July 20th, 2008 was James and Jake’s due date. It’s also my Mom’s birthday. Last year, my mom and I shopped for the landscaping for my yard and planted everything, it took us all day. We ended the day, dirty and exhausted, somber.
We ate pizza and cake.
This year feels so different. I started out the morning in a great mood, probably because my kids slept until nine. I checked my phone and had four exciting emails. One of which was from Snapfish saying they’d like to sponsor me for Blogher, which lifts a huge financial burden from us.
This morning, I redesigned my Mom’s blog, took a shower, tried to plan out outfits for Blogher, we ate lunch and now I’ve decided I need a little rest before finishing up the rest of my to-do list, which is quite long.
But most importantly on that list is dinner and cake with my Mom. This year feels so different than last year, not nearly as somber. We are excited to be celebrating my Mom’s birthday and excited about everyday in general, but today, in particular is extra special.
Because July 20th is back to being my Mom’s birthday. Which I think is really cool.
Beth,
.
It warmed my heart to read this. Not because I think you should forget or “get over it”, but because you sound so content, so ready, so able to be happy again. I think it’s really cool too, and I hope I am not coming across wrong here or insensitive. I just want you to know that you sound good, and it makes me happy, and gives me hope to hear that. Have a great day
I’m happy for you! Enjoy dinner, cake and your mom. Oh, and Blogher, too
Awww…. this is sweet
Dates are so tough…the *date* will never be out of your head I’m sure. But, at least having your mom’s birthday to celebrate can make it a joyful day 
Can’t wait to hug you, girl!!
Sometimes I sit around and think, “I couldn’t possibly love Beth any more than I do right now.” And then I read something like this, and you go and prove me wrong.
Happy Birthday Mom!! I’m sure that is exactly what the boys would want…
Enjoy your day.. Congrat on the sponser, thats so awesome!
Beautiful. We will continue to pray for you and your family.
oh, beth….i love this. i love the daisies, snapfish, how james & jake have affected so many people, and that you can celebrate your mom today. oh, and definitely you.
okay, i re-read post because i felt like there was something else i loved. that you showered. yeah, cause me? not so much…
Wow Beth! What an awesome day… so far! Your whole post warmed my heart today, so thank you for that!
I feel like your heart and writing is so light and free. What an amazing promise to know what a difference a year can make… thinking of you and James and Jake today, fondly.
I am so excited about your Snapfish sponsorship. Perfection.
Steph
PS what Erin said.
I’m so happy for you to hear that today is a happier day than last year….I’m sure the boys are happy today too celebrating their Grandma’s birthday with you. How special is that? It was so nice of you to re-design Mom’s blog today too, it looks way awesome. I love it.
Beautiful. I am so glad your heart is being able to be freer (free-er? Freeeeeeeeeererer.) and it can be seen in your writing. I love reading your posts and your writing and am honored to be a part of your life, even if its just from stalking you.
And I agree with Erin too.
Now you’ve made me cry on my birthday. I love this post so much. This day will always have another meaning for all of us and it will never again be JUST my birthday but I’m so glad that in your heart it will be a day of celebration too instead of just a day of pain. And I love my new blog design almost as much as I love you. Thank you so much!!!
{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}} It’s a beautiful day!
what a beautiful post, beth! i’m so happy to read this, as well. while i haven’t known you long, i’ve seen a wonderful change in you, and i just adore you. xo
Big hugs to you Beth.
Happy birthday to your momma!
I’m so happy that you can find happiness in this day this year! Love it!
Love this so much.
I’ve been thinking of you and James & Jake all day long. Happy, Happy Birthday to your Mom and all her loved ones and angels who gather around her today. I don’t think it is a coincidence at all that I just received an email from Bernadette saying that Jen’s baby boy, Carter, has come home from the hospital today. Finally. Finally in the arms of his Mommy and Daddy in their own home after weeks of worry. I am having breakfast with Bernadette tomorrow and I can’t wait to give her the biggest hug of the entire world. For today, I wish you great peace and love…
Beautiful.
What a beautiful post. I can only imagine how happy James and Jake are to now that their mommy has found some piece in this day. Tell your mom I said Happy Birthday. She is such a sweetheart. Now, I’m off to check out her new blog. One of these days, I’m going to hire you to redo mine. Also, yeah to Snapfish.
I’m so glad you have something/someone else to focus on today. Praying for you!
Oh I think that’s really cool too.
So lovely … and I just don’t think it was a coincidence that your mom was born on this special day so long ago… It was ordained!
I’ve thought about you all day. I’m so happy that it turned out good for you.
Happy Birthday to your mom.
LOVE YOU
Many Hugs to you.
I am so glad that this year is a bit easier, that it is once again your Mom’s birthday. That is wonderful thing for you all.
Be blessed Beth! Enjoy the whole week! I am having a downer day today and this totally lifted my spirits!
Have a happy day! It IS cool to remember and still make new happy memories at the same time.
I hope you had a good day yesterday and this post was just another example of how strong you are Beth. And congrats on the sponsorship! : )
I just came back to read your comments and am embarrassed at my typos from before. Sorry! Maybe that’s why they won’t let me out of preschool.
Love this post… Love you and ALL of your amazing family… Sweet kisses to your angels and a big bday hug to mama h!