His 35th

Sunday, the 16th, was Jeff's 35th birthday. We had a full day of plans so I was unable to get on that day to blog, so here is his birthday blog.

The day started out with a sleepy "Happy Birthday" from me as he was saying goodbye to head to the church around 7:30am. At church he was surprised in the services with a big bowl filled with a box of Golden Grahams and a quart of milk in it. (This was linked to the prior weeks message when Jeff told a story about finally getting some Golden Grahams, but then things kept happening that when he finally sat down to eat, they were soggy.) Jeff truly felt appreciated and loved by the outreach of those in our church.

Now I had a surprise evening out planned for Jeff, along with some friends who were celebrating their anniversary the same day. So I had to make it through the day with keeping him from eating too much, and keep him from wanting to do something that would ruin the evening plans.

After church, the kids and I went and picked up some pizza and ice cream. Jeff had decided that he didn't want a cake and all he wanted was ice cream. So I got all the fixings to make his favorite Sundae from Culvers...Reece's Peanut Butter Cups and Novelty Chocolate (the chocolate that hardens.) After enjoying the pizza, ice cream, and singing Happy Birthday, we then watched Jeff open his presents.

Jeff then suggested we put up our Christmas decorations and decorate our tree that evening and spend time as a family. I said, "Yeah we could do that, let me see how I feel. If I'm too tired we might just rent a family movie and watch it together." That became the way to be able to get the kids to the babysitters. We then laid the kids down to rest and Jeff decided he would put up some Christmas lights on the house. As each kid got up they went out and helped him. It then came time to get the kids to the babysitters.

I went out, all ready to go, and told the kids to get in the van because we might go rent a movie to watch. Of course, I had one who said, "I want to stay home and spend time with dad because it's his birthday." But after a quick, "NO, you are going." he jumped in the van. I then told Jeff that he better have everything put up by the time we got home. I then informed the kids that they were going the Alonzo's house, and they hollered out a "YEAH!"

As I was on my way back home, Kevin and Marty, were pulling in right behind me. I got out of the van and told Jeff to go change clothes because we were going out! He stopped, looked at me, then started looking in the van for the kids, then Kevin and Marty walk into the garage. He was very surprised and shocked. (He had been bugging me all week to ask Kevin and Marty over and when I kept coming up with reasons not to, he was getting a little irritated with me.)

We all then went to Pappadeaux's, a seafood restaurant. I enjoyed some peppered shrimp and Jeff enjoyed some lobster. He was treated to his choice of dessert, which he picked cheesecake with strawberries. We enjoyed great fellowship with some great friends, we always get some... no... a lot of laughter in when we are with Kevin and Marty.

The day ended with full tummy's and smiles on all of our faces.