Birthday Weekend

 Last week I celebrated another year in this world, and another year grateful for everything I have.  I'll be honest, I never saw this many year's coming considering where I came from.

I woke up to an early "Good morning mommy! Happiest Birthday!!' from my 8-year-old.  She got up early and got herself dressed to surprise me.  What a surprise that was.  My son got up without issues and not far behind, R got up and they sang 'Happy Birthday,' while I finished breakfast for everyone.  The kids hugged and kissed me goodbye before getting on the bus and said, 'Have the best birthday mommy!'  Oh, my heart.

The entire weekend was really good.  It was the quietest birthday day I've ever had and that's okay!  We spent it at home as a family.  

Friday, while the kids were at school, R and I decided to take our new toy out on the lake.  Just the two of us, so we can have us time.  We spent a few hours just floating, having a few drinks and enjoying each other's company to celebrate.  I know my birthday was just one day, but I celebrate the entire weekend if it falls on a weekday.  

We decided to wait till Saturday for a big 'village' dinner with our people since a few were out of town.  Mexican food is our go-to place when we eat out and as tradition follows, I had pie in the face at the end.  I wouldn't have had it any other way, because that's what we do.  We drink, we eat, we celebrate and we laugh.  We ended up at S's house and let the kids do what they do, while we as adults had drinks and played card games.  We took S's son home with us for a sleep over since he and J haven't been able to since school started.  I never have issues with him staying with us.  

I used Sunday as a 'recovery' day, since it was raining.  Very little cleaning, but a lot of naps and water intake.  You'd think that would be the end of it, but it was not.

Monday was Labor Day and just one more day to celebrate with the family. R was in a mood since the weather was continuing to look questionable, and he was itching to get on the new boat.  We were up at 8:30 am and out the door by 9:30 am headed to the lake.  Hours of floating, swimming and a few more drinks while enjoying the sunshine.  Oh, and the rain.  The rain!  I think we ended up running from it for the most part, but we finally took notice when lightning started.  We made a run for the marina to have lunch before we had the long ride back to the ramp.  

By the time we got home, everyone was exhausted.  I cleaned up the kids, the kitchen and made a small dinner for everyone while R cleaned the boat.  I'm so glad he decided to leave it out over night to dry, because ugh.  We were tired!

There were no complaints of the weekend, the weather or the company.  Since celebrating my birthday in 2021, I've been thankful to spend it with the ones I love.

2021, M and I had a girls night group party with a color theme and so much champagne.

2022, I brought in 40 with M, (her then boyfriend), V, and R.  That one was by far the funniest, thanks to being taken home in the back of a cop car.  No one was arrested.

2023, it was Mexican food, drinks and our village.  Celebratory drinks after dinner, and card games.

2024, this was in the middle of the busiest work year I've ever had, but we had time for good food, games and drinks.

2025, we celebrated with a new boat thanks to R.  Apparently, that was my gift.  I have given up telling him that's not what I wanted, because he will tell me 'Well, I got you a boat anyway!' Don't bother asking me what I wanted instead, because I am going to say the same thing I've told everyone.  'I don't know what to ask for when I have everything I've ever wanted.'

So, cheers to another year, more memories and spending it with the ones I love most.