Really, I’m not crazy about my birthday.
I loved it as a child (okay, I really, really disliked having a birthday that was so hugely overshadowed by Independence Day), but really, what kid doesn’t love their birthday?
But now that I’m old older, it’s just not a big deal. It’s just turning one year older.
What I do so enjoy, though?
Is all to lovin’ I get on my big day.
Homemade birthday cards…
with words and pictures meticulously drawn by tiny hands.
Hugs and kisses, given gratuitously.
And “I love you, mama!” galore.
Lunch out at my favorite restaurant.
With a surprise Happy Birthday serenade by the wait staff (good one, babe. I’m gonna get you next year.)
A store bought cake, certainly selected with lots of love.
And decked out with an excessive number of candles.
A chorus of Happy Birthday.
Sung at the tip top of little lungs.
And, although I was certainly missing my two biggest babies, how I loved being surrounded by these seven blessings.
Chaotic and crazy? Yes. But boring? Never.
Short of someone flying Zach and Tori home to celebrate, turning one year older this year?
Couldn’t have been any sweeter.
To join in, just copy the code under the Snapshot button and paste it into the body of your Snapshot post where you’d like the button to be displayed.
When you hit ‘publish’ it should show up just fine. Then add your link below.
Wondering what the heck Sunday Snapshot is? Visit here for the details.
Happy Sunday Monday, y’all.
Football & Fried Rice says
Personally? Im not sure there’s much sweeter than seeing Dalton and Sophie’s hands intertwined! Or the way that Isabelle is loving Asher’s protective arm around her. You can tell they all love each other so much. What a special gift you have all year ’round. Cant wait to see Poppy join the crew!
p.s. Shepherd’s smile could pull me out of ANY funk!!!! He is such a little ham!!!!!
rachel says
Happy Birthday! You are so YOUNG! Especially to have like a zillion kids. You are so blessed! xxoo
Merrill says
I love to celebrate other people’s birthdays…just not my own! But my sweet daughter does her best every year to make sure we celebrate all day. Looks like all your kiddos did the same for you! What a blessing!
The Gang's Momma says
Love all the “imperfect pictures” along the way to the last perfect picture. So, so cute ๐
Happiest of Birthdays to you – you are a blessed woman ๐
Rebecca says
Everyone looks so amazing. Happy Birthday!
Eva says
Aw, Happy Birthday, Stefanie!
Another year of blessings showered upon you. ๐
Elizabeth says
I always admire your photos, but I think I liked these more than any I’ve seen! It feels like yet another glimpse behind the scenes…Happy Birthday!
Aus says
Happy Birthday Stef!! Both Marie and I have another comminality with you – Marie’s BD is today and mine tomorrow – and yeah – my big brother’s was the 2nd – so we always combined his birthday with mine and the 4th of July – and celebrated all three at the same time….I missed having “my own” birthday for a long time too!
But now that I’m 50+ – I don’t miss it at all!! ๐
hugs – Happy Birthday –
aus and co.
Jennifer says
Love the pictures!!! You are one blessed momma! ๐
Thatgirlblogs says
Aw, the kinky closed but I still have to comment to say happy birthday! Have a great year with your many blessings.
Thatgirlblogs says
Auto correct fail! Should say linky, not kinky!
Cedar/ Joyful Mama says
happy Birthday! Love these pictures of them all crowded around you. Very sweet!
Virginia says
Happy belated Birthday!! I love all of the sweet pics of you surrounded by all of your younger blessings looking like one very happy, and young, Mama.
Gin =)
Kim from 3 peanuts says
Happy Birthday Stef. I love all the “real” photos of you with your gang. You are so very blessed.
Snekcip says
It doesn’t get any sweeter than this….unless its birthday cake of course!! Happy Birthday and Happy Children!!!
The last photo is priceless!!
5ennie says
I love all the expressions on everyone’s faces. The joys of taking group shots of kids ๐
Ali says
Does Shepherd smile 24/7? I bet that boy even smiles in his sleep. Happy belated birthday!
Colleen says
Dude. I’m just now catching up on your blog from this week and I didn’t even get to post a big ol’ HAPPY BIRTHDAY on your bday post. ๐ Terrible friend.
So excited that it’s your last bday with your number of children in the single digits…heheheh.
You ROCK and I love ya, sister…
To-leen