Four+ Me: Happy Birthday--TO ME!

Today is my birthday. Yes, I am a Taurus (couldn't you tell?). I want to include some great shots of our celebration last night. My dad and his wife were still in town, so we did the official celebrating last night. Today was simply a regular day, but inside I felt extra special. Thanks to everyone who sent me birthday cards, email wishes and other wishes. Here we are before our feast begins...this picture got fuzzy. Not sure how, but somewhere between here and there (still learning how to use the new fancy digital camera).

The rain subsided early this morning and the sun made an appearance by late afternoon. I can count on both hands the number of times it has rained on my birthday in my life. Now I am 34. My mom still moans when she talks of my long and difficult birth. But, for me it was all worth it! What a great life--I mean really. Not in some oh, look how happy my life is bullshit blog way, but in real way. This past year has been incredibly exceptional. I have met some great people who have truly made a difference in my life and who have brought me to a new place. I am enjoying this journey through life. Here is my birthday dinner spread prepared 100% in secret by Jeff (I know the picture placement is sort of random--just trying to keep it interesting). Salad, pulled pork sandwiches, yummy chips, beans--what more could a girl ask for?!? How about an end to our remodeling projects (not a hint, Dad. Just a wish.) I am sure you can spot signs of "temporary" conditions all around.

The dinner was great. It was the only real food I ate yesterday, besides oatmeal cookies. Over the past two days, I ate two full bags of oatmeal cookies that were a gift from my grandmother. I shared two with Andrew and three with Sam. Everything else was mine. Not to go off on a tangent here, but I have gained five pounds in the past few weeks. I am on a real stretch of sweets. Thanks to Very Mom I have decided I am definitely a sugar addict, despite my otherwise healthful eating habits and keen attention to "freshness." I may be happy and lovin' life, but I am still a work in progress--no doubt.

And here was the finishing touch to my birthday feast--a Dairy Queen ice cream cake! We toasted with Champaign to my birthday, my dad and Ineke's (his wife) new house, and Ineke's citizenship (last week she became a citizen of the US--she is Dutch). I still hate Champaign.