Another Hash Mark

Last Thursday, I turned 31. 31 arrived with much less pomp and circumstance than 30, but it arrived nonetheless. If you know me well, you know that I love birthdays. I love other people's birthdays just as much as my own. Last year, when many of my friends turned 30, I loved being a part of the celebration! My dad turns 60 next year and I'm already thinking about fun things to do for that. But in the meantime, I got to celebrate my 31st birthday with some of my favorite people.

 

The Sunday before my birthday, Doug arranged for us to go to dinner with 2 other couples without all of our kids. We went to Miyabi's which is one of those Japanese restaurants where they cook in front of you. I am typically a champ at those types of places and clean my plate! But this place is different. I challenge anyone to finish their meal. 

The whole week of my birthday, I used my e-club coupons for free meals at places like Jason's Deli, McAlister's, and Moe's. My actual birthday was filled with pop ins at work from coworkers, a few gifts here and there, lunch with a fave friend, tons of facebook posts, and open house at Katie's school. 

On Saturday, we got together with some of Doug's family and my parents to celebrate again! We had fun watching the Gamecocks beat Georgia and eating subs and birthday cake! But this was not just any birthday cake. My dad took Katie for the morning on Saturday and helped her make a cake for me. She used a real mixer (with his help), licked the batter bowl, and helped with the icing and decorating. We're still not sure how it cracked down the middle, but I'm sure it had nothing to do with her. It was the best cake ever made by two super special people!

 

Thirty-one looks and feels a little different than I expected. I didn't expect wrinkles and cellulite this early, but when you sleep in your makeup and eat like I do, there's a recipe for disaster. Parts of my plan for my life aren't exactly in place as I would like. But there's so much selfishness in that statement, it's pitiful. However, I am constantly reminded of the blessings that I do have. I have a wonderful husband, my dream job, an incredible daughter, supportive friends and family, and a heavenly father who gave all of it to me despite me not deserving any of it. My hope for the future is rooted in the Lord. He has blessed me beyond measure for 31 years. This year, I want to grow in gratitude to Him for all that he has done. I can't wait to see what He has in store!