Let me just lay it out on the table.  Because I’m sure you’ve been wondering…Yes, my birthday weekend was lovely.

Friday, I was serenaded by 19 sweet little kindergarteners as I walked into Maxim’s class.  His teacher had them sing “Happy Birthday” to me and it was pretty much 101% cute factor hearing these little cherubs sing.  Apple Celebration Day was so much fun.  It made me realize I really do miss teaching.

Maxim and I

Next, I went to Nate’s fourth grade classroom where I was greeted with a cheerful “Happy Birthday!” from his teacher and the whole class.  (Birthday greetings never get old.  Love them!)  I helped with math and again, felt so happy about being able to use my teaching skills with these kiddos.

After volunteering, I met my Mom, stepdad Papa Joe, and Grandma Helen at the Kava House for lunch (and dessert, of course).

Papa, Mom, Grandma Helen, and I

While there, Mom and Papa gave me my birthday card and gifts.

Grandma Helen had sent me a birthday card in the mail earlier in the week. I have to stop for a minute and brag on Grandma Helen.  Grandma has about seven hundred and fifty-two family members between her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  (Ok.  I may be exaggerating a little.)  Anyway, she gives every single one of us a birthday card.  ON TIME.  Wow.  I can’t even mail a card to our cousin’s daughter, Paige, who was in the hospital and have it get to her on time.  It rode around in our car for an entire week.  And I finally gave it to Paige IN PERSON when we saw her last weekend camping.  As in, she was no longer ill.  So the “Get Well Soon” card was completely irrelevant at that point.

Well, as if you are just begging me to tell you more about my birthday weekend…I have to share one of my favorite birthday gifts that my parents gave me.

Listen.  Back in early August, I posted about not having my razor that I’ve had for twenty years work anymore.  (Ironically, this razor that I got twenty years ago was my parents’ razor.  And they let me snag it and take it back to college with me.)  Well, this razor of mine.  It had seen better days.  The little claws that keep the blades in place had broken.  So I was wanting to know where to find one.  Apparently, Gillette doesn’t feel the need to make them anymore.  But they still have their Atra Plus razor blades available to purchase.  So, I posted this question Facebook…what is a good razor to use?

Okay, back to the birthday story… Fast forward to September 26th.  We are sitting in the Kava House enjoying a birthday lunch and whalaaaa…

Well, Mom found an extra razor in her drawer, washed it up for me, and this was one of my birthday gifts…I can’t even describe to you the level of JOY and GRATITUDE I was feeling.

The spoiling continued because Friday evening, Hubby and the boys made me feel like the luckiest gal.  They showered me with some of my favorite things…a yummy fall candle, a Nora Fleming serving platter and the most darling toppers to go on the platter (Nora Fleming serving platter) which the boys LOVED picking out, and a purse that I’ve been wanting for awhile now.

Look at these proud shoppers!

So many thoughtful friends and family helped make my birthday special.  So many kind gestures…my dear friend Kristy dropped off a gift at our front door on my birthday morning, my mom made a birthday cake for me with the Best frosting ever (recipe).

Of course, my mom used the Best Frosting EVER recipe!

The weekend was non-stop F.U.N.  We celebrated with a little cowbell and great music and gifts at our friends’ place, I was treated to lunch and spent Sunday afternoon with my bestie, ate delicious Mexican food Saturday night, received a wonderful gift card from my sweet sister-in-law so that I can continue my latte addiction, was given great work-out clothes from my dear mother & father-in-law, received many texts and Facebook birthday wishes, spent outdoorsy time with Hubby and our boys…

Nate and I at the 240

I felt completely spoiled all weekend long.

Birthdays are a big deal.  You may say, “ah, whatever.  It’s just another day.”  But that’s not true.  We are so blessed to have another birthday each year.  When you know that it is someone’s birthday, show them you care.  Send them  Give them a card (unless you are like my Grandma Helen and you can actually send it to them.  On time.).  Buy them a coffee or a box of muffins.  Give them their favorite bag of candy.  Serenade them with the classic “Happy Birthday” song.  Add a little cha cha cha in there, if you wish.  Any little thing or gesture makes that person feel like a million bucks.

And that’s how I’m feeling.  Like a million bucks.  Rich.  From all the love, birthday wishes, and sweet sprinkles of kindness.