“Teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

55 Birthday Blessings for 55 Years

Whew! I’ve been missing in action on the blog for the past couple weeks. Did you notice? I knew I had fun things on tap as I approached my birthday, but it’s been way more exciting than I expected.

Meet the New Grandson!

First, hubby and I flew to Wisconsin to meet our adorable newborn grandson. We flew out on a Tuesday and returned on Sunday, and all the days in-between were spent loving on our baby and his parents. I enjoyed my time inhaling that newborn aroma, reading to baby, and snuggling him. When our grandson was pried from my arms I enjoyed preparing food and filling up the freezer so the tired parents can have ready-made meals. What a sweet time of connecting.

Birthday Week

As soon as we returned home I started gearing up for Independence Day and my Birthday Week festivities. When I was a young girl I made a decision to always be excited about my birthday. I knew some people became despondent over growing older and even tried to hide their age, and I determined I would always celebrate another year of age and (hopefully) wisdom.

This has been a rough year for me in many respects, so I decided to fill my week with things I enjoy but don’t often do: creative activities, journaling, planning, nurturing relationships. I signed up for two painting sessions, hosted a tea party for a few close friends and family, went for a long walk with a friend, enjoyed tea at the bookstore with my husband, and hosted the family for Chinese takeout and Game Night.

Big Birthday Surprise

I’d texted, spoken to, or seen all five of my children and was winding down after Birthday Game Night, when our daughter, son-in-law, and 6 year old grandson WALKED IN THE DOOR! They had driven over fourteen hours to surprise me on my birthday, and I was definitely surprised!

They arrived late Saturday night and left the following Friday, and we packed in our time with fun and memory-making. Story time, oodles of game time–including two more whole family Game Nights–, eating out, eating in, a trip to our favorite Tea Room, a trip to our favorite coffee shop, the bookstore, an entire day at the Science Museum, water gun fights…

Our grandson extensively tutored me in online Boggle and repeatedly “creamed” me. Remember, he’s SIX YEARS old. He plays a mean game of Boggle, I can assure you. He’s also available to tutor you in math. You think I’m exaggerating, don’t you?

This has been the best birthday I’ve had in years. As of 10:00 p.m. on July 7, I had seen all five of my children, their four spouses, and my five grandchildren in 2018. A year full to the brim of blessings, and it’s only half over! We already have plans in place to see everyone again, so I am one happy mom and Grammy.

I’ve been making the most of each moment for the past weeks and haven’t spent any time writing, posting on social media, or even taking many photos. I do wish I’d taken more photos, but I was too busy being present in the moment.

I’m brimming with things to share, but I’m totally exhausted…really pooped. So for today, I’m sharing part of my gratitude list, in no particular order.

55 Birthday Blessings for 55 Years

1. My hard working husband who’s loved me since I was 17.
2. The privilege of being a mom and raising 5 children.
3. The blessing of being a Grammy to 5 children.
4. Skype, phone apps, letters that allow me to connect with my loved ones.
5. My health. I have challenges, but it could be much worse.
6. Growing up in a small, remote town. (I’ll always love you, Moab Utah)
7. Childhood family reunions in Red River, NM.
8. My parents, who have always been my biggest cheerleaders.
9. My sister. Having someone who shares all my memories is priceless (let’s be honest. She might be younger, but she has many more clear memories of childhood than I do.)
10. Growing up in church.
11. Growing up surrounded by loving family, including three amazing grandparents.
12. Friends who are like family.
13. Family who are also friends.
14. Traveling and living all over the country (and outside the country). Love the perspective and all the friends we’ve collected along the way.
15. Old friends.
16. Social media that helps me keep in contact with faraway friends.
17. New friends.
18. John 3:16.
19. The family I married into.
20. Public libraries.
21. Bookstores, especially Barnes and Noble in Fairbanks, AK and Northwest OKC. So many precious memories made there.
22. Rainy days.
23. Wildflowers.
24. Sunrises and sunsets.
25. Snowy days.
26. Pansies.
27. Blooming Redbud trees.
28. Perfectly ripe nectarines.
29. God’s grace.
30. The children I’ve taught through the years.
31. Blue skies with fluffy white clouds.
32. Family Game Nights.
33. Memories.
34. Forgiveness.
35. Cherries.
36. Sweet, ripe, pineapple.
37. Photos.
38. Beautiful, fresh journals.
39. Receiving real mail, especially from grandchildren.
40. Texts from grandchildren and my kids.
41. Studying my Bible.
42. Creativity: painting, crocheting, writing.
43. Planting something and watching it grow.
44. Hope.
45. Answered prayer.
46. Growing through a trial.
47. Books that help me learn and grow.
48. Chocolate.
49. Cooking, baking, feeding my loved ones.
50. Laughter.
51. Meaningful work.
52. Loving and being loved in return.
53. A starry night.
54. Hot tea.
55. Celebrating another birthday!

Now it’s your turn! I’d love for you to share one thing that makes you thankful. Maybe you would like to compose a gratitude list for each year of your life.

I’ll share below some links to related posts for you to read, as well as some of the gifts I received for my birthday that you may also like!

Related Posts

Mid-Life Crises, Expectations, and Turning 54

How to Find Joy in the Mundane

Finding Joy in the Mundane

Seeking Beauty in Barren Places | Finding Joy When Life is Hard

Family Game Night

Birthday Gifts!

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