A State of the Union address, of course! Thanks, George. You shouldn't have. Really. The season premiere of Road Rules holds more promise than the standard, "The state of our union is strong!" rhetoric from that guy. But, I digress. It's my birthday and no panties will be getting into a wad today. Instead, I'm celebrating with a few remembrances from some of my birthdays past...
My father bringing home six pink roses on my 6th birthday.
Watching the boys fly by at my "everyone in my generation had one" roller rink (9th) birthday party.
Proudly strapping my mom's gift--my first bra--on over what can only be described as an ugly, plaid western shirt of some sort during my sleepover (11th) birthday party as my girlfriends looked on enviously.
Trying to communicate with my German boyfriend at my ice skating (14th) birthday party and failing miserably. Tomas knew less English than I did German, but somehow we made it work what with all that kissing.
Walking into a surprise "Sweet 16" birthday party my parents and friends threw for me. Although it was nothing like the "Sweet 16s" that they show on MTV these days (not by a looooooong shot), it was made extra-special by the hot singing telegram guy my dad hired to drop by and serenade me on one knee. The girls swooned while the boys shrugged their shoulders and looked uncomfortable. The singer was handsome and tan, an older man (in his 20s?) with long hair and a mustache. I was in heaven.
My 24th birthday pool party (and I don't mean swimming...this was of the eight-ball variety). My friends buying me shots all night long. Which I'm sure had nothing to do with the fact that I kissed one man at the same time that I held hands with another. Neither had any idea of what was going on (or so I thought). Yeah, I was pretty slick inebriated.
My 30th birthday. Roger sending me 30 long-stemmed roses and later, bowling with friends. Nothing like a little beer and competition to brighten up an already special day.
Roger hiring a limo and booking reservations at the highest-rated, most expensive place in town for my 31st birthday. He completely swept me off my feet.
Roger and I sneaking two bottles of champagne in with us to see "Chicago" on my 32nd birthday. With Roger's classy towel/twist technique to open the bottles the other patrons were none the wiser as we sipped from plastic flutes in the back of the theater. It was almost like seeing it on Broadway.
Ringing in my birthday for the first time as mother on my 35th.
And of course, today, my 36th birthday. Delaney and I had a wonderful lunch with my mom and aunt during which my aunt presented me with her gift, a decorative pillow that said, "I'm not bossy. I just have better ideas." Hmmm. Guess who knows me pretty well? Roger and I celebrated early on Saturday by spending our first night together away from Delaney (you can read more here). And tonight he came home with pink roses, champagne, a luscious chocolate cake and the latest gadget I'd been coveting. He topped it all by preparing a shrimp scampi of which five-star chefs would be jealous.
It's hard to believe I'm closer to 40 than 30 now, but as each year passes I learn it's not age that matters but the love of those surrounding me. I'm blessed with amazing family and friends (both online and off!), all of whom make my life wonderful. 36 couldn't look any better.
Colleen - Happy Birthday!!!! You're the hottest 36-year old mom I've ever known!!! I hope it was fabulous.....
Steph
Posted by: Stephanie | January 23, 2007 at 10:24 PM
happy birthday gorgeous mama!
xomox
Posted by: MoxieMomma | January 23, 2007 at 10:26 PM
Happy Birthday! You've had a good life! Can't wait to see what 36 brings for you...;)
Posted by: Nicole | January 24, 2007 at 12:07 AM
Happy HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
With much love.
Posted by: Mrs. Flinger | January 24, 2007 at 01:46 AM
Happy 36th Colleen!
Sounds like a fabulous celebration for a fabulous woman. The mention of shrimp scampi is making me drool.
Cheers!
Posted by: Jamie | January 24, 2007 at 08:58 AM
p.s. I am loving that baby picture!!!!! That is the best. Hope the remainder of your birthday week is wonderful.
Posted by: Jamie | January 24, 2007 at 08:59 AM
Happy birthday! By which I mean, so glad to hear you DID have a happy birthday. Good work, everyone.
Posted by: Summer | January 24, 2007 at 09:12 AM
Happy Birthday, Colleen! That cake looks fantastic - just seeing the picture is making me drool (very classy, I know). :)
Posted by: karen | January 24, 2007 at 09:43 AM
Happy Happy to you lady! May this year be even better than the last! XOXO
Posted by: Emily | January 24, 2007 at 10:40 AM
Happy Birthday!
And bless your husband for realizing that chocolate is an integral part of any celebration...
Posted by: Cathy Frye | January 24, 2007 at 11:34 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Another January Baby! We cool! ;-)
Posted by: Cyndy | January 24, 2007 at 01:43 PM
Happy, happy birthday, Colleen!!! It sounds like you've had a number of good ones, but this one was extra special! Glad to hear you enjoyed all of the celebrations.
Posted by: Lisa | January 24, 2007 at 07:58 PM
I can't believe you remember all those details from other birthdays! Must have been good ones or you have stacks of photos to remind you! Maybe YOUR memory is getting better with age....here's to you!
Posted by: Nicole | January 24, 2007 at 08:10 PM
Happy Birthday - and what a great list! I think the upper 30's are the best! Here's to more wine, chocolate, and great birthday memories.
Posted by: Jeanne | January 24, 2007 at 11:38 PM
How did I miss this? HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Posted by: Andy | January 25, 2007 at 10:43 AM
That cake looks INCREDIBLE! Happy Late birthday!!!
Posted by: Anne | January 25, 2007 at 01:42 PM