Birthday Blessings

Thank you, everyone, for your birthday wishes! (And for not yelling at me for confessing my moment of birthday blues...)

As it turned out, most of the plans actually materialized after all. (Which made me feel truly humbled and completely blessed!)
But even if they hadn't, I think I would have been just fine.

My husband actually came home feeling better on Friday night and wanted to take me out to dinner! Although he hoped I would venture out and try someplace new, his unadventurous wife picked her old stand-by, The Olive Garden...at least I always know I'll be getting wonderful food there!

The girls sniffles subsided and they went on to spend the night with their uncle and aunt...and it turned out they spoiled them with taking them out not just for dinner but for breakfast the next morning!

I did spend the first few hours of my birthday alone while my husband had to work, but really, it was nice and relaxing...
My mom called during that time to wish me a happy birthday. She was so sweet and telling me that she could still remember how it felt when I had been growing inside her! Amazing that time can never erase that for those of us that have experienced that miracle.

Then the rest of the day was filled with family time! My sister in law graciously had us over for cake with her family...(My 18 month old nephew was more than eager to let the festivities begin!)


and then my husband and girls later that night presented me with YET ANOTHER CAKE!
Needless to say, I did my Wii Fit today! ;)


My husband and girls gave me more presents than I even expected! (They got part of them thanks to the after-Christmas sales!)
Since I didn't get jammies for Christmas, I got two new pairs for my birthday... And a scrumptious, cuddly new robe!
My oldest and I posed in our robes (I gave her robe to her for Christmas) right before bed and after baths on that birthday evening... and we felt as cozy as we looked!

I also got candles, bath soaps, a gorgeous mug

and the new book from the famous family of 20...


...along with new book light to read it!

My handsome husband, in spite of not feeling one hundred percent, was such a sweetheart...but you can tell, he is feeling just a bit tired by the end of that evening, can't you?


And I have to admit, but the next day, I was feeling a little post-birthday exhaustion, myself!

But today, I had my virtual Wii run and I'm feeling great...(and yes, you really have to run...not just "virtually run"!)

And after my initial mourning of my new number, I've now decided to embrace it.

Hello, my name is Tammy and I am 46.

46!!!! forty-six...FORTY-SiiiiiiiX....

Wow, that was so freeing...;)

I'm reminded of the episode of Cosby when beautiful Claire was turning 46...and Cliff made a sign for her reversing the digits so it read, "Happy 64th Birthday!" hehe

And here I have to insert one of the most romantic things my husband has ever said to me... better than anything Hallmark could write...and I don't think he'll mind if I share it.
He told me that it was an amazing phenomenon to him that not only did I still look young, but that I was actually getting prettier with every passing year and it was incredible to watch.
He said it with such complete sincerity and amazement that I just nearly cried...

Yep, I think I'll keep him. ;)

Edited to add: If you think of it, please say a prayer for my mom who will be having a cataract removed this Tuesday! She loves to read and even had a blog she posts in once in a blue moon...thanks in advance!