30

Last night was my little birthday party.  It was so nice and I was so happy to even have a front tooth, I forgot to smile with my mouth closed.

It surely hasn't been my best week.  I wasn't feeling quite as sassy as I'd hoped for my 30th birthday, but yesterday I was feeling pretty good and today even better.

It was a wonderful night.

I love all of these people so much.

After a delicious dinner of salmon with mango salsa, roasted sweet potatoes, and spinach salad, I was gifted a manila envelope with the following list inside:

Dear Elise,

30 reasons we love you on your 30^th birthday:

1.  I love you because you beg for me stay when it is time for me to go. - Dan

2.  I love you because you are mine. – Mom

3.  I love the attention you place on being a good mother and wife. - Dad

4.  I love your tender soul. - Bret

5.  I love you because you smile when you see me.  Your feelings are all over that smile. It let's me know you love me. - Ian

6.  I love you because you love me.  Sounds kind of selfish but your full acceptance of me, thorns and all, shows your capacity to love others. - Leah

7.  I love you because you make me feel special and you tell me that you love me so bad that you can’t stand it. - Dan

8.  I love you because of all the things you have taught me. - Mom

9.  I love you because you give me treats sometimes. – Luke

10. I love you because you help me do things. – Ava

11. I love you because we can have fun together without saying a word. - Mom

12. I love your cheerful smile. - Bret

13. I love you a little more each time I read your writing. There is a subtle sweetness and easy rhythm that carries profound insight and wisdom into my mind without effort. - Ian

14. I love you because you want to do what is right and you continually seek guidance from the Lord. – Dan

15. I love your friendly personality and sensitivity to others. - Dad

16. I love you because we were friends from before this world and will be forever. - Mom

17. I love you because you are someone I can look up to.  Your accomplishments and goals are worthy of emulation. - Leah

18. I love you because you give me snuggles. – Ava

19. I love you because you drive and can park in small parking spaces. - Dan
20. I love you because you give me a hug and kiss. – Luke

21. I love you because I can see your sweetness, gentleness and empathy in your face.  Your emotions translate so directly to the expressions that pass across your face and eyes that you can see them arrive as the thought or situation develops. - Ian

22. I love you because you take care of us. – Ava
23. I love your happy heart. - Bret
24. I love you because you are such an awesome friend (pretty much my best friend!).  I can talk to you, bounce ideas off you, vent and whine and complain, and be inspired by you. I love to spend time with you.  You make everyone around you happy! - Leah

25. I love you because we fit even though we are different. - Mom

26. I love your desire to improve in all aspects of your life. - Dad

27. I love you because you are sensitive. - Dan

28. I love you because you are kind of nice. – Luke

29. I love you because of who you are – your standards, your choices, your efforts, and your knowledge of the truth. - Mom

30. I love you because you captivate me now more than ever. - Dan

Love,

Your Family

 Of course, I cried.

 These people who know me better than anyone, completely succeeded in making me feel good.  Good about myself and good about being alive! And on your birthday, that is a pretty great way to feel. Thank you, Family!

 It was, without a doubt, one of the best presents I've ever gotten!