Follow the Tumbleweed Road: End of 2016

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

End of 2016

Delicious birthday cake my mom had waiting for me when I arrived in Houston; white cake with salted caramel frosting.

A happier birthday it could not have been! Kyle has more tricks up his sleeve than a magician with a magic hat and a suitcase full of illusions. I was sure he could not surprise me like he did on my 30th and then my 40th birthdays. I mean, I was on to him this time. What could he possibly do for my 50th that could top those last two milestone birthdays that we enjoyed together as a married couple?

How about a surprise lunch with dear friends in ABQ followed by surprise plane tickets to Houston the following day?

Or, maybe it was the flight to Dallas Love Field where my sister picked me up two days after flying in to see Mom and Dad in Houston. Or, perhaps the biggest surprise was seeing aunts, uncles, and cousins for a birthday lunch shortly after my plane landed in Dallas. No, it would have to be seeing two of my dearest old time friends from our church in Dallas whom Kyle had arranged to take me to lunch on my actual birthday before they were to drive me back to the airport for my last flight of the weekend that would take me home. Oh the laughter and the tears shared with close friends! But if those surprises weren't enough, Kyle had planned one last surprise to be ready when I arrived home.

Brand new sparkling granite countertops awaited my return. I've never been quite so overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for a husband who loves me so much that he would plan a spectacular birthday celebration even though he knew I would be just as content to have spent an evening quietly at home with my family. I love you, Kyle! With all my heart.

My birthday was followed by the Christmas season. Another wonderful time as we celebrated the birth of our Lord and Savior. Mom and Dad came for a week over the Christmas holiday, so I got to see them twice in one month!