“It’s the most wonderful time of the year...”

Other than Christmas, which is really more like a season, I think my birthday is my favorite day of the year. Some people don’t think birthdays are a big deal, but to me – they’re HUGE! Not because of the gifts, but because it’s your day to celebrate with cake(s), candles, balloons, the Birthday Song, and all the love you feel from friends and family! It’s all wrapped up in one day!

This year marks a milestone in my life. I’m a quarter of a century old. Half way to 50. The big 2-5! And I have to say, its one of the best birthday’s I’ve had so far! My b-day celebrations actually started on Tuesday July 8th when I got my first gift from my girlfriend Jaclyn! Then on Wednesday I had lunch with my good friend and mommy-to-be, Rachel! The actual day of my birthday started off in the sweetest way. Kim, one of my co-workers, has a 4 year old son named Tyler who has had a crush on me since he found out I was an elf at the MX Children’s Christmas Party. (Its kind of funny – he calls me Nat the Elf and really thinks I work with Santa at the North Pole.) Anyways, he called me on my way into work and sang Happy Birthday to me all by himself. I have to say – I started crying. It was so cute. Then when I got to the office I was welcomed with a desk full of decorations. My boss, Katherine, and some girlfriends from work had decorated my work “area” with banners, balloons & streamers! Man, they sure know how to make your day! I continued the celebration by opening gifts, grabbing lunch at La Duni and blowing out candles on my 2 birthday cakes (one was chocolate and the other was Italian Crème. We have to have 2 in order to feed all the people in our group.) After a day of celebrating in the office, I headed home to celebrate with Kelly and my family. We ate dinner at Kona Grill at NorthPark Mall and then headed home to have Mom’s famous chocolate cake! After 25 years of eating that cake, we still devour it EVERY time! It’s so delicious. J After opening up some more gifts and stuffing ourselves to the brim, Kel and I headed home to get ready for a weekend full of fun. Both of us have cousins getting married this weekend – and we had to get Kelly ready to head to Midland.

Key Verse of the Day:

“Rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given you…” Deuteronomy 26:11

And I have to say, that I am so very thankful! I’m thankful for all the wonderful friends and family who helped me celebrate this exciting day in my life. And thankful for the sweet words I received in texts, Facebook Messages, E-cards and phone calls from everyone throughout the day!! I am truly blessed to have all of you in my life and couldn’t be more thankful for all of you!!

(Rachel and me outside Picasso's Pizza. My decorated desk.)

(Me with my birthday cakes! And a photo with Suzi.)

(Kim, Freya and me at the celebration. Kelly and me at dinner.)

(My dad, brother and me at dinner*. One of the E-Cards I received.)

*My photo op with mom was a little rushed, so it didn't turn out very good. But we'll take another one!