Another reason for my birthday reticence is that I don't like to be the center of attention, and did not want anyone to feel obligated to come. Talking to Tiff about her birthday plans last night, I realized I am not the only one who feels that way. I have learned that we are rarely the only ones who have ever thought or felt what we do. Maybe that is part of the shared experience of being human…
Back to the topic…. Luckily, since my sweet roommate Ester and I have birthdays only a few days apart, we had a combined party. This took off some of the pressure and stress of having all the focus on me.
I woke to a text from a dear friend telling me to check my porch.
When I opened my bedroom door, this was my first birthday surprise of the day. So cute! I have the sweetest roommates! Oh, and they gave me an adorable apron, since they know how much I love to cook. Now, I don't have to risk messing up my clothes, and get to be soooo cute while I cook! (I'll be sure to include a picture of it in another post.)
And waiting on the porch...
At first, I just stared at it and 
wondered what 11:34 meant- a scripture reference, or some urban dictionary reference, like 4:20? Finally, I looked inside the Happy Birthday bag and found envelopes for every hour from 7:34 to 4:34. I felt like a kid, watching the clock until the next "34" came so I could open my next surprise- all kinds of things that could only have come from people who knew me really well… Herdez salsa with a spoon ;), funny and inspirational youtube videos, pretty, sparkly earrings, wishing cranes, and delicious cupcakes(pumpkin with a delightful caramel frosting, peanut butter and chocolate, orange poppy seed). It made me feel like I got to spend my whole day with friends.
In the afternoon, I met up with Laura to go to Melia's princess dance class- the cutest thing ever. 
After that, Bo and I went to the High School to play tennis. When we got back to the house, Laura had made whole wheat pizza from scratch. I could eat this every week, maybe every day. So, we had birthday dinner and celebrated with the girls- party hats, presents(Melia gave me a rocking horse she had picked out herself, and a handmade card), and yummy raspberry cheesecake.
After the girls were in bed, Vero, Shalei, Brianne, and Erin all came over and we spent the rest of the night chatting. Vero drove all the way down from Bountiful even though she was jetlagged from her trip to Europe and did my nails while we visited.
The birthday party on Friday was a lot of fun too. All the people I was wanting most to see were there. And did you see the pretty(and deliciously homemade) chocolate cake? I love sharing a birthday with Ester. Oh, and then, I got to see The Secretariat, and you know how I love horse movies.
34 was perfect -because I did exactly what I wanted to do- because when people asked me what I wanted I was not afraid to tell them- because I have been blessed with wonderful friends and family- and because Birthdays are
Fun!
