twenty.seven

Aaaah another year has come and gone. I celebrated my 27th birthday on Saturday, August 28th. Friday night at work was seriously a disaster. As the clock rolled past midnight and my shift came to an end one of my coworkers, Senayt, wished me a Happy Birthday. I thanked her and thought "hmph, some way to ring in your birthday!" Senayt and I have the same shifts. A lot of times we're lucky enough to get scheduled to go to break together. We talk a lot about work, life, and just random things. On our way out of the office Friday night (Saturday morning) I was telling her how horrible my day was. She listened and said that the night was over, and that I no longer had to worry about those guests or problems. When we walked pass the employee dining room we started talking about chocolate and she mentioned that chocolate was her favorite flavor and asked me what mine was. I told her strawberry and she says "strawberry ice cream or strawberry cake?"... "both!" I replied. Our conversation turned to another topic and before we parted ways I noticed that she had a beautiful ring on her finger, so I complimented her on it and told her how pretty I thought it was. We ended our conversation and wished each other a goodnight knowing we'd see each other later that day to do it all over again. Ti picked me up and the whole ride home I told him about how bad my night was. When we got home it took me a while to clear my mind and finally fall asleep. The next morning I woke up to the boys showering me with birthday hugs and wishes. I could tell that Ti Tonga had put Mote in charge of carrying a bag in to the room for me. It was a huge plastic Bed, Bath & Beyond bag. The first thing that came to my mind was "What in the heck did Ti Tonga buy from Bed Bath & Beyond?" I couldn't think of anything that I may have suggested our house lacked so I was really confused. I pulled out not 1, but 2 items that were almost identical in shape and size. Hmmm... So honestly I was thinking, "Wow, he seriously felt the need to get me 2 of the same items? Maybe one of each color?" Yeah I know I sounded ungrateful, but those were my honest thoughts at the time. I turned the first item over and noticed a trademark sticker that completely caught me off guard. My eyes finally adjusted to the light and I noticed the tissue paper that it was wrapped in was patterned in the letter "C". I tore it open to find a new Coach bag!! I was soooo surprised and thrilled!!! The Bed Bath & Beyond bag was intentionally used to throw me off. I've been wanting a black bag for the longest time and finally got one! I hugged the kids tight and couldn't stop saying how much I loved it as I thanked Ti Tonga over and over again. Then I realized there was still one more package. "Ti!! What the heck you bought me more than 1?!!" He just smiled and told me to open it. So I opened the 2nd gift to find the most beautiful handbag with the most darling bow tied around it. I couldn't believe it. Not 1, but 2 new hand bags!!


That morning we went and did some last minute school shopping for the kids and got something to eat. When we got home we hung out at home and watched a movie before it was time for me to get ready for work. Siope saw me in my bathroom and asked "Mom, what are you doing? Are you going to work?" I told him yes and he pouted saying "Awwwe man! I don't want your birthday to be over!" It was sad and cute at the same time. Although I wished I could've stayed home with my family on my birthday I had to go in to work.
When I got there I noticed something in my mailbox. It looked like a gift box. I looked around for some kind of clue as to who left the box. I found a card with my name on it, a cute message, and it was signed by Senayt. I opened the box to find a set of MAC lipstick and lipgloss, and a ring just like the one I was admiring the night before.


As soon as I got up to the desk I found Senayt, gave her a hug and thanked her for such a thoughtful gift. Then she told me that she baked me cupcakes and had them downstairs... strawberry cupcakes! How sweet is that?!! We talk all the time, but I couldn't believe that she took what I said the previous night and went out of her way to do so many special things for me on my birthday. I think it has to be the most thoughtful gift(s) I have ever received!! The night went by pretty smooth. I didn't have too many problem guests and when my manager Brian got there he pulled me aside, sincerely wished me a Happy Birthday, then asked if I wanted to go home early. I jumped at the offer. I don't think I've ever left home from work with a bigger smile. It was one of the most memorable birthdays I've had. At the end of the night I realized how blessed and great my life is. It actually feels wonderful to be 27-- who would've thought?

Chicken Soup For My Soul

I am the type of person that likes to do everything on my own. I guess I pride myself in being independent which makes it almost impossible for me to ask for help- especially when I really need it. My way of living has changed somewhat in the last couple months. With Ti Tonga working in Salt Lake, I've had to adjust to doing things here at home the way a single mother would. By now I feel like it's practically the norm. It's not something that I'm proud of or that I seek pity for- it's just what I have to do to survive.
Well, this passed Saturday I realized that I do not posses super natural powers and that it is okay to ask for help. When I was younger I used to get really bad migraines that would make me horribly sick. Saturday I was sitting here watching TV when my vision started to get blurry. This is normally a sign that a migraine is coming for me, but it has been YEARS since I've had a really bad one so I didn't think anything of it. It didn't take long for the pain to hit... and it hit BAD! I was in so much pain that I couldn't move. All I could do was lay there and cry. The person who I wanted most to be there to comfort me was over 600 miles away. I felt so bad for Nici and Mote. They tried to get me a drink of water and Nic sat by me and rubbed my head, but the pain just kept getting worse. Mote was able to get on the phone and call Ti Tonga and when Ti found out what was happening he asked me if I wanted him to call Brian (our home teacher) to come over and give me a blessing. My stubbornness kicked in and I told him No. I would be fine. After hours of pain and vomiting I couldn't take it anymore. I called Ti Tonga and told him I needed a blessing now. Soon after I heard knocking at the door and in come both my home teachers in white shirts and ties. They gave me a blessing then told the boys to put their shoes on so they could take them while I got some rest. Almost instantly the pain subsided just enough for me to drift away into sleep and I was able rest comfortably knowing that the boys were being well taken care of. Later on I heard more knocking to find Allison Baker (my other home teacher's wife) on my doorstep. She brought me all the essentials that an aching body yearned for: chicken noodle soup, french bread, strawberries, and ginger ale. I ate my dinner in peace and the boys showed up afterward- right in time for bed. When Cheryl dropped them off she said she would be back in the morning to pick them up for church and that Allison had already found a sub for my primary class. So Sunday the boys left for church and spent another day at the Johnson's house. I was able to rest the entire day and was joined by the boys again after dinner.
Today I am feeling great and cannot express how much I appreciate all that my ward members have done for me. I'm not going to lie- it has been a tough adjustment being away from Ti Tonga, but how comforting it is to know that if I need a priesthood blessing, or help with the kids- that I can just pick up the phone and call up the street for help. I am so grateful for the love that is abundant in my ward and in the people throughout this gospel. My ward is constantly inspiring me to serve wholeheartedly. How lucky is my family to be a part of this loving community. I was always sure of it before, but I'm telling you now- it IS a fact... that Durango Heights ward is absolutely the BEST =)

Love Knows No Limits

I seen this clip on yahoo and thought it was cute enough to pass along and share. Not sure how much of the story is true and how much is exaggerated, but the moral is a good one nonetheless.