Counting Backward

I've decided that I'm going to now count backward for my age. :o) Works for me.

I'll be honest. Yesterday won't go down as the greatest birthday of all time. At least not the "daytime birthday". I was grumpy, tired, and honestly wanted to crawl into bed with the covers over my head. There wasn't anything in particular that made me feel that way...just several things clouded into one gray cloud. Despite my sweet (and very loving and patient) husband's attempts at bringing me out of my funk, nothing really helped.  Toward the end of the school day, I received two beautiful bouquets of flowers that brightened my day tremendously!  I'm very thankful for my sweet mom and mother-in-law.

However, after school, Hallie and I rested up for dinner. I took a quick nap and felt a little refreshed afterward. I was ready to celebrate (and even had a smile on my face).

On the way to dinner, Jonathan gave me the sweetest card, saying that I'm his very best friend. It came complete with an old school friendship bracelet (which I am proudly displaying on my wrist). Dinner was very entertaining (Fuji Japanese Steakhouse), and I just couldn't not giggle when Hallie proclaimed she was done with her salad and ready for her "hot water soup"! :o) After dinner, we headed home for cookie cake (my favorite). Jonathan sweetly had them only use orange, white, and yellow icing as I think most of the others (especially blue and red) are disgusting. I don't care what anyone thinks...they are. My cake might have looked quite bright, but it tasted divine. :o)

After cake, I opened some sweet presents--a James Avery remembrance ring with Hallie's birthstone from Jonathan; an Amazon gift card from Hallie bc she wanted to get me a book for my Kindle (she is the sweetest!); and from my parents and in-laws...shopping money!  Hooray!  Of course, my parents weren't able to join us, but we did celebrate with them via FaceTime. :o) Then Hallie entertained with her gymnastics moves. Lol.

And now it's the day after my birthday:  Jonathan told me about his sweet conversation with Hal on the way to school this morning. Hallie proclaimed this morning that mommies don't get enough presents like kids do...I like her thinking. Haha. She really is super sweet!

Overall, it turned out to be a great birthday--one where I realized just how much I am loved. So thankful for my family and friends. Until next year...when I'll be 32. ;o)

My sweet friendship bracelet from the Hubs. :o)

Hallie finally got her "hot water soup"!  This girl cracks me up!

Yummo cookie cake! :o)

Isn't the handwritten candle the best?  It's from Hallie's 4th birthday--and has a 4 on the other side! Ha!

Our after cake/presents entertainment. :o)

I have *got* to sign her up for summer gymnastics!

And my very sweet ring.  I *love love love* it!