So it was my birthday a couple days ago.
I had high hopes. A day lounging around the house. Not worrying about laundry. Not making fancy lunches. Sitting and catching up on emails and blogs and letting the TV babysit my kids for awhile.
It was my birthday. I am allowed to be lazy right?
Well. It just wasnt meant to be.
Audrey and Parker were both sick and both in need of constant attention. Colton was hungry every five minutes. Parker threw up and I had to wash stuff. Audrey needed her nose wiped every 37 seconds. One of the dogs ate a Geo track figurine. I could not sit and enjoy anything at the computer as I could hardly even find my computer through the haze of snotty, (literally, not figuratively) whiny, tired, hungry, needed to be entertained and temperature checked often children.
I did not have time to make myself a cake. A cake with lots and lots of buttercream frosting that I planned on eating all of. That would be something beautiful I could put on my baking blog. That would be a birthday cake so therefore would not contain any calories or fat.
And after my really fancy schmancy dinner of Papa Murphy's pizza, I made myself this.
Just in case its hard to read, its says:
Happy Stinkin' Birthday.
A year older, a little fatter.
NOW.
Stupid cookie.
(ya know, cause then I had to go and eat the huge cookie and there WAS calories and fat in it)
Could I be a bigger sour puss? So after I read that cookie and reflected for a moment on the events of my 33rd birthday, I came to this conclusion.
Oh, so blessed.
Today, I got to rock my babies to sleep.
My very squirmy middle child let me hold him and pray over him and cuddle him until his stomach calmed down and his coughing diminished.
My sweet little baby tossed and turned, in my arms, as she tried to rest through the discomfort of her cold.
My oldest child showed me that he could have fun learning as we sat at the kitchen table and quietly practiced numbers and letters while his siblings napped.
My dear hubby, although busy himself at work, stopped on his way home and picked my up my favorite pizza with extra cheese so I could have a birthday dinner with my family. He also surprised me with some beautiful white tulips.
My unbelievably sweet and thoughtful friends and family wished me happy birthday far more times then I deserved.
I dare say, this was quite possibly one of the best birthdays ever.
Happy Belated Birthday! And... great "re-frame" about your day. I try to do that when I'm having a lousy day - think about it with a different perspective. Sometimes it works better than others. But... reality is... I am blessed... even when times are tough...
Hope your kids feel better soon! Enjoy your blessings.
Kari
Posted by: Kari | February 02, 2010 at 11:17 PM
I thought I just commented... but now it seems gone... not sure what I did.
In any case - HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!
Posted by: Kari | February 02, 2010 at 11:19 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU :)
Posted by: Diane {createdbydiane.blogspot.com} | February 02, 2010 at 11:27 PM
Happy belated birthday! People will February birthdays turning 33 are the coolest!!! Hope your kids are feeling better soon! You're an awesome mom with three special blessings...and I think you've earned one hot date night!
Posted by: Londa | February 02, 2010 at 11:34 PM
Happy Birthday! Glad you looked at the blessings!
Posted by: The Lumberjack's Wife | February 02, 2010 at 11:47 PM
Happy Birthday Amanda! If this makes you feel any better, I spent my last birthday in a tiny hotel room with my two kids while my husband went to a wedding on a gorgeous beach in Florida.
Posted by: sheri | February 02, 2010 at 11:57 PM
Oh Amanda I totally understand what you mean!!! And sometimes birthdays are like that, we have great expectations and the days just doesn't match up to it. Like you, I've had to choose to see the day in a different way. I love reading your blog and the fact that you choose to be positive.
Hope your little ones feel better very soon.
Love, from across the sea
Sarah x
Posted by: Sarah | February 03, 2010 at 12:09 AM
What a good reminder...I know I am all too often not thankful for EVERY blessing I have. Dirty laundry and all. :) Glad you had a wonderful day.
Posted by: Jackie | February 03, 2010 at 12:41 AM
It is with these sorts of realizations that we really do grow up, isn't it? To be humbled and to learn true appreciation and about why we are where we are in our lives at that very moment...
Happy belated birthday, Amanda! You are a very talented, creative, funny woman, and I am so happy to have crossed paths with you in cyberspace!
