Birthday Surprises

Well, today is my birthday.  Yeah!!! 

I have always loved my birthday.  I'm talking countdowns in my head from like, well whenever I get a new calendar and start filling in all those major dates.  Over the past years it hasn't had a whole lot of splendor like it used to.  I had such fun parties when I was kid.  Always a costume theme and lots of fun.  Even in college we made a big deal out of it.  But, since I got married (10 days before my birthday) and kids came along it hasn't had as much attention.  I guess that's the way it works.  I'm fine with that.  I will even announce my age if someone asks.  Yes, this would be #36!!!  I am starting to see the wrinkles or "laugh lines" and I have spotted a few gray hairs.  I lean on the fact that Proverbs 16:31 says "Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness."  while we, I, struggle, I have been blessed with a life filled with so much.  So much more than the overwhelming majority of this world.  I have also been blessed with wonderful friends.  Friends that even though we don't see each other as often as we used to still remember.  I haven't expected anything in years.  Like Codey said, "It's not fair we never go eat for Mom's birthday but we always do for everyone else's."  I would just rather spend that money on something else.  I would rather have my family with me here in my home on this day.  I have a special day when we are all together.  But, this year Jeremy did take me out.  It was an anniversary and birthday dinner in one.  Yes, Dave Ramsey would be proud.  I also had these flowers delivered to me...

...from a very special friend.  Thanks so much Linda for making my day, for making me feel special!  In addition, I got a call from a friend asking if I would be home and could her and her son come to visit.  I have had sick kids all week, and one today, so I told her that probably wasn't a good idea.  she said she just wanted to stop by.  When she got her she had a gift and her little son sang "Happy Birtday to you".  So sweet!  She gave me this...

...wonderful necklace that her and a friend make.  They are selling them to fund their mission trip to Russia this Thanksgiving.  It says "Faith" in Russian.  So beautiful and so sweet.  Thanks, Erin.  You are a true friend!

I had several calls and lots of those Facebook messages and I am thankful for each and every one of them.  I am blessed to have such great friends and family.  HaPpY BiRtHdAy to ME!!!!