Love, bubs and life on our little farm

It is my birthday today. I didn't unwrap a single present this morning. Pre-kids and responsibilities I used to have lots of presents and cards with gift vouchers to tear open first thing in the morning.

Instead I am getting my horse arena extended - at some point, when it gets organised and so on.

But instead I just felt so lucky and loved thank to the beautiful card from my husband and the excitement of my girls. Totally enough. And I am not just saying that.

I think I have reached that age - call it maturity, contentment, whatever, but when you "get" life. When you really know what matters. I like it. And that is what I am concentrating on - rather than commiserating about leaving my 20's well and truly behind.

Elka made me this card all by herself with no help from anyone and it made my happier than nearly any gift I have ever received. She wrote my name, her name and drew our family, right down to Jase wearing glasses.
I worked a 10 hour day of complete and utter craziness - between my two Masters students starting, two grant applications, an overseas travel funding application to write, five conference abstracts to edit, a publication proof to correct, new staff and a million disease outbreak investigations to juggle, I didn't have time to eat today let alone remember that it was my birthday. But when I came out of an exhausting 90 min teleconference, I found a note asking me to go down to the security desk... and I found a gorgeous box of flowers from my lovely hubby delivered for me. Perfect timing to remind me that in the middle of the craziness someone was still thinking of my birthday and trying to make it special. I love that man. And for some reason he seems to love me too!

 Not to mention the three course meal and sparkling wine that was waiting for me when I got home.

Don't stare too hard at my desk! In my defence that is my disorganised corner, where my project folders that are pulled out umpteen times a day build up... and yes I think I am the only person left who uses a paper-based diary!

This weekend my family are traveling up to the Gold Coast to meet us so we can take the girls to my brothers resort apartment pool for a day in the sun to celebrate my birthday belatedly with our favourite fish and chips.

 I am a big believer in being grateful for what you have and I am glowing with gratitude for all that I have and that I am celebrating another year.