44

Today's my 44th birthday.  No, I'm not wearing that shirt to work today.

I asked my mom last night what she remembered about the day I was born.  As I said last week, I'm adopted (sorry that shocked some of you.  I seriously feel like an open book and think everyone knows all of my secrets.) Anyway, she said she remembers she was outside working in the garden when the phone rang announcing my arrival.  She said they told her to come in and see her new baby girl.  I seem to remember she used to tell us a story about how she ran outside and yelled "it's a girl" or "I'm a mom" or something like that.  Someday I'll get around to scanning old baby pictures.  I was pretty cute back then. ;)

The nurses at the hospital knew I was being adopted and named me "Kay" during the three days I was in the hospital before my parents took me home.  I don't think I look like a Kay so I'm glad my mom and dad named me Jeanelle.  I used to hate how long and different my name was and wished I could find my name on a pencil or license plate for my bike.  Now, I love it.  I love that it's spelled differently and I love that there aren't a lot of Jeanelles out there.

I feel okay being 44, for the most part.  I hate the lines around my eyes and the fact that another year has come and gone and I'm one year closer to spinster-hood (kidding...kind of.)  But for the most part, I'm happy with my 40s. I like this stage better than my 20s and 30s.  I feel more settled in who I am, I'm at a great place spiritually and I'm blessed that I have so many people in my life who love me and help me to be better than I am.

If you're reading this, you're probably one of those people.  Thank you for supporting me and reminding me that even though I still live by myself, I'm never truly alone.

What I know for sure

I know that Gillette Venus razors are the best womens razors out there.

I know that having hope for the future feels so much better than being hopeless and crabby about what I don't yet have.

I know that road trips are, in fact, completely possible without Peanut M&Ms.  Alternatively, I know that road trips are not at all possible without Diet Coke.

I know I will always cry when in "You've Got Mail," Kathleen Kelly closes her store and then pictures herself and her mother twirling.  Seriously.  I bawl every single time. (Wish I could have found a picture but had to settle for this one.  Love the lily of the valley bouquet.)

I know I will always do or say thoughtless things (and I will always be sorry and will always try to do better.)

I know that getting pre-birthday flowers shaped like a cupcake will make anyone smile - especially since this darling cupcake doesn't count against my daily point allowance.

I know prayers are heard and answered by our Father in Heaven.  All. The. Time.

I know I love each one of these girls (five of my fabulous 2nd YCLs from last year) and I love that they like hanging out with me.  I also know that each one is seriously adorable.  Seriously.

How to Tuesday: Meet a blogger you adore!

Today's how-to Tuesday (see Stie's blog for more good advice) will teach you how to go about meeting a blogger you've admired from afar...anyone can do it, really.

Step 1.

Leave your house and go somewhere away from where you actually live.  (I went to the eastern side of my state this weekend for a dear friend's surprise birthday party.)

Step 2.

Think about who you know in the blogosphere who might live near where you're traveling.  (I thought of Jessica, a blogger whom I adore....you know her right?  She's that beautiful girl with the darling and hilarious kids and the super sweet and very tidy husband.  Of course you know who I'm talking about.)

Step 3.

Send said blogger an email asking if she'd happen to be around during the narrow little window of time when you'll be in her town.  (Seriously, I gave her like a 24 hour period of availability.)

Step 4.

Cheer loudly when you read the email she writes back saying she'd love to meet and would I like to come have lunch at her house with the aforementioned kids and husband. (Seriously, have you SEEN the barf training video?  How could you not want to meet the kids and husband after that little cinematic treat?!?)

Step 5.

Leave your house, drive east for a few hours, check into a so-so hotel, go to a fun party, return to the hotel, sleep, wake up, have a fun breakfast and more visiting time with the birthday girl you just celebrated the night before, then drive 30 more minutes to the home of the beloved blogger.

Step 6.

Panic a little when you get about a block away from the blogger's house.  Say to yourself "why did I think she'd ever want to meet me? Is it too late to back out?  I'm a total dork.  What if she hates me and we have nothing to talk about?"

Step 7.

Tell yourself to snap out of it, park the car, knock on the door, loving and smiling at the sound of the five adorable children running around inside.

Step 8.

Hug the blogger.  Go inside.  Start talking and then try not to act so surprised when she mentions things about you that she remembers from reading your blog.  (Seriously.  Actual people read my blog!)

Step 9.

Eat a delicious meal (still waiting for that recipe, missy) enjoy the darling family, talk like you've been friends forever.  Try not to wish out loud that we could be in the same ward.

Step 10.

Take pictures.  Hug.  Say goodbye.

It's seems totally easy now that I've laid out the steps for you, right? 

Dear Jessica, Ryan, Emma, Gabe, Jane, Seth and Faith -- I loved meeting you this weekend.  Thank you for making me feel so welcome in your home.  Can't wait to see you again sometime!

My momma

I have the best mother ever.

I came home from my little trip this weekend to find the pots on my patio filled with flowers. She loves me and still takes such good care of me even though I am eight days away from turning 44 and can pretty much take care of myself.

She's fun, she's sweet, she's smart and the best worker I've ever known. Anytime I need something bought, baked, sewn, cleaned or fixed, she will do it for me.

I feel like everyone who reads my blog knows that I'm adopted but in case you didn't know, well, I'm adopted. Shortly after they married, my mom and dad decided they wanted a little girl so they called an attorney and voila, they got me.

I've never felt an urge to find out who my birth parents are because I know with everything that I am that I am exactly where I'm supposed to be. 

The mom I have is the only mom I've ever wanted and I will be forever grateful that she chose to adopt me.