(beginning of ) Birthday Week!

I'm going to start this out seemingly-negative. But it's not. It's more neutral. Statement of fact. Stick with me.

I am exhausted. Over-extended. Burnt to a crisp. Worn out. Nothing left. Eeeempty.

But.
It's (thankfully) really hard to dwell on that when people keep pouring love on you. And for some reason, they keep doing it. And although I'm tired, it doesn't matter. These kindnesses trump weariness.

When your family goes to the extent to surprise you with your very first ice cream cake and gifts, that's incredibly awesome.

And then when more family decides to throw a cookout for you and you get to see some of your kiddos and play with them, that's more awesomeness.

And then when your friends throw a combined party for you and your beloved sister and friends drive down from the city and come in late after work...
Well, my friends, there's not much that can bring you down. And I'm reveling in the overwhelming kindness and beauty that are found in those people and their hearts.

Honestly, I'm still very, very tired. Socially, I feel I have very little left to give. But that doesn't seem to matter when I'm surrounded by wonderful people who know that, love me anyway, and occasionally let my face glaze over in conversation without thinking twice about it. :)
(Ha! I guess it helps when you're used to my face glazing over anyway, whether I'm tired or not. ;) )

The emails, the comments, the thoughtfulness, all of it just really warms me to the core. And my birthday's not even here yet!

Does this make any sense? I'm attempting to say I LOVE YOU ALL in huge, giant neon letters. YOU ARE AWESOME. THANK YOU for who you are. I always appreciate you and I want to use this outlet to make sure you're aware of it.
Thank you for making the beginning of my birthday week wonderful.

Birthday wishes! Stuff that is way mushy and yet completely sincere.

Ashlyn: You who brighten my face whenever I see you and made my birthday by all your hugs and playtime on Monday. You are my forever princess, sweetheart. I can't believe you're five.

Holly: You who are always dear to my heart and always make my day. I wouldn't know what to do without your wisdom, friendship and love. Lots of love, always, in return.
I thank my God every time I remember (both) of you - Phil. 1:3

(And Nikolai, who could forget you? I hope your birthday was full of kittens and monologuing. Thanks for all the good times!)

(By the way, all those cakes? Delicious.)