Friday, April 27, 2007

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEBBIE !!!




"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR DEBRA ANN
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!"


WOW, what does a guy say about a really wonderful
wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin & new grandma, all wrapped up in one?

Of course if we were living a "normal life" there would be a big surprise party for her at our house, with family and friends sharing in the festivities,

but EVERYTHING is different this year.





Matt, Em and the twins

are still in Guatemala waiting finalization of their adaption of the cutest twin grand babies in the world.






Jen & Jeff are only 49 days away from their big wedding day, and making last minute preparations.







Mike is slammed with preparation for finals next week and is also cleaning out 2 dorm rooms.
[He was just home last weekend anyway.]







Dan, well you know lots about Dan.
He just needs lots of love and special attention right now.







AND ... She has been living out of 3 places, Hospital, a Chicago condo, and home for the past 7 weeks. Driven far too many time between Geneva and Chicago [a 1.25 hour ride]. Not wanting to even think about selling her home of 16 yrs to accommodate Dan's new life.
Has only shared it with her husband twice since the accident. Wants to spend time with Jen before she moves away in June. Is not able to be in her classroom as much as she would like to [thank you students and parents for your understanding], and the ever changing list goes on.

And yes, she IS human and does have a good overwhelming cry from time to time, like just this morning. She came back to the RIC and wrote on the white board

Lamentations 3:22 & 23
"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness."

So, seeing that her life has taken a slight turn, there won't be any big party this year, and that's really a-okay with Deb. We'll have a quiet dinner with Dan, Jen & Jeff on Sunday and a open few gifts. For you see, she trusts that God is in control of her life and will bring us all together soon, knowing that He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that she asks or thinks.


I think Proverbs 31 says it best ...

:28 "Her children stand and bless her. [you guys always have honored your mom] Her husband praises her [not enough]
:31
Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise." [they continue to go before her]


~ HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEB ~

FROM YOUR FAMILY & MANY FRIENDS

~ April 28th, 2007 ~


Opps! I might have deleted one comment, by mistake, from an Ohio CU mom.
please resubmit your comment. T-Y


25 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to my Precious DEBBIE. Honey, 50 years ago today I was the happiest lady in the whole wide world! My little girl! You were so cute that the nurse who brought you to me each feeding always said, "I'm gonna take her with me". And, so tiny, honestly, Deb, I guess I can't say it on the internet, but you had the tiniest little uummm that I had ever seen. About 1 inch or so! Oh, goodness you are going to shoot me! I will never forget when you decided to cut your own hair. Yes, disaster for sure. Oh, and can I ever forget the day you walked to school all by yourself with your little skirt (crinlin skirt underneath) bouncing all the way. And, how about your purple room? And, your great graduation speech!, graduating from College! (well, it was with honors) and of course your marrying Bill, and telling me with a card that you were to become parents, the joy of picking you at the airport in Seattle just to be with me for a weekend, always showing love, I could go on and on, but I better not. 50 years - what a celebration. Wish I could be there to hug you for each year. Deb, you are my joy, you have done this heart good!! I am so proud of you. Your love for Jesus shines "no greater thing than to know your children are walking with in truth with God!" I love you and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Mom xxxxxooooo I could cry Debbie - you are so precious - Oh honey, the verse just came to "Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4 I used to use that verse "My desire for Israel is that they might be saved" and then change Israel to 'my children' and you do have that desire of yours - born again children. What a joy to know the Lord and see your children grow up serving Him. You have done well and I know your 4 plus that wonderful husband is so proud of you. Thanks Debbie for being you. Hey, who wants to be serious at a time like this - you are 50 - the big 50 - wow!! Do your exercises so you can blow out ALL those candles. Love again and you know me I never quit, but I will now so others can have a chance. God bles you. MOM

Blessed Mommy said...

MOM!!!! I wish more than anything I could be there to celebrate your big day with you! Each year brings new joys and pains. I pray that your 51st year of life is filled with abundant growth and that the LORD blesses you so much! I am so grateful to have such an amazing, Godly, loving, kind and fun MIL!! You are the best, and I hope you have a Happy, Happy Birthday!! I love you so much!!

Papá to the best 2 said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! Can't believe you hit the "5" "0". Would have guessed maybe "4" "0"! i know this will be a year with new challenages and lessons to be learned. So glad we can live each day knowing God is in control. Love you!

Unknown said...

Deb, welcome to the world of 50"s, tho you really don't look it! God's blessings to you today and many, many more everyday to come. You are such a gift to SO many and your faithfulness is a huge testimony to our Lord and all who love you. I remember the wonderful day of celebrating my 50th and would love to do the same with you, name the day lady and I'll be there! God Bless You! All my love. :)

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Mama!!!!!
I'm glad I get to be with you on your birthday. And as we discussed this morning; age is relevant to how you act...and you act like a very wise, mature 30-something year-old!
Love you and we expect another many years for you!
~ your daughter

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Mom! I'm so happy I could be with the family on your birthday. I hope you have a wonderful day.
-the new one

Anonymous said...

