I don't know what it is, but I love Halloween!! Maybe it's all the fun memories of getting dressed up, going out trick or treating and just spending time with family and friends, but I've always thought it was such a fun holiday. Every year I say I'm not going to fall into the same pattern, but always do! I wait until the last minute to figure out what I'm going to dress as and then it not only costs more, but things are usually picked over. This year I lucked out thanks to my generous friends who lent me part of their old costumes and recycling an old costume from last year.
I have to dress up for school, it's just so fun to see the kids reactions, they love it! So, for our Halloween parade at school I was a girl scout. My friends and I also ran in a little 5-k on Halloween morning that was up at this really cute pumpkin patch in Valencia. It was hilarious, they had people jumping out of corn stalks scaring us, etc...
Then, Halloween night our stake had a big singles Halloween dance party. Yeah, let me just say, if you're looking to meet someone, my suggestion is that a Halloween party is probably not the best place for that. I was dancing w/this one guy who was dressed as a nerd w/really bad fake teeth and all and I know it's shallow, but just could not get over it. Anyway, the party was really fun and it was so fun to see how creative some people were with their costumes.
so, i have to admit, i did approach this birthday with a little hesitation. hmmm....maybe part of it was i got a little email from my friend saying hey, it's almost your ama birthday, so i'm thinking almost middle aged? and she laughed and was like no, it's an ob gyn term: advanced maternal age! o.k., i think that was even worse. but then i started thinking, you know what, so some things in my life have not turned out within the timeline i would've expected, it has still been a great life and i feel so lucky to have the amazing friends and family and great opportunities i've had. my sister and i have this long running joke....this is your year!! but i really feel like it is, no matter what comes my way.
it was actually more like a birthday week instead of day full of lots of surprises. i had lunches and dinners w/friends, some cute little surprises from the kids i work with, lots of fun calls/cards/texts from my family, a surprise cake from my young women and the other leaders and the best surprise was my mom and dad flying out for the day to be here w/me on my birthday. i know i lucked out in the parent dept. and feel so lucky they're mine. who else would be willing to fly in at 1:00, be here a few hours and then fly right back out at 7?
