Shhhh ... this is a post from Dawn's husband and family.
Dawn is reaching a very special milestone this year ... she's turning 40!
Over these past few years, blogging has become very important to her - not just as an outlet to reflect on our family's doings and to stay in touch with friends, but also as a way of connecting with so many others who share her interests.
So, please join us in celebrating this event by checking out the photo album to the left of this post, and wish her well by leaving a comment below.
Of course, creating this blog couldn't have happened without her help ... but she promised not to read it until after her Birthday!
A very Happy 40th Birthday to you, Dawn! It seems I am in good company -- my birthday was on the 10th.
I appreciate your blog friendship so much. I would be hard pressed to count the number of activites in our homeschool, and the books on my shelf that have been inspired by you. Thank you for sharing your ideas and yourself with all of us in blogworld.
God Bless You!
Posted by: Sue | 01/12/2009 at 04:37 AM
Happy, Happy Birthday to you Dawn! You truly are an inspiration to me! Thank you so much for sharing of yourself with the blog world. You have made a difference in my life. Often times, I think of you as a friend...even though we have never spoken. May God richly bless you on this day and always.
Posted by: Nancy | 01/12/2009 at 04:44 AM
Happy Birthday! You continue to inspire me every time I log on. I have not yet made the Big Decision about homeschooling... but you make it look like such fun, I may just have to give it a try!
God bless you and yours.
Posted by: Rachael | 01/12/2009 at 05:18 AM
Happy Birthday! Hope you have a great day :)
Turned 40 nearly two years ago and have enjoyed my 40s tremendously so far, may you do as well.
Posted by: Missus Wookie | 01/12/2009 at 05:25 AM
A Very Happy Birthday!
I love reading your blog and, while we don't homeschool, it has definitely been a reminder of how important the role of a mother truly is to her children. My life, and my children's, has been touched very profoundly by your kindness and dedication to your family.
God bless!
Posted by: Casey | 01/12/2009 at 05:35 AM
Happy birthday Dawn!! Thank you for sharing yourself with us. You are a blessing to so many! Prayers for all wonderful things this year. Love,
Posted by: Amy | 01/12/2009 at 05:55 AM
Happy Birthday, Dawn!
You are an inspiration to so many people, including those you've never met. (Like me!) Thank you for sharing your homeschooling plans, ideas and successes. In the quiet hours of the morning, as I prepare for my day, I sometimes like to sip my coffee and read your blog.
May all your birthday wishes come true!
Posted by: Rebecca | 01/12/2009 at 05:58 AM
Happy 40th Dawn!!!
Posted by: Kathryn | 01/12/2009 at 06:01 AM
Many happy returns of the day! Your blog has been such a blessing to me. Thank you so much for all the time and energy you put into it!
Posted by: Teri in VA | 01/12/2009 at 06:08 AM
Happy Birthday! I have LOVED being in my forties and I hope the years are as good to you as they have been to me. Thanks for sharing yourself and your family with so many.
Posted by: Sarah | 01/12/2009 at 06:18 AM
Oh, Happy 40th Birthday, Dawn!
How blessed you are to have such a sweet family. Thank you for sharing all your ideas with us through your blog. I've gleaned so many ideas that have helped my little homeschool.
Have a wonderful birthday! I also turn 40 this year, and I'm finding I can't way. 40 ROCKS!
Jen in Maine
Posted by: Jennifer Draper | 01/12/2009 at 06:24 AM
Happy Birthday, Dawn! I have to tell you,when I started to read Bill's message, I thought, "hey, Dawn's a couple years older than me.". Then I realized that I turn 40 this year too. Enjoy celebrating this day with your boys and your 2nd-best-husband-ever!
Posted by: Sherri | 01/12/2009 at 06:33 AM
Oh, Dawn, Happy Birthday! You are such a treasure and joy to so many paople, not just your husband and your sons andthe rest of your IRL family and friends. So many of my blogging friends *know* you, and we all love you! have a wonderful day, my friend. And welcome to the club!
