Today is my birthday and I don't share my cake with just anyone. I'm off playing today with Mr. Wonderful (my favorite playmate). Today I turn 60 years old, and despite the silver hair, adorable grandchildren, children who have turned into responsible adults, and cute guy I married....not much has changed since I was sweet 16. Now, if you'll kindly stop laughing (it's ok, I'll wait!) let me explain.

Thirty six years ago my world changed drastically when I said, "I do" to Charlie Bennetch (the cute guy). Since then we have been on a grand adventure that is anything but predictable. Through it all I have been blessed with good health, lots of laughter, friends, wonderful family, a godly husband (who constantly rescues me) and most of all a faithful God and Savior who promised never to leave me or forsake me when I dedicated my life to him at 16.

In my head I'm still the sixteen year old girl, full of life and waiting for the next adventure. In my head, I still have endless possibilities and creative energy. In my head are novels I've yet to write, places I've yet to explore, and friends I'm anxious to meet for the first time.

However, in my heart I have wonderful memories of adventures completed, friends and family who helped shape my character and conduct and most of all I have a lifetime of daily interactions with Jesus Christ. I often wonder what people do who don't know Jesus. As I age I get more and more dependent on His Grace and Mercy and look forward to Heaven. I'm comforted knowing His mercies are new every morning and I rely on his grace moment by moment.

If you think about me today, on my birthday, please breathe a prayer that I will always remember to be gracious. God has extended such grace to me that I should be the most gracious person ever. Thank you for your cards and letters and most of all your friendship. I treasure each of you and value your impact on my life.

Today I wear the birthday tiara with pride and plan to celebrate life with all my favorite things, chocolate brownies from Chick-fil-a, Lunch at Red Lobster, Shopping at Target (with a 100 dollar gift card...Woo Hoo!) and renew my drivers license complete with new picture and new weight! Catch ya later!

Labels: My Birthday

My birthday is this Thursday. It's a big birthday and my children have conspired to make sure I am well celebrated. They have contacted many friends and family and asked that they share a special memory with me as a surprise.

The surprise came about a month before my birthday when I got my first birthday card and warm fuzzy memories from my baby sister. Don't get me wrong, it was a sweet note recounting many memories of our growing up together, but it really confused me. My birthday is 5 days after hers, so I was wondering why I would be getting a birthday card in October, when both of our birthdays are in November.

A few days after the note card (not traditional birthday card) appeared, I got another note card from a friend of my daughter. It was a sweet note but left me wondering how she would know it's my birthday (again this happened in October). I did note that the note card was similar and exactly the same size, and typed identically, with no return address. ( Ok, so I'm not a good detective like those in the mysteries I like to read!) It was a really busy time for us at the mission with lots of volunteer groups, so I didn't have a lot of time to think about it.

About a week after the first two cards arrived, I got a third card from a wonderful friend of mine who never writes and never calls, so immediately I began to think that I must be dying and no one had told me. I figured I must be going before my birthday, as I was getting cards so early. My suspicions were confirmed two days later when I received the fourth non-birthday card from a dear friend who would only write if I indeed were dying.

Shortly after this confirmation (that I was dying), my good friend "Flip Flop Flozzie" asked if she and Mike could come visit me right before my birthday. They live in Savannah ( a 10 hour drive) so of course I said yes and thought how sweet of them to come , then I consoled myself with chocolate.

As I think back on the last few weeks, I can honestly say that chocolate has been an important part of my demise. What the heck, if I'm dying I might as well go down having enjoyed chocolate to the end. Just in case I wasn't dying, I happened to mention the influx of early birthday cards to my girls, both who acted totally surprised and then denied any knowledge of the events.

Non-birthday cards have continued to come in throughout the month, all the same size, all addressed exactly alike, all telling me that I am loved and valued. My health has not deteriorated (and sadly neither has my waist line) and my children have finally confessed, much to my relief, that it is their birthday surprise for me.

I am glad to know I'm not dying and you can bet I'll be really excited about getting the mail this week. This girl loves anticipation, so I'm really looking forward to being celebrated.

Labels: My Birthday

Thanks for all the birthday wishes, comments, emails, ecards, cards, phone calls and personal greetings. I was well celebrated.

My friend and neighbor Beckie came over . We did some research on cameras as I am looking for a newer one. We went to Chick-fil-a for lunch (my favorite place) and shared a brownie thinking it would be my only birthday cake.

I found this great purple jacket for half price so I bought it. Melli and MIL arrived in my drive way about 3 pm. When I pulled into my drive way I found helium balloons tied to the porch as well as a Chocolate cake!

Note the cool spiral candles! Fortunately Melli only put 12 candles on it so a potential fire hazard was averted. We had a birthday dinner at Red Lobster which was delicious and Melli and I talked and laughed long into the night.

This morning we ran the street of Staunton going to a wonderful quilting store and then to a glass blowing store where we actually watched several pieces being made. We had lunch at the train depot grill . We had a grilled veggie sandwich with portabello mushrooms, zucchini, yellow squash and mozerella cheese. My eyes were bigger than my stomach so I brought most of my lunch home.

All to quickly I had to say goodbye to Melli and send her on her way home.

My love language is time. The idea that Melli would drive 4 hours to spend the day with me just blesses me more than I can ever express.

Spending time with some of my favorite girlfriends was definitely a high point of my day. Thanks to every one for making me feel special.

Labels: My Birthday