(43-144) Lyndzi's 9th Birthday

I can't believe that Lyndzi turned 9 today.  You'd think that I'd be used to the wacky, ageing thing, since I have a son who's 11 1/2; but I'm not.  It's just unbelievable how quickly the time goes and it's so interesting to see the changes in how the kids relate to their friends. 

Since the girls agreed to go out to dinner last Saturday night, on Kelsie's birthday; tonight was the night that they were going to have friends over.  I told each of the girls that they could invite 3 friends.  Kelsie invited 3 girls from her class but no one had RSVP'd.  I saw one of the mom's on campus one day, (a couple of weeks ago) and I asked if her daughter was going to be able to come over for Kelsie's birthday.  The mom told me that her anniversary was around that time; and she asked if the invitation was just for a play date.  When I explained that it was actually for Kelsie's birthday, the mom said that her daughter could definitely come.  Well, on Thursday I went on campus in the morning because Nicky had too much to carry and he needed some help.  As we were waiting for the morning bell; Kelsie buried her head in my stomach and told me that her friend was not going to be able to come over.  The friend's sister explained that her mom had decided to go out to dinner that night instead.  Kelsie grew increasingly distressed and wouldn't remove her head from my stomach.  The sister asked if she was OK, but I explained that she was sad.  I told her that no one else had RSVP'd, and now two days before the get together Kelsie has no friends coming over.

I was very upset for Kelsie, and I tired to think of a way to make the situation better for her; so I emailed the moms of her two pre-school buddies, to see if by any chance they were free; but they weren't.  I picked Kelsie up from school and she seemed to be fine; until we were safely inside our house and she asked what to do about her party.  I suggested that she call her friend Natalia, and let her know that she didn't need to bring a present;  because Natalia had told her that the reason that she couldn't come was because she didn't have a present.  Natalia accepted Keslie's offer and I confirmed with her dad; but then I had to laugh, because in order to insure that there were no mishaps with Natalia coming over; Kelsie asked me to pick her up, and I HAPPILY agreed.

Lyndzi had two friends over; even though the mom of the third friend had confirmed with me on Wednesday; after asking if she could send her 10 year old daughter as well.  I gladly, agreed BUT on Friday the friend informed Lyndzi that her dad was not willing to bring her; so she wasn't going to be able to attend.  And just like I didn't put my two sense in regarding Kelsie's let down; I'm not going to say what I really think about this situation either; because if you know me; then you already know.

We woke Lyndzi up at 615 this morning with a loud rendition of "Happy Birthday."  We then went to Nicky's soccer game, Kelsie's 1st of her double-header, Lyndzi's game, and Kelsie's 2nd game of her double header.  Good games; all 4!

As soon as we got home from soccer; I made the Ice cream cake, and went to Jo-Ann for some additional supplies that were going to be needed for tonight's craft. I picked Natalia up at 445 and by 530 the rest of the guests had arrived.  We let each of the girls make their own pizza, with dough that we'd bought at Trader Joes; we each made 2 Shabby Blossoms, and they had ice cream cake.  Then before I knew it; the evening was over.

Despite the difficulties in confirming with their friends; I think the girls had a wonderful time celebrating their birthdays for the past week.  I'm so sorry that the girls had to be let down; however, I know from experience that each disappointment helps you appreciate all that you have.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-58) Happy Birthday Hershey!

Today is Hershey's birthday.  My wuffie is now 2 years old; and the kids wanted to give her a proper celebration.  We bought party hats; and gave her lots of love and attetnion; just like we do for any family member's birthday.

As much as we all love Hershey, and as big a part of our family as she is; I can't believe that there was ever a time that Luis, Nicky and I weren't interested in having a dog; and now we couldn't live without her.  The latter part of that comment pertains to me and Nicky for sure; but don't ask Luis about his feelings for Hershey  Though, because just "as I told you in "To Camp or Not To Camp;"  he likes her very much; he just doesn't love her.  Now don't get me wrong; Nicky and I were never opposed to having a dog; although Nicky didn't seem to care if he had one or not; we just never could have imagined how much we would love this pup.

There's something about Hershey that just relaxes and comforts me; (well, us.)  She is sweet and she is smart; just like my other kids.  In additon to Hersh being fashion forward and answeing difficult questions with a nodf of her head; she is very intelligent; and we are so fortunate to have this sweet pup in our lives.  She is protective and loving and her mere presence makes me /us  happy.

I could go on and on writing about how much we love her; but I think I'm going to share some pictures of her instead.

(To the left) This is Hershey's impression of Arnold  (Gary Coleman) from "Different Strokes;"   "whatchyou  talkin bout  Willis?   (On the right;)  "Please stop singing!"

(On the left,) "SO tired after all the pictures."  A VERY loved Chihuahua indeed.

I hope that if you have a pet, it brings you as much joy as Hershey brings to us.  If you are not the receipient of an animal's love; I highly recommend adopting a pet, for (say it with me;) "You're GREATER GOOD!"

