Ordinary Days

My blogging days have been sparse to say the least. With school out, well, dang it all...if that doesn't put a cramp in my ability to post. Then there's those blasted trips out of state that'll seriously dampen one's blogginess. Some of my friends are fortunate to own a laptop and therefore, they can simply sit in their house by the beach, mountains or hotel room and type away. Still, I wonder how much relaxation that can be. "Sorry, honey, can't walk on the beach right now, I've got to blog." I wonder how frustrating that might be for familial relationships. I'm just thinkin' that my hubby wouldn't take too kindly to me saying I couldn't hang out with the fam because I must be about my bloggy business. Just a thought. Guess I'm glad I don't have a laptop. I'd hate to allow my blessed computer time trump my real life relationships.

Perhaps that's another reason my posts have been so few and far between. I've been out living life with flesh and blood folks. Oh yeah, and running children to summer activities. As my cell phone message says if you call and leave a message, "I'm out gallivanting around right now..." Not only that, I've been vacationing forever it seems. Well, according to my husband it was forever since he didn't fly with me to visit my family in Washington state. He had to stay home with our son, Nick...not because Nick needed a babysitter, but just because hubby couldn't take the time off from work.

To him, it was an agonizing nine days without me. To me it was a meager eight days...nine if you count the day spent flying home. I choose not to count that. He missed me immensely. I missed him too, but well, hmmmm, how do I say this without sounding cold-hearted? I love my hubby; I always miss my hubby, but in light of spending time with my family, enjoying conversation and catching up with my brother's and sister's families, I'm thinking I didn't miss him, miss him if you catch my drift. So, when he was hugging me after we reunited at the airport, telling me he missed me and loved me, my little, squeaky, "I missed you, too," sounded totally false.

That's not all. Truthfully, I wasn't ready to leave my family. I know that all good things must come to an end, but why? I absolutely love and treasure my family. We all get along, including the out-laws! The cousins love playing together. Amazingly, I don't believe one squabble erupted amongst them. How can anyone fight hanging out at grandma and grandpa's lake house? The 4th of July is spent around a bonfire roasting marshmallows for s'mores, singing patriotic songs and blowing up the lake, aka lighting off fireworks. We talk and talk and talk s'more. In fact, I'm pretty sure I used up my allotment of words each day and then some. My dad specifically told me that he overused his words. He probably had to take a couple of days rest from talking after I left. Sorry, Mom!

We also celebrated birthdays in big fashion. To those on the outside, we probably seem heartless and cruel in the way that we poke fun at our relatives. We royally roast our relatives so that they know they are specially loved. Three momentous birthdays occurred this year, and because we all live far enough away not to be able to join together on those days, we do our dirty work during our annual visit. With Mom turning 65 this past February, and my brother and his wife hitting the big 4-0, there was no escaping this rite of passage. My sister, aka "the creative writer genius", composed three songs in less than 5 hours during her trip over the mountain from Spokane. She always gets any skit-writing/song-writing gigs by default because she knows...a. that anything I would come up with would be lame (and I agree), and b. that anything Toby would come up with would be less lame, but still not creative enough. With two full-time careers and finishing up her M.B.A., Tricia works great under pressure...so we siblings felt absolutely no guilt giving her this task. She's always up for a challenge. Might I say that once again she was absolutely brilliant. With the lake as our backdrop, we dudes and divas crooned Tricia's creative words to the music of the karaoke machine. While no one chanted for an encore, the uproarious laughter and deafening applause caused us to consider perhaps taking our show on the road. Beware Partridge Family: you may be overshadowed by the Weston Family Singers.

