Must Have Balloons

A Sunday morning of drinking coffee, making a cake, and balloons is a recipe for my heart to be happy.  I'm making a cake because it's Momma Debi's birthday today and no one should have to make their own cake, even though she said to me this morning, "Do you want me just to make the cake?"  My answer, "No, you are not making your own cake.  I am making the cake.  Remember, I'm the one that used to be good at making at frosting.  The recipe card even has my name on it." 

I think she was nervous that I'm not good at homemade frosting anymore because I went through a few years of cooking and baking issues.   

What she doesn't know is that I've actually become not so shabby at slicing, dicing, and mixing in the last six months, give or take.  So, a cake?  I can handle a cake.  Especially when a side of coffee, sun shining through the window, and James Blunt on itunes is involved. 

The balloons are because of Firecracker, Easy Rider, and Little Man.  Sil sent me a text last night that said, "The kids think we can't have a party without balloons."  I'm not about to be the one to squash that idyllic belief so balloons I bought.  In a short while, I'll be loading up the cake, balloons, and presents to head to the farm to celebrate Momma Debi and Brother's birthdays.  Because, remember, he turned the big 30.  

I'm waiting right now for that cake to cool so I can actually make the frosting and I've been thinking back to when we got together last year for their birthdays.  It was right after we found out that my mom had a lump on her neck and we were still very uncertain about what was going to come of that lump.  Turns out, it's been quite the ride.  And to think that now, one year later, we can have a birthday party, complete with balloons and cake with homemade frosting without the weight of cancer on my mom's shoulders just goes to show that miracles do happen.  They really do.  

And when Momma Debi blows out her candles today, she'll have at least one, if not all three grandkids on her lap, that I can guarantee.  I can also guarantee that those candles that represent another year passing will mean more to her than they ever have before.  Because getting to turn another year older is a gift.     

Happy birthday to my favorite Mom!  

       

Now, I'm off to see if I still have the frosting touch. 

Moon, Werewolf, and Cow

Oh Friday, I'm so happy it's your turn!  This week has been a week.  From what I gather, it has been for almost everyone.  Just one of those weeks.  Normally I would blame it on February, but this week I think it's because of the moon.    

If you ever thought that the power of a full moon was not a real thing, please feel free to come visit me and the fourth grade chicken wings today.  I'm convinced the full moon this week has made us all...well, a little...crazy.

A few weeks ago when my friend texted me asking, "Are you a werewolf?"  I replied with, "Not right now.  But I was once.  Only for five minutes and then I quit."  But if she asks me again today, I just might say YES. 

You might be wondering why my friend would ask me about being a werewolf?  Her three year old daughter, Spice, wanted to know.  She was just relaying the message.  Have I mentioned that I love that kid?   

I'm also thinking I should call Brother and see if his cows are acting crazy because I've heard the full moon affects animals too.  Now I'm wondering if those cows are running backwards towards the barbwire fence while trying to lick their tails or something like that.  I think I better find out. 

Here's hoping we can all shake that full moon and play our cards right to have a fabulous Friday and weekend!  And if you are a werewolf, please let me know so I can tell Spice.  She's been on the hunt to try and find one for a few weeks.  

Sunglasses and Blonde Curls

Dear Nostalgia,

You are officially kicking my butt this week.  You make me sit and look through old pictures for hours when I should be folding the two whites loads that are piled high on my couch.  You are big time distracting that is for sure.  But on the upside, you make me realize how much these roots of mine mean to me.  Because of your little tirade on my heart lately, I do believe I have found my all time favorite picture {at least for today}.  The way my dad, Grandpa Elmer, and cousin Matt are all sitting and sharing a moment on the end gate of that pickup...well, there's just something special about it.  Or it could be special because it's during harvest or it could be that the dog Tip is sitting on his loyal guard or it could be that it's the late 70's or it could be the sunglasses or it could be the blonde curls or it could be my dad and my grandpa together or it could be that this picture can never be recreated.  Regardless of what it is about this picture that tugs at my heart, I'm happy my date with you this week has brought it to the forefront.  Finally, Nostalgia, you have reminded me that even though it's sometimes embarrassing or annoying to have a camera permanently attached to my face, someone has to capture those moments in time or they just might be forgotten.    

Sincerely,

Avoiding Matching Socks