Cupcakes
Published March 10, 2010If you are a Weight Loss Wednesday gal looking for our weekly check-in, scroll down. It is here….
If you are checking in to see who won the giveaway of Susie Larson’s book Growing Grateful Kids it is: Ann. Timestamp March 10th at 8:11 am. Email me at karen@proverbs31.org with your home address. Congrats!
____________________________________________________________________
Today is my birthday.
In about an hour at 9:04 am, I will turn 46. My mom tells me I was born in the middle of a snow storm and they almost didn’t make it to the hospital.
I debated telling you that it was my birthday. It seems all self-centered and such. But when I hopped on Facebook this morning and saw that several friends (whom I know also read this blog) had already sent me well-wishes, I figured I’d better fess up.
Truthfully, I have a love/hate relationship with birthdays.
I love memories of them.
Especially recollections of taking cupcakes to my class at Delta Center Elementary School in Lansing, MI. Mom let me help in the kitchen then, mixing, baking, frosting and sprinkling those dozens of masterpieces. Then, I got to tote them all the way to school. (I was what they called a ‘walker’, meaning I lived less than a mile from school so no bus ride. I had to walk.)
As I have grown older, I have come to dread birthdays. Not because of the getting older part. You know, when everything heads south. My husband and I realize that, as my friend Debi asserts, we are all headed toward ugly. That part doesn’t bother me so much since we have committed to grow old and ugly together and have lots of fun doing it.
I dread them because I sometimes get my feelings hurt due to my expectations.
I think my kids will instinctively wake up and say, “Happy Birthday mom. You are the greatest! You sacrifice so much for us. I already got up and made your coffee for you.”
Instead, they say…”Mooooooooom……I am starving. Is breakfast ready yet?
I fancy my relatives will give me a quick call to wish me a happy birthday.
The phone doesn’t ring.
I can’t help but think of the friends I remembered to give a little something to on their big day.
I run into one of them in Walmart and she never even tells me Happy Birthday.
I…..I….I…..
Oh ladies…I so desire to be a low-maintenance friend, wife and mom. I don’t want to be self-centered. Especially on my birthday.
I want to rewind to the days when what made me so very giddy every March 10th were those sweet and colorful cupcakes taken to my classmates.
So…..I have decided….zero expectations from me today.
Instead, I want to give away cupcakes.
What that looks like is this:
Leave a comment today about your most memorable birthday. (or any other birthday-related message)
I will choose five winners who will get one of the following “cupcakes” from me. 
- A For Every Body brand “Birthday Cake” scented candle for you (with cute sprinkles on top) to burn at your house each time someone turns a year older.
- A copy of the book on simple and creative celebrations entitled Homespun Memories for the Heart that I wrote with friends Kelly Hovermale and Trish Smith.
- A bag of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Melt-Away Hearts with raspberry filling
- A $5.00 Starbucks card
- A box of Snapple Brand Wild About Berries Herb Tea with a heart-sheaped tea difusser
There—- I feel better already. Jesus is so right. It is more blessed to give than receive. (Acts 20:35)
Now, when you leave your comment, please tell me what ‘cupcake’ you’d enjoy winning (or simply indicate ‘any of them’) Winners announced Monday.
Oh, and in this day and age of Facebook….is there anyone out there who went to Delta Center elementary with me in the 1970′s? I’d get a hoot out of knowing!
Cupcake-coated Blessings,
46 Responses to Cupcakes
Leave a Reply
Subscribe
My Family
Happy Birthday! I struggle with the same things you do when it comes to birthdays. Wish I didn’t, but it’s the truth. My favorite birthday was 3 years ago. My husband, kids and i celebrated my birthday early that day. I was quite happy and thought that all the celebrating was complete. My husband suprised me with reservations to a hotel complete with a fabulous brunch the next morning. (He had received a bonus at work, and not told me about the extra money.) He had childcare and everything handled. it was awesome!
Thanks for your generosity. Have a great Hearts at Home weekend!