Alas, as I said before, all good things must come to an end...and they did. Is there any wonder that I had difficulty re-entering real life? Back to routine, laundry, cooking, carpooling...ugh! I admit it. I was in a bad, bad place when I returned. No, I didn't need to be committed, but I had an Attitude with a capital "A". Topping it off were the things that did not get done while I was gone. I'm not mentioning any names, but apparently when momma leaves, life stops. I was awfully quiet and on the verge of hysterical crying, but I managed to contain myself and for once, keep my flippin' trap shut! This is good. You see, I knew that I was not in a good place in my mind and that I had a stinkin' attitude. My feelings were a jumbled mess and frankly, I needed to sort some things out before I started pointing my finger and naming names and their sins against me. What kinds of unrealistic expectations had I set up? What was so awful about the items on my list not getting crossed off that was causing the world to end? I just needed to get over myself. So, today (for once) I am pleased with myself. Every time Tony asked to 'talk about' what was bothering me, I said, "No." Now this isn't the "nothing's wrong" syndrome I don on occasion. Basically, I needed to figure it all out in my mind and determine if there was truly anything valid to say...otherwise I knew stuff would spew, and it wouldn't be pretty!

So, there you have it, beauty of celebration with family and ugliness of self all in one post. I'm back to ordinary days of life...filled with husbands and kids and dirty laundry and fixing meals. These ordinary days of life include celebrating birthdays with wonderful friends, as I did today, as well as rushing off to carpool girls to gymnastics. Most of these days are not wildly exciting, but that's okay. I know that even in these ordinary days, I have purpose even if it doesn't seem very grand or important. In God's eyes, it is important; my ordinary days do have value. I love what I read this morning from Nancy Ortberg's book, Looking for God that confirms this thought.

"Ordinary gives us a sense of purpose even in the mundane, a kind of freedom that releases us from the need to be important--a need that can weigh us down and sink us into our own pitiful selves. Ordinary gives a peace and joy and centeredness that turns us toward God and builds him deep inside of us."

"I wonder if we miss him sometimes because we miss how often the ordinary shows up--and the fact that God is there also."

Ordinary defines most of my days. I pray that I see God in all the ordinariness of doing laundry, feeding my family, spending time with my husband and children, meeting with friends and driving the kids' activities circuit. Whether or not my name is ever in the spotlight, God has given me a purpose to fulfill within my own family. It certainly has its many mundane moments, moments in which I question my value and whether something greater might be "out there" for me. Still, I know in my heart of hearts that this job he has called me to for right now is grander and more important than anything I could achieve for myself. And, this job of being solely a wife and mom in ordinary, sometimes bland days is more challenging and requires more focus on my Savior than anything I have ever done. I will keep looking for God to show up in my ordinary days of my ordinary life!

Big Times in the Big Apple

If you read my previous post, you'll remember that I was in a quandary regarding my preparations for the upcoming New York trip this past weekend. It was a difficult decision, and come to think of it, I don't really think I made a decision; the events just sort of happened. Of course, I HAD to watch the special presentation of American Idol "Gives Back", which, frankly, turned out to be a waste of my time. We always DVR the show, so we can watch it later, skipping through all those nasty commercials. Well, we got started very late...after 10 pm. Keep in mind that I had to be at the high school by 3:15 "a.m" in order to be bussed to the airport. I hadn't completely finished packing, and I was sitting on the couch at 10 pm to view American Idol. Very poor decision. At 11:30, I managed to break myself away to throw the rest of my clothes together and the 30 pounds of makeup I carry. I was just praying my luggage didn't register over 50 pounds. At 12:15 I lay down on the couch to sleep until 2:15. Yeah, right. Who can sleep when you know that you have to be up in 2 hours? I slept with full makeup on and my contacts in! I know, I know. Don't tell my eye doctor or the makeup gurus. I NEVER do this! I always cleanse my face at night. At my new age of 44, it's definitely necessary.

At 1:45 am, I was wide awake because I was paranoid that for some reason my phone alarm would not ring, and I would miss the bus. This was sounding vaguely familiar, like when I was in junior high or something. Resigned to the knowledge that I would not be going back to sleep, I chose to get dressed and freshen up my day old makeup. Yep, NO shower! I lotioned up extensively and sprayed perfume everywhere. Fortunately, my contacts weren't sticking to my eyes too badly. I awakened Nick at 2:30, so he could take his 5 minute shower and get himself together. These are the times when I wish I had a 5 minute regimen.

