Birthday Girl

It's my birthday. I'm 36 years old. Isn't it weird how birthdays change over the years?

When I was a kid and teenager, I couldn't wait for my birthday so I could open my presents. In my early 20s, it was a good excuse to "celebrate." Now, it's just another day on the calendar. I'm more interested in sipping wine and eating sushi in my pajamas than I am of going out and celebrating.

Today, my little brother, Greg, texted me. Two of my brothers have birthdays within a couple of days of my birthday. Seriously. Here's his text...

It's a Miller Family thing. My Grandma Vivian used to switch the numbers around in her age on her birthday, especially if it made her younger. That took me back to my childhood, thinking of how Grandma used to be there for every birthday. She lived a block away from us, which meant she was there for every party, every basketball game, every piano recital, every gathering. She always wore her charm bracelet that had each grandchild on it, and you could hear her coming from a mile away. The birthday party would start when we would hear Grandma's bracelet coming up the stairway. She passed away a few years ago, but every birthday I think of Grandma and how grateful I am that she was such a huge part of my life.

Grandma Vivian

So, back to today. It was a pretty awesome day! It started out with some snuggles from my two little men.

Blurry morning snuggles before sunrise.

Then I scored some pretty good seats for an Eric Church concert in April, and convinced Perry that I need a new pair of boots. I didn't really need his approval, just his credit card number.

I am in love with these boots, soon to be on my feet.

Mom and Dad stopped by and took me and Perry out to lunch at The Starving Rooster, where I got my birthday cake.

Yes I was.

I wish I could tell you that today ended on a happy note, but it was actually a very sad ending to my birthday. Today was Kalli's last day with Natalie. She's been doing respite for us for almost two years now, and she's like a daughter to us. She has a very special bond with Natalie, and she'll always be a part of our lives, but it's time for her to start her career in the special ed classroom. There are many kiddos out there who will be very lucky to have her as a teacher. More on Kalli later, but for now, a picture of these two beautiful girls:

It was sad saying goodbye for now, but the older I get, the more I realize that no matter how much you want things to stay the same, there's no way to make that happen. Life goes on, you lose people, you meet people, and you experience new things all the time.

Bring on 37.