The Big One.

Since the turn of the year, April 6th on our calendars read "The Big One."  

While we wanted to pull out all the stops to celebrate Mark's milestone birthday, the world decided to keep on spinning; so we celebrated the way our family often does - inserting some special into the ordinary.

There was a funny gift (a Monty Python shirt that elicited the child-like excitement from Mark that we were hoping for), giant balloons (that nearly took Julian and me away in a wind storm), cheesecake (always), and a trip to a Mongolian grill restaurant (in which Mark not only totally sold the magic of to his children but also amazed them at his ability to high-load a plate).

There was also a jar of forty notes from forty individuals from various parts of Mark's forty years.  We had Mark read them out loud, and it was a gift to watch his children gain an even bigger glimpse of their dad.  Baseball glory tales, hilarious gaffs, comments on his consistent integrity, inspiring faith stories - we were reminded of how blessed we are, and hopefully Mark saw a glimpse of what God has done in forty years.  

And the best is yet to come.

Happy fortieth birthday, B!  You are so loved.