Feelin' So Fly: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Notice the candle

Okay so today is my birthday, but really when you turn 35 (Am I really that young :)?) life must go on as usual. There are still kids to get to school, lunches to pack, laundry to be done, work to be completed...so there is no rest for the birthday girl. It is fun to hear from friends wishing me a great day though. Have I ever mentioned what awesome friends I have? If I can get sentimental here for a minute, in my 35 years, God has truly blessed me with so much. I was listening to the radio this morning and a favorite song came on that says "He gives and takes away, He gives and takes away, My heart can truly say, Lord blessed be your name". I feel that God truly just gives and gives and I am the one that takes. Sometimes I take with a heart of gratitude and sometimes with a feeling of I deserve this, none the less, I take. Friendships are definately one of the areas where he has given to me in abundance. I have some amazing friends with whom I love to hang out with and are there to shoulder my burdens and rejoice in my happy times. And for that, I am truly grateful to God for placing them in my life.

Once again, my birthday is overshadowed by a major event...HURRICANE IKE. 7 years ago it was the tragedy at the Twin Towers. I will NEVER forget that day, or the days that followed. Every person that called me had this voice of fear and sorrow as they wished me a happy birthday. This morning as I headed to the gym at 5:30 AM (is it naptime yet?) I approached this monstrous sign that now adorns our Conroe Outlet Mall. It is usually glowing with ads for the stores and rotates every couple of seconds. This morning, this is what was stagnant on the face of the sign.

Seen in both directions as you drive down I-45, this was a touching sight. That day will forever change history and the way we live life moving forward, unfortunately. Today is truly a day to remember those that so innocently lost their lives in such a tragic way. I pray that I never have to live through another day like that again but unfortunatley I know the end of the story, for the world at least and things don't get any better from here. If you believe the Bible and have studied any kind of prophesy or End Times, you know what I say is true. Okay, I think I have been a little depressing for today and I apologize. Even though it is my birthday, this day does come with a bit of sadness for all, or it should.

I was greeted this morning with a big hug from Calli wishing me a happy birthday. Yesterday she wanted to know what I ate for breakfast (I figured out it was so she could make me breakfast in bed, how sweet is my 8 year old?). When I informed her that I was headed to the gym so early, she was discouraged. She was so sweet this morning in trying to be such a helper and reminded everyone that it was my birthday. We celebrated my birthday with my family on Saturday which of course is always fun. Then my sister went into the hospital Monday with pain and had to have her appendix removed Tuesday morning but you'll have to read her blog to get that story as I think I have blogged enough. She's a trooper and Murdock tough!