Thursday, November 18, 2010

Thirty-seven

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Yesterday, I turned 37.

The Husband was out of town, and, knowing this, we had already planned to celebrate over the weekend. I was fine with it; after all, a birthday past the age of 20 is really just another day. But the children could not stand the thought of an actual birthday day passing without fanfare.

So Mack got up and made me french toast and sausage for my breakfast. Of course, he also remembered as he was plating it up that he needed to be at school early, and did I mind finishing cooking my own sausage when I got home from giving him a ride? And, oh, yeah, we need to leave like RIGHT NOW, MOM!

I didn't mind.

And it was still delicious when I got home 20 minutes later.

Hannah had a special card hidden in her room, something she had worked on for days and days. It was beautifully decorated, thoughtfully worded, and still applicable for next year's birthday, as she thought I was turning 38.

I didn't mind. I loved it anyway.

Chase had one of his specialties all ready to go: the birthday hug. And he proceeded to squeeze my soft, squishy middle no less than 13 times before going out the door, and easily that many times when he got home. Of course, he was hoping to schmooze his way into being able to light the match that lit the candles on my cake.

I didn't mind. I'll take a hug from my big, jointy boy anyway.

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The birthday dinner was leftover spaghetti, and the birthday cake was made for me by my lovelies. It was topped with neon green frosting, sprinkles, and only three candles, but it was delicious.

And you know what? I wouldn't trade this birthday party for all the glamorous, grown-up parties in the world. THIS is the meat that life is made of. The crooked cake, cold sausage, and leftovers are what make my life greater than the sum of its parts. These are the things I will remember when their babies are making a birthday party for them. This is the story I will laugh about on the phone with the Husband tonight, when he gingerly asks if I had a good day.

This is the good stuff.

A happy birthday, indeed.

30 comments:

Thelma said...

Happy Birthday. This post made me happy. I like your kids.

Holly said...

What a perfect celebration! Love the way your lovelies spoiled you.
Happy, happy birthday to you (a little late)!!

D-dawg said...

Happy Birthday Christie! And you're right- when they try so hard it is just so sweet. You should be proud you've raised such nice kids.

Cathy said...

Happy birthday! Welcome to 37! You've got some great kids there. I can't wait for the day when mine will make me breakfast and a crooked cake. I will probably be 47 by the time that happens. It's ok. I can wait.

jen@odbt said...

Happy Birthday!!! Sounds like a beautiful day to me and even better that the celebration carries to the weekend. Enjoy!

Travelin'Oma said...

You have awesome kids. Someone has taught them well!

I remember my kids making me breakfast in bed for my birthday once. It was cereal with water (because we were out of milk.) Even that is a totally sweet memory. Hope your new year is as happy as your birthday!

Kimberly said...

It sounds perfect. What sweeties! I'm glad it was great.

Linsey said...

What a perfectly perfect party. Happy Birthday!

Jeanelle said...

You were totally on my mind yesterday (and not just because McDonalds gave me a freaking regular coke instead of a diet coke even AFTER I questioned the 16 year old girl handing it to me. I didn't taste it until I'd driven a few miles down the road.) Anyway, now I know why I was thinking of you! Happy birthday, dear friend. And that last picture of you? Hubba hubba. I love the knowing look in your eye. I also love the green frosting on that cake because it's THICK! Cake was invented just to give us the opportunity to eat frosting...you knew that, didn't you? xoxo

brooke said...

You have thoughtful kids. That last photo of you is so beautiful. I think it is my favorite ever.

Happy Birthday!

Jessica Rodarte said...

Happy birthday, Christie!
Sounds like a charming birthday. Their sincerity and beautiful hearts shine through the "imperfections."

Elizabeth said...

Happy Birthday To You! You are so right, life is gorgeous in all its mundane glory. Your kids are amazing and you look stellar on your 37th B Day.

Annie said...

Here's to your awesome, wonderful self. You wear 37 very, very well.

Anonymous said...

Wow, happy birthday, Stie! I LOVE this post! Your blog always makes me so happy!

Juli said...

Happy Birthday to you! My kids always want to make me breakfast in bed... which usually involves me getting out of bed to help them.

4ever said...

Happy, Happy Birthday!!! I'm glad that you had a nice day - your kiddos are beyond sweet and thoughtful. I'll be turning 37 next month... or is it 38...I can never remember. Unfortunately I'll be celebrating by going on the Walk and Knock with the cub scouts. I hope that I can have as gracious of an attitude about turning one year older. It is, as you say, those little moments that really count!

shilo said...

Happy birthday! I'm soooo glad it was a good one and the kidlets treated you well!

Chatter said...

Happy Birthday to a wonderful mama, raising three delightful children. What a wonderful day :)

Amy at Ameroonie Designs said...

Happy Birthday! Thank you for your thoughtful words, your openness and your humor. You brighten my day! Enjoy celebrating YOU (us moms don't do that enough!)

Beckie Steele said...

I love your lovelies! Such keepers!!!!

Amanda D said...

Yay for happy birthays! Glad you had a wonderful day.

Lauren in GA said...

Happy, Happy, Birthday, Stie!!

I am glad you had a happy one. Your kids are ga ga over you and that is so wonderful.

The neon green frosting looks pretty fantastic. It is actually a really lovely shade of green.

Becky said...

Glad you appreciated your day. 37 is not so bad, right? I quite like it.

melissa ( : said...

You are young enough to be my sister! ( ;

Anna said...

37 looks so good on you!!! Happy wishes coming your way. Love you, A

crystal said...

What thoughtful children! And your 37-year old skin is beautiful. I'm totally jealous.

Happy late birthday, darling friend!
xo

Liz said...

Okay, I just logged into my internet after a super long absence. I'm glad you are back, too and that everything is okay. We should talk, soon. I'm in need of some Stie Therapy.

Liz said...

Oh, and Happy Birthday, Beautiful!

Becca @ My Crazy Good Life said...

Happy belated birthday!!!It looks like you had the best celebration ever!

Cindy said...

I am a little late... but I'm so glad to hear that your sweet children took care of you on your birthday. Glad to hear you had a nice one! Happy Birthday!