Gorgeous flowers from Mr. Martin :) |
There were so many lovely homemade cards and generous gifts that it felt like Christmas! Probably the Christmas wrapping paper also helped make it feel that way ;)
Andrew + Eamon's card made me laugh. |
JP's card made me cry. |
And his famous chocolate chip cookies (JP's choice):
I'm not allowed to post the video evidence, but we had quite the dance show from certain kids in the house while we were waiting for everyone to gather for presents.
These next two photos show why I hate opening gifts in front of people - I CAN NOT HIDE MY REACTIONS - good or bad you're going to know how I feel. Also why I can't play poker.
JP's card from Maggie was very sweet |
I was so happy to get Dove chocolates |
Then I fell asleep at 9:30 which made it the end of a great day :)
JP's Gifts:
Shirt + Quilted Half Zip + Jeans
Caffeinated flavors of Oats Overnight for his early morning shifts at the hospital
Blue light glasses from Firmoo
My Gifts:
Diamond Stud Earrings (similar)
Dove chocolates (from Declan)
Eucalyptus + Sage candle (from Xan)
Purple plant for my office (from Brendan)
Franciscan Alumni sweatshirt (from Andrew + Eamon)
Texas sweatshirt (from Maggie)
Happy 22nd Birthday John-Paul! This has been a trying gap year for you, but we love having you at home, especially to celebrate your birthday with you. You are respected so much at the Emergency Room where you work, adored by the doctors you shadow, supported by SO MANY FRIENDS who call you all the time, are a great role model for the younger six kids, and have become a young man that we love hanging out with. You kinda made this parenting thing look easy ;) You are open and honest and empathetic and have the gift of yap and we know you are going to be an amazing and successful doctor by the way you treat everyone in your life. We couldn't possibly love you more than we do and we thank God everyday for the gift of YOU!