*ahem* it’s my birthday.

Posted bycasey coombsPosted inToo lazy to label.

April 2009 will not go down in history as the BEST! MONTH! EVER! for anyone I know.

Me included.

However.

April 2009 will go down as one of the most blessed months of my life.

For every horrible thing that knocked me down this month, there was a net already in place to catch me.

You were my net.

Yes. You.

When I went in for a painful medical procedure I had a dear friend to hold my hand and tuck my drooling face into bed when it was all over.

That same friend took the moosh in as her own when I flew across the country to be with one of my best friends who lost part of her heart on April 7th.

When I got into an accident on an LA freeway I had two ladies in the car with me who turned my sobs of sadness into sobs of laughter.

When complete and all consuming emotional exhaustion punched me in the face, I had friends who called, texted, tweeted, emailed, stopped by and just showed up.

I received more bad news today about my reproductive future but it’s okay, because I have friends who believe something good is going to come of this.

While Cody is off claiming adverse possession of the Law Library until 2 am, I have my one and only sissy sitting next to me watching ER reruns all night.

Instead of having to march around my city alone in honor of Maddie, I was surrounded by 16 other women. Five of those women made me laugh so hard I forgot to breathe. Multiple times.

Just as I’m about to slip under and succumb to the extreme blergh of the entire month of April, some lady shows up in some form with inappropriate jokes, Canadian candy,  professional hugging arms or words of extreme comforting wisdom.

Pardon me, but girls pretty much kick ass.

Today is my birthday. I am 27 years old. Don’t feel much like celebrating, but it is a tradition that you darlings make me a comment cake on my birthday. Layers of comments filled with the best things that happened to you in the month of April.

I know it sucked for a lot of us, but there were bright spots.

And you were mine.

168 thoughts on “*ahem* it’s my birthday.”

  1. First: Happy birthday!!!

    The best thing about April: yesterday, my two kids gathered around me reverently as I picked the first ripe strawberry in my garden. We shared it while it was still warm from the sun.

    (And yes, this was an awful month for many reasons, but even in the midst of all this, I’m glad you are focusing on your blessings.

    Thanks for being a blessing to me and others who love your blog.)

    The Mother Tongues last blog post..Duck butt a L’orange

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  5. I spent my 30th birthday all grumpy because I didn’t have two kids, and I’d planned on having two kids at 30.

    Guess what I did? Ruin my birthday. If we’ve learned anything from the Spohrs, it’s that we need to celebrate each day. They celebrated every month.

    I guess I’m throwing down the gauntlet, reminding you that you have a husband and a daughter, and that children come to us in a variety of ways.

    So suck it up and party like a big girl. Eat some cake and make out with your husband.

    You’ll be glad you did.

    Jessica Gottliebs last blog post..Whrrl

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  7. Happy Birthday!

    The best thing that happened to me in April was my six year old daughter taking her training wheels off her bike. I get tears in my eyes when I think of how proud she was of herself.

    Kirstens last blog post..Wordless Wednesday

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  8. happy birthday casey. i discovered your blog in the last few weeks, during the month that the universe has been on a mission to make the saddest. month. ever.

    the bright spots? my bebe’s extra kisses when i really needed them. and watching the power of love and the good in people.

    i love your writing. and your pictures. happy 27th.

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  9. The first thing that comes to mind is the hour long nap that my nephew took on my belly on Sunday.

    I also had several Truvyesque (laughter through tears) moments at the funeral of a dear family friend two weeks ago. She would have liked that.

    Happy, happy birthday!

    Mandees last blog post..Miss Connie

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  10. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! (What better way to spend your birthday than with family watching re-runs of the best show EVER!)

    Uhm. The best things that happened to me in April:
    -I totally predicted the end of ER. Cause I’m just psychic like that ;]

    -I got to hold my baby cousin for the first time.

    Happy 27th Casey! Here’s to many more blessed days, months, years.

    God Bless.

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  12. Thanks for forcing me to concentrate on the positive. I can use that push in the right direction.

    One great thing: my old pastor and his wife came to my church and did Sunday service and some workshops. They inspire me, they nurture me and they remind me who I am – the real me, deep inside, not the surface me. I feel so blessed to know them.

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  14. The best thing about April besides your birthday, my birthday, and my anniversary…
    my sister that is 33 years old is having her first baby. I received a text from her tonight…it said something like this “I have waited my whole life for this, I am in tears!”

    Miracles happen, and we are all waiting for ours!

    Evonnes last blog post..Texas Roadhouse…

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  15. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

    Scored a cool writing gig
    Planted my garden
    Saved $64
    Played with my daughter – a lot
    Got better at cooking
    Hiked in Moab
    Became closer to my dad and brothers
    “The Hills” premiered
    …and the Lakers are going to win the playoffs

    Don’t hate me for the last one, I know you grew up in Utah and may be a Jazz fan. Thanks for letting me list my April highlights…frankly, before this list, I thought this month generally sucked for me too.

    ameliorate mes last blog post..My memory is jarred open

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  16. Yeah, this April has had ups and downs. Some of the ups? My daughter turned one. And my husband and I actually left the baby OVERNIGHT to celebrate our 5th anniversary.

    Happy Birthday! Here’s hoping May is better.

    Shannons last blog post..The Spohrs

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  17. For your birthday I wish you gentleness. Enough time and love to get you through. I wish you love and girlfriends.
    For your cake: white delicate plum blossoms and big fluffy cherry blossoms.
    Grape hyacinth, all fragrant & sweet.
    Velvety dog ears and quiet companionship.
    The kind of hug in the middle of your day, which has compassion and acceptance enough that the tears well even when you didn’t expect them but you know it is alright to let them come and that they are necessary healing.
    All these have helped me through, and I wish them now for you.

