Happy Birthday to Me

Yes, today's the day. Thirty-four years.

The Baby kept me awake for the first four hours of my birthday, but then, mercifully, let me sleep for a few hours this morning. She is sleeping again now. We are praying for health to return to our home soon. I can't keep going with nights like these and stay sane much longer.

My DH made Eggs Benedict (and lots of coffee) for breakfast. Yummy! The Boy spent his free time yesterday making me a card and he put it in an envelope with some pennies. He also put one of his stuffed animals and a paper cross he made in a box, and a prayer card in a little gift bag. So sweet. The Girls got up early this morning to work on cards. Yesterday they made a fall bouquet and kept it out in the garage until this morning. (Darn, that camera!)

My DH had a great surprise for me. For the last ten years I've been lamenting the fact that I have no video record of the twenty years I spent dancing. I grew up doing jazz, tap, and ballet, started competing when I was nine, and continued with danceline in college. I have some photographs and old costumes and shoes, but nothing else to show my girls, who are now dancers themselves. My hubby contacted my old dance teacher, knowing I was on the same competition team as her daughter, borrowed the VHS tapes of our old recitals, and transferred them to DVD. I've had a blast watching some of them this morning. What a thoughtful gift! Priceless.

Tonight my DH will come home early to grill steaks before I have to take the girls to dance. We will have baked potatoes, tossed salad, and broiled asparagus as sides, and Door County Apple Crisp with vanilla ice cream for dessert (I'm not a huge cake fan). Then I will have my holy hour and meet a friend for an hour before starting the evening routine with The Baby (I hope not, but we'll see -- she's still pretty miserable).

Have a good October 21st. I know I am.