My Birthday

So, yesterday was my 43rd birthday (oy!). My husband surprised me by taking the day off work. He’s such a sneak! We headed into town and had a nice breakfast at Bob Evan's Restaurant, and then spent a pretty wonderful day alone together. However, before all that my husband and daughters woke me and told me happy birthday, then handed me my present.

First, chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate. A huge Belgium chocolate bar, a pretty red and gold box that has little fudge-filled chocolate truffles inside, a ½ lb. chocolate bar with pistachios, and an entire bag of assorted chocolates that had three different flavors: dark chocolate with espresso, milk chocolate with mocha, and a creamy latte flavored chocolate. Last but not, least a yummy Symphony bar. Yeah, my family knows what I like. LOL

Then I got to the last box. It was brown and rather plain. I couldn't imagine what they'd bought me. I opened it only to find a printed out picture that looked a lot like the brand new Nookcolor. Wait, what?! I had to look at my husband for confirmation. He nodded and I'm pretty sure my jaw hit the floor. It’s to be delivered next Friday, as it’s not even out yet! I CANNOT wait! *grin* 

Then around noonish, I got a delivery. Flowers. My sweet sweet Aunt Lorie sent me a gorgeous arrangement that came all the way from Hawaii! I teared up when I saw them. Below is a picture, but it's not very good. We had to take it with my daughter's cell phone because our digital isn't working. Anyway, aren't they pretty?! 

Later in the afternoon my oldest brother called. Oh, he got me but good this year. He left me a message on my machine that said (and I quote): ‘Sissy, put the razor down! Step away from the razor! You aren’t that old!’ The brat! LOL! I told him I’m buying him a walker for his birthday next year (he’s 3 years older than me). :P

My niece called and sang me happy birthday, which was super sweet of her. And both my girls texted me from school to ask if I’d been having a good day. I texted back, “I ate a huge sausage gravy and biscuits breakfast, had Starbucks afterward, then came home and took a nap with Nutmeg (our dog). Best day ever!”

I ended up with over 300 birthday wishes on Facebook and also got phone calls from family and friends. On Friday, my mom is taking me shopping and to lunch. I'll tell ya, I feel very blessed!

Thank you ALL for making my birthday so very special! :)


A Little Bit Naughty--out now!

http://annerainey.com

Are You Ready For Christmas?

I admit, Christmas is easily my favorite time of year. I love everything about it. The house all decorated with the many decorations we've collected over the years, the happy smiles from my kids when they see the presents under the tree on Christmas morning.

I also love spending time with my brothers and their better halves. Going to my mom's and feeling all the warmth and love as we sit down to eat, everyone joking and teasing with each other. We don't get together very often these days. It's hard because we're all grown and we all have our own lives. But when we do it's a good time for all of us.

The other day my daughter wanted to turn on the radio station that plays Christmas music 24/7. At first, I was hesitant. I mean, Thanksgiving isn't even here yet! But as soon as Bing Crosby started singing about a White Christmas I was a goner. All those warm memories came flooding back and I was instantly ready to shop and decorate!

When I was a kid Christmas was a magical time. My brother would come in and wake me up and whisper to me that Santa came. We'd head out to the family room and see the presents and just sit in awe, almost too excited to stay still. Now that I'm a mother my joy comes from seeing that same wide-eyed wonder on my daughters' faces. They're in their teens now, but Christmas is still a magical time for them. We have our little traditions and it makes me smile. There's nothing better than seeing a smile on your child's face, is there?

No, it's not even Thanksgiving yet. We're a ways off from getting the tree out of the basement. Present one hasn't even been bought yet. Still, that doesn't mean I can't start getting excited! :)

A Little Bit Naughty--out now!
http://annerainey.com