Rich, Heather and Alana’s Blog

Since we’d already celebrated with family, it was time to celebrate Rich’s 30th birthday with our dear friends. I sent out invitations a few weeks ago, and we had a great turnout last Friday night at our house for the party. Unfortunately, several friends couldn’t make it, because at the last minute Brad and Valerie decided to have a rehearsal dinner for their Chattanooga wedding ceremony (which was Saturday night). We missed them, but had a full house anyway! (Nathan and Amber were the photographers…check out their amazing shots from the wedding…click here).

It was a unique birthday party, because usually we have a group of Calvary friends who know each other and then a few other couples who we introduce into the Calvary group. But this time it was so interesting, because everytime the doorbell rang and someone else came in, we had to introduce them to everyone else. I guess we managed to invite a bunch of couples who didn’t know each other and didn’t even realize it until the party!!! We still had a great time, because all of our friends are awesome and incredibly welcoming and fun to be around. And now, hopefully, many of them will be good friends!

Here’s Rich with the pumpkin spice cake I made for him, again, with the “30″ on top We sang Happy Birthday to Rich and Nathan, who’s birthday was the Wednesday after Rich’s.

We took this incredible group shot…Rich had set up the tripod so that everyone could be in the picture! Let’s see…I think I would like to name everyone so that our out-of-town friends can get to know our Chattanooga friends!!! Jason and Kellie Dykast, Nathan and Amber Holritz (with Austen and Addison), Shanika Sexton, Mikey and Naomi Neidich, Rich Green, Adam and Niki Davenport, Chris Froehlich (Jennifer was out of town), Tim and Steph Blackiston (with Reece and Evan), Ashley and Christy Howe (with Emerald), and Jeff and Amber Read. Fun Times, guys!

A few of our friends had to leave at this point, and with the remaining buddies, we played a very interesting memory/strategy game that Kellie taught us. No one else had ever played, so Jason and Kellie were the only ones with an advantage.

We played two rounds. The guys won the first one fair and square…

…and the girls won the second round because I cheated. But it was okay, because it was a very obvious cheating, not a sneaky deceitful cheating

Anyway, Rich and I just want to thank everyone for their support, kindness, generosity, and love. We are so incredibly blessed to have such a support system and DO NOT take you for granted. I find myself counting my blessings constantly!

Speaking of generosity, Rich made out very well at his party!!! You all were NOT supposed to do so much! He got Lowe’s gift cards, Macaroni Grill gift cards, Rave Theater gift cards, a Wolf Camera gift card, the new David Crowder CD, and two AMAZING homemade Superman cards (from none other than the artistically-inclined Niki and Kellie). He even got some cash! Wow. Thank you all so much (I will benefit from all of these gifts, so it is most appropriate for me to thank you as well!).
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Then on Saturday, Rich and I went shopping for some shoes for the “Shoes for Orphan Souls” drive that Moody Broadcasting Network does every year. It is the coolest thing, because they collect brand new shoes and take them to different countries to actually put the shoes on the feet of orphans while loving on them in the name of Jesus. I think they even do a gospel presentation and give people an opportunity to respond. VERY cool. We were all excited to be part of it and found some really cute little sandals and I took a quick picture of them. We chose all the same pair since we wondered if they’d end up at the same village, there would be nothing for the kids to fight over! If you haven’t bought any shoes yet, it’s not too late! Target has some great shoes on the clearance rack! Like $3 a pair! And there are tons of drop-off locations around town.

Then on Monday night we went to Jason and Kellie’s house in Cleveland. They made homemade calzones which were delicious!!! Hello! I ate the whole thing! And Rich and I were under strict orders to bring a homemade cheesecake - New York Style. We had a great time with them and thoroughly enjoyed the food and the company.

Till next time! We love you guys!