Sunday, September 27, 2009

" There was a star danced, and under that was I born. "~ William Shakespeare




Today I turn 45.Just a number.I feel 25.On most days.The mirror says 55 on others.My eyes of late tell the story of the last few years.Tonight while going through a tote with the girls I came across a picture of myself with Caitlin,about a week before we found out Zoey would enter this world with a major heart defect and most likely Down syndrome.That picture was proof that the toll of the last 2 years has been more on my physical body then I sometimes feel it has been emotionally.But tonight I embrace the blessing of these 45 years.My life is richer and fuller then I could have ever,ever imagined.I have been on my own since I was 17.I once dreamt of this life I am living today but there were many moments,from that tender,naive,wild child age of 17 and until I met Mark,that I never believed that dream would become reality.But her I am.By the grace of God.A gift that never goes unnoticed and one for which I am eternally grateful for.

The weekend is already shaping up to be a beautiful one.Caitlin and Danny and precious Charlie are here.So good to see them.We sure miss them a whole lot.Taylor is not here though.She is busy at school with training for an incredible job she landed with Jump Start.Very proud of that girl.Training is all day tomorrow also,so chances are she won't make it out.She is feeling a bit under the weather.Mostly just a head cold she thinks.Not H1N1,which is running rampant on the campus.Miss Zoey is fighting off a cold as well.Sure hope it doesn't amount to much but she was off today,not her happy smiley self.She took a long nap and has a stuffy/runny nose which tells me something is definitely up.Tomorrow,well it's after midnight, so that means today,I will gaze around at the beauty that surrounds me and give thanks for another year.Something I must fully and completely acknowledge as to honor the little lives I have watched pass far too soon from this world, over the last 9 months.Thank you 4th floor angels, for yet another incredible gift you have lent to my life.

Received a few presents early today.The beautiful necklace is from Danny and Caitlin and Charlie.The sign for "I love you."Is that not beautiful, or what?Cried like a baby upon opening that one.I also received a gift card from Matt and Jess to a yoga store,as well as a yoga mat and from Erin,our darling friend and temporary house guest,a gift certificate for unlimited,one month yoga sessions.So very thoughtful of all of them and the absolute perfect gift.And then there is my bike:I just love,love,love this bike and do you see Zoey's little trailer and her pink helmet?I am beyond excited to get out there and use this.Zoey is going to have a blast and the boys and I are going to have so much fun tooling around our development.I am so spoiled and so loved.And most certainly, blessed and lucky beyond compare.I love and adore you my beautiful,beautiful family ... thank you,thank you.

This picture of Charlotte is just captivating to me.It really captures her darling,delicate features.She is just too,too precious for words.

33 comments:

Claudia said...

xo....this is big, big, hug coming your way. My warmest happy birthday-wishes from the heart for you, my far away friend. Wish I could come over with a big cake! I hope you have a great day.

Love
Claudia

Emma said...

I haven't posted much on your site, so you don't know me but I wanted to wish you a very haooy birthday! Been praying for Zoey and I just love your blog. I love your happy family, the way you write, mostly everything! have a great day!

God bless x

Angi said...

Beautiful words. Happy Birthday!

grammygwen said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!
CHARLIE IS BEAUTIFUL!!
GOD BLESS AND HAVE A GREAT DAY.
GWEN

Tina said...

Wishing you much peace, happiness, love and good health on your birthday, may the coming year be everything you dream and wish it to be.
As one of your famous past presidents said....
"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."- Abraham Lincoln
Hope you have a great day!

Unknown said...

First and most important..Happy Birthday! You absolutely do not look 45 to me. Honestly, I thought you were younger than me. I do hear what you're saying about the last few years taking a toll on you. I see it in my mirror too!
Next. OMG! Charlotte is beautiful! She's growing like crazy. Thank you for sharing her picture.
Enjoy that bike. It's a great gift for you and for Zoey. I'll bet she is really going to enjoy it. Can't wait to see pictures of you both riding and enjoying that new bike.
Again. Happy Birthday!!

Lacey said...

First of all, you didn't tell me it was your birthday you stink. Happy Birthday!!
Charlie looks so old, man time flies. Zoey will definitely love riding in that, you'll never get her out.

Stephanie said...

