Just a few days ago, I turned 29. I was treated to a wonderful day filled with all the little things that make my life wonderful.

I woke up to a beautiful little girl saying "Happy Birthday Mommy'' carrying a bottle of orange juice. Her little brother followed close behind, wearing a big smile and carrying yogurt cups. Next came my handsome hubby, arms carrying a tray of pancakes, eggs, bananas, and all the breakfast associated fixin's. And yes, for all you who were curious, this is what I look like approximate 4 seconds after waking up.

While we enjoyed our breakfast in bed, Eden decided she wanted to give me the presents she'd picked out for me. She was so excited. She got me a big box of 'blue gum' and a box of premade "Daal Vadi" mix, an Indian food I'd never heard of before. Papa Clarkson gave me some really (really) nice body wash set, some other goodies that I'm particularly fond of, and knowing one of my love languages is 'acts of service' he also said he wanted to change all the diapers of the day. Knowing also a) my love for shopping (and the rare occasions I get to go shopping), b) my desires to dress modestly, and c) how expensive cute (non frumpy) modest clothes can be, he gave me a sizeable sum of money, for me to go shopping with when we get back to the States later this year. Hubby endorsed shopping spree- yes please.

The kids were really excited about getting to eat breakfast on mom and dad's bed. After breakfast we relaxed a while. I read a book and painted with Eden. Seth and I enjoyed some time worshipping together. He and Eden laid hands on me and prayed for the new year of life that I was beginning.

We then enjoyed a very tasty lunch of homemade tuna tacos and finished the meal off with birthday cake. While the kids were napping we did some more relaxing, played some cards, and I got to talk on the phone with some very dear people in my life.

Then for supper we headed off for pizza and ice cream! So good. As we were enjoying our pizza, I remember thinking- 'The only thing that could make this day better would be if it would rain a little" and would you believe it started raining while we were eating our pizza? It amazes me how the Father answers even our smallest (seemingly insignificant) prayers! Eating a very delicious pizza, while listening to the gentle drumming of rain on the tin roof over our heads, what a gift. Eden got to enjoy a rare Sprite. She was very excited of course. She drank half of it and wanted to save the rest for another time. Sweet little girl.

On our way home we picked up some ice cream. Eden and Isaaq had banana, I had strawberry, and Seth had vanilla. It was Isaaq's first time eating ice cream. At first he scrunched up his face, as if to say "Mom! What'd ya give me? There's a frozen tundra of ice on my tongue!" but then after he got over the shock of the coldness, he really liked it. Actually, he loved it. Papa Clarkson and I finished off the night by watching an old "Castle" episode. Love that show.

What a day. A really great one. I am blessed.