Sunday, September 5

Today's the day

In 1963, John F. Kennedy was President. People were listening to the Beach Boys' "Surfin' USA" on their transistor radios. Labor Day fell on Monday, September 2--a Labor Day that raised the hopes of a young mom in Memphis, Tennessee, whose second baby had been due at the end of August. Labor Day came and went with no labor for her. Finally, on Thursday, September 5, she had a red-headed baby girl.

Me.

I've learned something this birthday. Your family and dear friends may do really sweet things to celebrate your birthday. . . but they probably won't put candles on your cake. Too much danger of setting off the smoke detectors. Something else I've learned? 47 sneaks up on you awfully fast. How on earth did I get to be middle-aged? I wasn't really planning to be middle-aged, you know?

But since it's my birthday, I thought I'd share a few photos that my husband has taken in the past few weeks.

at the beach with my big sunglasses

at the beach with my killer hat

at home with Snickers and Cocoa

So that's what 47 looks like.

And since it's my birthday and I'm Queen for the Day and all that, I'm going to ask you to do something for me. If you're reading this post, will you please leave me a comment? Even if you've never commented before, I'd love to hear from you. I'd love to know who's reading! Leave me a comment and tell me how old YOU are. Please? Pretty please?

(If you're reading this in an email or a reader, just click on the title of the post to go to my blog page, then click on "Comments" at the bottom of the post. This will take you to the comment form. You don't have to register or have a Google account or anything to comment--you can even post as "Anonymous" if you'd like.)

Thank you! And Happy Day to you--whatever you're celebrating!

104 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday!! Oh my age, my age. Let's see.....how about 106, no that's not right. Hmmm....I stopped counting..can't remember. Oh Yeah,

    53 years YOUNG, lol!

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  2. Happy Birthday Richella! You look fabulous for your age. You are such a natural beauty. My name is Karen and I just turned 44 -- right behind you. I have two precious grand kids and my youngest child is 2. I love reading your blog. You are so inspiring in many ways. Have a fabulous day! Blessings!

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  3. Hey Richella. Happy Birthday!! You look wonderful and the pictures are beautiful. I am 56 years old. Life is good! I am a cancer survivor and I cherish each and every day. I am blessed to have a great husband and 2 beautiful daughters. I hope you are having a great day celebrating!!! Love & blessings from NC!

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  4. Happy Birthday Richella!! Love the pictures... gorgeous.

    I've been following your blog for quite sometime and if i remember right have commented on a few of your posts some time back...:))

    I'm 27... love coming here... thoroughly enjoy reading your posts!!

    Blessings from India,
    Ruth

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  5. Happy birthday, Richella. I didn't look as good as you at 18:) I am 62 and enjoy coming to visit with you.
    Keep doing what you are doing because it seems to be working well for YOU.

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  6. Happy birthday!! I'll be 35 at my next birthday... in just over a month... I hope 47 is a great year for you!

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  7. HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! You look sensational and not at all 47, so enjoy the blessing of looking and being young. I hope your day is the very best one ever. Now since I just turned 71, I really do think you are young, and besides, 60 is the new middle age. Have a super day. Hugs, Marty

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  8. Happy Birthday Richella!
    If this is what 47 looks like, then I am looking forward to it. You look great. Hope your day is special....as for me, I am 43.

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  9. Happy birthday! My first baby was due on Sept 5, but was born on the 2nd.

    I'm 52 years young!

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  10. Happy Birthday from one of those lurking readers that almost never comments! But I enjoy your blog much :) I'm Fawn, I'm 28, and I hope I look as good at 47 as you do!

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  11. Happy Birthday! I recently came across your blog...really enjoying it.

    34 and loving life!

    -Karen

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  12. Happy Birthday, girl. 47 is looking good for you. I'm ahead by one year come the week of Thanksgiving, but I'm feeling it!
    Karen@placesofmyheart.blogspot.com

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  13. happy birthday, richella!
    those were great photos!

    (i just turned 59)

    the Lord bless you & keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you & be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you & give you peace. (Numbers 6;23-27)

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  14. happy birthday, richella!
    those were great photos!

