22

my man brought this to me at 12:01 this morning.

It was quick little party and then back to finals...
normally I'd be a baby about my birthday (just ask my family about last year....) It falls at a very busy time, I'm usually nose deep in finals, and family and friends are busy too so celebrations get postponed (sometimes till January!). This day was no different, busy busy busy. I pulled another almost all-nighter (I did get two hours of shut eye) had a scheduled final at 7 am came home and slept. I woke up to Denny's country fried steak (my favorite) and snuggled with my man for a good hour before he left for work. I just finished my 4th out of 5 finals! And am now going to finish watching Breakfast at Tiffany's and eat more ice cream "with my by myself" ;) . not a very birthday-ish day but somehow I'm ok with it all. I think 21 year old me grew up a lot. I'm ok with myself, I'm just happier. even if that means being alone on my birthday, It just feels good to be alive ya know? To look back and see I've survived 22 years on this crazy earth and that I might have accomplished some things and become a bit of a better person too is just a bonus!

Thank you to everyone whose made me feel so special! I'm happy to have phone calls/texts from friends and family who are equally busy with life, just to wish me an extra special day. Happy for dinner with my besties last night and counting down the seconds till 12 this morning with Brandon. happy for my date with brandon tomorrow and dinner with family on friday. I'm even happy for silly facebook birthday wishes. yup.

happy happy happy

hey 22 year old me! I have a feeling this year is going to be big :)

my best friend's wedding

Today is my best friend Lauren's birthday.

I've known Lauren (or lala, as I prefer to call her) since preschool. Just a few years after that, she moved into my neighborhood. I really can't remember a time in my life where lala wasn't in it. We've been through a lot together, she knows me better than most and still loves me :) Oh, and with her birthday being on April Fools? she's the queen of prankery. Remember in elementary school where you'd bring a treat on your birthday (that seems so backwards in retrospect) well I had Playdo donut holes and toothpaste oreos and 6 years of other birthday treats i've tried to forget about. I fell for it EVERY time!

Lala got married to the man of her dreams this past December. I was so honored to be a part of her special day and see her and Paul get sealed for eternity in the very same Temple Brandon and I did 6 months earlier. I was also thrilled to be a bridesmaid (first time ever!). She looked absolutely stunning....

although the day was FREEZING there was so much love going around that I felt warm.

the other two besties :)

my adorable parents

(everything about this picture i LOVE)

the siblings

the kimballs

hair to kill for...

Lala,

I love you so so much! I'm so lucky to call you my friend. You've shaped me and encouraged me to be a better person, and i've learned so much from your constant example. I'm so proud of what you do with your life: you embrace it. You try hard things and you master them. You use your talents and gifts to bless the lives of everyone around you. You are an absolute hoot to be around and I miss not seeing you every day. I hope you know how much I value our friendship and all the experiences we've shared (yes, even the hard and ridiculously silly ones :) You are the best and deserve all the happiness in the world! Happy birthday babe!

xoxo

claire

happy day of birth mom {in law} !!

yesterday was my mom-in-law's birthday.

it was swell.

one of my top 5 favorite things to do is spend time with my in-laws (up there with spending time with my own blood-kin, and when we get the two families together its AMAZING!)

Ya know how one of the best parts of your birthday is how everyone gets you cool gifts and you get to be all selfish and stuff?

Well she did something different.

something I'll always remember.

she gave each one of us a personal gift.

and told us how much she loves us.

mine included a rubber stamp of a camera & a gift card to in&out.

brandon's was a cool wallet out of this amazing paper that can't tear.

he was fascinated.

dad got a new/old book.

joleigh got a quote plaque in her favorite color: lime green.

mandy moo got some markers to write in her journal with.

taylor got.....well....{inside joke}.

they were simple.

small.

but all very personal.

and we all felt loved.

neat idea right?

I think I will adopt it.

dear mom,

I can't thank you enough for your example. Your constant patience and love for everyone around you. Your testimony that truly shines through your actions. You are wonderful. And I'm so lucky to be a part of your amazing family. I LOVE YOU!

xoxo

claire

p.s. in the hype of birthday excitement I forgot to share my guest post over here yesterday! I shared some art projects that have yet to be featured here so be sure to check it out and let me know what you think!

Birthday Boy

Dane (my big brother) got quite the surprise yesterday:

{on his birthday mind you!}

A KIDNEY STONE.

he and his wife spent the larger part of the day in the hospital.

some birthday right?

seems these stones run in our family.

remember mine just days before my wedding?

nightmare!

isn't he such a stud in this photo?

Dear Dane,

here's to a happy 23rd birthday and big wishes that this stone passes quicker than mine did! look at it this way, now you'll know what Brittany will have to go through when she gives birth. :) you are the best big brother ever! stay strong!

la la love you!

x0

-sissy

21

21 today

:)