The Best Gifts Aren't Wrapped

Isn't July fantastic?

I love July. What's not to love? The sun? The holiday? The holiday food? The pool? My birthday? My birthday food? Vacation?

Even though the fact that I'm about to turn 24 years old is kind of weird, (yes, I am having an age-related, Bella-esque, freak out.) my tendency to claim the first five days of July as my very own birthday "weekend" will not be quelled.

Of course, receiving a spectacular and early present this year, helped to propel this tendency. I woke Saturday morning, expecting a girls' day at the country market on the riverfront. Imagine my surprise when I found this outside my bedroom door.

Needless to say, I hurried downstairs, jumped on his makeshift bed, and squealed, "You little sneak!"

And so, my birthday surprise joined the girls at the country market and a little bistro for lunch. We then continued Jered's tradition of shopping for my birthday. His only birthday shopping rule: Don't buy what you need, just what you want. He was such a good sport, and quite patient as I tried on outfit after outfit. He even helped me choose some goodies.


I wish I could tell you all about how sweet he was, but not only would you be disgusted by the sappiness, but he would be unhappy if I tarnished his tough guy image. I will simply tell you, I have an adorably sweet boyfriend and best friend.

My birthday weekend continued as we spent hours, sunning at the pool, talking and laughing, watching some movies together, and even fishing for awhile. Fishing: not my favorite. Jered: my favorite. Good compromise? I thought so.

Well, Jered left late this morning in order to make it back to work by 2 o'clock. So here I sit, a little sad because he's gone for awhile longer, and a lot content because he was here.

My birthday isn't until tomorrow, but already, I have enjoyed the sweetest gift.

However, since tomorrow is my real birthday, and I will be spending it with my wondeful family, starting with a fun girls' day, you can plan on hearing from me again quite soon.