    (i just turned 59)

    the Lord bless you & keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you & be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you & give you peace. (Numbers 6;23-27)

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  15. I just happened to stumble upon your blog today and I'll leave you a comment! :) Um, can I look like you when I'm 47? Pretty please (oh and I'm 25)-- Happy Birthday!

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  16. Happy birthday, lovely Richella, from Rebekah, age 32. :)

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  17. Happy Birthday Richella!
    36 is on it's way to our house too soon...
    Miss you ALL! With Love from Michigan ;)

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  18. Happy Birthday, Richella! Those are wonderful pictures of you. You're a natural in front of the camera. I'm 51. Hope you're having a great day!

    Nancy

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  19. Beautiful. Happy birthday. From one middle aged mom to another. I'm 45.

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  20. I thought you were 25, but knew you had kids almost that age, so figured I might be wrong.....LOL!
    happy Birthday, sweet friend from your 51 year old friend,

    Suzanne

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  21. Happy Birthday girl! This year I celebrated my 36th. I just wanted to honor your birthday wish and let you know 'm one of the people who really enjoy reading your blog. Many birthday hugs, Stacy

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  22. Happy Bday! From reading your blog, I know that you will celebrate your birthday in thankfulness. I love your posts and I hope you have a wonderful day! (I am 54.)
    Blessings,
    Becky

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  23. Happy Birthday! You look great..I'm 33 and just had two babies 16 months a part so I FEEL much older than I did 3 years ago! Love reading about your sons.

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  25. Happy Birthday Richella! You are one gorgeous *young* lady! What stunning and happy looking photos of you and your precious pets.

    I just turned 45 last month and feel the same way you do. When did that happen?

    Enjoy! ~Melissa :)

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  26. Happy birthday! You look fantastic! Where are your wrinkles? I'm 40, but I feel 20. Here's to middle age!!

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  27. Happy Birthday to you!! You look amazing. That red hair and your beautiful skin will look young forever.

    I am 47 too and consider it to be a great age!

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  28. Happy Birthday Richella!! I'm on of those lurkers that never comments. I hope I look as good as you when I'm 47! I just turned 25.

    Many birthday blessings,
    Bethany

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  29. I'm 31, and if I look half as good at 47 as you do I will consider myself a very lucky woman! :)

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  30. I comment all the time and of course I wouldn't miss today of all days! Happy Birthday Richella! 47 looks good on you!

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  31. Happy birthday! You look as young as your sweet sons... certainly NOT 47! {Gorgeous photos, btw --- your inner beauty shines through!}I agree, it does sneak up on us. I am around the same age... Blessings!!!

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  32. Happy Birthday, my lovely red-headed friend! You look AH-mazin' :)

    Hope you had a fabulous day and got everything out of it that you wished for!

    xo
    Rachelle

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  33. Happy Birthday, Richella! I'm 45. This year has been the year to really make me think. 40 was nothing. Glad to see you still beautiful at 47. Hope you had a great day!

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  34. Happy Birthday from another lurker. I've been reading your blog for about 2 weeks. I appreciate the peek into your life! I'm 54 - getting younger all the time.

    I'll pop in again sometime!
    Annie

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  35. you make 47 look fabulous, you beautiful girl you. As for me meh? Just turned 57 and can't for the life of me figure out where the years went. Best wishes for a Happy Birthday.

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  36. Happy birthday! You are so beautiful, and I love your blog. My name is Rebecca and I'm 24. Nice to meet you. :)

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  37. Happy Birthday to You! I am a "lurker" who popped over from Always Nesting. I am 42 years old as of July 28th of this year. If I could look as good as you do when I get to 47, I would wish for it to come tomorrow! Hope you had a wonderful day.

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  38. Hi! Happy Birthday. I'm 42, a Mom, a wife, a closeted crafter, and a New Yorker. Enjoy being Queen for the day!! :) Suze

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  39. Well, Happy Birthday Richella! I'm one of those who follows your blog faithfully, but never comments! But....since you asked for it...here goes. I love your blog. I love your name. I'm a September bday too - mine is the 9th and I'll turn 52! Yikes...where do the years go? But, you know what? I love life more every day, and I find that it just gets sweeter as I continue to serve the Lord. Thanks for the testimony you hold up in your blog. May the Lord bless you!...and one more thing....I think we would be friends if we actually knew each other! Blessings from Texas and happy 47th! SallyAnn

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  40. Happy Birthday! I hope you enjoy being queen for the day ;o) Almost forgot...maybe it's my age, lol...I'm 40

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  41. Hey Richella! Happy Happy BIrthday! It was so fun celebrating with you! ~Sonya

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  42. Happy birthhday Richella! Tomorrow is my birthday!! #56!!

