My 40th birthday

 Madi baked me vegan apple crisp muffins as a birthday gift -- yum!!

 On my birthday (a Saturday), I cheered on Lyrad, Rachel and Josh at a 5K before I went to a stake women's conference to attend wonderful classes on parenting, being positive, and being a lifelong learner.  Next, Rachel and I stopped by the hospital with 2 friends and sang, "I am a Child of God" to a sweet older man in our ward who was suffering with cancer (and who passed away 3 weeks later).  Then I returned home to a house decorated with black balloons and streamers...  since I was turning 40.  (Very funny, Lyrad)

 Lyrad and Josh made my favorite cake, and since all the girls were gone that afternoon, we ate the cake with an older man who lives across the street and Josh's friend who was over.  Then we went out for dinner at a fabulous German restaurant, Helga's, which is just down our street.  The potato pancakes, spatzle, and apple pastry were delicious and brought back wonderful memories of our Germany days.  Then we watched a family movie that night (Mr. Popper's Penguins).  It was a great 40th birthday!