Wrapping Paper

What an odd week it has been.  I raced a half marathon, made Shelley cry, broke my own rules about running too soon after racing ("do as I say, not as I do"), injured myself because I should know better, used the knowledge gleaned from past injuries to whip that calf back into shape so I could get back to a Muay Thai class on Thursday, decided not to run anymore until the weekend (shock!), and in between, celebrated a birthday.

A great time was had by all on my birthday, but most especially by me!  No, this wasn't the big hoopla of last year, but it was grand all the same.  Takeout BBQ from my favorite place and cupcakes which I chose over a cake this year.  All shared with my family including the most precious nieces and nephews anyone could ask for.  You know, kids really know how to make a birthday special.  My almost 2 year old niece Samantha singing Happy Birthday to me was heart melting.

Sweet Sammy Lou's song was music to my ears!

My sister in-law from New York (my brother's wife) showed up and surprised me with these gorgeous anemones in hand!

I got my very first birthday cards where Gracie and Jacob both wrote their own names - not to mention that Jacob put a heart there too, which my sister said he won't do for just anybody!

Plus Amazing Gracie decided that she needed to surprise me with her very own card and gift.  My sister said she's like a train out of control, once she decides something there's no stopping her.  Hmmmmm, wonder where she gets that from?

She decorated the envelope (Grammy helped)

This says "Aunte" can you see it? Until recently she only referred to me as Auntie - no Helen, which I've found is a very hard name for children to say

My gift!  How much do I love this?  I can't even explain.

It has a pipe cleaner hanger, so guess where it is?

Right on the fridge.  A good reminder for me that my vacation is just a few months away lol!

I got lots of other great gifts too, gift cards from Sephora, Olive Garden, iTunes, Dick's Sporting Goods and Famous Footwear.  Hmmm wonder if I can spend them in one big shopping trip?

Little Helen sent me this funky bracelet. I love it!

I also received this, which I will use to make zucchini spaghetti!

Both Mr. Helen and Little Helen gave me one of these...

they know me well!

(One will be returned and probably be replaced by yet another cookbook.)

And of course, there was the Fabulousness that were the Birthday Cupcakes! Mr. Helen bought way too many which means there were leftovers and also means I'll need to be looking at Gracie's gift often in the next few days!

Just because I know someone will ask: starting with the left row,

the flavors are:

Vanilla Cream, Raspberry Snowball, Banana Cream, Oreo Cookie, Chocolate Raspberry

Chocolate Fudge, Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate

I enjoyed 1 1/2 cupcakes (three halves, different flavors).  Usually that third half would be a guilt inducing thing for me, but I immediately shut those thoughts down and just enjoyed.  Almost as if I needed a sign that indeed the correct way to treat myself, no matter what, is at least as good as I would treat a beloved friend or my own Little Helen, I found this.  How appropriate that it's from my birthday buddy, Dr. Seuss.

Pretty good way to wrap up the week.  Thanks Doc, I needed that.