Hugs, Susan
Posted by: Susan | February 03, 2010 at 01:06 AM
Thanks for showing me again how to look on the positive side of things. I needed it today. Thanks and I'm glad you got to have all of those special moments on your special day!
Posted by: jaime | February 03, 2010 at 01:10 AM
you are just so darn good at counting blessings and focusing on them...i think "you are truly blessed" was the first comment you ever wrote on my blog...to something i was complaining about but needed you to point out the positives...we have LOTS of birthdays around here this month (my husband, mine and son's just in our immediate family plus several extended)...wish you lived closer to make cookies, cakes, anything sweet for that matter...i'd gobble them down right with you and celebrate OUR collective birthdays...someday...
Posted by: denise | February 03, 2010 at 01:50 AM
LOL! I love the cookies! :) You are too funny girl. Good thing your birthday is on the first, cause by my calculations you still have 25 days left to celebrate!! Besides, I've never seen something like 'a date on the calendar' stop you from baking up something sweet! I was at Walmart the other day and they had a Giant Cupcake baking pan. I thought of you when I saw it... Darn, I forgot to get a picture. Oh well, next time! Celebrate woman! You deserve it.
Posted by: Michelle | February 03, 2010 at 06:07 AM
Happy Birthday Amanda! LOL that cookie is hilarious. But I am glad you made the 2nd cookie - that is the Amanda I know!
Posted by: Jessica | February 03, 2010 at 06:10 AM
Happy Birthday Amanda! What a great post on a great lesson that we can all re-learn whether it is our birthday or not. I hope your kids are feeling better.
I saw you were homeschooling your kids next year. Have you seen this blog, http://confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/ she posts a lot of great stuff.
Anne
Posted by: Anne | February 03, 2010 at 06:28 AM
Come visit me in IL, and I'll make you a cake :) I hope everyone is feeling better now, and you are able to sneak in a little post birthday relaxtation.
Posted by: Renee | February 03, 2010 at 06:40 AM
Happy Birthday friend!
I also just celebrated...my 35th on Jan 30th! :( Initially it didn't bother me but yesterday when I was filling out this survey thingy and I had to choose my age category I realized I was now in the 35-39 group instead of 30-34! Bummer! :)
Oh well..overall I feel great for 35, have 3 wonderful boys - pardon 4 counting my darling hubby so I too am blessed! But I can so relate with the 1st cookie!!
Have a wonderful week!
Blessings to you!
Kristin
Posted by: Kristin Smith | February 03, 2010 at 07:15 AM
Awww. What a sweet post.
A very happy belated birthday to you! It is wonderful that this one helped you to see how blessed you are.
Posted by: debbie | February 03, 2010 at 07:47 AM
Happy belated birthday!
Posted by: 3rascalsmama | February 03, 2010 at 07:57 AM
I had a good laugh over you post as I can completely relate. I am always amazed about how I allow myself such high expectations for my actually "birthday". I always think it will be a day of no responsibilities, chores, grocery shopping...... I too am blessed with 3 wonderful children and realize that time does march on no matter what day of the year it is. Happy Birthday!!! Atleast your cookies calories were well worth it as I'm sure it was tasty!!!
Posted by: Merebear04 | February 03, 2010 at 08:26 AM
oh, Amanda! You are not the ONLY one who feels that way! Praise Jesus that you were able to reflect and in only moments, realize that you have a beautiful life (even if it isn't always what you hoped and dreamed!).
Posted by: gianna | February 03, 2010 at 08:45 AM
Happy Birthday - love your personalised cookies!
Pizza and tulips sound perfect.
I am almost TEN years ahead of you - you young thing!
Posted by: janmary, n ireland | February 03, 2010 at 08:52 AM
Happy, happy birthday to you!!! xoxo
Posted by: Melissa T. | February 03, 2010 at 09:18 AM
Happy birthday!
