brought to you by the letter "p" & the number "30"

Yesterday was my birthday. The big 3-0. I haven't really had the chance to sulk about leaving my 20's behind because of all the happy things this birthday's brought me.

party...
I actually started celebrating last month with my 90's dance party. My dear and slightly older (her birthday was in March) friend Whitney and I were co-celebrated by several friends at what basically turned out to be the party of the year. I mean what could be better than dancing under the stars, music reminiscent of our middle and high school days, a Chick-Fil-A nugget tray, "Cha Cha Slide" and "Soulja Boy" on repeat, and one of Millie's world-famous cakes? Nothing, I tell you. It was truly a winning combination. Thanks to Whit for breaking it down with me birthday style. Thanks to our sweet husbands for planning the event. Thanks to Millie for really planning the event (just kidding Charlie and Matt...I know it wouldn't have happened without your "vision"). Thanks to our wonderful friends who came and m.c. hammered the night away with us.

presents...
My birthday festivities continued this past weekend when my family got together for lunch, complete with homemade icecream. Yum! While we were in Greenville, one of my best friends, Sara, gave me her birthday gift. It is a photobook titled, "Thirty Reasons I Thank God You Are My Best Friend". It was definitely one of the most thoughtful gifts I've ever received. And 30 reasons are a lot of reasons. You try to think of 30 sincere things about one of your friends and see if you can do it. Betcha can't. But Sara's thoughtfulness abounds. She probably could have done 60 reasons. But, I bet she's glad I'm not 60. I am too, for that matter.

I was also surprised with a gift from one of my other best friends. My sister did it again...another huge bouquet of multi-colored roses delivered to me at work. They are so beautiful! And I am so grateful. For the roses, but especially for her. She also spoiled me with a shout-out on her blog yesterday...complete with her precious children singing "Happy Birthday" to me. Ya'll know I think she is amazing. And she comes home in just a few weeks!!

And to top it all off, my sweet husband gave me a gift that I have been hoping for for a long time. I didn't think I'd be getting one anytime soon, so this was quite a surprise. I am so excited...and he was just as excited to give it to me. Thank you, Charlie!

I received several other special gifts as well as cards, emails, texts, and messages that truly made me feel loved.

picnic & phoenix...
I know I am pregnant, but I think I ate for more than two yesterday. My day started out with a Chick-fil-A biscuit delivered by my sweet friend Amy--always a great way to start the day! Then, Melissa brought the kids to my school and we had a picnic lunch in the cafeteria. Melissa's homemade chicken salad and chocolate cupcakes surely put the school pizza to shame. She has always made sure I have special treats on my birthday. Last night Charlie and I got to go on a dinner date to Phoenix, one of my favorites--so yummy!


potty...
Well, it's hard to post without including a story about Maddie. In addition to all the gifts I received, she also got a package in the mail on my birthday. Her very own potty seat. It is very plush for extra bottom comfort. And it has ducks on it. And now Maddie can sit on the toilet without falling in. All that to say, it's pretty much the coolest thing she's ever seen. As soon as she opened it, she wanted to try it out. I put it on the downstairs toilet and she sat, smiling ear to ear. And she sat. And she sat. And she sat some more. But not without entertainment. She went through about 8 magazines from the basket in the bathroom, and whenever I stuck my head in to check on her she said "Not all done, Mommy. Not all done." In fact, once she even added, with her finger pointed toward the kitchen, "Go cook, Mommy." After about 15 minutes had passed, Charlie got home and she was excited all over again for him to see her sitting on the potty. Finally after about 5 more minutes, we hear, "All done, Daddy!" When Charlie went in to help her, he discovered that she had scooted off the toilet by herself and begun to pull her bloomers and skirt back up. And she had pee-peed! Well, not actually in the potty. More like right in front of the potty. On the floor. And on her clothes. And on her reading assortment she had tossed on the floor. Oh well...almost:-)

So, all in all, turning 30 hasn't been so bad. I am just so thankful for all the blessings in my life and the way God has expressed His love for me through the relationships He's given me. Those are definitely the best gifts.