Thirty 3!

Birthdays make you feel way more popular than you really are. But isn't it so great?  Its one day a year where you are showered with gifts, kind words and love. On Monday I turned 33. I'm happy to still say Im in my early 30s! I've had some wonderful birthdays over the years. I loved trains when I was little, and had a birthday party in a caboose at McDonalds when I was 6 or 7. When I turned 14, my mom and dad hosted a Montreal Expos birthday party(its a former pro baseball team for my non-sports friends) and got me an autographed baseball of my favorite player- Delino DeShields. When I turned 21, my parents bought me a Nokia cell phone and gave it to me at Ninfa's when I was a junior at Baylor. For several years in my 20s, I was in Europe during my birthday. On birthday 27, I visited Kathleen in Holland. I've had friends buy me a snowcone machine for my 30th birthday, which I still use today. On my 32nd birthday, I was given a surprise Justin Bieber party (if you don't know the story you haven't talked to me in a loooong time). I've also spent several birthdays in Tulsa at Cafe Ole, my favorite place in town with an amazing patio. This year, I was blessed with an incredible show of love by my friends as I celebrated 33.
The Saturday evening started with me driving to Chet and Karli's house to head over together for dinner. When I arrived, Lindsey Muecke was there with a birthday gift for me. It was the letters J-E-M made out of wood. On them were photos and quotes from the past few years.

 This meant so much to me! I can't wait to put them up in my house in the perfect spot. Lindsey is a special, amazing woman. I've known her for 4 years and am very thankful for her. Like many of my friends, I met her at the Caravan. Since then, I've been on many a roadtrip, Vegas vacation, concerts and ,many good talks. Her written word is one of her best strengths. Her blog is a view into her heart and mind. You can join along for the ride in a very real way through joys and challenges. She makes herself vulnerable through it, and I've been thankful to be a part of her journey.
After that, about 14 of us met at Red Rock Canyon Grill (also went there for birthday 31).


I sat looking at these friends who joined me. I loved having people from all stages of my Tulsa life there in one place. At one end sat the Hollands, my oldest tenured friends in Tulsa. I met Krista at The Gathering Church in March of 2008 and she has been a cherished friend ever since. Her home was always warm and inviting, and I was a part of her small group for a couple of years. Next to her was JPH- John Paul Holland, who I've known almost as long. He has been a friend who teaches you to be a man. I was honored to be a groomsman in their wedding. Team Holland is very special to me, and I've been very close to them.....literally. I've shared a tent with them last year on our camping trip after my tent flooded!

I saw JPH talking to the world's model citizen- Kyle Young. Kyle has traveled with me to Europe and shown true friendship and humility. I'm thankful to know a guy like him- he lives simply and cares for others without being loud about it. I looked at the other side of the table and saw Jay and Bethany. Jay is another close friend whose family I really love (especially Eden and Sawyer!). We have bonded over many shows, movies and politics. I also was so happy to see Bethany recovering and able to walk again without assistance. I've really enjoyed getting to know her the past couple of years. Many others at the table all brought me great joy. Kevin, my friend who transcends my different friend groups, to people like Kelly Hall and Jessica Lanham, who have such sweet spirits and hearts.
After dinner, we walked out to the parking lot. Thinking we were going to Palace Cafe, I was headed to the passenger seat ready for a banana boat (their specialty). Instead, Chet blindfolded me with one of Karli's scarfs and we headed off to "pick up a package". I got kind of car sick on the drive but tried to chat as best I could. We parked, and I was guided with a blindfold still on into......the Phoenix.

When I took off my blindfold, there were many friends inside of the Phoenix Coffee Shop Library to surprise me. They had rented out the library just for us. It was incredibly overwhelming to see all that was put into a birthday. There was a banner that Karli made that said "Mossman" and "Sic'em" (she is very crafty and talented). There was a Baylor football cake that said "Have a Kill Kill Killer Birthday". There were homemade smores, chocolate fondue, fruits and vegetables- it was all overwhelming. They sang to me and we got a great group picture with me being held up by my friends. Chet said one of the requirements to come was to bring a birthday note for me to read. I left with a box full of words of affirmation. There is no better gift than that.

          Afterward, we headed to the new country western dance place called "Legends" in downtown where we two stepped. I had a great time, and by 12:45, we headed home after a fun filled evening.

        I'm so thankful to Tall Kyle, Lindsey, Karli and Chet for the work they put into this for me. I know it was a financial sacrifice and a lot of work. I feel very undeserving of it, but will remember that night forever.
               The catalyst for this celebration was my best friend Chet Wilson. He coordinated all the parts of the evening, and made me feel incredibly loved by my friends. He knows me better than anyone, and has been there for me consistently since I met him in 2009 (also at the Caravan!). I was a groomsman in his wedding this past June. Chet is always a man of his word, and that is a lost characteristic in this generation. When he says he is going to do something, he does it. Spiritually, he encourages me to grow in my faith.  He challenges me to live above reproach, and is wise beyond his years.We haven't always agreed in every situation, but know we are acting in the best interest of each other no matter the outcome. 2013 has had lots of life change for both of us, but I think our friendship has grown even stronger. Thank you Chet helping make it a great 33!

             I also got in the mail a very kind letter from my grandparents, mom and dad, and the coolest wooden letters that say "Sic'em" from my dear friend Leann Boehr. I love it!
So in the quasi-words of Taylor Swift-

"I know about me.....I'm feeling thirty-three-e-e."

Make it a great year! (and Lindsey, thanks for letting me steal some of your great pictures).

Jeff