Let's talk about Joy.

Birthday Joy, to be specific.

I have a Birthday Joy policy, and the policy is this:

If you made it through another year, 

you should probably celebrate it.

Luckily, I have people around me who agree.

Hence, my Birthday Eve was kicked off with a birthday message in my bathroom from Sara (the most creative birthday celebration planner I've ever known...) when I woke up,

and dinner with these beautiful, strong, and special-to-me women:

We gathered at the Autoport,

and my heart rested joyfully in the bringing-us-all-together.

Birthday Joy is about bringing people together.

These friends gifted me,

with one of the most amazing gifts I've ever been given:

A book, full of messages from a variety of people, telling me what they love and appreciate about me, wishing me joy in the year to come.  A book, reminding me that I have a purpose in the lives of those I know and love.

Birthday Joy is knowing your life is invested well.

The next morning I awoke to a house full of decoration by Sara and meaningfully-placed gifts by gift fairies.  

Birthday Joy involves balloons.

Everywhere.

I went to school with treats, and my class indulged me in my birthday delight, and then I sat in the sunshine with God,

and thanked Him.

Birthday Joy is knowing that God has given you Life, 

to live, whole and holy.

Later, I spent the afternoon with Heather and the girls, at the pool.

Birthday Joy involves lounging with people who know you and your lounging language.

Then, it was time for a delicious Birthday dinner at the Otto's we all love.  [Kate loves it so much, she couldn't wait to get started...]

Birthday Joy must involve food.

When we were joyfully full, 

we  made our way home to welcome more friends

for a Birthday movie and popcorn.

Just because.

Birthday Joy.  Watching a movie with fun people when you should probably be going to bed.

 Then there was cake that reminded me of my childhood, 

 since it was the kind of cake my 

Grandmother used to serve at Sunday dinner.

Birthday Joy remembers warm moments from your childhood.  

That night I went to bed, feeling loved and cared for by good friends, and looking forward to more good times, because:

Birthday Joy should continue for at least a week!!