JP + Me = 68

The birthday buddies turned 46 and 22 and were able to be together on their birthdays for the first time since 2021.  JP is and always will be my best birthday gift.

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.

JP and I both had to work that day like the responsible adults we are, and our local Mexican restaurant has a great takeout deal on Tuesdays so Phil and I went after work and ordered it in person.  While we waited (twist our arms) had a birthday beverage and chips and queso:

Before all the feasting, I was able to fit in a treadmill run/walk uphill interval workout.  One minute for each year.  As JP said "you're not going to be able to do that for much longer".  Oh just watch me!  Also, I did 3.75 miles in total according to the treadmill and I hate when my watch says I do so much less *shakes fist in air*.

I got this email during the day from Phil...my first gift!  I listen to audiobooks on my lunch break walks, and try to use Libby or Hoopla which are free but the books I want are always on hold, and then when I get them I can't finish them in time before they get sent back.  Non-Reader reading problems y'all.  Now I can have way more access to way more books - yay!

After the delicious taco dinner (the kids kept raving about how much better the restaurant tacos were vs. our homemade ones) we had TWO desserts to choose from, both made by Phil the most generous husband and father.  Crème brulee (my choice): 

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:

Mac Book Charger

Portable Monitor

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)

Double hoop earrings

Brooks sneakers

Audible subscription

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!