happy birthday my Jim.

By the time I even thought about taking a picture (Monday morning), this was all that remained of your birthday festivities.  I downed the last bites of german chocolate myself.  I know that's not birthday kosher really, but the remaining morsels were just that - morsels, crumbs, nearly nada.

I didn't really think twice about those last bites, but I have to admit that I do feel guilt every time your birthday rolls around.  I easily go all out with surprises for the kids' birthdays, but yours always leaves me mystified.  What to buy?  Where to go?  What to do?  How to make it special? 

Of our eight together, there was only one year that I successfully birthdayed you.  No, make that two.  The year of the surprise honeymoon hotel getaway.  And the year of the naughty cake (which seemed to surprise you even more than the getaway).  But there have been some terribly dismal years to make up for the glory of those two. 

Not doing a proper birthday job wouldn't be such a big deal if you weren't a birthday Genius yourself.  You're a great gift giver.  And I'm not just talking about Vita-Mixes or shiny new rims.  My all-time-favorite was a few years ago.  You went to work as usual.  A half hour later I heard a knock on the door.  Opened it to see you.  It couldn't have been more lovely a sight if you'd wrapped yourself in a big red bow.  Surprise!  You were mine for the day. 

For some reason, I've felt that same surprise a lot of late.  It's a lovely sight to have you be mine for the Day and the Duration.  You look at me, bemused, when I cheesily say "thanks for being born" or the infamous, "I like you."  But, your birthday or mine, YOU are my favorite gift.

And definitely the greatest Surprise of my life. 

Happy 36, my Love.

Comments

[Kay Scott]

Happy Birthday to Jim!! I asked him last week if he was ready to be 36 and he slyly asked me if I was ready to have a 36 year old son!? Ha! Life is flying by. I don't really feel any older than 36 myself (most days).

[Kelly]

You can tell by the crumbs that this was a good birthday, indeed. I had forgotten about the naughty cake, so I laughed anew all over again.

[Marie]

I can't decide if I want more information on the naughty cake or less. I am pretty sure I don't want to know, but I am completely curious at the same time.

A lovely birthday tribute. What a great love letter to your Jim.

[michelle]

What a lovely post. And I am oh so curious about the naughty cake...