Each year everybody gets that one special day that is specifically theirs. Somewhere it has to be written in that unofficial book of "people just know it" that one’s birthday is unequivocally about what they want to do, where they want to go, what they want to eat and what they want to receive.

Most people want a day to themselves to enjoy being left alone. Some take the day off from work. Others want a big fuss made over them by having a party. While a few ladies I know spend the day pampering themselves with a new cut, manicures and pedicures followed by a meal with their besties. However,  I spent my 35th birthday working on ways to bless others with simple Acts of Kindness. 

My morning began like normal being awoken by a screaming toddler at 4:30 am. The difference in this morning is that I did not attempt the half hour ritual of trying to put her back to sleep with a fresh bottle, diaper change, swaddling and swaying her to sleep. 

No... This morning I encouraged her to play in the kitchen drawer as I began my plans for the day.  

I spent eight hours baking 45 loaves of Zucchini Bread for my church family as my gift to them this Christmas. I can not say enough great things about every member of my church. Every single member is amazingly supportive to others in times of need. They are very encouraging at just the right times. I have been involved in this church for over six years now and have never wanted to leave. After my husband's car accident last year I saw such a loving gathering of support around him that made me love these people beyond words. A loaf of bread and eight hours of baking is nothing in comparison to the love they have openly given us. <3 <3 <3

After church, we had been invited to the skating rink for a Christmas Party for the kids. However, I must confess I think my husband and I had more fun than the kids! We saw SANTA! I love the look of uncertainly on my daughter's face as she watched Santa from the corner.

Because even though I LOVED sitting with Santa...
My daughter DID NOT enjoy Santa! Thankfully, our Santa friend knew our daughter and was very understanding. However, she did relax after Santa gave her a stocking of goodies.
A picture of my family together was a great reality check. I AM BLESSED! I have a healthy family who had gone through a great deal this past year and yet we made it to this point in time together. My husband dealt with issues from a car accident including addiction to his pain medication that almost led to a divorce. He is now getting help with the addiction and is facing surgery on his neck in a few weeks. My son had broken his arm this past summer jumping on a trampoline. My daughter thankfully had no serious issues but driving her parents crazy as she grew. I was able to lose over 60 pounds with my shake diet and maintain the loss while gaining control of my diabetes. A productive year I must say.

On our way home, we had to stop at our favorite-lit street. This street is a dead end with a loop at the end so you can exit without having to turn around in somebodies driveway. Each year the street of eight houses expands on their decorating splendor. In just a few years, they have gone from decorating with tons of lights to driving through a welcoming group of giant blowup Santas on each side of the street. I was not able to get more pictures of the center of the street as my mind became putty with amazement from all the decorations. Have I mentioned that I LOVE Christmas lights and decorations!

The weekend enjoyably ended with my last Facebook Status as...