Turning 36

I've had a fabulous birthday today. If today sets the tone for what it's like to be 36, then I think 36 is going to be a great year for me. :) This morning I made french toast for breakfast. (my fave!) Braylen wanted to make it and serve it to me in bed, but I needed to have Aaron to a doctor's appointment at 8:30. I told Braylen it's the thought that counts! We enjoyed our breakfast at the kitchen table. :)

Braylen and Kaleb spent the rest of the morning mowing 3 yards, along with Grandpa's help. Aaron and I had some quiet time at home. He watched a Thomas the Train movie for a while, which gave me a little alone time to open my cards and answer texts.

For lunch I enjoyed my first taste of Thai food with my mom-in-law and sis-in-law. It was so yummy! I love and respect both of these women immensely, so this lunch was a special time for sure.

The afternoon was supposed to be restful, but it kind of flew by. I did get to facetime with my dad, which was a treat in the middle of the day. Since school starts tomorrow, I spent some time sharpening Aaron's pencils and labeling all of his crayons. Pretty soon none of my sons will need crayons for school, and that makes me enjoy labeling Aaron's crayons. :)

I received lots of texts and calls today, along with many facebook messages. My brother called me on Skype, and I loved watching my one year old nephew dance to his favorite song--"C is for Cookie." One unique thing about my birthday today...every single call and text and facetime and Skype came through my cell phone or my computer or my iPad. My home phone was silent today. I wonder if that means it's time to think about doing away with a landline?

My amazing husband arranged for a flower delivery for me today. He really went out of his way this year to make sure I felt loved on my birthday. More about that in another post.

This evening was all about our elementary school's open house. Kaleb and Aaron filled their desks with their supplies, met with their teachers, and had their pictures taken for this new school year. It's still a weird feeling for me to think of Kaleb as a 5th grader. I still think Braylen should be in 5th grade...

Tomorrow is a day of transition for us, as all 3 boys will be in school for the day. But today we were together, and I enjoyed celebrating the gift of this life that I'm living here in our corner of the world. There's no greater gift on earth than that, which means I am very happy to be 36 years old. :)

My sweet fellas!
Kaleb wished me a happy birthday more times than I can count.
It means a lot to me that he is so intentional with his words.
Braylen cleaned up the kitchen and cared for the dog,
his servant's heart shining through.
Aaron was himself...cuddly and a bit clingy as school starts tomorrow.
Always and forever my baby.
Happy Birthday to me! :)