30 Days To 30

30 Days // Bradford

When I brought Harvey downstairs last Sunday morning, I turned the corner to find a giddy, grinning Brad. Red roses and a cookie cake (my favorite) sat next to a note that read, "30 Days Until 30" at the top. My favorite part was the ending: "But most importantly, you have been collecting love and admiration from everyone you know. This is the real treasure of growing older. For every wrinkle, a smile. For every cookie pooch*, a joyous moment spent mixing dough. For every exhausting day, an 'I love you, mommy.' I have never been more proud of you. I have never been more excited to celebrate your birthday. And I have never been more in love with you. So, starting today, reap the love that you have spent so much time and energy sowing amongst those who know you best. I wish you the happiest of birthdays."

That night we went out together for a date night. We sat by the fireplace at our favorite brewery and watched big October snowflakes fall outside. Afterwards we sobbed our way through A Star is Born and casually belted out the soundtrack lyrics together all the way home. Okay, okay. Maybe the sobbing was just me. For the next 30 days leading up to my 30th birthday on November 12th, I will be receiving a special something from someone I love at any given moment throughout the day. Words cannot express how touched I am by this surprise Brad organized. Despite the time apart ahead so inconveniently timed with a big birthday milestone for me, I am now very much looking forward to the next month. I think it is safe to say your mission has been accomplished, Bradford! You continue to lift me up with love even from a great distance, and that is honestly more than I could wish for in a spouse as I walk into this next decade of life.

*a cookie pooch is our term for our bellies that are becoming increasingly more difficult to get rid of as 30 approaches thanks to indulging in too many cookies

29 Days // Dad

Monday was not an easy wakeup as it was my last waking up next to Brad for awhile. Almost as soon as I opened my eyes I got an email notification on my phone with a word document attached. Twenty nine things I love about you, from dad. There was some crying, some smiling, and then a lot of laughter over a few pdf files worth of favorite artwork he had saved from me throughout the years. This really hit home as I am at that stage with my own tiny artist where I am trying to decide which of the 37 masterpieces she creates per day to save. I enjoyed seeing the things that meant the most to him and earned a spot in his treasure stash of my childhood.

 

28 Days // Mandy E.

My cousin's wife Mandy has been the best addition to our family. She is always sending me articles or ideas that made her think of me or the kids, and we swap book suggestions every so often. She is spunky, strong, and passionate and has a great sense of fashion to boot. On Tuesday I pulled up to house to find a mystery white box on the front porch. Check out these beauties! Perfectly timed because I had a night out scheduled for that evening with five of my girlfriends. Surprise cupcakes taste even better in good company.

27 Days // Mickey

As we were rushing out the door to ballet (why do I always seem to be behind schedule no matter how early I start prepping?), I got a text from Brad's dad. It was sweet and lovely and just what I needed to turbo charge me for a busy day ahead. It is a gift to be loved and appreciated by your in-laws as if you were one of their own. I know many wives who do not have that positive relationship, so I count their appreciation for me amongst my biggest blessings.

26 Days // Ashley E.

The best part of this celebration so far has been the excitement I feel waking up each day not knowing when my surprise will pop up during the day or who it will be from. Today was a good one. Look what was waiting for me at the most unexpected place...school drop off! What is usually a chaotic, messy part of our day turned out to be the brightest. I met Ashley through the girls' dance studio, and they both started preschool at the same church this fall too. The basket she put together was the sweetest thing, and the chocolate bar may not have even survived the drive home. Even better than the treats, though, were her kind sentiments written in the card.

25 Days // Stephanie

If you live in the Springs and you have not had Sasquatch cookies yet, you aren't really living at all. On Friday night the Sasquatch himself showed up at my door courtesy of Stephanie with a box of fresh cookies in hand. Eloise was NOT a fan at first, but once I told her he came in peace and bearing cookies she warmed right up. I am thankful Harvey was preoccupied at the time of arrival. My skeptical, little old man may have had a Sasquatch induced heart attack on the spot. The best of friends know your favorite Sasquatch flavors and ensure you are stocked to make a Friday night a little less lonely. 

