A Treasured Birthday!

Today was my birthday. I wasn't sure how it would go because my husband is out of town. I think it is the first birthday he has missed in our 21 years of marriage. Oh, how I miss him! Anyway, I had a great morning with the kids and really was in a joyful mood even though today is "45." :) Well, my Mom and Dad took us all to lunch. We went to Cheddar's. We haven't been there in a LONG time, and it took me a while to look over the menu. My dad decided to tell the waiter that it is my birthday. He didn't realize that Cheddar's doesn't do anything for birthdays. No biggie. I don't mind the hoopla but if it's not there, I don't miss it either. Well, Cheddar's couldn't substitute french fries for onion rings so they blessed me with the appetizer plate FULL of onion rings and said "It's on the house." Oh yum! All 6 of us enjoyed them but there are still more in my refrigerator! LOL! THEN, Cheddar's blessed me with a HUGE piece of cake! Look at this thing:

Again, all 6 of us enjoyed it, and there is still some in the refrigerator! The next items took me by complete surprise and brought on the crocodile tears. My great aunt passed away in February, and I told Mom that if the phone was still in her house that I would love to have it. Mom surprised me with it along with one of my great aunt's old sewing patterns that she used for my mom and her twin when they were young AND these beautiful crocheted pieces that my great aunt made. And look at that PINK! Oh my! These are treasures, and YES, the phone works. How fun!

The next birthday gift came from one of my daughters. My mom could not even read it because I was already crying so hard. Mom, maybe you can read it now. My daughter wrote:

"Dear Mama:
I just wanted to tell you how much you are appreciated and loved.
Who else in this world can give me a hug like yours?
Who else in this world can say one word that makes it all OK?
Who else in this world has a voice as sweet as yours?
Who else in this world is always right?
and
Who else in this world has the kind of faith like you?
I love you Mama. I could have gone on forever but those are some of my favorites! Happy Birthday, and I hope God blesses you with many more."

Wow, who could have imaged I would be SO very blessed with family, memories, and family heirlooms on my 45th birthday! What a treasured day! Thank you precious family for making my day a joyous and memorable day! And now, I get to celebrate all over again when hubby gets home! How perfect can 45 be? :) Thanks for bearing with me as I shared my glorious day! May the Lord bless you all with the joys of family and memories!