Today is my 28th birthday {December 15th}...and even though I don't feel any older...so much has happened in this past year that I know I am a different person than I was. I have been truly blessed by so many experiences this year...including...
new friendships {with many of you!}...
features in magazines and websites that I never thought possible...
exploring new creative avenues with sewing and photography...
enjoying time with my family and watching my younger siblings grow...
finding a church that Josh and I can now call home...and developing relationships there...
and another year of growing together in love with my husband...
Truly a remarkable year.
I awoke this morning to find a bouquet of white flowers waiting for me...
I put them in one of the many birthday gifts from my mother...the white pitcher above...
There was also my favorite cranberry scone waiting as well...so I made myself some tea this morning {sent to me from dear Tracie} to enjoy with it...
Josh blessed me with many other gifts in the past few days {he can't hold out until the day apparently ;)}...
One of the major gifts that I am still marveled by...
a new laptop computer. He thought I could "blog and stuff" on the couch ;) Isn't that sweet?
My only birthday request was to have my very own pair of St Joshua earrings {every time he makes a pair of these I want them and get sad when they sell}. He gave them to me today...the last ones he could make...and the best he said...
I completely agree.
Last night when Josh went to get the mail, he brought in some other birthday surprises...including a sweet package from Tracie...
She sent me some French gifts...including candy, a beautiful postcard and an enamel tag....I LOVE it all!
Then we went to my dad and step-mother's house for an early birthday dinner, where I was greeted at the door by a very excited Destiney, waiting to give me her "really big" gift...
It was a folded and taped bit of white paper...that she said was the biggest gift I would receive...and I would never get anything else like it...
It was a $1,000 dollars! Can you believe it? I surely have never gotten anything that big before ;)
There was also a sweet card she made for me...
It has a road with cars driving on it and they are going past huge road signs that say 'Happy Birthday'...sounded like a good idea to me...
From my dad and step-mother I received a beautiful tin of European chocolates...yummm...and a framed photograph of my brothers and sister.
My brother Jaron, who is 13, also made me a card...
after I opened it Destiney said, "Look, you're on top of the world!"...
and she is right.
I do feel like I am on top of the world with all of the love I have received not only for my birthday...but everyday of my life...
I hope that you too are surrounded by love today, and I wish you all a beautiful holiday season filled with family, friends, generosity, and lasting memories...
Till next time...
Sending Happy Birthday Wishes to you today Alice! What a wonderful Birthday you've had ♥
Posted by: Deb | December 15, 2009 at 02:33 PM
Happy Birthday Alice! Hope it is the best day ever! It sure looks like it has been a wonderful one!
Posted by: Sheila R | December 15, 2009 at 02:36 PM
Happy Birthday Alice - sounds like a beautiful day!! I hope the coming year is filled with many, many blessings!!xo
Posted by: Jackie | December 15, 2009 at 02:53 PM
Happy Birthday to you!
I hope that the rest of your special day and the rest of your 28th year is filled with even more joy. :)
Posted by: Shana | December 15, 2009 at 03:09 PM
happy birthday!!
you totally scored!!
your blog is simply delightful. i posted a link to your fabulous shop today on my blog
merry christmas!
Posted by: paige | December 15, 2009 at 03:09 PM
Happy Birthday!!!
Posted by: Ms. Jenn | December 15, 2009 at 03:34 PM
Happy Birthday Alice!!! 28...my stars your still a bebe! :) My usual birthday wish for those that I care for is that you have a beautiful birthday filled with the love of family and good friends! Amor you have that in spades! Have a beautiful one regardless! Besos, Rose
Posted by: Rose | December 15, 2009 at 04:06 PM
Oh Alice, Happy Birthday to you sweet friend! I wish Renoir would have told me in his last email! I can see why you are "on top of the world" today... Your flowers from Josh are beautiful and the pitcher from your mom is exquisite! The cranberry scone and tea look like a yummy birthday treat... A laptop for you is so exciting! And your earrings by Saint Joshua are stunning! Destiny is adorable, a little mini~you! How sweet of her to make you a card and give you $1000! And such a cute card from Jaron too... European chocolates sound delish! Hope all your birthday wishes come true! Love to you... Bisous... Julie Marie Kisses Renoir!
