Surprises & Friendship

I LOVE surprises so today was definitely an extraordinary day!  First I woke up early and was able to have some quiet time drinking coffee and reading email.  The birds were actually chirping outside and the sun was already peeking through the window as I walked into the kitchen.  It was just like a Spring morning and made me long for it to be warm outside.  

My first surprise of the day came from my best friend Ansley and her husband Brandon.  They wrote to tell me that he is planning to fly me to NYC this summer to be with her for her birthday!  He gave her the option of a new digital camera or flying her best friends up for some girl time and she chose us!  I'm so incredibly honored and excited beyond belief!!!  I'm ready to leave tomorrow Ans! 


Later in the day, after being out and about running errands, and buying an awesome new purse with some birthday money, I returned home to find that a precious friend had left a surprise for me on our porch!  Cheerful tulips, Godiva dark chocolate bar, and a card.  My favorite things.....flowers, chocolate and sweet encouragement! 

Both of these sweet surprises were a much needed reminder to me of how blessed I am to have some amazing friends in my life.  It's been a tough week.  Our house was struck with a stomach virus that started with Caroline and made its way to David and then finally me.  I've also had a lot of deep things on my mind lately and its easy for me to get downcast and lost in my thoughts.  These surprises and the friendships that they come from have reminded my heart today of how foolish it is to get wrapped up in ourselves that we don't see the amazing things in our lives.

I also need to give a huge shout out to my family.  The moment I called and asked for help this week they were in the car headed here from out of town to take Caroline off my hands so I could rest and recuperate.  I couldn't have made it through this week without them.  She's had a blast playing at their house and being the center of their attention while I could get some much needed sleep.  I am a blessed woman!  Thank you Lord!