birthday love

Thanks to all my friends and family who helped make the big 3-0 memorable, with cards, calls, blog and Facebook messages, and gifts. I must share that my hubby pulled out all the stops to make this memorable, too, and I was totally surprised. On the morning of (Friday) he gave me some wonderful new shirts, and left me some cards, hidden throughout the house, with loving messages on them. He came home early from work that day and we just hung out, then went to Barnes and Noble, something I wanted to do. He was not feeling well, and told me he had planned dinner for that night, but we might have to postpone. I said no big deal, I'd rather sit at home and watch a movie anyway (which was true). Then, last night, he took me out to dinner and had me close my eyes on the drive and I eventually had no idea where we were. Once we pulled up, we were at BJs, one of my all-time favorite places to eat (it reminds me so much of SoCal, so I guess it reminds me of "home;" plus, the food is amazing). I was thrilled! When we walked up, there was a long wait, so a bunch of people were outside and it took me a minute to realize that one group was made up of a bunch of my good friends! I was totally surprised! Aron planned it all about a week ago, so he was totally on top of it. What an enjoyable evening with good food and friends to celebrate with--and, I even ate an entire pizzokie (a warm-cookie-with-ice-cream-on-top dessert) All.By.Myself. I'm not sure I've ever done that before! Thanks to all of you who turned up to help me celebrate in style. When we arrived home, a Kitchen Aid mixer was sitting on the dining room table, something I've been wanting for a quite some time now. Another surprise! My husband amazes me. Thank you, Love!

And I just used my mixer to make the best-ever cheesecake, courtesy of Tina: chocolate chunk cheesecake. It's to-die-for.

Thanks again for all the love and warm wishes.