Birthday Weekend and Epiphany

Saturday, I celebrated my 28th birthday. Birthdays aren't a HUGE deal around here. We celebrate, we eat cake, but I've always thought that a mere 24 hours isn't enough time to celebrate a person. For several years I've declared my birthday to be at least 2 days long. When it falls on a weekend, it's a birthday weekend. My expectations are reasonable. I don't expect presents or special food all weekend long, but it's nice to be able to push my agenda in the name of my birthday. Everyone in the family gets the same privileges on their birthdays, so don't feel sorry for them.

I would guess I am 3 in this picture. Mom said I made that fancy hat and was quite proud of it.

Birthday festivities kicked off Friday night with dinner at my parents. I requested my all-time-favorite made-by-mom meal and dessert: beef bourguignon and coconut cream pie. It was soooo good. She let me take home the leftovers, and I've been gluttonous all. weekend. long. This picture might not do the pie justice, but it's blue ribbon worthy at any state fair. I dream about this pie.

The flower man knocked on my door with BEAUTIFUL flowers from my dear friend from Wisconsin (Lisa)! Jon, Eve and Eleanor showered me with love and added a charm to my charm bracelet, and others added to my personal fund for my next big adventure.

After a few temper tantrums (not thrown by me), we took a quick trip to the city to return a few Christmas gifts and have dinner with Jon's family. We tried a steakburger diner called Freddy's. Eleanor thought it was the best as I suspected she would. What 4-year-old doesn't like custardy milkshakes, bright lights, and bad-for-you food?

Today, we're celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany, or the three wisemen/kings/magi that sought and visited the newborn baby Jesus. You can read more about the Epiphany HERE. Epiphany marks the end of Christmastide/the 12 Day of Christmas in the Catholic Church. Christmas was especially memorable this year, because we were able to celebrate feast days and explain things to Eleanor, and we had our sweet little sister, Eve, to love on. Having a baby at Christmas time caused me to reflect not only on Jesus, but also on Mary, the blessed Mother. After this weekend, we return to "Ordinary Time" and all of the beautiful Christmas decs go into storage until December 2013.

Lately, I've been reminded that all things pass. These sweet moments with my family are fleeting and to be treasured. The days/months/years that are difficult will also pass. Life goes on as it's meant to. I hope I'm able to keep this perspective throughout my 28th year. We ended my birthday weekend and the Christmas season with a nap, and I'm hoping to read a few pages and watch a little tv with my Buddy (Jon).

Peace be with you!
Mari