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  43. Happy Birthday, Richella!! I still think you're lying about 47. You look fabulous. I would kill for your hair. Hope you had a special day. Hugs to you all the way from Virginia!!!

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  44. Happy birthday....I'm about 56 :-)

    To answer your question about the potatoes...I used a spoon to help take the potato nests out of the mini cupcake tins so that they wouldn't break (I greased the tins, but they stuck in a few spots) If you try them, let me know if you liked them - everyone here did

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  45. Happy, happy birthday! I will turn 31 this year and am looking forward to it...another year older means another year of laughing with my husband and toddler. :)

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  46. Happy Birthday! May God bless you with many more!

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  47. Happy Birthday Richella! Hope you did something fun. I really enjoy your blog; everything from decorating to the way you share your faith! Oh, 51 here.

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  48. Happy birthday! You are stunning for your age. I am 44 years young. I have four children - 19, 16, 10 and 7. Blessings!

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  49. Happy Birthday. I am also the wonderful 47 years of age. Sent both of my babies of to college this year. Where have the years gone? Love your blog.

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  50. Happy Birthday! I'm 32, and I just have to say that you have the most perfect hair. Perfect color, perfect style, I wish my hair looked half as beautiful as yours.

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  51. Happy Birthday, I love reading your blog. Your home is beautiful! I just turned 47 as well, a week ago. I am loving my forties, they are the best so far! The best part is when someone says you must be only 36, I think these days all women look better than say our mothers did at the same age. When your happy it shows on your face. Have a fun day!!!

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  52. Hello Richella,

    Happy Birthday! Just discovered your blog recently and am greatly enjoying and am so inspired with all that you share with us. You look wonderful at 47. I am 62 with 5 adult children, 2 married and 1 about to be married. Just expecting my first grandchild in march. Hope you had a wonderful birthday.

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  53. Happy birthday!!! Seriously, I think I need to see some ID because you do NOT look 47. You look fabulous & I'd kill to have your gorgeous locks :-) I myself am 27 & trying to remain positive that I'll be 30 soon ;-P The hubs loves to tease me since he's younger than I am but he keeps me young :-) Hope you have a wonderfully blessed birthday!

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  54. Girl, you rock 47! You look fabulous and you can tell by your pictures that you are so comfortable with yourself.

    I hope you had a wonderful birthday and that you had a day full of fun.

    I'm 41!

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  55. Oh Richella! You'd be hot if you were 35! To look like that and be 47...not fair!

    I am 44, and I also didn't plan on being middle aged! Inside I feel about 27, or maybe 33. How did 44 even happen? I guess having young children (5 & 7) will keep me young, or, it will make me really old, really fast!

    Have an awesome birthday!!!!

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  56. Happy Birthday! You're gorgeous--never would have guessed 47! Me? I'm 49, turning 50 in just under two months. ACK! I'm not really 50. Nope. Can't be. I'm totally NOT READY!

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  57. Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to You! Happy Beithday Dear Richella! Happy Birthday to You! Believe me, you are glad you couldn't actually hear me singing to you! HA!

    I'm 39....and holding. You look younger than me!! Love the hat and your top in that other picture with the dogs...GORGEOUS! Love the colors!

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  58. Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to You! Happy Beithday Dear Richella! Happy Birthday to You! Believe me, you are glad you couldn't actually hear me singing to you! HA!

    I'm 39....and holding. You look younger than me!! Love the hat and your top in that other picture with the dogs...GORGEOUS! Love the colors!

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  59. Happy Birthday! Mine is in 7 days and I'll be 48. I still feel 30 something, so I guess that's all that matters. I lost a dear friend when she was only 42, so every year that we get is a blessing from God! Enjoy your day!

