So now I'm 33.

Hmmm. Don't feel any different. I keep wondering when I'm going to feel like a grown-up. Not that I'm in any hurry...

I had a nice birthday weekend. Crystal came in for it, and brought me some seriously kick-ass gifts - she really put a lot of thought into them. It was good seeing her again, even if it had only been two weeks. Mom made me a delicious birthday dinner yesterday and a "Dreamsicle" cake that was sooo yummy!! Chris bent over backwards all weekend to make me happy. I'm awfully lucky.

Today, my actual birthday, was quiet. I took three hours getting ready this morning. I did all of the pampering things that I normally don't have time to do. Chris didn't complain at all, which was wonderful. The kids were excellent all day, with each of them taking nice long naps. Then we went to dinner and spent too much money, but man, was it good. Steaks. Mmm, mmm.

Chris gave me a rolling mop bucket and a yarn mop. Think he's trying to tell me something??? Nah, I asked for the bucket. I've been dying to have one and I think it will make taking care of these floors much easier. Don't worry - he got me a ton of other things, too - including a new digital camera since we ruined the old one.

I loved that old camera. Breaks my heart to see it go, but we've tried everything. Apparently, water is pretty deadly to them. Who knew?

This new one kicks butt. It's a Casio Exilim. I haven't tried it out yet for various reasons, but I can't wait to - it has a .01 second shutter release speed, which has been my major gripe with my old Gateway camera. But that camera has taken many gorgeous pictures of my babies. Willing to bet this new one will, too, though.

I am always amazed that my family goes to such lengths to make my birthday wonderful. Especially Chris. He didn't complain about anything this weekend, and he truly worked hard to make me happy. Got me everything I'd mentioned wanting the last few months. Of course, other than the camera, my wish list was fairly small - salad spinner, thermometer pacifier for the baby, nice shampoo, and the mop bucket. Am I pitiful or what?? He bought me a few more nice goodies too. He's very generous when it comes to birthdays and holidays.

But I can't say enough about how much I appreciate him taking care of everything this weekend. He even loaded the dishwasher and folded laundry, not to mention lots of other housework too. And lots of trips to the bathroom with Izzy.

The icing on the proverbial cake, however, is that my best friend Denise forgot my birthday for the first time in 25 years. Why is that the icing you say? Because I'm always forgetting hers, and I feel so terrible. Now she'll realize how easy it is, and she won't be angry with me! Not that she ever was anyhow, but I feel better now anyways.

This was also my first birthday with Sophie on the outside. I am so blessed to have her, Izzy, and Chris that all other gifts pale in comparison.

All except for that rolling mop bucket. It rocks.