A Birthday to Remember

On Sunday, I celebrated my 34th birthday. It is hard to believe how fast time flies. Doug and I were talking the other night about how old we were when we met each other. I was 27...almost 7 years that we have known each other! In some ways it feels like just yesterday that we met, and in other ways it feels like we have been together forever. One thing I do know is that we have had a lot happen, both good and bad, since meeting almost 7 years ago.

Doug is very good about celebrating birthdays. He told me that your birthday is the one day of the year it can be about you. Holidays are great for family events and gatherings, but your birthday is all about you! He always seems to surprise me with a gift that I wouldn't normally ask for, but he knows I will love it once I have it. Other times he will set up a surprise dinner with friends. Anything to make the day special for me. 

This year for my birthday we decided to give hiking another chance. When we went hiking for Doug's birthday, it was way too hot and humid for Callen. It was nice to get out, but looking back, it wasn't all that enjoyable. We talked the other day about how nervous we both were for Callen that day...the heat, humidity, bugs, etc. Neither of us could enjoy what we were doing! We felt that since there were cooler temperatures, we would try going to Paris Mountain State Park to hike. It only takes us about 25 minutes to get up there, and we knew we could easily get home if things went south with Callen and hiking! Lucky for us, little guy did awesome. He got up early that day, so we got an early start; we were on the trail by 9:30am. (In our other life, Doug and I wouldn't wake before 10:00am, let alone be on the trail before then!!!) Cal loves the outdoors and was asleep before we even made it to the trailhead...which was about 10 feet from our car! I carried him in the front pack, and he literally sunk into my chest in the pack. Such a wonderful feeling having him snuggled against me while exploring nature. Cal literally opened his eyes for about 3 minutes while on the trail...just as we were stopping to take a few pictures! It was a beautiful fall day with temperatures getting into the low 70s. There were lots of fallen leaves on the trail, making it quite slippery. I tripped several times because I was holding onto Callen and not able to brace myself with arms outstretched or grabbing for a tree. I know now to take hiking poles with me next time we hike in order to have more leverage. We could not have asked for better for our hike. The weather was perfect, it was good to get outside and exercise, and best of all, we were able to experience it all with Callen. 

Once home, the 3 of us hung out and opened presents. Doug surprised me with a grain grinder! Sounds very exciting to so many people (ha ha...I am sure it doesn't!), but I have been wanting to experiment with different flour blends and making my own breads. I was very excited for this gift. I had talked about something like this a few years back but had not talked anymore of it since. Doug did lots of research and did an incredible job surprising me! I am very excited and can't wait to experiment. Lookout...you may end up with trial cookies or breads on your doorstep! My family came over for dinner and cake later that day. It was great to have everyone over and spend time as a family. It is hard for us all to find time to get together, so it is extra special these days when we are all able to be together.

My 33rd year has been incredible. There have been so many changes and wonderful experiences. I am more than excited to welcome in my 34th year and hope it is even better than the last!! A huge thanks to all who helped make my birthday extra special this year!

sleepy boy!

 

 

Helping mommy unwrap her presents