24 Days // Ashley B. 

My girlfriend Ashley is so super talented. If you are looking for a way to organize your diaper bag, purse, travel bag, beach bag, any bag, she is your girl. My collection of Jellyfish Design Bags is growing a bit obsessive, but I am not exaggerating when I say each one serves a purpose and keeps me sane. Welcome to the family, beautiful floral birthday set! Ashley tucked a pretty new journal in the biggest bag with a sweet note on the first page too. Such a thoughtful gift as I enter into the next chapter of my life's adventure.

23 Days // Cat

Picture this. I'm sitting outside alone in the garage covered in red paint cursing NTC, Brad's current training location, all the while thinking firetrucks are meant to be painted by Dadfords. Cue the Edible Arrangements mobile pulling into my driveway. Hallelujah! Perfect timing, and my chocolate covered caramel apple totally hit the spot. Cat has always had a way of showering me in endearment in all the ways I need it at the exact moment I need it most. The fact that she called me "strong, loving, and fierce" when that is the exact image I hold of her is a true testament to our friendship. 

22 Days // Despi

No better gift than seeing the smiling face of my dearest Despi on FaceTime. Even though she was on vacation, she took the time to call and catch up. I had monkey children crawling all over me and hollering in the background, but it was lovely to "see" her. I love her spirit and positivity more with every passing year that she is a big part of my world. 

21 Days // Aura

I can spot and identify a Sherrie's Berries box on my porch from a mile away. There is no better treat after a long day of solo parenting than a chocolate covered strawberry. It must be noted that Aura spoiled me not one, but TWO days out of the 30! We were fortunate enough to spend my first day in Michigan together. Watching our three babes play after 18 years of friendship between us moms was super special. The grandmas treated us to a night of babysitting so we could enjoy dinner just the two of us. Aura gifted me with a new print by one of our favorite artists to add to my collection. I cannot wait to get home, frame it, and enjoy it daily.

Every party needs a pooper that's why we invited Harv

20 Days // Jackie

Jackie thought she might have ruined the mystery of her day by sending an envelope marked "Do not open until X date." So wrong! It made me smile every time I walked by it on the counter in the days leading up to it's opening date. She sent a Gap/Old Navy gift card for $30 with strict instructions that it must be used to treat myself to something that makes me feel good walking into my 30's. Super clever! And she knows me and my shopping addiction to kid clothes all too well. It was much appreciated to have a few new pieces to pack for our Michigan trip. 

19 Days // Mom Witt

Chocolate covered strawberries twice in one week?! Now this is what 30 is all about. Not only did my mother-in-law send sweet treats, but she also flooded my phone with her favorite picture memories and praise throughout the day. We took a walk later that evening and delivered a few strawberries to a couple of our best neighbor friends. Not to worry, plenty of the dozen were thoroughly enjoyed by yours truly, but it was fun to show the kids how good it feels to share the love with the ones you love too.

18 Days // Erin

If you know me, you know I love snail mail year round. And my college roommate Erin is always filling my mailbox. I love and look forward to her notes. Her birthday note was as thoughtful as ever and with it came a little coffee table book of positive quotes and fun trivia. It was fun to flip through, and I think Brad will appreciate it too when he gets home. He is the king of pulling random facts at perfect moments.

17 Days // Corinne

Corinne became near and dear to my heart during our first deployment. Our husbands were in Afghanistan together, and she was a big reason I got through it with as much courage as I did. She is one of those ray of sunshine kind of people. Her wise words are always carefully chosen, genuine, and leave a lasting impact. I left a card she gave me during the last week of that deployment on my fridge for well over a year that's how much it encouraged me. Well, no surprise that her birthday card made me cry happy tears. I miss her and the bright light she spreads immensely.

16 Days // Lauren D.

Lauren recommends a large number of the books that I read, so I was thrilled to see an email pop up from Kindle that my fellow book worm had sent me a book. A few minutes later came a sentimental text as well of course. I am very much looking forward to snuggling up by the Christmas tree and digging into my new book. Almost as much as I am looking forward to squeezing Lauren in person this December during a Florida reunion!

15 Days // Eric

My cousin Eric is our family clown. He has a heart of gold and is always making us laugh. A small box of simple joys from The Confetti Post was such a fitting surprise from him. The caramels did not last past the evening, and the confetti and balloon were of course a hit with the kids. Although I will admit, ever since the glitter bomb incident of 2016 (ahem, Shay Flanagan) I am a tad hesitant to open mail that includes small pieces of sparkly anything that I will be finding in every corner of the house for months. I am happy to report Eric's confetti was not spring-loaded and very much appreciated.

