Older and Wiser? Probably not!

When I was a little girl, I LOVED my Birthday. I would tell anyone who would listen how many days it was before my birthday. Yep, even when I was turning 19-no kidding. Growing up, we were never taken out to dinner for our big day, or sent balloons at school or given really lavish gifts. I just always felt like it was "my day". My best friend growing up, lived just up the street from me and as we got older, we got very creative with our gifts. Sometimes we would wrap a little present over and over, in a bigger and bigger box. I still have the pillow case she made for me when we were seniors, and Yes, I remember what all the little symbols mean :) I have always loved Birthdays.

This year was one to celebrate because there wasn't a flower delivery van to bring me flowers, Nate delivered them himself. Flowers are a hard pill for me to swallow. I could think of other things to do with $75...that wouldn't die :) But, with not having a husband around for the last 2 birthdays, I came to appreciate the flowers that showed up at the door. No matter the distance, I knew I was thought of. And for a week or so, I had a visual reminder that someone loved me.

I love the excitement my kids have in watching someone open a gift, they have gifted. MyLeigh was so concerned all day that she didn't have a card for me. I had to run to the grocery store and told her she was welcome to come along and see what she could find. I promptly took her to the card aisle and showed her where to look. Then I told her that when she was done, she needed to walk to the end of the aisle and across the rest so she could find me. I honestly thought she would be there awhile and I would have to go back to get her. About 3 minutes later she was at my side with the biggest grin on her face. She was so excited about the card she found. She kept it pressed firmly to her chest through the rest of the store, let the checker swip it, and kept it covered till she got it home.

Reading MyLeigh's card

This is why she was so excited. I have been reading a TON of books since summer and it really bugs her that I don't use a bookmark. She always asks if I want to borrow one of hers. Well, now I have my own!

Mady was excited all day to give me her present. She practically pulled it out of the bag for me.

A Mini Pillow Pet, just like hers! She proudly told me that "now they can play together!"

Then the others had to get theirs for a group picture

I looked and looked for the cheese cake that I wanted, and ended up picking a Turtle Ice Cream cake. It wasn't too bad. Everyone ate it and no leftovers. Thank goodness cause this is the time of year that I feel like we eat some cake, throw it out, get another cake and repeat.