My birthday was an extra special day: complete with balloons at my chair at church (one even was black – how cruel is that??!!), flowers on my seat from my “son” Ben and his girlfriend Kelly, flowers on my seat from Dw, more flowers from Autumn and several cards. They did a little power point spanning my years – of course, the 80’s hairdo were the best (NOT). Dw had asked me about going out to dinner after church, but I am a homebody through and through, so we came home to my favorite meal – spaghetti! Yummm. We built a fire in the fireplace and snuggled down for the afternoon, just talking and eating, and later went for a walk outside – it was a beautiful crispy fall day.

I was dressed all comfortable-like….and told Dw, this 50 thing has its perks – I no longer have to care about fashion or style – after all I am the big 5-0!! So I had him take a picture of the new me in my birthday duds….
Abigail called – so fun to talk to her. My most favorite son-in-love Ryan called too – he is such a sweetheart! Tyler, on the other hand, completely forgot! (Dork!) When he finally called (because Autumn texted him and reminded him) – he was so remorseful and laughing that guilty little laugh. You know how someone laughs when they are guilty? He finally said through much laughter, “I can’t remember the dates because I am out saving lives on a daily basis!” Whatever dude! =) The kids gave me some really special things. A couple of highlights was the Lite Brite that Emma got me. (Yes, you read that right – a Lite Brite!) I always wanted one when I was little, but my childhood was not exactly a time of play. So every now and then we make up for it by playing now – and since I have always wanted one, Emmy decided it was time! Autumn found the entire first season of “Early Edition”. An older television show about a guy who gets tomorrow’s paper today – one of my favorite shows ever. We were able to watch the first episode – loved it!! Dw gave me a very pretty watch – so sweet!

This week-end my family and friends are having a giant Birthday bash! We are going to have a square dance – complete with a caller he hired ages ago – Yeee Haw!!! Dw and I love to square dance and actually had square dancing at our wedding 30 years ago. We are also going to be playing Musical Chairs – which is my favorite all-time game ever! I am merciless and shameless when I play, so be prepared! I don’t care about winning any other game in the entire world – but this one – somehow I will do anything to win – it is definitely not for the weak at heart!!So here is your open invitation, if you are in our area this Saturday night (or feel like a nice fall drive) and want to come – please do! It will be a blast. I am requesting NO GIFTS PLEASE, but please bring a donation for the orphans (new please)- lightweight shoes, socks, sleepers, undershirts, etc, which we will hand carry to either Africa or China when we go. So come on y’all – bring the family for a Square Dance to celebrate my big 5-0!! Yeee Haw!!