Posted by: Paula in MN | 01/12/2009 at 06:35 AM
Have a lovely birthday Dawn, and here's to many more years of your wonderful blog. I love taking a peek into your life every day! With love from across the ocean here in England.
Posted by: Rachael | 01/12/2009 at 06:36 AM
Dawn
Happy 40th birthday. More candles means you can make an even bigger wish.
Love, Kemys
Posted by: Kemys | 01/12/2009 at 06:42 AM
Wishing you a very Happy Birthday! My mornings just aren't complete without checking in to see what interesting ideas you are sharing. My daughters (teens you know) roll there eyes when I say something like, oh, my blog friend vacationed where we used to go ( I swear we have the same tree in our photo of that NH campground - the name escapes must need more coffee..), or she likes Ina Garten too (OMG you met her?!) anyhoo, have a wonderful day and thank you for everything!
Posted by: Tamsen Lantych | 01/12/2009 at 06:55 AM
Happy 40th birthday. Your blog is such an inspiration. Thank you. I hope you have a wonderful day!
Posted by: Pam | 01/12/2009 at 07:09 AM
A very Happy 40th Birthday to you Dawn (been there, it does not hurt at all ;)! Your blog is very inspiring and a lot of fun to read.
Posted by: Maria in NC | 01/12/2009 at 07:17 AM
Happy Birthday Dawn! You are a beautiful lady, inside and out! I enjoy keeping up with your blog. I'm a list maker, binder loving, journaling mom too!
May God continue to bless you and your family with health and serenity!
Posted by: Betty | 01/12/2009 at 07:19 AM
Happy 40th, Dawn, from an older (but surely not wiser) friend! Don't worry--it just gets better & better from here. :)
Posted by: Margaret in Minnesota | 01/12/2009 at 07:22 AM
Happy Birthday Miss Dawn!
More than once your lovely blog has breathed life into our homeschool. You are such a blessing to many. Thank you for being such a giver.
Bless you, your loving husband and beautiful family.
Posted by: amy | 01/12/2009 at 07:23 AM
Happy Birthday to someone who is an important part of my morning routine. (Thank you Bill for buying that new computer!) Being over 40 myself, I can tell you it only gets better and better. Enjoy the journey! Blessings to you and your family.
Posted by: Linda M. | 01/12/2009 at 07:26 AM
Happy,happy birthday Dawn. You are such an inspiration and deserve the very best. May God bless you on this special day.
Posted by: Carolyn | 01/12/2009 at 07:37 AM
Happy Happy Birthday Dawn!
Posted by: Susan | 01/12/2009 at 07:44 AM
Happy Birthday Dawn! I have only recently found your blog, but enjoy it a great deal. The 40s are a great place to be... I am 47 and still lovin' it. Not sure about 50 though LOL
Posted by: Kerri | 01/12/2009 at 07:44 AM
As a nervous new mother of a very young son (now with another on the way in just a few months), I have found such peace through your blog. To "watch" you raise your sons into kind, sensitive, and thoughtful men has been a true inspiration. Wishing you a wonderful and love-filled birthday.
Posted by: Esther | 01/12/2009 at 07:48 AM
Happy 40th Dawn! I will soon be following you in this milestone myself. Thank you so much for providing me beauty and inspiration so many mornings this past year!
Posted by: Kerry | 01/12/2009 at 07:51 AM
Dawn,
I also just turned 40 this month. Happy Birthday to you! I enjoy you blog so much. I can't tell you how much our family has changed since reading about your life with your family. You have breathed a fresh breath of life into us. I feel I have become a better mom because of you and your ideas. We are also homeschoolers and voracious readers. Tell Bill that we also are in the same boat 1/3 grocery, 1/3 books/ ed. material. Although, I would hate to figure out how much I have spent on either!lol.
You have such a wonderful husband to take the time to put together this special post! God has richly blessed you, my friend.
