The Never Ending Birthday

Remember when birthdays were fun? Back when we were kids? When they weren't just another day that blended into all the rest? I used to count down the days until my birthday, waiting in anticipation for the day that would be all about fun and surrounding myself with those I love. And good food. And presents. Ah...those were the days.

I cannot remember the last time I was excited...I mean REALLY excited for my birthday.

Until today. I woke up, knowing that girlfriends had plans for me all morning and afternoon.

I started out my Thursday as usual, with my Thursday Girlfriends - Robbin (left) and Bonnie (right) and some good coffee and some GREAT company. They showered me with birthday attention because they are dear, dear friends. Thanks, sweeties!

After my Thursday Girls and I were finished, Melissa (left) and Michelle (right) took me to my FAVORITE restaurant (San Pedro's Cafe) in Downtown Hudson for my FAVORITE lunch (Smoked Chicken Nachos and Iced Tea) . We all ordered something different, because while we are like three peas in a pod - we don't ALL like to order the same thing, do we? (wink, wink, Melissa!) Michelle harrassed the waiter, and I think we could have laughed and chatted for another three hours (isn't that always our problem, girls?), but we would have missed our movie...

Then, Shelly joined us and we saw Julie and Julia - great movie! Total Chick Flick! We all loved it, but if you do go to see that movie, here's a tip: plan to go out to eat afterwards. You are going to see a movie about food. You will leave hungry. You will wonder why you didn't force yourself to eat more of your Smoked Chicken Nachos at San Pedro Cafe. Really.

Everyone left the movie STARVING - even though we ate right before we went. Shelly had to take off, but the rest of us went to Cold Stone for ice cream. Then, we all went home and took some Alka-Seltzer. Seriously.

I came home to a sink full of dishes (and a garbage can full of batter..what HAVE these kids been up to?) and the front of my oven gift wrapped. Hmmmm....

It seems that my little Bridgette has been busy all day baking me cupcakes in ice cream cones - HER favorite! She even asked our friend across the street, Sue, to pick up some of the groceries. Sweet neighbors. Sweet daughter. And Aaron is on pins and needles because he cannot wait for me to open the gift he has purchased for me. He has been dying for me to open it since LAST NIGHT and we keep telling him, "Nope - not until Dad gets home from work." The anticipation is getting to him. I love my kids.

Well, Mike pulled in, so it's present time - how EXCITING!!!! My wonderful husband bugged out of a work meeting early so he could get home in time to take us out to dinner! Gotta go! I think I'm in the mood for the smallest salad on the menu, after all that food! I really just want to be with the ones I love - this has been THE BEST BIRTHDAY I can remember since I was a little girl!

I am so thankful that I have the friends and family that I have. The boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places for me. Surely I have a delightful inheritance. :)