Feeling the Love

I don't think I could've asked for a better birthday this year. So many people went out of their way to make me feel special, and believe me, I was feeling it!

The birthday love started last week when my dear friend Kara threw me a surprise party during playgroup. She made a delicious ham and asparagus quiche, chocolate chip pancake muffins, and the most DIVINE chocolate peanut butter cake ever to grace my taste buds.

I can't imagine how much time it took her to do all that cooking and have it ready by 10 in the morning! She really is an angel.

me and the girls at my playgroup party

On my actual Birthday another dear friend, Maria, offered to watch the girls all morning so I could go to the temple. It was one of the most thoughtful and sweet gifts I've ever been given. Going to the temple on my birthday was so refreshing and such a wonderful way to start my day with love in my heart and a greater perspective on life.

While I was gone Maria helped the girls decorate the house with balloons and homemade signs. They also baked me a birthday cake and Teya got to decorate it. When I came home the girls were jumping around yelling "SURPRISE!" and "CHEESE!" (because that's what Brinley shouts when she's smiling : )

Teya holding her beautiful cake creation

After Maria left, Brinley went down for a nap and Teya continued spoiling me with sweetness. She kept saying things like, "Happy birfday mommy, I'm so happy it's your birfday. Thank you so much for this birfday, it really makes me happy." She kept petting my hair and giving me hugs, then she offered to give me a birthday pedicure and manicure. Like my cake, it was done with so much love and affection; even if it was a little rough in spots, the gesture was so sweet I will never forget it!

That afternoon I received a fabulous candy bar bouquet from my Sister Naomi and her husband Kevin who live in Chicago. Obviously they know me pretty well, flowers are nice, but chocolate...now that's what I'm talking about!!

When Taber got home we got ready to go out on our couple birthday date. That's my "I'm really excited and hyper and hungry" face.

He took me to Benihanas. The food was amazing and our chef was hilarious! So entertaining and fun.

Waiting for our table

Our awesome chef making the onion tower

Getting creative with the fried rice

When we got home, even though I was stuffed silly, Taber had MORE birthday cake and presents! I'll admit, I had a "feeling old" moment when I saw that my cake said "Happy Birthday Mom" and not "Becca". Then I realized what a compliment that was because being a mom is awesome, and 29 really isn't old. : )

We had cake and opened presents with the girls. Taber, being the thoughtful guy that he is, even wrapped up some little presents for Brinley and Teya which made Teya's whole night.

He also surprised me with a book. I was sure it was a cookbook because that's what I asked for. But when I opened it though this is what I found: Guide to Finishing Your First Triathlon. Um yeah, I don't think I EVER said I wanted to do that. I guess this is my payback for getting Taber a Guide to Finishing your First Marathon Book back in April for his birthday. This should be interesting...

My other fun surprise is a trip to Boston. Last week Taber found out he had to go there for a business trip so he decided to take me along. We called my mom with only a week's notice and asked if she would fly out to watch the girls. Even though she works full time, she managed to pull some strings and flew in yesterday. We spent the day together playing with the girls, getting pedicures, and of course, eating lots of yummy food. Taber and I are taking off today and are excited to see a little bit of New England. Thanks to everyone for all the kind birthday wishes, I am without a doubt, feeling the love.