A Special Day

This is a special day around here for three reasons. (Check back later today for reasons 2 & 3! It might even include my very first blog giveaway!)

The number ONE reason for this special day: It's my sister, Cortni's, BIG birthday!!

She turns 30 today, and I've been calling her "old lady" to welcome her into the next decade of life. :)

Mom and the sisters spent the day with her on Saturday, eating lunch, and relaxing at a little spa together. Such a fun way to hang out with our birthday sister.

Little did she know we had the job of distracting her while her amazing husband planned her surprise party that night! She made it a bit challenging to hide it from her, but eventually we got her to the party, totally unaware, just in time to spend the evening with friends and family at her CASINO birthday. SURPRISE!!

(She was so surprised that she didn't even put on makeup or her contacts after her facial that afternoon...talk about not even suspicious!!) Here she is AFTER she "reapplied", posing with her fun teacher friends.

I was so impressed with Adam's ability to throw a great party! Down to the tiniest of details, he handled it all.

(These are dice and casino chip shaped cake balls made by Adam's mom and sisters. I thought they were so cute!!)

It was such a fun night of watching the Cowboys, eating lots of yummy food, gambling with fake money, and celebrating with Cortni. (Even the kids got into Black Jack! Braden is in the black hat...which is all you see of him, actually.)

Mark won second place with his winnings of $485! Why can't he do that with REAL money? Instead, he got a Starbucks gift card, which will still be well-appreciated. And, here is AK showing off her fine abilities as a high roller...

It was a VERY fun day for everyone, and hopefully most of all for the surprised birthday girl.

Cortni, I hope you know how incredible you are, how thankful I am for you and our relationship, and how much you mean to me. This picture says it all to me, and is one of my very favorite pictures ever. In my hospital room, in a moment of loss, we still smiled together. And, your smile especially, is one I love.

Your smile is contagious and your love is so deep. You bring life to the party, encouragement to our souls, and joy to our family. You are amazingly passionate, intensely loyal, and overflowing with His spirit. You are a blessing, my sweet sister, and we are honored to celebrate with you today!