birthday goodies

birthday mums

and birthday chocolate

(Benjamin is one smart guy!)

I realize this post is very late. After all, my birthday was in the middle of last month. However, I felt so loved and pampered that I just couldn't resist sharing. In addition to the flowers and chocolate Benjamin got for me on my actual birthday, he also got me an IngenuiTea teapot since I love my loose leaf tea so much. It has such a clever design and is much more fun to use than a plain strainer. Mum and Papa got me a necklace that I've been admiring. I have loved wearing it! And a good friend gave me the scentsy warmer that goes perfectly in my "new" kitchen. To top it all off, I received many kind cards and greetings as well as hugs and kisses from my guys.

I am so grateful to be surrounded with loving family and friends. Though material gifts aren't the true measure of friendship, in this case they symbolize to me something much sweeter and deeper: the bond in Christ, the precious friendships in which both parties benefit, the sense of community.

The way our schedule worked out, my birthday dinner was a week later than my birthday. Mum made my favorite carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Little Man got to decorate it with an amazing variety and abundance of sprinkles (or as he calls them, "sparkles"). He was so excited about it and totally melted my heart.

Benjamin made a delectable lasagna with homemade noodles and all (I'm telling you, my man can really cook!). It was beyond delicious.

Oh, it was a happy birthday!