Today I am 32

I'm 32 today. That'll take some getting used to, but I'm good with it.  It's easier than turning 29 I think! Of course, I did spend that birthday in the ER with emergency surgery but that story is for another time.

My job graciously gives employees the day off for our birthdays, so I had a free Friday. Nice!

 

I enjoyed a family breakfast to get it started and a date down to the beach with my husband tonight. Great book-ends for the day, since I did end up spending several hours working on taxes and going into work for a meeting with a couple who would only be in town today. I was able to squeeze in a little time to surprise Adria at her pre-school in the afternoon too. She was quite excited about the Pajama Party at school today and wore her favorite purple PJs.

This year I am reminded of my blessings as we spent one night this week enjoying a delicious homemade dinner with Adrian's family and then another one with mine to celebrate the February birthdays.

Celebrating at my Mom's house this week, my brother Aaron's birthday is the day after me.

That left my birthday free for a date night with my man. And I wanted to go to the beach. I actually love the Rehoboth boardwalk in February. It's completely empty, such a stark contrast from the masses that would be there on a Friday night in July. The stillness and quiet allowed us to appreciate the gentle crashing of the waves in the moonlight with just the two of us on the beach. Of course, we only enjoyed it for a few minutes because it was cold!

Enjoying the freedom to be crazy on the empty Rehoboth boardwalk!

 

I did have another special moment early in the day when my dad stopped by to give me a birthday card right after breakfast. As a daughter and a mother of daughters, the words of this card touched me deeply and I wanted to share them.

 

Daughter

Even before she arrives, you want your daughter's world to be perfect.

You want her to be happy and surrounded by love.

You want her to be sure of herself, gentle but strong, with nothing to worry about.

 

But real life's not like that. The years come and go, bringing her trials and triumphs, joys and sorrows,

and you still want her world to be perfect.

But you can see that she is sure of herself, surrounded by love, and gentle but strong.

 

And you can see that she is who she is because life has challenged her to grow and become more amazing every year.

 

KEEP MAKING EVERY YEAR YOUR OWN KIND OF BLESSING.

 

 

Beautiful. Thank you, Dad. I know that many of you, Daughters, have had a tough year. I gladly share these words with you that you may find strength and confidence in the midst of what life brings. And I pray that you too can be surrounded by love. I am hopeful that 32 will be a great year!