turning 23.. isn't so bad after all

Today was a fantastic birthday. I couldn't have imagined it any better. I will have to upload pictures this weekend sometime. 

I was woken up at 5:00 by a call from my fun Grandparents. I knew they'd feel bad they woke me up, so I called them at 7:00. 

My mom and dad called me at 6:30 and sang beautifully to me. It really did sound great!

Both Tessa, my little sister, and my good friend Mauri posted specifically for my birthday. I loved both posts and appreciated them more than I thought possible. Thank you, both. 

After a calm morning of reading, a warm shower, and cozy fires, I went to quilting class where I worked on some pj bottoms. 

Then I went to Qdoba for lunch. mmm!

Then I went to the BX and picked out a cute 3-ring notebook for all my primary piano music for the program this weekend - yikes! I still have a lot of practicing. ... oops. 

After the BX errand, I went to 'refill' on my Vitamin D stock at the tanning beds. I know I know, but you have to admit that Alaska really is the only place that tanning is GOOD for you. I noticed that my pale skin has started to look normal to me because I saw tan people recently and thought, "how strange they look." It was a shock to realize just what that meant. I'm pale. Bella-type pale. 

After talking to Mark's family, and being sung to, I talked to my Grandma Judd who sent me jelly for my birthday - it was perfect, and just what I needed for a nice breakfast this morning with my toast. 

Then I finally came home to my cute pup. He had fun outside and needed a bath when he came in. When I was cleaning up after the cute pup was all fuzzy and free, Mark walked in! He was supposed to be flying! He had pink roses and a chocolate cake in his hands. He received a kiss from me and I received trick-candles. My first ones, and I was so frustrated! 

Then he pulled out a box - a box that contained... MY NEW CAMERA!! I am so jazzed bout it. It will have to be another post entirely. He helped me decide which one will be perfect for me. I'm so anxious to start pushing buttons. 

After all the sweet tears were dried after reading his sweet card, he swept me and Buckwheat (and his pillow) off to my favorite Anchorage restaurant: Pad Thai for Kung Pao Chicken. So yummy. It's what I'll be eating for lunch tomorrow. 

I came home to Christmas Lights Galore, and a call on our home phone from Jodi C. saying she was on her way over. She brought FOUR loaves of my most favorite bread ever and a cinnamon wall-flower. I am so delighted. 

I have 1 friend (Kristen) and 1 cousin (Brittany) to call back tomorrow! I am so excited to talk to them. SO many people emailed, called, and texted. I am truly blessed to have so many good friends and family members. I love you all. Thank you for thinking of me on this 'normal day' that turned out to be extraordinary.