Happy, Happy Birthday to Me!

Birthdays have never been a huge deal to me. Don't get me wrong, I try to make them a big deal for the kids which often results in a multi day event now dubbed "Birthday Week." But for me, not so big a deal. Usually all I ask is that I get out of cooking and someone tells me Happy Birthday.

But last year was the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back. The day of my birthday found us days away from movers showing up at our door and a house that wasn't completely packed yet. To say that I was feeling some pressure was an understatement. I was packing and working on a long list of projects that needed to be tackled before the day of the big move which started practically at sunrise and ended long after sunset. My birthday was no different and the boys, who were mourning the leaving of friends and significant others. were gone most of the day. Throw in dealing with a 10 month old, along with a 5 and 10 year old, and I was one cranky momma. So it came as no surprise that when Ross popped in around 3:00 in the afternoon to just grab something and go about his merry way, I lost it. I'm not proud of this fact, and I don't recall the entire contents of my verbal barrage (which incidentally continued on throughout the day to make sure no one was sparred) but I do remember using phrases such as "the least someone could do is say Happy Birthday" and "I'm going to remember this when it's your birthday."

One of my finer moments, for sure.

Needless to say, this year my birthday was remembered, and remembered well. For weeks my children having been asking me what I wanted for my birthday and secretly scheming planning.

Today was my birthday and I had told my children that the only things I coveted were sleeping past 8 am and not cooking the entire day. So promptly at 8:01 I was awaken by Julia and Jenna singing Happy Birthday. As I was about to roll over and beg for more sleep, I saw that they were carrying a tray of food, breakfast in fact, and it was good food. Breakfast in bed. I dined on a feast of bacon, scrambled eggs and toast. When I was finished, I was lead downstairs (blindfolded-- I accused them of planning to push me down the stairs) and into the living room where I received a mini spa treatment which included a hand rub, back scratch and a facial. Now this is the life.

Later I got ready for my sister-in-law Janne' to pick me up and take me out to lunch. We had a wonderful afternoon which included a delicious lunch, a mini shopping trip to by Janne' some clothes and a trip to Starbucks. Ah, Starbucks...

(I will add that Janne' felt it wrong to be shopping for her when it was my birthday but I told her I refused to buy myself any more clothes until I lost weight because I was no longer going to enable my fatness.)

Janne' took me home, announcing that she had to go to the bathroom before driving herself about a half mile home and I didn't find that unusual at all. Some days I can be so obtuse.

We walked into the house where I was greeted with Surprise! It was a surprise party-- for me!

{Yes, that is a Starbucks cup in my hand}

Julia, Jenna and Cody had picked up the house and decorated it with streamers and signs. Julia had even invited a couple of my neighbors Lori and Kristin. Also in attendance where my parents, my brother Rick and my nephews Dillon and Zach. Kevin and Janne' had to tag team because my niece Caitlin was sick.

The theme was a tea party and they got every conceivable treat you could think of to go with tea.

My cake says "32." I tell everyone that I'm 31 so Trace decided that it was finally time for me to age a year. (Okay, okay, I'm really 45.)

Next it was time for gifts. The bag says Sassy Pants and I'm pointing to my pants to show that indeed, I am Sassy Pants. Carey will be quite proud of me because that gift bag has been recycled countless times in this house, including being used for my father's birthday gift a few nights earlier.
Emma was wanting to help open cards and gifts. Notice I'm "hiding" a card on top of my head. Old and talented.

The kids all pooled their money together and bought me an iPod Touch. My nephew Zach is looking over my shoulder asking if he can have it if I don't want it. Sure Zach, stand in line. I also got a spa gift certificate from Ross and a large rattan chest from Trace, Cody and Julia to hide the toys in the living room. I guess it really does pay to complain.

Soon after everyone left we found Jenna on the living room floor--

Asleep. I guess all that partying wore her out. Light weight.

PS> I really expected nothing from my children this year other than the opportunity for someone else to provide the meals for the day and for my birthday to be acknowledged. My children went far and beyond what they should have done and they will be punished severely for spending so much of their own money.