Once Upon a Birthday Weekend

Happy birthday to me. Thanks to all those who called, sent cards, facebooked me, etc. It had been a really bad week and I was pretty down and out by the time the birthday arrived. My teacher friends got me lunch at Sushiya which was delicious. I got one of the nicest things ever from another teacher, Tom, who wrote out on index cards, "forty-one reasons to love Jennifer Smith." Some of them are goofy like, "You are the catalyst for funnel cakes," or "You use the word 'turd' over the age of 10. That is awesome." And some are just really, very nice and it made me feel good. Two of my students made a cake for me - this is Matt and Megan. They were really excited about it and I was too!
I had gotten tickets to the symphony to see/hear Pink Martini which is one of my favorite groups ever. Then Travis had Woodbadge (an adult Boyscout training program) and Morgan was in the school play so I had a couple extra tickets. I invited my friend Lisa and my friend (and hairdresser) Esther. Maddie and Rozzie were in attendance, too. We had dinner at La Napolera and Lisa got me "Queen for the day" placements and a tiara!! Here we are at the symphony. Maddie is still in lots of pain. She got a blessing from Travis and the Bishop on Wednesday night. Then Roger came over and gave her a blessing on Thursday so she could sleep. She was miserable again last night but wanted to go to Pink Martini and felt that it would help keep her mind off the pain.

Here I am with Lisa and Esther. They had never heard of Pink Martini, but they were quickly converted. What an amazing concert! They played all my favorites. Rozzie was disappointed they didn't do "Que Sera" but she loved the rest.

I hadn't gotten much sleep the past few nights. Then today i went to breakfast with Lani. It was delicious - we went to a French place called Mimi's. Their breakfasts are very good! Then I cam home to make stuff for the Ward Easter Luncheon. By the time I got home from that I was staggering around incoherently (not really). We cleaned up the kitchen and floor and I went to lay down. I slept for FOUR hours. Holy Mackerel!!! That is unheard of for me. I'm now getting ready for a busy Sunday with ward choir, ward dinner, and stake choir. I have been dreading this weekend for weeks. I just might make it.

Travis was off at Woodbadge. he had a great time. The fire one night gave him an asthma attack but he made it. He had a great time. He has a few responsibilities to do over the next few months and he is excited about it. here he is with his group, the Eagles!! He brought me home a present - a tick on his hinder for me to remove!!

So we march on toward April. Maddie is getting sick and tired of being in pain. She woke up last night crying. I haven't had a kid up at night in a few years and that was tough!!! I have really been sad for her this week. She missed two days of school last week. Please keep her in your prayers.