Two weeks ago today was my birthday. With taxes and writing deadlines and housework and meal planning...it seems the calendar is on fast forward. How could I possibly already be 2 weeks older?!  Everyone asked "what are you doing for your birthday?" then it was, "what did you do for your birthday?" but I didn't have any big plans and I didn't want any, to tell you the truth! It was a simple but perfect day.

I was already planning to babysit my little doll granddaughter-she's the gift that keeps on giving-and she arrived by 9 and we played and read books and hugged and snacked and giggled and pretended we were puppies and cats and the sun came out big and bright so we had a FABULOUS, long, outdoor walk.

MY HEART WAS SINGING!!!!!!!!!!!

I bundled her up like an Eskimo, even wrapping her in a down blanket just in case, and I proceeded to push us up huge inclines in our city and buzz here and there, singing and thanking God for the sun. Around here, if the sun is shining, it's a great day! (Even if it's crisp and cool!) It was getting close to noon and I asked her if she'd like a snack. She replied in the affirmative with the sweetest little voice repeating the word "snack" to the best of her ability.

We rolled into the local grocery store and I began to ponder what would be relatively appropriate for our Nannie Birthday Lunch together on-the-run. Her mommy feeds her extremely healthy so I knew I could cheat a bit :D Well...off to the deli department to buy her 6 Jo-Jo's - those naughty deep fried potato wedges which she immediately acknowledged as a food she could agree with! As she clung to those fries, one in each hand, I was reminded that cheese is a favorite of hers, so I had the deli gal slice her 1-just 1! thin piece of Havarti and I broke it into pieces and put it on her tray. She gobbled it up.

Then we rolled her over to the cooler and bought her a vanilla-flavored mini almond milk (a drink she's very familiar with-and a great alternative to dairy-we use it on cereal and oatmeal). It came with a straw, and as she sipped, we found our way to the applesauce (unsweetened) and went through the check out to pay for everything we were already eating! (We like to live dangerously around here-ha)

I handed the clerk her almond milk and it wasn't scanning properly so it was delayed a bit and she said aloud "MINE!" as she looked at her drink in his hand, probably wondering why he hadn't returned it...we completed our purchase and I fed her the applesauce with a spoon from the deli. Old ladies walked by and thrilled at the sight of her, and she enjoyed peering at the video section where Big Bird and Elmo, two of her favorite characters, were being displayed on the shelves. She studies things carefully, taking in the details and pondering every little thing.

We arrived back home just in time, as she was very tired by then, with a full tummy and a happy heart. She's really never grumpy about taking a nap. Her mommy has trained her well.

One of my boys popped in after lunch with a gift for me, then my youngest came home from college with a bouquet in his hand. Awww.
Then hubby did the same.
We were tentatively planning to head out for an early dinner, but later in the afternoon my girls and oldest son stopped by bearing gifts like beautiful flowers and a gorgeous scarf and a modern spoon rest I've been longing to have for a year (funny what us grannies get excited about, huh?!) and assorted other items, so we lingered and chatted. Hubs got too hungry and ate some leftover pasta from the fridge. He was a happy man, loves his pasta!

After the house had settled down and everyone had left, we took one of our Groupons and got me my birthday dinner. A delicious steak salad - yum! And double chocolate cheesecake for dessert. Hubby wasn't hungry but he was happy to sit and watch me open my cards. It takes me a while. I like to read them over a few times and let the words sink in.

Today it was time to toss my flowers. They were tired, and although I'd kept them full of water and picked out the wilted pieces, it was obvious that they weren't going to smile at us anymore! They brightened up the house for a couple of weeks and brought me much cheer.

I read through my cards again to remind myself of the important things...my kids and hubby had taken the time to write me some incredibly meaningful, inspiring words that I take to heart. Their encouragement was especially timely and strengthening.

I don't take it for granted that some things money can't buy.