Thank You, thank you!

I'm not sure what this says about me, but each year, I try not to think too much about my birthday. It has nothing to do with age, I don't dream up extravagant wish lists... I'd be content with little fanfare. I recall the perfect birthdays of past and think, how in the world can they continue to get better? But each year I am amazed at the generosity of friends and family who in the midst of their own busy and important lives, celebrate with me, remember to call, send emails, blog comments, and cards in the mail. This blows me away, brings me to tears...you make me feel so special! Like each and every birthday before, 28 was incredibly memorable and delicious!

On Friday, my family welcomed me back to Kansas City with food from the tastiest bar-b-que joint and a heavenly cake from a cute boutique bakery. It is hard to find heavenly chocolate cake, the kind that convinces you eating it for breakfast, lunch and dinner is actually healthy. Bar-b-que, dessert and March Madness with family... a perfect evening! I include this photo because, well, it surely represents a snapshot in time. My husband is NOT a clumsy guy. I however, consistently misjudge just how large my belly has become, and squeezing between him and his baked beans and a chair was quite disastrous this go around.Listing birthday gifts reminds me of the scene at the school lunch table after Christmas break. A little uncomfortable...BUT, love for my man, I'm including this one. This is a beautiful camera bag that he filled with all kinds of photography goodies. Shock. That was me. I have seen these bags before, but I am quite certain I have never mentioned them to Dave. It's beautiful in a very non-camera bag sorta way. And of all the options, this is exactly the bag I would have chosen for myself. Even more beautiful than the bag, was the thought that he saw this and knew that I would love it above all others...and probably never buy it. Saturday morning we had breakfast with Papa Jimmy, David's dad. He cooked up his famous apple pancakes and loaded on the strawberries and blackberries. Tasted like spring. We moved outside and the boys hit golf balls off the huge hill overlooking the city. I settled in to a chair and really wanted to join my nephew Brock. He had the right idea falling asleep in the warm sun and slight breeze.
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Saturday night my friends surprised me with a party. I thought I was going out for a date, we dropped the kids off at my parents house and my dad was like, "oh, I gotta show you something off the deck!" I had heard there was a dead deer carcass back there and I was thinking, "really dad? the dead deer right now!?" but I followed him anyway...good thing, because all those friendly faces were much more exciting!
And Sunday wasn't about me, but it was more feel good family time. Dave's family got together in support of Grandpa Smyers. I love this photo. The family unit is such a divinely inspired plan of our Heavenly Father. David describes his grandfather as a constant, and stable, and positive influence in his life. He remembers him singing in the car and other various places, and that he is never without a corny joke to share. Grandpa Smyers sold life insurance, and I know on more than one occasion our yearly statement had a special attachment. Often, inside the envelope, stapled to the important papers was a print out of some silly joke or comic. His special touch.
Grandma and Grandpa Smyers' great-grandchildren. (three more on the way!)
It's spring. I'm back in KC (just in time for the exciting storm season!) and I've got a box of chocolate cake in my fridge!