Vanquishing Age: One Pin at a Time

I actually have two Dammit Dolls, but this little lady is now my 'Dammit, how did I get so old?' Doll. Crafted by my 'outlaw' ma-in-law Cheryl, mom to sis-in-law Kelli , and she's been sitting around waiting for the right age/demographic to be appropriate for use. Can't wait for the time to come to pass her around the family. (Ahem... sisters and sisterfriends) That is, if I don't beat the sh*... stuffing out of her first.

Life is like a box of chocolates - or two

MINE. ALL MINE.

I do not share well with others. Just check my report cards.
Full disclosure: these are not holiday related chocolates. Don't let the timing, red box or cupid confuse you. These weren't technically Galentine's Day chocolates either, despite giver and date of intended celebration. Yes, given by a gal, a friend, and the date was for 2/13 but different celebration altogether. 

I am trying hard NOT to eat them all in one sitting or afternoon.

43 Ideas for Birthday 43: 43 Ways to Say Thank You

Sorry for the relative quiet after so many blog posts this year, but I was busily hunkering down to stay warm, taking some personal retreat and reflection days around the actual event and holiday, dealing with some work-related issues, but mostly writing copious amounts of THANK YOU NOTES.

I was overwhelmed, touched, amazed, humbled, and delighted by the various cards, notes, packages and presents that were delivered in honor of my birthday. Honestly ... I am just touched. Hopefully I have gotten all my notes written and returned in a timely fashion, but I know there is still one or two to write.

Here are just a few little highlights from the magical Birthday Fairies:

Stamps, stationery, Advil, gift cards, checks, oh my

(It's like they read something that gave them some hints!)

Adorable artwork from my littles, along with calorie-free cake and candles for more wishes:

Combo packages bursting at the seams, festooned with Fun Facts, more unicorns, and more birthday banners:

These are just a few photos of the weeks-long celebrations, meals, munchies, cards, and well wishes.

The biggest surprise -- and the one gift that still needs a thank you -- is this 12lb. mystery box that was delivered to the office (so someone did their research),

 filled with this little racy number. 

WHOO HOOO! Shopping basket = shopping time.

Or Schlepping

Or laundry

Or moving

Hello? If you are reading this - THANK YOU mystery donor. 

I won't push too much. I know sometime Birthday Fairies like to be anonymous, but really? Thank you.

(and fess up?)

When February, the cold, the snow, the grey, the COLD, (did I mention the cold?), and your weekly team meetings seem endless, it's good to have colorful, hearty cheesecake celebrations and surprise presents.

THANK YOU ALL! 43 ways to Sunday.

Happy Valentine's Day!

These kids? They are my Valentines. So I sent them something from my heart.

 

Nevada:

Drew, Sarah, and Cannon

Don't wake them!

He slays me.

Double trouble

Eating healthier than the adults.

Idaho:

Amber, Elle, Nathan, and Jaime

Showing me they have my hearts.

Virtual Hugs from Nathan

Sure, they love each other ... RIGHT NOW.

Warm smiles from Jaime

Apparently, while the East Coast is frozen and snowy, Idaho is having a spring thaw. The crocuses are blooming and the ladybugs swarming.

Thanks to Grumpa for the photos, as well as my sisters-in-law for updates from the kiddos.

43 Ideas for Birthday 43: Random Acts of Kindness

Say or do something thoughtful for somebody today. Your kindness will go a long way in making the world a better place.
— Anne Wheaton (@AnneWheaton) January 9, 2015

It's actually the middle of Random Act of Kindness Week. 

In honor of my birthday, please do something randomly nice for a stranger. Pass it on.

International Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 9-15, 2015. Take this week to step out of your normal routine or comfort zone and attempt a new random act of kindness each day of the celebratory week. 

43 Ideas for Birthday 43: Delicious Deliveries

I don't mind grocery shopping, but lately, I hate the schlepping more than anything - and even thinking about what I'm making.

Oh Birthday Fairy - can't you just make my meals magically appear?

MMMM.

I wonder if there are services that I could use?

Like, say ... oh ...

Freshdirect

 

Or this new company which ships you pre-measured out items...

Blue Apron

 Meat = good

Omaha Steaks

 But actually - this is the closest service and one that I have used - all of twice.

Peapond

Nettie is super lazy when it's cold.