Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!

I am beyond blessed! Today I turned 24 years old. This birthday felt different than any other before it. I woke up almost forgetting that it was my birthday. I woke up as a mom. It's funny how things shift so quickly in your life when you are a parent and you no longer even desire for them to be about you. I just wanted to see my kids' faces when they woke up and I just wanted to share the day with them. That would have made it perfect in all aspects!

But my day was by far even greater than that! My mom showed up after she took Jake to school with breakfast from McDonalds and a big ol' Dr. Pepper which you all know I love more than anything in the world. haha. She also brought gifts which I wish she wouldnt have gotten but did and I'm so grateful and appreciative of her love in my life! Jake got me some new soap and lotion from bath and body works. Mom got me a new shirt, hat, vest, book, candle and a cookie jar and sugar cookie mix from Nora and Braden. It was awesome! Shortly after mom left, Pawpy came. He had a school board conference in Chicago this weekend and brought me back an awesome new Nike workout outfit from Nordstram's! It is a pant/shirt/coat/hat set...and I love it! It fits great and feels awesome. I'm so thankful! After Pawpy left, the kids and I went to the Y for almost an hour. It was nice to be able to have that time to myself to run and reflect on my life and the blessings that surround me. The people in my life amaze me with their goodness, love, and thoughtfulness. Just as I was leaving the Y I noticed a gift on the front counter with my name on it. My father-in-law who never ceases to break out his sensitive side during birthdays or holidays brought it and left it for me. He got me exactly what I have been wanting which is a CD player/radio that hangs under my kitchen cabinet so I can listen to it when I'm cooking or in the kitchen (which is 90% of the time I feel like.) I love love love it and love that he thought to do it. I'm so thankful for him!!!

After I got home from the working out, the Flower Corner delivered some awesome flowers from my oh so thoughtful husband. They're beautiful and I appreciated it so much!!! Mike came by and brought me a gift as did grandma and grandpa. At some point after that my mom came by yet again to bring a cake that she made. It's so good!!! She didnt have to do that, but you better believe I enjoyed it and will continue to do so in the next few days! haha. After I had gotten ready for the day, Jeni stopped by with her gift which I still am so excited about!!! She got me a new yoga mat with a carrying case! It's sooooo cute and I used it in class as I taught tonight. I felt so good in my new outfit with my new mat. haha. She also got me a sign that says "Enjoy life" that I hung above our sink and the Taylor Swift CD which I love love love love love. Thanks Jeni! I love you and I appreciate you!

I had to teach my class and in honor of my birthday I took everyone a little something wrapped up because everyone in my class truly blesses me each week. I thought I would let them know that they light up my life and that I'm truly grateful for their friendship and smiles each time I see them. After class we went to dinner with my mom and dad and Jake. It was nice. I had fried chicken and salad and some rolls. Yummm. Then I came home and ate a nice warm brownie from Schwan's. It was awesome and I'm so glad that I treated myself after working so hard for so long. It felt nice.

I cannot say enough how loved I feel after the day I had. I feel loved every single day and by no means do I need gifts or things to feel that from the people who surround me everyday. It was so nice to just relax and let myself be. It's kind of hard to explain but in all honesty it is hard for me to accept gifts. I am a giver. I find great pleasure in doing for others and in giving to others. I love that I am blessed enough to be able to do so. Today was the greatest day. It felt no different than any other day other than I just enjoyed it to the absolute fullest. I enjoyed every little second and I am going to bed still feeling so full of joy. It was awesome and I just want to thank everyone for the birthday wishes and for everything you do for me...not only today, but everyday. I appreciate it all so much--you really have no idea. I pray that I can be as much of a blessing to all of you at some point as you all are to me. Thanks again. I love you all so much!!!

I took a few silly pictures of Daniel and I and me with the kids tonight. I'll try to put them up tomorrow but for now, I'm going to go to bed. Braden's cry will greet me far too early if I dont. Goodnight everyone!!!