A Perfect Day for Me

I have always loved my birthday.  This might sound corny to some, but let me explain.  Do I love growing another year older?  Well, not really ... but I realize that age doesn't consult my opinion.  I have always loved that my birthday falls smack in the middle of summer --July 21 to be exact.  (Same birthday as Robin Williams) Options for the day are abundant, and I always attempt to custom-design a day.  Now, some years this has set me up for disappointment  ... like when a divine dinner was on the agenda and the babysitter cancelled last minute.  I love getting birthday cards in the mail.  There are a few people on whom I can always count on for a card -- and I look forward to seeing their handwriting on the envelope.  I love waking up and seeing my small pile of presents on the kitchen island.  It makes me feel special.  I love treating myself to something -- be it a Starbucks Latte or a run with my IPOD or 2 hours with People Magazine -- I think birthdays are the ultimate reason or excuse.  This year, our family of six headed down to Cannon Falls, MN to take a bike ride along the beautiful bike trail that connects Cannon Falls, MN with Welch, MN with Red Wing, MN. 

My big boys did the 20 mile ride on their own; we rested a lot along the way!

Ah -- but this perfect summer day would only get finer as we headed to the Cannon River to rent our inner tubes and float down the Cannon River...


The day did come to an end, topped off with a big, fat slice of chocolate cake.  There's my trade off -- a perfect day in exchange for another year older.  I'm too introspective to take this aging stuff in stride.  I want to freeze time -- keep me at about 36.  Keep my kids little and cute and huggable.  I know, I know -- I'd miss seeing them grow and acheive and find love.  And if I stopped time, I'd miss seeing what God has in store of me for the rest of my journey...