don't hate me 'cause HE's beautiful!

I was skeptical. And, honestly, I'm kind of a birthday diva (sans the kinda).

My mom threw the birthday parties that other kids were jealous about. One year it was Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. She dressed as an oompa loompa and we invited guests by delivering chocolate bars with golden tickets. We ate A LOT of chocolate that birthday. In my teens it was an annual private party at the town pool, with 25+ friends and homemade pizza. Along the way there were also costume parties, luncheons at parks and a luau (our backyard transformed into the ocean, fish included).

I've also been dumped by a long-term boyfriend on my birthday because he "wanted to date more attractive people." Although (regrettably) memorable, let's just say it was no Willy Wonka party.

Fast forward to last year. Remember this (and this and this and this and this)? That little incident publicly earned Chris his coveted Husband of the Century title (which he's arguably possessed since day one, when he decided to live on the edge and take the plunge with me). I even got all misty as I sat five rows from the stage, watching my FAVORITE musical on BROADWAY in NEW YORK CITY, hot husband by my side, and realized I was living a childhood dream (minus the part about me being on the stage). It was a moment. Plus, I now have a (totally hot) dress known as my "Wicked" dress.

How can you top that? When you're Husband of the Century, you take to heart the sage advice of Tim Gunn and "Make it work!"

I awoke at 6 a.m. to a trail of footprints...
...leading to a pile of presents:
...and a neon birthday banner. According to the Husband of the Century, I'm roo.
Chris took a page from the book "My Mom and Holidays: Candy (preferably gift-wrapped) Required." Kit Kat and gummy bears for breakfast!
Next I received a series of detailed coupons. The first entitles holder (me, aka roo) to wear elastic-waisted pants to accommodate loads of delicious food at Fogo de Chao. I'll probably opt for jeans, red patent leather shoes and my new top (but I'll slip a rubber band in my purse should the need arise to loosen my top button - I mean there will be friends there. I can't just let it all hang out). Also notice the addendum about a "spectacular" dessert. Yum... I also received a coupon for "bottoms."
And visuals describing the "bottoms." I'm lobbying for all three - I mean check out the cut of those pants. I dare you to give me one reason why I shouldn't buy the yellow dress. Too late. Already mentally purchased.
Awww...what a great birthday, right? BUT WAIT. There are more footprints......leading to a patented blue bag...
...containing a patented blue box......containing the PERFECT charm bracelet!All this before 7 a.m. - WOW! Today Chris can proudly hum "Oops, I did it again." He's setting a trend - I'm already excited for next year.

Fortunately for Chris, he won't even have to work to make 2009 a great birthday year. Yesterday, Derrick left on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was overwhelmed with emotion as I talked to him for the last time, but not just because he's leaving and I'll miss him. I am in awe of his willingness to voluntarily offer two years of his life to live in a country he's never been to, speak a language he doesn't yet know and share his belief with strangers who might not want to hear. Only true faith would inspire such sacrifice, such courage, such boldness. And he has it.

I can't wait to hear about his adventures. And I know it will be one of my biggest birthday celebrations ever when the little brother (who will forever be 12 years old in my mind) returns home a man--wearied from service, strengthened through sacrifice and possessing a greater knowledge and awareness of a Heavenly Father who knows and loves each of his children.