29.

So...I turned 29 yesterday.

While the actual number is a little scary to think about, I have been looking forward to this day for a while---mostly so I could finally have some cake--but also because it's a pretty good reason to get together with my friends.

One of my students' sweet mom brought cupcakes to the class (homemade chocolate icing, I might add). They were heavenly. You'd be proud, though. I only ate one. Now, can I just say that I have the best friends EVER? I know I say this ALL.OF.THE.TIME, but ask any single family member of mine and they'll agree that God has especially blessed me with the greatest. Never will I know what in the world I've done to deserve them, but I'm grateful for each one who was so carefully placed in my life and the exact time they're needed most.

My birthday fun started Monday night. Mims took me to dinner, but first surprised me with a fabulous pedicure! It was perfect and is something I love but NEVER DO for myself! We had the best time. I'm not really sure how the night escaped us without getting a picture of us in the fabulous massage chairs, but we did manage to take a picture of the OPI nail polishes of our choice:I promise we chose our colors without looking at the name. How ironic and appropriate that the name of her color was "I'm India Mood for Love" and mine was "Strawberry Margarita". We thought it was funny even if you don't.

I love OPI polish, don't you?

I've always been a "birthday person." I love making people feel special when it's their day and, well, when I was young (haha), I used to have serious countdowns until MY birthday. Who doesn't love getting a little attention every once in a while? And now that there are so many different ways to communicate, I enjoyed all of the calls, texts, emails, and facebook messages I received. Such a fun day.

My students were sweet to me too. It made me happy when they informed me that they thought 29 was "really young." Sweet children they are. One of my students told me that she spent hours making this banner for me the night before my birthday. To me, these are the best types of gifts-the ones that show you that thought and time were really put into them. You can't really tell by the picture, but there's also lots of glitter on this precious banner. I really could tell she put her heart into making it, and she was so excited to give it to me on my birthday.

After school yesterday, my teacher friends took me to Bin 612 to celebrate. On Monday, it was rainy and about 40 degrees outside. God took care of me though, because on Tuesday, it was sunny and 70! It was perfect weather for sitting outside. Oh, how I love spring!

Don't I have the most fun group of teacher friends? I was so happy that so many of them made plans to be with me.

Thank you, sweet friends! You make being "almost 30" just a little more bearable!