My 30th birthday Extravaganza

It's no secret.  I am 3 days away from the Big 3-0.  In all honesty, I am excited about it.  In December I was a little sad to be leaving my 20s...but, now...just days away, I feel blessed that I have lived for (almost) 30 years with a wonderful childhood, an amazing husband (more on him in a minute), precious children and wonderful friends.  I am so thankful for life that I am looking forward to celebrating another year.

For the past few weeks, I have been trying to think of something B.I.G. to celebrate with...but I just couldn't think of anything.  I've already been skydiving (twice), I (used to) SCUBA dive quite a bit, and we are going skiing in Colorado soon. I really couldn't think of what to do.  I decided I would be happy with a Gatsby's pizza and a cookie cake (I know I'm getting the pizza next week...not sure about the cookie cake. If not, I'll treat myself to a "double dooze" soon:-)

As far as I knew...we didn't really have plans for my birthday and that was ok with me.  I feel a little goofy throwing myself a birthday party at this age.  I don't know...it's just me.

Ok, I'm rambling.  Focus Michele!

So, yesterday was Valerie's birthday (my mother-in-law) and I was told that we were going out to a nice dinner to celebrate with them.  The kids were coming too!  Jeremy asked me to have everyone ready by about 6:00 and to have clothes laid out for him (in case he was running late).  I didn't get his clothes laid out, but I did have the kids almost all ready to go.  We finally walked outside and got distracted by a new toy we bought that day (that will be in another post)

I heard a car horn honking a lot and Jeremy grabbed my arm and my purse out of the van (Nathan was already in his car seat to "go out to dinner") and Jeremy turned me around and started walking me through the yard, to a giant limousine parked in our front yard!

My first thought was, "Wow, Greg rented a limo taking us all to dinner tonight.  Where in the world are we going?"

Then Jeremy gave me a kiss and said, "Have a great night tonight.  I love you" and turned me around.

I thought, "Why am I going out to eat with his parents in a limo and why isn't he coming?"  And then I thought, "Wait a second...why am I going in the limo all by myself?"

He sort of nudged me toward the open door and so I looked in and I saw the faces of some of my best girlfriends and they all shouted "SURPRISE!!!"

I turned around and started crying like a baby!  I just lost it....shoulders shaking, covered face crying.  Jeremy gently grabbed me, and said again, "Babe, have a great time tonight with your friends.  Happy Birthday."

Crying, he put me in the car and all of my friends were laughing and talking and clapping and video taping my ever move.  I was still crying.  I cried for a while.  I just couldn't stop.  Every time I looked at one of my girl friends, I started crying, then I thought of my wonderful husband and wanted to cry more.  Why?  Why would he be so gracious to me?  Where on earth did he come up with this sweet and amazing gift. To give me 4 hours of worry-free girl time with 6 of my favorite girl friends? (he planned every aspect himself)  It just took a long long time to sink in.  I felt so humbled that these girls would give up an evening with their husbands and family to bless me and celebrate my birthday with me.  Seriously, I am near sobbing tears again just thinking about it all. It was overwhelming.

Our first stop for the night was a Japanese Hibachi restaurant (you know..where they cook in front of you) called Da Ru Ma.  My sweet friend Teri videotaped the chef the whole time he cooked. She had never been to a restaurant like that.

 Tanya, me, Alison, Jami, Teri, Jennifer P. and Jennifer S.  

 (I know of two others that Jeremy called, but they couldn't make it for various reasons.  I know one reads the blog...and no that I miss you greatly, but totally understand why you couldn't come. Maybe we can have our own"girl's night" soon;) 

 Don't those veggies look SOOO good?!?!

 The Flaming Onion Volcano (I was so excited for this to happen!)  Cool picture, huh?


Of course, after dinner, they brought me my very own lava flowing chocolate birthday cake with a real chef's hat.

We had 2 1/2 hours left on our limo rental and I got to decide where to go.  We went straight to Gracie's cupcakes and we each chose our own desired flavor of amazing cupcakes (I got a butterfinger one...super!). We have pictures, they are just on someone else's camera.  I will post more pictures when I get them...she even has pics of all of us in the limo:-)  *hint hint Jennifer P.**

Then we took off for the pier.  I love to go to the pier, especially at night.  And, it had been a long long time since I was there.  We had fun walking, talking, and laughing the whole way down and back.  I wanted a group photo...and Teri decided it would be best if everyone held me. Unfortunately, Jennifer S. had the majority of my weight and everyone grabbed what they could.  I don't think they really expect Teri to pick me up :-) hehehe

 Please don't drop me!!!!

 The moon was kind of cool last night, in and out of clouds

I guess it's been a while since any of us had been to the pier, because the bathrooms have been remodeled and they are actually nice and clean! (with real mirrors!)  So... 7 girls, 3 stalls..of course we had a little fun while waiting our turn:-)

 I guess Jami thought it was a bit stinky in there, hehehe

 Surprise!

Their hands were cold?  I don't know.

After the pier, we had about 45 minutes to blow, so we drove down 5th Avenue (downtown) and took a little stroll (and of course, more pictures) 

BUT, we had so much fun! We laughed....I cried...we ate WAY to much food, and even WAY more dessert.  I enjoyed every minute with those girls.  We are all moms and get to see each other fairly often at MOPS or on playdates...but very rarely do we get to see each other without our sweet kiddos around.  We had real, adults conversation, no responsibility and lots of fun.  I think it was just as refreshing to them, as it was to me.

Thank you friends for joining me and celebrating my 30th birthday with me.  I grateful for each of you in my life.  You all have blessed me in very different and special ways.  I am so grateful to know each of you, and like I said earlier...humbled that you would take the time away from your busy lives and family to share with me.

Thank you Jeremy for being the most thoughtful and amazing husband I could ever ask for.  Although I missed you greatly that night, I am so grateful that you understand me enough to know how much I would value and treasure that "girl time".  Those four hours have and will continue to have an impact on me for a long time.  I wish I knew lots of big words to say to you to express how my heart and mind feel.  But, I love you so very much.  I have loved every moment I've been with you.  You always are, and will be, my knight in shining armor.  Thank you my sweet husband and very best friend of all!