Sunday, June 17, 2007

Birthday Fun

I think I just had one of the best birthday's EVER. I still can't believe that they "all" pulled it off and I didn't know a thing. Seeing Becky and Gwen was just incredible. We have emailed, sent pictures and talked on the phone in the past two years but I have not actually seen either one of them since leaving China. The bond that we share is so genuine. There was never an awkward moment and of course never any silence! ;) We talked until the wee hours of the morning about our lives and our dreams.........especially of bringing home another baby from China. "I" am so blessed to have been given the opportunity to have these two woman in my life. They are both inspirations to me. When it was time for them to leave and go through security, Gwen said we didn't need to cry because we are getting to see each other again in 3 weeks. "All" of us....10 out of 11 families from our group. It is so amazing. As I hugged them good-bye, tears began to flow down my cheeks.....I didn't want them to go.....I love them so much, their families and our bond. It's so hard for others here that live so close to me, to understand what a journey our family has gone through. These beautiful woman understand. They get it. We all went through it together. The unconditional love that we have for all of our PingJiang girls is a bond I hope that will last for a very long time..............And to David and Emmie......Thank you for an awesome weekend.............and to my precious daughter............the speech that you did in my honor will forever be in my heart. I love you both so much.......XOXOXOXO
Gwen and Becky had this water pitcher and glasses to go with it hand painted with a Pagoda on it and little Chinese girls in a different color on each glass. It is incredible.
I also got these roses from a friend and I think they are are the most beautiful I have ever seen. And...... I want to say thank you to all of my bloggy friends that took the time to stop by and wish me a great b-day. That was very sweet! ;)

50 comments:

Gracie said...

looks like you had a fabulous time!

Nikki said...

Great pictures...you gals are all so beautiful (inside AND out)...wish I had been there to celebrate with you, but I thought about you all day.
Can't wait till next month!

Roy and Lori said...

Happy Birthday Steff!!!!!

So glad your family and friends
made this such an incrediable
weekend for you!!! Looks like
you guys had a blast!!!!

Take care!

Emmie said...

So glad you had a wonderful time and we could pull off the big surprise! I loved seeing the girls as well! We definitly need to visit more often! Glad you liked the speech! Can't believe I broke down! :) Well, I'll miss ya! Luvs...

redmaryjanes said...

It really was a fantastic party!

Lauren said...

Looks like you had an awesome birthday!!!! Happy belated 40th birthday!!!!

Liz and Ava said...

Great Pics! So glad you had a great time!

Roy and Lori said...

Love the water pitcher and glasses!
Right now I can see your blog just
fine!! It looks great! Very nice!

kitchu said...

I'm so glad you had such a fantastic birthday! And there is nothing like the frienships we make on this journey...

Wendy said...

It looks fantastic... your party thanks for sharing your pictures!!!

Kim said...

WOW... How neat... That was great of your daughter and husband to surprise you with your friends... I am glad you had a GREAT day..
Happy 40 again..
Kim

Middle-Aged Moi said...

Number one, I AM SO EXCITED! I can finally see your blog!!!! Don't know what you did, but THANKS!!!! :-)

That party looks FABULOUS!!!!

Beckyb said...

What a BLAST girl!!! Can you turn 40 again next year!?!?!? :) Was SO good to see you!!

Elizabeth said...

There's a reason why people love you. Happy 4-0!

Elise said...

I am so glad you had such a wonderful party and you look just radient!!! You are our new poster girl for "40"....and it looks fabulous!!!

Elisa...life as we know it. said...

I can't believe you are 40...you look totally amazing.
What a great party, I love the pitcher and glasses and see that other bloggy pals were there too.

Sending you Birthday wishes!!!!

Amy said...

I'm glad you had a great birthday! What a cool thing to meet with other families who have so much of your heart! What a great gift! I love the roses!

Jewels of My Heart said...

You're beautiful... So glad you had a special birthday. What a sweet hubby and daughter you have... brings a smile to my heart.
I am glad you were surrounded by family and special friends. We were a small group but we have that bond with one of the families... it is exactly as you say... priceless...

Jack's Mom said...

Looks like you run in your new decade in style! Happy Birthday! Your parents look great. Hehe I remember your mother coming into school and doing stuff when we were in Elementary school together. Of course that was at least a million years ago hehe.

Anonymous said...

How wonderful! What a special day with special friends...

Unknown said...

happy bday. IM so glad you had a good time!!!! Friends rock!

Adele said...

Oh Steffie, I am calling CHINA and telling them we HAVE to be in the same travel group. I know we would have a blast!Your party looks so much fun!! What a blessing to have two of your travel mates come to share this milestone with you. I agree with you that people just don't understand the bond you have with your China family. It's an awesome thing!
Glad you had a fab birthday party. You look great! You are blessed with a loving family and the speech your daughter gave made me cry. (I read it on her blog).
Adele

Colleen said...