14 Days // Julie

There is no better gift than a phone date with a favorite friend. Our core group of friends from nursing school has remained close and strives for annual get togethers to reconnect. Too much time had passed since I talked to Julie. We chatted on the phone as I drove back home from kid-free errands (thanks, mom), and her contagious laugh and happy demeanor set the mood for the rest of my day. 

13 Days // Kaitlin

This might be the first and only year I did not confiscate all of the kids' Reeses after trick or treating. Why would I when I had something even better? On Halloween a beautiful box of Godiva truffles arrived from one of my best Fort Campbell friends Kaitlin. It was the perfect treat after wrangling my firefighter and Dalmatian fire pup into bed on a sugar high. The only improvement would have been to have Kait on the couch next to me as was the scene during so many deployment nights in 2015.

12 Days // Kris

Kris is my honorary second mom. She is one of my mom's best friends and loves on my family as if we were her own. I got a card in the mail from her just before our road trip that clued me in to a surprise awaiting my arrival in Michigan. She graciously offers up her house to us every time we are visiting my hometown, and I had Michigan-made caramels plus candies from their recent trip to France waiting for me on her kitchen counter. Is there any better way to be welcomed home?

11 Days // Meggie

Meggie was assigned a tricky day as it was the first of a two day trek from Colorado to Michigan. I can think of no one better suited to totally knock it out of the park, and that she did. Before the sun was even up in the wee hours while packing up the car, I opened a perfect road trip shirt and a delicate little star bracelet. The bracelet came with instructions to make a wish and tie it on. When the string breaks the big birthday wish will come true. I have loved it's constant presence on my wrist as a reminder of the phenomenal friendships of this celebration. And can we just talk for a minute about 1988 being considered vintage now...

10 Days // Lauren H.

The fact that books were gifted to me more than once along this 30 day celebration really makes my heart sing. My friends know me well. Lauren knew my mom and I would be spending many hours on this day in the car again, so she gifted us an audio book to listen to. But the fun doesn't stop there! She specifically wanted to listen to the same one herself so in a few weeks we can have a little book club chat about it. Finding friends who are as nerdy as you are is the real jackpot of life. It is so very Lauren to go one step beyond in her thoughtfulness.

9 Days // Josh

Josh certainly wins the prize for biggest surprise. I was back in our room getting settled in on our first full day at my parents' loft when my mom came back and said (very seriously, she kind of freaked me out) that she needed help in the kitchen with the kids. I was greeted with one of my favorite bear hugs in the world. He brought me a huge care package to spark some relaxation - a divine robe and slippers, a salt lamp, essential oils, a foot massager, an eye mask. No excuses now not to carve out some me time. Even better than the goodies though was the afternoon spent with Uncle Josh. I am not sure who was more thrilled to be in his arms, me or his godson. 

8 Days // Mandy

Our Tennessee neighbors are some of the most genuine you will ever meet. I miss our friendly mailbox exchanges that would turn into spur of the moment "Wellison" family dinners together. Their son Noah was Eloise's first real friend, so he of course holds a special place in my heart and in hers. Mandy sent what I can only assume was a delicious box of treats. Why the assumption? I never got them! My parents live downtown in a loft above restaurants and businesses, so deliveries can be tricky. Even with proper instructions, my treats were confirmed as delivered, but not to me. Talk about bad karma coming to whoever decided it was their right to keep someone else's 30th birthday sweets. I will not rest until justice is served and the treats are mine! 

7 Days // Preston

This one will be tricky to explain how much it meant to me. My brother-in-law is an incredible writer. He has the talent and the heart to match it. Not often does he bare his soul and thoughts, but I know he thinks and feels very deeply. When you get the chance to see that come through in his writing it is a gift beyond measure. Preston wrote me a long email that I will cherish forever. Like I said, it is difficult for me to find the right words to explain how much this letter meant to me, so maybe I will just leave you with some of his instead:

"You've offered all of us Witts a way to find each other's hearts again. That's not your responsibility, but your heart is big and wise enough, your will strong enough, your devotion deep enough, that I've seen the opening and tried to follow suit."

"I'm always impressed with your strength and intelligence and groundedness and forthrightness and general wisdom about family and love -- all the important things. I'm not sure where we are going as Witts, but I know that we wouldn't be going anywhere far without you. I'm your biggest fan (and your loyal ally), and I can't wait to see what else you come up with for the next 30 years."

