My mom spoiled me for birthdays. She always made a big deal out of them growing up and I know I have shared that before. Growing up in a family with 4 kids we did not get a big party every year but instead every other year. Back in those days you invited everyone in your class to your party. No one got excluded.

I always lived in small towns and my birthday parties were always “events”. At least in my eyes they were. There were handmade invitations, themes and of course home made cakes in amazing shapes and sizes. That was the best part. Seeing what my mom came up with for a cake.

When I was looking for a certain picture for my sister (which I never did find) I ran across this packet of pictures that my mom had tucked away in one of the many photo bins that I took when we sorted her belongings a couple years ago when she had to downsize. It was the beginnings of a collection of pictures of me on my birthdays. She had made a special album for my sister and I think that was her intention for me as well.

Unfortunately there were only a few of them and in most of them I look —-how do I say this —- hideous. Ah well. The truth is out once again. I had a somewhat awkward childhood and teen years but fortunately I survived. If this week does not show you that I can poke fun at myself I don’t know what does. So bring on the embarrassing pictures.

I am going to have work on finding all of my birthday pictures and get them in some kind of order. I should really do the same for both of the boys but I am not sure when that is going to happen. One day, right?

In the meantime I am just grateful for pictures, for wonderful memories, for fun birthday cakes and party memories and most of all — for a mother who loved me and helped to give me those memories. Counting the days until I am able to see her again.