in doing the enneagram study a few years ago, i was described as a person who often sets her expectations unrealistically high and then experiences extreme disappointment.  um, yes.  i see it in my kids…they do too.  “mama, don’t tell me things we might do until you know we will do them and even then, don’t make a big deal out of it.”

there was a time i had to consciously choose not to set expectations.  i’m grateful to say that it is getting easier.  i can roll with it, i can accept that the way things are must be the way they are meant to be.

but, oh, the scale will tip all of a sudden.  i can be settled until too much is less than good and then like a cup wobbling from the contents of a pitcher being dumped in, i tip.

but this was a good day honoring my birth.  really, the celebration of a day that i simply showed up to.  kind of strange.

a baker neighbor called to ask if we wanted any cake ends and i used them to make mini cakes (so much tastier than the cupcake mix i was going to use!).

when opening presents from my kids and jerry, eliza said more than once that this was “the best birthday ever!!!!”  she didn’t change her tune when someone reminded her that it wasn’t HER birthday.

i got to wear a shirt with 37 candles on it…thank you, karin (the one and the same who made all the other shirts).

(this is the only photo of the shirt i have…!)

i was fed wonderful homemade food, found presents in my car, had messages on the computer and phone.  while i generally prefer rainy weather, these days were beautifully intense.  cold enough at night for blankets, sunny enough that my face is a bit burned today.

blessed, blessed be.