Happy Birthday to Me!

I'm not sure what I did on my birthday last year, but apparently it wasn't the greatest day. A friend of mine sent me a message on facebook and in the message chain, I saw that last year I told her it wasn't a great day. I didn't blog about it, so obviously it wasn't too memorable. Today was a fun day - nothing special, just good.

Two years ago I reminisced about my life. You can read about that HERE. I've had a great life. To my list of cool things I've done, this year I would have to add going to a papal mass and audience and hearing David's music played in a Roman cathedral. Definitely awesome.

For the past 12 or so years, I've given myself a day off for my birthday, a day to spend all by myself. I love this tradition and it always rejuvenates me. However, this year I did something different. My personal birthday celebration started last Saturday. The local art museum was having an Impressionist exhibit. I love art, but I am not educated about it. Consequently, I invited my dear friend Sarah - an amazing artist - to join me and teach me about what we were seeing. It was so much fun. I enjoyed Sarah's company and I really did learn a lot.

This morning, I was served breakfast in bed by my amazing husband. There are many women with my advanced years, weight problem, overbearing personality and other myriad faults who are alone and lonely. Thanks to David, I am not. His unconditional love for me is something I really don't understand, but for which I am truly grateful. Without him I wouldn't be a wife or a mother - and those are my favorite things to be.

I spent the morning watching the kids play soccer. I love being a soccer mom.

Then after a nap and massage (yes, it's a good life), I went to a movie by myself. I saw 42 (about Jackie Robinson). Even after being out for a week and for an afternoon showing, the theater was packed. I laughed, cried, clapped and cheered - along with everyone else in the theater. It is my new favorite movie. I loved everything about it. (Plus, I've been a Dodger fan since I was 8 years old.)

I finished the evening by making freezer jam and strawberry pie.

Picking strawberries is one of my favorite springtime activities here in Columbia. The kids love it too. We picked the strawberries yesterday.

I honestly can't believe I'm 45 years old. Time has flown by. Sometimes I'm worried that most of it is behind me, but then I realize that maybe I'm only halfway done. My life has been a good one. I'm so grateful for all that I have, but most of all I love my little family. My life is so much richer because of them.

P.S. Next year, I'm definitely taking a day off!