6 Days // Michelle and Mark

Love came to me all the way from Italy as I sat one week shy of the big 3-0. I woke up to "30 things we cherish about you" in my inbox. It was a welcome trip down memory lane. Later that day, beautiful flowers were delivered immediately followed by a family FaceTime session. Cole was just fresh out of the bath and getting ready for bed. It almost felt just like so many of our Missouri evenings together when we'd make kid bath and bedtime a team effort so we could get back downstairs to play games into the night. Seeing Cole's handsome big eyes staring at Eloise was a gift in itself. 

5 Days // Kaitlyn

It is a true mark of Army wife life when the day after love arrives from Italy, it arrives from Hawaii. I could almost hear the ocean waves if I closed my eyes tight enough opening Kaitlyn's box of Aloha gifts. Eloise sported a lei all day, and we'll see if the macadamia nuts survive back to Colorado to my macadamia nut loving hubby. My mom mentioned this 30 day celebration has been so fun for her as well just because of the communication she has had with so many of my friends in coordinating deliveries. She specifically loved her chat with Kaitlyn because it was evident how much our friendship has meant to her. The feelings are mutual, lady. Don't mind my Lilo & Stitch cheesiness here, but Ohana means family. The Geary family is and always will be part of ours. 

4 Days // Whitney

My sister and her fiance were due in to town on Saturday to enjoy a football game day together. On Friday night, they surprised me by coming to town early and taking me out for dinner and a shopping tradition with probably over a decade of history now. For years Whitney and I have taken an annual trip near my birthday to Bath & Body Works to stock up on holiday scents. We leisurely smell candles, buy too many, and get into the holiday spirit together. As you can imagine, it has grown more uncommon for us to actually be together to shop, so it was an extra special trip this year. Whitney also got me a gold necklace with the capricorn constellation, the zodiac sign of both Eloise and Harvey, on it that I have yet to take off since she gave it to me. I will think of our night together fondly as my beloved winter candy apple candle burns and I wear my new necklace throughout the season. 

3 Days // Meredith

My sister-in-law is a Wolverine. It is a flaw I graciously overlook because I love her dearly. On Saturday I took Eloise with my family to a Michigan State football game, and Meredith sent a picture of us from way back. It is one of my favorites because she is looking most beautiful in green and white. A rare sight. The memory came with a sweet email to say how much it has meant to her to have gained the sister she dreamt of after so many years with two big brothers. 

Spartan Stadium 2010 vs. 2018

2 Days // Zita

Zita's assigned day fell in line with a last minute decision to pack up a few days early and drive back to Colorado. Brad had finally called after weeks of no communication to say he was headed home early. A few hours into our return trip I got an email with a gift certificate for a massage. After a whirlwind trip it will be the perfect way to recover and rest up for the busiest but most wonderful time of the year. As my body ached more every mile into our 18 hour adventure, I thanked my lucky stars for a friend as thoughtful as Zita. 

BIRTHDAY // Mom

I suspected all along the surprise on my actual birthday would come from the lady who gave me my life 30 years ago. It's only fitting! We woke up on my birthday in Omaha, Nebraska and finished up the last eight hours of our road trip home. Not exactly how I would have imagined my milestone celebration, but the hug from Brad at the end of the journey was worth every birthday mile. I am so thankful to my mom for helping make the trip happen and creating fun along the way. She is the best road trip buddy. We laughed until we cried sharing Dairy Queen cones with the kids at a pitstop. When we arrived home, my mom surprised me with beautiful topaz birthstone earrings, and Brad had balloons and a white chicken chili dinner ready and waiting for me. He also gifted me a towel warmer to put by our bathtub. I have been known to refuse a bath a time or two just because I hate being freezing cold when I get out. These are true 30-year-old problems solved by my thoughtful husband. It has never felt so good to be home.

If I have not done a single other thing right these past three decades, I have certainly surrounded myself with the best people. No doubt about it. The sweets and gifts of the past month were lovely, but the kinds words poured over me and the memories relived really opened my eyes to how beautiful my life really is because of my relationships. I feel so sure of who I am, I know who and what brings me joy, and I truly believe the best is yet to come. Thank you to everyone who participated in this celebration!! You are the primary reason I am in such a good place and looking forward to what's ahead. I love each and every one of you.