Amanda's 34th Birthday

It was a nice, low key birthday this year.  Mike took the day off and we started the day by opening gifts—Mike surprised me with a mini ipad (he spoiled me) and a beautiful, heart felt letter.  Beckahm, the night previous—all on his own—gave me a back massage and drew me an awesome picture (totally made my day when he said he wanted to do those things for me). Beckahm was so excited to open my gifts and to celebrate the entire day with me :); the funniest thing he said was "mom, when are your friends coming over?"

I went to yoga in the morning and then we went to breakfast at Tropical Smoothie as a fam.  I then had a last tint appt at the Aveda Institute and then I came home, got ready while Mike took care of the kiddos and I went shopping, picked up a few clothes, got my makeup done at Mac, and got a pedicure at the Aveda Salon. Then I picked up Mike and Corrie babysat the kids while we went to dinner at Red Lobster.

I am so grateful for all the wisdom that comes with aging.  I am grateful for the trials I have overcome in my life, that I had the gumption to get myself out of some difficult situations.  I am forever grateful to the Lord who had faith in me to send me here, knowing I would have the ability to pull myself out of difficult situations and try to make better choices.  I am grateful for my mother who brought me into this world 34 years ago and all of the great sacrifices she made to raise me, support me, sustain me and see me grow.  I am grateful for to now be a mother of two beautiful boys.  I am grateful that motherhood pushes me to be better.  And I am grateful for my amazing husband and how close we have become in our relationship.  I truly love that he is my companion and most importantly I person I consider my closest friend.

I hope within the next year that I learn how to slow down and enjoy life more, that I continue to try to be a better mother, that I keep growing in my communication, honesty, and connection with my husband, and that I serve others and open myself up to the countless possibilities of growth and change.

Mike was so sweet to stay up late after he got home from work and put up some decorations

I wanted carrot cake and Mike insisted on making it for me but he was getting home so late the night before so I made it myself :) (he did frost it however :)

Dinner with the hubs; loving my new neon shoes