Because I'll need to be reminded

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

This blog post must be written, because one day, I will need to look back and be reminded of how God spoke through my family and friends to void all that Satan tries to make me believe as truth!  The lies that say you are not worthy, no one cares, you are not special, you are inadequate, stupid, and the list could go on forever.

It all began October 24, 2013!  I woke up and heard my husband say, "Happy birthday Casey!"  What is it about being called by name that can make one feel special?  I really thought this day, the day I turned 30 would be a day of sad tears, but waking up to my husbands voice was sweet!  Alan left the room to get our beautiful daughter out of bed.  I walked in the kitchen, as I do every morning, and kissed her while her daddy fed her.  It hit me!  I. HAVE. A. CHILD!  Yes, I have known this for 11 months, but today was different!  It was my first birthday to celebrate with a baby!  I could go on for days about the whole entire week!  It actually did not begin on Thursday, but on Sunday when my Dad, Stepmom, niece, and nephew joined us at the zoo.  Then on Monday, my Mother-in-law came to town.  We went on a shopping spree and had the best time enjoying each others company.  The night ended by having dinner with family!  My mom brought a cookie cake and my Mother-in-law made a cake.  We were sitting in Johnny Corrino's with two cakes!  Tuesday, we ate with more family.  On Wednesday our life group sang happy birthday and we ate THE MOST DELICIOUS COOKIE CAKE EVER!  It was made by Lis, so of course it was yummy!

We are finally back to Thursday.  The day I turned 30!  After kissing the baby, I read my sweet card from the hubs!  In college, Alan always brought me chic-fil-a for my birthday breakfast, so we decided it would be fun to go there before having to get Landry's flu shot (the worst part of the day,which we will not discuss, because it is sad). Lets fast forward a bit.......Lis and Jen had a lunch prepared, made complete by Jen's homemade king cake!  When I walked into the kitchen, I saw this:

 I am not sure if you can tell by this picture, but it was difficult for me to hold back tears!  No one has ever done anything like this for me before!   Growing up, I had and still have family who loves me, but words of affirmation to this degree...this is a first! As I write, I still tear up thinking of this sign!  This is how the Lord delights in His children.  If you are walking with Him and have any doubt that you are loved, just know, He delights in you and sees all the potential you have, which will glorify Him.  He loves you, right down to your deepest fears!  He gets to work those fears out in you!  I don't think it can be seen on here, but one of the things they said was they loved my fear of snakes and snot and how the Lord is working out those fears in me.

The night ended with a wonderful date!  It was with my husband of course ;0).  I thought that was it!  Done!  Wonderful birthday!  I could not ask for more!  WRONG!  It didn't end there.  It ended on Friday, October 25!  Alan, Landry, and I went to Lauren and Eric's house.  Landry was about to meet Lauren's parents!  We drove up and the people that were supposed to be there (Lauren, Eric, her parents, and my brother) were there!  Yay, lets eat!  NOPE!  I opened the door and SURPRISE!  I had a group of my family in Christ screaming "YAY!, SURPRISE!"  Landry was so afraid!  This was my first surprise party and it was wonderful!  God used my family and friends to show me exactly how He sees me!  God gets the glory and it is amazing that He chose to use this group!  To God be the glory!

I also had some cards and gifts come in the mail from friends who were not able to be here!  My wonderful Emily, Rach, and Stacy all sent something in the mail!  I LOVE getting mail!  These girls are so special to me!  Here are a few pictures from this fabulous week!

 A sweet picture from my sweet Sadie!

 Landry playing with my splurge of a gift!

 Our future!

 We took a trip to Africa!  Just kidding!  

My 86 year old Grandma blowing kisses to her great-grandchild!

Landry and one of her great aunts!  My two aunts sent an audio clip singing happy birthday! 

Landry doing something she was told not to do!  I snapped this and quickly removed her from the temptation!

 My dad!

Landry LOVES her cousins! 

 Our shopping spree with Missy!

 Breakfast 

 The beautiful spread of food!

Playing after lunch!

My sweet family!