    EarnestGirls last blog post..Your cellphone sounds like a mosquito to me

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  18. The best thing about April is that the internet rocked some serious support for a hurting family. You were a major part of that and you should be proud that you and Meghan helped rally the troops for Heather and Mike. Your birthday is a perfect day to celebrate what a fantastic human being you are. Next April will be better, right?

    In my own life? Meh, not so much. Not bad, not good. Just a month.

    Headless Moms last blog post..A Bit of Bloggy Business…

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  19. Happy Birthday my dear sweet friend.
    You have all of those wonderful women, because you yourself are the embodiment of each of their greatest qualities.
    You have inspired, moved, challenged and enlightened me throughout this month (and others) and throughout this year.
    Lets fold laundry again one day
    hugs
    blessings
    and
    beautiful birthday wishes

    rachel-asouthernfairytales last blog post..Beef with Garlic and Spinach Stir Fry

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  21. Happy Birthday, Casey!

    Best part of this month? succeeding in giving Boyfriend the best 30th birthday week+ he ever could have wished for. And giving him, in his words, “the best gift I have ever been given”.

    My work here is done; I’m ready for May!

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  26. Happy Birthday Mrs Casey…Sending love from the great state of Mormons. 🙂

    I don’t truly know you, but from what I *know* you are amazing. April was a rough month for the world, but you my dear make it brighter.

    Highlights for me…Getting a mini van for my beautiful family…Yes I know, and I am not even Mormon! Lets see…Watching my girls find Easter eggs, they were so proud. I know I am all around one heck of a lucky person in life and I am eternally grateful. Thanks for the reminder.

    Rachels last blog post..Running on way to little patience

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  30. Happy Birthday!!! It’s also my birthday today, so today is indeed a great day 😉

    Best things about April were starting a new job, going hiking and watching the sunset, and having a sunrise breakfast this morning.

    Enjoy!

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  31. Happy, happy birthday!

    Good thing? Well, we did our taxes and owed A LOT of money. Why is that good? We found out later that there was a MAJOR error by my husband’s employer and we’ll be getting all of that back PLUS SOME! WOO-HOO!!

    Bridgets last blog post..Will you be my friend?

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  32. Happy Birthday!! You can have a great day knowing that you are younger than me! 😉

    The best part of April for me… finally getting a tax return!

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  34. Happy Birthday girl!
    I don’t know why but I thought your news yesterday had been positive one and was so happy for you. I’m sad to know it wasn’t the case. But you are one tough cookie and as you say, are surrounded by incredible ladies. You will get your miracle, I just know it. As my mom always says “la esperanza es lo ultimo que se pierde”. Have an awesome birthday!

    Jens last blog post..In Security

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  36. Happy Birthday!

    This month has been… a month. But:
    The sun. THE SUN IS OUT.
    And the snow, it has melted!
    (here, anyway. probably there too, months ago, but it has been a L-O-N-G winter here so my inordinate happiness might be warranted).

    Louises last blog post..Oink.

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  37. Happy Birthday, Casey! (27?!? Really? At 27 I had just met my future wife.)

    As for something good from April? My son seems to have figured out that I’m his Daddy, and that I’m worthy of kisses (up until now he has turned his face away from me).

    SciFi Dads last blog post..Staying Put

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  38. I had a hard March, but a GOOD April, because I got a best friend with wise words, who knew just what to say to me – no pressure to change TOO much, letting me know I was OK just like this…love you Laura, you saved my life again 🙂

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  40. The best thing that’s happened to me this April would be my nan and grandad moving back down south from Scotland. It’s great that they’re so much closer now.

    Happy birthday, I hope you have an amazing day.

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  44. Happy Birthday Casey. This month brought warmer weather, trips to the zoo, to the park, and my husband one week away from summer break!

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  46. Happy Birthday! I adore your blog btw.

    Good things for me in April? Wow, thanks for asking 🙂

    – Got hooked on Twitter (ok, I signed up in March, but it’s close enough)

    – Found some much needed courage to help me come out of my shell. Making progress too!!!!

    – Got a new car

    – Had my contract position renewed

    – Discovered that people who may not know eachother can be beyond inspiring and move mountains to try and ease the suffering of others. That has renewed my faith in humanity.

    April: Awesome indeed.

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  49. April was not great. But…I did a lot of work in the yard. Sewed a dress for my daughter for the first time. Saw my middle son recognize the letters “M for Mommy” and “D for Daddy”. And saw my youngest son stand on his own for the first time. So I guess it wasn’t so bad. I turn 30 on May 1st though, and I am actually kind of excited about it, so I have great expectations for next month.

    Happy Birthday!

    Jessica @ A Bushel and a Pecks last blog post..And then he burst my happy little bubble

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  50. Good things about April …

    * I met another cool Casey in town. Can’t much beat that. But I’ll try.
    * Went to my two oldest sons’ first baseball games of the season
    * Indy saw its first really warm, sunny days. Woot!
    * I bought a new pair of running shoes–purple. In honor of Maddie and my little friend, Rashale.
    * I wrapped up a great, sweet story about Rashale for the magazine where I work.
    * I “met” Maddie online through some of the most amazing women and moms in the entire world, who lifted her and her mommy and daddy up on a big, fat cloud of love. It warmed my sad heart.
    * I marched for Maddie because I fell in love with her and all of you and wanted to be close to women who were strong and care about other women.
    * I got lots of hugs from my kids this month-mostly cause I stole them.
    * Neither me nor my hubby lost a job this month (we’re both journalists, so the clock is always ticking!)
    * I connected with an old friend.
    * I got addicted to Twitter.

    Happy day, Casey. My 27th was my favorite year EVAH. Enjoy it. Maybe it will be one of your best years evah, too.

    Kaseys last blog post..boys, balls and bats

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