With an hour and a half of sleep under my belt, Nick and I headed to the school. I complimented myself that I was the very first to wish him a happy birthday! My newly 17-year old boy would be spending his special day in New York City. (More about the birthday boy in a later post.)

I had no worries about my lack of sleep because when I arrived at the airport, I planned to get myself hooked up to the Starbuck's IV. It appears that 65 other kids and adults had the same idea. I don't usually sleep too well on an airplane, but this particular day, I was sawing logs before the plane lifted off the runway.

That first day in New York was the longest day of my life. Even with all the excitement of seeing the city for the first time, the hustle and bustle of the masses of people, the video billboards screaming at me, the lure of all the shops, I longed for sleep. Don't you hate those days? I was angry that I wasn't fully engaged, fully enjoying the thrill of the Big Apple because all I could think about was taking a nap. That first evening, the entire choir had tickets for the Phantom of the Opera. Maybe not such a good idea. I REALLY wanted to love it, really wanted to enjoy every part of it; instead, I kept nodding off throughout the entire musical. It was absolutely amazing, the sections I saw anyway.

(Times Square)

After a fairly full night of winks, the next day was better. We were all still dragging but not quite as badly. The choir sang that day at St. John's Church, the first Methodist church in North America. Built in 1766, it was a little place smashed in between large buildings. The acoustics were amazing, and many of us were in tears as the kids sang. I can't quite wrap my mind around how beautiful this choir sounds; I just know that it evokes great emotion in me when I hear them. Of course, thinking about Nick being a Senior next year doesn't help a bit.

(Sounds of South singing at St. John's Church)

With a couple of hours before our next event, we walked a few blocks to ground zero. It's mind-blowing that after 6 1/2 years, rubble is still being sifted through. Construction is still occurring. That area is still devastated after all these years. We traveled to Battery Park and viewed Lady Liberty from afar and then we were off to Shea Stadium to sing the National Anthem at the Mets game.

(Sounds of South singing the National Anthem at Shea Stadium)

Saturday was our free day, so Nick and I, along with a few others, rode the subway to Battery Park where we planned to ride the ferry to view the Statue of Liberty and visit Ellis Island. Due to fog, we had to kill a little time before the ferries would begin running again, so we took a little side trip to Tiffany's. I just knew that Tony wanted me to find my birthday present there. It's extremely important when asking about jewelry prices in a store like this to avoid having your mouth drop open too much. I felt that we were very composed when we asked about the price of a certain gold charm bracelet and the answer was over $1,000. Wisdom whispered to me that this might not be the place to purchase my birthday gift. Even a silver charm was $125. Not quite on sale enough for me. Hmmm, come to think of it, I doubt Tiffany's has sales.

After waiting in line for an hour and a half, we boarded the ferry for our excursion across the river. Learning the history of Ellis Island was fascinating especially since my grandfather came through there from England. We gleaned all sorts of tidbits from the research we did on the computers they had available for us to use. He was only 8 years old when he arrived in American on his way to Wisconsin, and his family had $55 in their pockets. I can only imagine what his thoughts were when he finally disembarked that ship into this new land.

(Nick and I outside Clinton Castle)

(Statue of Liberty...duh!)

Saturday evening we ate a big group dinner together at Spanky's. Some of us wandered to Rockefeller Center and then shopped at various places, such as the 3-story M&M store, which was my personal favorite. Since I'm an avid M&M lover, imagine my delight in seeing that M&M's come in every color under the sun. Maddie loved the M&M umbrella I brought so much, she even uses it in the house!

(Radio City Music Hall...duh!)

Sunday was another free day until 4 pm when the buses came to transport us to the airport for home. We devoted our time to Macy's, FAO Schwarz and Central Park. The 8-story Macy's in New York makes our 2-story Macy's look like the Goodwill. This is serious shopping, and I didn't have nearly enough time. Guess I'll just have to come back. And, FAO? Buying a toy there for my kids would be like purchasing myself a Dooney and Bourke bag; both of which I will not do! The prices are seriously inflated. But, guess what? That's New York! Central Park was beautiful. In the midst of this city of 8 million people is a beautiful sanctuary for walking, biking and watching animal life. Taking a carriage ride through the length of this park would take 2 hours!

