Birthday surprises...

So I turned 35 last week. Blah. Not super excited about that but I suppose it's just a number. February 1st...and boy am I happy that January is over. That was a tough month and I'm ready to start fresh. Re-do the New Year. The last year was filled with so much change that I can only imagine what this next year will bring me. I'm ready...bring it on. (But my new wrinkles? I could do without.)

Mike surprised me by bringing the girls (and Paradise cookies) into my office. Most people wouldn't think that's a big deal. However, most people don't work in the ghetto. For reals. There are shootings, overhead helicopter searches, school shut-downs and man hunts on the regular. Needless to say, the girls don't get to venture to my office all that often. Was so special to show the girls off to all my friends/co-workers...and to be able to snuggle on them mid-day. Loved that.

 I couldn't wait to get home after work, as I told Mikey the only thing I wanted to do was go out for Mexican for dinner. I'm not the biggest celebratory person in the world, so this was perfect in my book. As I walked into the house I saw streamers and balloons, wasn't really sure what was going on. The house was spotless. And quiet. I walked into the kitchen and I saw my neighbor Jill, Jaime and 3 of my runner girls. I instantly choked up and started crying. What in the world were they doing in my kitchen? I was in shock. And truly believed they were over to join us for Mexican. Not so much.

The doorbell rang and in walked the Moosbruggers (whom I haven't seen in almost a year!). The tears, I just couldn't stop them. Then the Bowdens. Then Bri all the way from Muncie. Then the Morses. Then the Falciones. With each ring of the doorbell my heart became fuller and fuller. My husband coordinated this entire surprise. And all these friends came over to celebrate my birthday. On a school night. I just couldn't believe any of it. I must have had perma-smile all night, I was so happy.

 Thanks to everyone who came over to surprise me...it meant so much to have you all here. And a special thanks to Mikey who organized the entire kit and kaboodle. He cleaned the house. Decorated. Got pizzas and a cake. Made salads. And invited all the special people in my life. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday.

And I thought we were going out for Mexican.