Happy Birthday to.... ME!

Yes, today is my birthday.

Yes, I'm 30 years old (eeeek!).

And yes, for some insane reason, I'm making a "big deal" out of my birthday this year.

I couldn't tell you why, but I'm thrilled to have a day that is all about ME!
Maybe it's because I've spent the last few months concentrating on and celebrating every other family member's birthday (Nick and Avery in December; Damon, Mom, and Dad in January).
Maybe it's because I spend all day, EVERY day, all year long concentrating on other people and making THEM and their needs/wants the center of my little universe.
Or maybe it's because I'm just an ego-maniac who wants to spend an entire day talking about herself and saying "YAY! I'm alive! I made it 30 whole years on this planet! weeeeeee!"

Regardless, today is MY day, all mine... and even though I'm a little depressed that I'm no longer a young 20-something girl, I'm quickly getting over that "age thing."

In all honesty, I'm proud that I've accomplished what I have in the past 30 years.

Avery woke up in the middle of the night (actually about an hour ago) and cried for me. As I tucked her back in her bed, I lingered and had one of those "middle of the night sappy moments" just staring at her and marveling over the fact that she's mine and that I created her! WOW! How did that happen?!?! And in that moment, I realized that being 30 years old, a good wife, a mother to two gorgeous, happy kids, and a friend to many is NOT such a bad thing after all!

So, happy birthday to me! I'm going to fully enjoy this day while it lasts and milk the attention for all it's worth... and never fear, for tomorrow I'll return to normal and forget that I exist, making "everyone else" my center again.

More Digi Layouts

[All elements from Splendid page kit by Shabby Princess]


[Used page elements from Kelly Byrom's Springtime kit; ribbon, kimlizzy; tag, Lauren Bavin; brads and alpha, Shabby Princess's Urban Kiwi kit]

Massive Case of Bedhead

Yes, this is what my beautiful little girl inherited from her father's side of the gene pool. They all have it. It's insanely "fine" hair that does THIS when you sleep on it... I am so sorry, Avery! :)

What's in a Name?

I'm rapidly growing addicted to a new form of scrapbooking---DIGI SCRAPPING!
Last night, I did this layout... It's for a "Book of Me" Challenge that I'm participating in. This week's challenge was to create a layout about your name. Check it out!

[Supplies used: Sweet Serenity page kit by Shabby Princess; ribbon by kimlizzy; tag by Lauren Bavin]

A "Quality" Visit

Yesterday, my dad and his girlfriend, Lynn, came to visit us. They wanted to "celebrate" with Damon, since his big 5th birthday was this past Tuesday (note to self: must go back in time and blog about that one! lol).

We had such a pleasant day! Damon did the grand gift-opening, and then we all went out to lunch at Outback. Nick was even OFF work on a Saturday (a small miracle in itself!), so he was able to join us, too, which was awesome. AND, we did the whole embarrassing cake thing in the middle of the restaurant (and chowed down on some really yummy chocolate cake!). After the big outing, we all came back to the house and spent some "quality" family time together. I even got to snuggle on the couch with my Dad, like I haven't done in years... it was a much-needed, even more appreciated comfort for me (just b/c I'm almost 30 years old *gasp!* doesn't mean I don't crave comforting "snuggles" with my one and only "daddy!").

And, when Dad and Lynn made it home later that night, I received a surprise phone call from Lynn. She called to tell me what a great time they had and that she felt "so comfortable" in my home, with my family.

I think that's the best compliment I've ever received! I always stress about what a mess my house is and what visitors will think of it, blah blah blah. Lynn's phone call made me realize that it doesn't matter if my laundry's piled up to the ceiling or if the floors are unmopped or if Damon's PS2 games are strewn all over! Just having a place where families can meet and spend a day together is the important thing.

So, thanks Dad and Lynn for sharing the day with all of us. We can't wait for the next "gathering!"

My Goal for February

This month, my one and only "goal" (okay, that's a lie... I have lots of goals every month, I just don't usually meet most of them!) is to complete AngieW's TBR challenge.

I signed up last month, hoping it would inspire me to read again... since reading is one of those things I used to enjoy immensely but I never seem to find the time to do much of it in my present chaotic state of living.

However, January's challenge was to read a "Contemporary Romance," and I just didn't happen to have any of that genre sitting on my bookshelf. I did glance at some at the bookstore a couple of weeks ago, and really contemplated buying one just so I could participate in the challenge... but, ummm, wouldn't that defeat the purpose of the "to be read" (hence TBR) thing?!?! [Not to mention the fact that I'm still not sure what "qualifies" as contemp. romance... lol]

This month, the challenge is to read a "new to you" author. Surely I can manage this one!!!

Every day, when I'm rooting around this mess of a house, I find yet another pile of books that I forgot I even had. So, I'm excited about the challenge. Even more excited to have an excuse to "indulge" in a favorite pasttime that I've neglected for far too long.

Thanks, Angie, for the "challenge!" I'm on it! :)

[If anyone else wants to play along, visit Angie's blog (linked above) and sign up! Come on, it'll be fun!]