Happy Birthday to Me!

Friday was my birthday. I had to work, but I worked from home and Fridays are generally slow and a shorter day, so it wasn't bad. I started my day with exercise and a healthy breakfast shake (made my Thomas of course). Hopefully, that means getting the year off to a positive start. Each of the kids came downstairs and immediately wished me happy birthday. Except Luke, who came downstairs and said, "Happy Friday!" while giving me a mischievous grin. He asked me if I thought he forgot, then, he wished me a happy birthday too. 

After work, we started on one of my requests--two days of games. I laid out eight games I wanted to play and we got started. First, was Just One. Then, we played an old favorite Scattergories. We have had that game a long time, in fact, it predates the kids. It is fun to go through the box and see the old lists written by family and friends. Some of them I don't recognize and I wish we had people write their names on their papers. Regardless, it was nice to add to the collection.

Then, we went to Culver's for dinner. Following Culver's we had my very delicious, made from scratch by Kara, chocolate birthday cake. 

Then, presents! I know that I am difficult to shop for, I don't try to be, but I can never think of anything I want. I don't collect anything, I don't like clutter and I have everything I need. As my family well knows, my preference is always to spend money on vacations and experiences rather than things. So, I don't make it easy for them. But, they still managed to exceed expectations. Luke made me Mickey and Minnie Mouse out of beads; Jack gave me a coupon for 50 days of assistance in the kitchen, along with a very sweet note; Anna gave a fun watch band,

About a week before my birthday, Kara was asking what I wanted and I told her I wanted one of her famous home-made gifts. She has always made us very creative things, but she told me her crafting days were over. So, I was really glad that she hasn't lost her touch. She is way more creative than I have ever been. My mom was very creative and Kara is named after her, so I like to think she inherited the gene. She said this was the last time. I really hope not!

Thomas and I are going to a dinner at the Titanic Museum next week and he also got me a gift that is coming in the mail today (always fun when a birthday can extend over multiple days!). And, he has been celebrating my birthday all week--we went out to lunch at my chosen restaurants, he cooked dinners, and basically just catered to whatever I wanted all week. I was definitely well-celebrated!

After dinner, Anna and I went for a walk and then we all played game #3, Clue. And, in what can only be described as a birthday miracle--I won! The kids have demanded a rematch.

Anna and Kara liked posing the pieces.

It was one of my favorite birthdays! I really appreciated my gifts and Thomas and the kids were so kind and thoughtful all day. I felt loved and appreciated and special. There were lots of hugs and no one complained when they saw all the games I had planned for them. I also had calls, texts, emails, Facebook messages, etc., from friends and family, which was nice. When we went to bed, I told Thomas that I wished every day could be my birthday :)

So, happy birthday to me! Today, the boys have basketball and we will play more games. Then, tomorrow we get to celebrate Thomas. July is an amazing month!

Last bonus pictures, the girls both did Instagram "stories":