Posted by: sue | February 03, 2010 at 09:23 AM
Happy Belated Birthday!! Wonderful post...brought sweet tears to my eyes...good stuff! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Stefanie | February 03, 2010 at 09:40 AM
I was sick on my birthday last year. It kind of destroys the preconceived ideas we have for the day when things aren't perfect! Glad you were able to see the blessing through the funk, though. And whle you're at it, could you say a prayer for us right now? We are in the middle of a horrid stomach virus thing!
Posted by: Kristin | February 03, 2010 at 09:52 AM
Happy Birthday! Last year my actual birthday was a day full of disappointments and I know I cried at one point. Or maybe two.
Every now and then we lose sight of the big picture. It's okay. We get back on track and refocus and look for the good in our lives.
And I'm pretty sure that a giant cookie, if eaten on your birthday, contains no fat or calories.
Posted by: joyce | February 03, 2010 at 09:55 AM
Yes, you are blessed! What a lovely post.
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Barbara | February 03, 2010 at 09:56 AM
Oh man happy birthday! I am sorry i didnt actually say it to you on your birthday! I love how you always find the wonderful in everything. I think so many people need to have your outlook on life.
Posted by: Dea | February 03, 2010 at 10:07 AM
Happy Birthday :)
Posted by: christina | February 03, 2010 at 10:38 AM
Happy, Happy Birthday! quick question .. I just read on Jennifer's blog that you are teaming up with her and that there will be things on her blog you never publish on yours? Will you at least tweet about it so I can go check it out? I stopped reading her blog when it went kind of commercial. Nothing wrong with her decision to do that, it just became less enticing to me to read. Every now and then I look at something (like today) but I quit reading it regularly for sure. BUT, I also don't want to miss ANYTHING you cook/blog about. Just want to figure out how I can make sure I don't miss your stuff.
I'm sure that sounds mkcrazy, but it is what it is. :)
Posted by: Darla | February 03, 2010 at 10:46 AM
Alright, that's it! I'm driving my rear up there and taking you out for a latte and some scones! Or something! You deserve it! Well, except for the part about being at work and sending you a comment on my lunch break. I guess the boss wouldn't like it too well if I just left and drove miles and miles out of the city just for a cup of coffee with a friend. I kinda left that part out!
Love the "venting" cookie AND the blessings cookie. Ok, well, I guess I pretty much like any cookie... :-)
Posted by: Cop Mama | February 03, 2010 at 12:17 PM
Happy Birthday to you! I love your perspective, Amanda. :)
Hugs,
Genny
Posted by: Genny | February 03, 2010 at 12:27 PM
Aww! What sweet husband!!!
And I admire your creativity!!! Love your writing!!
Posted by: Alicia | February 03, 2010 at 12:50 PM
Happy belated birthday my friend. <3 you!
Posted by: Jo | February 03, 2010 at 01:07 PM
Happy Birthday! I am sorry that even though you are VERY blessed, it wasn't the day you had thought it would be. It is sad, but the older we get, the less "happy" birthdays seem to be.
I was back reading on MckMama's blog(everyone's for that matter), from all the days I didn't have internet. I have to say your brownies are ALMOST as mean to a pregnant lady like me as the McDonald's two doors down from me. MEAN MEAN MEAN. They look delightful.
Posted by: Jenney | February 03, 2010 at 02:56 PM
Happy belated birthday! I'm so glad it ended up being a good day even though it's not at all what you had planned. You're such an encouragement!
Posted by: abby | February 03, 2010 at 02:57 PM
I am so sorry everyone was sick on your birthday - but it seems you have the right outlook!
I just love how real you are - it's so refreshing!
Oh, and Papa Murphy's pizzas are to die for! YUM!
Posted by: Amanda Jo | February 03, 2010 at 03:35 PM
I totally tried to post a comment last night from my hubby's iphone but I guess it wouldn't go through.
So...
Happy Belated Birthday! I am so sorry it was a rough one and I pray your little ones are all better!
Can I just say, LOVE both of the cookies. One made me laugh and one made me awww.
P.S. you have one great husband!
Posted by: Christina | February 03, 2010 at 03:46 PM
:) only you could turn a grumbly day into a cookie comment!! Love it! Sorry you got sick-o kiddo-s, thats just no fun! Glad you were able to reflect and find the joy in the day!! Its always there, even when its hard to be found. We love those Papa M's pizzas too. They have yummy salads too!!