Happy Birthday from a fellow homeschooling mom,
Teresa
Posted by: Teresa | 01/12/2009 at 07:52 AM
Happy birthday Dawn! I love reading your blog and picking up great ideas from you. You're wonderful and I hope you have a fantastic day.
Posted by: Diana | 01/12/2009 at 07:53 AM
Happy Birthday Dawn! Thanks for all the inspirational posts! I love your blog and don't go a day without checking it. :)
Posted by: Jenna | 01/12/2009 at 07:54 AM
Happy 40th Birthday, Dawn! Not only do you inspire us through your blog, we are all so blessed each time we get together with you during our homeschool group activities. Yes, you are just as cheerful in person as you are on your blog and we all love you for it. What a great husband and wonderful family you have. Happy Birthday!
Cherice
Posted by: Cherice | 01/12/2009 at 07:57 AM
Happy birthday, Dawn!!! From a lurker that has enjoyed your blog for some time!! Thank you for sharing...enjoy your day!
Blessings,
Sandy in PA
Posted by: Sandy in PA | 01/12/2009 at 07:59 AM
"happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you" musical notes are not available on these comments! Hope you day is a great one.
Posted by: Marcia | 01/12/2009 at 08:03 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAWN!! Thank you for sharing your life with all of us. I so look forward to reading your blog everyday. You bless my little world in many ways!
Much love and many prayers,
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Lapeyrouse | 01/12/2009 at 08:07 AM
Happy Birthday, Dawn, from all of us! May your next 40 years be blessed, peaceful, and happy! :-) It was a joy to be able to meet you and your family in real life, and I hope that we will be coming your way again soon. :-)
Posted by: Angel | 01/12/2009 at 08:07 AM
Many blessings to you on your birthday dear! You are such a lovely friend and blogging inspiration. I hope your day is as bright and lovely as you are!
Posted by: Mary Ellen Barrett | 01/12/2009 at 08:08 AM
Happy Birthday Dawn!
I've been a lurker on your blog for quite some time now and it has been an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing your ideas and your cheerful spirit!
Posted by: Jennifer | 01/12/2009 at 08:08 AM
Happy, happy birthday! Your ideas and organization and genuine joy in your life and family make you a treasure to read. Thanks!
Posted by: Jen Lynch | 01/12/2009 at 08:11 AM
Just wanted to say -- Bill did a great job with the photo album. What a guy :-)
Posted by: Angel | 01/12/2009 at 08:13 AM
Happy Birthday to you! Enjoy your special day!
Posted by: Amelia | 01/12/2009 at 08:13 AM
Happy Birthday Dawn! Have a blessed day and thank you for your blog.
Posted by: Kim | 01/12/2009 at 08:14 AM
Happy Birthday, Dawn! I love your
blog!
Posted by: Emma | 01/12/2009 at 08:15 AM
Happy Birthday!! You are such an inspiration to me. My son just turned 3 and I have hopes of homeschooling him. I consider myself somewhat organized, but am learning TONS from you. I love your blog!
Thank you and Happy Birthday!@
Posted by: Cinda Nordin | 01/12/2009 at 08:17 AM
Happy Birthday Dawn! You are always an inspiration to me! Around my house you are known as "Boston Dawn" so that my Husband knows who I am speaking of when I am sharing another one of your great ideas with him!
Posted by: Shannon | 01/12/2009 at 08:17 AM
Happy Birthday Dawn! I have been reading your blog for awhile. Our family has been homeschooling for years but we are new Catholics. Your blog always inspires me to reach higher. Thanks for the great example.
Posted by: Wanda | 01/12/2009 at 08:18 AM
Happy Birthday, Dawn. What a sweet idea from your husband. I hope you have a lovely day today!
Posted by: Crisanne | 01/12/2009 at 08:20 AM
Happy Birthday Dawn!!! I love your blog and check it daily!! Thanks for all the inspiration!! God Bless you and your family!!
