Birthday Alley

Tis the season at our home.  We have a string of birthdays up and coming and I try to make each one special.  Not always easy to do.  With inlaws and grandbabies filling in the open spaces with birthdays almost every month has a celebration.  The next couple months are the celebrations I am in charge of and so here we go.

We began March with my birthday.  It was a very special birthday to me because my brother, Jerry, got to join us.  I am not sure when he was last with me on my birthday, but I have a feeling it was over thirty years.  Ok, now I really feel old.  He is a couple years older then me and when he graduated high school he went off to college far, far away (not really that far, but far enough).  Then he moved out of state and I seriously don't remember if I have been able to celebrate my birthday with him since high school.  So, this year was special.  All I asked from him was a game of ping pong.  I have never in my whole life beat him at ping pong, in our younger years he would challenge me with mind blowing speed on the ping pong balls.  It used to terrify me, but I believe it helped me to be a better ping pong player.  I guess that isn't saying much because I have yet to beat him on a one on one match.  We did get to play and it was much friendlier then in our youth, but also I would say we have both improved.  David and I played Jerry and my mom in a doubles match and we actually won that but, I still will continue the quest to beat him one on one.  :)  Jerry brings such laughter to our house, it is a joy to have him over.  My sister and her family were also here and I implored her to take a sibling picture.  She has just had surgery and could barely walk, but she still took a lovely picture.

The evening was lovely, we had fondue, which I am sad I didn't take any pictures.  Every year it is such a decision on how to set it all up so everyone gets access.  This year I had it upstairs and lined up the tables.  I alternated several fondue/ crockpots with our sauces (chocolate, appricot, and cheese) across the tables.  The ping pong table had the already prepared meets and veggies in a warmer, cut up fruit and bread, and cool dipping sauces (dill, barbecue, and curry).  I have to say we really outdid ourselves and it really was an amazing meal.

Then I was blessed with great gifts.  Finally the cake.  Latisha out did herself again and I had a wonderful and beautiful orange cake and orange sherbet.

The day was filled with love, blessings, and sugar.  I should add that I started my day with my family making me a lovely breakfast of french toast, strawberries and cream cheese sauce, followed by a trip to one of my favorite places for a complimentary carmalizer from Dutch Brothers.  Yes, I should fast sugar for a while, but I really had a wonderful day.  Aidric accompanied me to Dutch Brothers and some nice gentlemen gave Airdic a Hot Wheels Car.  The man said it was just a random act of kindness.  There you go.  Let the birthdays begin.  I hope this finds you all blessed and well.  God bless,
Alicia

The cake Latisha made me, isn't it beautiful.

A birthday kiss from my son.  

Love my new wall hanging

Latisha and Brent got me the new wonderful decorating tips I can't wait to try

I know it is blurry, but a birthday hug from my grandson is always appreciated

Cassandra and Lauren preformed for me

dessert!

Aidric and I with our drinks and his car

My daddy took me to lunch at a cute coffee house, look at my lovely drink