Thoughts on my Birthday

Look at these cute cards my family made me for my birthday:

If you're curious, the blanks to be filled in on Kamryn's card were:
1. book, The Happiness Project, 2. spaghetti scooper 3. ghost earrings
4. iTunes card 5. cute red jacket

Its hard to read Taylor's card but this is what he wrote:
"Dear Mom, I love you so much for all that you do.
I like spending time with you.
You're an amazing cook.
J'adore ma mere."

from my sweet husband 

I had a great birthday - week long celebration really.  On my actual birthday I subbed in kindergarten.  Then in the evening Brooke took the bus home from the U and we all went out to dinner at La Cocina.  It was a great evening out and we all had such a great time together.  After dinner we came home and I opened presents and we had had some cake (which I made).
On Wednesday, my friend Erica organized a wonderful lunch with several good friends.  It was so fun to go to Zupas and have yummy food and visit and laugh.
On Thursday, most of my siblings met at my parents for lunch.  We all had a good time together and decided we need to do that more often.
I received very nice gifts from my family and friends and felt very loved.  It was fun to get all the happy birthday messages on facebook.  I truly felt surrounded by good friends.
The only downside to my birthday was turning 45 which put me into a new age bracket - you know when you fill out surveys and they have you mark the age group you're in - before I was in the 35 - 44 group, now I'm in the 45-54 group and that just makes me feel old.  I guess I'll concentrate more on what people tell me and be happy when people are shocked that I'm old enough to have a missionary out.  I do know that most of the time I don't feel too old and actually feel like I'm in the best physical shape I've been in, in a long, long time.  I'm also very happy with my life right now.