Gina in Chicago
Posted by: Gina Schiltz | 01/12/2009 at 08:26 AM
Happy Birthday! By the way, I nominated you for an award for being a Kreativ blogger.
God bless you on your special day!
Posted by: Koko's mama | 01/12/2009 at 08:27 AM
Happy Birthday Dawn! My favorite way to start my day is by reading your blog. You have really inspired me to celebrate the holidays and seasons more with my boys. And I love your book basket suggestions.
I'm also turning 40 this month - on the 21st instead of the 12th. I didn't know we had that in common also. :-)
And Bill - I would say Dawn is a pretty lucky girl too.
Posted by: Greta | 01/12/2009 at 08:30 AM
Happy Birthday Dawn! Enjoy your day! Thank you for your lovely blog -- I read it everyday.
Posted by: Angele | 01/12/2009 at 08:35 AM
I agree with your husband that he is a lucky man, but...given what I see here, you are a blessed woman! Happy birthday, Dawn!
Posted by: Patty | 01/12/2009 at 08:37 AM
Happy 40th, Dawn! I pray you have a day full of blessings... if Bill's early morning blog surprise is any indication of what's in store for you, I'm sure it will be a terrific birthday. I hope you enjoy every bit of it and I'll look forward to seeing lots of pictures later this week.
Posted by: Lisa T. | 01/12/2009 at 08:37 AM
Happy Birthday Dawn ! At 11.45am, forty years ago, a wonderful gift came into our lives. The joy of raising you and watching your life grow and bloom has been a gift that keeps on giving, as the saying goes! We love you, my dear girl. Have a wonderful day and we will see you later today!! Love, Mum & Dad
Posted by: Mum and Dad | 01/12/2009 at 08:42 AM
Dawn,
I hope you have a wonderful day and a fabulous year. May God bless you abundantly as you bless of all of us with your joyful spirit!
Love,
Mary Chris
Posted by: Mary Chris | 01/12/2009 at 08:46 AM
Happy Birthday Dawn! I love sitting down and reading your blog with my coffee each morning.
Posted by: Sarah | 01/12/2009 at 08:46 AM
Happy Birthday Dawn!!! As the mother of three boys myself, I can not be grateful to you enough for your blog. Your creativity in bringing the Catholic faith alive for your boys has inspired me to do the same. I have used so many of your ideas! You are a gift to so many people who haven't even met you. We all thank God for you today - on your birthday!! Michelle From Indiana
Posted by: Michelle Palazzo | 01/12/2009 at 08:47 AM
Happy Birthday, Dawn!! And thank you for sharing so much with all of us! Your writing is so uplifting!
Posted by: Tami | 01/12/2009 at 08:55 AM
Happy Birthday Dawn. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Jo | 01/12/2009 at 09:03 AM
Happy Birthday! 40 was not as bad as I thought. The boys all say Happy Bday, too. Hope to see you soon.
Posted by: Beth | 01/12/2009 at 09:03 AM
Happy Birthday Dawn! For me the 40s have been the BEST YEARS so far! Have a fabulous day and give your sweet husband a big hug.
Posted by: Vicki | 01/12/2009 at 09:04 AM
Happy, happy birthday Dawn, thanks for making us a small part of your very rich life! Oh, and by the way, it's all downhill from here! ;-) What a sweetly done album by your dh! I look forward to being enriched by your blog for a long, long time to come!
Posted by: Irina | 01/12/2009 at 09:04 AM
Happy Bithday, Dawn!!! Thanks for being such an inspiration to us and have a great day.
Posted by: Hope | 01/12/2009 at 09:08 AM
Happy Birthday! What a beautiful picture tribute to a wonderful person, God Bless You on your wonderful day!
Posted by: Patti Ragone | 01/12/2009 at 09:10 AM
How very clever of your dh! Happiest of birthdays, thank you for sharing yourself with us, and come on into 40, the water's fine!
Posted by: mamalion | 01/12/2009 at 09:17 AM
Happy birthday, Dawn! I so enjoy your blog and the many new inspirations you bring to our homeschool. Hope you have a very wonderful day!
