Sat Feb 13, 2010

The girls and I at Houlihans

Hi everyone! So I have to tell you about my birthday. I had one of the BEST birthdays I've ever had. My very close friend, Christian, surprised me by taking me to dinner at Houlihan's. Dinner included Christian, Megan, Sara, and myself. It was so nice to be out with the girls! Phil stayed home to watch Blake-we are celebrating my bday tonight. So back to my story lol. We got our booth and ordered our drinks, then Christian said she had some gifts for me. I, of course, was begging her to open them once we got home-lol-not at the restaurant. She insisted and then pulled out an envelope. Okay-I thought I can handle this. :) I opened the card and it was from one of the mom's at Union Hill Day School (where I used to teach at). There was money in it and a sweet note. Then she handed me another envelope. Inside was a letter from another mom at the school-she is putting on a silent art auction-of children's art. Where parents enter their child's art to be displayed at First Friday's. Then she will have the silent auction to raise money to help us. I started crying. This is already a lot to take in. There was more...she hands me another envelope. Inside this one is a gift card for $260 to QT to use for gas. Christian said she posted a note in her class room and in Kelsey's that was letting the parents of Union Hill know that my birthday was Feb 12 and that she was raising money to help with gas. Needless to say, a bunch of parents and friends and family donated! Since we have to travel downtown several times a week for Rehab and doctors apts and with gas going up and down-this meant a lot to me. One more thing to not have to worry about. There was also some cash and 2 Walmart gift cards. I was so choked up. Christian is always looking for ways to lighten my stress load. I don't know what I would do without her. Ok so there is still more. Then she hands me a scrapbook. I open it up and Kelsey-my cousin-who also took over my class room when I left-had put together pictures of all my kids-I couldn't even finish looking at it because my eyes were filled with tears. I miss all of them SO much! Leaving my class was really really hard. (Later on that night I did finish looking at all the pictures and on the last page Kelsey wrote me the sweetest letter-again i got choked up.) I thought it was all over, then Megan went to her car and got an envelope that was from my mom. Inside there were 2 checks-one from her and one from Arlene, saying to use them on ME at my favorite store(thrift store) for clothes. Again I teared right up. It was a very emotional dinner. lol. I also got a card in the mail from my friends Kristen and Nick-a QT gift card and a gift card for Chilli's. There is a date night calling my name. ;)

Now thats what I'm talking about! Yummy desserts!!

I feel so blessed to have all of you behind us. I know I say it a lot-but I know things would be SO different if we didnt have all of you supporting us. It makes such a difference having amazing people surround us and hearing all your prayers and thoughts-not forgetting us and always keeping up to date on Blake and his progress. Honestly I dont know if I will ever be able to help you the way you have helped us. You help us in so many ways. Emotionally, spiritually, financially, its never ending. I cry sometimes because I have seen the families that dont have a lot of support, and I feel so rich with love and support, you have made such a difference in our lives. Thank you all for everything you have done. And thank you all for loving Blake. I am able to take care of him and stay positive with all your help. So truly thank you!! This will be a birthday I will never forget!