birthday gifts... and a birthday winner

these were the blossoms

after the storm last night...

the storm that has been brewing

in my heart, deep within

came out in gale force winds

in the wee hours

suffice it to say...

 I am not aging well

so this morning...

this huge gift

a reminder of the huge ways

he loves me

because he thinks more is always better

and I love him for it

eighteen years together,

boundaries, property lines, and fences

have blurred beyond recognition,

a birthday for me 

and gifts for both of us

new running shoes for him

and books for me...

we are both happy

and tonight

a cookout and homemade ice cream 

shared with the love and laughter

of friends...

everyday is a gift

and it doesn't get any better than this!

unless, of course, it's winning...

Tammy 

you've won the giveaway

and you're right

books are the best gift, anytime!

it's my birthday... giveaway and another freebie

Well... it's really NOT my birthday... just yet.  Soon.  Very soon... as in Sunday, soon...


...so, in honor of yet another year of age and all that hoopla that goes with it, I've decided, after 3 years of blogging, to offer my first EVER giveway!  

...this is a wall art sticker that my almost 13 year old gave me for Christmas this year.  I love it!  It hangs above my tub and reminds me daily that everyday is a gift.


I like this wall art sticker so much, that I went, after Christmas, and purchased one to give away.  I have been waiting for the perfect time to do a giveaway and realized that a birthday deserves a gift, right?  


Between now... and my birthday {Sunday}...  I'm hosting my first ever blogger giveaway.  And, on Sunday, I will have Emme help me randomly draw one winner for their own wall art reminder that EVERYDAY IS A GIFT!


You can get one entry for...
... leaving me a comment here telling me your favorite gift
... following this blog
... leaving me a message on facebook


and for a bonus entry worth 2!! ...


...incidentally, today truly is the birthday of my blogging friend, Heidi.  Not only do we share the same name but Heidi is just five days older than I am.  Click over and wish her a very happy day and earn 2 entries for the giveaway {just come back here and leave a comment letting me know that you did}. 


~*~


and for all... another freebie... the first five chapters of The Secret of Counting Gifts... enjoy!