March Madness!

I am a March baby.  Unlike a middle of winter or summer birthday where the weather is usually predictable, you never know what will happen on March 3.  But cold and rainy or warm and sunny, memories of my birthday are filled with sweet family.  My earliest memory is when I turned 5 years old. My parents threw a surprise party at Burger King.  I remember seeing my cousin and best friend peeping out the window and hiding down in a booth. I arrived to the party on the back of my dad's motorcycle. (Seriously! I rode with him often.  Don't tell my boys.)  Fast forward 30 years...my sweet love gave me a night away.  I didn't travel far.  Maybe two miles.  I enjoyed strolling downtown and taking my time in stores, a delicious meal followed by chocolate cake (of course), a long bath, reading a book uninterrupted, and sleeping in....til 9am!  As restful as my 24 hours were, I was excited to return home to my boys and girl for a family celebration.

I really get into blowing out candles.

                                                         Party goers.

The kids and I made a trip to visit my folks.  We hitched a ride with Joe's mom who was traveling to see her mother.  She drove while I kept little people fed and happy.  It is always great to see my parents and grandparents. My mom is busy working this time of year because of tax season. I am thankful for little Joe's extended time with my dad.  The weather was beautiful which meant a lot of adventures in the woods, helping Papaw at the barn, riding the tractor, and a campfire.  I am bad to go visit and not take enough pictures.  Here are a few by the fire.

                                                   I made some cookies and brought them to the boys.

The second weekend in March my husband found himself unexpectedly serving his wife.  In the night, I awoke and (as little Joe says) I "blew out" my back.  Very painful, very humbling. For four hours I lied in bed unable to move because of tremendous pain (to me anyway). I was unable to sleep because of the uncomfortable position.  I thought of those who are in chronic pain that I know and prayed for them.  My pain was short lived while theirs is constant.  When they are tempted to despair may they know that the Lord will sustain them and give grace to endure though the pain is unbearable.  As a result of my eventful night, Joe took over all duties with children and meals for a Saturday.  It seemed best for me not to lift anything.  That week he even came home around baby Joe's nap to lift him in and out of the crib. Turning 35 is great! I will say that I made a poor choice in moving a piece of furniture a couple weeks prior to the "blow out".  Girls, take care to lift with the legs!

I composed this about a week ago and am just now posting.  Unlike a quote I recently read, I do read blogs, but I don't always post on mine!  In Joe's defense, he reads some blogs, mostly surfing.  He definitely enjoys the updates though that I report to him from yours.