Debbie, what a precious tribute to you from your husband and Mom!!! They made me cry.

Don't worry about this turning "50" thing....don't tell anyone but I turned "50" a few days before you and it's nothing....so what if it's easier to eat mashed potatoes instead of french fries and so what if you can no longer read your large print Bible with reading glasses, that's what a magnifying glass is for. Actually, the only problem I have really experienced is alittle memory loss, but I went to Walmart and bought a bottle of that Ginkgo Biloba, but I just can't remember where I put it.

Just teasing.......Happy Birthday, you are beautiful and remember, the new 50 is the old 25.....(so I padded it alittle....)

I love you, Kim

Anonymous said...

Dear Debbie,

Just wanting to get in on the "family" special for the next hour before Noon.

Though things are in such a state of change for you - you're true to your word, thoughtful and considerate - fun to laugh with (Pretend this is that fake eyes/cat card you laughed so hard about one bday) .... and right now with family "low key" the best place to be with the love of your family!

with much love & HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Mary Kay

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Debbie! May God grant you a very unique and special day with family and friends. The Basiles in Puebla

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Deb!! There may be not a party this year, but we still celebrate with you all the ways God has blessed you and continues to do so. It has always been and always will be, as J. Piper says,
" In God's place, at God's pace, by God's grace". Many more!!
Popito

Anonymous said...

Okay! Okay! If I had made the 12 noon deadline, no one would have believed it was from Aunt Loretta!
Happy Birthday from Montgomery--

If I may share a reflection...
I am reminded of my first summer visit to the Geneva house June of 1987. As a newlywed, I sat scared to death watching the twins in their blue sleepers crawl all over you while tugging and pulling at you as you sat on the couch visiting with me. My thoughts ran wild--Is this what I was in for?

You put me at ease laughing and kissing them telling me they probably wanted to go back to nursing because they were sick with chicken pox (by the way, you guys wouldn't even let me hold you)!
What I learned from you was that you were very comfortable being a mom to your little ones.

Years later, while vacationing at Mexico Beach with everyone, I happened to open the door of a room and there you were again, with the twins, Matt and Jen all sprawled out on the bed reading C.S. Lewis' Prince Caspian--content to have your children around you-again doing what you seemed so comfortable doing; being a mom.

And now, in this present situation, you are doing what you have always done so well--being a mom.
Bill's choice of verses are more than appropriate--I would only add that others bless you, too.

Anonymous said...

Dear Debbie,
Happy Birthday! You are loved and thought of today. What a great page of joy to celebrate your birthday. We love you lots!
Laura and Matthew Elliott

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEBBIE,

Welcome to the 50's club! You make
us all look so OLD!!

Love/Hugs
L,E,S & T

Unknown said...

Dear Birthday Debbie & Bill,

God bless you on your birthday ! You have been an example of grace & faith to all of us. I pray for your daily and look foreward to see you @ Jen's Wedding.
Hang in there . ..

Love - John & Kathy Knudsen

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Debbie!!
What a blessing you are to your family!!
Enjoy this beautiful day!!
Blessings,
Jake & Lauren Vejvoda

a said...

Mrs. Knudsen! Happy (Young) Birthday! ;) I love you much more that you know, and the impact you've had on my life is more than you know! Can't wait to see the whole fam, and I'll have to give you a great big birthday hug next time I see ya!
For He is sufficient,
-Ben Schmanke

Anonymous said...

Hey! Hey! Deb... you made to the "50" club. Congratulations! We hope you had an enjoyable day. We love you and continue to pray for you and your family.
Love,
Mike and Dori

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Debbie!
It was wonderful to see you, Bill and Dan! What an amazing testimony of God's grace and faithfulness you are and have been. What a beautiful photo and birthday blog and what a beautiful family you have raised! You are a Proverbs 31 woman! May He continue to guide, direct, sustain and strengthen you in this new journey you are on!
Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus!
Much Love,
Jan Stern
Proverbs 3:5-6

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Debbie!!

(oops. could you delete that previous post---I don't know how that happened?)

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday!! I am praying that God blesses you a little extra today!! Moms are amazing... I look up to you all so much and aspire to be like ya'll!

We are thinking about you and praying for you here in Mexico!!

Feliz Cumpleanos!!

Anonymous said...

happy birthday!!

also, i just found out a little bit ago that jen is engaged! SWEEEEET!!
i can't believe it.
jen, i remember talking about this day when we were little. crazy how time flies.
have fun getting everything ready.
lots of love from PA to the Knudsen family.
-Hann-

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Aunt Debbie. See you soon. Love - Jasmine

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Aunt Debbie. I can't wait to see you again. Best wishes for the happiest birthday. See you in June. - Raeanna

Anonymous said...

happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you happy birthday dear aunt Debbie, happy birthday to you, you are so young, so happy happy birthday to you:).



-
Mariah

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
A Mitla-mk