Friday, April 10, 2009

My Best Birthday Story and A Giveaway


One of my best birthdays to date happened the first year that Mark and I were dating.

He called and told me to be ready to be picked up at a certain time and even specified what I should wear. The specified outfit was jeans and a black, button-down, 3/4 sleeve shirt that he always complimented me on when I would wear it.

I anticipated a fun night out, considering the outfit, and was wondering what he had planned.

When he showed up and I opened the door, I was shocked. In fact, I am pretty sure I was speechless for a moment. Then I said, "If you are wearing that, then I am changing right now."

You see, he was standing there looking dapper in a navy blue suit.

As I continued to protest, his response was always, "Trust me."

When we got in the car he was tight-lipped and not answering any questions thrown his way about where we were going or why I was going to look so stupid hanging out in my jeans with such a nicely dressed, handsome man.

We pulled into the mall, the largest mall on the East Coast. Now I was really curious.

He laughed maniacally as I continued to bombard him with questions.

We entered the mall and he finally divulged part of the plan. It went something like this:

You have one hour and $$$ budget to buy an outfit, shoes and any accessories you need/want for a nice dinner and another activity following.

What??? It took me a minute or two just to let it all sink in. Seriously... this man, who I love, just deposited me in the largest mall I have ever been to and wants me to play "Pretty Woman" in ONE HOUR!!!

So many stores...so many choices.

He was so patient as I ran in and out of stores that I knew I usually had pretty good luck with.

I pushed the thought of having a bad shopping day out of my mind and rushed on.

I finally decided on a beautiful red, black and white, Asian patterned silk shirt, a warm, well fitting pair of black pants with a scalloped detail on the hem and a fun pair of black heels. (Sorry but I don't have a picture of the actual outfit. The man didn't think of everything, but he was close.)

I had gone a little over my hour time limit, but I was forgiven.

We rushed to the car where I was told to stand with my eyes closed. I heard him open the trunk and I wondered what he was up to. My stomach became a garden of butterflies.

I became even more curious when he told me to stand like a scarecrow with my arms out to my sides. I was beginning to think I was on some kind of reality show or candid camera.

The next thing I knew he was draping something around me and it was rather heavy.

I was told I could open my eyes, and there he stood with a dozen roses. Further evaluation revealed that I was now wearing a fabulous, new brown leather jacket. The dressy kind, not the biker kind if you know what I mean.

We got in the car and headed to dinner at Morton's Steakhouse. It was d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s and I enjoyed every moment of the fabulous food, but even more thoroughly enjoyed the company.

Upon our departure it was soon revealed that the after dinner activity was going to see "Chicago." So fun!

I am definitely one of those people who has a love/hate relationship with surprises. But, that night was one of the more memorable of my life. (Of course our engagement blew it away...by far.)

All of my friends were jealous of what a creative and fun guy I was lucky enough to be dating. I knew it was far more than that.

So, here we are years later and the birthday celebrations, though still great, are far more predictable, require a babysitter and end much earlier.

But, I wouldn't trade them for anything because there is nothing better than spending my birthday with a man that I love more than is truly expressible, and my children who have brought more joy to my life than I could have ever imagined.

And, in honor of how blessed I feel on this, my 35th birthday, I have decided to bless one of you with a beautiful bracelet.

I am a Silpada Designs Jewelry representative and if you have never heard of them or seen their stuff, then you are missing out. Truly! All of the jewelry is handcrafted of the finest .925 sterling silver, no plating or painting. Many of the pieces are beautifully accessorized with semi-precious gemstones and other natural materials. Even better, these high quality pieces are guaranteed for life from any defects. I have thoroughly enjoyed working for this great company and selling their beautiful jewelry. Now, one of you will be the recipient of one of these fabulous pieces.

I am giving away the bracelet pictured below. It is a .925 sterling silver, beaded bracelet with a lobster clasp. The beads are approximately 5mm in size, so it is a delicate looking piece that would even be appropriate for young ladies.



All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave a comment on this post. I am not about making things complicated. Please be sure to leave your email address in your comment if your email is not enabled in your profile.

For an additional entry you can follow me, or if you already follow just let me know in a second comment.

