Birthday Bliss

 I thought I’d share with you a bit of the birthday fun I enjoyed this weekend. It worked out better this year to celebrate Mother’s Day and my birthday with my parents a couple of days ahead of schedule, rather than on the actual day, so we met at a collective favorite: Ivanhoe’s! If you’re from this area, it needs no further explanation. If you’re not, let me assure you they serve (hands down) the best strawberry shortcakes in the entire world.

            The picture may indicate I ate the entire helping on my own, but I did not. Ryan ate half. It really was a wonderful night, and as a bonus, God allowed me to run into a friend I haven’t seen in ages. She happened to be eating there that night as well, and it was such a treat to see her. It was also great to spend time with Mom and Dad and swap stories for a couple of hours.

            Ryan had asked me what I wanted to do on my birthday, and since it happened to combine with Mother’s Day this year, I knew what I didn’t want to do was eat out with the masses. So we did our eating-out celebration Saturday night. He took me to one of my favorite local restaurants, Soul Pig, and we ate exactly half our meals and brough the other half home for dinner on Sunday night! (PS, I look angry in this first picture because I was squinting in the sun!)

            We went to church on Sunday morning, and then Ryan cooked lunch for me. I’d chosen a fancy salad recipe – blueberries, strawberries, feta, a healthier version of candied pecans, grilled chicken, avocado, and homemade ranch dressing. YUM.

            While we waited for the chicken to cook, I opened cards and gifts (with Lexi’s help) and felt so loved by all the kind words inside the cards!

            Ryan also made my favorite berry trifle, and it was so good. It was his first time to make it, and he didn’t think he did it right, but I absolutely beg to differ.

            I was able to scrapbook, take a nap, watch Hallmark movies, take Lexi for a walk, and enjoy time at home, which was an extra special gift, because this week is full to overflowing, schedule-wise.

            It was a sweet and simple birthday, and I was grateful for it. Thanks again for all the messages and warm wishes!