My 30th birthday was one of the best birthday celebrations to date! The sign above is still on our living room wall. My office had a tea party for me complete with a beautiful service and pastries. And doing fun things with my family all week and being intentional about spending time together reminds me of how blessed we are. The morning of my birthday I volunteered with an organization called PADS that is very much like Family Promise for those who live in Reno and have worked with them. I was part of the clean up crew and assisted with feeding breakfast to the homeless who had sheltered at a church for the night, then broke down and cleaned beds, linens, floors, bathrooms, etc. Growing up, there were very few times we didn't have a place to live and other than one night I can remember spent in our car, my parents always made sure I had somewhere to stay even when they didn't. They would ride the CAT bus in Vegas all night while I slept safe and warm at a friend's home or with a relative. I really reflected this year on all of the people in my life who have helped me make it to 30.
This reflection was taken to a whole new level with one of the best surprises Mr. Smith has ever presented me in the form of a video collection of well wishes from our family and friends. I was laughing and crying and just enjoying the love coming from these fantastic people I am privileged to know.
Videos may be seen here! http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC6BBC60C0D20B3D6&feature=g-playlist
Because Matt had to work on my birthday, we had our grown up dinner party the night before. While Cass was in daycare, Matt and I spent all day together talking and cooking. What a joy to have real quality time with the hubby! And the food came out brilliantly. After looking through many cookbooks, our menu was full of fresh goodness. The only thing that was not in line with our food values was the package of oreo cookies I used to in the ice cream cake. I can't pronounce most of the ingredients in oreos, but they are so delicious!! And I did not make the plum currant jam we used on the brie, totally store bought. As was the champagne vinaigrette for the salad. Everything else was home cooked. I didn't take many pics, I was too busy enjoying the party!
On the Menu:
Beets in a red wine vinaigrette with thyme and chives and goat cheese
Mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar and pecans
Brussell sprouts infused with bacon and garlic
Three cheese macaroni
Artisan Salad with veggies and avocado
Fruit, cheese melange and mini baked pita chips
Baked brie covered in plum currant jam
Salmon in a caper dill aioli
Maple BBQ chicken and ribs
Vanilla ice cream cake with oreo chocolate ice cream and strawberries
So glad you had an amazing birthday Jeannette :) The pictures look yummy & videos were hilarious! Good job Team Smith!
ReplyDeleteAnd might I add that it was all amazingly tasty... on days one and two ;) YAY for celebrating you, my friend!!
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