Oh happy day!

I had been bracing myself for one sad birthday. Unlike last year and the year before, my birthday fell on a work day. Two years ago it was on Easter, and last year it was during Spring Break. To make matters worse, it wasn't just any work day, but the longest one of the year . . . Open House Night. Basically I would be at school until 3, come home for a bit and then turn around and head back to school by 6:30 to be in place for all the parents and students by 7. At 9 the whole thing would finally end and I would be able to come home.

Completley contrary to my thoughts about how this birthday would be are the events that actually transpired. It was honestly the best birthday that I have had in a long time. I think what made it so special was knowing that so many people care about me. I am so grateful to have genuine, kind, loving people in my life.

My roommates had coordinated with my family and as I went around this morning getting ready for work I found little notes everywhere. Notes from my grandparents, parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, and good friends. I was walking on cloud nine, it was such a sweet feeling. I also got breakfast, two bouquets of flowers (one from my roommates and one from a pretty fantastic fella), lots of skittles, an amazing dinner waiting for me when I got home, and cake and ice cream with friends. The love was thick today.

Following are some of my favorite birthday wishes and comments:

(written on a card) "Hope your birthday is somewhere on a scale between 'totally freaked out' and 'I may have just wet my pants'".

(written on a card) "I was fooled by the crab cakes once. I will not be fooled again. I mean, c'mon . . .where's the frosting? . . . . enjoy some "cake cake" on your birthday."

(birthday wishes from my family):

When I try to define Faith, I can think of only one word . . . Trisha - Dad

I like to play with Trisha, she is the cool Aunt - Kenna (Thanks Kenna!)

Aunt Trisha plays the piano really well. It makes me happy. - Andy

Is she the one with the blowhole? - McKay (If you aren't sure what this is referring to, well . . . you're missing out!)

Happy birthday, eat lots of icecream for me and make sure to get a kiss for every candle on your cake - Moo (Thanks moo, I'll try ;)

Riley loves to bless "Aunt Drusha"

"snuggles" from Tyler

Just remember that pure gold fears no fire. The challenges you will face are only to refine and enrich your life, bringing an abundance of happiness after the testing is done - Mom

Happy Birthday from Switzerland. Ich liebe dich. - Todd

I feel so loved right now. So loved, so blessed, and so happy. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I have the best friends and family.

Here are some pictures from today. The ones near the end are indicative of the "sugar high" I was experiencing. Too much candy and cake . . . oops!

Birthday Breakfast

Pretty flowers from Mike

Cake and singing ( I look SO happy!)

Trying on my new swimsuit OVER my clothes. This is officially where the sugar high started. I crashed shortly after this.

Kirsti, such a good friend. She joined in the fiasco.