Birthday Time

Rhett and the girls went all out for my birthday this year. 

First of all, about a month ago, Claire and I were in Fred Meyer's browsing their pots and planters. I was looking for something that would fit along the window by my sink where I could plant herbs and spices. But as we were strolling the isle, Claire said, "I know what I'm going to get you for your birthday!"

Well, the morning of my birthday came (Monday), and Claire needed me to take her to the store. We had it all figured out that I would close my eyes and she would get "the present" and then tell me the numbers so I would know how much to pay. Then she said, "I hope it's not two hundred and fifty dollars!" I said "I hope so too!" 

But Rhett, Pyper, and Claire were ready for school a little early, so he ended up taking them and Claire picked it out. They also picked out two packs of gum for me.

Summer wanted to take me to the store to pick out which cake mix and frosting I wanted, so while the others were gone, Summer, Basil and I ran to the store before first grade started, and I picked out my cake. On the way to the checkout stand, I saw Summer swipe two little packs of jelly beans (she knows I love jelly beans) and hide them in the cart. When we got home, she wrapped them up for me.

When I arrived at Claire's school to pick her up, she had two surprises for me:

One--a card she had made for me during free time.

And Two--this:

I loved it!

When everyone got home from school, we worked on making the cake. After it was cool, the girls frosted it.

(Rhett bought party hats and made everyone wear them.)

Summer wanted to write "Mom's Cake" on it, so she started with the M, but it was more difficult to squeeze the frosting out than she thought, so Rhett finished it.

The pot. Isn't it beautiful? I love it!

After dinner, everyone sang to me, I blew out the candles, we ate cake, and I opened my gifts. (I even got birthday packages from my sisters!) It was such a special day--especially to see everyone work together to make it a happy day for me. I loved it.

And no, Rhett didn't forget to get me anything. He gave me an amazing gift and sent me to a conference I was wanting to go to. It was the weekend before my birthday, and I was gone from Friday to Sunday. He took care of the girls while I ate out, went to awesome classes, and learned some amazing things. I had a great time and got to come home to celebrate my birthday with happy kids who had missed me!

And thank you all who sent birthday wishes my way! It was a wonderful day!