You know how I like to celebrate my Birthday. Heck, I think everyone should- take time to celebrate yourself and do all the things you like to do for a little while. No big wager this year, no jumping off of bridges, just a low key weekend. The workers were back this week in the bathroom so it was a busy household. It's just about done, maybe just a few touch ups and a cover on the light in the shower (too nervous to try it out without that). I'm calling that my Birthday gift (probably for the next decade). I am feeling stressed with holiday chores (I know that sounds so hoity-toity and self-inflicted). I think I'll feel better when all the Christmas cards and written, which probably won't be for another week or so. I played in the tennis clinic on Monday. I took the younger kids to Owen and Alex's soccer game with my parents. It was so cold! On the way back I got a frantic call from Ellie that she missed the activity bus on her first day of soccer try outs. It was a cluster, the good news is that I got to know her coach and now we know how the activity busses work. She got called back for an extra day of try outs and she found out in school on Friday that she made the team! I'm so proud of her! She hasn't played real soccer since kindergarten! I got in for the Tuesday tennis match and played with my pal, Ann Marie. It was an easy, slow match with the other team giving up because the lady got a cramp. Afterwards we got Birthday pedicures (AM's bday was on Thanksgiving). It was fabulous! That night was a Friends of Stockton info session- outside by the fire pits with coats and masks! Wednesday was so cold! We were supposed to play golf but the ground was frozen so I got to play tennis against Jess Ryals instead. She beat me pretty badly but it was good for me. I was crampy and crabby all week. I didn't sleep well and even had a nightmare that I had COVID. I don't know if it was just part of being 41 or what. We had MOPS on Thursday and Kerri Napoleon talked to us about healthy eating. I've been trying to eat more leafy greens since then. I also need to think more about probiotics, omega 3s and vit D. It was a good chat, but a small meeting. Stephanie and Jessica hosted a Birthday lunch for me on Thursday. It was nice, just the 3 of us to catch up. That night my brother Matt came to town. Phil and I went over late to welcome he (and his girlfriend, Paige) to town. Friday I went walking and listened to this good podcast. I'll add Juliet Takes a Breath to my list. I got the most amazing massage from my 'ole doula, Sherry. She truly has the gift of touch! That was a fabulous gift to myself! I met my parents for adoration then Phil met us for an oyster lunch at Trents. That night we ended up without any kids. Ellie went to youth group. Marly spent the night at a friends. The younger two spent the night at my neighbor's. Phil and I went to dinner at TCC. We ended up meeting Matt and Paige out for late night pizza. I got to sleep in until 9am on my Birthday! Much needed! It was glorious! The neighbors brought donuts. Phil, Matt and I went to Marly's basketball game. They lost but Marly made a basket and then 2 foul shots! We went to Larry's for lunch. I got quiet time to read American Dirt and lots of calls, texts and messages of Birthday love. My sister Katie (and Uncle Steve) sent gorgeous lilies. Phil and I played tennis against my friend Rachael and her husband. Then we went to my parents for a Birthday dinner. My brother cooked this awesome beef tenderloin. My sister got this chocolate cake. We had a nice family party. This morning we went to mass, religion class then breakfast with Santa at TCC. Because of COVID they split the party up into multiple smaller parties. It was awesome! I hope they do it again next year! We skipped Voss' soccer game and went to a boat concert tonight. It was the perfect close to my Birthday week! I am so grateful for all the love and fun!