Happy Birthday, Karen!!!
)
I completely understand exactly what you are saying. My first son was born 2 days before my birthday, and I could not have asked for a more special and wonderful present than HIM! But for every birthday since then, it has focused on his special day and I, too, have been guilty of feeling overlooked and have had unmet expectations. So next month, as my day rolls around, I will join you in your 0 expectations and give to those around me. Thanks!!!
As for my childhood memory…I remember with fondness the year Cabbage Patch Kids came on the scene. ;o) I wanted one sooooooooo badly I could taste it. My mom had put me on the list at Toys R Us and EVERY day after school, I would rush to the car to ask if she had received a phone call. Every day my disappointment would mount with each, “No, not yet.” Then on the day of my birthday, I brought a couple friends home from school with me knowing the disappointment that lay ahead. But much to my surprise, when I came inside, there stood a wrapped package in that signature Cabbage Patch box shape and I nearly fainted. I got her!!!! Could third grade be any more perfect???? ;o)
BTW…I would enjoy any “cupcake.”
Thank you for ALL you do. May the Lord bless you especially today and may this weekend bring glory to His name as your share your heart with these moms!!!!
Blessings,
Marcia
My most memorable birthday was my 30th. My birthday is right before Christmas and my husband told me we were hosting his office Christmas party at our house. I should have suspected something because they never do a Christmas party with spouses – they always do their own thing during the work week. At any rate – I spent days getting our house ready and helping fix food. The night of the party my friends and family start showing up and I am totally stressing out – because we are supposed to be entertaining my husband’s co-workers in a few minutes! Well, what do you know the party was for me! My husband still gets congratulations from guys who hear that story and admire his creativity in getting me to help out with my own surprise party! We had a great time with family and friends once I relaxed and realized what was going on! We still chuckle over this fond memory toether!
Karen – Happy Birthday to you today! Thank you for sharing and giving on your special day! I too often have pity parties for myself because of my expectations. I read something in the Love Dare that I try to remember when these thoughts creep in – It said you must choose to live by encouragement rather than by expectations. So True! I hope you have a great day full of surprises!
If I am lucky enough to receive a birthday cupcake – I would choose a copy of your book Homespun Memories!
When I was a kid, my mom would always wake me up on my birthday by climbing in my bed and giving me a kiss. Growing up, my mom was not overly affectionate in this way, so it made it all the more special.
On my 18th birthday, I woke up on my own and walked out into the living room. My parents sat there watching the morning news, No one said a thing about my “special day” until the date was mentioned on the TV. It’s not that they really forgot. We had a birthday dinner planned for that night, but it had just slipped their minds that morning. Nevertheless, I was crushed. I cried and pouted and even convinced my mom to let me skip school that day. What a drama queen!
I like to think that I have grown up a little in the past 17 years, but in truth there is a part of me that expects the world to stop and take notice when May 3rd rolls around. I think I will try your idea this year. I will start looking now for gifts I can give to my family and friends to thank them for making my life special every day.
Happy Birthday Karen!!!!
I love birthdays. I would have to say my most memorable birthday was my 30th birthday when my husband planned a surprise birthday party for me with a bunch of our friends. We had a great time.
As a mom I try to make my kids birthdays special but I never feel I do enough. I want all their birthdays to be memorable.
I would love a copy of your book “Homespun Gifts…”
Hope you enjoy your special day.
Happy Birthday Karen! Hope your day is full of surprises for you and special blessings beyond your expectations. You are so sweet to share your “cupcakes” with us. They all sound so delicious! I would enjoy any one of them. The one birthday for me that stands out in my mind was my 21st when my husband surprised me with roses.First time I ever got roses! The most fun birthday was not mine, but when I surprised my husband with a party on his 50th!!
I like your idea of giving on your b’day and not expecting gifts. I plan to start this tradition next b’day.
Have a great day, and celebrate big everyday, all year long!!
Happy Birthday! I hope you have a blessed one!
And like you and many of the ladies above, I struggle with expectations on birthdays (and holidays too).
