I have never seen such total joy over a bag of gum and a chocolate milk.
Today is my 5th son's 5th birthday. (Is that as confusing to read as it was to type?) Due to my extreme lack of organization skills, I have developed a tradition that has turned into a major memory maker. You see, there have been many birthdays over the years that have, well, snuck up on me. I wouldn't mind if they were my birthdays, but what kind of mother, on the eve of her precious baby's birthday, is totally unprepared? Am I the only one that this happens to regularly? Is it a good excuse that most of their birthdays are in the 2 months following the holidays, and I am still in the throes of a fudge hangover? Nah, I didn't think so. Well, now we just call it a tradition and I LOVE it. The darling birthday child heads to the grocery store with mom, in his or her disguise as an only child. I buy them just about anything they want in the store, and I love every minute of it. Every single one. We laugh, we talk, we linger in the toy aisle and stroll down the snacks aisle. They get anything they want for dinner, and chose two containers of ice cream, any flavor they want. The older ones plan ahead and we have great menus. But the little ones are really fun, because they are so surprised. Today was total joy. First stop was the drugstore for contact solution for me. CAleb (son #5) sees some candy and says, "Daniel (son #1) would like these." I ask him what he would want and his eyes light up over a bag of bubble gum. "There's enough in here for EVERYONE for DAYS!!!!"
"So lets get it for your birthday." Total joy expression #1.
Realizing dinner will be late, I decide to get him a snack. So we head for the chocolate milk. Total joy expression #2.
I won't bore you with all the details, but I have had a joy filled day, thanks to my new 5 year old. Happy Birthday, Caleb. I love you.
Comments
Mar. 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by eclecticeducation
How sweet!!! Btw.. you have the excuse that you have NINE kids and taking care of your aunt! If I had 9 kids, I would probably have a hard time remembering also. But at least you have made the best of it and made them each feel special. That is what is important in the long run.
Mar. 13, 2007 - Very special MOMMY
Posted by kristarella
You can see such happiness in his little face.
Good for you Mom, traditions that won't ever fade in their eyes.
Mar. 13, 2007 - Happy Birthday!
Posted by floridamomto4
Your 'little' boy looks so grown up! My E saw the picture and said," We used to be 4 together and now we are 5 together!" And no one will fault you for letting a birthday sneak up on you. But where's my piece of cake?
Mar. 14, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Carroe
Wow, what a great tradition! Like you mentioned, it not only brings the child joy, but the Momma too! Love it!
Mar. 14, 2007 - Hi!
Posted by hsbliteraryclub
So glad you are joining us! We are to read up through chapter seven for this week.
Thanks for stopping by!
Warmly,
Kate
Mar. 14, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by TNMOMTOMANYBLESSINGS
I love that 5 shaped cake. I have a child turning 5 this year too. What a great idea!
Mar. 24, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by tripletsrajoy
Oh you can just see the joy all over his face. How precious! I can't forget my kids' birthday since it was all on the same day.