Header image by DesignByDessie from Pixabay
by Kelli Bowen
Yesterday was my birthday.
My kids believe in a certain amount of magic around birthdays. When it’s their birthdays, they wake up to balloons. I try to give them a special treat: muffins for breakfast, an ice cream stop, etc. There are usually gifts and maybe a special meal. Mom, with an assist from Dad, supply the magic.
My birthday fell on a Tuesday, which is our busiest night of the week with both girls having a dance class. When I walked out to my car, leaning next to my car were matching rocking chairs, that I had been eyeing for our front porch. I hear Hubby say, “Happy birthday Mama.”
I was off to work where my coworkers showered me with some birthday love.
Miss A has dance class directly after school so Miss E and I had a little alone time.
“Do you know what I want?” I asked.
“What?” Miss E responded.
“I want a DQ birthday treat and a walk around the pond with you.”
“Okay!” Miss E loves DQ and any outside alone time with a parent.
We pulled into Dairy Queen and ordered our treats. Then we went home, took care of the dogs, and went outside for a 58-degree walk around the park.
Then it was off to get Miss A from dance. I left Miss E to play with the dogs and went to get her younger sister. I asked, “Do you know what I want for my birthday?”
“What???” Miss A asked.
“I want a treat and a clean car.”
“What about Sister? Let’s go to the gas station!” Miss A declared, which just so happens to be one of Miss A’s favorite things to do.
Off we went to the gas station for a treat and a car wash. Miss A picked out the perfect pack of bubblegum and I grabbed some buns…I already had my treat and she wasn’t paying attention anyway.
When Hubby gets home, he asks, “What meal would you like to dine on your birthday?” I replied with, “I’m debating between nachos or summer sausage, but it’s date night and we are eating out tomorrow night, so maybe we should stay home.”
He looked at me and said “Well it is your birthday tonight.” So I took Miss E to dance, Hubby made himself less mechanic-looking, and we headed to our favorite watering hole. Miss E was done for class about the time food was served so we had a late dinner.
I took a pocket of quarters so the girls could play skeeball and the claw machine and we had a great night. When we got home, I opened the fridge and there was a cake. I looked at Hubby: “WHEN did you have time to get a cake?!?” He smiled “While you were sleeping last night. Happy birthday.”
Sometimes Hubby, on his own, provides the birthday magic.