I think one of my most memorable birthdays was my 16th birthday party- my parents and friends threw a surprise party for me at TGIFriday’s. The surprise certainly made it memorable, but so did the fact that some of the wait staff tied balloons to my hair. Oh the pictures are mortifying but funny- I have them hidden away. And they shall stay that way!
Oh, and I would love the copy of your book!
Happy Birthday. I have more than 10 years ‘ugly’ on you! But, it is wonderful.
I don’t remember birthdays as a child. So, my favorite ones now are every year when my children and their spouses treat me to a dinner at their house. Warms my heart.
I have looked for that Happy Birthday candle after I saw it at a friend’s house.
I’m a single mom so to avoid disappointments I pretty much “plan” my birthday so there are no letdowns. I even take my two kids to the store and give them money to spend on my birthday. It’s really fun to see them whisper and giggle about choosing a gift. Then they sneak around when we get home to wrap their treasure. I plan an entire menu around the letter “P” the first letter of my name. We even design a menu. We usually make a pink cake (pink for the letter P) to go along with dinner. (I do this for each of them on their birthday as well.) I have no choice but to be frugal but at the end of the day I’m not disappointed. Yes, there are no surprises but there is a celebration and I have to believe that I’m sowing seeds. Don’t you agree that life is too short for disappointments? I’d love a copy of your book if I’m one of the lucky ones chosen.
By the way, happy birthday!!
Happy Birthday Karen.
I sometimes feel the same way you do especially on special occasions. I would love to win any of the cupcakes you are giving away today. Have a great day.
Happy birthday!
Last year, my older girls (5 and 3 at the time) told me that since it was my birthday, they were going to let me play dolls with them. So, I did! We stayed in our jammies all morning, and I even got to use the best dollhouse. It was such a sweet gesture on their part to include me in their favorite thing.
I’d love any of your birthday cupcakes!
My most memorable birthday would be any while my dad was still alive. he would always be the first one to call me no matter what. Since he passed away in June of 07, I haven’t received a call from any of my family. Not my brothers or mom. I sure do miss my dad…
It would be an honor to win any of your cupcake giveaways. Just to be thought of is just precious.
Karen, I’m right there with you on the expectations thing. Thanks for the reminder to start giving more!
Have a terrific birthday!
I woke up and my husband has a fun gift of pjs and perfume waiting for me that he had picked out HIMSELF! I was wonderful and fun and I liked it better and got more use out of it than any other gift ever, including jewelry:)
I have the book, so if I win, any other thing will be fine:)
Happy Birthday!:)
Karen–
Happy Birthday!! What a wonderful post to read this morning. I have birthdays on my mind too. I’m turning 40 in about 2 weeks. It’s really bothering me too. I didn’t think it would at all.
I think it’s all about expectations too. I expect every minute of my birthday to be special…and like you said…it doesn’t exactly happen. The day mostly goes on as usual. No one bows to me.
You are not alone in your feelings.
I really do hope your day is fabulous.
Nancy
Birthday Blessings to you dear Karen. I think we fell off the same tree because I don’t like a lot of hoopla for my birthday either. Of course any excuse to have a cake is always nice so I usually opt for a small get together with friends and celebrate with another friend who has a birthday 2 days before mine.
As for my most memorable birthday! I don’t know if I have one but there is one birthday that definitely stands out in my mind. I am born on the 13th and occasionally it falls on a Friday. I don’t believe in superstition but I can remember getting teased about as a kid. I was in second grade- the day had gone pretty well and I was heading home from school in my birthday outfit to have a party with my friends. It had rained at some point and as I crossed our street- I slipped and fell right into a big puddle of mud and water. Well you can imagine what my coat and birthday outfit looked like. I don’t remember what I had to change into or even how the party was except for pictures that show smiling faces and lots of missing teeth.
