Celebrating 40 With My Boggs Family

Hey Friends,

My heart is overflowing today. Thank you all for the continued birthday wishes, cards, and gifts that keep coming! I am humbled by the love my friends and family have shown me.  

Leading up to my birthday, all of my family was asking, 'How are we going to celebrate?' I really did not know what I wanted to do. 

A while back, I decided to have separate celebrations with both sides of my family. That way, I can concentrate on visiting with each family member and not have to spread my time around with all of my family. I wanted to enjoy the day. Family has always been important to me, and I have realized over the last 11 months that I need family around me all the time. I have some of the best!

October 17 was the date picked for the Boggs birthday dinner! We set the date, time and place and sent out the message. I was amazed that most of our immediate family was able to join us for dinner. We ended up having 20 people in our party! I couldn't wipe the smile off my face all night!

I was so thrilled. The place I chose was Maggiano's Little Italy. I had never eaten here, but had heard rave reviews.

The food was just as excellent as it was hyped up to be! It was absolutely fabulous! The staff that waited on us was incredible!

There was even a surprise that I hadn't anticipated! My dear cousin Deidre flew in from Mississippi to join in the celebration! I was blown away! Her children had been sick recently, and I didn't expect her to show up at all. To say that I was thrilled to have my "sister" cousin by my side is a huge understatement!!  I would like to extend a big thank you to her husband, Ben Shoemaker, and his family for making it possible for Deidre to come to Ohio. They are holding the fort down in Mississippi and taking care of the kids!

Below, I will include a couple of video clips and several pictures from the incredible evening! Let me say this one more time, I love my family with all of my heart! And I am so thankful for each member of our family.  

Last night was extra special, as I celebrated this milestone in my life with them! Thank you to everyone for being part of it! The words do not exist to express my heart's gratitude and appreciation truly! Thank you for your love, friendship, support, birthday wishes, and gifts.

Thanks for reading. I will see you all tomorrow!

Odie

Odie’s Actual 40th Birthday In Pics

 Hey Friends,

I survived my 40th birthday yesterday! The day was fabulous! I am overwhelmed by the love of my family and friends! I received many calls, texts, voicemails, emails, comments and cards. Every single one of them is extremely important to me!  I appreciate the people who took time out of their busy days to remember my birthday!

My day started slow, by choice! We arrived home in the early hours of the morning after our trip to Oklahoma.

Uncle Steve came around noon to pick us up. He drove us to Cincinnati so Mom could take care of something. Within a few minutes, we were back on the road. 

We then headed toward Acapulco in Lebanon. There we met up with my Mamaw and Papaw for a fun birthday lunch. 

Then we had a brief moment at home. We tried to recuperate some more from yesterday's travel.

Yesterday evening, my Mom's parents came to visit. October 14th was also their 58th wedding anniversary. They invited us to join them at Longhorn for a joint anniversary /birthday dinner. We had a great evening with Gran and Papaw! It has been rare for me to be with them on their anniversary and my birthday.

As I type this post, the day has been full of smiles! I cannot thank everyone enough who made this birthday extra special. I know many of you prayed extra prayers for me, and I appreciate it very much. I did miss my Daddy! I am grateful to have a treasure trove of birthday memories from the past. 

I am generally not a person who carries the birthday celebration all month. Due to everybody's hectic schedules. My family and friends are extending my birthday celebration even further. The celebrations began in mid-September and might continue through mid-November. 

God has blessed me with 40 years of life! My life had a scary start to it! I arrived on the scene eight weeks ahead of schedule. Spent the first 27 days of my life in the Nicu. From my start at 3 lbs. 9 oz. the Lord has brought a mighty long way! I plan to enjoy this new year to the fullest! Thank you, dear readers being part of it!

Below are some pictures we took yesterday on my birthday. You will see the birthday lunch at Acapulco. My birthday dinner at Longhorn, and a few more along the way! I was blessed to receive two beautiful bouquets of flowers! Thank you to my cousin Lisa and my Aunt Theresa, for thinking of me!

See you all tomorrow!

Odie