28 years old

As this day, the day of my birth, draws to an end, I can't help but think back and reminisce.  Remember all of those birthdays that have passed and the evolution of life.  I can think back to my preteen birthdays when I had the best sleep overs with all of my girl friends.  We would eat pizza and cake, tell scary stories, sneak out late at night to play truth or dare, and against all odds resist being the first on to fall asleep.  I spent my sixteenth birthday in Cancun, Mexico soaking up the heat, the gorgeous beaches, and para sailing.  Through my college years, spending any time with Brad on my birthday was a day well spent, and still is I might add.  He did come home early tonight which was a very nice surprise.

But, oh, how the times have changed.  Just as everything in your life changes the day you become a mom, or mama as my kids have recently decided to call me.  It's no longer all about you, but its about experiencing things together as a family and making memories for the kids to remember.  I spent this morning in the dentists chair having my teeth cleaned.  Because what better present than to have clean teeth.  No, really they just had a last minute opening that I had to take.  But since I told Madison that all I wanted was for her to be a good girl on my birthday, and she was a perfect angel at the dentist, I got my wish.  After the dentist, we had a play date with some dear friends.

Let me just tell you that 9 kids and 3 babies make for a fun time:  kids running all over, playing, baby snuggling.  Good times.  Madison was disappointed, because she wanted to know when we were going to bring out the cake.  To her this was certainly a birthday party.

After dinner, and a surprise early return of Daddy, we were ready to eat the cupcakes that Madison helped bake.  I couldn't find the birthday candles.  Instead, we substituted with votive candles:  one for Madison, one for Austin, and one for Mommy to blow out.  Once the candles were lit, and then lit again after Austin had some premature blowing out, we were ready to sing.  Madison sang "Happy Birthday" as proud as could be with a smile and excitement brimming from her happy face.  Austin sang his little heart out as best as he could, looking around at our faces desperately attempting to keep up and say all the words just right.  My heart smiled to see my kids so intensely singing for their mama.  As soon as the song was finished, poof, the candles were out.  These kids know how it's done. 

Kamdyn's recent fascination with her hands has brought her to the new world of thumb sucking.  With a thumb in her mouth, little peanut is a happy camper.

With a new year before me, my wish and prayer is for my kids to be healthy, happy, and full of love.  For Brad and I to continue to grow in our love and support each other through whatever may come.  And to continue to love this beautiful life that God has given us and love Him more through it.

Here's to another year.