You are a unique creation of almighty God. He is celebrating you today and I am too. My life has been blessed by knowing you this year. You have an amazing beautiful spirit and I appreciate your encouragement. I know it is Weight Loss Wednesday but I once heard that calories don’t count on your birthday. I think God gives us a pass. It’s the other 364 days we have to watch out for.
If I win a cupcake then I would say Coffee or Tea for me.
Blessings and a Birthday Hug-
Laurie
Karen,
A very Happy Birthday to you today! I pray that you will have a blessed day and enjoy some time doing what makes you feel loved. Your blog is such a blessing. Thank you for being you!
May the coming year be your BEST YET and God’s blessings to you,
Caroline
Karen, Happy Birthday! Hope you have a fabulous day. I guess I learned the 0 expectations thing about 15 years ago when I married a man who told me up front that he was not good with date and if I wanted anything for my birthday I would need to remind him. (guess that should have been a big red flag that would have saved me 11 painful years and a divorce) lol. But I think it works out better that way. Your never disappointed and I have my own little internal celebration. I have wonderful friends who usually remember my birthday.
I love them all. I can’t really think of one that is more special. Every year the Lord gives me is special. Thanks for all you do. I know it is a busy, stressful week, but I hope you can find a little time to relax and rest.
Any of your “cupcakes” would be appreciated, but I’d particularly love your book. Blessings.
Happy Birthday Karen!
My most memorable birthday was either my 5th or 6th birthday party. (It’s funny I can’t remember which!) I was living in Texas and it was a Saturday and we were under a hurricane watch (Houston area). So only a few friends came and all boys at that. I guess the girls’ mothers were much more protective. Ha!
We went to Tootsie’s Birthday Hut. Tootsie was a female clown who had a hut on her property that the birthdays were celebrated in. We played games, watched a marionette show, and had cake and icecream. The marionette show was delightful…but I remember my favorite part was eating the icecream from a small paper cup with a flat wooden “spoon”. (Does anyone else remember those from the mid 1960s?)
If I win a “cupcake” I’d love to have your “Homespun Memories for the Heart” book. Would it also improve my memory I wonder? lol
Blessings to you on your 46th birthday! And remember, you’re not getting older…you’re getting wiser!
Happy Birthday! My favorite birthdays are ones spent having a lake day with the family. Very relaxing and enjoyable!
Happy birthday! I have thoroughly enjoyed your writing (your blog and “A Life That Says Welcome”) and it is benefiting our church family as well as friends. I quickly recommend your writing whenever I can. Such Biblical insight that we all need! So I’m very thankful you were born. Very thankful God gave you the gift of writing and the ability to write with His Word as your foundation. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and many more celebrations to come!
The “cupcake” I’d enjoy winning is “Homespun Memories for the Heart.” I haven’t been able to find it in the libraries around here (there’s 1 copy and it’s always checked out), so having my own copy would be fabulous.
Karen, may your birthday be filled with lots of love and happiness.
I remember a few birthday parties I had as a child. My birthday is June 8 and we were always out of school by then so I didn’t get to take any cupcakes to my class for my birthday. As an adult my birthday’s haven’t been all that much fun. Usually it’s just dinner with my dad and one sister. I’ve never had any parties as an adult like my sisters. This year I’m praying for something special to do on my birthday.
I would enjoy any of the things you’re giving away.
Birthday blessings
Happy Birthday Karen!!!
I love birthdays. It doesn’t matter whose birthday it is, family or friend, I think it is important to let that person know how special they are on their special day. I used to have a lot of expectations on my birthday but not so much anymore. I’m not sure what changed but I am glad that it did.
I pray you have a blessed birthday today. May the Lord shower His love on you today in a special way.
Love, Debbie
The starbucks cupcake would be great!!!
My hubby threw me a surprise 30th birthday party complete with friends, family, cake, cookies etc. It was a great time and it was awfully sweet of him to go to all the trouble.
Happy birthday!
