Best birthday gift ever

Earlier last month my wife took me on a surprise date. During dinner she handed me an early 30th birthday gift in an envelope. My best guess was tickets to a Vikings game because that in my mind was the ultimate gift. At least thats what I thought until i opened the envelope. I’m not one to be short on words but I was literally speechless...

She had gotten me plane tickets to go see my mom in Africa. I couldn’t believe it. I really couldn’t.
I hadn’t seen my mom and brothers in 11 years. [Actually 11 years and 2.5 months as mom quickly corrected me multiple times]. It was the best birthday gift ever but to be honest I was pretty nervous.

11 years is a long time. To put it in perspective, some of the students in our college ministry were 8 years old when I last saw my mom. Thats a LONG time and it didn’t hit me until I was sitting at the detroit airport about to board my plane home. I cried and journaled and asked God to go with me.

14 hours later I hugged my mom for the first time in 11 years. [Pic above]. Its a moment I’ll never ever forget. We hugged for what seemed like eternity after which she said I was too skinny. The rest was history, and by history I mean mom made me more food in one week than your family will eat this entire holiday season.

I also got to spend some great quality time with my little brothers who are no longer little. Up until last week, I still pictured them as little boys running around the house in their underwear. Now one is a Naval officer with 64 pack abs, the other is a 6’5 college grad while the youngest is owning the chemistry department in college. My brothers can beat up your brothers. So proud of them.

When I wasn’t spending time with Mummy and bro’s I hung out with my boys from High School. What an incredible time. We graduated in ’97 and we’re still kicking it in 2010. Here’s to hoping we are still rolling in another 10 years. Best friends ever. For real.

This was by far one of the best weeks of my life. More pics/stories to come later, but all that to say I am incredibly thankful this year for Gods many blessings.

I’m thankful for my wife and the best gift I’ve ever received.
I’m thankful that I got to hug my mom after 11 years and 2 months.
I’m thankful for my brothers and friends.

I'm thankful for bebe.
I’m thankful for Gods grace without which I’d have nothing.

Finally, I’m thankful that by Gods grace I will spend tomorrow with more family, eating lots of food and watching football. God is good.

Its been a while so we need some dialogue practice. Multiple questions. Pick one or all but none or you might find coals in your sock in a month and nobody wants that.

* What are you thankful for?
* Also, are you a 'Christmas-decorations-before-thanksgiving' kind of family? If so, how do you justify such unbiblical behavior? :)
* If you are a 'post-thanksgiving-Christmas-decorations' family, then feel free to poke fun at those above.
* Finally, What is the best/most thoughtful gift you’ve ever received?