My Birthday of Favorites

I had the best birthday this year...Yeah for 29! I am told it is the last birthday that I will have. From now it is will be anniversaries of my 29th birthday...

Jared is busy building another business. I knew that my birthday would probably have to be pushed aside this year for a better cause (the pursuit of that all important income...) so I was not expecting a thing. Happily Jared surprised me several times over and made my day a day of favorites. When I woke up the kids were thrilled to sing to me and smother me with sloppy birthday kisses. I was given a halarious card (a favorite thing of ours - on one of our first dates we went to Target and just read funny cards) and a Kohls gift card (another favorite) and some hand drawn pictures from Jadyn (big favorite). We ate breakfast and Jared announced that although he was leaving to work, he had made arrangements for all of the children to go somewhere for the day so that I could be ALONE to do whatever I desired! That might not seem like a favorite to anyone else, but I have needed a break for a long time. Jared packed up the kids and asked me to meet him for lunch and was off. I took a long bubble bath with candles (favorite), relaxed, and went shopping all by myself (deffinate favorite)! O was able to actually try things on without having to chase kids that were crawling under the dressing room stalls and terrifying other shoppers. I even found a pair of capris that were a a size smaller that I know that I am that fit! It was glorious.

I next journeyed to the scrapbook store just to look and get ideas for my favorite hobby. It was nice to take some time and not be in a rush. I met Jared for lunch and we did Tia Rosas (favorite) and I had some Mango Lemonade (favorite) and plenty of good food and great conversation with my sweetheart (favorite). I spent some time with my family and kids in the afternoon, took a nap (favorite), and had mint chocolate chip ice cream cones with my girls (favorite). Jared and I went to Bavarian Point for dinner and had my favorite German food. We went shopping together afterwards and I found some new shoes. What girl doesn't love a new pair of shoes every now and then?!? The day was rounded off with a massage, kids in bed early and plenty of alone time for the parents (favorite). What a perfectly wonderful, perfect day!

As I reflected over the last year, I am so grateful for my health, my wonderful children, the best husband in the world, amazing extended family relationships, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have had some hard trials this last year, but that has only deepened our love for each other (as a family) and our love for the Lord. I feel so blessed on this day of favorites.