The giveaway winner will be drawn using Random.org on April 19th. Good luck!



**If you are interested in learning more about Silpada jewelry, seeing a catalog or placing an order, please email me and I will get all relevant information to you ASAP.

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

67 comments:

Anonymous said...

I Love this one. Happy Birthday Love! You have inspired me with me :)

Mark

Carol said...

What a wonderful story. He sounds like a keeper even back then.

Kristin Sumner said...

What?!?!? One 2 comments - and one is from Mark?!?!?!? Great story - not bad for a Pitt Panther ;-)
Happy Birthday girlie!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Susan, hope you don't mind, but I have stumbled on your blog via Jenn's blog and I look forward to reading your sweet stories each time I review my family's blogs.
I am honored to call you my daughter's friend and hope you continue to keep in touch.
Happy Birthday! Betty Klose

Casey's trio said...

Ahhhh....what a great guy you have! That birthday surprise does sound pretty darn cool. And happy birthday to you. Count me in for your contest:)

Casey's trio said...

Oh, and I am already a follower!

Raise Them Up said...

What a neat story! He's definitely a keeper!

Raise Them Up said...

And, I love following your blog! :)

nana said...

To my first born, Happy 35th Birthday. I love you more than words express. I am so thankful you have a beautiful love with Mark and that when he decides this day will be special, it REALLY IS! How neat. Thanks for sharing.

Nana said...

How excited you must be about your first giveaway! We all are.

Danyele Easterhaus said...

yeah!!!! so cute!

Caits said...

What a great story, happy birthday!

Beautiful bracelet:)

caitlindomanico@gmail.com

Caits said...

And I follow you! I was following you on google reader, but I added you also on my blogger acct.:)

Wayne said...

that does sound like a really great night for you. I bet it was fun running through the mall with the $$$ to spend.

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

Happy birthday!

What a great story. That sounds so fun...and only something you can really appreciate when you are dating!

What a fun contest, too!

Unknown said...

That's seriously the most romantic surprise I have ever heard! It made me all teary eyed!

Happy birthday, sweetie! May you have a very special birthday!!

Unknown said...

One of these days I'm going to have to get to know Mark better in person. But for now, your posts create a very interesting image.

tiarastantrums said...

he's soooooooo romantic!! And Morton's - TO DIE FOR!!!!!!!

Shellie said...

That was a VERY impressive story. What a great memory!

kayerj said...

what a sweet memory

Here’s my photo story happy Friday!

Chris said...

What a guy!

Tell him to stop it. He's making the rest of us look bad!

Susan, this was a wonderful story.

Happy Birthday!

Bev said...

What a neat story! You don't know me and
I don't know you but somehow we have a "link" through UBC in Coral Gables...? My email is autoleg@aol.com.

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

What a great story!! How fun!! (I knew Chris would say that!)
Happy birthday!! (we are only a few months apart)

Tyne said...

Susan, What a wonderful story. You are a blessed woman, and your hubby is blessed to have you. Happy, happy birthday!

Alex the Girl said...

What an amazing story, I'm glad I stopped here. Absolutely lovely.

MrsKraft said...

Hey, are you going to show a photo of that dress in color? It's GORGEOUS!!! And I LOVE that scarf!!!

Heather Kibler said...

You really do have yourself a wonderful man there... and I can't be happier that he's found himself a wonderful woman like you! Happy Birthday Susan!

Wendi said...

I had no idea that we shared the same birthday week!
We should have met "in the middle" for lunch.
One day....right?
What a fabulous story.
I say he is a keeper!
Happy Birthday!!!

Kristen said...

What a beautiful story!!

Happy Birthday to you friend, and it so sounds like your mr. is a keeper! Love the surprises!!

Oh and I LOVE Silpada! Just went to a party this week!

watson said...

I loved reading your story. I'm sure I was amazed the first time I heard it, and I'm equally amazed hearing it again. I'm so glad you two have each other!

Ally M said...

What a delightful birthday story! Loved reading it. Happy Birthday to you and thanks for the chance at this simple but stunning bracelet!

espressogurl at hotmail dot com

Ally M said...

