Birthday Blessings

On the days leading up to my birthday, my daughter would come to me and say "It's only 1 more day until your birthday. Are you so excited?!?!?" Umm, sure? On the eve of my birthday, I stayed up late making my treat for work. It was Tae Kwon Do night, so I was tired and accidentally fell asleep on the couch while I waited for it to cool down. This meant that I actually heard my husband's alarm in the wee hours of the morning and woke up to take care of said treat. Before I could make my way to bed, he came out and was excitedly wishing me a Happy Birthday. Two things you should know about me: I don't  like the spotlight - or mornings. :) But still, it was pretty sweet of him. As he was leaving for work, K woke up and after telling daddy goodbye and that she loved him (melts my heart!) she climbed into bed with me, smothered me with kisses and fell back to sleep. She didn't kick me once in her sleep. Now that's a birthday treat for sure!

 
 Before I went to work, my son told me I couldn't come out yet and I heard him scurrying around. He was setting up this birthday wish they all had built out of LEGOs the night before.





Then my sweet husband and kids surprised me at lunchtime by bringing me a cake he made, balloons, cards and presents. They even serenaded me right there in my cubicle!My favorite part was when Zander kept exclaiming that it was "bleeding"!

 And then they took me to Olive Garden for lunch. Yum!

Then my little tag-a-long begged to stay with me at work because it was my birthday. Gotta love working at a children's ministry- she fit right in!

The flowers K made me.

I was given cards and a Ferraro Rocher by my sweet coworkers. I received messages from my brother and some wonderful friends. I read a sweet note on Facebook from my mom that may have teared me up a bit!

It's a girl! Thirty-two years ago she came into our lives, Happy Birthday! Although I was told unexpectedly that I was pregnant, you were welcomed with opened arms to be loved by us all. The doctor wanted to move your date of birth up a week, but being a school teacher and getting ready for someone to take over for me, I said, "No, she'll have to wait!". And she did! What a joy she has been. Love you! Love, Mom and Dad

At church, I was greeted in the parking lot by my dad who called me the "birthday girl" as tradition would have it. It always makes me feel young when he says that! Before I got down the hall my best friend and our moms were in the nursery and I got more birthday wishes. I was serenaded in the hallway as our youth pastor broke out in song, then in one class and then when all the kids came together. It's a good thing I brought cookies or they may not have been happy so happy to sing to me! All in all, it was a great day - even if it means I'm getting older. The many posts by family and friends on Facebook were all so sweet and encouraging. Thanks, everyone! I feel very blessed.