My favorite birthday was four years ago, when my daughter was about 8 months old. I was teaching fulltime and life was crazy busy and I was always stressed about not getting to spend the time at home that I wanted (I quit at the end of that year). My husband told me to pack a bag on the Friday after my birthday, and he kept disappearing all week. Turns out he whisked all three of us away to a Civil War era cabin that a friend of his owns. We spent the weekend tucked away on the farm in front of the fire. He even cooked for us! It was great.
A Very Happy Birthday to You Karen!
I love birthdays too (not just mine!). My favorite birthday (combined with my anniversary as they are only 6 days apart!) was when I was pregnant with my firstborn. I had been super sick for 4 months and didn’t get to enjoy the summer at all. My hubby suprised me and took me to Prince Edward Island (I’m a HUGE Anne of Green Gables fan!). Even though we left when Hurricane “Juan” hit, and Halifax was w/o electricity for awhile and it took us an extra day to get there, it was a great suprise and last “trip without kids” for a while:)
Happy Birthday Karen!
Last year my husband and children bought me a cake and took me out to eat!!! there have been years where they don’t remember. (I’ve learned that they love me even when they have forgotten)…I am so thankful for last years! though:)
the Bible does say love others as yourself. So do something nice for Karen. Even if it’s a pep talk. Remind her how wonderful she has been created and how much she is loved by God. Take out pictures of you when you were a baby and take a close look at God’s special and unique creation, you.
Thank you for inspiring me to give on my birthday!
All the cupcakes sound great! Thank you.
Happy birthday Karen! I agree 0 expectations are the way to go… I’m learning that when I remember that my expectations are truly met only by God then I am less disappointed when things don’t go the way I had hoped. He provides all I really need and He knows what’s best for me… which often looks very different than what I expect for myself! I realize that’s easy to write and hard to do, but it’s the goal anyway!! I don’t remember childhood birthdays really… my mom did send a singing banana once to me in middle school, I have a picture of it! Other than that my husband always takes me out to dinner to celebrate my birthday which I love and this last year he surprised me by having my best friend and her husband join us! That was wonderful
Many blessings to you on your very special day!! Thanks for you cupcake give-away… very sweet of you
My mom and hubby tag-teamed to throw me a surprise birthday party last year. I’ve always wanted one of those and it was so special that they did that for me.
Happy Birthday to you and I hope you have a blessed day!
Oh Karen,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I so hope you have a special moment in your day today! It seems that expectations for those around us always set us up for disappointment, and others for failure. I am awful about having unrealistic expectations for my birthday. Most years I have been disappointed. There was one Birthday that will always remain tremendous and after reading your post I am going to remind myself every year that my one birthday was enough for a lifetime and no need to ever be disappointed. I’m also going to take your approach and give to others instead of expecting something for myself. I’m getting excited just thinking about the possibilities. . . Bravo to you that you are giving to others as a way of staying positive and making us, your readers, see things in a much more Godly light!!!
The unbelievably stupendous birthday was when I turned 30. My husband knew that I was really dreading it so he fixed up a whole day of celebration. He sent me to a spa for a 4 hour multi-treatment session, picked me up and took me to a hair salon to have my hair cut and colored, had a limo pick me up from the salon and take me to an upscale boutique where he bought me a dress, then on to a shoe store to buy matching shoes and then to the Grove Park Inn to have dinner. The day was fabulous to say the least. We don’t really have that kind of money but he had saved and planned to do it. The fact that he had taken that much time to plan was the BEST part. Made me feel so loved.
Remembering this also is helping me to see that I often let little daily disappointments get in the way of my relationship with my husband. I am going to try and remind myself of all the wonderful things that he has done for me in the past and that he continues to do for me, rather than the things that disappoint. I can’t even begin to tell you how much your post has impacted me today! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!
AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY AGAIN!!!
Happy birthday to you! Growing up, birthdays were not a big deal at all. Just like any other day, except the expectation was that you thanked mom for giving birth to you. I don’t know anyone else in all my 45 years who grew up with that expectation.