(Macy's in Harold Square)

(Central Park..looking at the Plaza Hotel)

I can't ever picture myself living in New York, but in a heartbeat, I'd jump on a plane and visit! If you don't like crowds, you probably should skip this trip. The people watching is great, and the sites are amazing. With a Starbuck's on just about every corner, Broadway shows abounding and an abundance of stores in which to shop, I can be ready at a moment's notice.

The Girl With the Indoor Blood-Curdling Scream

Fourteen years ago today, Alix graced our lives with her presence. What a beautiful little girl she was with a full head of dark hair that jetted straight up all over. She's still all that today except for trading in that dark stuff for an incredible amount of thick gorgeous blond laying down her back. She has the kind of hair people wish they were born with, even me!

If I thought my first born was a dream baby, Alix was a phenomenon. She slept through the night at 5 weeks old, soothed herself with her thumb at just weeks old and when she was old enough walk, never wandered from my side when shopping. In fact, she didn't even care about walking until about 15 months old. Alix learned at a very young age to content herself with letting Nick talk for her. Even when people she knew fairly well asked her questions, she looked to Nick to supply the answers...and he was completely willing to comply. Her thumb was her most treasured asset and went instantaneously into her mouth whenever Alix was presented with an uncomfortable situation.

None of my children are quiet children. All of them had one volume early on...LOUD. My brother-in-law, Steve, used to tell Alix, "Indoor blood-curdling scream, Alix" because he thought she was so loud...until he had his own child. He has since recanted and apologized. My children's loudness was accentuated by my brother's children unusually quiet voices. Their normal voices were whispers compared to the blaring sirens blasting out of my children. Alix still has a voice that carries over mountains and prairies. The more excited she gets; the louder the volume. Consequently, she gets shushed often even now.

While Alix swished down the aisle in a beautiful white dress when Tony and I were married, she is far from that princess girl today. Somewhere down the line, she traded in dresses for t-shirts and playing make-up and dolls for competitive gymnastics. At one point, she attempted to convince me that she was a tomboy to which I had to disagree. She has always been more of an "inside" girl than an "outside" girl. She would spend hours cloistered in her room reading to her make believe class or conversing with imaginary friends. She was equally content with or without friends by her side. She disliked playing outside in the snow; it was way too cold. No, she is not a tomboy!

While Alix' volume is loud, she is my most quiet child. That may sound confusing, but what I mean by that is she keeps her emotions and feelings to herself. Alix rarely expresses what she is thinking which is challenging to a person like me, who lays it all out there whether you want it or not. Our conversations occasionally happen like this:

Me: Alix, how was your day?

Alix: Good

Me: What did you do at school?

Alix: Not much

OR

Me: What did you talk about in Sunday School?

Alix: I don't remember

Me: Surely you remember something. It was just an hour ago.

Alix: I think it was something about trust

Me: What about trust?

Alix: I'm not sure

This is frustrating for someone like me who enjoys sharing, talking and giving my opinion whether one asks for it or not. Alix is not one to offer ANY information, so I've resorted to obtaining information from her best friend's mom (who tells her mom EVERYTHING). And, I ask my daughter a lot of questions about her life. At first, she was a little peeved about this, but after a discussion about trust and parents needing to know what's going on in their daughter's life and TRUST and not getting to do anything if we don't know who her friends are and where she's going and what she's doing and TRUST...well, she began to get the picture.

(Alix and her friend getting baptized.)