Happy Birthday from one September baby to another. Have a wonderful and blessed birthday.
Charlie is a knock out! How could she miss, look at her parents.

Scrappy quilter said...

Happy Birthday Heather. What wonderful gifts. Wish I could come over and celebrate with you. You have so much to celebrate. Hugs and have a wonderful day.

Googsmom said...

HappY BirthdaY Heather!!! I hope it is the bestest day ever!! {{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}

blogzilly said...

Happy Birthday. 45 is just a number, age is not related. You will always be forever young.

Hope said...

Happy Birthday!! Have a wonderful day:)

Denise said...

Happy Birthday my dear, sweet friend. Sounds like a wonderful celebration already. You deserve the best day ever and I disagree with you....you don't look 55!! You look great for your age. I am just thrilled that you are older than me...I always seem to be the oldest but you have me by a couple years. Celebrate like there is no tomorrow!!! Love you!!

Anonymous said...

Heather, couldn't have written a better script for your birthday weekend! What a lovely celebration. Hope Miss Zoey is feeling better. Could it be all the junk in the air??? Not a cold??? Happy, happy birthday, you and your family serve as such an inspiration to me. We're going to yoga Monday night. Get ready! xo Christi Harman Here's hoping chocolate abounds too!

Junior said...

Happy Birthday
Prayers that Zoeys cold will go away quickly

Cheri said...

Happy Birthday Heather! Charlie is getting so big, and she is so darn cute!!! I LOVE that I love you necklace! Toby always signs I love you to Reid and then Reid puts his little hand straight up as if to say it back but can't quite get the whole sign. What a great gift! Enjoy your yoga days and fabulous bike rides with Zoey...she's gonna love it!!!!

Anonymous said...

Heather,
Don't "know" you, but you're such an inspiration. If I could have but a 10th of your personality, character, and beautiful heart, I would consider myself a blessed person. Happy, happy birthday from a faithful follower. Charlie and Zoey are BEAUTIFUL beyond words. Have a wonderful day!
Elizabeth

Dawson said...

Happy Birthday Friend!!

Wishing you the best day ever from your Bama friends.

Our love goes to you and your beautiful family

Reagan Leigh said...

Wishing you the happiest of birthdays! Sounds like you're well on your way to a great one! Love all the gifts...they really couldn't have done better. That bike and trailer is just great and yoga lessons, how perfect is that?!?!? I think we all need some yoga! Happy birthday my friend!

Anonymous said...

happy birthday!
gosh, Charlie is getting so big already! She's so cute!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Heather! May the coming year bring your family health and happiness.

Jenefer

Charlotte is a living doll!

The VW's said...

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! HUGS!!!

My name is Sarah said...

Happy, Happy Birthday. You and Zoey are going to have so much fun riding together:)

Tish said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HEATHER!!! (Bob's birthday is today, too - or was yours yesterday??)

You are an amazing mom, and we're so very happy to know that your day was filled with LOVE and special surprises.

Blessings abound, my friend!!

Liz said...

Happy Birthday Heather! So awesome to be surrounded by such a loving family who showered you with such thoughtful gifts.

I'm with you on the toll stress takes on the appearance. I am a 31 year old with a ton of grey hair and wrinkles. Small price to pay for my amazing child though. But age is just a number.

So jealous of the yoga.....I need to find time for that again.

The Boyds said...

Happy BIrthday!! XOXOX

kerry Gordon said...

Happy Birthday!!! Congratulations on your sweet new ride!!! I know you and the princess will enjoy it!

Anna said...

Heather,
Happy Birthday!!!! Belated that is. The bike will be a great blessing for you and Zoey to get out but not around people. Wrap your arms aroud your self and give a big squeeze from me.

Jeana said...

happy birthday...sorry its late! Love the bike, will be so much fun. And charlie is just a beauty.

Jeanette said...

Happy Birthday!!!

Victoria Strong said...

Happy Birthday my dear!!! You don't look a day over 17 :)

Anonymous said...

Heather - Away for weekend (Pittsburgh) Hope you enjoyed your "special" day. Love that bike - oh's there is going to be trouble getting Miss Z out of her traveling seat!. Charlie is beautiful. Her eyes look right inside the soul!


Take care

"Aunt" bluebelle

Kele said...

Happy Birthday! ;-)