Posted by: Jo | 01/12/2009 at 09:18 AM
What a neat idea. Happy Birthday, Dawn! Though I haven't comment before, I just had to tell you that I really enjoy your blog. It often brightens my day and has inspired me in my homeschooling endeavors. Blessings!
Posted by: Heidi | 01/12/2009 at 09:19 AM
happy Birthday! Life over 40 is wonderful -- I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Posted by: GailV | 01/12/2009 at 09:22 AM
Hey Dawn-- I was just telling a friend this past week that there are very few blogs that I absolutely don't miss on a daily basis. Yours is one of the two!! (You share this distinction with Elizabeth Foss.) I enjoy your posts and the inspiration you provide so much-- thanks for inspiring me on the days I don't feel like putting effort into being a wife, mom, homeschooler and homemaker. I need the daily prodding that your blog provides.
Keep up the good work but first-- have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Posted by: Marybeth Whalen | 01/12/2009 at 09:23 AM
Happy 40th! I've gleaned so much inspiration, comfort and great ideas from your blog -- may your next 40 years be just as wonderful!
Posted by: sharyn | 01/12/2009 at 09:27 AM
Happy Birthday Dawn. I just "left" 40 the other day. Have a blessed year.
Posted by: Mary Ann Bernard | 01/12/2009 at 09:33 AM
Happy
Birthday, Dawn. What a sweet dh! I hope you have a wonderful celebration.
Posted by: Kysha | 01/12/2009 at 09:34 AM
Happy 40th Dawn! I enjoy your blog so much -- I'm always so inspired and hopeful after reading. Have a lovely day!
Posted by: Erin | 01/12/2009 at 09:34 AM
Happy Birthday, Dawn! What a sweet gift your husband has given us to be able to share in your day. You are such an inspiration to me. I also am the mother of three boys and have used so many of your ideas! You are a dear friend to so many people who haven't even met you. May God bless you abundantly this year!
Michelle in FL
Posted by: Michelle | 01/12/2009 at 09:37 AM
Happy birthday dear Dawn!
Posted by: Caroline | 01/12/2009 at 09:39 AM
Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful, wonderful day!
Posted by: Jen | 01/12/2009 at 09:42 AM
Happy Birthday. I love reading your blog. Your writing has helped me embrace a more creative attitude towards homeschooling my little ones. You've given all of such wonderful ideas, insights, and yes of course, ways to become more organized.
God Bless...The Ipp Family
Posted by: Megan | 01/12/2009 at 09:44 AM
Although I've never left a comment before (I've been reading your blog for some time now), I have to today because of your husband's wonderful idea!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAWN...MAY GOD BLESS YOU!
Thank you for blogging, as a homeschooler, I find your posts inspiring. And we've checked out many of your book basket suggestions from our library :o)
Enjoy your day and the year ahead!
Posted by: alison | 01/12/2009 at 09:45 AM
Happy Birthday!
Life truly does begin in an entirely fresh way at 40. :)
Posted by: Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks&Me | 01/12/2009 at 09:46 AM
Happy birthday, Dawn! Thanks so much for sharing your family with us through your blog!
Posted by: Layla | 01/12/2009 at 09:50 AM
Happy 40th Birthday Dear Dawn! I have so enjoyed reading your blog and looking at the pictures you post. Thank you for sharing your vision, giving us a look into your sweet, precious world, and for inspiring mothers everywhere! May God bless you and your family this day and always!
Posted by: Nichole | 01/12/2009 at 09:53 AM
Happy Birthday!
I've never commented before, but thanks a million for your blog. I am not a born organized person, but your way of planning resonates with me. It has/is really helping me to be the cozy/happy mom that I want to be for God and my family.
May God Bless you abundantly on this day and always!
In Christ,
Cristin
Posted by: homeschool mom | 01/12/2009 at 09:55 AM
Happy Birthday, Dawn from Montana! You have inspired me through your lovely blog. God bless you!
