Thirty-Four

Yesterday I officially entered my mid thirties.  While I am not a huge fan of the age as a number, I would have to say my thirties have been the best years of my life so far.  Becoming a mom, growing in my relationship with Shad (immensely) and with God has made this decade so special to me. 

For the last few years my birthday has landed on Shad's great elk hunting expedition time.  This year he left on the 14th and was not really set to return until yesterday, my birthday.  He went twelve hours away to go to the prime hunting spot, so I really didn't expect him until late Saturday.  This was all just fine, he never forgets to celebrate my birthday, it's just a little late usually.  Not to mention, I feel old, so I usually just want to let it go by the wayside. 

About two months ago I heard on the radio that two of my favorite bands were going to be in town on my birthday, Addison Road and Tenth Avenue North.  Oh how excited I was and bummed all at the same time.  I really wanted to go, but I didn't want Shad to feel bad that he was going to be gone.  I really only wanted to go with him because he too is a huge fan of Tenth Avenue North and going to concerts together is kind of a new thing for us.  So I mentioned it to him, but told him not to worry about it too.  He felt bad and told me he would see what he could work out.

Let the surprises begin.  First, Shad arrived home from hunting on Friday instead of Saturday.  He said he would try to, but I didn't want to get my hopes up.  Then yesterday he gave me a card and in it were two tickets to see Addison Road and Tenth Avenue North!  That guy.  He had it all planned out since before he even left to go hunting.  So not only did I get dinner and PUMPKIN cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory, I got to go to the concert after all, with the man that I love.  He even had a babysitter lined up, since before he left!  What a special, special evening.  Besides the great evening with Shad, I am not sure what was better, the PUMPKIN cheesecake or the concert.  (Can you tell I LOVE PUMPKIN cheesecake?)

Thank you Shad for such a special night and for making my birthday completely stress free and relaxed.  I look forward to what God has in store for me in my thirty fourth year.  Well, I know one thing, it's kind of big.  Uh, the birth of my third child, my second daughter is just a few short months away.  This year is starting out great and looks like it is only going to get better.  Happy birthday to me.