Twenty years already?

Right after my "Forever 39" birthday celebration, another momentous event called for some celebrating.  Zach and I have officially been married for 20 years now.  In some ways, it doesn't seem like it could possibly be that long, but in other ways it feels just right.  We have a long history together and I count myself so lucky to still have him be in love with me, and vice versa.  That love has changed over the years.  Less butterflies and intensity, more understanding and friendship.  

After he spoiled me rotten for my birthday, I honestly didn't expect anything for our anniversary, even if it was a "big one".  But he did surprise me with these beauties.

And I surprised him with a suggestion of a gun range date.  He was super happy with that.

He took it one step further and made these targets for each of us.  Year #15 must have been a good one!

Surprise! Forever 39

The Friday night before my 40th birthday, a full 6 days before, I was mentally preparing myself for a boring night while everyone else in the family seemed to have plans.  To be honest, I was kind of in a grumpy mood because of it but was trying to put on a good face.  So I was REALLY surprised when 7 of my best friends knocked on our door ready to whisk me away for a birthday adventure that Zach had put together.  It quickly became apparent that this wasn't a last minute thing he threw together, not that I would expect that from him.  He doesn't do anything half-baked.  He had been planning for weeks to make my 40th one of my favorite birthdays.  The theme was "Forever 39" :)

In the car, we were each given an envelope containing instructions for the night, and the MEAN$ to make it happen :)  We were headed downtown to City Creek to check into our hotel, do some shopping and have an amazing dinner at a brazilian steakhouse.  

 

Back at the hotel, *someone* had come in the room while we were gone and placed cute little cloth bags on each of our pillows containing a glass bottle and message scroll inside with a little homework assignment.  

Over the next week, the bottles came back to me in unexpected places (at church, inside black balloon bouquets) containing sweet birthday messages. I loved that Zach found a way to make the celebration continue even longer.  I felt very loved which was just what I needed for this "big one".

And just like that, my baby girl is 15!

As much as I miss the little girl she used to be, I am loving who Emmy is turning into.  She is definitely her own person and not at all the quiet, nose-in-a-book 15-year-old that I was.  

Emmy wanted to make a temple trip with friends part of her birthday celebration. Well, ok - twist my arm!  She has good friends that I know will be a strength to her in these coming years.

Shalese, Abbie, Allie, Isaac, Emmy and Parker

Her idea of a party was a small gathering to eat pizza (which she did for her friends since she doesn't even like pizza) and watch "The Way Way Back", one of our favorite movies from this year.  I love how simple parties get the older my kids get.  No more themes, invitations, party favors, etc.  Just parental supervision!

Corissa, Katie, Abbie, Sherry, Parker, Isaac & Marcus

Her loves...

Parker.  As much as I don't want to put this on here, I would be totally dishonest if I didn't include him in this list.  He has been a big part of her life this last year.  Even though he isn't officially her "boyfriend" anymore, after a year of being a couple, they are still best friends and talk almost as much as they did when they were together.  I'm not sure what has changed exactly, but it's a step in the right direction as far as her parents are concerned.  

Seminary.  She absolutely loves it thanks to her amazing teacher, Brother Sackett.  Not only has he helped spark her testimony, but he is also a former professional Disney musician and sings a lot for the class.  Sometimes she records it and lets me hear it later.  She also just received her patriarchal blessing (a one-time sacred personal blessing given to members of the church) which was very meaningful to her and has given her some new goals to work towards like going on a mission and being married in the temple.

Friends.  What 15-year-old doesn't love spending time with their friends?  These days, it's Sherry, Abbie, Parker, Rylee, Alli, Marcus, Corissa and Katie.  If she could, she would have social engagements on a daily basis but I draw the line at 2 per week.  Even though she isn't athletic, she goes to a lot of sporting events to support her friends who are into sports.  

Music.  She has continued to teach herself songs on the piano without any lessons (not because I haven't tried, believe me).  Lately, she is challenging herself to learn hymns so that she can accompany the class in seminary.  She is singing a solo this Sunday in church which is a first.  Usually we sing a duet so I am proud of her courage.  

Art.  She has done some impressive projects this last year thanks to a dad who supplied her with top quality art supplies.  She mostly does it as a stress reliever late at night.  

Wedding Dresses.  If you check out her Pinterest boards, they are 90% wedding related.  Should I be worried?  This year in her stocking, in place of the usual token "teen" magazine, I put a wedding magazine in there.  She was beyond thrilled.   She even tried on my wedding dress recently and we were both surprised to see that she fit!

Shoes.  Need I say more? She has about twice as many as me, which is fine with me since we wear the same size now.