Seth and Ashley did such a great job with my birthday. My boyfriend and best friend collaborated to throw me an amazing surprise 30th birthday party with a Beauty and the Beast theme! I could not have felt more loved.
Tons of friends were there – from work, church, choir and every other facet of my life – and Seth had rented out a “shared space” that Ashley decorated beautifully with silk roses under wine glasses, candelabras reminiscent of Lumiere, and stacks of books nodding at Belle’s (and my!) love of reading.
Seth brought along the corn hole boards he and I made together, and he surprised me with a homemade set of hillbilly golf because I’d mentioned in passing that I’d played it at camp one year and loved it. Twinkle lights lit up the rented back patio, and Seth grilled up venison from the deer I shot back in November, wrapping each delicious piece in bacon with cream cheese. Ashley’s coconut-pineapple cupcakes were a hit, especially since she – in all her amazing artistic talent – had decorated them with yellow icing in the shape of Belle’s ballgown.
I am not usually a fan of large gatherings, but I spent the evening surrounded by wonderful friends who are genuinely kind and loving, grounded and sincere. We laughed and sang and ate and played backyard games. A great time was had by all.
And at the end of the evening, Seth hugged me and kissed me and said over and over, “I like you so much.” And then, when all the guests had left and we were alone, he held me and asked, “Hey, did you know there was a Fusion pre-engagement session in April?”
I looked up at him, and he shook his head, laughing to himself. “Of course you knew. Thanks for not pushing it on me.”
I smiled. “You’re welcome.”
“Well,” he began softly, “Would you want to go to Fusion with me in April? I think we’re ready.”
My smile spread, and I snuggled up to him. I was surprised. “Yes. I’d like that a lot.”
He rubbed my back. “I was thinking we could go to the one at our church in April and then go again to the one in June being held by another church to see how different churches do it, with the added goal of maybe even being able to facilitate Fusion someday. What do you think about that?”
I tilted my head back to look up at him again. “I think that’s a great idea!” And I do.
It’s the culmination of so many parts of my life: my love of personality assessments, sharing wisdom from my own broken relationships, and getting to teach, train, encourage and mentor others. I love that my passions align with Seth’s and that such a huge part of our relationship is seeking out how we can serve together and minister to others. I think we make a great team, and I’m excited to see all that God has in store for us as a couple.
Authentically Aurora
Wonderful news. Happy birthday (again), and God’s blessings on your path the next twelve months. J.
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Thanks, J. I think it’s going to be a great year – one of the best ever 🙂
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Congratulations! Party set-up looked beautiful and I’m happy for you that it’s going well. C
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Happy Birthday 🙂 Sheesh if he would just read your blog he would have already known about fusion in April! hahaha jk jk That worked out so well 🙂
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LOL! Seriously. Haha. Silly Seth 😉
But really, everything is just coming together – from my relationship with Seth to my new career path… I feel absolutely showered with blessings. Life is good.
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Sounds like the perfect ending to a lovely event! So happy you had a wonderful time 🙂
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I’m glad things are going well for you, and birthday’s are the best especially when they are a surprise. And the Beauty and the Beast with the yellow cupcakes? Magical. I hope you enjoy Fusion and you will get the chance for Seth to say something the magical words that are above, “I really like you!”.
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Yeah… I’m hoping for more advanced words than just “I really like you!” 😉
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I think we both know what you are waiting for. And should have got a while ago. Have you said the more advanced words yet?
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Not yet 😦
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Are you not allowed to say that until him? Is that your kind of rule?
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Yeah. I’m trying to let him lead.
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You are so good. I’m hoping that you soon get the three words you are looking for.
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ME TOO. ❤
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This sounds so beautiful and like such an exciting time in your relationship as well as your life. Happy birthday! 🙂
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Thank you!!! 😀
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