The birthday that got better.

The birthday that got better.

My birthday started just like any other day.
One child ate chalk.
Another dumped an entire, full container of cinnamon
on herself and in every crack in our wood floors.
And the baby was weary of having so many faces look at her
first thing in the morning.

I threw a party, pity-style, about poor me
and I guess I just won’t even think about it
being my birthday til James takes me out tonight.

Then I received this text:
“Happy birthday dear friend!
Praying a wonderful day of being
aware of all of God’s blessings.”

And I thought, blessings? But the chalk
and the floor and the crying and the poopy

diapers and who can even think about blessings?

And then I realized that’s exactly what I had been
blessed with, and if I say those things aren’t blessings
then am I saying that God isn’t good?
To me, His beloved child?

So I dug the remnant of chalk out of one mouth,
vacuumed off the other child (and chair and floor and table),
and wrapped the baby tightly so she could finally relax in peace.

Then I got my camera out and vowed to love this day.
Today. My birthday. A gift.

You’ll never believe what I found.

I found silliness in misplaced bunnies.
DSC_1504-1

Bounciness in leftover curls from last night’s bath.DSC_1507-1

Happiness in a Lego car being flown by Bob the Builder.DSC_1515-1

Preciousness in a little girl getting stuck in a tub.
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Giggles in my toes buried beneath piles of blocks.DSC_1519-1

Beautiful color in the powdered mess.DSC_1526

Giddiness in the perfect gift from a babysitting mom.
(Live caterpillars came the next day!)
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Heart throbbing with three kids playing beautifully together.
“Ball, please.” “Sssssnake.” “You gotta squish it!”DSC_1531-1

Awe from children in my handcrafted rose, cup, bowl, and plate.DSC_1535-1

Amazement at a boy so focused he could not hear.DSC_1551-1

Gratitude for a keyboard for loud Frozen jam sessions.DSC_1553-1

Sweetness in a little one to bring us all together.DSC_1554-1

Sneakiness in some rocking with the paci, blankie, and vibrator turned on.
(Don’t worry, Mom L, it’s been washed, and she’s been reminded no.)DSC_1558-1

Thoughtfulness in a lunchtime treat from hubby.
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Incredulity in water gushing out the gutters.DSC_1561-1

Tranquility in the downpour.DSC_1562

Thankfulness in a long-desired surprise gift from a local grandma.DSC_1563-1

A gasp at this perfect display of love.DSC_1566-1

Abundance in food spilled on floor and still full tummies.
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The treat of the latest one-year-old redhead and his beautiful mama
(their presence and yummy goodies!).

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Built-in exercise with the 30 trips up these steps to quiet squirming ones at naptime.DSC_1585-1

Being filled with a snack of salsa and cheese.DSC_1588-1

Filling others since we have been so blessed.20140513_175458

And then James was home, babysitter in tow (thanks, Mary!)
and we were off to shop and eat and talk
and talk
and talk
(and listen, if you’re James).
He even brought my current reading so I could discuss my notes.

It was the perfect celebration, and you know what I noticed?
That when you practice all day to be thankful for the little things,
suddenly being thankful doesn’t come so hard and before you know it,
the night is over and you haven’t taken one picture
because you didn’t even need to, that’s how good it was.

Last year in my twenties, folks. Here we come, thirty!

5 Comments
  • Jackie Anderson Nicholls
    Posted at 11:16h, 16 May Reply

    Our birthdays must be close, except I’m in the last year of my fifties. Your attitude makes all the difference!

    • theredheads
      Posted at 16:44h, 16 May Reply

      I hope I still have this attitude of gratitude when I’m in my fifties! And happy birthday to you:)

      • Jackie Anderson Nicholls
        Posted at 11:08h, 20 May Reply

        Fifties aren’t so bad…not so sure about sixties

  • Courtney
    Posted at 10:52h, 15 May Reply

    I absolutely loved this post!! Thankful for your reminder to be thankful! :)

    • theredheads
      Posted at 16:44h, 16 May Reply

      Thanks, Courtney! It’s been a necessary discipline in my life!

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