It's my birthday, and it's HOT!

OK, maybe it's not really that hot, but it's been hot. My dad called to wish me a happy birthday this morning, and he said, "you know, it was 107 the day you were born." Maybe that's why this heat doesn't actually bother me quite as much as it should. The chilly 90s will feel good this weekend, though!

Speaking of my birthday... I had a great day today. It started off with a text at 1:30 am from one of my favorite former co-workers who never forgets a birthday. My dear Nebraska friend was next, with a 5:00 am shout-out on Facebook. (I love morning people!) It just kept going from there.

Micah made me breakfast, the kids made me cards, and I got serenaded over the phone four times before 7:30. Then Micah surprised me with new throw pillows (as modeled by Jonah)!
I love when he picks things out for me that I wouldn't normally choose myself. Now we have a little splash of color in the living room.

At work I got balloons, lunch, cake, and cards. Our final celebration was going to Maggiano's for dinner. It was fun to go to a "fancy" place and practice our manners! I don't know of a better way to end the day than with creme brulee. Unless it's with another complimentary creme brulee, which we brought home for tomorrow!

I'm so blessed, even when it's not my birthday. I'm thankful for all of my friends and family, who always make me feel so loved.

Goodbyes and Hellos, again

Last June I wrote a post about all of the goodbyes and hellos that we had been saying that month. After re-reading that, I suppose I should have been better prepared for the goodbyes and hellos that we're saying this summer. But, still it's kind of hitting me like a truck.

We spent the last two delightful weekends with our families in Nebraska. For some reason, leaving there this past Monday was much harder than it's been the last few times we've visited. That goodbye was tougher on me than I expected. That will make us all the more excited to see everyone on our next visit.

Once we got back here to the seminary, it was time to say goodbye to one of our best family friends. Jonah has had a great first half of the summer, spending nearly all day every day with his best friend Caleb. Caleb's dad has finished his seminary education, and is now ready to go feed the Lord's sheep. They moved to their new home and new life this morning. We will miss their family terribly, and we are so thankful for the friendship and love they have shown to us over the last two years.

This afternoon we helped host some visiting families who are considering moving to the seminary. It was so fun to meet all of them and share our experiences. This evening we got to spend some time with another one of our best family friends. They too will be moving away later this month. The continual cycle of goodbyes and hellos is just part of the territory with seminary life.

There are many blessings in every hello, and in every goodbye. The best blessing of all that as brothers and sisters in Christ, the goodbyes are always temporary, because we will be united as one body for eternity. Until we meet again...