Light Solution

Saturday night Paul hung this light (that I love) above our dining table.  This is a light fixture that I purchased for the new home we were planning on building (prior to our moving here - our plans changed).  This item has sat in a shed collecting dust because we just didn't think it would work in this dining area because of the lower ceiling height.  However, we finally figured out that we could simply remove a foot of chain link on each side and that it would work perfectly!  Why didn't we think of this solution two years ago?  I love this new addition....our home is slowly become a part of me.

O Come, Emmanuel

I love John Schmidt (pianist) and Steven Sharp (cellist) also known as the Piano Guys.  I have seen them in concert and they are amazing!  

My Big Birthday

Today I turn 40 years old, can you believe it?  I just thought this birthday would be like any of the others, but NO -this one is different and memorable (already).  Paul skillfully planned a surprise party - it really was a surprise!  

It started out with Jody calling to ask if she could take my girls home after school to play.  Of course, my girls loved the chance to play but I was a little hesitant.  I really didn't want to drive across town later to pick them up because I had a terrible headache (result of my long nap).  But I thought I better let Jody "have her way" because we take turns being the "bossy one".  (Thanks Jody for assisting Paul with his secret plans).

So I drove to pick up the girls and Jody told me that we were going to drop off the girls at my house and then meet the guys somewhere.  I didn't know any better so I went along with the plan. But I did remind her that I don't really like surprises, because I like to be in control  (isn't that true!).  However, in the mean time, her and Paul had talked on the phone.  Paul warned her that I might not be in a good mood.  I didn't know I was upset, just not feeling my best.

So we came to my house to drop off the girls and I asked if she would like to see my newly painted living room.  When I opened the front door (it got stuck on the rug) I saw the Merrills just standing there by the fireplace!  Then I said, "OH NO!"  because it was all registering that something was amiss.  Then everyone yelled - SURPRISE and the party began!

The party was total hit!  Paul did such a great job with the food, the decorations, the games - everything!  I was totally amazed at his party throwing skills.  The party began with me blowing out all 48 candles - Porter didn't count.  But at least I know I can blow that many!

 We divided into teams and played several "Minute-to-win-it" games, including: chocolate unicorn, elephant march, bottoms up, defying gravity, paper dragon, ping tic tac, hanky panky, dance with me baby, use the backboard, and face the cookie.  

They gave me some funny gifts.  Of course, the depends from Tisha and David are going to come in handy really soon along with the walker from the Turleys!  Everyone was very kind and thoughtful - thanks for making my birthday a big one!

And a special thanks to my dear husband, Paul.  He threw me an over-the-top birthday even when I have been rotten all week!  I love you, honey.

 More pics and birthday news to come.....