Posted by: Julie Marie Vicknair | December 15, 2009 at 04:10 PM
Happy birthday Alice, it sounds like you are on top of the world and you deserve it! Congrats on a wonderful year and cheers to many more!
Posted by: Tara | December 15, 2009 at 04:11 PM
Happy Birthday, Alice! For someone so young, you have done so much. I wish you a wonderful year filled with love! ♥
Posted by: Rachel | December 15, 2009 at 04:42 PM
Happy Birthday, I think all your wishes have come true.
Posted by: stefanie | December 15, 2009 at 04:44 PM
Happy Birthday - hope you´ll have a beautiful day.
Those earrings are fantastic
Posted by: Tina | December 15, 2009 at 04:44 PM
Go into the next year with your arms wide open.......Happy Birthday!
Posted by: A Gift Wrapped life | December 15, 2009 at 05:11 PM
Oh Happy Birthday sweet Alice! Sounds like it's been wonderful:)
Posted by: Leah C | December 15, 2009 at 05:40 PM
This is my fist visit to your blog...2 things...HAPPY BIRTHDAY - wishing for you that the rest of your day is filled with special moments like the ones you have already had...2nd My heart skipped a beat when I saw your blog...inspiring and beautiful...I will be back! SMILES! Denise :)
Posted by: Queen Bee | December 15, 2009 at 05:53 PM
Happy Birthday Alice ~ sounds as if it was magical....my favorites are the ones Hand made with lots and lots of love. :-)
~ Rebecca
Posted by: Rebecca | December 15, 2009 at 05:54 PM
Happy Birthday! I hope the year ahead brings all good things!
Posted by: Laura | December 15, 2009 at 06:02 PM
Happy Birthday Alice!! What a sweet husband you have and such special friends and family!!
Hugs~Kelly
Posted by: kelly~rose vine cottage | December 15, 2009 at 06:26 PM
So glad it's been such a beautiful day for you! Happy, Happy Birthday!
- Allison
Posted by: Allison | December 15, 2009 at 06:50 PM
Dear sweet Alice, 28 is such a tender sweet age to be. You are so blessed to have so much love in your life and to recognize it. That is the secret to know and to bear witness to all the gifts you have. Some great gifts. Sounds like you have a great man. Blessings
QMM
Posted by: Queenmothermamaw | December 15, 2009 at 07:37 PM
Happy Birthday, Alice. You got such sweet gifts from your family. Enjoy your new year and I hope it brings to you greater success and happiness.
Posted by: Shell | December 15, 2009 at 08:07 PM
Alice, it looks and sounds like the perfect day to me. From the beautiful flowers to the one of a kind earrings and precious cards from your sweet family.
hugs
Posted by: June | December 15, 2009 at 08:48 PM
Happy Birthday, sweet friend. You have been in my thoughts all day. What special presents you have received, but you are a special person and deserve only the best!
What a beautiful laptop you received from Josh. He sure knows how to choose a beautiful bouquet and I'll be thinking of that delicious looking scone the rest of the evening (really!). Your mom always picks the loveliest gifts for you that truly fit your style so well. And Destiney's gift... well all of them are so thoughtful! Here's to your special day and the rest of your birthday week too.
xo~Tracie
Posted by: Tracie~My Petite Maison | December 15, 2009 at 09:00 PM
What a wonderful birthday you had! Now don't you go and spend all of that money in one place now.
Posted by: Bella Dreams | December 15, 2009 at 09:22 PM
Happy Birthday my beautiful daughter, I must say that 28 years ago you caused me a bit of pain(lucky for me only about 2 hrs, you were in a hurry I guess) and I will say you've never caused any pain after that, so thank you!! hahaha
I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART! HAPPY 28TH!!!
LOVE
MOM
Posted by: Janine | December 15, 2009 at 09:53 PM
sounds like the perfect birthday!!!!!! So glad you had such a wonderful day!
Posted by: Denise | December 15, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Happy Birthday Alice!
You got such nice presents. I think the earrings your husband made are beautiful.
What a sweetie!
How adorable the cards and "money" you
got from your sister and brother. Seeing
the cards made me smile!
God Bless you today and always!
