My Birthday

"Abundantly blessed," that's what I am. After worrying about Kai being gone for a month, worrying about his tests, worrying about Nicholas starting Kindergarton, and wondering what will be happening to our future over the next few months, at times I have felt very alone. However, after the past 4 days I realize that I am actually on the minds of many and am not alone at all.

It all began on Friday when I went to a Amanda's house for what was supposed to be a swimming playdate. I walked into the back door of her house after being half an hour late and found a group of sisters from our ward gathered together for a lunch and cupcakes. Yes, a surprise birthday party. I don't think I have ever had one of those. That is just the stuff dreams are made of.

My husband who was supposed to be gone for the entire month of August appeared Friday night and spent all of Saturday with his family. Who ever heard of a medical student gunning for an Orthopedic residency position spending an entire day with his family.

Saturday night I found myself sitting in a movie theatre with my husband's arm around me and a sweet kiss on the head every now and then. Summer and Brent had taken Nicholas and Sam while Kai and I went on a date. I don't think I've been in a movie theatre since "Cars" came to the big screen.

Sunday was filled with more sisters from the ward expressing their apologies for not making it to my surprise party. How many people did Summer invite?!

Monday Kimberly and Jay stole Nicholas, for what seemed like forever, so he could buy his Mom a gift. Something he'd been worried about doing since Friday when there was a party. "I thought Mom's birthday wasn't until Tuesday!" Not only did he come home with a wrapped present but also a card with a stick-figure family on the front, a stick-figure mom on the back and a child written note "Happy Birthday Mom." Kimberly helped him draw the heart. And a gift of flowers from Kimberly and Jay filled an empty vase with happiness.

Today Kai made sure he was the first to wish me a Happy Birthday at 4:20 AM, and then the usual but very cherished birthday phonecalls from my mother and sisters followed throughout the day. I went shopping with my 2 boys, who were really well behaved. Then Summer took me to lunch at Panera, "Yummm," and Karen met us there as well. When I got home I had a few Happy Birthday wishes on Facebook from thoughtful friends. Then went to Carmen's house for a delicious dinner followed by cake, ice cream, and a movie.

As I arrived home this evening I found a small gift on the front porch, but what was within was by no means small. A gift certificate to Subway and a church CD from another sister in our ward with a note that definitely brought tears.

I am definitely not alone. I have the best family and friends in the world. Words cannot express my gratitude to my friends and family for such a special birthday. I am abundantly blessed.

Oh, Nicholas bought me a cute red shirt. Now what 5 year old picks out a shirt for his mother's birthday? Only the sweetest most thoughtful 5 year old in the world. The one who makes sure his mother has a good night kiss, even when Daddy is away.