Birthday Celebration

My 81st birthday fell on Sunday this year but the celebration began on Saturday the 2nd.  Lynda's family brought dinner in Saturday afternoon.  We had steak and all the trimmings along with my favorite dessert which is peanut butter cookies!  Apparently that is a secret I've kept hidden my whole life.  Annie was totally taken back and even Mallory who lived with us for a while was surprised.  So now, everyone is aware that I LOVE peanut butter cookies.  We had a really fun evening and lots of fun surprises.  Andrew came in and gave me a dozen pink roses that he had purchased just for me.  What a sweetheart.  

Lynda Ann had made peanut butter cookies and I've already devoured too many.  They are so, so, so delicious!

She also gave me some Meyers Lemon dish soap and Meyers Lemon countertop spray.  She said you couldn't get it on Amazon so she made a special trip to Williams Sonoma in Trolley Square to get it for me.  I just love this product!

I also got a gift card from Emmi for Market Street for $50.00.  Everyone was very generous and I especially loved having the Gertsons over for games.  My most favorite thing to do to celebrate.  Thanks Gertsons for making it such a fun day.

Sunday Neal and I went to church.  I taught my little primary class and then we came home and had left over steak and potatoes from the night before.  We played a game of scrabble - which I will add here that I beat him by 1 point.  Great victory!

Our neighbors came over (Ken and Mindy) and brought me some home made ice cream.  Delicious and so good on a hot summer day.  I also got a present from Jan Little.  She brought me a Jim Shore bird feeder (which I will not hang outside) an amazing book called When Your Prayers Seem Unanswered by S. Michael Wilcox.  What a great book.  I want to get one for Annie, Emmi, Mallory and Abby.  This is just a short synopsis of the book:

"We have all had tines when we feel that the heavens have closed and our supplications have gone unheard.  The Lord often waits until the moment when we have nearly exhausted our resources and our strength to send an answer to our prayers.  God is not quick to save us.  He allows us to learn from our mistakes and struggles."  

And, of course, she included a Diet Coke in the package.  

Tucker called in the early evening and wanted to stop by to wish me a happy birthday.  I was thrilled to see him.  I've missed our nightly gatherings at the table for games and I've missed his fun and high energy personality.  He brought me some Hint with a promise to take me out to dinner at the Red Iguana.

I also got a text from Maren, Greg and Lyndsy wishing me a happy birthday.  Also got one from Peyton, and Lexi and my niece, Barbara Kay.   Peyton and Lexi both sent me very sweet messages.

From Lexi:  "Happy birthday Gam.  Miss you lots!  Hopefully we can see you soon!  Love you!!

From Peyton:  "Gam!!  I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday and say that I hope you had the most wonderful day.  You are a beautiful person inside and out and I am so thankful to have you in my life.  I can't wait to spend more time with you.  It is always my favorite and I look forward to seeing you.  I love you so much and I miss you.!!"

Monday, Lynda Ann and I drove to Heber to have a birthday lunch with Susan.  We always, always have such a fun time together and recognize how important it is for the three of us to stay close to each other.  Susan was very generous, as always and gave me Talbots gift cards along with some home made dotz cards and two cases of jam jars!  I certainly needed those.  I'll be filling them up with peach jam as soon as the peaches come on in September.

I just loved this card!  This is one of Lynda Ann's favorite children's book authors.  

She gave me twelve of these beautiful hand made Diamond Dots cards.  

We had such a fun time.  On the way back we stopped at the outlets and bought a few things and the home.  

I also got a text from Jamie telling me that there were some flowers on my front porch.  This is the gorgeous bouquet she sent to wish me a happy birthday.  I'm laughing uncontrollably right now.  It looks like the water picture is settled on top my head!  

Thanks to all for your love.  I know life hasn't been perfect for any of you, nor for me.  Just know that I've tried to be the best mom, step-mom and Gam I knew how and hope that you can overlook my faults and love me for the good I try to offer.  We've all suffered hurts and pains along our life's journey but hopefully we can rise above them and let the past be the past and build on all the good that has been done.

PS While we were in Heber we drove by Susan's and Annie put the plaque on the planter that we had given her after she lost David.  It turned out beautiful.