So you only turn 30 once!
My husband has a way of turning my birthday into a weekend celebration...
Saturday May 2
My mom watched the boys so that Dennis and I could have a day out together. We went to World of Nations, we enjoyed the time outside looking at what each country had to offer, and eating some good food! We decided to get a caricature done of the two of us! I wish I would have taken a picture of the guy doing it - he was incredible and had a natural gift for making people laugh. It was enjoyable even if it felt a bit awkward. We then went to Autobahn for some racing....it was different and fun...Dennis beat me!
Since it was just the two of us we decided to go to my favorite thrift shop to browse for some books....always easier to do without the boys....Dennis found a Mr. Bean car....I wish it was for sale - it is being auctioned this coming weekend.
I came home to find that my mom had taken the time to make a cake with the boys for my birthday! They hand made the heart decorations out of fondant...and Ivan even added a "slithery snake." This seems to be a tradition my mom is starting with them and they get so excited about making a cake. I also think it is kind of cool how she is good at cake making and its something she enjoys, and she shares that love with the boys. They are blessed and so am I!
Sunday May 3, 2015
I woke up to a phone full of messages...it felt good to see all the wishes and love shared from the ladies of the Thursday morning bible study group....even though I constantly question my place in that group or if I should continue to go, they have a been somewhat of a constant in my life for about three years now and have helped tremendously with regards to overcoming social anxiety.
Dennis asked the boys where they would like to take me for breakfast and they decided on Waffle House. They let me sleep in and then we went for breakfast. Seth found a sign with a heart of syrup on a waffle and was very excited to show it to me. My boys look for hearts as much as I do! I found a heart on one of the grilled onions in my hash browns - see if you can find it!
After breakfast we went to one of my favorite places....the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens. The boys wanted to go to the beach but today seemed like a nice day to walk the trails. On the way there I said to Dennis, "Since today is my birthday I hope the alligator comes out while we are there." Not only did the one alligator come out, but two did! It was the first time that I have ever seen two alligators in the lake at the same time! One looks to be a fair size. But that wasn't all, we also saw birds, and turtles and snakes, the gopher tortoise and couldn't resist some family pictures! We also helped a turtle cross the road and found a few hearts too!
After we walked the trails we met up with my parents and grandparents and brother and sisters at Sweet Frog! It was nice to have everybody together to celebrate at one of my favorite places! I know how hard it was for my dad to come out, so it really meant a lot to me that he was there. I've never really been one for 'stuff'...time is so much more valuable to me! Special thanks to the Sweet Frog employee for taking our picture!
We came home and relaxed a bit. My guys all decided to play some music for me. Seth played Old MacDonald on the violin. Ivan played the Kalimba that we had picked up from World of Nations and Dennis played the violin - amazed by how good he is!
Each of my siblings did something special for me...something special because of the connection we share. I will start with my younger oldest sister - Rebecca!
Rebecca knows me well! I love the blue mountain greeting cards, they are amazing and this one was no different. Her wish for me was "An abundance of happiness. Blessings that warm my life and make me smile. Friends and loved ones by my side....people who will treasure every memory they get to make with me. Wonderful surprises. Beautiful sunrises. Opportunities. Chances. Goals to be reached. Changes I've been striving to make. A song in my heart. A wish that comes true. And reminders of how much nicer this world is....all because of me." I think the last one might be one of my biggest struggles as of late - and Rebecca doesn't know that so it kind of made me feel like that might have been a message from God. She and Uriah each picked out a piece of art in the form of a stone - a heart because, well, hearts are my thing! And a frog because I love frogs too. I think the coolest thing was the bookmark with a miniature painting from one of my favorite places. I have always been a fan of the 'little' things in life - most of which often hold the greatest blessings. The Great Cross and books...perfect match!
And now on to my brother - Vaughn!
My brother and I are a lot alike. We think alike, we process things the same way. My boys look up to him. He is a good male role model in their lives. Sometimes the best things we can give to somebody, is the impact we have on somebody they love. I will never be able to express to him how incredible it is that he is there for my boys. My sisters are there too - but aside from my husband and my dad and grandfather, my brother plays a role in my boys lives. And I'm glad its such a good one. He extended my birthday celebration when he showed up at my door today with a cup full of cookie dough. I love cookie dough - I have been known to go to places that sell this as a topping for frozen yogurt and just get a cup of the topping to add to my ice cream at home. This is by far the most I have ever gotten at once. It should hold me for, oh maybe a week or two! I'm grateful that he took the time to think about something I like and extend my birthday an extra day. I love those meaningful gifts!
Last, but certainly not least....my baby sister - Vanessa!
Where do I start? Vanessa and I are 12 years apart. When you compare our pictures at the same age, we look a lot alike...only difference is eye color and.... attitude! In that regard we are total opposites. She has a spirit of adventure - and I think she really wants to find the good in people....no matter how hard she has to search for it. She made my 30th birthday a memorable one, and added a special memory that we will share forever....she went with me to get a tattoo. I wanted somebody to go get a heart tattoo with me. I think I almost had my mom convinced, but she wasn't sure. Vanessa, didn't have to ask her twice! We jumped in the car and off we went. I chose a heart as the palm of an "I love you" sign in sign language. Anytime that Dennis and I have to leave we always do the "I love you" sign, and the heart as the palm was perfect. Vanessa thought that was cool but her heart design was the word "Love" written to form a heart. YES- we got matching heart tattoos on my 30th birthday! 
I am grateful to be the oldest of four children, my brother and sisters are like built in best friends! We have our moments, but when it comes to being there for each other - the time we have had together is filled with sweet memories!
Grateful for an amazing 30th birthday weekend!
1 comment:
Love you long time! Beautiful inside and out! <3 Mrs. Rush...or is it Hedley...can't remember!
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