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa M. | 01/12/2009 at 09:56 AM
Happy Birthday, Dawn! What a beautiful way for your husband to show you how much you are loved. Thank you for all the information and inspiration to pass along to us. Just last night we were looking at the BIG moon because of you, I knew why it was big. May your year be richly blessed. Christa
Posted by: Christa | 01/12/2009 at 09:58 AM
Happy 40th!! Thank you so much for your blog. I find so much to feed on and so many wonderful ideas...you are a blessing!
Posted by: Lola | 01/12/2009 at 09:59 AM
Happy Birthday, Dawn!!!!
Posted by: KC | 01/12/2009 at 10:03 AM
Happy Birthday wonderful Mama .. thanks for all your inspiration.
Denise - in a very wet and cold UK
xx
Posted by: Denise | 01/12/2009 at 10:03 AM
Happy Birthday! Dawn, what a beautiful pictures and memories! Have a wonderful and blessed birthday with your 4 adoring men!
God Bless!
Posted by: Stacy | 01/12/2009 at 10:04 AM
Happy Birthday Dawn from Daytona Beach, FL!
Enjoy your day!!! Thank you for your lovely blog.
Posted by: Kathy Sadowski | 01/12/2009 at 10:07 AM
I commented before I saw those pictures. Dawn, you are a beautiful person inside and out. Your husband was so sweet in his comments. Happy Birthday, dear friend.
Posted by: KC | 01/12/2009 at 10:09 AM
Happy Birthday Dawn-I hope it's the greatest ever!
Posted by: Jennifer | 01/12/2009 at 10:09 AM
Happy Birthday Dawn! Many thanks for all the inspiration you bring to us!
Posted by: Jennifer | 01/12/2009 at 10:11 AM
Happy Birthday, Dawn..You have so helped me get out of the homeschool blahs on days..Thank you...Happy Birthday from The good ole state of Alabama......
Robin
Posted by: Robin | 01/12/2009 at 10:11 AM
Happy Birthday. Here's wishing you a wonderful day (week).
grace
Posted by: Grace | 01/12/2009 at 10:13 AM
Happy Birthday!!! lois
Posted by: lois in Indy | 01/12/2009 at 10:19 AM
Happy Birthday Dawn! Thank you for sharing your life and the goings on of your household with the rest of the world. I come to your blog daily for inspiration in homeschooling, organization, craft ideas, and sometimes just a pick me up. Your blog is like a warm hug. I don't think a day goes by that I don't say to my husband "Dawn recommended..." and then have to explain to him who you are yet again. You have touched so many people without ever meeting most of them.
God Bless you and your family!
Posted by: Kim F. | 01/12/2009 at 10:22 AM
Happy 40th!! You are an inspiration and I love reading your blog. I hope you have a wonderful birthday.
Posted by: Jen | 01/12/2009 at 10:24 AM
Happy, Happy Birthday, Dawn!! Thanks for sharing so much of your life with all of us!
Posted by: Lisa | 01/12/2009 at 10:28 AM
Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day and feel loved on and spoiled by your sweet family!
Posted by: stephanie | 01/12/2009 at 10:32 AM
What a beautiful family, and what a beautiful lady. Dawn, I come by your "place" everyday for a dose of beauty, grace and inspiration. If I could pick only one blog to visit everyday, it would be yours, hands down. Your influence spans into other countries: we're in Canada! My husband and children know who "Dawn" is! My family is better for "knowing" you, and I am too.
I hope to spend many more years 'by Sun and Candlelight'!
God bless you on your fortieth birthday and always, Dawn!
Posted by: Mary | 01/12/2009 at 10:33 AM
Happy 40th birthday, Dawn! May this year be full of more blessings of faith, family and home that you so clearly love. Blessings on you this day and may your celebration be sweet and full of lots of laughter!
Amy
Posted by: Amy | 01/12/2009 at 10:34 AM