While Alix is not openly expressive with her feelings or a crybaby like me, she is extremely compassionate. While she doesn't easily cry during a sad movie, she sheds tears for others who are suffering or in pain. She hates it when others feel bad or are sad. And, although she's not a huggy or affectionate person, she always inquires about each family member if they are not home. She cares deeply about family, yet she's not overly demonstrative. I remember having to teach her early on that she should hug her parents good night rather than just disappear into her bedroom. She begrudgingly did it by backing into a hug. With her, forward hugs must not last more than a second or she is squirming out of them!

Alix (on the right) and her best friend, cheerleading

Alix has been a competitive gymnast since 4th grade and for the last two years gave cheerleading a try. While Alix is a social queen, she is not a drama queen (that would be our 7 year old). Thus, she is retiring from cheerleading, citing petty girl drama as the culprit. She loves all her friends and became nauseated at the backbiting and the general "mean girl" syndrome of some her teammates. Besides, she decided that it is definitely more fun competing in a sport than cheering for someone else's sport. Still, hands down, she was the best tumbler of the group, and I'm not just saying that because I'm her mom. Oh, and let's just say EVERYONE could hear her cheering. Remember? Her volume is loud!

I've mentioned before in previous posts that Alix has inherited the airhead gene from me. She also is in her own little, Alix world quite often. It's often amazing to me that our family can be carrying on a conversation at dinner, and Alix is completely oblivious. She's got her own thing going on in her mind, and it never fails that she'll spout something out loud that has NOTHING to do with what the rest of us are discussing. We always get a good laugh at her expense!

Alix is truly one amazing girl. She's a straight A student with a blond brain to boot, highly self-disciplined, self-motivated girl in sports and school and sweet personality that desires to please others. Her social life is busy; her boyfriends last for two weeks; her stubbornness is like a mule! Her laugh is contagious and fun; her loyalty to her friends is admirable; her values and morality stand firm and independent of her peers. As a parent, I've learned much from having a daughter like Alix. While she's not like me in so many ways, I've grown to appreciate her personality.

Many times I've wondered if something was wrong with her because of her inability or lack of desire to express her feelings. After all, doesn't EVERYBODY want to share their every thought, feeling and opinion like me? That's what girls do, right? I've learned differently over these 14 years. My mom and sister have had a lot to do with my education on this matter. My younger sister happens to be much like Alix. Imagine having a talkative, emotional, opinionated, tell-all daughter (me) and when second born sissy comes along, she's LOUD, her voice carries, BUT she reveals no details about her personal life, keeps her opinions to herself and doesn't express her emotions to everyone. So my mom thought something was wrong with her. Over time and with my dad's help, she discovered that nothing was wrong; she was just a different person than I was...and it was ok! I remember asking my sister for advice many years ago when I was trying to process having a daughter not excited to tell me everything going on in her brain, and Tricia said, "You know what I wished mom would've done?" "No, I don't," I replied. "I just wanted her to leave me alone." Oh. Ok. Not exactly what I wanted to hear, but I guess what I've realized is that just because Alix is not telling me all doesn't mean that anything is horribly wrong. She just doesn't NEED to express it all.

And, since Alix is obedient, loves God and doesn't have a rebellious attitude, I suppose it's perfectly fine if she's not a carbon copy of her mom. And, everybody said, "Thank the Good Lord above for that!" Happy birthday to my sweet baby girl!

A Love Worth Celebrating

Not everyone loves Valentine's Day. For many who are single or in unhappy relationships, this day is not on their top ten list of holidays to celebrate. At one point, I was in that same boat...before Mr. Pancake Man entered my life! He's brought joy, laughter and fun, obviously. Even more, this love of my life is my best friend with whom I share everything...my joys, my sorrows and my longings.

Things I love about my man:

1. He loves me for who I am, flaws and all (and I have many).

2. He loves to hang out with me (even just sitting on the couch to watch the Colts or IU play).

3. He loves all our kids (including his two stepkids). Oh, I admire him so much on this one!!

4. He loves his Savior and is constantly working on being a better man of God. There's nothing better than seeing him reading his Bible!

