And Many More....

Though I cannot in all honesty say that today was the best birthday ever, it was a pretty terrific day nonetheless! My love left for Texas this morning at 6:15 a.m. so that was a pretty major hurdle to overcome in making it the perfect day! I feel like I got extra spoiled by him throughout the week, however, since he knew he would be gone for my actual birthday so he more than made up for his absence. The day started off a bit rocky I must say, both with Dean's departure and the boys less than stellar behavior. I was seriously annoyed and "over it" by about 9:00 a.m. Joey was being a terror and destroying the house. Ben was WHINING about anything and everything and just overall driving me nuts. I just wanted peace and quiet. So we decided to go bowling :) We ended up meeting Angela and Adam and Lisa and Taylor and a friend of Lisa's and her two boys up at Pinheads for some birthday bowling fun. We had a blast. Bowling with a ramp meant a much more successful outing for Joe Bug then we experienced in Florida earlier this year. Joe's first time up to bowl he bowled a spare and was so proud of himself. Benny didn't use a ramp but did use bumpers and managed to rack up the spares and even scored his first strike! His score 0f 105 was the high score of the day and he was beyond pleased with his winning skills. We stuffed ourselves with pizza and Ang's famous iced sugar cookies and then played in the arcade for a bit before heading home. My awesome (psychic) mom called and asked if I wanted to drop the boys off at her house so I could have a few hours to myself. Yes please. I spent my time alone cleaning the house (I have issues) and enjoying the complete quiet and lack of chaos inside my nice, cool, and CLEAN house. Bliss. I then headed to mom and dad's for an awesome cookout. Mom and Ben had been hard at work in the kitchen concocting masterpieces and we all enjoyed a great meal together. Uncle Craig and Abby and Mom and Dad spoiled me with gifts and I left fat, full, happy, and with my arms full of birthday goodies.

And at the end of the day, even though there were times I was ready to pull my hair out. There are few things better than having your son run out first thing in the morning to give you a sleepy grin and a "happy birthday mom!" There are few things better than having your sweet little 2-year-old sing (scream) happy birthday to you throughout the day. There are few things better than having people take the time to reach out to you in writing or over the phone to tell you happy birthday. There are few things better than watching your mom make a big deal out of celebrating you and knowing that it is every bit her day as it is yours. Today I was reminded how very blessed I am to have so many amazing people in my life whom I love with all my heart and who love me right back. I got to spend time with some of my favorites today but also heard from friends near and far all day long. There are times nearly every day that I get overwhelmed by all the hats I wear; wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend, employee, neighbor, coworker, volunteer, etc. But the truth is I wouldn't take off any of those hats even if I could. I am blessed. Beyond measure. And so much more than I deserve to be. So thank you, Mom and Dad, for welcoming me into the world 32 years ago today. It is a pleasure to be here.