47 blessings on my 47th birthday...

1. waking up to hugs and kisses from my husband
2. birthday greetings from all three boys
3. Happy Birthday text from my sweet friend, Tina
4. wearing new red heart earrings from my nephew and niece
5. a/c is working again in the classroom
6. An iced caramel drink and pumpkin scone from Terry when I arrive at school
7. Brighton wallet, cute bookmark and mirror compact from Terry
8. birthday wishes from kindergarten teachers
9. birthday hugs from co-worker, Emily, and a fun gift
10. numerous birthday cards and gifts in my "cubbie" in the staff room
11. a birthday text from Charles, my bestest friend ever
12. a voice mail from Rose, my dear friend in Vegas
13. fun brown jewelry and a thoughtful card from Frances
14. a sweet card and Kohls gift card from my instructional aide, Silvia
15. an Olive Garden gift card and thoughtful card from Lida
16. cute card and Luna Bar treats from Ruby (who loves organic goodies)
17. a Target gift card and Starbucks card from Jeanine, a very generous and dear friend who lost her mother two weeks ago
18. all the fifth graders singing Happy Birthday to me when lunch was over
19. a call from Jenny before work started to convey birthday wishes
20. lots of birthday wishes on Facebook when I signed on this morning
21. an early birthday wish from Trish in last night's e-mail
22. birthday wishes from my dear loopie friends in e-mails and on FB
23. a birthday card in the mail from Ann, a very old and dear friend
24. lunch from Sonny's wife, Roxanne, who is a terrific cook!
25. hugs from Marisha, a co-worker
26. a Target gift card and very heart-warming card from Yasmin
27. books for my classroom library, a cute pencil, and sweet card from Cynthia
28. Fall potted flowers and a nice card from a former student, Alison, and her mother
29. birthday hugs after school from an old friend, Sandy Cid
30. Being surprised at the door after work with daisies from Joe, a sweet card, and a Chipotle gift card and
31. A trio of birthday balloons from Michael with a touching note and
32. A homemade, creative card from Matthew also at the door
33. All seven seasons of Gilmore Girls on DVD from Jose and two very romantic cards
34. A promise of a day and night away with Jose. All I need to do is give him the date and he'll do the rest!
35. Dinner out at El Rocoto, a Peruvian restaurant with Jose and all three boys!
36. A phone call from Charlie, my BFF
37. A voice mail message from Adam, my nephew
38. Phone calls from my four sister-in-laws--Cuca, Tota, Margarita, Maria (who also had all of her kids and hubby wish me a great b'day)
39. An e-mail that a package is on the way from Trish!
40. My older brother, Pete, called and we had a great chat.
41. A phone call from Lisa Ramirez, a dear friend
42. e-card from my niece, Diana
43. a long chat with my three boys late in the evening
44. flowers and a card on the doorstep after dinner from Vicki Showalter
45. a birthday card and Mimi's Cafe gift card from my cousins, Brigitte & Wolfgang.
46. A birthday card from Kathy, a friend I've know since I was 3 years old
47. Time to reflect on all the blessings of the day and how much the Lord must love me to put all these people in my life!

and that was just today! Yesterday (Sunday) my sister and her family visited with gifts and a chocolate cake to celebrate. My cousins had gifts for me last weekend when we went out to lunch.

In the end, it isn't the gifts, though I did document them to remember (and jog my memory when it's time to write the thank you notes!). My life is a gift and I will continue to try to remember that I should be grateful for all my blessings and use the gifts God has given me to serve others and bring Him glory.