My Birthday 2011

It seems as though everyone approaches the concept of a birthday differently.  There are those that do not want a fanfare, those who don't even want to acknowledge the passing of another year, those that want a billboard announcing the big day, and those who want to celebrate for an entire week.  I think I fall pretty much in the middle of the spectrum.  I love birthdays.  A huge deal doesn't need to made of mine; I don't care to tell everyone I see that it is my birthday and I don't need a big party.  But I do like to reflect on the year that has past and celebrate a little bit, and I love to celebrate other people's birthdays.  Birthdays are special.  And frankly, I would much rather look forward to and celebrate the passing of another year than to dread getting older.

This year, my birthday started like this...

The Red dishes only get used on special days.  Thanks to John, the Red Mug was waiting for me when I went to get my coffee.

And ended like this...

Our power went out at around 7PM and didn't come back on until about 11:30.  I got to blow out numerous candles for my birthday.

And, in between, included moments like this...



Ice cream is a must on Mom's birthday, even if the flavor Mom wanted was unavailable.


Other highlights:
The first words out of Cortlan's mouth in the morning were to wish me a happy birthday...with no reminders or prompting from anyone.  And Everly repeated the phrase every time Cortlan said it.

The kids presented me handmade birthday cards, with words carefully written by Cortlan, and lots of Scotch tape to top off the decorations.

A co-worker surprised me (truly surprised me) in the middle of lunch with a delicious cake that had the perfect amount of chocolate icing and a layer of banana pudding in the middle.  Yum!

Dinner was also delicious, and Cortlan was quick to tell the waitress that it was my birthday (and he told everyone at his school, too, I should add.)

I got a fabulous gift from my husband - time.