The Big Five-O

February 14, 2023

It's official. I am a half of a century old!  

Monday morning, the day before my birthday, Brian kept telling me the plumbers were coming.  He kind of apologized that I would need to stay home.  I assured him it was no problem, but he kept reminding me.  (I was sitting in the family room in my pajamas and the house was kind of a mess.)  Then he did something that just shows how much he knows and loves me.  He gave me a big hint.  He said something like, "You know, it's your birthday tomorrow, and I'm not saying anyone in coming over but it's that time of year when random people might show up at the door."  Bless him!  

I got off my duff and brushed my teeth, fixed my hair, got dressed, picked up the family room and cleaned the kitchen.  It was fun trying to imagine who might be knocking at the door.  My best guess was Brit and Ang got a few friends together and were showing up to surprise me.

I was very surprised and even a little teary when I saw these three ladies there.  These are the three sisters I serve with in the Stake Relief Society: Marci, Laura and Heather.  They had taken time out of their very busy lives to drive over from Midland to wish me a happy birthday.  It was a great example to me on ministering and building relationships.  

They also know I like sweets, and they hooked me up!  Donuts, Crumbl Cookie and Mini Nothing Bundt cake.  Perfect!  This was a great start to my b-day celebrations.

When I woke up, Brian had the mantel decorated with our b-day banner and balloons.

He gave me the cute jacket I'm modeling, a matching Addidas visor, chocolate covered strawberries, some candy bars, a dozen roses, and a coupon for trip to Fredericksburg.  I love that he had a specific place in mind.  It's a cute little tourist town in the hill country in Texas.  He also told me he had dinner taken care of for the family and came home during the middle of the day to put a crock pot meal together.  He's amazing and very thoughtful.

Tanner was going to get me chocolate covered strawberries until "Dad ruined it" and already had some. He bought me this super cute chocolate bouquet which I loved.  

Aubrey gave me a sweet homemade card, Dove chocolates and this really pretty smelling hand soap for my bathroom.  Perfect.

Brinley texted, called and sent a sweet song that reminded her of me. (Mamas, by  Anne Wilson & Hillary Scott)

Ang brought by a mini bundt cake and a card.

These beautiful flowers arrived, and I had no idea who they were from.  Well, my youngest sister, Beckky, and her family sent them.  I guess when it's the big 5-0 it makes for an extra special gift.  (We usually just exchange b-day Marco Polos and texts, ha!)

Britney wished me happy birthday and apologized that my gift was delayed.  She made it up to me about a month later with a box of Crumbl cookies and a General Conference notebook.  Poor Brit.  She has triple duty on V-day taking care of all the people she loves: her husband, her daughter Charlotte who has a v-day b-day, and me, of course.

My Parker Bryce was able to call.  LOVED hearing from him two days in a row.  Monday was his p-day, and then he gets to call on special holidays.

The evening was pretty quiet.  Tanner, Erin, Kaide and Aubrey all went to the PHS/OHS basketball game.  That is when Brian pulled out another gift/surprise.  He had contacted many friends from over the years. He asked them to write a little something or make a video of what they appreciated about me and to wish me a happy birthday.  It was beautiful to hear from these sweet ladies from all parts of my life as they shared birthday wishes, memories and things they loved about me.  I felt very uplifted, celebrated and loved.