Best Birthday Ever!!

I LOVE other people's birthdays. I love watching them open presents, blow out candles and enjoy their day. However, I don't enjoy my birthday. I dislike the fact the I'm another year older--although the alternative isn't too appealing either! I would just rather the day pass without a lot of fanfare.This year was no different, but my family did an awesome job celebrating my birthday and making me feel loved without all the fanfare. On my actual birth date, I got to have a surprise photo shoot with two of my favorite people--Delainey and Sallie! Sarah did a fantastic job!! (Now if she would just use her photo shop to erase some of the wrinkles!!) Here are just a few of my favorites....




On Sunday we had a family dinner to celebrate all our October birthdays (Erik, Jamie and me). I received some great gifts but the evening was topped of by THE BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT EVER!!!

You don't know what it is?
Neither did I!!

Inside are memories that we have shared and items that each person remembers or likes about me. Some made me laugh, some made me cry, some were memories that I didn't even remember until reminded. I've read them all once, but every day I pull out a couple to look at them again. I love it!! I love that we all share some of the same memories and I love that there are some memories that only two of us share. I love that we have a bond and a connection that can never be broken. I love that my family thought to do this for me and that they put forth the time and effort to put it together. It is my precious physical possession. Now I can really say--"Thanks for the memories!"

Jamie's birthday

Lately I've just been extremely lax about taking pictures. We celebrated Jamie's birthday last week and I didn't take one single picture. However, this picture of Jamie was taken a few years ago.

As you can see, Jamie is a beautiful young woman. She is just as beautiful inside. She is smart and talented. She and I both share a love of reading and I have enjoyed reading the same books with her and discussing them. (I haven't loved not being able to find the book because she stole it away when my back was turned....) Jamie and I share many of the same qualities which can make for some fun moments together and some not-so-fun moments. Jamie has been the adventurous one in the family. She spent a semester during college in Spain and then traveled through Europe before returning home.


I have enjoyed watching her grow up and watching her use her many talents throughout the years. Happy (belated) Birthday, Jamie!!