25th Highlights

My birthday was also a great success this year. Since it fell on a Sunday, Timm and I went out Saturday night, thanks to Hannah. Hannah came over and put Bella to bed and watched her so we could go out. Timm and I were trying to remember the last time we went out for a date, and we think it was our anniversary last July. We don't have money or a babysitter, so we never go out together. Thanks to Hannah, we enjoyed a night on the town! He took me to my favorite restaurant, P.F. Changs- hence, the horse:

He also gave me a g.c. to Victoria's Secret so I could get fitted for a new bra since I don't know what size I am anymore. He also got me new perfume, and a g.c. to Nordstrom so I can buy some MAC makeup. (That's what I used to buy when I was single and had a disposable income!) Timm did very well in the gift department. I don't know where he gets the money for it all, as it added up to quite a tally! He squirrels away "secret money" and plans for months for such an occasion. I am lucky to have husband who is so thoughtful and giving. And he listened to what I really wanted for my birthday. In return:

I forced him to pose for these pictures with me. We have hardly any pictures together, and one reason is that he hates being in pictures. I, however, am a natural poser and relish a photograph with my husband. (As long as my hair and makeup are in perfect form and I am not fat at the time. That's a lot of conditions.)

After shopping and dinner we headed to Michelle's for cake and presents. Shell is kind enough to make my birthday cake every year. With the exception of my first birthday when I almost died due to whole almonds being included in the frosting, I have always had the same cake: White Mountain Cake. The title actually refers to the frosting, and I always choose to have a chocolate cake. To my knowledge, I have had the same cake for 24 years in a row. Our family has many, many delicious recipes, but for some reason, I always gravitate towards the same one. And I think I dare say, this year was the best cake yet. That's really saying something, since I consider myself somewhat of a connoisseur after 24 years. Bravo, Michelle!

Here is me enjoying the sheer ecstasy of a fingerful of icing from the bowl:

Shell gave me these oh-so-cute stamps that I absolutely love! Some of them I have coveted for quite some time, and some I fell in love at first sight that night. She also gave me a stash of other delightful scrap supplies. (I can always count on her such things.)
Timm and I were going to go to a movie, but considering Timm instantly aged a year overnight with the revelation of his true age, we were too tired. I mean, it was nearly 10:30! We're getting old. We came home, relieved Hannah and watched an episode of Lost before retiring for bed.
The day we got up and got ready for church, but before we left I opened this present from Denise and Grandma:

Inside are all kinds of cute things for kitchen in my color of choice for said kitchen: orange! There is the cutest tablecloth, orange taper candles, tea towel, orange measuring cups and butter knives... I could go on. SO cute! Jill also gave me the cutest notecards ever, and a note-book. A book full of lists and notes by RealSimple from Target! Check it out there!
I opened my mom's presents in shifts throughout the day. Some of them included:
The New Complete Weight Watchers Cookbook, another really cute tablecloth in my kitchen color scheme, a really cute graphic black and white skirt, some diet snacks... I could go on as well, but I will stop there.
All in all, it was a fantastic birthday! The fun doesn't stop there- I am going out with my bookclub friends for dinner on Friday night. That's what I'm talking about- a week long celebration!
Thanks to everyone for your phone calls, emails, thoughtful posts, babysitting, gifts, cake, etc, etc... It's good to be 25!