"Folding Chair" - Regina Spektor

Partying [celebrating with Peanut] yesterday.

was. a. blast.

Here are a few photos from the day of awesomeness.

For some reason this made her sooooooooooooooooo happy.  "Mom, MOM, M O M! The Wii knows it's my birthday!!!"

Loved it.

Then she decorated her cake. 

Holy. crap.

Then she decorated it some more while I was in the shower.

Holy.
Holy.
Crap.

[Thank you Cari!] ;)

Then we went to Costco.  What?  it's only the second time this week.  We needed to check the price on Peanut's "dream birthday dinner".  crab legs.

Seriously.

Could she be any more high maintenance?  I kid.  I kid.  She rarely asks for anything [no joke].

But seriously, I was not about to buy $60 worth of crab legs!

Peanut:  [sad face].
Me: Let's check the sushi.  You love sushi.
Peanut:  ok. mom.

Sushi was a go.  [If you ask me . . . .I thought it looked terrible but she was excited].

Next.

Lunch with Nana & Papa.  This girl . . . . she loves her N&P like crazy.  makes. my. heart. Happy.

Yum.  How did I not get a photo of this?  uggg.

Then . . . . you guessed it . . .

On to MORE food.  YAY!

Zoyo yogurt.

I will never understand gumballs on frozen things . . . .

That discard pile . . . [dry heaves]

Then volleyball practice, library &  . . . . [the guilt sets in] . . . .

It's her Birthday Emily.

Suck. it. up. and. get. her. the. freaking. crab. legs.

I
Folded . . . .
like
a
freaking
lawn
chair.

I wish I could have taken a photo of the running hug I received.  Literally, fell onto the glass of the seafood counter.

Emz:  [to seafood guy] Yes, I swear, I do feed her.

Great night.  GREAT food.  Great girl.

And we'll do it again tonight [minus the crab, add crappy/cheap frozen pizza].  Party x 2 with the family.

I'm sooooooooo staying away from that cake though.

Had my last long run [before Seattle RNR] this morning 20.75 miles.  Burping frozen yogurt sushi from last night.

So
freaking
gross.

Happy Freaking Friday!

Happy Weekend!!

Do you let your kids decorate their own cakes?
Would you eat that cake?

"Your Smiling Face" - James Taylor

Whenever I see "your smiling face"
I have to smile myself
Because I love you (Yes, I do).

Happy Birthday to you my Peanut.

11.

E l e v e n .

Where has the time gone? [I know.  I know.  stunting growth is not recommended]

Peanut.

you. are. my. girl.
you. are. my. favorite.

you are my go to stylist.

My dance teacher.  Yes, thanks to you - I can do a mean robot and a wicked sprinkler.

You are the world's best hugger.

And you know I'm a hugger.

I love to hear you sing, "On My Father's Wings" when we are in the car on a family road trip.  It makes my heart melt [and it makes your Dad drive slower as he fights back the tears.]

You are sensitive [you can thank me later].  You are tender.  You are thoughtful.  You never treat others unkindly.  Never.

When you are in your room with your friends. . . .

I. hear.

I hear things that are being said.  I am and have always been proud of the way you speak to others, treat others, think of others & make others feel comfortable.

I'm proud of the way you speak up for yourself and your beliefs.  You speak up for me.  You are always looking out for your family.

Look how far we've all come this year, nutty!  I'd say . . . . pretty. freaking. far.

and

pretty. f r e a k i n g . amazing.

2011 - will hold many "awesomeness" moments for you and for us as a family.

and. guess. what . . . . ? ? ? . . . .

we've. freaking. got. this.

I love you with all my heart.
To the moon and back . . . . and back.

Love,

your "crazy" Mom.