Happy to You

The birthday weekend did not get started as I had anticipated. It took me an hour and a half to get off work, pick up the baby, and get home in traffic. Once arriving home I find my husband passed out in bed feeling awful and a hungry baby repeating over and over yummies. I quickly realize the kitchen is a disaster and there is no food to cook, not that I could manage any culinary skills in that war zone, I pack the little one back up in the car and make my way to the grocery store. Picking up many more items than I intended, I finally get my daughter dinner way too late for her liking. After a tearful dinner, we tried a hot bath to transition into night time. Only a few moments into Simone's relaxing bath, she is clamoring for me fearfully, trying desperately to get out of the bath. I looked over the edge to see the culprit was a turd that she perceived as "trying to get her". Oh the joys of motherhood!
I swept her out of the tub, pulled all the toys out, drained the tub, she peed on the floor, I gave her a second bath, and finally got her to sleep.
I did manage to escape to Life Group for some much needed fellowship and studying of the Word, after both my babies were tucked in bed.
Saturday began with cleaning most of the day, not my idea of a fun birthday. Then my MIL, the baby, and I decided to attempt shopping. Let's just say an 18 month old doesn't quite grasp the intrigue of looking in countless stores and getting dressed and undressed over and over again. At this point I conceded, in my mind, that this is just what grown-up birthdays look like.
ENTER GLORIOUS, MAGICAL, ACTUAL DAY OF BIRTH.
Simone and I woke up slowly singing "Happy to you", her verion of Happy Birthday to You. My first birthday gift was my big girl going pee pee on the potty. HOORAY. We called Daddy at work to tell him the good news and I was passed from post to post trying to contact him, not uncommon in the Norfolk City Jail, only to get back to the original person I talked to, they couldn't find him. Oh well, we called Nonna to let her know instead. Then we got ready to go to church to celebrate my birthday with Jesus.
Daniel called me shortly before we left from his cell phone, which is unusual because he can't take his cell phone in the jail, to tell me he had to transport an inmate to another jail and to wish me a Happy Birthday.

All things as normal until coffee break comes at church and as I sit alone sipping my morning brew, someone taps me, very close to my butt. I am thinking, who is getting fresh with me this morning, turn to find my most handsome husband with a fist full of flowers. It took me several moments to compute why he was there. I asked him if he was working, dumb question. He said he had been off all day and had gotten up at 4:30 a.m and left the house to convince me that he had gone to work all just to surprise me. I was elated and grinning from ear to ear. Spending the day together was just what I had wanted. We heard a fantastic sermon and got challenged by the word of God.

We went home for a quick lunch and a nap for the little one. My husband proceeds to give me a foot massage and then ask me if I want to go shopping for a birthday outfit, does he know me or what. We pack up and go to TJ Maxx my favorite one stop shop. I get a few birthday outfits.

We went home for Simone to catch a second nap to be well rested for my birthday dinner and I got to take a nice long shower and actually do my hair and make-up. My husband tells me I look lovely and he wishes we had planned something more fancy because I am all dressed up. We stopped at Barnes & Noble to get some books, my happy tank is already brimming. Then we head over to our dear friends house for the planned home made birthday dinner.

We are welcomed into the house as usual and as I turn the corner, the room is filled with people I have come to love shouting SURPRISE! My husband and friends had pulled together one of my life long dreams, a TRUE SURPRISE PARTY! I had no idea. These friends were committed to throwing me off the track. I had numerous people tell me they were sorry they were busy the weekend of my birthday and that maybe we could do something the following weekend. I was so excited to say the least.

As the party began and the beautiful dishes everyone brought to share were uncovered, someone asked if we could get a group photo before we got started. The girls all pile in together to strike a pose and Daniel says, "I think Teva should take the picture" and hands me the most beautiful Canon Rebel T3, the camera I have been dreaming of since 2004. Could this day get any better?

We feasted, we visited, we laughed, I had a cupcake, the babies helped me open presents I never expected to get, and my heart was more full then I think it may have ever been. I can't really begin to explain, beyond the obvious reasons, but it felt like one of the moments in life where you could just stop and live forever.

I account this story not to brag, though I do have some of the best friends and family around, and not only to remember but to encourage. I was never more aware than last night that God knows us intimately and has designed us to be in relationship with Him and with each other. My true hope and wish as I blew out my candle on my 28th birthday was that all people can feel the kind of love I felt last night as well as the love that continues to grow in the day in and day out of being a wife and a mother. On the flip side of that same coin, if your life doesn't facilitate these amazing circumstances, and I pray it will at least once or twice, God is sufficient. He can be the husband the father and the life of the party in the quiet of your very own heart.

My hearts waking prayer this morning that arose without my summoning was, "let it be according to Your will". My heart is more inclined to be at rest with God at the helm with each passing year. With that in mind I can't wait to be get older.

Thank you to all you who took time out of your lives to make this day such a special celebration. I look forward to watching how God will continue to use all of us to grow and love one another.