Birthday Fun - Part 3

And it continues.

Monday, Sept. 22

My FHE group gave me a surprise birthday party. It was so fun and such a surprise! I honestly had no idea. And, of course, more white on grease. MMMMMMM....

My crazy "kids." (I took this picture on my camera phone, so not the best quality.)

All of this and it still wasn't my actual birthday yet!

Birthday Fun - Part 2

The birthday fun continued with a party with my family.

Sunday, September 21

We had a birthday party at my mom's house to celebrate me becoming a year older. We ate lasagna (my favorite), at cake (more white with greasy lard), opened presents (I was very spoiled), and played Scattegories. It was a very entertaining evening.

My very own Huntsman/Herbert water bottle! What more could a girl ask for?

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Cheesin' it for the camera with Coach.

My delicious cake.

With mom. No idea where those fat rolls came from.

Mr. Mster in a helmet.

Birthday Fun - Part 1

Last week, I celebrated another birthday. You know, I'm really getting sick of this getting older stuff. But I did have a lot of fun and I was very spoiled. Thanks to everyone who helped me celebrate another year older...and wiser too!

Day 1: Friday, September 19
I met my oldest friend for lunch. She called me a few days before and asked me if I wanted to go to lunch with her and her 3-year-old daughter. I, of course, was thrilled to meet them for lunch. On the phone Diana (not her real name) said, "Allison wants to go to McDonalds. Is that OK?" So I met them at McDonalds.

A little backstory. When we were little kids, the big thing was to have our birthday parties at McDonalds. This was the new place in town and that's where we went. When I was 15, I decided I wanted my party there again. My mother obliged, even though I'm sure she thought I was being silly.

Back to the story, when I arrived at McDonalds, there was Diana, her daughter, her sister, and my mother. They were having a surprise party for me! It was so much fun. They ordered me a happy meal, brought me a cake (she even remembered that I love a white cake with greasy lard frosting) and pie. I thought this was the most thoughtful birthday present ever. She remembered something so treasured and fun from our childhood.

I have been incredibly blessed in my life with wonderful friends. The power of lasting friendships was manifested to me again this day. I was really touched by her love and life-long friendship.

Unfortunately, I wasn't prepared with my camera.

Stay tuned for more birthday fun!

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

http://www.yearbookyourself.com/

1982 Jen

Scarred for Life

I have a scar on my upper lip. Sometimes it's really noticeable and other times you can't even see it. I don't know why that is, but it's true. I was looking at some pictures when I noticed my scar.

Most people don't like scars. I admit, I'm one of those people. But this scar I like and here's why.

My brother is 5 years older than me. That's a pretty big age difference in siblings, especially when there isn't another child in between. Apparently, I really liked my big brother. When I was 2 and he was 7, I liked to carry his picture around and say, "My Ninny, my Ninny." I carried a picture around that was in a metal frame (this was the 70s, so of course a metal frame makes sense) when I tripped and cut my lip on the frame. I had to have stitches. To my knowledge, this is the only time I've ever had stitches.

I now have a scar representing this small, rather insignificant, event in my life. But I really like this scar because it reminds me of my brother. This scar reminds me that families are forever, that they will always be there for me, and that we love each other. It also reminds me to be kinder, gentler, and more loving. It reminds me to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life and to remember that it all comes down to loving and caring for each other. And the scar reminds me of my big brother. He's still my big brother, even though we are adults now. He's taught me a lot in my life (although, I'm not sure he even realizes this). He's taught me to never pre-judge another person, to love unconditionally, to see past physical apperance and to appreciate the soul. He's taught me to be kind, to love others, and how to serve.

So today, as I look at the scar on my upper lip, I still say, "My Ninny, my Ninny."

Labor Day Fun

It's no secret that Labor Day is my favorite holiday. I like Labor Day most because nobody else claims it as their favorite holiday, but I also enjoy the Onion Days festivities. Even though it rained on my parade (literally) this year, I still throughly enjoyed the holiday. Check it out!

I really did think the rain would pass, but it didn't. Apparently, my "faith" isn't strong enough to keep the rain away. About 10 minutes into the parade, it poured!

Before the rain storm. When the parade started the CMan kept turning around and saying, "You've got to check this out! The parade is coming!" He was very excited.

During the rain.

Mom's umbrella had some problems.

After I was soaked to my knees and couldn't feel my fingers anymore, we headed home to wait out the storm. I got a little bored and took some self portraits.

This is NOT a flattering picture, but my dad laughed so hard at this one that I decided it needed to go up.

Proof that I am the Onion Princess!

Look, Barry Manilow came to visit again!

Later in the afternoon, the rain cleared and we headed back to the park for some entertainment, booth perusing, and carnie rides. FYI - do not let your brother talk you into riding the Orbitor. Humans were not meant to spin upside down!

The CMan decided he didn't want to sit by us. And he didn't want me to take his picture.

Mr. Mster did not disappoint in his cuteness!

By this point it was getting kind of chilly and it had been a long day, so we called it quits and headed home.

And that how I spent my Labor Day.