I have written it before and I am sure I will write it again, but I LOVE THIS MAN!!!! Today is my birthday. But Michael has been celebrating it for the past 5 days. Based upon a tradition started in his household growing up, Michael wanted to give me gifts for 5 days leading up to my birthday. Of course, getting gifts for FIVE days rather than just ONE would make anyone happy. And I was definitely overwhelmed with Michael's generousity. But what impressed me the most was Michael's unique gift giving style. He must have spent hours thinking through exactly what gift I would want based on who I am, how I love spending my time, and what I am passionate about. Not only that, but Michael truly seemed more excited about me opening the gifts than I was. He would dance around and clap and get so excited about what he had gotten me. And for good reason... with each unwrapped gift, untied bow, and ripped open card, I realized just how much Michael loves me and just how lucky I am he is in my life. Of course, getting any type of gift from someone you love is special. But we all know some gifts are more memorable than others. What makes a gift more than just a present is knowing the gift-giver could have had ONLY you in mind when making the purchase. With each gift Michael gave me, it was obvious he had listened to me, cared enough about me to make a mental note of what is important to me, and bought a gift that fit ONLY me. Day 1 -- PJs... the comments you have heard me make so many times that if I could live in PJs I would, that one of my favorite things in the WORLD are PJs, that I want a job where I can work in my PJs, etc. GREAT gift! But even more special was the "TIDE TO GO" that was also in the package! I still laugh when I think about it! What a perfect pairing, but perfect only for me. Thank you for knowing me and loving me even though you know my PJs will be dirty and need Tide-to-go by at least the second wearing! Day 2 -- EARBUDS... I borrowed Michael's ipod earbuds one day and loved them. Since I listen to music through my iphone I made the comment they would be perfect if they had a switch to turn off the music to recieve a phone call like my bigger, less well fitting ones. Michael ended up giving me the original earbuds I loved so much, but then for my birthday found earbuds with the special switch I had mentioned in passing. The boy pays attention!!! But that's not all... in the same package Michael gave me a bucket of popcorn. Anyone who knows me knows popcorn is one of my favorite foods! Thank you Michael! Day 3 -- BLANKET IN A BRIEFCASE... I am always complaining about being cold... especially at Eva's soccer games. On day three Michael gave me a blanket that folds up into a carrying case that is shaped like a briefcase. It is something I can carry in my trunk and always have handy if I get cold. Another thoughtful gift designed just for me. And how do I know it was just for me???? Inside one of the pockets of the carrying case was a book of Sudoku puzzles. Just in case I get BORED at Eva's soccer games (no, Eva honey... that never happens!) Day 4 -- OMG!!!!... Michael and I went to Indian Lake to look at some land (watch for an upcoming blog about this). I picked up Michael and we went in his truck, leaving my car in his driveway. When we returned 6 hours later there was my car in the driveway, but it was CLEAN!!! Not just BEV clean, but MICHAEL clean! He had someone come by and detail it while we were gone. Why? Well... have you seen my car? You won't recognize it now, it looks brand new! That evening, Michael took me out for a steak and lobster dinner. This had to be one of the best days of my life... no kidding! Day 5 -- MY BIRTHDAY... I have said so many times I wish I had more time to blog and scrapbook and save memories for my kids. I do the best I can given limited time by having picture frames all over my counter between the kitchen and dining room... a space that is becoming increasingly crowded as time marches on. So Michael bought me a picture frame that shows a slide show of hundreds of pictures, plus some video! It will be a great place to store memories without the guilt of not blogging or scrapbooking. THIS WAS THE BEST BIRTH-5-DAYS of my life. I am teary-eyed just describing it knowing I can never communicate with words the feelings that are bubbling over in my heart. The birthday was incredible because of the generousity and uniqueness of the gifts, of course. But it is so, so much more than that... Over the past 10 months, Michael has taken the time and effort to get to know me and what I love. He has taken the time and effort to learn all about me... good and bad. And during the past 5 days I have realized, once again, that Michael really does love ME (that's BEV, the REAL BEV with all my weaknesses and warts and shortcomings). And that, dear blog readers, is the BEST of all gifts! Thank you Michael. I love you so much!