5. He loves to travel.

6. He looks good in a tank top (I know that's more shallow, but he is one good-lookin' hunk).

7. He plays on my blondeness often (this isn't difficult to do).

8. He cries with me during movies. (what a manly thing to do.)

9. He cares about what I think about everything (and I mean e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.)

10.He's always happy to see me at the end of the day!

Most days I count my blessings at having this unbelievable man in my life. That may sound incredibly sappy, but you'd have to know my history...you know, BEFORE Tony and AFTER Tony. For many years, I was so envious of other couple's relationships. They had something I didn't have and longed for. When God brought Tony into my life, I experienced true love beyond what I ever imagined. In fact, I remember one day asking my mom if she saw any red flags to please tell me. "No, Annette, he's your soulmate," she responded. Wow. That was so big to me coming from my mother.

(Niagara Falls)

Sure, we argue. Yes, we don't always agree. Many times I do get aggravated when he leaves the jelly jar out or forgets to tell me that he has a meeting and won't be home until late. But, in the big scheme of things...our love and commitment to one another...those things don't matter a hill of beans. He tells me every day how much he loves me and often says to the kids, "Isn't your mother beautiful?" To which they roll their eyes and murmur, "Whatever." If I happen to be cooking, he's always complimentary. When I try new recipes that he's not fond of, he gently asks, "Do you like this?" The kids just gripe and say, "Oooo, what is this? Have we eaten it before?" I would honestly have to say that he is much nicer than I am.

So on this lovey dovey (mmm...makes me think of dove dark chocolate) day, I celebrate my wonderful, crazy Mr. Pancake Man who loves me inspite of myself!

Drama Queen Turns 7!

Seven years ago today, Maddie entered this universe with a "take over the world" mentality, an energy that outruns the energizer bunny and an "all the world's a stage and I'm in the center of it" attitude. She's still going, and we're all running to keep up with her! If I was lulled to sleep by my older two compliant children, I am wide awake now attempting to stay one step ahead of this spunky, life of the party last born.

Maddie was born in Silverdale, Washington, although we wisked her out of there to Indiana when she was 5 weeks old. So, basically, she's a true red-necked Hoosier girl! Although, we're teachin' her to talk right proper English! No offense to our former neighbors who "growed up" here in Indiana! (Not jokin' about that one either.)

(Maddie...days old!)

It's amazing to me that Maddie is now the same age that Alix was (7) when she was born. Nick was 10, and both kids were ecstatic to be at the hospital when Maddie arrived. Since I had an emergency C-section, they couldn't be in the room, but as you can see...they loved her from the beginning and spoiled her with attention nonstop. Perhaps that's why she believes the world revolves around her!

Madisen Jolynn, unlike big sister Alix, could play dolls and Barbies for hours. The Barbies would always get married or have boyfriends; the dolls were her children and seemed to always have a babysitter watching them so mommy could go to meetings. Don't know why the mommy was always going to meetings! Almost every single night for years, she would marry her daddy after he arrived home from work. After donning her Cinderella dress, Maddie and Tony would march downstairs for the wedding ceremony, get hitched and come back up the stairs as my mom! It was all a little like Freaky Friday every night.

(Maddie...1 1/2 years)

This strong-willed, "knows what she wants" girl has thrown her fits, but she also lives life to the fullest...full of affection, fun and mega-energy. I'd love to bottle that energy up and drink it, so I could make it through the afternoon sleepies! Maddie's sensitivity to God and pleasing Him gives me so much joy. Even when she gets into trouble, which happens quite often, and loses self-control, which is a huge issue, she is quick to ask for forgiveness before we "officially" discuss her poor behavior. It never fails to happen that while we are seriously engaged in a discussion that she begins cracking jokes and attempting to be funny. Her philosophy must be "life's too short to be serious".

(Maddie at Grandpa and Grandma Weston's house...summer 2007)

Maddie started gymnastics when she was 4 1/2, largely influenced by her big sister, and loves to compete. She doesn't really understand much about the scoring of the sport, so currently her goal is to have fun chatting with the other gymnasts while waiting her turn! At one of her first meets, she was in the bathroom between events and said in front of all the girls present, "Mom, I think I'm going to get 1st place all-around!" Nothing like a little humility. It would've been nice to be an invisible mom at that point! Perhaps she thought if she was the first to claim it, the place was hers.

