Birthday-Buddies

When my firstborn arrived 6 years ago I was desperate to retain my own birthday.  Due to interventions that I wish I had never agreed to, he did indeed arrive on his OWN birthday - 8 minutes before sharing one with me.

Over the years another boy joined our birthday week and I've learned a few things:

1) My birthday doesn't mean as much anymore (both because I'm grown-up and because we're pretty much birthday-ed out by the time mine arrives).
2) It doesn't bother me one bit anymore!

I couldn't be more grateful to share in the birthday love with my two oldest boys!  There is something just so special about going out for our free birthday icecream cones together!   Each year, I'm reminded of two of the best birthday gifts I've ever received!  They keep me in stitches and life has been richer since then!

So we end a busy week of celebrating, remembering and being overcome with gratitude!  And I continue on my way to counting 1000 gifts!

356. Built-in birthday buddies.

357. Watching excitement over being a year older.

358. A middle child who repeatedly asked for a dragon cake, not realizing that this really isn't 'my thing'.

359. The internet - always a rich source of step by step directions for things like dragon birthday cakes.
360. Kids that still loved it even though most of the icing melted right off the cake on the way to 'family night' at my parents.
361. A little boy who wants to be a part of the action so badly that he's now walking up to perfect strangers just to announce and demonstrate with two chubby fingers that he's "TWO".
362. Parents who agree to take all three boys, so I can have a birthday night out with my hubby!

363. Yummy free birthday treats!  Salt River bars at Liberty Market rock!

364. A friend who calls just to sing Happy Birthday to me.  Totally made my day. :)
365. Countless games of Ticket to Ride.  ok, ok, I'm pretty addicted! 
366. A brother-in-law who is willing to share his Ticket to Ride game with us for a week, even though he's addicted too!
367. A sister who tells it to me straight and wants to make sure that I'm taking care of myself.
368. A mom who follows up with more of the same.
369. An impromptu offering of lego flowers from my four year old!  A girl loves flowers, no matter how they come!

:sigh: I'm one blessed woman!