45th Birthday

I turned 45 years old today. And I have to say, this year was a pretty great birthday. 

But before we get to this year, I have to tell a funny story about the last two birthdays.

Two years ago, I got off work and I had to pick up the kids from Grandma’s house. My thought was that we could go eat, then maybe go to the movies. Payton and Logan had a  meltdown about not wanting to leave. They never said Happy Birthday to me. We were driving home, and they were being jerks, and I lost it. I started yelling at them, then I said “you guys ruined my birthday.” They started crying, and then I felt bad. We got home, and Payton made me a card and it said “Happy Birthday Dad, sorry we ruined your birthday.” 

Okay, so you would think the next year they would remember it was my birthday…nope. I came home from work, and my family did not have a card or anything for me. I made a joke about it, and a little while later, Payton brings me a card that she and Logan made…it said “Happy Birthday Dad, sorry we ruined your birthday.” I started laughing, and told them they gave me the same card the year before…that I guess my birthday tradition is being totally forgotten. Lindsey felt bad and went to the store and bought me a coffee mug. I guess it was a nice attempt at a save.

Soooo, this year, my expectations were low. Now, I have been letting them know that my birthday is coming up. Just about every day I say something like “hey, I wonder if I can have another birthday where I get a card that says sorry for ruining your birthday.” I get a lot of responses like “Dad, we promise we won’t forget!” and “Okay dad, we get it” and “6–7.” God, that last one is annoying AF.

The kids woke me up with Happy Birthday! They had a card for me. Not even handmade, they actually went and purchased one. Lindsey* had donuts for me, and they even managed some candles in them. They sang to me, and then they gave me a gift (a Penn State shirt, and a Steelers polo). 

I was actually off today, but Lindsey had to work second shift. I was able to get the grass cut today, which was the first time since maybe the beginning of August (the dry weather did a number on our grass). It was just longer this time because of all the leaves mixed with the grass, I bag my grass, so it was an entire process. Once the kids got home, I took Logan to football practice, then after we went to Kayla & Adam’s house. Kayla made an apple pie, and everyone sang happy birthday again. 

Yeah, it was a great day.

 

*There is an episode of Modern Family where Phil says how Claire is terrible at getting him birthday gifts. Every time I see the episode I laugh because that is Lindsey. For one thing, she procrastinates when it comes to gifts. And for some reason, when she goes for me, she totally forgets all of the things I like. I should also point out that for a long time she would forget if my birthday was October 2nd or October 3rd. Birthdays are just not her thing. Honestly, that is her only flaw…well that and punctuality. Only two flaws. Compared to me and my plethora of character defects, she is basically a saint.