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  60. I'm late to the party, but I hope you had a very fun birthday! Richella, you are the youngest looking 47 year old I know! I'm a little under a year behind you at 46.

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  62. Happy Birthday! May you celebrate many many more years!
    I have never left a comment on your blog, but I always always read it, and love it!
    You're a terrific mom!
    I'm from Monterrey Mexico and I just turned 34 on August.

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  63. Happy Birthday, Richella! I hope I look half as good as you do when I'm 47. I want to know your secret! I hope you had a beautiful day, and here's to a wonderful year ahead. :-)

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  64. I stumbled upon your blog and love it.
    I am a new blogger and a seasoned Christian....
    Happy Birthday new friend!

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  65. Hey, this lady from Texas is 61
    may the lord bless you on your special day and all year long

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  66. Dear Richella,

    I LOVE all your husband's photos of you, especially the one with the dogs. My daughter says I look (and act) my "youngest" when the dogs and I are acting crazy/lovey. Of the photos on your birthday blog, that's my favorite.

    Happy Birthday!! Thanks for sharing your life, hopes, dreams, prayers, reflections, and recipes with us on-line "strangers."

    I am 62; live in Oakland, California; have two amazing kids, a wonderful daughter in law, and three beyond-belief awesome grandkids. I'm a hospital-based RN on a medical/oncology floor.

    Life has had its ups and downs and UPs, and is lots better now than it was in my 40s. So as good as it is now, you'll probably find it even richer in the important things, and more "grace-full" with each succeeding decade.

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  67. the beautiful birthday girl... and i love the way your husband sees you. hope it was the happiest. love you!

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  68. guess i didn't follow directions...go figure! 38. there. i did the math and now i have followed the rules!

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  69. Happy Birthday! I'd say 47 looks pretty good :)

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  70. Oops, you wanted to know my age...I'll be 40 in January, so I get where you're coming from. I don't feel 40!

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  71. Happy Birthday Richella. I turned 55 the 6th of May and have lived in Nebraska my entire life. Maybe some day will look for a different change. I think us red-heads always look young. Maybe I am just biased as I,too, am a red-head inherited from my Great-grandmother. I always feel so inspired after reading your blogs. I would send a photo, but I am recovering from thyroid surgery last Tuesday and have what appears to be black electrical tape holding me together. How's that for a funky labor day treat. Take care and keep up the neat inspiring blogs. Way to go gal. Peggy

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  72. Happy Birthday, Richella. You make 47 look amazing. I'm 29, for a few more weeks, and love reading your blog. You are an inspiration and encouragement to me.

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  73. Hi Richella, YOU LOOK AMAZING :) Beautiful and gorgeous. Happy Birthday too by the way! I'm just one month behind you, and same age.... 63 was a great year ;)

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  74. Hi Richella,

    47 looks great on you! I can't believe that I'm 58, how does that happen and so fast?

    Happy Birthday and congratulations on your wonderful blog. I really enjoy reading it.

    Sandy

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  75. I am 47 as well--born August 8 the same year--and am just as shocked that I am middle aged now! I think you look fabulous for your age, and I'm not unhappy with how I look either :) Thank you for your blog, by the way. (My son is at Trinity too, a sophomore, on the Robotics team, lots of connections!) Have a great day!

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  76. Oh my word, girl! I would have sworn you were younger than me. I'll be 38 this month. September birthdays are the BEST! Happy Birthday to you!

    You look awesome and so full of joy! Here's to the best year yet!

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  77. Well Happy, Happy Birthday to YOU! Today is also my daughter's birthday. You are a beautiful person..both inside and out. I can just tell!

    Oh, being a silk floral designer I enjoyed your previous post too! Looks great!
    I do hope you will stop by and see me too.

    Donna

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  78. Oh, i just saw where we are suppose to share our age. I turned sixty this year. There, I said it! :)

    Donna

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  79. Happy belated birthday.
    I'm 51 and live in NC.
    I enjoy your blog, hope your queenly day was awesome.
    Peace.

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  80. Richella, I'm so glad you visited my blog and I found you!

    That thing about the redheaded baby girl? Yeah, that was me too, but I was eight years old when you were born.

    And I married a redhead...and had four redheaded boys...!

    HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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  81. Happy belated birthday! You look fabulous darling!

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  82. A belated happy birthday from a regular reader. I found you through a link to your blog on another blog and I've been reading ever since.

    Here's a secret: after 47 it's all good! lol

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  83. Happy BDay Richella. Your colouring and skin are lovely and you look fabulous. You truly look happy.
    I enjoy visiting your blog.
    I am 45 year old wife and mom - kiddos are 6 and 3.

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  84. Happy birthday to you! I am a 55 year old reader who feels exactly the same way you do..How did I get here so fast, but I'm thankful I have and hope to age gracefully.

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  85. Happy, Happy! Just for you, as a special birthday wish, I'm commenting. :)

    I love your blog and read regularly in my Google Reader. I'm a 'not quite so regularly' blogger, but I truly ENJOY your blog. Your funny and smart and right on the money more often than not and I'm not just saying that to be nice for your birthday; it's true.

    Here's to many more blog posts and even more comments!
    Sam

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  86. Happy happy (late) birthday! You are an inspiration! I've been reading your blog for months now, and only came out of the woodworks because you asked. I'm a mere 24, dreaming of the day I live in a home larger than a shoe box with a real pantry that needs to be organized.

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  87. I've been reading your blog for some time. We are moving to your area next month. My husband turned 47 on the 5th as well! Happy Bday!

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  88. Happy Beleated Birthday! I hope you had a lovely day! I enjoy reading your blog daily. It provides me an amazing resource to help fuel my creativity. Your blog is very uplifting and insightful!
    So to the question of the hour, My age... Well I'm 24.

    I hope you have a wonderful week!

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  89. Happy Birthday!!! You look great, by the way. I am Cherri and I am 42. (not too many years behind you) Hope you enjoyed your day.

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  90. You so DO NOT look 47!! Then again if that is what 47 looks like that that is okay by me! I have 12 years before I reach that milestone. Hope you had a wonderful bday and you truly do look beautiful in those pics! Your hair is to die for!

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  91. Happy Birthday! You look great!!

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  92. Now if you only looked 47 instead of 27, LOL. I hope you really enjoyed your birthday.
    Love & Prayers
    Carrie (38)

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  93. You are gorgeous! You don't look a day past 30. So cool that you were labored on labor day ~love you, girl!

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  94. Happy belated birthday!

    I turned 43 last month.

    love your blog!

    ~Di

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  95. So sorry to have missed such an important day! Your photos are lovely and reveal that lovely inner you. Happiest of years, my friend!

    Blessings ~
    Kristi (40 next month)

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  96. So sorry to have missed such an important day! Your photos are lovely and reveal that lovely inner you. Happy Birthday and God's blessings to you, my friend!

    Kristi (40 next month)

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  97. *slapping forehead for missing your birthday*

    Look at all the comments!!! I'm soooooooooo sad I missed your birthday! I hope you had a wonderful one...you sure do look wonderful!

    Those pictures are absolutely stunning, Richella.

    And if you remember...I turned 40 a month ago. : )

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  98. Happy Birthday, Richella! I read-and love- your blog but I don't think I've ever commented.

    You look absolutely fabulous. I'm 40 and I hope I look half as good as you in seven years!

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  99. How about that...I'm your 100th post! (and a little late to the party!). I love reading your blog and find it so inspiring. My name is Amy and I'm 43. Happy (late) Birthday!!

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  100. I've been under the weather, so I'm just now catching up with my bloggy girls. So here is a heartfelt belated birthday wish.

    PS.I hope I can look as fabuloso as you when I reach 47. I still have 9 years to wait and see. ;)

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  101. Happy Belated Birthday! I just recently discovered blogspot and found yours through the 3rd annual fall nesting party(hope thats right). I love your blog! Its an escape for me when my babies have finally gone to sleep and I get my "me time", I can get encouragement and inspiration to do things i always think i cant! So thanks!!

    <3Vanessa D. 23

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  102. I'm a little late, but I had to comment on how young you look for 47! :-)
    I turned 30 in May. That was a bit of a shock. haha

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  103. Wow ... if I look that great at 47 I'll be pleased .. you SO do not look your age at all!! :-)

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