JOY JOY JOY

Last week was my birthday and while it was not a big milestone number  (although I am getting old) and it was in the middle of the week, it was one of my best birthdays ever.  All I wanted was to go to my hole in the wall favorite Italian/Pizza joint and have my favorite manicotti (I saved all my gluten and carbs for a month for this night!)

So the night before my birthday, our little family went there for dinner.  During dinner Kate said that we should go around the table and say what we are thankful for about Mom.  This is a family tradition on birthdays...we either say what we love most or what we appreciate about the person.  I was touched though that Kate thought of it.  I want to share what each child said because it touched my heart so deeply.

Kate said that she was thankful that I did not have to work so much that I still have the time to walk them into school and pick them up and drive them to all of their activities.  She reminded us that lots of kids have to go to aftercare or the carpool line because their parents are working.  She was grateful that I am there to do that all for them.

I need to add here that I really needed to hear that because I DO work and I do have to take Kate to the carpool line sometimes.  And some nights, I rush out after dinner to see clients.  So, the fact that she sees it better than I do means a lot to me:)

Will was next.  He is 16 (and 1/2) and he is a boy.  He said that he was most grateful for all the good advice I give him.  That made me beam.  Will talks to me a lot.  He comes in my room most nights and we chat about school, sports, friends, girls, life etc.  He seeks my advice and he values it.  What more could a mother ask for? We have a fabulous relationship. He also said he appreciates how hard I work on his laundry.  That is kind of a family joke but Will generates more laundry than anyone else in our family and it is a part time job just keeping up with his laundry (and yes, sometimes I do have him do his own but he is really busy working and studying and doing swim team and preparing for confirmation etc).  I have more time than he does.

Harry was next and he said that he appreciates all the "behind the scenes" stuff Mom does that we probably don't even know about or take for granted...like the little things she does to make holidays and  occasions special or just the everyday little things.  Seriously, y'all?  What 12 (almost 13) year old boy thinks about that.  So sweet.  I am blessed.

Dave went last and he said that he appreciates how I keep the family going even when he is absorbed with work life.

I had tears in my eyes.  That was the greatest birthday present ever!  To hear that my husband and my children value what I do each day.  I felt so loved.

Then, Kate gave me a gift.  She saw this gift in Claire's over the summer and she thought it was so beautiful.  She kept telling Dave that he had to take her to Claire's. He kind of kept forgetting so the day before my birthday,  Dave signed Kate out of school for lunch and they went to lunch and to Claire's.

This is the darling necklace Kate gave me.  We each wear half.  She wears the red half and I wear the pink half.

Dave also gave me a very thoughtful gift.  I had seen these shoes and I loved them but I could not really justify the expense.  They are so soft and beautiful.  I mentioned them in passing one day while we were actually shopping for Dave on his birthday a few weeks ago but I had already forgotten about them.  I was so surprised when he gave them to me.  It showed that he really listened and really got something that would make me happy.  I love them.  They are soft as butter.

Someone told me my right (really my left) ankle looks swollen here.  

It is not.  It is just the angle of the shot.

On my actual birthday I worked in the school store with Harry (one of my favorite things to do), got 4 inches cut off my hair! and had lunch with some girlfriends and dinner with other girlfriends.  It was a GREAT day.

I love my shorter hair.  It lays so much nicer now.


(all iphone pics:)

The SO much more JOY happened yesterday.

Will spent the weekend away at his confirmation retreat.  We had been wanting to get him a car for a while (he turned 16 last June) but we were waiting.  We were waiting until we felt more comfortable with his driving.  Waiting until we felt he was mature enough and making good decisions.  Waiting until it was financially feasible and waiting until we found the right car.  But having 3 kids at 3 schools with lots of activities has made our life a little crazy. So, we wanted to get him a car to make life easier on us too!

Dave did a lot of research and we decided this new Kia would give us the most bang for our buck.  And we completely surprised Will...

It was such a wonderful feeling to give your child a once in a lifetime surprise like that.  And he was so full of gratitude and JOY!


Dave putting the bow on the car...

Will coming out the front door...

I love the big smiles on Harry and Dave in the background too:)

He went to hug each of us...



even Harry:)

And this is a favorite....Will and Harry in the front seat (Kate is in the back you just can't see her) looking at all the gadgets.

And I know there will probably be people out there who judge us for getting him a car. People have.  I don't really care what other people think. I care what God and my family thinks. We did what was right for us and our family at this time. Will is a great kid.  He works hard as a lifeguard and saves his money.  He helps us everyday however we need him. He is a great student and volunteer.  He is active in our church and he makes good decisions most of the time. He is not spoiled.  He is not perfect but he is about as good as it gets for a teenage boy. So, judge away.  I have learned that when people judge like that it usually has more to do with them than it does with us.  And I am fine with that.


I feel kinda bad for Will as he is really sick with the stomach bug so he could not even drive his new car to school today!  I think I am getting it too:(

Also, Minted has not let me know yet who the winner is.  As soon as I know, I will post it here..so check back.