Portraits of Faith 2

Sunday, May 6, 2012

My Birthday :)

Birthdays are wonderful things. Even when you're sick. This year was such a year. I started with what seemed like a run-of-the-mill cold last week and I figured a coupla days would shut it down and life would go on. Well, a coupla days later I was on the couch with a hacking cough, chills and fever. Though I didn't feel great, I did enjoy the time to read and the time to just lay there surrounded by my family. There were some crazy moments when everything went wrong at once and I couldn't do much but "yell" in a whisper from my spot on the couch, but things worked out.

This morning started beautifully, with 6 birthday hugs. The kids had asked me what I wanted for my birthday though they already knew the answer - cards, made by hand. With something special written in it just for me. My favourite gift! And that they come home from church and be all together. We broke out a bag of chips and chatted while some of the kids played games. Tonight we ate supper (made by Caleb) in the family room and watched a movie, followed by our family birthday prayer time - when everyone takes a turn to pray for the birthday person. So special. So meaningful. Except that Yvetta started with, "Dear Heavenly Father. Thank-you for mommy.".....and then farted and went off into uncontrollable giggles. Sigh. Such is mommy-hood, amen?

When Rich got home from church he had a gift for me from a friend. It was a dress. I'm embarrassing myself by posting this picture of me while sick, but I wanted to remember forever what kind of a friend would give me such a hideous dress for my birthday. Especially since she'd seen me try it on and already knew how unflattering it looked - particularly the plunging neckline. It's the thought that counts, though, right? (what on earth was she thinking?!!!) Love you, my friend ;) The chocolate made up for it all :) And no, I'm not wearing it to the ladies retreat.

A door-step delivery - sweet and sweet :) Not to mention beautiful!

Yvetta decorated for the occasion.....

The sky was also decorated - not specifically for the occasion, but it was a beautiful gift non-the-less from a Heavenly Father who loves His children and has created all things for us to enjoy and for His glory!

Another door-step delivery......this one done in secret, yet not-so-secret :) "DROP IT!!!" ;) Love you girls!!

Flowers from my love :) And I should also mention that Rich put a little birthday announcement in the bulletin. Usually it's only the seniors that get that honour. Now it's the seniors........and me :)

And a whack of cards, phone calls and phone messages & facebook messages (which I haven't yet read through). Thank-you for such a sweet outpouring of love - it all made my day. I am very blessed. And have so much to be thankful for. Most of all is the fact that I belong to Christ - and all other blessings take their meaning from that one foundational truth. Without that, all else would be meaningless. With it, everything takes on significance. I hope the years ahead find me drawing closer to Him and better loving and enjoying and glorifying Him with my whole being. For only He is worthy.