Surprise!!

This has been one of the best weekends I've had! I have felt so loved and so overwhelmingly blessed, and for that I am so grateful! My precious husband went above and beyond to make this a very memorable and special birthday for me.

We spent the first part of Saturday de-cluttering a little (my idea) and then went to one of my favorite places for lunch. This place has the most amazing chicken salad croissant ever. It was so yummy!

Me and my sweet man

My delicious dessert - Petit Gateaux

We then spent some time at the mall just browsing around and came home to get ready for a cook out with some friends....or so I thought. 

All that I knew was that we had plans to get together with a few couples and cookout for my birthday. We were late (as usual) and I thought they would all have started grilling, etc. by the time we got there. When we walked in, my friend said that we weren't going to cook out and were doing something different instead. She had a green bean casserole and macaroni and cheese baking in the oven and it looked so good! I was checking that out and then walked out of the kitchen to see my sister and her fiance - I was confused and asked them what they were doing because I didn't know that they would be there. 

Then E came around the corner and I was so excited but still trying to figure things out. Next I saw my mom and mother-in-law, and after I was done greeting them, some dear friends from our old church appeared. At this point I was SO happy to be seeing all of these sweet people that I love, and it didn't stop...they just kept coming out and with each one I was more and more surprised! 

Here's some of the gang before we arrived

It was so special! Some of these people I don't get to see as often now that we don't go to the same church, but it was like we had never missed a beat and just caught up on everything. 

I normally can't eat when there is a lot going on, but I loaded my plate up nonetheless! My husband, family and some dear friends had some of my very favorites on the menu...BBQ, slaw, deviled eggs, green bean casserole, mac and cheese, baked beans, chips & dip and that's not even mentioning the desserts....shut your mouth!

We have recently fallen in love with a local bakery and Chad ordered an adorable (and delicious) cake for me...complete with monogram! It was fabulous - wedding pound cake with butter cream icing and almond filling. Oh yes!

Then my sweet friends spoiled me with many wonderful gifts. I loved everything that I received...they know me well!

I love my friends and family so much!

After cake and presents, what was there left to do but dance?!? The techno dance party broke out and we had fun!

It was most definitely a night to remember! I was so thankful for my precious husband, family and friends who worked so hard to put this together and pull it all off. 

I had the BEST night and weekend for that matter. Sunday was my actual birthday and what better way to spend it than in the house of the Lord worshiping and praising Him?! It was a powerful morning and we even sang one of my very favorite songs "You Never Let Go" - I think that was a special little present from the Lord ;-) 

Thank you all for your birthday wishes - God showed me His love even more through each one of you. I am one blessed (30 year old) woman!