However, as an adult, two birthdays stand out in my mind. One was when I turned 30. I was a divorced mother of one and my co-workers threw me a surprise party – complete with a re-creation of me sitting in my chair when I got to work – a decorated balloon head “wearing” my lab coat. They made a sign, bought a cake decorated with Snoopy (I love dogs) and every single person gave me an individual gift and card. I really felt loved – and I surely did need it!
The other birthday that is memorable was the year I turned 40. I was pregnant and my birthday was my due date with my third child. Due to my age and other health issues, she was to be born by planned Cesarean, and the doctor wanted to do the delivery on my birthday (which is right between Thanksgiving and Christmas. My husband was out of town for a work conference and due home that night, and I wanted her to have her own birthday, so it was scheduled for the following day. I spent the whole day doing things I wanted to do, and spending quality time with my two other children. Obviously, at 40 I was not the oldest mother that ever lived, but I still reveled in the miracle inside me – especially given the pregnancy problems. When my husband got home, he made a steak dinner for us. We had chocolate cake (that I made). Four of the five people in our family have birthdays around Christmas, so needless to say, generally mom and dad’s birthdays are rarely celebrated with much fanfare.
Happy Birthday, Karen! I too tend to have the expectations about birthday that you do.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! Unlike you…I LOVE birthdays and I think it is because they were made so special to me when I was a kid. All the way into my mid-20′s my grandparents would be sure to make the 4 1/2 hour drive to be in town for my birthday. One year, though, no one told me they were coming…I didn’t find out until the bonfire we were having on Sunday and I was upset because I had missed the entire weekend with them! My grandma died about 14 years ago (and I still miss her SO much) but I still have a wonderful relationship with my grandpa and even his “new” wife now. Obviously, we try to make birthdays special for our kids too and hope to pass on wonderful memories to our grandkids someday.
Oh, and any of the cupcakes would be wonderful!
Happy Birthday Karen!
I have lots of good birthday memories. My mom always made angel food cake. The first year I was away from home and didn’t have it I was so sad!
Today, though, my hubby and kids always make my birthday special.
I always love sharing my birthday with Easter too!
I’ll stop rambling. I hope I win something in your giveaway. I’ve never won a blog giveaway.
“Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You,
Happy Birthday to Karen,
Happy Birthday to You!”
I hope your day was a great one!
I really enjoy birthdays and try to make them special for my family and friends throughout the year. They do the same for me, which I love!
My hubby started a tradition whereby if your birthday falls on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, it’s your “Birthday Weekend Extravaganza” whereby you get to celebrate your birthday all weekend long with meals out, going fun places, and taking it easy!
I found websites where they list free things that restaurants give to you on or around your birthday. My husband, son, and I usually spend the week of our birthdays using all the free meal and dessert coupons that we get from these places. It makes celebrating our special day all that much more memorable and FUN!
My favorite birthday treat growing up was vanilla or white cupcakes with vanilla icing that my mom made for my birthday every year. In fact, when I recently turned 40, she made those very same cupcakes for the occasion. It brought back such great childhood memories!
Speaking of which, any of the “cupcakes” you are giving away would be a sweet treat to win! Thanks Karen!
Happy Belated. I can so relate to your story I will try to adapt the same routine… give instead.
The 9th was my Granddaughters and Today the 11th is my hubby’s Birthday So now I know someone inbetween. Hope you had a great one.
Happy Belated Birthday Karen!
I also relate to your story and what an amazing way to turn it around and celebrate with others by giving on your bday!!!
One of my favorite bday celebration’s was a surprise bday party my parents threw for me when I came back from school for Thanksgiving break! I was so delighted to see them plus a celebration with family and friends it was great!!!
Any of the “cupcakes” you are giving away will be sweet to win! Thank you !!
Have a great week and continue celebrating what the blessings God showers upon you. Enjoy !
Oh Karen, I know EXACTLY how you feel. My birthday and Christmas this last year was spent taking care of others and without any presents or pomp. Of course we all want a day to be appreciated. Like you are doing, this last year I decided to be happy with the blessings in my life instead of expecting more. Kudos to you. I remember when we made cupcakes in elementary school. In middle school and above, my parents would let me pick out a bag of candy at Sam’s club to pass around in the hall way! Happy birthday and I hope you have many more exciting ones!
