I celebrated my birthday last month, and I have to say, it was QUITE the best birthday I've had in many a year.
For one thing, I walked in to work to find my work station looking like this:
And for another thing, everyone in the room proceeded to jump up from their desks and run at me to give me a giant group hug. My coworkers are the best group of people EVER!!! Seriously though, those guys always make me feel so loved and appreciated. I love working for this company where I feel like I belong. Studies Weekly FTW!
Next, after work Hannah and I got all dolled up (and I FINALLY got to wear my fancy dress!), borrowed my mom's car, and went to dinner at La Caille up in Sandy.
(Fabulous hairstyle courtesy of awesome roommate Cassandra Walker)
The establishment was absolutely GORGEOUS, and I admit that Hannah and I both swooned at the sight of the entrance. I've never had valet parking before, but that only added to the charm of the evening for me XD
(Giant walrus head in the entryway)
Hannah whispered to me while we were waiting for our food that some of the other patrons in the restaurant were staring at me. I can only guess that I was so elegantly dressed that they must have been wondering if I was a celebrity. Whatever the reason, it was my flipping birthday. I WAS a celebrity!
Afterward we drove home jamming out to Iggy's "Fancy" and enjoyed a display of fireworks as we drove past Thanksgiving Point. I don't care what you say the fireworks were for, they were in honor of my birthday.
The next weekend was Halloween, and Hannah joined me and the family down to St. George for some Hallow's Eve mischief. The family and I went to Thriller that Friday night, and the day of Halloween Hannah and I found ourselves wandering the grounds at the St. George temple.
I adore the Payson temple because of it's distinctly European architecture and style, but St. George still remains my favorite temple in the whole world.
We walked around the grounds taking pictures and having some laughs, and then we sat down under the rose garden canopy and talked of things we've both been going through lately, the things in our hearts, and of our hopes for the future. Hannah and I both love those moments in life when we get to have these kinds of meaningful conversations with people, which is why our friendship is so special.
I feel such a deep excitement and joy building within me as time passes in regards to the temple, and I'll share with you why this is: I'm going to go through the temple to take out my endowments this spring. The circumstances regarding how I came to this decision feel a bit too sacred and personal for me to share, but I can tell you that I felt unsure about whether or not to make this decision until I went to my first temple prep class. Something truly amazing happened that night, and because of it, every uncertainty and reservation I'd ever had was gone.
I can hardly wait until that day comes, but there's also another reason I feel filled with so much hope and happiness over the prospect of going through the temple. On April 30th this spring, I will not only get to be present for my sister Holly's temple work, but I will have the honor of being her proxy. I always regretted that there were so many things I was unable to help her with when she was alive, but I feel so blessed now to be given the opportunity to do this for her. Spring can't get here soon enough!
Then that night Hannah dressed up as a robber for Halloween...
...so naturally we had to shoot a video of her doing the thief walk/run to the sounds of "Smooth Criminal" ...
...and I honestly didn't know what I was until we walked past a home that was for sale...
Yes, we know. We're two sides of the same doofus coin. And we freaking love it.
Anyway, we finished the night by going to a Halloween dance at Dixie University, and the next day (Sunday) we went to Zion's national park before making the long journey back up north.
("Nothing to see here!")
I'm always joking with Hannah that she's my pre-husband, because the man I marry one day will have a pretty high standard to meet as far as how awesome her and my relationship is. I'm so grateful for our friendship, and the amazing example and support this girl constantly continues to be for me.
I also look forward to this spring, because this girl is FINALLY going to move in with me for a semester!!! As of yesterday, Hannah has officially signed a contract for my apartment, and things worked out so beautifully as far as a spot opening up for her to fill. It's crazy how the Lord works, but I see now why everything worked out the way that it did. Back in the fall, Hannah felt impressed that it wasn't time for her to move out yet. I was frustrated with this until I saw the friendships that needed to be formed first between my roommates before Jamie left on her mission.
Now that she'll be leaving us in January, it will at last be time for Hannah to join us in our little apartment family, and I predict many new adventures and experiences are going to find us. I just know so many beautiful things are coming our way, and I can hardly wait for this next adventure in our lives to get started!
I love you so much, Gracie, and I'm keeping you in my prayers.
All my love,
<3 Katie Jo
