Oh Happy Day!

I turned 31 today! That sounds really old. And I have two (almost) kids and a mortgage. I can't believe I'm "in my 30s"...feels weird to say. I've heard folks say that they would do anything to go back to high school (um, vomit?!) or college (nope), but I can honestly say that I am completely content right where I am.

This summer, I found myself walking through our yard in the heat, following a toddler son, dodging dogs, and toting around a robust belly. I had a momentary thought: "Wow, so this is my life....sweaty, pregnant, and working to pay the bills". I remember when I wasn't sure if I wanted kids. And I planned to live in a big city. (I have since learned that I am a country girl at heart.) And I was going to travel, travel, travel! I quickly realized, however, that I am truly happy where I am. Sweaty and pregnant, working hard, and seemingly tired alot of the time....doesn't matter. There's a quote from a Jack Johnson song that sums it up perfectly:

We got everything
We need right here
And everything we need is enough.
Just so easy...when the whole world fits inside of your arms
Don't really need to pay attention to the alarm...

My whole world DOES fit in my arms. Maybe not all at once, but my "world" consists of Chris, T, baby girl, parents, and dogs. I would live in a box with all those things and be okay. I would miss my bed and tv. And my coffee maker. Okay, so it would have to be a big box. And a box with electricity :)

Seriously, what a day full of blessings straight from God. Trafton woke up in a happy mood and invited me to join him in his crib. Why, of course I'd love to haul my huge self over the side of your crib to snuggle. Don't mind if I do. After a few minutes together, I took him to Miss Angela's house, only to discover a homemade "happy birthday" sign on the door from their family and flowers waiting for me inside.

When I got to school, I found out that Debbie had gone above and beyond to celebrate this day with our grade level. After leaving her house at 5:40 am (yes, that early), she went to Krisy Kreme, Bojangles, and even had a coffee ready for me when I walked in to school. That's what I'm talking 'bout :)

Several sweet cards from friends and students, texts and voicemails from special people. And finally, a yummy dinner with some of my very favorite people in the world. I'm so encouraged by the kindness shown to me today; hopefully I can pay it forward.