Birthdays all around

Well, I confess, I haven’t written anything in a while.  It has been a busy month around here!  My children’s birthdays fall 6 days apart and my birthday is just 2 weeks later.  Normally mine takes the back seat and goes by relatively quietly, however this was the big 4-0 year.   My fellow 40 year olds have been opting for the adult only cocktail parties, but my kids wanted to celebrate with me and who am I to say no?  Their requests ranged from a Laser Tag party to a virtual circus affair in my back yard.  We compromised and had a small back yard barbeque with some friends.  A great way to spend the last day of your 30’s if you ask me.

A few years ago, when the kids first started expressing interest in my birthday (as opposed to
just their own), we started a new tradition. I take my kids shopping and they pick out whatever they think I would like.  When they have made their selections, I hand over the credit card (without peeking of course).  We head home for card making and wrapping,
then they do the unveiling.  The first year or so I took them to the dollar store. In the past, I have received synthetic rope, a stuffed dog with butterfly wings, car shaped pencil sharpeners and a pink baby shoe shaped piggy bank, just to name a few.  All good quality stuff as far as I'm concerned.  

This last year we have upgraded to Bath and Body Works.  Now you just can’t go wrong in this store.  It turns out to be a really nice time for all of us.  For once I am not debating when I should spend $10 on foot cream and they are getting to make choices without anyone coaching them.  Of course I never get to keep all the gifts; because some of it they just like too much and can’t part with (the rope for example comes in handy while playing Indiana
Jones).    I try not to take offense.

So, another year older; maybe a little bit wiser, maybe not. 

One thing is for sure, I definitely smell good!