Saturday, April 5, 2008

And Wiser Too

balloons
That's right, one year older. I love birthdays. I adopted a new philosophy a few years ago that it does no good to sit around waiting for others to make your birthday special. You know how it goes--waiting to see who remembers, keeping a running tally of the family and friends who call. It always led to a good day laced with an undertone of bitterness for the ones who forgot. Lame.

A while ago Koryn told me that in Holland, YOU celebrate your birthday. You bring cake for everyone at the office and let them join in the celebration. I love that! J had the day off so we were going to go celebrate the day away but the Abster woke up with a virus and a crib full of vomit. I was just as happy to stay home, watch movies all afternoon and fiddle around with the perfect gift J got me.

The Brimhalls called and casually invited us over for dinner. Since their little guy already has what Abbey caught, we saw no problem going over and letting the little germies play. We walked in to balloons and streamers and a fantastic meal. And lest I forget, Miss Katie let me wear her Hello Kitty crown and necklace all night. And I did! You guys are great, I was so surprised and happy. {Sorry to the friends who were kindly uninvited due to the aforementioned germs...}
I wasn't going to post this picture but I love it now that we've both broke down in laughter several times over J's photo skills. This is the picture J caught of my momentous 25th birthday candle moment. In all fairness, he was trying not to trip as Abbey was crawling between his legs. And he said he wasn't ready when I just 'went ahead and blew out the candles.' Call me crazy, but isn't it tradition to blow the candles out right after the 'Happy Birthday' song is done? I thought that was plenty of prep time. Oh, good thing he's cute. And smart. And helpful. And sweet.

Happy Birth Day to you too, Mom. I think the moms should get to celebrate the day as well--they were the ones doing all the work that day! Sounds like I'm revamping birthdays, huh. Well, maybe I am. :)

11 comments:

Allison and Noah Riley said...

Glad it was a great one - except the germy part, of course. Keep your eye out for the mail ;)

"All you need is love" said...

I love you!! Happy Birthday!

Danette said...

Happy Birthday Ashley!
You're still a young babe, wait until your my age and you won't want anyone to remember. Those beautiful balloons turn from bright,fun colors to black and grey.
Tell Justin he has nice photography skillz!

Tiff and Trev said...

Happy Birthday, Ash! I thought about you several times yesterday and how I should call...but it doesn't look like I did. Sorry. (We've had the in-laws in town, lame excuse but you know how it goes). Anyway, LOVE your birthday philosophy and want to adopt it for myself. Hope you had a great day. Geese...we're getting old!

Barb said...

Your cake looks like it is on fire. We must be getting old! Glad you had a good bday. I also like your lil' philosophy on the bday. I think I will do that this year.

allegra said...

ha ha i was going to say exactly what barbs did about the cake. whoa, nellie! fire hazard:)

and don't leave us hangin'! what was your 'perfect gift' from j? happy birthday ash... belated:)

i'm glad i was one of those friends who remembered:)

Unknown said...

Happy birthday. When Caleb saw this picture he said, "Whoa, That's a lot of fire!" We'll attribute that to J's photo skills. The blurriness adds to the effect.....

Kacie said...

Happy Birthday my friend. Sounds like you had a good one. It is nice to get surprises. I Love surprises. But you are right, most of the day is spent waiting for everyone to surprise when no one really does, so why waste time wishing that someone will? This birthday, I'm going to celebrate my birthday differently.

Erin said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope you got our card! I meant to call you on Friday as well. :) But I'm glad you had a great bday!

rebecca said...

Glad you had a great day:) Happy Late B-Day :)

Hawaii Monkeys said...

I checked in to see how the belly was doing, but Happy Birthday too!!!