Thoughts about my Birthday.

It's truly amazing how quickly Birthdays come and go as the years pass by us.

I had a really good Birthday this year.  The celebration was amazing, and I took a few moments while surrounded by some of my family and friends to just reflect.

I know I talk a lot about TL on this little blog of mine.  The obvious reason is because this little written journal I write here is about my life, and he has the leading role in mine.  During a few moments I was by myself tucked away as the sun dropped from the sky listening to the chatter and laughter reflecting... I looked at him standing talking to my family I thought to myself, 

"how did I get so lucky to marry this guy."

He is always happy to do what he can to make me feel special, especially during my Birthdays.  This year, he sent my best girlfriends from college gift cards for SouthWest to fly up to visit me for the weekend.  He rented a limo to take us wine tasting, emailed and organized a little surprise gathering with a few of my close girlfriends at my favorite restaurant so we could all celebrate together to end our day wine tasting.

What really struck me, was his thoughtfulness... the little details that he paid so much attention to.  In the airline gift cards he sent to my girlfriends, he sent a little note explaining how much they mean to me and why he wanted them to come.

He pre-ordered and picked out the balloons, cupcakes, candles, and my favorite appetizers and planned out how to make it come together.  He packed my coat in the limo because he knew I would be cold after the sun went down.  He woke up in the morning to make me and the girls coffee.

I'm grateful for the tangible items, but I am mostly thankful for the heart behind them.

On Easter I was grocery shopping with my mom when we ran into him and his firefighting work crew in the meat section.  I kept my eyes on him as I walked near him, and when he looked up and saw me, his entire facial expression brightened up and a big smile filled his face and eyes as he held his arms out to hug me.  I know it sounds cheesy, but the butterflies in my belly went crazy.  We surely aren't a perfect couple, but this guy has a way of getting to me.

I know that bad and unfortunate things in life can happen to anyone at anytime.

My hope this year is this...

I always hear people say "you don't know what you have until it's gone..."

and I want to let whoever the almighty decision maker of our fate know: 

I appreciate this man, his beautiful heart and soul, and even his flaws.

I am thankful everyday for my generous and incredible parents, amazing family, and the beautiful women in my life that I am lucky enough to call my friends.

So, as I embark on this next year of my life... I understand that change is inevitable, challenges will fall into my lap, and many new lessons will be learned.  But I also begin this new year with a deep gratitude for the people in my life that are constantly building my character, encouraging me, loving me unconditionally, and riding with me through the experiences on this crazy roller coaster of life.

Cheers!

I have about 49372 pictures from the weekend, and I will recap and share all of the details so I can look back and remember.

But for now, here are a few of my faves from the weekend.

These girls have a special place in my heart.

 The gang before wine tasting

The cake and present from the girls.

My guy.

It was a beautiful weekend, surely one I will never forget!

Lots of love & thank you for all of the Birthday wishes :)