So very loved.

I had an amazing birthday. Mason gave me my present a day early and we had a blast with it (see www.lomography.com):

Despite having a terrible time with secrets, he managed to throw me a pre-birthday party with lots of our friends–and I was genuinely surprised!  We feasted and took pictures and talked for hours.  Just the kind of party I love.

On my actual birthday my mom took me to lunch and shopping and we had a terrific conversation.  Mason and I went downtown for a coffee date; we talked and took pictures and dreamed about how beautiful our city is and will be. In the evening we ate dinner with my whole family.

I felt so loved and cherished.  I have been reflecting on how blessed I am.  How loved and how cared for.  Life has its trials and sorrows and stresses, but the world is beautiful.  There is love and family and dear friends and dogs and music and curly-headed babies and coffee.

And Christ’s love knows no bounds.