On My Birthday.

On my birthday, I woke up at 8:01, except for an earlier moment when my sweet husband whispered, “Happy Birthday, Beautiful,” before leaving for work. I woke up with Maya on my chest, thankful that her raspy breathing had calmed and her skin had become cool again without medicine this time. I read morning scriptures as child after child quietly crept into my room. I was thrilled by the card and candy Bella presented to me giving me the title “Best Mom Ever.” I was asked breakfast requests and given the order to not get out of bed yet. I ate candy before breakfast. I finished studying while I listened to little voices discussing who needed to do what to clean up the cereal that had ended up on the stairs. I was thankful for the older voice that told the youngers to go get a new bowl of cereal because, “Mom is not going to eat the cereal you just cleaned off the floor.” I decided this morning was too sweet not to record as I dutifully waited to be served. My breakfast is now eaten, I’ve caught up to this moment. It’s been a cute, relaxing morning and I’m only 55 minutes into this day.

Double Digits

A decade ago she came into our lives. An 8 pound 8 ounce little baby that was nothing short of a miracle. As a toddler she was quiet, obedient, loving, and never into trouble. As she has grown, those attributes have only strengthened. I'm so grateful for my beautiful Bella that may not have come into this world exactly when we wanted her (if that had been the case she'd be a little older than 10) but in her own due time. 

At 10 years old, Bella has several interests and talents. She loves to read and each evening the light in the big girls' room is found on way too late. How can a mom complain about children who beg to read just a little bit longer? She's also been playing the piano for just over a year and a half and is amazing. She truly loves it and it's never hard to get her to practice. When Bella grows up she wants to own a cupcake shop. She loves to bake and cook and we are lucky enough to be the beneficiaries of that talent. Well, our waste lines are suffering a little. Bella is truly amazing at whatever she decides to do.

As tradition dictates in this Hunt household, the birthday girl is awakened with breakfast in bed and an early morning rendition of "Happy Birthday." Today's menu was pancakes, honey dew, and juice.

(Not pictured) After breakfast Bella was given her first gift: a Cyco Cycle. I'll definitely have to get a picture of that one later. It's a three-wheeled version of a unicycle and pretty fun to ride, I might add, as long as you're careful not to lean too far in one direction.

We spent the rest of the morning geocaching. We found 2 that day. The weather was gorgeous and the good news is that this time we made it home without the ticks. 

The week before Bella's birthday, we had found ourselves overloaded with cake. As a result, Bella decided to have a build-your-own-sundae bar at her party. 

Bella's friend, Lizzie, came over for the party and a sleepover. This was intended to be a bff picture, but Maya is convinced that all picture poses should contain her, and why not? She's pretty cute.

The prized birthday gift: a Lalaloopsy. Her name is Rosy Bumps and Bruises, to be exact.

She loved her birthday, which means my goal was accomplished. Here's to another great year with my book loving, piano playing, little chef.