seriously, so blessed

That's how I felt all day today.

This morning my husband listened to me sob about the injustices of my world that made me feel like I was crumbling, and then built me back up onto solid ground. I love him fiercely.

My daughters made me laugh and thanked me for a "perfect" lunch.

Well-wishes poured in from every. single. member. of my immediate family, and many amazing friends.

One of those friends offered to watch our girls - sans payment! - so Brian and I could go out alone. We hesitated for .01 seconds before we responded, "Yes, please!"

We spent a lovely evening together as a couple. We talked, laughed, cried (okay, just me), and ate yummy food.

I was spoiled with gifts and texts and cards and phone messages.

And all I could think was, "Seriously, I am so blessed!"

Happy Birthday to me.

more celebrating

On Monday we took Zoey and a few friends to see Ice Age (number 4, and she turned 4 - get it?) and dinner at McDonald's (totally Zoey's choice - I promise!). The kids had a blast and were sent home full and sweaty. (It's SO hot here.)  Here are a few pictures of our continued celebration.

excited for the movie

in the theater

buddies

future husband - look at that hold, Amanda!

Didn't plan this - I promise! - but McDonald's Happy Meal toy was ICE AGE characters = perfect!

so happy

beautiful girl

she's 4!

so cute


Some additional thoughts on Zoey: she LOVES her little friends. More than they love her, I am afraid. ALL she wants is for someone her age to be AS excited to see her as she is to see them. This doesn't happen very frequently, and it breaks my heart sometimes. BUT right now she doesn't realize she loves them more, so I'll enjoy her innocence a little longer and enjoy watching her think the world loves her. Because, really, most of the world does love her. I sure do.

Four years a mommy...

Standing next to my bed side this morning at 5:45 AM, after having not seen me in 2 1/2 days, you whispered, "Mommy? Mommy?" When I rolled over and you were sure I was awake you stated, "Mommy, we need to buy some pineapple today." I couldn't suppress my giggle and asked why. You replied, "I think 4 -years-old kids eat pineapple." 

Zoey, you make me laugh like this every single day. You are smart and witty and artistic and oh-so-cute. I love you!

We let Daddy sleep for a couple more hours and then we opened some gifts. Thankfully (oh-so-thankfully!) some of our family sent a few gifts, otherwise you would not have had much to open. (The big gift Daddy and I bought for you did not arrive in time!)

tote bag from grandma M

enjoying her favorite balloon

card from Tia

hugging her "I am 4!" birthday badge

loves all things Hello Kitty (???)

book from Grandma

After gifts and breakfast we went to church where you wore your adorable new Sunday dress and "I am 4!" birthday badge from Tia. Our good friends already knew it was your birthday, of course, but they were excited to greet you and wish you a happy birthday. Others were tickled to see your birthday badge and you were ecstatic to tell anyone that it was your birthday!

After church and dinner our friends, who are really our family away from family, came over for an ice-cream bar dessert. For toppings you picked out M&M's, gummi bears, Rolos, rainbow sprinkles, and chocolate sauce and you let Mommy talk you into peanuts, bananas, caramel, and marshmallow cream. It was delicious! Our friends spoiled you and we let them.

first My Little Ponies

all tied up 

chef get-up = SO cute

 Sweetness, we waited a long time for you to join our family and we are grateful every single day that you did. We can scarcely imagine our lives without you. Happy Birthday, little one!