Fourteen years ago today and only four weeks after I met Jason, the man who would become my husband, he showed up on my doorstep with flowers and took me out for my birthday. We went to the Olive Garden, still a favorite of mine, and we had a very enjoyable time. The only problem came when it was time to pay the bill–Jason had forgotten his wallet! I thought it was pretty funny!
That evening he told me for the first time that he loved me, to which I responded, “What exactly do you mean by that?”
It didn’t turn out to be quite the romantic evening he had planned!
Now we have been married thirteen years and have four children. It’s hard to believe so much time has passed.
Wednesday evening Jason took the kids shopping for a present for my birthday. I spent two glorious hours in the house alone. I really can not remember the last time that happened. As if that were not gift enough, my children walked into the house with this:
The kids picked them out for me!
So today is my birthday, but I have already been gifted a sweet husband, four blessings, roses, and two hours of alone time. Anything good that happens today is just a bonus!
I’m linked to Celebrate With Us.

Well, Happy Birthday to you! Hope you have a wonderful day with your family. Enjoy every bit of this day and more 🙂
HBTUHBTUHBDEHBTU! You are a gem!
Happy Birthday! It must just be that September is a wonderful month for birthdays ’cause mine is tomorrow. So happy to share such a wonderful month with such a great writer. May your blessings overflow today and all this year. ~Jessica
I’m pretty sure that it was after that Olive Garden date that you told our Spanish class this story… in Spanish. After you were finished I remember we all piped up at the same time and asked, “What is caca?” I’ll never forget the horrified look on your face. When you finally realized what we were asking you laughed your head off as you explained- you had been talking about getting your food to take home in BOX (caja) and the word we all heard was, well, caca.
I love your story, and Valerie’s comment could go into another one bout teaching Spanish. I remember you have several good stories about that.
Awesome.
Awww… how sweet!
Have a very happy birthday! What a beautiful bouquet from your darling children.
Happy Birthday!
Another beautiful post. I also have four children, who are all grown now. I am adding your site to my blog honor roll!
Patti
Darn, I was hoping to be the first commenter to wish you a happy birthday. . .but life happened! Happy birthday anyway! (I also hope that your special day ushers in some REAL fall weather!)
Thank you so much guys!
Patti,
What an honor. That is certainly a first for me!
Beautiful family! WONDERFUL GIFTS! What more could a mother ask for? I couldn’t figure out how to follow you through google, so I copy and pasted your url to my blog roll. I have only been to 3 Ladies’ Conferences and have been blessed each time. Each time it seems I glean more and more out of them. I’m hoping I’ll be able to start going every year. God Bless!
PJ
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, Esther! Have a super duper day of Blessings from our LORD. 🙂
I think I should mention to you (was reminded by Patti’s post) that I added you to my Blog list on my website.
A very Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday!! (following from MBC)
Happy Birthday to you! what beautiful flowers and the children are precious!! 🙂
Happy Birthday. May God bless you even more.
Aww! The expressions on all your faces are just priceless! Adorable! That is so sweet!! Happy birthday! xD
Happy Birthday! The Lord is blessing you abundantly!
Happy Birthday! Your newest Mom Bloggers Club follower! Please follow back 🙂
Happy B- Day! I am your newest follower from MBC. http://affordingcommoncents.blogspot.com
Wonderful! Hope you had a great day!
Oh How sweet is the picture of you and your kids. Such BEAUUUUTTTFFFUULL FLOWERS! THEY ARE GORGEOUS!
I am sure you are having a great Birthday! God has given you the most precious gifts!
I also love the olive garden. Especially the soup & salad special.
Again, Happy Birthday and many many more!
In Christ’s Love
Tina
Happy Birthday Esther!! How sweet the roses, your hubby and your babies! What a wonderful birthday now another Google follower!~Lisa
I am all a twitter about life
Happy Birthday!!
Hi! Stopping by from MBC. Great blog.
Have a nice day!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Es-therr-r-r-r-!
Happy Birthday to you-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u!
What a great way to celebrate your birthday! Hope it was great!
Happy Birthday, Esther! Looks like you have a beautiful and attentive family to help you celebrate!
Happy belated birthday! I love when my boys bring me presents that my husband took them to pick out. Those gifts are the ones that I treasure above all others because they come wrapped in their love.
I am passing by from Mom Loop
http://www.toughcookiemommy.com
ohhh dear haPpPy birthday Lately!! I’m sure you enjoyed that moment :))
Happy belated birthday Esther! I’m stopping by from Red’s BF Community where she was shouting out your birthday. Sorry I’m late.
Enjoyed reading this, quite touching. It’s also good to have the house to yourself isn’t it?
I’m a bit late to wish you a Happy Birthday, your story was lovely.
Happy birthday! I know the two hours alone with peace and quiet were worth just as much as everything else you received.