Birthday Surprise

Eric got me really good this year! He not only pulled off one birthday surprise, but two...in the same day! And here I thought nothing could get past me and my super perceptive senses. After all, I have been a mommy for over four years now, so doesn't that whole "nothing gets by me" skill only get stronger with time and experience. Okay, maybe that only applies with your children and not your husband.

First, I was surprised during the day with a gift straight from the Bluegrass State-my mom and Becky. Woo Hoo!! And with them, not one, but two concrete ice cream cakes from Culvers (yes, Iowa friends, that wonderful restaurant has made its way south to Kentucky and hopefully on its way to Nashville SOON). I was extremely happy and did I mention, surprised to find them in my kitchen at lunch time.

Then on our way home from dinner, Eric just HAD to make a trip by Tim and Shar McLaughlin's house so that they could give me my birthday present. Caleb led me into their dining room to look at their Christmas tree (was he put up to this?) and to my other surprise, there were most of my dearest and closest friends! I have to admit that I was quite overwhelmed in the moment. I am not really good with surprises like that, because I always feel like I have a funny reaction or think that if I had only known, I could have gotten dressed up a little more.

I was pretty speechless. Yeah, me? Hard to believe. I was very overcome with gratitude in that moment. Not to mention, a little relief, since I hadn't really received any birthday wishes from my local friends that day and just thought everyone had gotten busy and forgotten. Then it all made sense. Especially tricky Shar's part in all, since she had only asked me upteen times in the preceding week what we were doing to celebrate my birthday and if they could be included. Obviously she was trying to throw me off the scent and did so. Yes, McLaughlins you will be included in my birthday plans...and in a big way, since you helped with the planning. Sneaky, sneaky!!

And mom forewent the festive evening to take home our sleepy boys and allowed for us to have a kid-free evening. Thanks mom!

Caution: Sappiness ahead! Consider yourself warned!

I am truly grateful for my sweet and sneaky hubby and our family and friends (those who got to share in the surprise and those who didn't, but kept quiet about the whole thing) who helped make my venture INTO my fourth decade (31 now, so no longer skirting the edge of my thirties) very special and sweet. God continues to demonstrate His love for me and often uses my family and friends to do so. I have been truly blessed with a wonderful support system, friends (who are now family) who hold me accountable, from who I learn so much and have such a good time, and walk with me daily through life and my unexpected career choice (that can sometimes be isolating and overwhelming), and love me for some crazy reason. My mom and sister have always been my biggest supporters and loved me through my very unloveable years. All of them! Growing up, all we had were each other and now I know that that was all we needed and so much more than we even deserved! They are beautiful women who love the Lord and blessing others and have these amazing capacities to love. And especially for my hubby and best friend, my gratitude flows. He continues to surprise and amaze me and shows me the meaning of unconditional love daily. I am in awe of the man that he is and the commitment he has to Christ and our marriage. He is also a pretty awesome daddy! Being Eric's wife is my most precious gift and our journey together has been bumpy, blessed, and untradeable (is that word?). I couldn't be happier that he is the man that I will one day, God willing, grow old with, overlooking the lake together. And of course, for my boys I am thankful, and if you have visited this blog at least one time, you know how head over heels crazy I am over those two goofballs!

Here are few shots from my Birthday surprise: