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Wednesday, July 30, 2008

It's My Birthday, Now Come out and Play!

Woo-hoo!

Today's the day!

I am 33.

So very exciting.

Today is also my 3 month anniversary of starting my blog.

Lots of 3s . . . maybe I should go play Powerball!

I digress.

So, for the big party, you might want to check out this.

And since I'm so proud of my first Photoshop accomplishment (I don't want any of my readers to ever lose faith in the fact that I will always be the mommy learning to blog), I feel the need to shamelessly repost it:


In the continued spirit of learning, I have even figured out how to use Mr. Linky so you can create a post on your own blog and link back to me here.

Now, for my favorite birthday memory (I've actually got 2 - unless DH has something REALLY amazing up his sleeve for this one!):

My 16th birthday. I was on a 6 week cross-country teen tour (45 fifteen and sixteen year olds, four staff members, and our fabulous bus driver Arlene), and although I was having a ball, I missed my family. We were in New Orleans on July 30th. After touring the French Quarter and doing some other sightseeing, some of my closest friends and I chose to celebrate my birthday by dining at the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch. Later that day, when we were back at the hotel, settled in, and then re-assembled in a meeting room, a bell-hop came wheeling in a cart filled with oversized boxes. No one had any clue what they were, but we quickly discovered that the labels had my name on them. Having NO idea what they could possibly be, we opened them, only to discover that my amazing parents refused to let my 16th birthday go by without a major celebration. I wasn't home to have a party, so they sent to party to all 50 of us! The boxes were filled with all of my favorite foods, candies, snacks, and other treats (purchased bulk at BJ's Wholesale Club, of course) with specific instructions for a 16th birthday party I would never forget. Mom and Dad, the tour was one of the best experiences of my life, and the birthday was one of the most special I can remember. I don't know too many other parents who would send a party for 50 on the road via UPS!

Wow, just realized that my 16th birthday was actually 17 years ago!

Anyways, now for a more recent birthday memory - my 30th. The Mad Hatter had been born just shy of 6 months prior, DH and I had just celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary that Spring, and life couldn't get better than where it was. I had everything I could have asked for and would have been happy to celebrate my birthday at home, just the three of us. However, DH outdid himself and made me a beautiful dinner party at one of our favorite restaurants (it was going to be a surprise but DH has difficulty keeping secrets, so the party is to this day referred to as the "UN"surprise birthday party). The drinks were flowing, the food was wonderful, and I could not have asked for better company. Both family and friends alike joined me in celebrating a birthday where for the first time in my life I felt entirely complete. Turning 3o was fabulous - it was not about getting older, it was about having everything I could ever want, and counting my blessings for all of it. And I must add that each birthday since the Mad Hatter has arrived has been equally sweet.

Who knows what this birthday will bring?

Maybe some of the best memories yet!

And now, friends, I am anxious to hear from you!

What is your favorite birthday memory?

Lurkers, now is the time to de-lurk!

There is no better time than a party!

Make sure when you fill out the form below, you include your name and blog title.

And thanks again for helping me celebrate!






13 Fabulous Replies:

Anonymous said...

I hope I did this right rach. I hate computers-hahaha but if I did, happy happy. mom and I love you very much and 33 years ago, you brightened our lives 1,000%

Wendi said...

Happy Birthday Rachael!
What great birthday memories you have.
I hope today provides many more surprises, unsurprises,and memories.
Happy Celebrating!

Shelly said...

Happy Birthday Rachel, I have read your blog several times after hopping here from a friends. Hope today is all you hope for and more.

TheAustinEmpire said...

Happy Birthday Rachael!!!! I will try to think of a good birthday memory to share (I can't even think of one right now), if I do I'll come back after work and link up.

Sadly most of my birthdays have left me disappointed, since it's on Valentine's Day and everyone is celebrating, I tend to be forgotten.

Shelly said...

Ok, I messed up when I linked the first time so if you could get rid of it, if you can. I am still learning the whole blog and linky thing as well.

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACH!!! Hope you have a wonderful day w/MH!!

Laural Out Loud said...

Those are some great birthday memories! I hope, though, that this birthday is just as great! Happy Birthday!

Lisa said...

Happy Happy Birthday Rachael! I hope your day is extra lovely & special. My favorite birthday of adulthood was definitely my golden 30 last month - lost of fun & "specialness"!!! Have a great one!!!

Marla said...

so impressed with the Mr. Linky... so want to learn that...

Unknown said...

One of my favorite birthday memories was being at Epcot and Disney when YOU (Rach), Bro D, and Dad (Poppy) on New Year's Eve with all the fireworks and the symphonic sounds all around. It was spectacular!!! Maybe that's why I want to go back with all of you for my 60th. Guess I'm still a kid at heart. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DD. I LOVE YOU...!!!!!!

Kristen said...

Happy Birthday Rachel!!!

Hope your day is super fun, and leads to a next years post about the best birthday ever! :)

Melissa said...

Happy Birthday, Rach!

Sorry that I didn't get around to saying that earlier! We had a fussy baby day today....

Have a fun hump-year!

Love ya!

McMommy said...

Happy Birthday!! 33 sounds like FUN! Something about those double numbers!!!

Hope you had a wonderful day with your family and friends!!