30, Flirty and Thriving

Haha, gotta love "13 Going On 30". Is it just me, or does 30 sound SO OLD!? It's definitely a transition, going from young, vibrant 29 to plain old fat 30. But it happened for me, on December 1st, and it was quite a lovely event. Can I just say that it was a night and day difference between this birthday and last year's? On December 1st, 2011, I was living in a festive hospital room in LDS Hospital. I was living off of TPN through an IV, drowning in a hospital gown, and trying to close a hole in my esophagus. Here's a reminder:

Although it was sucky circumstances, I felt unbelievably loved by my family and friends and actually had an awesome birthday. I was overwhelmed with the happiness I felt on that December day, and will always always remember that birthday. 

This birthday, the big 3-0 was just as memorable, because of how drastically different it was and how special it was made by loved ones! It started the day before, on Friday, when I got to hang out with these two all day long.

Oh how I love these girls. And don't ask me why they were laying on the dirty back door rug. They were bonding and laughing their heads off, so I loved it.

When Jake got home from work, his parents came to watch the girls while we went on a hot date. I couldn't decide where I wanted to eat for dinner, since choosing a restaurant isn't what it once was. I have to do my research, decide what's safe and what I'm willing to risk, and hope that whatever I get will taste good. So we went to a new place called Cafe Bella Rue, in Daybreak, where we'd once gotten sorbet for dessert. They serve gluten free bread for sandwiches, and baked sweet potato fries, so that sounded good to me that night. Here I am with my gluten free, dairy free, egg free, soy free meal- woot woot!

It was kind of a let down.:/ It was like hard crispy toast with a piece of ham in the middle, with a couple of pepperoni and olives. It was so dry and crunchy, I couldn't stand it. I asked for some sauce to dip it into. Then I realized it was missing the lettuce and tomato it was supposed to come with, so the guy threw on one lettuce leaf and tomato. Boo. But other than that, the food was good and we enjoyed some sorbet afterwards. 

When we left, Jake just kind of said "So what should we do now? We could go see a movie....go check out that new department store...go get the stuff you need to make your cake for the ward party tomorrow..." I was like, I dunno, I thought you'd have this planned! He said, "Well it's your birthday." So I started getting suspicious that something was up and we just had a little time to kill. We made the plan to go to the movies, but he asked if I'd grabbed the movie passes, and I said no, so he said "Well we'd better run home and grab them." Lo and behold, when we got to our house, he sent me to the door to get them, and when I opened the front door, the house was FILLED with people, all yelling surprise. :) Good one, Jakey boy, good one. I've actually always wanted a surprise party, so it was a delightful thing.

Here are some party pics, thanks to my Bree. Clark and Emma got this beautiful cake, AND a carrot cake, to share with all the party guests. Thank you guys! That was a lot of candles to blow out, but I did it all in one shot!

Cassity brought me some gluten free dairy free egg free soy free cake that she'd made- thank you Cass! And some of my favorite ice cream- So Delicious Coconut Milk mint chocolate chip. Yum. Then Miss Bree had also ordered this completely allergen free cake for me from City Cakes in Salt Lake, which came a few days later and was deeeelicious and super chocolatey. And so cute!

I love this one of Cami, doused in frosting and ice cream!

 Love my sisters!!

 And Cassity, like another sister. I like how we all coordinate with the tablecloth. :)

 Cousins Matthew and Diane- love these two and the many memories we have on the Toone Dairy Farm.

 A little present opening goin on. Mom sent me gorgeous scarves, which I've never worn before but now I do!

 Little Baby Owen and Bree, with Jordan in the corner.

 Cute couple, Brittney and David.

 Carrianne! I love you girl. I'd just been to her baby shower the night before and she was very sneaky.

 The Daltons- best neighbors ever, and Cami's beloved former nursery leader.

 Janelle and Tyler Kendrick- love these two. Janelle was the Relief Society president and I was her counselor in our singles ward in Riverton back in the day. She is probably the most amazing person I know.

 Jeff and Amy Grant- I felt so loved to have all these wonderful people helping me celebrate! Amy and I just got released from serving in the Young Women's presidency together.

 Cute Kate and Esther- more of the best sisters a girl could ask for.

 And sweet Jana, who when I have long hair again someday, I want it to look like hers. :)

 Cute neighbor, April Davis and her kiddos came to celebrate.

 And beautiful Evelyn Burns, and her hubby Art, joined the party too. Good primary presidency memories with this girl-and she's an awesome friend and example.

See why I felt so loved? It was so nice to see and visit with everyone, and it totally made my birthday a fabulous one.

On my actual birthday the next day, we went to Festival of Trees, which I totally missed last year, and had our ward Christmas party and talent show. Bree came and she played "Silent Night" on the guitar while I sang the first verse in German, then we harmonized, then sang the Peace Peace addition. I loved singing together again- we need to do it more often! It was a splendid day. 

Here's to being one year older, hopefully wiser, and healthier too.

And rockin' the scarves.