Birthday Mama

My birthday got off to a fabulous start this morning. Yesterday Ben asked me what I'd like for my birthday breakfast and I said he's welcome to make whatever he'd like but really I think I'd prefer to sleep in. And I did. Ben took care of the kids and got them ready for school and I didn't emerge until the ridiculous time of 7:45. Yes. It was pretty great.

I was home most of the day and one of the highlights had to be when Eliza offered me a quarter from her savings "as an early birthday present." I reminded her that that money is reserved for when she's grown up and she let me know that if her husband doesn't have a motorcycle she will let him use her savings money to buy one.

After school I supervised and assisted a bit while the girls (mostly Cat) made my favorite boxed-cake-recipe. Cat was so sweet today and even worked extra hard yesterday to get ahead on her homework and piano practice so we could enjoy a more laid-back day today. Then when she won a prize from the prize box today she chose a wooden cut out of an elf and colored it and gave it to me as a gift.

We met some friends for dinner tonight then enjoyed cake together at the house. The girls had done a great job - the cake was delicious.

I had intermittent cards and gifts and calls and texts and Facebook messages from friends and family throughout the day, which was wonderful. I felt so special.

When I kissed Jack good night tonight he said, "Goodnight, Birthday Girl."

I am so blessed.