Phone message from my mom: "Good Morning Dawn Marie Stone Ropelato. Today is your 26 birthday....26th birthday.....nope.....not 26 it's 56" ☺ I'm not going to lie I laughed out loud and gave the angels a high five. Then my mom said she was going to sing me a song but she just said the words instead of singing them and actually forgot the words...she seriously made me laugh. ☺ Oh I love my mom and that was a fun way to start off my 56th Birthday.
Debbie Peterson went to Ed Week in Idaho and asked me sub for her at bowling. I decided that would be fun to do on my birthday, surrounded by beautiful, fun women and so I did. Shirley had surprised me with balloons, a birthday centerpiece, party hats and a gift. Carla made brownies with chocolate frosting for everyone. They were so yummy. I took the biggest piece and it lasted the whole time I was bowling. Since I am born on National Milk Chocolate Day (I know, perfect day for me to be born) I took all the other teams Hershey bars with a little note on it. I like sharing chocolate with others as much as I like enjoying it myself. I really had a great time and felt so loved when everyone sang to me. It sounded like a medley but really wasn't...that too made me laugh out loud!
Robin and Carla took me to the Greenery for lunch. I love going there and these two gals make it really fun. Carla spoiled me with a few nice gifts. She told me she got me things I would like and a few things she liked. The things she liked are the picture frame like she has and the cheese grater. The things I would like are the bag with "make your soul happy" printed on it and a bracelet that says "positive mind, positive vibes, positive life." I loved everything. Robin paid for our lunches. I love these two gals and I'm glad that we ended up being such good friends. I'm not even sure how things fell into place the way they have but it's fun.
When I got home Kimi had a cute gift waiting for me. Mountain Dew and two Almond Joys. I have been craving Almond Joys lately and she just knew. I appreciate Kimleighel so much. Kimleighel always has my back. If I am tending the grands and have something like "going to lunch" or "being sick" she is happy to take over. Kimi is one who compliments me on a daily basis and is very affectionate. She makes me smile. ☺
Larry took me to dinner but I really wasn't very hungry and so chose to go to Applebees. I knew I could have something light and Larry could fill up. I ended up ordering a meal that Larry could enjoy for lunch the next day. I ate the shrimp off the chicken and had a bit of chicken and a bite of the potatoes and called it good. That's one thing about me going out so much....Larry likes my left overs.
We invited all the kids over for ice cream and cake. I got lucky and Natalie brought the left over, homemade ice cream she had from giving her niece a bridal shower the night before. Everyone had a good time and some even stayed until after 10:00 playing games. Kamryn, Mya and Parker all made me cards that I will put in my memory book. I think the parents have given up on making memory pages but I'm still hoping that I will get more over the years...because I love them. (I found 3 from Julie in my emails..woot woot) Trichelle's family brought me a bag of some of my favorite candy bars and Natalie's family had the same idea. They brought me a cute tote full of candy bars and different types of yummy chocolate. I have enough chocolate to last until my next birthday. I love the note on the tote, it say's "We Love You more than You Love Chocolate and that's a whole lot of Love." I couldn't help but smile. Kevin and Julie always take us out to dinner for our birthdays and we will be doing that in a few weeks. It works out that her parents birthdays are very close to ours.
I played games with the kids for a while and then I tried to reply to the birthday greeting sent to me on face book. Every message made me smile. I wasn't able to respond to everyone that night since it was so late. I realized I didn't even hold the twins tonight but I did soak in there cuteness by looking at them. I enjoyed listening to Natalie and Julie talk while the others were at the table playing games. I love that my kids all get along so well. I did hold my cute little girls a few times. Jordyn loved being held tonight and a few times Macie wanted to be as well. A few times I had them both in my arms at the same time. It's funny when I pick one up the others cries until I am able to lift her up as well. If Sadie would have been there (she was feverish and stayed home and we missed her and her cute mommy) I would have the three little girls in my arms again. I think they might compete a little. ☺ I love them all and I'm glad they enjoy having me hold them. I hope they always feel the love I have for each one of them.
So turning another year older wasn't so bad. In fact, I enjoy each new year. I'm thankful for all of my blessings: my health, good neighbors and friends, my faith, my "gifts" which I am finally recognizing, my extended family and mostly my wonderful family. I am one very blessed Birthday Girl and I am constantly thanking Heavenly Father....He really does love me which means He really does love you too!
(A few of this sweet greeting was sent to me today!)
I want to save this greeting from cute Tammy G since she took a little more time with it than I ever do.
"Happy, Happy Birthday my beautiful friend!
Dawn I hope you realize what a bright light you are and how your heart shines out and truly touches so many! Take some time today and celebrate YOU and all of your awesomeness!!!!! I am grateful to have you in my life, and blessed to call you my dear friend! I hope you have the best Birthday ever....and an amazing year to come! Mwahhhhh!!!!!!!"
***Larry asked me if I had heard from everyone that I had expected to and I replied "no." My sister didn't contact me at all today. One of her daughters and both of her son-in-laws did but not her. :(
