MarytheKaytheBlog

It's Teacher Gift Time!

This is one of my favorite little teacher gift ideas.  I am actually re-posting this, in case you didn't see it the first time around.  I love this idea because it is quick and easy--which is what we all NEED this crazy time of year!

------------

How about a Sonic Happy?!!

Just today I needed some last-minute gifts for our daughter's choir teachers.  I love to be able to give small, thoughtful gifts to the adults who help with our church's children's musical.  Somehow, I had forgotten all about these gifts...until THIS MORNING--the MORNING of THE MUSICAL.   AAAHHHHHH!!  Sometimes, I really wonder what is wrong with my feeble brain.

The quickest thing I could think of was a $5 gift card from Sonic.  Because WHO doesn't like Sonic???  And, in my world, Sonic = Happy. 

In order to help the Sonic gift card look more thoughtful and creative...you know--to AMP IT UP a little...I thought it would be fun to place the card inside a small Sonic cup and wrap it in a clear cellophane bag.

Stick around here a while, and you'll find that I use these bags for everything!

Quickly, I printed up some colorful gift tags that said,

"Thanks a 'TOT' for helping with our choir!"

(Update:  My niece used this idea for her school teacher, and chose to use this cute phrase:  "Thanks for all you 'TOT' me this year!")

I punched a hole in the corner of each, and slid them into a ziploc bag.  (An easy way to print these creative gift tags is with MS Word, using the insert "Word Art" feature.  I used the rainbow-colored template to type out my message.  After sizing my message to the size I wanted on the page, I copied it, and pasted it 5 more times down the page.  Literally, this took me 60 seconds to create and 60 seconds to print.)

I gathered some yellow ribbon, cut into appropriate lengths, and slid those along with some cellophane bags into the same ziploc.

I also thought it would be fun to have some colorful M&Ms in the bottom of the Sonic cup, for the gift card to rest on top.  (If I'd had some Hershey's Kisses, I would have LOVED putting those in the cups.  M&Ms are what I had on hand, so that's what I used.)

 

Here's a pic of my very-quickly gathered supplies to take in the car with me to Sonic:

At Sonic, I ordered 6 $5 gift cards, along with 6 small cups and straws, and 2 empty bags.  It took 2 tries to get Mr. Sonic to understand what I was asking.

I began assembling those puppies right there in the Sonic parking spot!

First, I plopped a handful of M&Ms in the bottom of each cup, then placed the gift card on top.

 

Then, I put on the lid, slid in a Sonic's happy red straw, placed the cup into the cellophane bag, and tied on the yellow ribbon and gift card.

 

Voila!  You have zee Sonic Happy!!!  Doesn't zees just make you SMILE?

I placed the 6 Sonic Happies into empty Sonic sacks to transport them into church.  I sure did notice lots of glances toward my Sonic sacks.  I think they were wondering if I was transporting TOTS into church!  Yum Yum, me love tots!!

There you have it!  A QUICK, CREATIVE, THOUGHTFUL and INEXPENSIVE gift idea! 

 Those are my 4 favorite words when it comes to gift-giving!  How about you?

(Need MORE teacher gift ideas?  Click here!) 

What is your favorite teacher appreciation gift?

Linked up with:

Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family

Sometimes it's the little things that make me happy...

Yesterday, I bought myself a little present.  At the time, I knew I should wait, and tell my husband or daughters that I would love this item for Mother's Day.  Dave loves when I give him good ideas for gifts.  Especially inexpensive ideas--like this one.

But, did I wait?

No, I did not.  I picked it right up and put it into my shopping cart before I could change my mind.

And I have to tell you--I could NOT WAIT to get home and try it out!  I was just like a little kid with a new toy!

So...what did I buy?

Here, I'll show you!

 
No, no, no.  Not the apples or bananas.  Look closer!

I bought a ScentSationals Scented  Wax Warmer Plugin!  Isn't it the cutest little thing?  Plus--double score--because it covers up my awkward plug in the middle of the wall.

I have wanted a Scentsy warmer for a long time, but Santa did not catch my hint the past couple of years.  Yesterday in Walmart, I saw the ScentSationals products nestled in between all the candles. When I saw their new line of plugins, I knew I had to have one!  Plus, it was only $10!  (Walmart is not showing the plugins online, but I bought mine in the store.)

I know this is only a little thing...but walking into my pretty-smelling kitchen sure did make me happy today!  Also, there is just something cozy feeling about the sweet little light.

Sometimes, it's just the little things...

Do you have a scented wax warmer?  What's your favorite flavor?  So far, I've only tried the Tranquil Spa.

What little things have made you happy recently?

What I've been snacking on lately

Well, if that's not a riveting, life-changing title, I don't know what is.

However, if you were me, (and be THANKFUL that you're NOT) you would know that snacking IS a very important topic in my life.  I'm just being honest, people.  If you need to judge me for my snacking abilities, well then, you're probably also judging me for my toenail color, too.  And I always say--people who judge other peoples' toenails should not throw rocks.  Because throwing rocks is mean.  And dangerous.

And I am all about 3 things here on this blog:  Safety, Snacking, and Soda Pop.

What the heck was I talking about?  Oh yeah.  Snacks.

All right.  First of all, the whole motivation behind this post is I found a favorite new snack.  Well, new to me.  Probably old to Walmart  and Country Mart and probably Piggley Wiggley, too.

1.  Snyder's of Hanover Sourdough Hard Pretzels - (Not to be confused with the Snyder's of Scranton Pretzels)  These pretzels are gigantic in the world of pretzels.  Yeah, gigantic in taste and crunch, too.  Pretty much gigantic in every single way that a pretzel can be.  When you need a good crunchy snack--these just hit the spot! 

2.  Gala apples- Have ya'll eaten a Gala apple recently?  Mmm--mmm, they are delish.  Mid-afternoon, there is nothing better than a crispy apple.  Well, okay, tater tots might be better...and cheesy tots even better.  But, a Gala apple is a good substitute.

3.  Just so ya'll don't think I've gone all crazy on  ya, I'll just be honest.  I am kind of addicted to McDonald's $1 Coke in the styrofoam cup.  I have about 5 extra pounds that I can thank my friend Jenn, who first told me about these beautiful $1 Cokes.  I hate to admit it--but I like these Cokes better than a Sonic Coke.  I KNOW!!!!  Crazy.

4.  Okay, now I am going to tell you about a snack that I just CANNOT buy...because I CANNOT STOP EATING THEM.  Have ya'll tried Golden Oreos?  Oh. My. Goodness. Gracious.  They are very dear to me.  Now, I have to tell you, I am a real cookie snob.  I don't like most cookies in a bag.  But, the Golden Oreo?  Pure gold good.

5.  Okay, I am going to tell you about another snack that I should not buy...but I do anyway.  Because, what's a life of eating turkey sandwiches at home every stinking day if you cannot have some good chips on the side?  That would be a cruel life, I tell ya.  So, in order to keep my daily life from being cruel, I buy Lay's Kettle Cooked Mesquite BBQ chips.  If ever your life is feeling a little blah or bland--you just buy yourself a bag of these tasty chips, and you will not feel bland anymore.

All right, I'm done making you people hungry.  Now, it's YOUR turn to make ME hungry. 

What have you been snacking on lately? 

The 10 Smart Phone Apps I Use Most

I could write a Broadway musical about how much I love my smart phone. 

Is that terrible? 

Should I even admit this shallow fact about myself? 

But, it's true.  I NEVER thought I'd like my DroidX phone as much as I do, and I NEVER KNEW just how helpful a little phone could be to my everyday life.

Part of my motivation in writing this post is to share the smart phone applications I find most helpful, but also to hear what apps YOU love most.  I'm sure there's so much more I could be doing with my beloved phone. 

And you know...I'm doing research for that award-winning musical...

The TOP 10 apps I use the most (on my DroidX phone):

1.  Alarm & Timer - My phone charger is on my bedside table, so I am able to use the alarm on my phone every single day.  I LOVE that I never have to worry about a power outage (not that uncommon in our neighborhood) messing with my morning alarm.  I hope I never have to go back to a traditional alarm clock.  This is one of my favorite features on my phone!

2.  Facebook and Twitter- I know those are 2 separate apps, but I use them pretty much the same on my phone.  I rarely look at Facebook or Twitter on my home computer anymore...I just don't have the time.  But, when I have a free moment in the carpool line, or waiting for an appointment, I am able to search all the latest goings-on in my social media apps. 

3.  Instagram- I JUST joined the Instagram ranks--since they just rolled out the Android version.  I'm still learning how I will use it, but so far I'm enjoying sharing photos.

4.  Gmail- I really drug my feet in making the switch from my old e-mail account to a web-based account like Gmail.  But, now, I cannot imagine switching from Gmail!  I LOVE being able to access my e-mail from anywhere--especially my phone.  My favorite feature is the ability to search old e-mails from ANY word or phrase inside the e-mail--or from the sender's name or e-mail.  I use the search feature all the time!

5.  Calendar - I am an old fashioned wall calendar hanging on the side of my fridge kind of girl, but I have recently started using my phone's Calendar app, and am feeling much more organized when I'm out-and-about.  Mostly, I use the Calendar app to schedule my family's appointments.  Standing at the receptionist's desk, I open the app and type in the next appointment as we're setting it.  Then, I always set a 24-hour-ahead reminder, so that I never forget about an appointment!

6.  Netflix- I must admit that my KIDS love this app most of all!  Since signing up with Netflix a couple of months ago, I found out there was an app--score!  I have a love-hate relationship with Netflix on my phone, though...because my kids want to "borrow my phone" ALL THE TIME.  Netflix comes in handy when we have a long wait at a restaurant, during long car travel, or when waiting on a long appointment (with the volume turned way down, of course!)

7.  TV.com- This app came pre-loaded on my Droid X, otherwise I might not have found it.  Sometimes, I will use this app to watch t.v. while I'm on the treadmill.  (I do use headphones, in order to hear better.)  This is a CBS-owned app, and it plays full episodes (as well as short previews) of some shows I would not normally have time to watch...like NCIS Los Angeles, Blue Bloods, 60 Minutes, 48 Hours Mystery, and Undercover Boss.  I don't use this app often, but when I do, I really appreciate how well it works!

8.  iHeartRadio - This is THE app I use for music when running.  I really love listening to the K-Love radio station; however, there are hundreds of other stations to choose from.

9.  Pandora- Okay, so sometimes when I'm in the mood for a particular style of music (like classical piano or Josh Groban-style ballads), Pandora is where I go. 

10.  Bible and Daily Bible - I love having a Bible with me at all times!  I use the Bible app for looking up a reference when I'm on-the-go.  The Daily Bible app sends a Bible verse or passage to my phone every single day.  I like that when I see the little Bible icon pop up (telling me there's a verse waiting to be read), I can wait until I have time to focus on that day's verse(s).  It's such a small way that I can help keep my day focused on important things.

Honorable Mentions:  I use these apps, but on a much-less consistent basis.

AccuWeather, Car Dock (for navigation), Where (for finding yummy FOOD on vacation!), Brightest Flashlight, Flixster, Shazam, and StumbleUpon (my favorite app for long road-trip "surfing")

What are your favorite smart phone apps?

photo credit

Celebrating a Birthday...Airborne!

I want to give a birthday shout out to my sweet 12-year-old Rebecca!!!  Where have the years gone?  It seems like only yesterday I was holding a sweet little fuzzy blond-haired baby girl. 

Well...she wasn't all that little... (Click here if you want to read about Rebecca's birth story, as well as find out how much she weighed at birth.  I PROMISE you will not guess her birth weight...)

Dave and I prayed and prayed a long time for a baby.  Every day of her life--now for 12 years--we have thanked God for such a sweet blessing, our daughter, our Becca Boo.

To celebrate her last year as a pre-teen (sigh), we invited a couple of dear friends to go ziplining!  Because nothing says "Happy Birthday" like FLYING THROUGH THE AIR!

Sweet friends, and an adoring little sister who was thrilled to be included!

We started out at the Sky Surfer Zipline.  This is brand new to our town, and is the only one of its kind in the world!  I have to tell you--it is AMAZING!!!  We all LOVED it! 

Even I rode it--and I am afraid of heights.  I just hiked up my big girl pants, and decided I didn't want to miss out!  The fact that I could sit down on the "surf board" and hang on for dear life made it much easier.  I am SO GLAD I joined in!  I loved every second of my ride!!

Our Flight Instructor was amazing!  In fact, everyone at the Sky Surfer was all about good customer service!   (I promise they didn't pay me to say this!  They were just so friendly, and so helpful!)

 

You can even STAND UP on the Sky Surfer!  A couple of the girls--and Dave--literally surfed through the skies!

 

Next, on our airborne adventures was the Adventure Ziplines of Branson...

And, once again, the people there could not have been ANY nicer or more helpful!  (Big shout out thank you to Kate and Jared Story!!!)

I may have been a big girl at the Sky Surfer, but this spiral staircase at the entrance told me I would be the designated "picture taker" and "watcher." 

And, very contently, I sat in one of the rocking chairs on their back deck with Rebecca's Grandma and Grandpa, and sipped on a cold Coke while we enjoyed the GORGEOUS afternoon!

Look what we got to watch...

Well, here's the birthday girl herself!

Photo credit: Kate Story, Adventure Ziplines

Photo credit: Kate Story, Adventure Ziplines

Photo credit: Kate Story, Adventure Ziplines

Photo credit: Kate Story, Adventure Ziplines

 I really love this pic...Photo credit: Kate Story, Adventure Ziplines

 

After a full afternoon of ziplining, and after a starving girls dinner at Freddy's, we loaded up and headed to our FAVORITE place for ALL celebrations--COLD STONE!!! 

What a sweet way (literally!) to end a fun day celebrating our Rebecca.

Cold Stone treats = Smiling girls!  (And smiling mama taking the picture)

We love you, sweet girl!

(Just so you know, no one paid me to say any of these nice things...but if they WANT to pay me--I would happily accept some cash-ola!  *grin*)

What's your favorite birthday adventure memory?

The Flip Flop Exchange: A FUN Way to Celebrate Spring!

Oh my word, I can hardly contain myself!  I am just sooo excited to tell you about my FAVORITE Spring Party!!!  I mean--picture this:  You've endured a long winter--this year much longer than usual.  You are sick and tired of the brown, dead grass in your yard, the barren branches overhead casting dismal shadows.  One day walking to the mailbox, you SEE it.  That teeny tiny green stalk peeking up from the ground!!! 

 And you feel like cheering.  Right there at the mailbox.  And doing a little jumpy dance.  Wheeeee!  Spring is a comin'!!!

 So, instead of the embarrassing jumpy dance, you know how I like to CELEBRATE Spring's arrival?  With a FLIP FLOP EXCHANGE party!!!

Because, what says SPRING better than a sassy Flip Flop???

 For the past 3 years, a group of my friends has gotten together in late March/early April for a Flip Flop Exchange Party.  It has gotten to be a real highlight for us each year...and has really grown in numbers.  You could use this idea for any women's group--a book club, a church women's group, a group at work, a neighborhood get-together...

 Here's how it works: 

1.  Pick a date.  For us, weeknights work best (free childcare, if Daddy keeps the kids!!)

2.  About 3 weeks ahead of your party date, send a mass e-mail to all the women you even think might be interested.  In your e-mail, tell the ladies about the Flip Flop Exchange idea, tell them the date of the party, and ask if they would like to come.  If they DO want to come, they need to do these things: 

-Reply to you (the party hostess) with your FLIP FLOP size (give closest WHOLE size, since most flip flops don't come in half-sizes)

-Start checking out fun flip flop shops--either in town, or online.  Be looking for a return e-mail, with your secret flip flop pal.

-Once you receive your Flip Flop Pal and her Flip Flop size (our group keeps our pals a secret until the party night), purchase a fun pair of flip flops that fit her personality--spending between $15-20.  (That is the limit our group sets.)

-On the party night, wrap up your flip flops--including a gift receipt (in case they don't fit). 

3.  This year, our Flip Flop Party hostess has really amped up  things.  Each of the attendees is bringing $2 to put towards 2 contests.  The first contest winner is awarded cash for bringing the CUTEST Flip Flops.  The other contest winner is awarded cash for bringing the best PERSONALITY MATCH for her Flip Flop Pal.  (The party attendees will vote on little slips of paper.)

 
4.  I love the contest idea!!!  Because some of the girls coming this year I don't know as well, it will be up to me to find out from others in the group the personality of my Flip Flop Pal...or I can always chat with the hostess, who knows everyone coming.  And WHO doesn't like winning a little CASH in a fun contest???Now, go ye out and planeth some Flip Flop Parties!!!!  I'd love to hear back from ya, if ya do!!!

A very deep and introspective post about television

You may want to wait to read this post when you have time to sit and think about it. 

Because, the very nature of its depth may overwhelm your delicate sensibilities.

(Yeah, yo mama said you had delicate sensibilities.)

I have no idea whatsoever whatsoever I am saying.

But, I sure am enjoying myself.

Indubitably.

(Heck yeah, I had to look up the spelling of that word.  In fact--PLEASE work this word into your vocabulary today!!!  I'll give ya a quarter, if you do.  But, you have to say it to me in person...at my house--and ONLY WHEN you are handing me some chocolate ice cream.  Then, the quarter is totally yours.)

*ahem*

Back to the very serious nature of this post.

I'm gonna tell you some of my current t.v. show favorites.

And, then--you're gonna tell ME your current t.v. show favorites.

That, my dear friends, is called:  Give and take.

 

 
1.  Downton Abbey- Yes, yes, it's on PBS.  What?  You don't get that channel?  Neither do I.  But, I'm watching Season 1 on Netflix.  Love, love, love it!  I betcha $100 bucks Lord Grantham says "indubitably" at least once a day.  Wonderful characters--both upstairs and down--that I'm either rooting for with all of my heart, or hating with all of my heart.  (Yeah, I'm talking to YOU, Tom and Mrs. O'Brien)

 

 
2.  The Firm- A t.v. show based on John Grisham's book?  Yes, please!  This show is filled with good people...as in these are my people, good people.  Starring Josh Lucas and Juliette Lewis.  I love that Mitch McDeere (Josh Lucas) is both Southern gentleman and scrappy lawyer, who will fight to protect his clients with good old fashioned justice and personal conviction.

3.  Parenthood - Lauren Graham (you know--Lorelai, of the Gilmore girls) is what originally drew me to this show.  But now--these people are my family.  I hear the Season Finale is airing next week, and I'm already in mourning.  Whatever will the Bravermans do without me all summer?

 

 
4.  Pawn Stars - I'm pretty sure these fellas do NOT use the word "indubitably."  At least, not on a daily basis like Lord Grantham.  But, they are good ole boys anyway.  And my husband will sit beside me on the couch and watch this...and sometimes bring me a bowl of ice cream, too.  Which, I like to call a triple score.  Couch, t.v., ice cream = successful evening.  Plus, watching this show is nearly as good as reading a history textbook.  You mark my words. 

What about you? 

What t.v. shows are you enjoying lately?

Happy Weekend and Favorite Things Giveaway WINNER!!!

I don't know about you, but I am oh-so-happy it's the weekend!  It's a pretty relaxed weekend over here, which makes me even happier. 

How about you?  Do you have any fun weekend plans?

 

Okay, are you ready for the announcement of My Favorite Things Giveaway WINNER?

But, first--let's just review the LOOT about to be awarded:

I gotta be honest with ya...I really want to keep the scarf...and also the gummi bears.  Okay, and the Amazon gift card.  So, if the winner wants to donate any of those items to the MarytheKay Fund, please feel free to do so!

(You know I'm only kidding, right?)

(sort-of)

Oh, you want to know the WINNER, don't you?

Sorry.

So, without further ado, I have an important announcement to make...

May I please have a drum roll?

 

Congratulations, #7!!!  I sure hope you enjoy some of my favorites!!

What?  You want to know WHO #7 is, don't you?

Gosh, you're so picky.

Everybody knows #7 is Dawn.  (Oh, didn't you know?)  How funny that Dawn had just sent me a message last night, telling me she really wanted to win the scarf. 

And, honest-to-goodness, Random.org chose her number. 

And Random.org does not lie.

Congratulations, Dawn!!  Please e-mail me to claim your LOOT!!!

Thank you, everybody, for joining in the fun!  If I had a million dollars, I sure would LOVE to surprise you ALL with these favorite things...But, sadly, I do not have a million dollars...  I really do love ya all dearly.

Now, go ye forth and ENJOY your WEEKEND!!!  That's an order.

What are your weekend plans?

My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

I don't know if you know this about me, but I am on several very important life-long searches.

I have searched high and low for the perfect apple pie.  (And think I've found it.)

I have searched high and low for the perfect chocolate chip cookies.

