We started Laela’s birthday off with a big, loud, obnoxious performance of “Happy Birthday” while our entire family jumped on her while she was in bed still. We bounced her and tickled her and she squealed like crazy. She loved it 🙂 Once everyone was dressed, we all met at the table for her requested birthday breakfast of baked oatmeal! 

We were out of sprinkles so we rocked coloured sugar, and no one was mad at that! It made a nice sugary crust on top. I loved it! Haha!

As a last minute decision, we decided to walk the kids to school! Normally, Dekker and Laela bike together, but I mentioned I wished I could walk with her on her birthday and she was SO happy to give up biking so we could all go together! What a girl. 

It was cold!! But everyone was a great sport about it! The kids tend to fight over pushing Wavy in the stroller, and we let Laela, because of her special day. Dekker was upset, and Laela quickly offered it to him. 

“I don’t need special breakfast and to push Wavy! You can have a treat too!” 

Ugh. My heart.

We walked to school in good time to drop the kids off. We walked Dekker to his door first, and while he got his mask on, we chatted with Laela’s teacher from last year. She and Laela have such a special relationship, and she was so loving about it being her birthday! Laela was excited and told her about her yummy breakfast. 

We dropped Dekker off, and brought Laela to her doors. Her teacher happened to be the one receiving kids at the door and immediately upon seeing Laela, shouted a big, enthusiastic “happy birthday” in her direction! It was evident how special she felt. Very celebrated. She was ALL smiles, which was such a pleasure for me to see, as she often holds back a little. She headed into the school, and I knew she was really really happy to be there. I loved that. 

Once Laela was at school, I wrapped her gift and prepped for the meal she had requested. Macaroni and bacon. I know, I know, we eat KD, its fine. So by “prepped,” I mean we pulled our bacon to defrost. We also took a drive to Martensville for her bday dessert – ice cream. I grabbed a carton of Rolo and Cookies & Cream, because believe it or not, those were cheaper than the Coop Gold brand 😳 Is that bananas or what?? 

Our plan was to go pick the kids up from school as a family, but it wasn’t such a smooth exit, so Brady and a kid stayed home while Cher blew up some balloons and I went to the school with the other kids. 

Laela BURST out of the school, just beaming. She had felt so special and celebrated all day, and it really showed. She had been announced, given cards, and lots of happy birthday wishes. She was just so thrilled. It was wonderful to see!

She came home to a floor full of balloons, and a bed full of balloons! Maybe two minutes after we got home, my mom pulled up! The gang was all there! She and Dekker unpacked quickly, and she was ready for presents. 

She LOVED her presents! She loved her gifts from my mom…

From Cher…

and from us.

It all went over SO well!

She got books, notebooks, fancy pens, Soft Lips, lotion, and some candy. She was truly over the moon with all of her gifts! She came and snuggled with me after, and as we were sitting together, another kid inquired what they were having for supper. 

At once, I responded with “macaroni” and Laela said “pancakes.” We stared at each other. Clearly, lines has gotten crossed, and she had changed her mind at some point, and I had missed the memo. She was gracious and happy to have macaroni, but I looked at Brady and he mouthed “We can.” So, we did! All we had done was pull out bacon, so we decided to make pancakes rather than noodles! Easy fix! She was so happy!

We pancaked and baconed and cantalouped and had a delicious time together. We wrapped up the evening with ice cream, and a bundle of sprinkles, courtesy of her grandma. 

Once food was over, Laela settled in to one of her new books while the balloons flew around her. She was so content. 

We planned a family walk but she so badly just wanted to snuggle in downstairs and watch some music videos on YouTube. We haven’t done that in months, and she was SO happy when we agreed. She chose every song, and listened as she flipped the sequins on her new notebook. 

Finally, we let her stay up a bit later than usual, and she quietly, contentedly read in a recliner in the living room until it was time to go to bed. 

We don’t do birthdays too terribly exciting over here, but our kids wrap the day up feeling loved, celebrated, and content. And, for that, I praise the Lord.