Nothing Better than Homemade Birthday Cards!

So my kids were more excited than I was that yesterday was my birthday.  Talk ensued throughout the day about birthdays and how old one is, etc.  Lane and Alli played "birthday party" with their stuffed animals and dolls.  Apparently, this mom shares her special day with Lane's beloved "Monkey" as it was his birthday yesterday as well.  Later, when we picked Alex up from school, he asked what time I had been born and was curious as to if I was really old already or not quite.  I happened to be on the phone with my mom so I asked...I believe she said I was born at 7:05a.m. so yes, to Alex's thrilled little self, I had been old(er) all day!  Then my 3 precious children somehow got on the subject of gray hairs...and Alex asked: "So, how long have you been paying for your blond hair?...You know, Mom, to cover up all the gray?"  Lane & Alli laughed as though that was the most hysterical thing they'd ever heard and then proceeded to ask me the same question over and over again - in between their sweet little giggles, of course.  I am afraid that they were all a bit disappointed to know that this blond hair is all mine, free of charge, courtesy of God and the genetic makeup of my parents. (Now, as for the the gray...well, if I have any they are courtesy of my 3 children themselves!  And if there are any, either gray blends well with blond or in my aging years, I am losing my eyesight and simply can't see them.  Either way works for me!)

Later last night, the kids were beside themselves with excitement to give me the cards that they had made just for me.  I cherish all things the kids make but these cards each had their own particular little story.  

Let me begin with Alex's card.  He had gotten really upset the night before and came out of his room almost in tears.  When I asked what was wrong, he commented that he had been working on making me a card and had just "messed up the whole thing because he had put a 38 instead of a 39 on it."  I am not quite sure if he was upset because he had to start over or because he had made a mistake.  However, what mom wouldn't mind if her child inadvertently noted a younger age on her birthday card that he had made?  The humor of it was lost on Alex but not on me!

Card made by Alex

Then there is Mr Lane.  He's such a simple guy...not too big on details if he is the one having to provide them and he always beats to his own drum!  One of his cards exemplified just that.  He got a piece of paper, folded it in half lengthwise, scribbled something on the outside, wrote his name on the inside and then had Alex, Alli and Leland sign their names as well.  Then he got a used piece of tape (I have no idea from where but it was clear that it was used) and taped it shut...card complete and finished.  He later made another one with a little bit of Alex's assistance, I believe.  It took him two days to complete.  After he gave it to me, he informed me that the picture on the inside (which was so much marker that I am surprised there wasn't a hole or two...or three) was an Easter egg!  Now, only Lane would know what an Easter egg has to do with a June birthday...but I am sure there is an explanation there somewhere! 

Cards made by Lane

And last but not least is Alli...the card she made is very detailed and representative of many things (though I am not completely sure what all those many things are...).  I asked her to tell me about all the little pictures - the face is me, 2 are hearts, one is my phone, one is lipstick, one is my wallet, one is a toothbrush & one is a river (interesting to say the least)...oh & that # in the bottom left corner...'that's how many you are, Mommy!'...That would be sooo awesome if that number were reversed and similar to Alex's mishap and just a couple of years younger at 37, but oh no, it's a 73!  Nice!  

Card made by Alli

And so on that note, I must say, that for "73" I feel incredibly youthful!  They always say that whatever doesn't kill you, will keep you younger...I am hoping my kids and the many treasures that they add to my life will do just that - keep me young.  The first thing I learned at age 39 is that there is truly nothing better than homemade birthday cards from my kids!