Thoughts on Thirty Three....

On December 3rd I celebrated my 33rd birthday.  Unlike birthdays past, I was very thankful to see this one come around and truly took time to be thankful for another year of life.  My 32nd year was definitely not my favorite year, so I was grateful to make it to 33 and I am looking forward to what this next chapter of life has for me!

My day started out great with a stellar performance by Kyndall in her pre-K Christmas program at school.  She was an angel which was ironic for many reasons!  

Kyndall and Lillian are the sweetest friends!  Remember Lillilan from the piano recital?

After the Christmas program the parents were invited back to the classrooms for cookies and milk

Loved spending my birthday morning with my little angel

I decided to treat myself to a quiet, leisurely, kid-free stroll through Target since it was my birthday.  A rare treat, made complete with a giant Coke Icee in my hand and a gift card in my pocket.  I was walking through the girls department when I overheard two associates trying to decide what to do with one of the displays.  Rewind to a month ago when I posted the picture below.  We had been shopping for new clothes when Kyndall spotted this life size replica of Rainbow Dash, her one true love.  She nearly lost her mind with excitement and asked me to take a picture, so I did.  

As I was passing through yesterday I heard one associate say to the other "We CAN'T throw this away....some little girl would love to have it!"  You can probably guess what happened next.....

When I showed it to Kyndall she was over the moon and told me I was the "best Mommy she's ever had".  I have no idea what we will do with this gigantic thing, but I love the fact that something so simple made her so very happy.

The rest of the day was business as usual....Once I picked her up from school we ran home, grabbed a quick snack, changed into dance attire and headed off to jazz class.  Matthew had planned to meet us for dinner once dance was over and I was looking forward to some family time at my favorite restaurant.  Plus, I hadn't eaten a single bite all day and I was starving!  

However, Matthew called me around 4:30 and told me that plans had changed.  One of his drivers had been involved in a terrible accident while on the job.  If you're local to Jackson, you've likely heard all about it on the news and on social media.  Sadly, three people lost their lives, including a toddler.  Matthew's driver survived but was air lifted to Nashville.  Matthew had to go to the scene of the accident and he wasn't sure what to expect when he got there or how long it would take.  I was disappointed to say the least, but quickly realized I was being incredibly selfish.  On the very day that I was celebrating another year of life, a family was grieving a terrible loss.  God sure does love to put things into perspective, just when we need it most!  

Kyndall and I made the best of it by having a girls night at my favorite restaurant and we brought home a to-go order for Matthew.  

Thankfully he got home about the same time we did and we made the most of the remainder of the night.

Kyndall gave me a very sweet card and included a hand full of change in the envelope.  I asked her where she got it, expecting her to say "out of my piggy bank".  Instead she said "Oh I found it on Daddy's bathroom counter and decided to give it to you."  So thoughtful.  

Matthew got me a Fitbit!  My sister has one and I saw her using it during our Disney trip and decided I would like one too.  Guess this means it's time to get fit.  

Money filled cards from the family!

I wanted a family picture so I set up my camera timer which resulted in ONE decent photo, followed by a string of shenanigan photos.....

Christmas card photo??

Matthew got tied up on the phone dealing with the accident from earlier so Kyndall and I had some fun of our own with the timer while we waited for him....

What is it about a camera timer that automatically makes people want to act crazy?

A few weeks ago a friend of mine held a fundraiser to help off set the cost of her recent liver transplant.  She was selling these totally awesome t-shirts and as soon as I saw them I knew I wanted one for me and Matthew.  They arrived yesterday, which was an added birthday bonus!  Can't wait to wear mine next week when I speak to a group of high school students!

We Skyped with my parents and then called it a night.

Tonight we made up for last night with a yummy birthday dinner

We met up at Coyote Blues with my BFF Julie and her family

This gift from Julie is so special to me!  I will wear it every single day!

Kyndall's elf brought her this gingerbread house which we had planned to put together but time got away from us.  Hoping to get to it tomorrow!

I am beyond grateful to see my 33rd year and I can't wait to see what the Lord has planned for me!  Life is good, my heart is full and I am blessed!!  Bring it on 33!