it's my BIRTHDAY!

anyone that knows me...knows I love birthdays! Especially mine...I have wonderful memories of good times had by all when it comes to the day before Halloween. This year is no different...Thursday night was a secret celebration...that totally brightened my day.
I work with some of the best people in the world...and when those peeps manage to make my day a little brighter...oh how the angels sing!

Typical email..."the end of the fiscal year is FINALLY over...let's all celebrate with chips, salsa and of course a Mar-ga-RITA!!!" Don Pepe's on Thursday at 5pm.

I am all about it, but wait I have to pick up the kids that day...and oh, they will be in pajamas because of a school party. hummm....

Response to above typical email..."love to come, can I bring the kids?"
Reply to my response..."the more the merrier...and you know everyone loves the twins!"

Okay...so, I ask the hubby...can we meet the girls for Don Pepe's on Thursday, I will pick up the kiddos and you can meet me there. Sure, No Problem.

Drive like a mad woman down the mountain, screaming into the parking lot of the school on two wheels ...run in and get the kiddos and off we run to meet everyone. Praise God...He loves me and provided an up front (literally in front of the doors) parking space. Now, this is where my life as a twin mom gets interesting. How do I get both kids out of the car? I am one person, and I have two kids...really not enough arms to get one kid out, hold him/her, while I finagle trying to get the other one out of the car seat...without dropping the first one. But, I can do it...because I have too. While trying to get both kids...Vines walks up...and of course she is not a stranger...so, here you go: carry a kid. What a blessing...because, I was seriously eyeing the two "nice" looking people standing by the restaurant...to see if they could hold a kid, while I got the other one out. I will befriend anyone, if I think they can help.

Still oblivious...we (Vines & Maggie and me & James) walk into Don Pepe's...greeted by waiters: oh, you are meeting people...they are back there. Too fun...we get to the table and TReep and EMc had begun. But, honestly who could blame them...by all means have two and let me buy the second one. Low and behold...there was this cake in the middle of the table...with MY name on it. My heart fluttered! This was not just any cake...but an Edgar's cake (yellow cake with chocolate icing) with crimson and white polka dots. Be still my beating heart! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!! YUM-O!!!

We gather...and not only do others come...but lots of others come and they too bring birthday wishes. I am beside myself with joy! We order, and of course I order food for the kiddos...chicken and cheese quesadilla, quick! James and Maggie are okay...not great and not their worst; although I feel as though we are a ticking time bomb...but you know what: none of my friends seemed to mind! For that, I will always be grateful. We order...we are served...they begin to fuss. Still, no dirty looks. We eat, we read their books...ok, recite from memory, but who cares. We have one meltdown...I politely get up and outside we go. We walk and window look...and when we return, it is time for cake! Did I mention, I love this cake? So, we light the candles only 4...good thing, not sure I had the lung capacity for 32. Anyway, blow them out and 1 re-lights. Dad-Gum those trick candles! It is all good, because a little water does the trick! Let's EAT! We cut, we eat...it is delicious! James and Maggie love it too! James and Donna will forever have a cake bond...I really think he ate more of her cake than she did.

Then there were gifts...my peeps are just too good to me! I received an Alabama platter (bought in part by an Auburn fan...what a friend to put a side differences) and some FAB-U-LOUS wine glasses! All to be used...because I love a party!

What a great evening! All because I have GREAT, Wonderful, LOVING, Funny, CHARMING, Hip, ADORABLE, Caring, ALL AROUND PERFECT PEEPS!!! Thanks to TReep, EMc, and Vines...I know you are the master minds behind all of this and to Donna, Allison, Ashley, Tiffany, Melissa, Lauren and Keith for making my birthday special! I love you all!!!