Spoiled!

I will soon get back to the first half of the year, but I am going to break in and brag about my birthday!
I have truly been blessed by the friends and family in my life! While Mom and Dad where here, I asked Mom if she would help me throw a luncheon with some of my friends here in South Africa to celebrate my birthday! Unfortunately we had to have it a week prior to my birthday, because Mom and Dad where leaving before! It was a beautiful day filled with laughter, good food, and wonderful conversation! Mom cooked one of my favorite luncheon meals, lime chicken and artichoke rice, and I invited some of my closest friends and even some special teachers! It was so awesome for my Mom to meet all the people that mean so much to us here! The luncheon began at 12, and ended at 9 that night! All of the husbands and children, along with my Dad, Pat and kids helped us finish the night with dinner! One of my favorite moments was when one of our close South African friends corralled the kids; and had then stand up and sing the South African anthem for my parents......priceless!
On my actual birthday I awoke to my sweet kids and all of their goodies they had bought me themselves! Hunter had set up his desk in his room with a card and my gifts, similar to what I always do for their birthdays in the kitchen (maybe I do make a good impression)! Pat surprised me with a beautiful diamond pendant, and of course my Italy trip in May! I was invited to a champagne breakfast with three wonderful friends, I received the sweetest calls; and then to finish my day off another one of my close friends made me dinner! Absolutely a wonderful day, I am extremely lucky!