Birthday Surprises

My friend Tiffany loves birthdays, they are a big event at her house; in fact... Tiffany even celebrates half birthdays. When someone in her family has a half birthday they get a half a cake, a few little gifts, and I think they sing half of the birthday song... you get the idea. A year ago when Tiffany was expecting her last baby and was due near the end of March, one of her biggest concerns was that the baby didn't come on March 31... why? because there is no September 31 so when would the half birthday be? Thank goodness little Drew arrived on March 30.

Caitlin also loves her birthday, and today is an extra special birthday... because Caitlin is 17 on the 17th. I decided that I really had to step it up (just a bit) and make this a special day for Caitlin. I've never made much of a fuss over St. Patrick's Day (I was born in Ireland for heaven sake), but Caitlin loves her birthday on St. Patrick's Day!! I thought to myself, "what would Tiffany do? She's fabulous at birthdays." I will mention here that Tiffany was Caitlin's Ma on pioneer trek, and so when it comes to birthdays... like "Ma" like "daughter".

I made an attempt at decorating a St. Patrick's table. I knew Caitlin would love that. And she did. I visited Kathryn and Melissa's craft blog and found this cute birthday banner which I actually made (so fun and easy).

And finally, I thought that if I decorated the house with balloons certainly Caitlin will love that. So I followed through with all of my plans and was quite pleased with myself and my efforts.

But I knew everything wasn't perfect. Tonight Caitlin has two choir concerts, one right after the other at her school. When is there time to have the family over for cake and ice-cream? What about her birthday dinner? How do you tell someone who loves her birthday so much that we'll celebrate with the family at our regular 4th Sunday dinner? And... you will share the celebration with your dad, your brother, and your two nephews (she loves them all, but let's face it... she wants her own celebration).

Last night I was at the grocery store and I saw Tiffany. She asked about plans for Caitlin's birthday and I explained to her about all of the complications.

Tiffany inspired me with a wonderful idea... invite Caitlin's brothers over for an early morning breakfast. Caitlin loves her brothers. What a great idea. Could they all come? Would it work? Well it did. I heard her exclamation of delight when she saw her balloons, she liked her birthday banner... but the surprise and joy of seeing all of her brothers there to share breakfast with her was the best.

Thanks Tiffany for such a great idea, thanks Andy, Jeff, and Jeremy for getting up extra early and making your sister's birthday extra, extra special.

We ate at 6:30 am; all of the boys got up early (Jeff came from Layton) and who is the one yawning at the table? The one that just came from upstairs.

Jeffrey, Andy, Caitlin Rose, and Jeremy; these are the best brothers in the whole world.

Do any of you have special birthday memories? Does everyone love their birthdays? I do !!!