
If there is one thing about a December birthday so close to Christmas is that you usually get birthday gifts wrapped in Christmas paper (it is handy). This wrapped gift absolutely made me feel as though I had a true birthday!

I've put all these together in one photo but have many to thank.
Kim made me the quilt complete with hanger and I couldn't say it any better, "Kindness Matters" and hers sure did!
Wendy was my very first blog friend and look at the beauty of a purse that she made for me.
Carol spoils me throughout the year and for my birthday she made sure I had the beautiful birthday wrap you see above and in those were the layer cake of Hope and my sign (I LOVE signs). Two charm square packs are from
Kim; can't say enough good things about her and her kindness to me! To all my blog buds who sent me birthday wishes via packages, phone calls, emails etc....I thank you...means the world to me.
My December birthday this year was one to remember and by far the best! I woke to a gift and card that read I needed to be ready for a full day ahead of surprises and no worries. We would be having brunch out and then heading to Raleigh to meet my oldest son and his girl at The Cheesecake Factory for dinner. My gift from DH was a beautiful diamond necklace! I was already on cloud nine before heading out the door. Little did I know that DH and youngest son had packed an overnight bag and tossed it in the trunk of the car before we left. I enjoyed the day out and had my whole family together for a wonderful dinner together. Nothing in my day felt like Christmas...it was my day! The waiter overheard talk at the table about my day and surprised me with a little shot class fudge sundae complete with whipped, sprinkles and candle. It was just emotional for me to see birthday....I got all teared up and all was right with the world...it was my day!
My oldest son announced at dinner that he had a reservation for DH and I that night at the FIVE STAR Umstead Hotel and Spa....I went into panic a bit as I didn't know about the packed bag in the car. LOL WOW....I was staying at a hotel that actors, singers and who's who stay at! (my son is a car park valet at the hotel and has met Paula Deen, Santana, and so many others) Our stay was wonderful! The shower to die for! OMG...if I had known the shower was going to be that good I would have gotten up an hour earlier and drained the hotel of all hot water.
When my son made the reservation he initially did so for our 27th anniversary that we celebrate the 30th but DH told him go ahead and book for my birthday eve. That night in the hotel we got a call that asked if we were ready for our ammenities.....excitement...what could be ammenities? They delivered a bottle of champagne, sweets on a tray that read "Happy Anniversary" written in chocolate! It was the best day ever.
Today is Christmas and I'm chatting about my birthday...I know, I know. But I just had to share. We are celebrating Christmas tomorrow when my oldest son is home....he is parking cars this evening at Umstead Hotel. :-)