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Julia called me out in front of Melvin, our Orkin man. He asked if the kids were off of school, I replied, "No, we overslept and did not make it in."

"Mommy, YOU overslept."

I distinctly remember turning on the alarm. What I don't remember is hitting snooze and shutting it off. When hungry cries from the nursery woke me up, I realized that there was a large amount of sunlight in the room and I panicked. Normally I would run about yelling incoherently. Instead I stumbled into the big kids' room and mumbled, "Julia, do you really want to go to school today?"

Under the covers I heard, "I don't know. You decide."

Happy Birthday to me, I gifted myself a morning (and afternoon) of not driving into town. (A 40 minute drive since Thanksgiving. No joke.) Now I'm feeling a lot guilty for skipping school AND the Christmas concert. Julia did make me feel better when she said, "My favorite song is Go Tell It On the Mountain and that's the only one I like singing. I kind of get bored afterwards and then my butt starts hurting." I see. After our initial jump start, we took our time this morning. The kids surprised me with a cupcake breakfast and sweet notes.

Julia: Dear Mama, Happy Birthday! I love you Mommy! Love, Julia

Ella (transcribed by Julia): Dear Mom, tulips are red, volets are blue, nothing is sweeter then you. Love Ella

Cazin: Dear Mommy, (blank page)

With a quick rearranging of errands, we headed over the mountain to the Cheese Shop to buy holiday baking supplies and Target to get the last on our to-do list. Returning to the gym was also a hopeful task, but lunch at Mickey D's easily bumped it off. The afternoon was spent working on our gingerbread village, movies, HGTV and lots of playing and cuddling. We wrapped it up with pizza, gourmet chocolates and a little Christmas singing.

Another great birthday. I was with my kids and they crack me up.

Ella: Mommy! Da angel bring good news and Mary said "Whaaat?!" AAaaahhhh.

Between her lisp and punchline laugh, I don't know what is cuter.

 Notes and a handmade ornament

  Proper 2 month old photos