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-2) SLENDIFEROUS

Yesterday I truly was The BIRTHDAY Queen.  I'm thrilled to say that my birthday was positively wonderful and I relished every moment of the day.  I woke up early intending to start writing "The Bumpy Ride," but when I checked my email and saw how many well wishes I had; I was delightfully detained.   I would be remiss if  I didn't start off by saying how overwhelmed I was by EACH of the birthday greetings that I'd received on Facebook; in addition to the encouraging responses regarding yesterday's post and my new endeavor.   It seems that a lot of people on Facebook play a numbers game and they add "friends" that they never even communicate with, but that's NOT me; so it was so touching to see how many people wished me a Happy Birthday.  There were tidings from childhood friends, and new acquaintances; from Junior High pals, and High School cohorts, from College chums to work buddies, from old neighbors to scrapbook sisters, and from EVERYONE that I love and cherish in between.  The birthday wishes abounded; and though this is typically true for most people who use Facebook - on this significant birthday, it meant THE WORLD to me.   My friend Judy (who I've known since I was 4) wrote "Happy Birthday to my dear friend! Hope it's a slendiferous day!!"  Well, I thought that this was a FABULOUS comment; though I have to admit that I wasn't really sure what slendiferous meant.  Loving to use the dictionary and thesaurus as I do; I Googled the word and was just about to "assume" that Judy made a typo on SPLENDIFEROUS when I found that according to the "Urban Dictionary," slendiferous is  A little known term that denotes "the coolest of the cool."  Well who knew that Judy was so in the know... and that's pretty much what I wrote back to her.  I thanked her for thinking of me and gave her props for her progressive phraseology.  And so class, SLENDIFEROUS is our word of the day; and I DID indeed have a SLENDIFEROUS Birthday!!!

What I think I enjoyed most about my day was that I didn't do anything remarkable - I just did things that make me happy; with people that I enjoy.  I went to Starbucks with my friend Lori, went home and made the kids lunch; went for a pedicure with my friend Shannon; which was a double pleasure since we went to Pure Elements which is our friend Jenny's salon.  Unfortunately, Luis had to work; but The kids and I had a terrific time when we met Michelle M & Max at Red Robin for dinner AND I got to use my FREE birthday burger coupon.  As if that wasn't enough; Luis brought me a Tiramisu cake and I finished my slice along with my blog and I felt VERY satisfied on all levels.

I woke up today, happy to take on day 2 of being 43 and was surprised to procure even MORE birthday salutations and some gifts that I NEVER expected..  The generosity of my friends was / is just astounding and I feel SO BLESSED to have the kindest, most thoughtful people in my life.  Now what could be more slendiferous than that???
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

43

Today is my 43rd birthday and though any birthday is a cause for celebration, and the 43rd may not be monumental for most; it's HUGE for me!
When I was younger, having a day of celebration on my actual birthday sufficed. If I was having a party and it happened to be on a day other than my authentic birthday, I then managed to eek out 2 days of jubilation; and as I got older, my birthday festivities grew into "My birthday weekend" and even "My birthday week."  Then just the other night, a wonderful friend advised me that she literally celebrates her birthday for a month. Well wonderful friend and readers alike; this year I am doing one better... I am actually going to celebrate my birthday for A YEAR; and I am so hoping that you will rejoice right along with me...
Now I know that a YEAR of celebration may sound extremely excessive; so please allow me to explain further (as if I wouldn't...)
On March 4, 2009 I posted a blog called "100 Random Things About Me," and #14 was: My parents and paternal Grandfather all died at the age of 43 and that WON'T be me.  OK, the gasps were deafening; but not to worry; I AM FINE!  Rest assured that other than being overweight and suffering from an occasional anxiety attack; I am in perfect health and I have no intention or expectation that I will be leaving this planet any time soon; HOWEVER, following my usual make lemonade out of lemons philosophy; I believe this needs to be a year of recollection, reflection, observation, appreciation, and change; and I plan to do this right before your very eyes.

In my last post, "For A Cause;" I wrote "I've got something planned that you're NEVER going to believe."  And  I have to laugh (lovingly) at how many people guessed that my news was that I was pregnant. Shocking really;  but in a sense, I am giving birth; NOT to a child; but to a creation nonetheless.  So, here it is.  In celebration of my life and all that I need to acknowledge, appreciate and be thankful for;  I am pledging to post a blog EVERY day this year.  (And again the gasps abound...)  Now I know what you're thinking; "THIS coming form a woman who said she was going to post twice a week or AT LEAST a minimum of once a week and then disappeared for weeks and months at a time?"  And the answer is "YES!!"  THIS from The Queen of DELAYS.   THIS from The Queen of PROCRASTINATION.  THIS from The Queen of COMMITMENT, The Queen of KEEPING HER WORD!    Am I fallible?  Absolutely, but hey if Julie can do it; SO CAN I...  I   HAVE TO!!  So yes, for the next 366 days (gotta include making it to birthday 44 of course;)  I am going to endeavor to write a post a day.  They won't ALL be my usual narratives or lengthy storytelling; (though some will - wink,wink;)  but at the very least, I will write about something that I learned, enjoyed, or recalled that day.  I may pay tribute to one of my MANY extraordinary friends, or write about how I reacted differently in a situation that previously would have driven me up the wall.  I am going to do my best to learn to be a kinder person.  A more patient person.  A person who really DOESN'T sweat the small stuff.  A person who can find the silver lining and can recognize beauty in unlikely places and predicaments. Oh don't get me wrong;  I know that life isn't PERFECT; but it sure beats the alternative!!!  I know that you can't ALWAYS find a positive when there are circumstances that absolutely suck.  BUT, in the face of all of that, I want to be A person who made the MOST of a year in her life, didn't waste a minute.; and reminded you that Life Is Beautiful.  AND who knows; maybe once I'm done commemorating my 43rd year; and 366 posts; I'll actually have a book...

So there you have it. .. My big news!  I hope that you continue to join me on this BUMPY RIDE and grow along with me this year.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING