The Micheal Cruz Family: December 2008

The last several days have been EXTREMELY busy! I am FINALLY getting around to updateding my blog.

First off.....I want to thank everyone for making my 3oth birthday extra special. My husband really went all out to make this a birthday that I will never forget. And believe me....I will never forget it. It was the best birthday I have ever had....and I've had some pretty awesome birthdays!!!

Let me start off by saying that we had Thanksgiving lunch at Yolie & Adam's house. The meal was wonderful and Yolie & Adam did a wonderful job of hosting....as always. After that...we all sat down and watched the Cowboys game! =) During half-time.....everyone sang me happy birthday and I got to open all my presents!

For my birthday I got alot of gifts....to name a few....gift cards, money, candles, bath stuff, a beautiful personalized picture frame, etc. ......and that was just from family & friends. Mike however blew me away. Now I know Mike....very well......and I know that when he puts his mind to something he can be VERY creative.....and very romantic. From Mike I got flowers....a Coach purse.....a diamond ring, an ipod/cd player.......and then came my favorites....as if a diamond ring and a Coach purse aren't favorites...lol......my personalized CD and 30 birthday cards for every birthday I have ever had.....actually....31 cards...for "One to Grown on"...=)

I was SHOCKED about the all my gifts......but I was REALLY shocked about the personalized CD. Mike...with the help of Yolie.....contacted alot of my friends and family and had each of them call in and leave me a special message for my birthday....whether it be a special memory...or a funny story....some just even sang me Happy Birthday! I had never even heard of such a gift....but it was sooooooo neat......sooooooo SPECIAL. I loved the messages everyone left....it made me feel very special....and loved. For those of you who had the opportunity to leave message....thank you soooooooooo much. It meant ALOT to me and it really made my day.

Now....as far as the 31 cards go......what a creative idea. Mike actually wrote on the outside of each envelope..."1st Birthday", "2nd Birthday", etc. And in each card was a special message. Mike is 7 years older than me.....sorry babe...needed to share that. lol And in each card he talked about about what was going on in my life....compared to what was going on in his. Here are some examples from the cards.....they made my heart melt.

For my 1st birthday he wrote:

"It's hard to believe but when you were one- I was already 7yrs old.....haha. Happy 1st Birthday! Love Mike"

For my 2nd birthday:

"Oh my God- On your 2nd birthday you were probably still busy being the spoiled baby sister. And 28 years later nothing has changed......Happy 2nd Birthday! Love, Your Bear"

For my 9th birthday:

"Wow- You as a 9yr old probably had it all figured out......Who you were going to marry, what kind of house, job, & car you would have.....haha I know you didn't pick me to Marry....So I know for a fact that you have been wrong at least once in your life (Contrary to the belief that you are always right!) Happy 9th Birthday! Love, Your Bear

For my 21st birthday (1999.....the year I lost my dad):

"I am sooooo sorry baby....I feel your pain this year....Eventhough I didn't get to meet your dad- I love him- I love him because you love him- But most of all I love him for the amazing dad he was to you & your sisters.....Baby....I love you sooooo much! Happy 21st Birthday! Love, Your Bear

For my 24th birthday:

"This is the last year we will have to be apart. Next year is the beginning of us.....the beginning of the beginning! Happy 24th Birthday! Love. Your Bear

For my 30th Birthday:

"This year was a special year. We have a baby on the way next year & I am anxious about our future together as a family of 3 humans, 2 dogs, and 1 cat! =) I am glad could be here to share your 30th birthday.....Hope it was memorable!!!! Happy 30th birthday! Love- Your Bear"

Well Mike.....it was VERY MEMORABLE! I just shared a few of my favorite cards.....but all of them said something special. I LOVED everything I got for my birthday! I am soooooo thankful to have such a wonderful husband in my life. And I am sooooooo thankful to have such loving family and friends. Even through all the heartache this year.....I never once stopped feeling blessed. God has truly blessed my life.....and I am truly, truly Thankful!

Here are some pictures from the big day...

My Birthday Cake.....we also celebrated Alanna's b-day