39

Hello, delightful friends and family!  I'm in the midst of a very restful Sunday at home.  I'm in the process of recovering from sickness, which makes me very grateful for this four-day weekend!  My ambitious plans for the rest of today include a short slow flow yoga class, a bath, reading a bit, and watching a movie! =)

In spite of this sinus infection and the sudden birthday onset of viral pink eye, I'm happy to say that I felt very loved and well-celebrated on my 39th birthday, and I feel a growing determination and hopeful strength rising up in me as I focus on the year (and years) ahead!

And now, as you likely expected, here are a few photos!!  Rach and I decided BJs was a solid choice for celebrating our birthdays with the fam - that way, we could all get our fav pizookies and not have to bother with a whole cookie cake.  Here's our group pic after dinner!

K-Faith made me such a lovely card!  As an artsy person who once put a great deal of effort into creative projects, I understand the time, energy, and effort it takes to be creative with something like this, and I ALWAYS want to acknowledge and fully appreciate that!!  I also want to start putting in more effort on little things like this again - even if it gets torn up and thrown away, it's not a waste if it makes someone feel seen and special and loved!! ❤

She made Rach an adorable, slightly sassy card, as well, and went to sit with her as she opened it!

I sat between Kyndal and Tman, as per usual! ❤  We had a good talk about his upcoming London trip and about her talent show try-outs!

Speaking of creative time and effort - I love the colorful 3D border on the front, and the one on the inside too!  Rachael does homemade cards really well, and it is valued!! ❤

On my actual day of birth, I had a birthday dinner with my fabulous Tulsa friend group at Red Rock!

The sunglasses are to hide the untreated pink eye, which was producing gross things and making my eye water continually!  The lack of hugs on all sides is bc I was contagious and trying not to share this particular gift with anyone! lol

An amazing chocolate peanut butter swirl cake from Ludger's Bavarian Cakery, courtesy of the Wilsons!!  Chet brought and added the peanut butter chips and chocolate chips on top to make it more festive (photo below), and I love the attention to detail on little stuff like that! lol  I also love having dependable friends who care enough to check in with me a couple weeks early on what kind of cake I'd like, then order it early and bring it to the restaurant early for them to keep it refrigerated!  It doesn't go unnoticed.  It means a lot to me, and I love the cute tea towel they got for me, as well!

Also love these happy spring tulips from the Moss family... (and it makes me happy that JEM and Kelly are on both sides in this picture behind the flowers).  I was thankful they were able to make it, as baby Henry Edward could be coming any day now!!  I also got a precious coloring book page of Peppa Pig as a birthday gift from Ellie Faye! ❤

A pre-dinner pic with LB as we were all waiting in the lobby for a while!  Laura got me a lovely card, along with some wonderful sweet treats from Cookie Doodle, my favorite little bakery in Jenks!

Tiffany wasn't able to make it for the party, but Laura brought her card and gift, and I really loved the thoughtfulness she put into writing these blessings verses!! ❤

All of this makes me feel like I've been slacking, so one goal I have for the year ahead is to put more effort and creativity into my cards and gifts for close friends and family!!

And yay for continuing the bday celebrations with Kristin W. and the Foster fam soon, both of whom have already gone out of their way to make me feel loved and special on my birthday!!

Last year, I wrote a lengthy birthday post about leveling up (HERE).  I just read through it again and felt grateful for the reminder of God's hand at work in my life over the past four decades!  I'm so thankful for the way my close friends and family have gone above and beyond this year, and I look forward to finishing this fourth decade of life out strong!! ❤