It looks like SUCH a fun time!!! I am sorry I am late to wish you a very happy (belated bday). I'm in for the big "4-0" next year. But I must say darling....you look maaahhvelllous!!!

Happy birthday week. Enjoy!

Unknown said...

Love the pitcher and glasses. Looks like you were treated to lots of fun.

Just found your blog off a link!

Tracy said...

Belated Happy Birthday!!! It sounds like you had an incredible celebration with those that you love. Isn't "40" the new "20"?? ;)

Deb said...

Happy B'lated birthday! Sounds like your off into your 40s with a bang.
Adorable Glass wear. Love the pictures.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful pitcher set! Such a treasure.

We just got together with our travel group this past Saturday. We only had 3 in our group and one lives a mile or so from me and the other lives about 1 1/2 hours so we are sooooo blessed to be able to get together a few times a year. In fact, we take a "red couch" photo every time we get together. I gave them each a photo album of the red couch photos and they loved it.

Let me know if we are able to get together in September!

Teresa

Laura Nipper said...

Just wanted to stop by and say happy birthday. What a special bond you share with your travel buddies. I love reading some of your blogs and seeing how God has moved in all of your lives by just following out his will in your lives.

crazylady said...

You shine so bright, it puts the sun to shame.
You are a beautiful loving woman, and some of life's just rewards, come in blog size packages.
So glad your loved ones could all celebrate with you.

Those painted glasses are over the top cool.

Thanks again for your donation to Marla. You are beyond giving

cougchick said...

Your family ROCKED your birthday party! I'm so glad it was such a special day for you! Super cool.

LaLa said...

Good friends are such a blessing. It really is amazing how strangers become friends on the other side of the world...when they meet their children in the same room. We are still so close to our travel group as well...love it! Glad you had a wonderful birthday...

Anonymous said...

Steffie,

Your looking awesome on your big 40 B-Day. Happy Birthday!!! Funny I was just thinking of you the other day and the Mopeds!

Many, Many More!

Michele

Ashley said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ashley said...

Love those glasses and water pitcher!! :)

Mommy Spice said...

What an awesome birthday!!! I absolutely love those glasses and pitcher! Wow!!

I understand the bond. I feel that way about our playgroup friends. It is a bond that only we can understand.

Jill and Jaap said...

What an awesome day! Lots of great photos!

Mr.Brian said...

I am so happy you had a wonderful time.
I feel so lucky to know Becky and her family and to be their friends.She is truely a sweet wonderful christian women.
Now it is time for me to behave again.I think I may have offended some people with my pictures for your birthday greeting.

Linette said...

Looks like you had a GREAT time!
Wish I could have been there. I hope I look half as good as you
at 40!!!

shelley said...

So glad you had a great time. I am insanely jealous that you are having a reunion with your China travlers. I DO understand the wonderful connection you have with those families.

Welcome to the 40's....this is where the fun starts. Did you notice I was the 40th comment on your 40th bd??? Cute.

shelley

Tiffany said...

Looks like SO MUCH fun.
Love the pitcher and glasses.

Shirley said...

Happy Birthday..Sorry a little late. I hit the big 40 last year..YUK...don't look over 35 though..so I'm good..We finally got our travel date and leave on July 5th..YAY

JMCS said...

I hope you had a wonderful birthday Stef! What a fab way to spend it. Wish I lived closer and could have joined you crazy girls (lol).

Hugs,
Jonni

Pam said...

happy late Birthday! That was a great surprise that David and Emmie gave you.

Anonymous said...

Happy Belated Birthday!!! Looks like you had a fantastic weekend. You have such a wonderful family. Obviously I don't need to tell you that do I? :o) It is very sweet how you all take such good care of each other. I'm glad you had a great day.

Don and Lisa Osborn said...

What a fantastic birthday you had! Congratulations!!!

Your posts and attitude about turning 40 make me less hesitant of my 40th which is a little over a year away. So glad it was a fun day with friends and family.

All the best,
Lisa in San Antonio

Anonymous said...

I am back from my second trip to lake in 5 days and now i am convinced that I need a lake house (God did you hear that)... Just wanted to say again how much I loved surprising you and I think we could have talked at least another week. So glad you enjoyed your b-day ... love ya much and counting the days till ya get to TN !

Mom 2 six said...

Happy Belated B-Day !!
I worked the weekend with Carrie and she shared how special your day was. I am just catching up after working and can not imagine what a blast that had to be. LOVE the pitcher and glasses.

t~ said...

What a great time you had!

Glenna said...

Happy B-day! Looks like a lot of fun.

insanemommy said...

Hey hot momma. Let me just say again I love that dress! You are smokin' girl..... Give it up!