On my sixth birthday, my mom was in the hospital having my sister Angie. That was the first time I got a baby sister for my birthday. On my tenth birthday, my stepmom was in the hospital having my sister Erin. Another baby sister for my birthday! Yesterday we all celebrated our birthdays in separate states. We are 36, 26, and 30 now. I hope that someday I can celebrate with both of them. It will happen. I will make it happen, it just may be a few years.
I will confess that the first things that spring to mind when I am asked what I want for my birthday are: a clean house and time to knit. I need to get more creative and more realistic!
My children made me homemade cards, as I always request those too. Beatrix instructed Jonny to write the words she dictated: “Birthday Card.” Funny. The girls convinced a friend of ours to take them shopping for me the day before my birthday after a trip to the movie theater. They chose flowers and chocolate. Every year they buy me chocolate in hopes that I will share. I know their tricks.
My birthday gift from Jonny, per my request, was Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Knitting Workshop
Just as I finally got Job settled in his bed, hoping for him to sleep for awhile so I could do some knitting, Jonny passed me a note. The note said that a babysitter would be arriving in half an hour and that we were going out for dinner. I can’t really explain this part of myself, but my immediate reaction was to feel panicked and have to fight tears. Jonny knows me, can’t explain me either, but expected this reaction. He also knew that I would be very happy once I got over the hump of adjusting to the surprise plans. He ordered pizza for the kids and I thought to myself that I was sure glad that earlier in the day I had put on mascara and curled my hair just because it was my birthday. I put on my new socks, special socks knit by dear Elizabeth, my favorite shoes, and stuffed diapers in my purse along with my knitting (just in case!) and we were ready to go. It was a great night, dinner with Jonny and some of my best friends. Maybe now that I am thirty six, I will grow out of my issues with sudden changes of plans and that sort of thing. I warned Jonny in the car though, “I’m probably just going to get worse with age.” Just so he’s prepared.
I had a great birthday. Thank you!
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As I am reading back on all the posts I missed on my sabbatical I thought, those are socks Elizabeth knit! Made me smile a huge smile in my heart to see it confirmed. I too, get choked up when live sends me a surprise. I can’t say I’m better at it almost ten years your senior.
Happy Birthday Lovely Ginny, we are only days apart, I turned 36 on the 3rd. I too would have that reaction for a spur of the moment date and leaving my babies! xx Sending love across the seas! Rach x
Ginny,
It sounds like a wonderful Birthday. Emily gets the same way when I surprise with a night out. She always enjoys it after the initial shock though, so I know I’ll continue to do so. Happy late birthday and here is to another year of wisdom and growth.
Josh
Happy, happy birthday! We have two kids that share a birthday, 9 years and so many hours apart (this Sunday actually!) and I thought that was pretty unique. To have 3 on one day is pretty impressive! I’m the same way with changes of plans, but what a lovely treat he planned for you!
Happy belated birthday! I can’t believe you got a baby sister (twice!) for your birthday. Sweet your hubby arranged something special for you and even better that he knew exactly how you would feel about the situation. (sjn821 on Rav)
I read faithfully but rarely comment. When I read this “…but my immediate reaction was to feel panicked and have to fight tears”, I had to jump in and say “me too, me too!”
It’s a funny, inexplicable thing. And I always enjoy the surprise once I get to it.
Happy belated birthday 🙂
Happy Birthday!
I just had to leave a comment, because I too am terrible at spontaneous plans. (and my husband loves spontaneity!) I try, but oof. It’s hard for me!
Happy birthday! Your birthday is 1 year 1 day after mine… I have been thinking of you and lit a candle for you today; I know how it is to be overwhelmed by mess and just want some time to knit. May God bless and uphold you. Always remember that you are loved and it is OK to not be ‘perfect’ and that many of us (me included!) struggle with last minute changes.
Hope you had a wonderful birthday!! Enjoy your 30’s. I turned 40 this year. Here’s to more wonderful years.
Happy birthday to you sweet Ginny!!!
Happy belated Birthday Ginny! Lots of love to you!
P.S. We are very similar in that if asked what I would like for my birthday I would also want a clean house and time to knit! 🙂
Happy Birthday Ginny!
Wishing you all the best this coming year…happiness, good health and bushels of blessings…
Happy Birthday, and while I don’t always do well with surprises either, what a sweet husband you have to think of that for you with friends.
Happy Birthday! I got the Elizabeth Zimmerman dvd too for Christmas. Colin also doesn’t understand the idea of watching someone knit 🙂
Happy Birthday Ginny! Much love x
Happy birthday. If your birthday is the 30th, two of my daughters share the baptism date with you too. On separate years. Beautiful time at church with the Christmas decorations and the feast of the holy family. Hope it is a restorative one for you. I might have to look up that knitting video.
Also happy new year. And thanks for your peaceful and inspiring posts.