Yesterday I turned the big 4-0.
And you know what?
It was an amazingly wonderful day.
I just realized over and over again how incredibly blessed I am. I mean truly blessed.
Blessed to be married to the love of my life and very best friend.
Blessed that he would surprise me with flowers.
Blessed that he thinks I’m beautiful, though apparently more so with curls in my hair.
I’m blessed to have these 7 children…
each so unique and perfect in their own God-given ways.
It’s pretty much impossible to capture a picture…
with all of them facing forward…
eyes open and smiling.
We seem to do a whole lot better when we bust the crazy moves…
and let it go…
any which way.
I’m blessed to have amazing friends and family who showered me with wonderful ‘Happy Birthday’ messages throughout the day.
My eyes welled up and my face beamed, as I read the many kind words.
I’m blessed to have a mom and dad who send flowers for just about any occasion my mom can invent. Love you guys.
I’m blessed that my life is absolutely NEVER boring.
We played ‘Name That Artist’ on our way out to dinner.
It’s a game my gaggle really enjoys.
Never would I have expected to catch my hubby cheating on Shazam.
He can be so predictably naughty sometimes.
.
I’m blessed that we bring our own party wherever we go.
Can you guess where we were off to?
I’ll give you a hint…
It’s my primary love language.
I talk about it entirely too much.
It’s unmentionable.
It’s low fat.
Okay that last hint was a lie.
But I wish it were true.
This should help you out, if you’re still stuck…
You got it!
The Cheesecake Factory!
I really didn’t want dinner.
I ate an entree because it was the right thing to do.
You know… with all of those young, impressionable children watching my every move, I couldn’t just skip to dessert.
This girl was sitting next to me…
She told me she loved my birthday because my hair was beautiful.
She always knows how to make this mommy smile.
And these guys completely melted my heart…
They created beautiful handmade cards for me and surprised me with gifts.
Maddie bought me a Dunkin’ Donuts gift card. In her card she wrote, “When in doubt, go for the coffee gift card!” I laughed out loud. Does she know me or what?!
Gavin gave me a coupon, redeemable at any time, for ‘one free meal’. That means I can call upon him to cook dinner whenever I choose. I love him and his courage!
Keagan was sad to report that her gift hadn’t arrived in time. It was in Raleigh somewhere on a truck, she reported. I was so curious.
My super colorful gel pens arrived today…
Isn’t she the sweetest?!
Luke… well I should have been suspicious when I saw his Super Mario wallet in his left back pocket.
He went to pick out Lindt truffles for me at the mall while I was getting my hair curled.
He presented me with this bag…
All of my favorites.
That boy melts my heart.
Gabby, Makinley, and Logan had birthday cards for me too. Their older siblings had helped make it happen.
I felt big serious eyes studying my reaction as I examined those carefully crafted cards.
Amidst the imperfectly shaped letters, smiley faces, rainbows, and assorted stickers I found the sweetest little messages of love.
Chubby fingers pointed out anything I might have missed.
I soaked all of it in.
I sat there completely content.
Even before the cheesecake.
So profoundly aware of how incredibly blessed I am.
Looking around the table at all of my loves…
reflecting on their thoughtfulness and generosity
and how well they all know me.
I wouldn’t trade my life for the world.
Not for riches…
Not for vacations..
Not for fame…
Not for cheesecake…
Not for anything.
You know how to make a girl tear up! So glad you were showered with love yesterday. You are an awesome part of an awesome family!