It's My Birthday

Monday, July 18, 1977...

My mom went into labor, finally. I was due July 4th, but held off my appearance to the world for a little while. My dad and his mom were hoping the due date was wrong and I wouldn't show up until the 29th, and share their birthdays. As it was, I shot for the middle. I was born at 11:02 AM, weighing in at 7 lb.s, 8 oz. and 21 inches long. I was the second child of four, and the only girl. I had to learn to contend with 3 brothers. Spoiled? No, never! Instead, it was my youngest brother. Even today, I am sometimes considered the "outcast" of my family. I never was "Daddy's Little Girl." He didn't dote on me -- he wasn't very affectionate outwardly toward any of us. Never do I know of a time when I had him "wrapped around my pinky."

But we had a fairly healthy relationship. I knew he wanted the best for me (most of the time) and I could talk to him about alot of things. He was there for me. He took care of my needs.

Mom was easier to talk to and we shared sweet times. She worked alot during my growing up life. We went to public school for my first 6 grades, then she began to home school. I graduated from Home Schooling, but she worked even then. She works now and I don't feel like I can call her anytime and just chat. If I call during the day, she is too busy working. If I call in the evening, she is tired or just sitting down to eat. It seems as if she is missing out on her grandchildren growing up and doesn't really care. She can't just come and visit anytime because she has to work.

30 years later, I am now a mother of 4 children myself. I stay at home with them and enjoy their company. I like to see the things they learn on a daily basis. With four, it is a constant variety. Yes, they bicker and have their "moments" like all brothers and sisters do. But overall, it is a joyous experience that I wouldn't trade with anyone.

So, what will I do on Wednesday? Probably the norm: Wake up, prepare things for my hubby to go to work, feed my baby Faith, wake up the other children and fix their breakfast. Then, I will probably go to the DMV to renew my license. (Do I have to have my picture taken again?!?) After that is lunch; maybe I will treat myself out, with no kids. Naptime for me and the kids then and we go to church on Wednesday night, so it will be an early supper with the family, church, then home and off to bed.

But, hubby wants to take me out Friday night, so now I need to decide where to go and what to eat... I always choose Olive Garden, but I would like to try something different. Hmmmm, decisions, decisions!