"My 34th Birthday"

July 1st marked my 34Th birthday, and what a day it was. Usually when my special day arrives it comes on the heels of disaster. I used to joke and say I must have been born on a pagan holiday, because each year it was just that a disaster. Last year for my 33rd, me and the kids and Nathan went to Destin only to have planned it right when the first hurricane of the season hit, and then there was Nathans heroic moment when he saved a man's life from drowning and almost drowned himself, also on my birthday. This year a week before my birthday, Nathan was informed that due to budget cuts he would be let go of his job. Well Great, right?? So needless to say I was a little bummed. Nathan kept telling me it was going to be the best birthday yet but I didn't know how that was going to happen or if I really needed anything special anymore I knew what we were dealing with already what was clearly the priority, finding a way to make income. What I didn't know was that our friends were planning a surprise birthday party for me. It was amazing, Nathan blind folded my eyes and brought me to their house where inside they had decorated little tables with fresh flowers and candles and all my most favorite people in the world were right there. Our friends not only opened their home but planned the menu, cooked the food, bought me presents and found sitters for their kids. I must say I was overwhelmed and humbled by all of them. Nathan and I are truly blessed, more than that we are loved and that is the best present any one can receive or give. The best part of the night and I have to mention it, was when each one of the guests told a funny story or a special memory of me. I loved it so much that I knew I had to return the favor and say something about each person there, so here it goes: J.P.- words don't do justice when I try to explain how much our relationship means to me, you are an incredible man and I am so humbled when you share things with Nathan and I. You include us and we love you, and plus you make us cool,which for two old married people like us means alot, you are my brother and thats that, you were always meant to be, my brother. Sam- aka Samantha- you don't know how much I love you and admire you. The first time I got to meet you I pratically tackled J.P. and said you must marry her!! You are one special lady and an incredible speaker, you have such a special heart and I know you will touch hundreds of people just because of the way you are and the compassion you have. Jennifer- you make me want to be a better person I look at you and think wow, this chick has it all together. I love how you do everything to perfection, you work so hard and give so much, you inspire me. Jason- You are the man that everyone wants to be, they copy your style, try to steal your swagger and just want to be cool like you. Thank you, you have been such a good friend and incredible support to Nathan and I and We truly appreciate it. Somer-you have such a sweet spirit and I know just how incredible you are. I've watched you go through hard and difficult times with grace and humility. Your a powerhouse to be wreckened with and I admire your strength, you amaze me. Brandon-aka four point five, you are intentional! Nathan has always said, I really love Brandon he always goes out of his way to come and talk to me, he's relational. That's very true Brandon, and I'm glad you take time out for us, it means more than you know. Dean- Every time I see you I think now this is a humble man, you always work double what everyone else does and I never see you complain, you love your family and you have always gone over and above for Nathan and I and we love you. Carole- you are very special to me, I know I can be real and raw with you and you totally get it, you never judge me or critize me. You give me great advice and allow me to be me, which in normal circumstances may scare some people but you totally think its normal and I love you for that. David- I am overwhelmed by the support and love you give Nathan. Anytime Nathan has needed you, you have been there for him. Your prayers, your advice and your friendship has meant the world to us. Bethany-you are an incredible powerhouse, every time I hear you speak it encourages me. I love your sweet spirit and your smile. Kristen-you are incredibly encouraging, you always make me feel comfortable when I'm around you, I feel like old friends when I'm with you, you make me feel like I'm home. Jonah- you are an incredible Dad, I am amazed at your cooking skills and I am excited to know both you and Kristen better, hopefully I wont scare you off with my craziness, I promise I'll try to maintain control, lol. Ryan- wow, Nathan and I feel so blessed to know you, you give no matter what and with no strings attached. You always take us in and make us feel apart of your family. Jessica- you are incredibly beautiful, inside and out. You give the best hugs and you are a geniune friend. You and Ryan have just embraced us and we are blessed. Joey- I'm gonna try and not cry when I talk about you and Taylor. You mean the world to me Joey, your friendship, your strength, your ablity to take on any task without thinking about your own self. You are selfless, outspoken and a rebel. I love that, Nathan and I need that, you are our brother, our best friend. Taylor-my incredible friend, one I truly don't deserve. You are so beautiful, strong-even though you don't think you are, giving-over and beyond and loving-more than I deserve. You too like Carole let me be me and give me an outlet for my craziness, Thank you for everything, you are our best friend and our sister. Corey-genorsity is your strong suit, I've never met anyone who tries to really save the world, your a mondern day superman. Corey you've always been there for Nathan and I, you are an intentional friend, one that doesn't just say he's going to do things but you actually back your words up. We love you. Haylee- so beautiful, so sweet, you have an inner strength and compassion. I know your going to make a wonderful wife and mom, your really going to be able to do it all, so glad Nathan and I get to be a part of you and Corey's life, it is truly and honor and privilege. And now a few parting words, for my friends Patrick and Jillian who now live in Pennsylvania, we really miss you guys but you will always be our family, you guys give us strength and we love you. Bruce and Casey- my first cousin, you have never let me down but loved me through all my years of growning up. You inspire me, you and Bruce are an asset to our lives. And to my mother-in-law aka-Mamie who very graciously gives of herself and took on four crazy kids just so I could have a great party. Love you so much And last but not least my husband, Nathan-aka fro-bear, the love of my life, my soulmate. You are more than I deserve, I can't believe I get to spend this incredible life with you. Thank you for always making me feel special and loved not just on my birthday but everyday. You make me a better person, you make me everything. I love you!.

I loved my 34th birthday, heres to all our family, because that's truly what you are, our family. You guys are my best presents, thank you to everyone who gave, cooked and took time out of their schedule to spend with me, it really means the world to this "old gal". I think this year is gonna be a great year! Here's to 34!!!