I have to say this was the BEST birthday I have ever had in my life.
*unless you ask my mom and she swears it was my first birthday*

Yes. I planned some of it. It wasn’t a total surprise. What was a surprise was how the plans fell together so perfectly. How the entire weekend was one thrill after another. How Jason surprised me again and again. He gifted me the most wonderful gift of all. His love and affection so untainted, it soaked to my very core. Because last year? There was a taint to his love. That taint was that he wasn’t divorced.

His X held up the paperwork and used a shoddy lawyer even though SHE was the one that wanted the divorce arguing over piddly things -like how he should be required to buy HER a $40.00 mothers day gift every year from the girls. Being pissy that she can’t take off to Massachusetts with the kids and leave him in the dust (take her children away from their father) because Texas courts say THAT is not allowed (and for a reason thank you Texas) but SHE would have. That’s just kind of person she is.

So, yes the divorce was tied up and last year that put a taint on my birthday. I could feel the strain on Jason and our relationship. He held back in his turmoil and I don’t blame him one bit.

Thank God, that is over and thank God it made this birthday shine even brighter. God Always wins. I am even more grateful and appreciative because this birthday was more special beyond measure. *Last year we saw Linkin Park which WAS awesome don’t want to mislead last years greatness it was great* But this year? This year was magical.

Friday night started with Sushi (yay). It was delicious. It was mouth melting. It was everything I had anticipated and more. *plus I only embarrassed myself once* I had a present waiting for me along with a sweet card and a runners store gift card. *so I can train for a half again yeah*

And what was in the pretty box (he wrapped himself)?

Something as beautiful as his love for me.

On the next day we went to get a bike rack for his Jeep Commander so we could take our bikes to the lake or Trinity Trails but THAT involved a trip to a retail store on tax free weekend. Not the best idea and it kinda stunk. So ,let’s just skip over that!

The next stop WAS fun and spectacular.

The Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas.

Here are some inside shots. The pictures don’t do it justice. Four and half acres of an indoor waterway and lush gardens set to a nice 72 degrees. Amazing!

After walking around awestruck, we ended up in a gorgeous wine bar.

I wish I could tell you how many wine bottles were there. Seriously? I have no idea. They had some beautiful bottles and they even had some modern self serve wine counters. It was a mix of old class and new at just the right sophistication.
Also there were several very knowledgeable wine connoisseurs. We took their recommendation and tried a red wine called Tikal from South Argentina. I may not have been a wine drinker before but I sure am now. Exquisite! The wine tasting and a nice steak dinner out made my night.

The next day, on my actual birthday, I got my first Swedish massage at Relache spa. NOW I know what everyone is talking about. It was like heaven on earth for a blissful 50 mins. One of the best presents I have ever received. *thank you thank you Jason*

My locker.

The fountain in front of the spa.

After that, I was very chill and relaxed. We took Sydney and Jaelynn to Spaghetti Warehouse for my birthday lunch. I had MY favorite (spaghetti w/mushrooms). Jason even told them it was my birthday and they sang to me. *ugh* Still it was fun and delicious. Best of all, the day was far from over.

Onward we go to Hot Nails for a manicure and pedicure which is almost as good as a Swedish massage. Uhhh, actually doesn’t even come close but it used to be. I sill enjoyed it to no end. My nails and toes are gorgeous!

With daylight still burning I got Jason to take me to a movie at the Rave. Sometimes, I love the buttered popcorn more than the movie. Or should I say I go to the movies for the buttered popcorn?  Ha! It was too close call this time too.  I just loved the never ending awesome day. But after the movie, finally, night fell and my birthday day ended.

However, at work on Monday, I was greeted with a wonderful birthday spread. Fresh Fruit and my favorite dessert; a chocolate trifle. Donna is a fellow co worker and genius in the kitchen. She really went all out for the August birthdays. I was so grateful she remembered my favorite, the chocolate trifle. It was just as good as last year (ummm better). I think I had three helpings! *thank you Donna you are the BEST baker I have ever known especially since you do it all from scratch*

Birthday spread on Monday in the work break room.

You can understand why I would recognize a blessed year ahead.
How could it not be? The way it started and ended was right out of a fairy tale.

I am so grateful for my 38 years. I am so happy for the lessons I’ve learned. So incredibly humbled by the beautiful Godly people I have in my life.

Here’s to a great year!

May you always remember your best birthdays with a heart glow bigger than the Gaylord. I know I will.