Fifty-oneth

Yes, sure enough. I survived another year to celebrate number 51!!!! And what a great birthday it was. I was SOOO sick last year on my birthday. I had that horrible gomboo that leaves you with an eternal cough. I was coughing with every breath for my birthday last year. So, I really appreciated being well and strong for this one!

Yesterday morning, Dylan and I got up early and went to the new Harmons store Grand Opening. And what a "grand" place it is. It is certainly not your ordinary grocery store. One of the officials actually told us that there are only 4 other stores like it in the U.S. and they are all back east. I won't go into a lot of detail, but I will tell you that you MUST try their grapefruit gelato. It is to die for.

After our trip, we ran home and I grubbed down and started applying primer to the few things that needed it. Katie (who took the day off with me) showed up. I finished what I was doing, changed clothes again, then the three of us took off. By this time, Daniel (who was working at IKEA) was grumbling that he was hungry and would we please bring him food. We went to IKEA to deliver a box of mints to tide him over. (I don't think he was terribly pleased.) Then we went to Harmons and had lunch. We took a nice "rubber" tri-tip steak lunch back to him. (They misspelled "rubbed.") If you look at Katie's post, you will see a picture of Katie and myself wearing some very funny "hats." We're not sure what they really are, but they served as hats yesterday.

Once we got back home, Katie and I both grubbed down and started painting. We started with the closet. Oh how I hate painting closets. I'm so glad she was there. She really made an otherwise dreadful chore a lot of fun!!! We kept going at it until it got dark, and then some. I was just finishing the last of the day's painting when the power went out, several times. Luckily it came on so I could finish what I was doing. I am now ready to roll the ceiling, which I may attempt tonight. I need to start taking pictures and have Katie show me how to post them so everyone can see. Maybe not for this project, but someday........ :o)

In the meantime, Dylan and Daniel had made a trip to Harmons after Dan got off work. When they got home, the kids presented me with my birthday present. They purchased the very first piece of my new bedroom furniture--a chest. I am thrilled. I can't wait until my painting and carpet cleaning projects are finished so I can put it together. I'm TIRED of living out of boxes. Dylan also purchased some delicious Italian sausage which he grilled. Someone left the back door open and all sorts of delightful pests started flying into the house. HUGE moths and who knows what else. But we had a good laugh when Katie referred to one of them as a bird, which reminded me so much of my dad's humor!!!

All in all, it was a delightful day. Not only was it my birthday (and the best ever), but it was also a payday. I have such great kids!!!!! I know I am a very imperfect mother, but somehow my children survived my mistakes and became wonderful human beings. I love them all so very much. They are truly the light of my life!!!

Thanks to all three of you for making my day so wonderful!!! Also, thank you to my incredible parents, sisters and friends who took the time to call and wish me a good birthday. I felt so loved, even covered with all my warts!!! I love you all right back!!!