Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is my 36th birthday. I really don't go too crazy on my own birthday. It is more fun celebrating the girls' birthdays. They are so excited and borderline obnoxious! I remember the days when it was all about the birthday girl. You got to be the center of attention for a full 24 hours if not more. If you had a party then it was really great! Usually the birthday girl was crying or mad by the end of the day - too much attention is not a good thing! I also remember the presents! I remember wanting to be older. I remember feeling so special. I am sure I owe a lot of that feeling to my parents and siblings. It is funny how different a birthday is now. I don't want to be the center of attention. I don't really want any parties either. Don't get me wrong, I love gifts and all that, but it is just a different feeling now. I am awake right now in a quiet house and just thinking about what this day means to me. I feel wiser. I feel content. I feel lucky. I feel healthy. I feel a little tired. I feel calm. No craziness for today. I am just going to enjoy all that I have every day of the year. A great family. A great home. Wonderful friends. My health. My choices. My life.

Great friends!

I have some of the greates friends in the world! I went out for my birthday last night (a couple days early). I was tired, had just taught a class, and hadn't showered. I did my best to clean up, throw dinner on the table for my family, and run out the door. I walked in to the restaurant and saw my friends and immediately felt better. I have been friends with these women for 6 years or more now. We don't talk every day or even see each other every week. But when we get together we catch up and it feels like no time has passed. It is the easiest, most supportive friendships I have had in my adult life. Maybe my whole life, excluding my family and some great college friends. I can be myself, share my woes, complain a little if I need to, ask for advice and just laugh. I am so grateful for them and don't think I say it enough. They are my rock in these crazy motherhood times. We all bring something to the table that is different and unique that makes this the best mom's group ever! Thank you girls for your friendship! It means the world to me and I don't know what I would do without it.

Summer: Day 2

Since we went away for the weekend right after they got out of school, yesterday was officially the 1st day of summer. It was great not having to come home from the gym (I teach at 6 am on Mondays) and wake the girls up for school. I walked in the door - they were already up. So much for sleeping in. Field Hockey camp started for my oldest so we were out the door before 9 am. Went to the grocery store with the other 2, and it wasn't so bad. No forced purchases of candy or soda! Came home and my oldest went to a friend's house. I did not see her until 5:30 pm. She is so social right now. It makes me a little sad. I like when they are where I can see them every now and then. I prayed for her independence and now that she has it, I want her back. She went from being a kid to a preteen overnight. My other two played with their best friend, Cori, at her house and then here. They also included the 4 1/2 year old twin boys next store in their escapades. They were outside all day! I however was inside trying to get my house together. I think I forgot to clean it the last month of school. It was gross! I have only partially finished the first level. Only 3 more to go. Now that the attic (our new master suite) is done I have more to clean! I am not going to complain b/c I love our new bedroom. So peaceful to finally have our own space. Todays agenda: clean the attic, and get ready to paint Josie's room. Lots to do this summer! Hope I take time to enjoy it!