Days with the Dorans

What a perfect way to kick off my 45th trip around the sun! A 5 mile run with my dad, a HILARIOUS gift from my brother, Jeff making my favorite soup (dill pickle) and birthday donuts (I don't eat them together), original art from Al that made me cry (my birds on a wire~ she added Jeff and I and our two that flew away too soon), church in our family room with my parents, (my family can sing!), traditional fun with the Fab Four, many calls, texts, & messages of birthday love from friends, family, and even students and... and... and... The cool thing about holiday birthdays is old friends who don't get reminded on social media remember it's your birthday and it's such fun catching up! I feel so blessed! Here's to a great year and a brighter 2021!  

 My Birthday has changed so much over the years.  I suppose that has much to do with the fact that I'm getting older- but I think more so it is because it falls on a holiday- a holiday where my husband and kids are usually busy and therefore... I'm busy! I woke up to lots of hugs, kisses and love and Jeffy ran out and got me a yummy bagel!  The kids got me some sweet cards and presents (Jeff had to tell Z that he is NOT allowed to put December birthday presents in Christmas bags and it best to probably stay away from the colors red and green next time).  Ali folded clothes (an AWESOME present) and Jeff got me a ROOMBA!!!  Oh my gosh, it is my new favorite thing!!! Jeff had to be at church first so he was off and Sean and I made the cookie dough (for later).  As soon as he was done, we were off to church for the first of two services.  The services were real-life Bethlehem.  The Littles were all in it.  Joe Cool got to hang out w...

After my birthday dinner, we headed home for cookie making.  My Nan was feeling a bit confused, so it was just us Dorans. I had hoped to be one of those moms with the house perfectly decorated, cookies cute and baked... you know the one.  I have been learning though that I am not 'that' mom.  I feel like I get things done pretty last minute and baking cookies on my birthday is now a tradition (which I like because it takes earlier December pressures off of me).   I found some cute aprons and since I am a mom who can do some mean bubble- letters I quickly wrote the kids' names on their aprons (I look forward to watching these grow on them...) She opted for "Just Ali with a star on the i" I was surprised when he told me he wanted "Goose" on his apron instead of Zach. Maybe my 9 year old is getting old... he wanted me to drop the y on his apron! And well... this guy, I had to tie up his apron so he could walk (or in this case, clim...