Today is my birthday. Last year’s birthday blog (Part One, Part Two) told you fifty things about me … no coincidence that I chose that number … so I guess y’all (as my friend Julie would say) can do the math for this year. Suffice it to say, I used to be able to roller skate as I did yesterday and not awake sore as I did today. Overall, though, I am one lucky woman. I even bought myself a pair of skates, and I intend to sign up for a lesson or two … I want to learn how to turn and really skate backwards, instead of “sort of” skate backwards (after a very awkward turn) like I do now. I guess, as the skating rink guy said, “you are as young as you feel.” After two Advil this morning, I’ll let you know …

My cousin Trina is here, along with her two teenage daughters and her two young sons. We’re all going out to a really nice steak place for dinner … might as well pack on a few more pounds, right? After dinner, we’re coming home to a—what else?—TCBY cake!

As my older kids packed up and headed north on Monday to spend Christmas with their “other” families, I gave thanks that I had two little girls still at home. It would have been very hard to have all the kids gone … but my husband and I still have ongoing responsibility for two young lives. Dora had a good Christmas, and she told me I was a “good mom.” I think she is figuring some things out. Beth will readily acknowledge that she is a bit spoiled … and loves it. I used to think there would never be a time in my life when I didn’t want kids around me all the time, but I think maybe I could get used to that some day … but not yet. I suspect there will be grandkids in my life before too many more years, and that will meet my needs as well. Kyle and Marie do a great job of making us an integral, important part of their lives. As I have often mentioned, life is all about relationships … whether one is talking about parent/minor child, parent/adult child, spousal or friend relationships … it is those interactions that give our lives meaning. On the occasion of my birthday, I mourn those relationships that are less than fulfilling, but very much appreciate the good ones. I recognize that I am truly very blessed ... and I count the relationship I have with you readers as one of those blessings.

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