Birthday Traditions

My birthday this year started out great! Keeping with tradition, I got my favorite cereal (Cracklin' Oat Bran.....try it, just don't look at the nutrition info ;) ) at the store the night before (yes, I bought it myself, wrapped it up, and gave it to the Mr. to give to me. I have done this with all my gifts since the Mr. started residency. Just because he's gone all the time and doesn't have a moment to go shopping doesn't mean a girl can't still get gifts, am I right?!)

Anyhow, I was looking forward to the cereal the morning but the Mr. was already gone (he usually leaves before the rest of us get up (before 6am!), the poor dear!) Not to worry, Angel saved the day! She WOKE me up to sing "Happy Birthday" (I had to laugh - little did she know that what I wanted MOST was just a few more minutes of sleep!) and then said "Mommy, stay in bed. I'll be back in a few minutes with a surprise."

I must admit I was a little nervous as I heard the refrigerator door open and shut, the stool being dragged (or drug?) across the floor, and the clinking of glass...but I enjoyed the moment nevertheless. When she entered my room carrying the following little tray (complete with a glass of milk, a cinnamon roll, a bowl of cereal and milk, and the cutest little detail of a little ring pop looped around the spoon handle) my eyes welled up with tears at the sight of my little baby, now grown up enough to bring me breakfast in bed, entirely on her own! It was beautiful.

I proceeded to enjoy every bite (sharing with the kids, of course) without even worrying about the mess I assumed I'd have to clean up later. So, imagine my surprise when, after thoroughly enjoying my breakfast in bed, I took my dishes into a CLEAN kitchen.....Yes, she had put the milk and cereal away, wiped the cupboards, and left things just as neat as I'd left them the night before. WOW! It just doesn't get any better than this! What a fortunate mother I am to have such precious children!