My First Birthday as a Mrs.; My 26th as a Marie

It began with roses.

Twelve red ones the day before my birthday. Andy came home with them after work. “But my birthday isn’t until tomorrow!” I said. He grinned; he had surprised me by being early. The following morning, he let me sleep in (that’s not unusual, I often sleep longer than he does). I awoke to the smell of waffles baking and to the sound of classical music from the radio. {Andy is in charge of making breakfast on the weekends, and he is quite the breakfast chef—waffles, bacon, eggs, pancakes, hashbrowns (made from scratch!), French toast casserole, etc. But this was a weekday!}

Groggy and sleep-headed, I slowly made my way to the dining room. Waffles stacked high, freezer jam and butter to accompany them, tea, apple juice, a present near my plate, two slices of a pear in the shape of a heart on my plate, and the roses he had brought home the night before all awaited my enjoyment.

We savored our breakfast, taking a bit longer than we usually do on a weekday. Andy had given me a beautiful card and two items I had requested (the movie Casablanca and a salad dressing shaker) and one that he had selected (Sabrina, with Harrison Ford). “That’s the version I grew up with,” Andy explained. I had brought the original version of Sabrina (starring Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn) into our marriage. “I thought we could add it to our collection.” 

We got ready for Mass at our parish. Such a great way to start out any day, but especially important ones like birthdays. Afterwards, we stopped and talked with one of our friends. Andy brought me home, and then he went into his “office” and I started studying in my “office.” Andy had arranged to make dinner that night, and I had suggested a recipe that I love and Andy has made before: Kidney Cornbean Pie (thanks, Christina!). That would have been treat enough, but Andy also made Rice Pilaf (a family specialty) and a delicious Waldorf salad.

We then sat down to watch our new version of Sabrina. About halfway through the movie, Andy got up to get some dessert. We had Klondike bars in the freezer, so I assumed that was what he was getting. Well, from the rustling of a paper bag and the striking of a match, I started to wonder if Andy had something else in mind. He came out of the kitchen with a DQ ice cream cake (the “log” version) with one “candle” on top, and started singing Happy Birthday. I made a wish, and blew out the “candle,” which turned out to be a matchstick (Andy realized too late that we didn’t have any birthday candles).

The Birthday Celebrations Continue the Following Day...

The original plan was to celebrate my birthday as well as Andy's Grandpa Dick's birthday (which are both on September 17) at Andy’s family’s favorite restaurant, Anthony's Homeport. Anthony's is basically the best restaurant ever, as it has fresh, awesome seafood, and all of their locations provide stunning waterfront views (and if you're lucky, views of the mountains). We try to go on a weeknight, because before 6 they offer "sunset dinners," which include an appetizer, salad or chowder, a main course, and then dessert, all for about the same price as a normal entree. Delicious and economical? I'm there! 

Unfortunately, Grandpa Dick and his wife Mary couldn't come to dinner with us, as he was feeling under the weather. But very fortunately, our friends Adam and Caitlin and their adorable 18-month-old Claire were able to come instead (and of course Maggie was there too...we can't wait to meet her in the next month or so!). So a good time was had by all (although I'm not sure that Claire was impressed by the whole "gourmet mashed potatoes on a cracker" idea: it ended up on the floor.) 

My mother-in-law Merrie gave me my very own "Today's Your Special Day" plate, which is a tradition in Andy's family. Plus, as she pointed out, this plate can be used on any "special day," not just on birthdays. Oh, the great things you can find at Value Village and Goodwill!

We left the restaurant feeling very full (as usual) but very happy! 

Thank you to everyone who made my day(s) special! From phone calls, thoughtful cards, fun gifts, and quality time, I felt loved and cherished. Here's to another year full of exciting adventures!