Have a blessed week my dear!
Posted by: ElizaBeth | February 03, 2010 at 04:03 PM
I LOVE that positivity!! I always try to look on the bright side.. had I been your neighbor, you could have had that calorie free cake smothered in buttercream.
Happy Birthday!!
Posted by: mindy | February 03, 2010 at 05:43 PM
Happy Birthday, sweet girl!
You are blessed. And I am blessed for having found your baking blog!
Posted by: Janet | February 03, 2010 at 07:46 PM
I love your attitude on life, Girl! Envy your patience.
Posted by: Margaret | February 03, 2010 at 08:53 PM
Happy belated birthday! And it's NEVER too late to make a wonderful, fat and calorie free cake, ya know : )
Posted by: tracie | February 03, 2010 at 10:51 PM
Happy belated birthday! You crack me up. Pizza, tulips, and kiddos sounds like a blessing to me.
Posted by: Jamie @ Six Bricks High | February 03, 2010 at 11:57 PM
happy birthday!
Posted by: michelle | February 04, 2010 at 12:17 AM
I know what you mean, in the midst of the chaos, it's so good and important to step back and realize that everything is really good. Our families are healthy, we really have everything we need. And that is joyful.
Posted by: Leah | February 04, 2010 at 09:44 AM
Amanda--I knew we were alike in more ways than one--my birthday was on Groundhog's Day!
Happy Belated Birthday!
Posted by: jill tracy | February 04, 2010 at 10:12 AM
Happy Birthday! When my husband turned 33 he asked me if I imagined he would ever get this far in life. I replied, "Ya know... when Jesus was 33, he had 12 disciples..."
I hope you have/had a super one!
Posted by: Val | February 04, 2010 at 12:51 PM
Aw...sorry the little ones were sick and it wasn't what you had hoped...but I love your cookie :) Birthdays sure are different when you're an adult :( I say you should still make that delcious, beautiful cake for yourself...who needs a birthday just to eat cake? :) You sure do have some wonderful blessings...and you're only 33! I'll be 35 this year...gulp! haha! :)
Posted by: Carrie @ Martin Manor | February 04, 2010 at 02:05 PM
...and...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Posted by: Carrie @ Martin Manor | February 04, 2010 at 02:06 PM
Happy birthday, youngster! As you get older, you'll learn that a little fatter is good...it fills out the wrinkles! ;) That's my story & I'm sticking to it!
Posted by: bridget {bake at 350} | February 04, 2010 at 03:20 PM
a year older and a little more famous ;-)
Posted by: CFMama | February 04, 2010 at 03:33 PM
Happy Birthday! I would have commented sooner, but I had to scroll past the billions of comments first.
Hope the kiddos are feeling better and you avoid the germies.
Posted by: Alisa | February 04, 2010 at 06:10 PM
i just found your blog and i love it! i feel like i have so much in common with you. happy birthday and i hope your kids are recovered.
Posted by: tanya | February 04, 2010 at 07:27 PM
Happy Birthday - glad it ended up swell (when was the last time somebody used that word in a blog comment :D
Posted by: carma | February 04, 2010 at 10:42 PM
Awww, sorry I missed the actual day - but -
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMANDA!!!
Funny how things can go totally opposite of the direction we hoped and expected, and yet we end up realizing how blessed we are. It's kinda that upside-down and backwards way of the kingdom of God.
Love you!
Posted by: Karen@SurvivingMotherhood | February 07, 2010 at 02:41 PM
I'm glad it turned out ok! I love the image of moms praying over their kids!
Posted by: Liz | February 08, 2010 at 11:35 AM
Hello
I like those cookies.This post shoes that you have wonderful kids.I am glad that you had a fantastic birthday.Thanks..
Posted by: r4 dsi | February 10, 2010 at 12:34 AM
What a super-sweet post! Yes, sick children are one of life's guilty pleasures - so painful to see them suffer, but so wonderful to be able to snuggle them.
Posted by: Giant Cupcake Pan | April 25, 2011 at 10:44 PM