Happy Birthday to Me

My birthday was Friday, and as expected, it was wonderful.
 
It started out a little rushed - any time Lucy wakes up before I leave I try to get her fed and back to sleep by the time I leave so Rick can keep sleeping, but it didn't happen.  I did get to have some quality time with her before I rushed Charlie out the door though, so that was a plus.  Once I got to school, kids literally bombarded me with cards, candy, and "Happy Birthday"s:

 They were so sweet.  They sang and everything.  One student had asked me what my favorite animal was the day before, and when I told her it was a lion, she brought me a GIANT poster-sized drawing she had done herself of a lion.  It clearly took her a long time and was very thoughtful.  Wish I had remembered to take a picture of it.

And, every year Rick's grandpa sends me a "Birthday Pome."  This year, it was:

Roses are Red.

Most think they are Cool.

Thanks to our sweet Randi………

FOR IMPROVING THE GENE POOL!  !  !

Happy Birthday, you sweet girl….

We love you.

How sweet.  Rick's grandma emailed me, too.  They always remember.  His grandparents are among the most generous, giving, and caring people who exist.  I love them dearly.

When I got home, it turned out Rick had arranged for the kids to go to Grandma's long enough for us to have dinner.  We played and got some pictures before we left the house:

 Aren't they so adorable???

We went to Olive Garden since we had a gift card left over from Christmas.  They have this new thing where you can pay $12.95 and get two entrees - one to eat and one to take with you.  It's kind of like their endless pasta.  Since my fettuccine Alfredo costs $11.65 anyway, it seemed like a pretty good deal to pay $1.30 more and have lunch for the next day, so that's what we did.

We picked up the kids, put them to bed, and watched Argo.  It was very good, but I really don't do well with intense movies.  I was stressed the whole time.

Saturday Charlie and I went to the Farmer's Market and hit a few yard sales.  Lucy and I ran a few errands, and Rick and I cleaned the house.  Then we went to his parents' for my birthday dinner.  Charlie was VERY excited about cake, but we made it clear to him that he would not be getting any cake if he didn't eat dinner.  He ate TWO hot dogs, several strawberries and some pineapple (a GREAT performance from this boy!) before he even started on chips.  I was so proud of him.  He helped me blow out my candles, and then he ate a (small) piece of cake and two (small) helpings of vanilla ice cream.  (I love that he chooses vanilla over chocolate - just like his mommy!)

He also helped me open my gifts.  I got some checks :), a gift card to Beauty Brands, and a 6 month membership to Bonkers for Charlie.  I was really excited about this last one because it will be something fun to do when it's hot outside this summer, and let's face it, I would never take him if I had to pay.

It was a wonderful weekend.  Thanks to all!