{the big 3-0, and some vday shenanigans}

so i had my big--30 birthday last Thurs. I will tell you that it was all good...no tears...30 is the new 20?? or something like that? whatever. i look back on the last 10 years and wonder where those went. Some pretty great things happened in those 10 years... that i know for certain.......am i ready to be a grownup? not yet.

so in lieu of the big 30 here are 30 random facts you might not know about me...in no particular order..

1. I think i may have mentioned it before, but my name is Swedish and it is pronounced {share-stin} i am pretty sure i have heard every possible pronunciation of my name, and at times i will just answer to anything relatively close---i don't have a middle name.

2. my favorite colors are blue and yellow--in all their various shades.

3. When i was in 2nd or 3rd grade i signed up for a piano number in the class talent show---{fyi--i didn't know how to play the piano} i remember thinking that i could just get up there and make something up....which is exactly what i did. Just pounded away on the keys....my parents were so proud:)

4. i am starting up swimming with a coach. I really would like to add a triathlon into my racing schedule this year. Going out of my comfort zone. i am so intimidated by the swimming b/c frankly i don't really know how. excited!

5. the trips to the oregon coast with my family will always be a favorite time.

6. i grew up the oldest child in my family, and as much as i hate to admit it do seem to have the personality traits of such.

7. i love watching the discovery channel, and documentaries are my favorite.

8. since i have been married we have moved 8 times, built 2 houses, and renovated 1--yeesh.. i hate moving....but sure would love to renovate a house again...someday...

9. i am a fan of pretty dishes and cake plates

10.i am not of fan of cooking. i have such good intentions--but often find myself stuck in the rut of the same things every week---and i despise grocery shopping.

11. i am a worrier--errg! hate it, especially when it keeps me away from some much needed zzz's.

12.i like to have my nails painted....but hate when they chip three hours later...

13. some fav foods include: hummus, pickles, anything pumpkin, bread pudding, seafood, and pizza. ( chicago deep dish pizza is calling me)

14. i am usually the driver--even when i am with my hubs--my family always laughs at this. The seat is just all ready set to me, and i get car sick!

15. my hair is still trying to recover from having Nora--i was literally balding! it is slowly making a comeback. All of you with lovely locks---jealous!

16. nothing i like more than a killer bargain.

17. a dream vacation would be to visit europe--italy, greece, spain....

18. i am sure i am not the only one--but i hate seeing my kids get older--i want them to stay little forever and get sick about the whole growing up business

19. i just got a ticket for running out of gas---dumbest thing ever.

20. i am a doodler---if there is a pen in reach and anything i can write on--i am on it.

21. at times i tend to have some road rage and will say little snippets out loud---of which my kiddos repeat...don't worry no profanity.

22. i love big cities

23. i am not a huge fan of Facebook.

24. my favorite books are The count of monte cristo, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Anne of Green Gables. i love a good book, and have been known to stay up all night just to finish a good one.

25. my feet are super ticklish-so when getting pedicures i have to resist the urge to kick the person working on them.

26.music junkie

27. would like to run a 3 hour marathon...but for this next one coming up, i am just training to beat my current 3:21....i have also been wanting to run the NYC marathon--looks like a good time...hopefully this year.

28. i love freckles

29. i would rather watch a flick at home in my pjs than go to the theatre

30. i am grateful everyday for my children, health, family, and my life....what will this next decade hold?? i am excited for the adventure....

{my b-day through instagram}.....it started out with an early morning run with my running pals and dad, and then a lunch date with the gals. The girls are taking over our family at this point...

Later on that evening the husband and i went to eat at Eva's--which deserves it's own separate post. It is amazing...the atmosphere is very cool, and the food is out of this world. The brussel sprouts, and sweet potato au-gratin were incredible....and i live for a good bread pudding--mission accomplished. We stayed over night at a fun joint and got up for some more food:) just eating my way into the 30's:) Andrew wanted to grab bkfst at this placecalled Bruges--which has been featured on the food network shows: diners, drive-ins, and dives, and man vs. food....so you know it's bound to be good. I had to laugh b/c my friend Libbyhas been tellingme about this place too. It did not disappoint. we are still talking about those waffles slathered in creme fraicheand berries......mmmm....the restof the day was spent shopping...my favorite past time....a perfect birthday---thanks to my sweet hubs, and my parents for watching the kidlets.

moving on to love day.....i think these are the only picts in this post not taken with my iPhone..i just have gotten lazy, and really love not carrying around my camera. We had a few treat making days--one over at my sisters, and then we decided to make some for the kiddos teachers one afternoon....as well as finishing up some valentines. We made some rice krispy pops and red velvets....

valentines morning eats, and sifting through the loot

we spent the rest of the evening with the kidlets. We made pizzas, munched out on treats, and they each got to open a little present. It was dandy vday indeed.