What a delightful birthday story! Loved reading it. Happy Birthday to you and thanks for the chance at this simple but stunning bracelet!

espressogurl at hotmail dot com

rubynreba said...

Sounds like a fairy tale story! How very special! The bracelet is beautiful and thanks for the chance to win.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Katherine said...

What an amazing story!!! This was a wonderful read, thank you for sharing! :)
kkondek at gmail.com

Katrina said...

Happy Birthday and thanks for the giveaway.

sushi_noem said...

Creative guy! My birthday present this year was a shopping night with hubby...our guys must really love us to be willing to shop for girlie things with us:)

Sue said...

What a fun post! Thanks for the giveaway~

DEBIJOT said...

Happy Birthday. Thanks

DEBIJOT said...

follower

Janet and Maya said...

What a great story! Thank you for sharing it. It sounds like Mark is a pretty special guy.

Thanks for giving away such a beautiful bracelet - I love the silver "pearl-like" look.

mayacarpenter at verizon dot net

Janet and Maya said...

I'm a new follower!

mayacarpenter at verizon dot net

Country Mouse, City Mouse said...

What a wonderfully romantic story! You told it so well, I was right there with you feeling the excitement!

Thank you for the chance to win!!

Country Mouse, City Mouse said...

Love your blog!! I am now a follower. I invite you over to my place:)

andrea v said...

great story and very pretty bracelet. thanks

ginnn7 said...

great story, love it, and the bracelet. thank you for a great giveaway.

Unknown said...

That is a great bday, and what a beautiful picture! manicmotherme@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Following you now, look forward to getting to know you!

sara l. said...

Happy Birthday! What a sweet,sweet story!
sblilly14(@)yahoo(.)com

Spamgirl said...

realitybbq*AT*gmail*DOT*com

Simplicity is beautiful, what a stunning bracelet!

Thank you!

Unknown said...

Thank you so much! You are amazing!

eichler*DOT*carla*AT*gmail*DOT*com

Cynthia.Richardson said...

This is my first time visiting your site - I'll be back!

adlscity said...

Lovely story. Happy birthday!
adlscity[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful dream that came true! You are such a lucky person to have someone love you like that. Happy Birthday!
twinkletoes_1111@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

What a fantastic story! Happy birthday! nursegirlrn@yahoo.com

All Things Cook said...

What a special story! Thank you so much for the giveaway!

The Boojes said...

Happy birthday! =)

susanheindel at hotmail dot com

Evolving Mommy Catherine said...

What an awesome birthday story. Thanks for sharing it with us. Oh, and Happy Birthday!

deepsouthrunner said...

Please enter me! Very pretty

sarahbcrawford(at)gmail(dot)com

deepsouthrunner said...

I follow you!
sarahbcrawford(at)gmail(dot)com

Midwest Mom said...

What a husband you have! That is a *very* romantic birthday.

Sadly, for all his usual sweetness, my hubby has a tough time *remembering* my birthday. So sad, I know. But he more than makes up for it in other ways.

Happy belated birthday, Susan. Hope it's a wonderful year.

- Julia

Midwest Mom said...

pssst... I follow you, too, my dear.

- Julia

midwestmome at yahoo dot com

:D

Once upon a Qpon... said...

That was a beautiful post!
April
onceuponaqpon(at)gmail)dot)com
List your giveaway for free on my site. look for Tuesdays Tournaments

Diana D said...

Your post is lovely and the bracelet is attractive. Thanks for the opportunity to enter the giveaway.

dianad8008 AT gmail DOT com

Wanda said...

That guy is a keeper! What a great way to feel like the queen on your day!

I love the bracelet. Their jewelry is fabulous!

The Giveaway Diva said...

oh wow what an amazing guy!! ahh happy birthdya!!

Nicki said...

yay happy birthday! what an amazing birhtday!! hope you have a greta one!!

glamorchick_007 @hotmail.com

Great Scott! said...

Susan,
This and most of your writing is so very impressive! I love the way you weave your stories and touch our hearts! Glad your birthday was a good one, and more glad Spring is here for you and your family! NO MORE SICKNESS :)