The girls sang “Happy Birthday” to me for four days straight.

Liv colored a dozen pictures and kept announcing, “It’s a present – FOR YOU!”

Kayla insisted that I receive flowers – lime and purple and cherry red.

Tim did the remarkable things he does every day. He did laundry. Loaded the dishwasher. Scratched the girls back in the middle of the night. Talked to me about dreams. Loved me with a crystal love that is rare among men.

My parents brought over a round chocolate cake and a card to their “curly-haired girl.”

Kristen sent me a handwritten letter on beautiful bird-themed stationary. I could almost hear her voice through the cursive. (Miss you).

Three of my favorite friends – Darcie, Nicole, and Dayna – planned a quiet celebration (the best kind). Darcie hosted at her house and served a 4-course meal that easily beat any restaurant in town. (No, seriously).

It’s nice to be remembered, isn’t it? 

(Thank you to my family + friends).

(I’m thirty and it feels just fine).