thirty two

In a minor way, I'd been dreading yesterday.  Why?  Well, it sure wasn't because I don't like birthdays, because I LOVE, LOVE birthdays. It was because I was turning 32.  For some reason, 32 sounded like a number I didn't want to be, but you know what?  It turned out to be a really great day and I'm kinda thinking I'll be alright with 32.  Besides that, I really don't have a choice in the matter, right? :)

I spent the morning with friends for our last MOPS meeting of the semester. We had breakfast together, did a fun white elephant gift exchange and two of us girls shared our testimonies with the group.  I was able to share the story of how I came to be a part of my MOPS group:  the journey that started three years ago when I found blogs, and Kelly and how I started my own blog.  Of how I was able to start my little hat business and in the process, meet the person that was to become my very best friend. And how it was through two special blog friends (thank you Lindy and Trisha) that I was encouraged to join MOPS.

I went on to share with the girls how just the other day I was telling the Lord that I was tired of being ordinary. That I wanted something that made me unique and that set me apart from others.  A few days later, I felt the Lord remind me that I wasn't ordinary and that I had a special story.  It was one only God could write and to this day, I feel so grateful that the Lord loved me that much that He'd write a story that special and all my own.

At the end of our meeting, a friend of ours took this picture.  It is truly my most favorite one of the day! This is my friend Sonia and I.

I have been so blessed by Sonia's friendship and I'm so thankful the Lord brought her into my life!

The rest of my day was also great!  Instead of writing the longest post ever, I'll share a few snapshots from the day!

It had been four months since I had coffee, but I decided to treat myself to a Starbucks!  I had a white chocolate mocha (my all time fave) and it was good.  For some reason, it wasn't as good as I remember it being but I guess that's a good thing considering how addicted I used to be to my Starbucks! ha!

My sisters, my niece and one brother-in-law came over and we went the easy route with small kiddos and had Olive Garden to go! I was totally cupcaked out from all my recent baking, so I opted for an ice cream sundae bar instead, which was really good!

Opening presents is always fun too!

My sisters decided to get me a cheesecake too but we never ended up cutting it open.  It had been a long day and it was a school night, so by 7:00 all of our girls were done for the night!  That's totally life with kids and that's why I'm so glad we decided to do just a little something, at home this year!

 I just have to add these last couple pictures in because I think they're so cute!  Before my sisters came over, I remembered we had some Betty Boop party stuff (and yes, I still do love collecting my Betty's) in my party closet that had never been used. It wasn't much but it was perfect for for the girls to enjoy.

The had a blast with their little hats and blowers and they were making the silliest faces as the played with their little blowers. So fun! :)

It was really a great day and I look forward to continuing the birthday celebration today with dinner with my Dad and Step-Mom! :)