My 30th Birthday "Cruise"

My 30th birthday came bright and early...  I got up around 6ish to hit the zoo's new exhibit and then ended up going there again in the afternoon to enjoy the zoo with my family before heading to Erin's for the pool party.  For my birthday, I was informed that I could go to lunch in a restaurant of my choosing (a nice present from my parents)!  I was so excited to go anywhere, only I didn't realize how hard it is working around hungry kids and a pregnant sister!  So it was decided to save that for another day.

Due to the running around in the afternoon and my terrible timing - I was running late...  And I HATE running late!  I drove like a madman to Erin's house knowing I had people there waiting for me to arrive...  I felt TERRIBLE! 

Finally, we pull into the driveway and I grabbed everything from the car and rushed inside.  As soon as Erin spotted me she insisted she bring out the cake....  I hadn't even put down my purse or said hello to my friends!  I told her we could wait a little bit and then sing, but she told me we were doing cake NOW!  I thought it was weird and then in she came - with no cake - but the cake was behind her being carried by - - - - - -   MY MOTHER!!! 

The surprise brought me to tears - I mean who WOULDN'T cry!!! - I sobbed for probably a good 5 minutes.   Then I noticed that Aunt Pam was there too - I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present!  I had my two moms there!  :)

(It should be mentioned that my father even kept this a secret from me!! Way to go Dad!)

My family had decked out the Kitchen and Living Rooms to look like a cruise ship deck and I was in heaven!  The lights on the ceiling where my favorite - thanks Dru!  Here are some pictures to show you just how amazing everything was that night!  BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!!! 

I couldn't believe the friends that traveled far and near just to celebrate with me - I won't ever forget!  I am so blessed!  Enjoy some shots courtesy of Cassie!  :)

Birthday Eve!

Tomorrow is going to happen no matter how hard I try to stop time! 

I haven't completed any of the lifetime goals I always thought I would have completed well before I hit the big 30!!  So, I did what any rational 29 year-old did and started a pity party for myself.  I looked at pictures from family/friends college graduations, weddings, of their children and just thought about how different my life would be if I had completed all of my goals. 

Then while I was packing to move, I found a letter I wrote at age 15 to my future self for a Young Women's Personal Progress goal.  The letter was sweet and my handwriting was adorable (did you expect anything less)! 

One of the first things I told myself was not to put myself down, I was a good person and shouldn't be so hard on myself.  I talked about what to look for in a future spouse and how I wanted them to be loving and good too.  I talked about how important it is for me to remember who I am and to pray (a saying my mother always said, guess it stuck). 

Reading the letter full of wisdom (seriously, I was an awesome kid) stopped the pity party.  I realized that I couldn't let down the 15 year-old me just because I wasn't where I thought I would be.  Funny how the younger me ended up giving the "old" me a new perspective... 

So, Happy Birthday to me!  Besides, 30 is the new 20 - right!?

It's my BIRTHDAY!!!

I have finally reached the eternal age of "29" - I say eternal because I am now the same age as my Aunt Pam who has a son a couple of months younger than me. Pretty soon Cody, myself, and Aunt Pam will all be enjoying the final year of our roaring 20's... Or the start of the final year!? :)

I was very surprised to walk into my office and see such a wonderful surprise of a newly decorated office, my favorite snacks begging me to eat them, and the best birthday sign I have ever seen! I will post pictures of the days events - still going to a happy hour with my awesome co-workers and then hanging out with the roommies when I get home.

Very excited for tomorrow because I will be having a Wii dance party to celebrate the good times!! Before, I am bent over and crippled unable to move! :)

Pics will be posted soon! Thanks for the wonderful birthday!!!

He's 60!!!

Yes! I have never been excited more for my dad's birthday than I was this year! Way to go Dad! You now get all these awesome discounts just for hitting the magic number - 60!!!

I'll never forget you running to save me when I was wearing a jacket that was too big while changing water. First, you thought I was just waving - but then you saw I was in trouble and rescued me while laughing... No worries, I was 1/2 inch close to having my insides ripped open.

I'll never forget the summer you, Logan and I went to build mini-pivots and worked from sunrise to sunset. I loved that I was able to be the little tomboy and help you with some of the more exciting things. Well, except when it came to skinning the pig... **shudder**

I'll never forget the hours you spent playing the piano or the organ just so I could sing-a-long with you. I love your amazing musical abilities and wish that I could be just as talented as you are! I love you Dad and I hope this birthday tops all the ones you've had before!!! :)

Love, Taci Beth

Happy Birthday Mother!!!

I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for giving me such an understanding and loving mother. In a recent conversation someone asked if I was loved enough as a child (long story) and I quickly replied that I was!

My mother made sure that I knew how much she loved me! I loved sitting next to my mom on the couch and having her play with my hair or rub my back! I remember all the times I was sick Mom would bring me my favorite icecream or yogurt. My friends LOVED to come to our house for sleepovers and just to hang out because I have the coolest parents ever!

I won't ever forget the dress that Mom made for Homecoming. I don't remember ever feeling so pretty in my life! And my mother was there the very next morning drying my tears after learning that some fabrics aren't suppose to be ironed (although I heard some giggles escaping her during that tearful experience). Mothers just know how to make everything better! :)

Mother, I hope and pray everyday that I can at least be half the mother that you have been to me! I LOVE YOU!

Your child #7 - Taci Beth