Andrea
Posted by: Andrea | December 15, 2009 at 10:39 PM
Many, many, many more happy birthdays and exciting years...with more and more new friends to embrace you and your family with love!
One of the "best gifts" I received this year was meeting YOU!
xo,
Cheryl
Posted by: Cheryl at Casual Cottage Chic | December 15, 2009 at 11:25 PM
happiest of birthdays sweetie!
xoxo, Tiffany
Posted by: Tiffany ~ Shabby Scraps | December 15, 2009 at 11:31 PM
Happy Birthday, you sweet young little dear!!!!!
I think the earrings are divine, the best!!! Love the 1,00.00, wow, where to spend it all!!!! Those are the best gifts, you have had a lot of things happen in your 28 years!
Good for you, I wish many more wonderful precious years to come!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B
Posted by: Margaret Bouwmeester | December 15, 2009 at 11:32 PM
Happy happy day Alice! I came across your blog a few weeks ago and have been waiting patiently to read another one of your insightfull posts. I need to mention that when I first opened the screen and your blog appeard, a song started that I fell in love with instantly and I'm now going to use it in my June wedding this coming year. My hisband to be agrees that it's a lovely tune. I'll be a faithfull follower and can't wait to read on!
Thank you again and happy birthday girly, xoxo
Posted by: Jessica | December 16, 2009 at 12:16 AM
Happy Birthday Sweetie!!!!! I hope your day was absolutely wonderful, and it sounds like it was!! Your hubby was so sweet to do so much and he did a beautiful job with those earrings, I love them! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year dear friend, hugs and love, Dawn
Posted by: Dawn @ The Feathered Nest | December 16, 2009 at 08:40 AM
Oh Alice, what a Happy Birthday to you! Even more so as I was reading my copy of the January 2010 Somerset LIFE. Your article and ALL of your photos are just GORGEOUS!!! It was a treat!
{I hope I didn't spoil the surprise for anyone here}
I just wanted to stop in, wish you a Happy Birthday, a Merry Christmas and thank you for being such a wonderful inspiration to us all.
;)
Posted by: Jodie (everything vintage) | December 16, 2009 at 09:29 AM
Every time you post and your readers get to see and read your post we celebrate the day you were born. Happy 28th year!
Posted by: CeCe DuPriest | December 16, 2009 at 11:07 AM
HaPpY BirThDaY DeAr AliCe!!
I hope you'll have another wonderful year! I always read your posts and I love your blog very-very much - I'm a big fan of yours!!! You truly deserve all the nice things that the world has to offer. You have given me a lot of inspiration, I am forever thankful for that and I hope you will have a beautiful sparkling year ahead!
Greetings from Estonia (I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't know where it was :D)!
Posted by: Mari-Ell | December 16, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Happy Birthday, Alice....
You were born on this day: A December 16 Sagittarius is extraordinary. They have a disciplined nature and can live on little, as long as they can express their inner fire. Blessed with an artistic temperament, they understand that success equals creative accomplishment, not money. They have much wisdom.
Posted by: Donna Warrignton | December 16, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Happy Birthday dear girl, as young as you are, it seems like you might be an old soul, what a remarkable gift that is, yes to be an old soul.......the love of your family and friends is pure Gold! Have a wonderful day of celebration!
Tracey
Posted by: Vintagebejoyful | December 16, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Happy (late) Birthday, Alice! It was my 2nd wedding anniversary yesterday so apparently the 15th of December is a good day! Please post more of your beautiful photos soon! Your posts are so inspiring!
Posted by: Crystel | December 16, 2009 at 11:05 PM
Belated Birthday wishes.. thats a cool laptop:) i have the same one!
Posted by: swetha | December 17, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Hi Alice, what a heartfelt post this is, I really enjoyed your rising star ballerini, your sister is precious, and sharing with us your personal blessings..
You are truly a blessing to us as well!
Merry Christmas angel,
Jo-Anne
Posted by: Jo-Anne | December 17, 2009 at 12:20 PM
happy belated birthday alice! what a beautiful birthday you had. wishing you many more birthdays like the one you had filled with love from family and friends and special momentos and gifts.
ox
Posted by: Elizabeth | December 29, 2009 at 11:35 PM