tried to find something interesting to do...and we did...but it's probably never going to be something we repeat. This year, we decided to take a trip out to the Great Salt Lake. We specifically went to Antelope Island. That is one of the most inhospitable places on this planet! Haha! We just shook our heads at the barren island stuck in the middle of the salty lake. There used to be a ranch on the island that dated back to 1848. We visited the ranch for a self-guided tour, and I just kept wondering how those early settlers lived out there! There are a bunch of bison on the island and we were lucky enough to see a few. Before we left, we decided to hike up Buffalo point to see a view of the lake. I have to admit that was actually mildly picturesque, but the wind was cold and fierce! Was it our favorite date activity? Definitely not, but it was just what we both needed - time with each other. Life can come at us fast, but my relationship with Jeff is the most important thing to me. I feel so extremely lucky to be married to my best friend. I shake my head at how far we've come and how close we feel to each other. That isn't by chance. It has involved humility and effort on both our parts. I'm simply grateful that he wants to work with me. I can't imagine this journey of life without him. He balances me in ways I never imagined I needed. He is my greatest support and my endless champion. I love you Jeff!

(I had to include a final picture of one of our favorite little Valentines!)

February Fun

While all the "big" holidays culminate with New Years, the new year starts with a lot of little holidays or events to celebrate. February had a few fun moments to observe. We started the month (Tuesday, February 1st) with the Lunar New Year. This Chinese holiday changes dates (much like Easter) depending on the moon phases; yet, each year brings a new animal and a small party to honor this distinct culture. Recently, Jonas has become fascinated with Asian culture. I think it's mainly because he likes watching karate or the idea of being a ninja; regardless, we celebrated with lucky red envelopes, gold (chocolate) coins, a tiger, and festive foods. Because it's the year of the Tiger, I got Frosted Flakes for breakfast then we ordered some chow mien and orange chicken from Panda Express that evening. 

That Friday (February 4th) was the opening ceremony for the 2022 Winter Olympics. Jonas and I decided to have a little watch party. We have really enjoyed watching several of the events over the past couple of weeks. Jonas is always asking how many medals we have compared to other countries. To say he is loyal to the US is an understatement. He wants us to win! He says one day he'll go to the olympics. I'm not quite sure what sport he aims to do that in so for now, we'll just enjoy watching. I decorated with flags from all the countries (his favorites were Japan and China) and had a little Olympic rings snack assortment.

On Saturday, February 12th, Danny went to the Sweethearts dance with his date, Rachel. This is only his second high school dance. It is fun to see him interact with his friends and enjoy these ritualistic high school experiences. The night before, the boys took the girls to Utah Lake to roast hot dogs and make s'mores while playing a few games on the shore. The night of the dance, they took pictures at the Springville Museum of Art, had dinner at Magelby's, attended the dance, then went to the Chisholm's for a movie after. They all had a blast!

Super Bowl was next (Sunday, February 13th)! This is always a fun evening for us. We don't really follow any particular team, but we enjoy watching the big game...and eating LOTS of food! I just love that it's another reason to gather my family. As is tradition, I chose foods that honored each team. This year, we had chili dogs and buckeyes in homage to the Cincinnati Bengals and street tacos and churros to honor the Los Angeles Rams (who won 23-20). We also had a veggie tray, chips and dips, and (of course) Jeff's favorite bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers. We were lucky enough to have all the kids home, plus Evan, Kristina, their boys, Mitchell, Grant and his girlfriend, Liz. Dallin even invited over a couple of friends. To say we had a full house would be an understatement! However, there was plenty of food and fun for everyone. The kids tossed around the football before the game then after the game, we played a few games  of our own. It was a fun evening. I really do enjoy celebrating the minor (and major) moments of life. Any excuse to make a mundane more fun, I'm in!