Happy Birthday, Dad, and Happy Halloween, everyone!

For many, Halloween means candy, costumes, parties, haunted houses, and the like. For me, it is/was something different. It has always meant a birthday--my dad's birthday. We always had cake with Halloween decorations and ice cream before heading out to trick-or-treat, and those little celebrations took place at home or in the Jackrabbit Stadium press box. I've carried on that little tradition the last 11 years, and I hope to be able to today, too.

Happy Halloween, everyone!
Happy 69th Birthday, Dad, as you celebrate with the angels.

I didn't find any gluten-free cake, so I had frozen yogurt to celebrate.

Happy Birthday to My Amazing Nephew!

Happy 13th Birthday to my adorably handsome, talented, intelligent, fun-loving, tender-hearted, kind, book loving, amazingly wonderful nephew! 

Bub, you changed our lives forever the day you were born, and I can't wait to see what your future holds. I hope you have the most amazing birthday and year yet! Love you more than you can imagine! Love, Auntie

A day of making memories with a little shopping, the movies to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and a little celebration with cake and presents.

Let the Birthday Spoiling Begin!

I am so excited that I got to spend the whole day with my niece and nephew.  With my nephew's birthday right around the corner, he got to plan our weekend of fun.  Today, we went to Chick-fil-A for breakfast, Main Event for a day of fun, and Genghis Grill for dinner. We finished off the day shopping for school supplies.

Happy Birthday to My Amazing Niece!

11 years ago today, my amazing, adorable, talented, funny, book loving niece came into this world and changed our lives. I love her to the moon and back! Happy Birthday, sweet girl!

Birthdays--A Time to Reflect

Today is my birthday.  I won't share how old I am.  I never told my students my real age, and I don't think anyone at work knows how old I am either.  I almost have a hard time with the reality of my age, the actual number.  I just can't believe I am the age I am.

I always thought I would be in a different place or living my life slightly differently by this age.

By the time I was entering and finishing high school, I knew I was going into education.  I planned to become an elementary school teacher and continue doing that until I retired. I knew I would get my Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Well, I did earn my Bachelor's and went on to teach elementary school for 11 years, and by the end of that time, I had a Master's and Doctorate, a degree I never dreamed of getting. I have now spent five years in Curriculum and Instruction at different levels, something I never dreamed of doing, but I really enjoy. Along the way, I have met some amazing people and learned quite a lot. It will be interesting to see what I will do next. What other opportunities are there?

I have traveled through Europe three times.  Three experiences I never imagined I would have. I can't wait to do it again when my niece and nephew are old enough to enjoy and appreciate the experience.

When I didn't find "Mr. Right" in high school, I just knew I would find him in college.  I dreamed of marrying after college and starting my family within the following 5-8 years.  Well, that never happened.  As you know by my posts, I am still very much single and childless, something I never imagined I would be at this age.

As I turn another year older, I reflect on the person I have become.  Am I who God created me to be?  Am I leading the life God planned for me?  Have I veered off His path to follow my own? Am I doing what He wanted me to do?  Am I in the right job/location?  Have I missed my chance at finding "Mr. Right"?  Will I ever have children?  What is God's plan for me in the coming year?

I am grateful to have another birthday, to have the family I do, to have had the opportunities I have had, and for the friends that listen to me and lift me up when needed. Even though this last year has been very difficult, I am still a very blessed person.

I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for this next year.  I pray it if filled with more joy than pain, amazing experiences, and lots of time spent with family and friends.

Happy 100th Birthday, Girl Scouts!

Today marks Girl Scouts' 100th birthday.  How did you spend the day?

Our Girl Scout troop camped over the weekend, and we held a birthday party yesterday morning with cupcakes before breaking camp.  The girls each shared what they loved about camp and Girl Scouts. Our troop is not doing anything formal today, but the girls are each celebrating this milestone in their own way.

What memories do you have as a Girl Scout?

Thirty-two years ago, my parents registered me as a Brownie Girl Scout (there weren't Daisies at the time).  I enjoyed making friends, creating projects, participating in service projects, going camping, and learning new skills.  I don't remember ever wanting to quit Girl Scouts.

My mom became involved as a leader when I was an older Brownie or Junior, and she continued to be a part through graduation. I enjoyed the time we spent together. 

I credit who I am and the accomplishments I have had to God, my parents/family, friends, and Girl Scouts, which has had the largest influence outside of those.  The skills I learned and the experiences I had have led me to the choices I have made, jobs I have had, friends I have made, and so much more.

I have loved sharing my experiences with my niece and our troop these past four years.

Juliette Gordon Low's Birthday

Juliette Gordon Low's birthday has come and gone.  What did your troop do to celebrate?

Because we meet once a month, we celebrated a little early by singing and enjoying a giant chocolate chip cookie.  We also read a short biography about her and spent time discussing cancer awareness.

The girls painted pumpkins in the colors representing various cancer awarenesses.  The pumpkins were then put into arrangements and placed at a local Oncology Center to brighten up the waiting areas.

Happy Birthday, Girl Scouts!

Happy Birthday, Girl Scouts!
I know!  I am a day early, but I won't have computer access later today or tomorrow, so I wanted to get my Birthday wish out there early rather than late.

How do you plan to celebrate Girl Scouts' 99th Birthday?

Girl Scout Birthday Week

Tomorrow, Girl Scout Sunday, kicks off Girl Scout Birthday Week. What plans do you and/or your troop have planned for this week?