My 37th Birthday

I loved my 37th Birthday.  It was last Monday the 7th.  It was spent at home surrounded by my 4 sickly kids and husband.  My dear little 4 year old brought in a very strong cold virus and it knocked us ALL out!  Hayden had an ear infection, but we're all getting better.  I still have clogged ears and I'm hearing everything like it's coming in through a tin can.  It should go away soon!

Here's why I loved all of us being sick on my birthday.

*  We all stayed together under the blankets and kept each other warm, especially our cold feet.  Even with the heater going, we still were cold.

*  It forced all of us to be kind because we were all equally miserable.  Knowing that changed everyone's attitude.  There were many moments of laughter and teasing.

*  I've loved sitting and watching movies with my kids.  I introduced them to movies that they'd never seen; that I love.  My thanks to Netflix Instant Movies!

*  Alyssa and I (the least sick of the bunch) loved going to 3 Krispy Kremes and bringing in a haul of doughnuts.  They were out of original at one of the shops, so I got to pick out my favorite custard and kreme filled doughnuts!  Heavenly!!!

*  There were no expectations of presents, or going out, so I didn't have to wonder what everyone was going to do, nor feel bad for not having anything because we were sick.

* It was extremely peaceful because when anyone started to talk, we'd start coughing... hence, not a single arguement.

*  I loved seeing Curt's face and sickly confusion when he woke up after a cold-drug induced sleep to find out it was still Monday, my birthday.  It sounds weird, but it was SO funny!

*  Curt and I are going out next weekend to get my free Keg Steakhouse meal, and then I get to go on a mini shopping spree at Sephora.  It's a Birthday Tradition!!!!   Hooray!

*  I scheduled with "my gals" for my breakfast brunch on Saturday morning!  Oh, the joy!!!!

*  Our family discussed everything that's happened in the last year and I realized how my testimony of trials has grown.  You name it, we've been through almost trial possible... well, gratefully death wasn't a part of it!
   We decided to walk away from our home, Curt lost his job, we had no income for a few months (but we had savings!), we had a baby in NICU for 3 weeks, an emergency C-section, a few weeks of bed-rest and 4 hospital stays, and we still have one car. 

BUT WAIT!

    We found a bigger home that we could afford, Curt has a better job as a Contractor, and now he can ride the Lightrail to work and back.  We have a healthy baby girl who's body has been strengthened through many hours of prayer and fasting, who's a living example of the power of the priesthood.  Life is good, we gained a sense of humor where trials are concerned and patience to wait them out.
   I have fabulous friends that have been listening ears with wise, sagely advice.  Going out to breakfast with "my gals" often has been very therapeutic and I'm grateful for them... more than they will ever understand.  I love them like sisters and they are in my prayers often, along with my own family that I have grown to love more and more.  My parents have been my rocks and I love them and cherish them so much more than I'd ever realized. 

See?  It's been a fantastic year... who could ask for more?

I am so excited to see how this next year goes!