Birthdays

The day to be the star of the show. Sometimes when I slow down between running copies or dashing between pick-up and drop-off of my students, I see the kinderbabies at school proudly parading in their own special way with the Birthday crown teetering on each one of the precious heads and I think about how special we all used to feel. I have to admit with a middle August birthday, I was always so disappointed when my special day collided with the first day of school, or more tragic yet, fell just a bit too early to be serenaded by my classmates....Birthdays. In my house, the day was started with my dear mama assigning the chore of making the birthday girl's bed to a fellow sister. That was the best. And the trip downstairs to breakfast? I couldn't make it downstairs fast enough just to make sure this was hanging, just like it did every year, for every birthday star.



We hang it still for birthday parties. Like for my dad who must have requested chocolate cake for his special day.



Another tradition, requesting one's own birthday treat. And it centered on the kitchen table. With birthday cards framing the cake.

As far as what tradition this picture honors?



Not one. Just lovin' the fact that my dad ordered cowboy boots for his birthday and they now both say they were my mom's gift to him.

And this picture?



Well, I guess, this reminds me of how much joy birthdays bring? Or maybe just me embracing a proud mama moment showin' off my little El-belle with her Auntie Annie.

And this picture?



Just love these guys. Especially the really cute one in the middle.

Oh, birthdays. We also got to celebrate my sweet friend Kelli's bundle of joy this weekend.


Dear Brookelyn, we love you.


Chris got to carry all the fun stuff.


Gorgeous.


Sweet one year-old baby, gettin' her present time on.


I'll take a pair of those...for me! Love my friend Kelli, by the way. My fellow blog-reading, grading-date, girly-book-worm, teacher-mommy friend.


And daddy Joe. Gettin' into the birthday thing. That's a priceless look of love on this man's face, in case you were wondering.


But I think Brooke looks better in pink. And bows.

And speaking of sweet...

No idea how they were THIS beautiful AND scrumptious!


The classic birthday cake smash.


We tried a picture of all of us...Kelli and I were down for it...the little ones didn't get the memo...

Walking back to the car to go home after the bash, well, walking with Ellie takes a little more time these days...



You see, she just loves acorns.



But I love her...so it works.





And he loves her too...it kind of shows.

And her?



Well...she just loves life. As she should.
Birthdays. Just one more way to remember just how loved we are...

"Teach me to number my days, O Lord, that I may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12