Happy Things on a Happy Birthday

Today was a lovely birthday day and evening.  I spent the morning and lunch with my mom in Peterborough, doing some errands and fun shopping and a nice lunch on the patio of Twelve Pines in the town center.  This evening we all enjoyed a delicious dinner, cooked by my mom.  The whole (local as of this evening) family was together: Fritz and I, our girls and my mom and dad.  A round-robin prayer brought tears to my eyes as each member of my family thanked the Lord for me!  How very, very special.  I thank Him for all of them everyday.  My life would be meaningless without them. 

So, a couple very happy highlights from my birthday:

This super moist, super yummy, made-from-scratch-just-the-way-I-like-it chocolate cake my momma made me.

This very cleverly folded twenty dollar bill given to me by Heidi as an early birthday gift on Friday evening, so I would have it to take along to Brimfield.  I used it towards the purchase of a fantastic vintage dress, never worn and still with the sales tag on it.  I told the vendor about my 14 year old giving me this special money heart and she put it in her wallet so touched that she said she didn't think she had the heart to unfold it and spend it.  Isn't that amazing, how Heidi's loving act for me could reach out and touch the life of a stranger?

Kayleigh frosting my cake.  I must say, I think it tasted as amazing as it did, due to the cook and the expert froster.

And silly as it may seem to some, this vintage bubble gum ring was one of the highlights of my day.  While visiting Bower Bird and Friends Antiques in Peterborough to take lots of photos to post on an upcoming blog this week (keep an eye out for it), I received a silly birthday text from my sister that made me laugh out loud in the shop.  I explained the text to the shop owner, Kathy, who had heard me laugh and so she ended up knowing it was my birthday.  As it was nearing time to leave, I admired this little bubble gum machine ring of Elsie the Borden Cow and decided to buy it.  It is fun and funky and matched my outfit!  Kathy totally took me by surprise when she told me the ring was a birthday present to me from her and she did not want payment.  I got a great big hug from across the counter.  Something so simple, yet it made me feel amazing!  I can't remember the last time someone was so kind and genuine towards me out of the blue like that.  Kathy, thank you.  You really made my day.

There were lots of other little happies today and thoughtful gifts and silly cards.  It is rejuvenating to be spoiled a bit.  Tomorrow it is back to reality, but it will be with lots of leftover warmth and joy from today!