Happy Birthday V

I started this post Monday night, but never finished. Hopefully, that can happen later this week.

All in all it's been a good weekend. Laughter, tears, and cake. We had it all.

Today: my stepdaughter's birthday.... she's 28. Hard to believe I first met her when she was 17 and I was a mere 33. V. has always been wonderful, but it has been such a pleasure watching her become an independent young woman. Creative, funny, a beautiful smile with a smidgeon of moodiness....just don't wake her up too early! Anyway, she's visiting with her boyfriend, so I made her a buttermilk cake with berry filling and cream cheese frosting. It was probably one of the best cakes I ever made! Sorry, no pics, we ate it too fast.

OK, now it's Tuesday and I just discovered that we celebrated her birthday on the wrong day. It was today! Today is the 26th...my husband & I both thought the 26th was yesterday. Who knows what V. thought we were doing...she never said a word as we sang Happy Birthday and sat down to eat a special birthday meal. I suppose getting the day wrong is better than forgetting it. And today V. & her boyfriend graciously offered to watch the kids for a couple hours while we went to the show (Star Trek...a must see). What a saint.

44

Good food, great friends...I'm living a Michelob commerical. Who could ask for more on your birthday weekend? A parade, a good scream on the Zipper, a babysitter, a party, a pretty cake, tons of mexican food, margaritas, and best of all, sunshine. Glorious sunshine. Maybe 44 isn't so bad after all.

Enjoying her first parade at our local Spring festival.

Not too sure about it.

Not quite summer yet.

Calories, schmalories!

To Susan....

Babies' Birthday Revisited

First Birthday

The night before the party, so much to be done,
a special one too, the kids turn one.
Gifts still to wrap, & the hour was late
“Geez, I still have two crowns to create!”

While Sis wrapped the gifts
I sat down to think,
“Why am I making these?
They'll be yanked off in a blink!”

The next morning was a blur,
the vacuum roared, beaters whirred.
We got the kids napped & dressed up cute,
guests began arriving with lots of loot.

The table was full of wonderful dishes,
the babies made rounds, giving everyone kisses.
Finally it was time to give them their cake.
The candles were lit, just a wish to make.

I made a wish for them, as they dug in to taste.
“May their future be bright, & please keep them safe!”
After the cake, it was time for their crowns,
which I placed on their heads & chased them around.

I wanted the perfect picture you see,
to post on my blog and, you know, for memories.
A lovely day, it was worth the wait.
The food was wonderful, the mimosas were great.

But our best gift ever was the two of you,
with your ear splitting shrieks & heart melting coos.
Here’s to celebrating one year gone by
A whirlwind of gurgles, poo, and cries.

To our little babies, so very, very loved,
we give you our best, and a thousand million hugs.

Happy Birthday, Love Mommy & Daddy

Happy Birthday Maui Lulu

Today is the day. Your day. The 1st day of your 44th year.

You said you're not a "pretty young thing anymore". Do you really want to be? I can't believe this is my strong, beautiful, killer chef, book lover, expert gardener, flower arranger extraordinaire, speed demon driver, cat lover, music collector, puts-Nate-Berkus-to-shame-interior decorator & legs-that-go-on-for-miles friend talking here? You've got to be kidding.

Here are a few other 44 sisters who aren't pretty young things either...

• Michelle Obama: No description needed


• Diana Krall: Incredible jazz singer & mom of twins


• Vanessa Williams: Queen of come backs, Ugly Betty boss from hell


• Mariska Hartigay: Law & Order diva who helps crime victims in real life


• Me...in a few months: Mom of twins & we'll see what happens
  

A toast to you, my friend. This is your best birthday ever. Celebrate your 44-ness and your killer abs. I'm right there with you (except on the abs part, but a girl can dream).

Aloha...