21

Yesterday I turned 21. Yup. I'm growing up. How did I celebrate? It was filled with some of the people who I love most.

I woke up around 9:30 and all my roommates were still asleep. I had one of those internal battles where I had to go to the bathroom but I wanted to stay all cuddled up in my bed. My bladder won. I walked out of my room and to my astonishment the entire kitchen was decorated with streamers and balloons. Oh Chelan. Thank you.

So I went to the bathroom and then went back into my bed and read a little bit. Then around 9:44 my Grandma Kasteler called me to wish me a happy birthday. Then my sister came over at 10:00 and brought me 21 roses. What would I do without her?

Then my roommate made crepes for all of the roomies. Complete with nutella, strawberries and whipped cream. I ate 3. I was especially grateful for Courtney who I haven't seen very much lately! Love you Court/Katniss/Quarters.

Then we had an interesting thing happen. We were all bouncing a balloon around our living room. All of a sudden one of us smacked the balloon toward the light fixture. It was loose so it came crashing down. We all screamed and then just sat there in shock. The glass shards popped the four or so balloons that were in the room. We were all blessed to not get hurt. And it was hilarious. Also, at one point. Kevin Anderson came over to wish me a happy birthday.

Then Tina and I had planned to go play soccer at the church. Well, the gym was taken by some basketball players so we just went to the Relief Society room and played the piano for an hour or so. Thank you Kristina Sue Stewart for helping me to not hide my talents under a bushel.

While we were gone I left my phone at home. Unfortunately I missed a call from my wonderful Grandpa Scharffs who without fail has called me every single year on my birthday to sing me Happy Birthday. I also missed a call from Kevin Larsen. Thank you.

I then showered and got ready for the day. My wonderful Mother and Spencer drove up and we went to lunch to Olive Garden as a family. Wow. I love them and miss them like crazy.

Then we came back to my apartment to open up some presents. I walk in the door and out pops my best friend Jerrica Osmun. She had broken my heart earlier in the week when she said she wouldn't be able to make it up for my birthday. I screamed. To say the least. What an amazing surprise! I am grateful for Jerrica.

I opened up my presents and felt completely spoiled. I got some clothes, jewelery, a new straightener and a bag. I love it all. Again I want to thank my dear, dear mother.

Then my family left and Jerrica and I moved my car and when I came back there were some flowers. Beautiful flowers that had no name on them. Just a small note. Fortunately, I knew exactly who they were from because of the note. They were from my best friend Bethany Coleman. Oh, how I miss her.

Then my roommate Paige and I went to Walmart. We had to pick up some things for ice cream sundaes to have with our Oakcresties.

I came back and went to dinner with Jerrica at Costa Vida. You could say that Costa is "our place". Then Jerrica had to stop by Walmart to get some things to make Oreo Truffles. We came back and I opened the door to the apartment and SURPRISE.

There were balloons and Chelan had made three cakes and there were candles and everyone sang to me and I blew all of them out in one blow. (To tell you the truth there were only two. But still. There was one on each cake and I still got all three in one blow.) Then, all of the boys got around me and threw me in the air 21 one times. It might have been a little terrifying but so fun! We ate cake and played games. It was seriously so fun. It was the first time I have ever had a surprise party. And even though I knew something was going on, I really appreciate everyone who came. Chelan, Tina, Courtney, Jerrica, Paige, Maegan, Spencer Hall, Mitch, Spencer Cline, Kye, Jordan, Franco, Evan, Dallin, Hannah, Steve, Matt.

It is days like yesterday when you are reminded that there are people out there who love you. I am grateful for all of the people in my life and I know that I am who I am because of all of you. I am especially grateful for my Heavenly Father who knows me perfectly and gave me incredible people in my life to help me and guide me to what I can be.

And I want to thank YOU for being one of the few to make it through this entire blog post. Here is a song for your Sunday afternoon.