And I have searched high and low for a pair of good-fitting jeans...that make me look ridiculously skinny.  The jury's still out on that one...  (Huh.  Funny how this search is in direct opposition to the other 2 searches...  Weird.)

This post is about what I think is my FAVORITE recipe for chocolate chip cookies.  However, if you feel that YOU have the perfect chocolate chip cookie--I say BRING IT ON!  But, I am going to need AT LEAST a DOZEN of your cookies in order to judge them.  A cold glass of milk with them would be a nice touch, too. 

I promise to judge fairly.

I NEVER discriminate against sweets, nor chocolate chips of any kind.

Now, please cue the harps and the soft drum roll...

Here is my (current) favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe:

 

Amy's Chocolate Chip Cookies

(This makes a HUGE batch.  I usually cut this recipe in half, to make approximately 3 dozen.  Or, many times I make the whole batch, but put a tray or two of the unbaked cookies into the freezer.  Once the dough is completely frozen, I store them in a ziploc bag until ready to bake.  Or...to be completely honest...until I eat them one-by-one, in a couple of days.  Please see warning below for more information...)

Cream together:

2 cups butter, softened

2 cups sugar

2 cups brown sugar

Add into butter mixture:

4 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

Mix in separate bowl:

4 cups flour

5 cups ground oatmeal (grind dry oatmeal in blender or food processor, until powder texture)

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

Slowly add dry flour mixture into butter/egg mixture, while mixing on medium continuously.  Once everything is well-mixed together, hand-stir in 24 oz. of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 8 oz. grated Hershey bar (or 1 bag of mini milk chocolate chips.)

Drop golf ball size dough onto cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 9-12 minutes.  Cookies should be golden brown.  Let them sit on the cookie sheet for a minute or two before removing them to cool.

*Modification:  Sometimes I add white chocolate chips, instead of chocolate--for my chocolate-allergic mom.  The white chocolate chips are a wonderful substitution!  YUM!

WARNING:  This cookie dough is HIGHLY ADDICTIVE.  I know you are not supposed to eat dough with raw eggs...so I'm just warning ya!  There's just something about the oatmeal flour in this recipe that makes the dough extra delicious!

WHO wants to bring me a dozen chocolate chip cookies to be in a contest against mine?  I promise I'll be fair...and really, really fat, I guess.

Now, I need to go repeat this phrase 27 times:  "This is why I run. This is why I run.  This is why I run.  This is why I run.  This is why I run.  This is why I run........"

What life-long perfect recipe searches have YOU been on? 

(Please tell me I am not alone!)

Linked up with:

A Vera Good Birthday: In Pictures!

You KNOW it's a good birthday when it begins with a Rick's Bakery birthday cake!  Isn't this the prettiest cake you've ever seen?  I sure wish I could share some of it with you...but, sadly, it's all gone now.  I really would share if I still had some!  The frosting was just divine...

And a birthday with my mom's lasagna?  Even BETTER!  Every year my mom asks what I'd like for her to cook for my birthday meal...and every year I say, "Lasagna!"  Oh, it was dee-licious!  Sadly, it's already gone, too...

 

Check out this place setting!  Doesn't it just look HAPPY?  It sure made this birthday girl HAPPY!  *smile*  I even got the "You are special" plate!

Oh, and just so you know--that's my sister's famous sweet tea in the cup there.  Perfection!

Oopsie!  There's the "After" picture.  Not a crumb or morsel left...  Must be time for DESSERT!  Hurry up and sing--I'm ready for some CAKE!!!

 

The meal got a thumbs up from the kids!  Aren't they cutie pies?

Then, after all of that FUN family celebrating, I had a girls' night out this weekend!  We ate some yummy Mexican food (can we say chips and salsa??), giggled a LOT, and saw The Vow.  I LOVED that The Vow is loosely based on a true story.  I won't give anything away...in case you're planning on seeing it.  I will say that I give it a thumbs up!

This gift made me GIGGLE the most!!  This is a t-shirt my sister and brother gave me--isn't it GREAT?!!!  The funny part was that Rebecca REALLY DID make my breakfast (after I got to sleep late!) AND she made my lunch, too!

My birthday...week...was really great.  I felt loved the whole week long!  Thank you--for those of you who sent fun messages and e-mails.

It's kind of nice every-once-in-a-while to have a special day.

What's your favorite birthday tradition?