39 reasons to be happy

Okay, I take back all my disappointment and anticipated ho hum that would pass with my birthday. It actually turned out to be a really great birthday. I wish I could turn 29 every year!

After a not-so-good-day with my darling boys, G heard my plight and surprised me with my gift last night. We played a Wheel of Fortune kind of game where he coded the spaces for the letters that spelled out what my present was and the hint to its hidden location. We all took turns guessing letters, minus the vowels, until there were enough to spell out the sentence. And we all went searching and I found an iPod nano!!! Not in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine G would come through with such an extravagant gift, especially after all the recent unexpected expenses we have had.

I have been busy enjoying my iPod and downloading songs. Tommy was fiercely jealous (not at all to my surprise), but seems to have gotten over it. Of course, he enjoys the perks of getting to use it to listen to his genre of music, that rap junk.

I went grocery shopping this morning and we all went to watch Christopher play and win his last soccer game. I did call Karen and we each wished each other a happy birthday. Gert came by with a most wonderful present, a Lenox Snoopy!! (Christopher is shown holding it, with Joey holding the close-up. And yeah, I know they're sideways but I still have to figure out this new blogger that is supposed to be easier and more user-friendly. Ha!).

Later in the afternoon, I took a walk and met up with my friend Dee-Ann, who greeted me with a beautiful bulb plant. I get to enjoy the flowers now and will plant the bulbs in the fall for enjoyment years to come.

G and the boys and I all went out to dinner at Pizzeria Uno's, followed by singing and cake back at home. There I am with Jeffrey and then with Chris and Joey. Am I my mother's daughter or what?!

And my truest family and friends either called or e-mailed me and it really does mean a lot to me that they took the time to wish me a happy birthday, even if it is so insignificant. Turning 29 isn't such a big deal.

So - G, Tommy, Chris, Joey, Jeffrey, Gert, Mom, Dee-Ann, Joanne, Laurie, Kylie, Karla, Kelly, Shelley, Krissy, Dee - you are all the best. The wind beneath my wings. A breath of fresh air. The reasons I get up every day. Really. I know it all sounds hokey but it's true. Thanks for making my birthday more than just another ho hum day. It won't be so difficult to enjoy my last 30-something year before I turn 40. Am I really that old??

ADDENDUM: Thank you to my twin sister KAREN, too! Hope your birthday was as nice as mine.