(Maddie competing on floor, January 2008)

I heard Maddie's teacher say one day as I was helping in her class, "Maddie, that's enough drama!" Yes, THE drama queen resides at my house...singing, acting and loudly misbehaving. One night I actually banned her from talking during dinner because Tony and I could not have a conversation without her interjecting something or talking loudly to herself. Her attempts to distract and annoy were foiled. A few times she tried making some small squeaks, but mean mommy gave her the look! And, I threatened her with not being able to come with me to watch Alix cheer, and that was the final ticket. Her life is socializing, flitting about, talking with anyone who will give her the time of day. Not go to the basketball game where there might be friends to hang out with? She didn't dare lose that opportunity!

(The 7-year-old Birthday Girl)

Celebrating Maddie's birthday has been a true feat this year. While I won't go into the nitty gritty of our schedule, I will relate that there was not one single night we could find near her big day that all 5 of us could be together. Between sports and other outside activities, we worked out a party in stages. Yesterday, schools were closed for a staff work day, so we planned a birthday lunch at Applebee's. The night before, Tony remembered that he had a big luncheon to attend in which he sponsored a table. Thus, he bagged out on us, and the 3 kids and I partied alone. That evening, we allowed Maddie to open her presents with a different set of four people present. Today, after I took cookies and juice to her 1st grade classroom, Maddie opened grandma and grandpa's presents with another combination of four. And, on the evening of her birthday? Well, it's just Maddie and me. The others had people to see and places to be. In a little bit, I'll put together a gourmet birthday meal of macaroni and cheese or hot dogs, whichever nutritious meal Maddie chooses.

(Maddie and her special request 'ice cream cake')

Two birthday traditions we established long ago were the birthday person gets to choose the restaurant in which they would like to eat and the type of cake they desire. Our family is not a huge fan of the traditional cake. Typically, we all eat one piece and the rest of the cake rots. We are avid fans of ice cream around here. Most nights, a bowl of Moose Tracks or Cookie Dough or Cookies and Cream or any other chocolately concoction is consumed by all...except for Tony, who is boring and enjoys plain old Vanilla Bean. Occasionally, I've purchased an ice cream cake for birthdays, which pretty much ensures complete consumption by everyone. This year, however, I created my own delectable ice cream cake dessert. I'm certainly not counting, but I believe Nick had three helpings. The recipe is listed below in case you'd like to try it for your own celebrations!

Easy Celebration Ice Cream Cake

24 Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

1 pt. strawberry ice cream, softened

2 c. thawed Cool Whip Whipped Topping, divided

1 pt. chocolate ice cream, softened

2 T. chocolate fudge sauce

Line 9-inch round cake pan with plastic wrap. Place 14 whole cookies around edge of pan Crush remaining cookies; place crumbs on bottom of pan, reserving 1/2 cup. Spread strawberry ice cream over crumbs; top with 1 cup of the whipped topping and remaining crumbs. Top with chocolate ice cream.

Freeze 4 hours or overnight. Remove from pan by lifting plastic wrap; carefully peel off plastic wrap. Let stand 10 minutes. Top with remaining 1 cup whipped topping and drizzle with chocolate sauce. Makes 14 servings.

Though this momentous golden birthday...7 on the 7th...is almost over, the years of celebrating Maddie will continue. We may have our days (and sometimes weeks on end) of challenge with this headstrong child, but I would not trade one of them for a million compliant children. First of all, I'd be insane with a million kids no matter how obedient. Secondly, the spark that Maddie brings to any situation, the humor that pours forth from her lips, the humongous arms-and-legs-wrapping hugs, the sweet and honest prayers to her Savior outweigh any spontaneous thoughts of boarding school. I believe we're going to keep her!

Happy birthday to God's marvelous, magnificent, masterpiece...Maddie.