Blessed Beyond Measure: My 34th Birthday

The grays sprouting up top and the increasing lapse of memory, convince me that I am yet another year older. Yesterday was my 34th Birthday. Gabe and I were talking earlier about how as we get older the years seem to go by faster. So true. Ten years ago I was marrying my sweet husband and in a blink of an eye I find myself in my mid-thirties with three kids. Gulp!

We had big plans to spend the day at Sea World. This happens to be the only weekend they are open in February and it is the opening weekend of the season. But Caleb started feeling bad and ended up having RSV and an ear infection. Life of a parent. Be prepared to change your plans at the last minute. The kids took it well knowing with our passes this year we can use them anytime and we fully intend to take full advantage. I think I was more bummed about not getting to go than they were. Hey, I may be 34 now but I am still a kid at heart!

I was pleasantly surprised this morning (though not really surprised.... I heard Gabe banging around in the kitchen from the wee hours of the morning... so much for sleeping in) with breakfast in bed. Gabe and the kids came in with breakfast and cards singing "Happy Birthday" The kids gave me some necklaces they made for me which I proudly wore all day. Then we spent the next hour or so just playing and cuddling in our bed. Gabe even read our traditional "Happy Birthday to You" by Dr. Suess. It was a fantastically pleasant morning.

Gabe then "kicked" me out of the house for some "me" time. Don't have to twist my arm. I went with a skip in my step. I spent the next four hours all by my lonesome. It was bliss! I remember my Mom telling me when I was younger that she enjoyed going out to eat by herself. As a teenager, I was horrified with the thought of that. Now I get it! I love to go to Chipotle and eat lunch by myself while I loose myself in a book. Sorry I ever doubted you Mom. You were completely and totally right (as you were about most things!)

When I got home, Gabe and the kids jumped out and whispered as loud and enthusiastically as they could (Caleb was napping) "Happy Birthday"! They had decorated the house with streamers and set up the table with a cake and gifts. I have to stop and tell you about my cake. One of the things Gabe was doing in the kitchen this morning was making me a cake. He knows me well and got a triple chocolate cake. He made it in a bundt pan, probably didn't let it cool completely, and when he tried to get it out of the pan it fell apart. It was reduced to a pile of crumbly, ooey, gooey cake. So while I was gone, he and the kids drizzled more chocolate over the top and added sprinkles. It actually turned out pretty cute. And let me just tell you, it was scrumptious.

The rest of my birthday was filled with games, relaxing on the couch reading a book, a cook-out, movie watching, and being the happiest Mom and Wife. I love my family and they did a fabulous job loving on me today. Happy 34th Birthday to Me!