Feeling VERY Blessed

I now realize why I love celebrating my birthday so much - birthdays are such confidence builders! Between the cards, text messages, phone calls, and Facebook messages, I definitely felt loved and extremely blessed.  I heard from friends I hadn't heard from in a while and I talked to each member of my family all in one day!

I also made out with some pretty sweet birthday gifts, and let's be honest, we all love gifts! 

First off, Brandon was so sweet this year.  I got these pretty flowers delivered to work right before he picked me up for lunch.

I also got a pretty fun little present - a new camera!  I love our "big" camera, but it can be a bit of a hassle sometimes, so I've been wanting a new pocket-sized camera that I can slip into my purse.  And I must admit, this camera takes pretty darn good pictures!

Brandon also loaded the following message on the camera so when I turned it on, I scrolled through each picture to read the message.

He's a keeper, huh?!?

Prior to my birthday, I received my gift from my parents.  Actually, if I'm going to be honest, I contacted them when they were on their trip last week to inform them that something I've been wanting for a LONG time was finally on sale and it would make for a great birthday gift but since it was on sale, I should probably go ahead and get it ordered and they agreed.  I will fill you in on the "deal" later, because it was like the best deal I've ever gotten.  Ever.  But, enough about that, here it is!

Ta da!!  I got the chairs that I have been drooling over all summer!!  I was so excited and I love them even more than I imagined I would.  Now, if it would only cool down a little so we could actually use them!  I did have to test them out for a short time though and they are so comfy.

{excuse the outfit and the wondering hose}

I can't wait for a cool fall evening when we can sit outside around the fire pit roasting marshmallows and eating s'mores! 

I also received some birthday money from Brandon's parents along with a few other very generous people and I plan to treat myself to a pedicure and massage.  Nothing says birthday celebration like a day of pampering! 

Along with all of this, I have wonderful friends that I've made lunch plans with everyday this week and others who have also been extremely generous gift givers.  As I mentioned, I just feel so blessed this year and I can't imagine my life without all of these people have surrounding me.