Yesterday was such a perfect day. First thing in the morning, my friend Nath delivered a birthday cake that was just like my Grandma King used to make for me when my family happened to be travelling on my birthday (and which I remember eating for breakfast before getting in the car for a long ride home): angel food with strawberry frosting.
The kids and Kevin gave me the whole day off. I went shopping, an annual event, and refreshed my wardrobe for the coming year. (And, no, I’m not exaggerating; it really is an annual event. Lucky me, my birthday falls during prime sales time). Add to the list of happy happenings: yoga, naptime, dinner out, and late-night vegging on the couch watching episodes of Modern Family (why so funny? can’t analyze it), and it was such a fine day.
When I came home from shopping, I found these messages on our chalkboard.
“Happy birthday Mom! why we love you.”
“I love everything about you mom, the way you look smell and act.” “I love how you’r a good role model to look up too. When I grow up I want to be just like you.” 
“She plays piano.” “You are generous.” “I love how she does everything.” “She makes the best cookies.” “She makes the best food.” [this message brought to you by the fussiest of all my eaters!] “She gets lego for me.” “She cooks for us.” “You read bedtime stories.” “Because you are organized and kinda bossy.” [“Who wrote that one?” “Daddy!”]
When I was a kid, I was pretty sure my birthday fell at the wrong time of the year. Now I’m pretty sure it’s exactly right. Just when I’m collapsing into the post-Christmas/pre-New-Year’s slump, along comes my birthday to fill me right back up again.
Which is good, because today we return to our regularly scheduled programming.
The gift of the chalkboard comments is a tear-jerker! Somehow, it fills me up to know you are so loved : )
happy birthday, Carrie! I’m glad to have “met” you online. I’m curious about the yearly wardrobe refresh – not sure I could think far enough ahead! I’m hinting for some pictures or an explanation. I’m always interested in the ways people manage.
Katie, I was in tears. It was just so lovely. The best gift ever. I am a content woman.
Margo, that would make a good blog post. I do exaggerate ever so slightly. I occasionally buy something in the summer too, depending on how sad my summer wardrobe is looking when I pull it out of the attic, or if I have a big event to attend (ie. a sibling’s wedding). But for the past three years, I’ve bought two pairs of new jeans, a sweater or two, and a basic shirt or three on my birthday–they last all year, or longer, with the previous years’ supplies thrown into the mix too. For example, I’ve been wearing a particular pair of identical sweaters, in different colours, for going on three years (my husband was glad when I came home with two new ones this round). My wardrobe is very basic, but I choose clothes that just seem to be “me.” I can’t wait to wear the jacket I chose yesterday for my readings and books launches this year! Maybe I’ll write a post on the subject of clothes/shopping next week!
I know just how you feel. My birthday is the 1st and so it was a bittersweet birthday growing up (few presents, wondering why my much older siblings were always so miserable that day – obviously from being out so late the night before). But now that I am older I’ve made it a special day again and I quite enjoy it.
Love the chalk board. I can only hope my girls will be inspired to do something like that for me when they are older.
Happy birthday, Melanie!