I turn 33 this year folks. Everyone told me turning 30 would be horrible, but it wasn’t. Being over 30 is awesome. People take me more seriously, my kids are getting bigger and more helpful, and I like myself infinitely better than I did at 18. Sure, parts of my body are starting to sag, random hairs are sprouting on my chin, and my stomach hasn’t been flat in a decade. So what! The truth is I’m getting smarter, funnier and cuter every year I’m alive – and that’s something to celebrate.

When I was turning 30, I wanted to try something new, so I decided to learn how to roller-skate. My husband (the rollerblading dynamo) bought me a new pair of skates and every week on date night we would practice together. After a few of those dates, I was comfortable enough to skate around the block. I also picked up a pilates class to strengthen my core muscles and that made a huge difference in my skating.

After months of practice, I was ready for my grand entrance into my third decade. What better way to show off my new skills than a Disco roller skating birthday party?!?!? All of my friends came in costume and the music DJ played all of my favorite songs from “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire to “No More Tears” by Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer. I was in Disco heaven.

I had a cake.

My friends all showed up in their best Disco costumes.

My tongue-in-cheek motto for the evening was: It just might take 30 years to look this good!

So yes, Mormons do celebrate birthdays. Normally they are not as extravagant as mine was. I doubt I’ll ever have another party like that again. Most Mormon families like to take a day to celebrate the individuals that bring them happiness. Some families have birthday fairies that decorate the house while a child sleeps so they can wake up to a birthday surprise. Others have friend birthday parties. Some Mormon families may cook their child or spouse their favorite dinner. I know my favorite things near my birthday are handmade cards from my kids. The goal is to create family traditions that have meaning and make the birthday person feel special.

How do you celebrate birthdays? Please send in pictures and stories of your Mormon birthdays to mormonwoman(at)gmail(dot)com.

The post Ask a Mormon Woman: Do Mormons Celebrate Birthdays? appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

Of course, some of what you feel and think during this weekend of spiritual feasting is personal, and not something you will want to share publicly. But sometimes there are thoughts that we can discuss together, and also share to help friends not of our faith understand more of what General Conference means to us.

p.s. We are planning a photo essay related to Conference for our Family Friday post this week, giving glimpses through pictures of different ways people enjoy Conference weekend. Whether you are a family of one and enjoyed conference in the quiet of your own home, or you are a mom of little ones whom you tried (however unsuccessfully) to keep occupied enough to hear something, or you live where your ward or branch family gather and worship (and eat!) together, please consider sharing a picture or two of your experiences. Food shots (and recipes?) are welcome, too! Email pictures (with a brief caption in the subject or email text) at gmail to username mormonwoman.

To review any of the talks from any of the five sessions this weekend (or the General Relief Society Broadcast from the previous week), you can go to the archives here. Transcripts will be available on Thursday, October 8, 2009.

The post Ask a Mormon Woman: What from General Conference inspired you? appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.