Life is Beautiful

Elena wanted to make me a cake for my birthday, because cakes are very important to the well-being of any good birthday. She wanted it to be triangle-shaped, too, so we went with it. I helped her bake, and Jonathan helped her frost and decorate. There are actually 15 candles, though they spell out 30. I think the Halloween sprinkles are what really make it, though.

My visiting teacher brought a chocolate satin pie, earlier in the day, and I shared some with all who were in the house. James only got a tiny bit, but seemed to enjoy putting it to good use.

The kids have been laughing at the talking jack-o-lanterns in the Papa Murphy's commercials, so I promised we could have a pumpkin-shaped pizza on my birthday. I think it came out pretty good, and the kids thought it was great.

I really think I'm going to like my 30s. I'm old enough that I can do my own thing, again, and no one will look twice at me. I don't feel like I need to pretend that I'm just out of my teens/college, anymore. I don't feel compelled to look at the clothes in the Juniors' department, I've stopped wondering if I'm the Young Mom at the park. My friends range from 23-45 (and there are several of the young women I'm friendly with, as well) and my hobbies give me something to talk about with nearly anyone I meet. I'm loving being the mother of a school-kid, too. I honestly didn't know I could have this much fun waking up before dawn and walking a sluggish child through the cold and rainy puddles. I didn't realize how much I could enjoy talking with teachers about how my daughter is progressing, or sitting down with her and going over homework. It's like rediscovering that brilliant teacher I had that opened my eyes to the wonders of learning, so long ago. Only, this time, I see it in my child's eyes--that dawning awe and inspiration, the knowledge that there is so much to explore and discover. It's a beautiful time, here at our place, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.