Karen, I hope you had a wonderful birthday! I just love birthdays! I love to celebrate the life that God has given to us. At our house we love to go way out for our kids birthdays – not in a material way, but we love to come up with creative ways to let them know that they are loved (some new traditions have been taken from one of your books:) Thanks for that!) My favorite birthday memories have been the ones spent with my husband. He knew I never really like my birthday when I was a kid, so he goes out of his way to make sure they are all special in their own way. We got engaged on my birthday, have been in Disney World twice on my birthday, and now go away every year for my birthday weekend, just the two of us. Now that you mention it, I’m sure the reason I never really liked my birthday was because of my own expectations that were never met. Thanks for you insight today! I hope you had a blessed birthday – I’m thankful you were born, and for your ministry!
Happy Birthday. Thanks for celebrating with us. I’d love to win any of the above mentioned cupcakes. Thanks
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
It’s a day late…but Happy Birthday!
My most memorable birthday would be the one I celebrated last month…nothing too exciting…just time with family.
I would love the book!
Happy Birthday Karen! 46 is so young! I am a firm believer in celebrating birthdays as is my daughter, a young mother herself. One year a few years back, our son-in-law was serving in Iraq. Our daughter still baked a cake for his birthday and the boys (who were 1 & 2) blew out the candle and enjoyed the cake for daddy. Now, since they live far from family, they celebrate family birthdays by having a cake that day in honor of the one growing older.
As far as my favorite birthday, I have two that remain high on the list. For as long as I remember I have had a “bucket list” and my husband delights in doing things on that list. For my 40th birthday, he gave me a hot air balloon flight. That was so much fun. For my 42nd birthday, he set up a skydiving flight for me. Fun again. This past year when I turned 50, he had a family picnic and no one was to give me any “nice” gifts, so I received geritol, denture cream, depends, etc… but also all the love of having family celebrating my day with me.
I hope your day is filled with love and memories that warm you years later.
Happy B.day Karen!!
Some of my favorite memories are spending them with my twin sis and having huge b.day parties rollerskating! (This was in the 80′s). Ahhhh, brings me back!
I’d love to win any of the “cupcakes”.
~Amy
You didn’t say it was your birthday when you spoke today at Hearts at Home. My favorite memories are just of my mom making my cake every year and I always got to say what we would have for dinner. I never had any big parties but I always, always, always felt special and very excited. Now that I am an adult I do have a bit of disappointment because that underlying excitement is still there but the presents aren’t. My husband’s experience was very different and birthdays were not as special. (which means he doesn’t get why I am disappointed…) so lame, I know. It has made it hard when I plan things for our daughter.
Enjoyed hearing you speak today about hospitality. And to hear that your kids go to Barakel was great! I love that place!
Amy Jones
the Michigan girl who is now a flatlander…
Happy Birthday Karen…I always enjoy your postings
My most memorable birthday was at age 16…of course, it’s a special year (for driving), but I was also a cheerleader at that time…and the girls surprised me w/ special goodies. To be sweet sixteen again…..
My most recent favorite birthday was my 30th. It happened just over a year ago and was a few days before my birthday which increased the surprise. While I was out to dinner with my husband and kids, my sister and her husband and my parents drove over to our house and filled our bedroom and bed with balloons. A bit silly, but growing up each year my mother would blow up as many balloons as we were old and would place them in our room before we woke up the next morning. All night I would periodically watch and wait hoping to catch the “balloon fairy” in the act. In all those years, I never did catch her and it was always a surprise to wake up and see my room filled with balloons. What a simple delight. This weekend at Hearts at Home reminded me that it is often the simple pleasures of life that bring about the fondest memories. It was so special for them to recreate such a special tribute from my youth and even more special to share it with my kids.
I loved your presentation at Hearts at Home. I hope you had a blessed birthday weekend!