Since this wrap up is focused on my birthday weekend, I wanted to start this post out in the most positive of lights. I took Friday off from work, because, well, I needed a day off to rest and regroup. I don’t take enough time off, and soon I will be on full time work AND single Mom duty. These jobs aren’t for the faint of heart, so I am doing what I can to take care of ME before I run out of gas.
We started the weekend out by going out for lunch to one of our favorite casual places, California Pizza Kitchen. We followed that up with errands to Costco, getting my Jeep’s oil change and the tires rotated, and picking up dog food for Sammy. Yup, I lifted that. LOL!



Friday afternoon, I downloaded the Tracy Anderson workout series on our XBOX and it totally kicked our butts. I took the rest of the weekend off from working out, but look forward to continuing with the series.
Friday night was just spent cleaning, and putting together my youngest daughter’s American Girl doll high chair that I got her for Christmas, but forgot I got for her, so it ended up being a late present, LOL! My brain is obviously in a million places.


Saturday was more cleaning, and more errands and even better, a GREAT surprise from my tribe! They showed up at my door, 5 of my amazing friends AND my sister with flowers, food, wine AND cake. I was beaming with happiness. My husband even arrived home at around 7:30 to help celebrate despite being exhausted. It felt so wonderful to be remembered. I love my tribe.


My birthday was a quiet day starting out with breakfast in bed made by my daughters, and I almost canceled my massage appointment with temps below 0 degrees, and a windchill in the minus teens.

I am so glad I decided to go, because my back that is full of more knots than my youngest daughter’s hair, was so relaxed afterwards. I spent the rest of the day with my daughters, relaxing in our jammies on the couch. The only thing missing was my hubby. Here goes the not so positive part of this post… He got home from training really late, and all he could do was hug me tight, apologizing for missing the majority of my birthday. I responded by burying myself in to his chest, and quietly sobbed trying to hold myself together. This was one of those moments where I question myself, and my ability to do all the hard things. Because at that very moment all I wanted to do was curl up in to a little ball and cry for hours.

But then I am reminded, by my parents, sister, and friends that they are here for me always. They SHOW me they are here for me, and I just can’t even describe how blessed that makes me feel.
My husband deploying (for the second time) is going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and trust me, I’ve been through a lot of hard things. In 6 weeks I’ll have to say my goodbyes to the man I call my very best friend. The one I laugh with, cry with, act goofy with, and spend my life with, and for a year I will be without all of those things I love most about him.
But I’ve got my tribe. More so, they’ve got me/my back. And I need to remember that fact, always.
So here’s to the age of 43, and 2016. May this year go by smoothly, and quickly. ❤ I apologize for my lack of posting, but I am really trying to step back this year and focus on my family. For they are what matters most. I hope to continue to post at least weekly, but time will tell. Thanks to all of those who’ve joined me on my #keepmovinforward journey.
I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia again, for the Weekly wrap up!
How do you celebrate your birthday? Do you prefer quiet parties at home, or would you rather go out?
Cheers!
Michelle

