I enjoyed a 5-day birthday celebration this month, and it was wonderful! I thought about glossing over it, but considering it's sort of a big one (35 y'all), I thought it worth mentioning. I started thinking about what I might like to do, a couple of months ago, because, who am I kidding, I've always loved birthdays! All I really wanted was an entire day to myself, to come and go as I please, use a spa gift card that I've been waiting TWO YEARS to use, some family time and definitely sweet desserts. My husband knew I needed some "time away" and a break from the stay-at-home-mom daily routine. As much as I love being a mom and a stay-at-home-mom, I miss some of the freedoms that I used to enjoy. Like being able to fully relax without feeling like I have to be somewhere or do something every minute of the day. Casually shop at a few of my favorite stores. Have lunch with a friend. Go for a quiet walk. Eat whatever I feel like. I just needed a break. All you moms out there know what I'm talking about!
My very thoughtful (and brave) husband took a couple days off from work and decided to take a road trip with our favorite little buddy, to visit his family for a couple days. Leaving me "all...by...myself......." (cue music). Which may sound sad, lonely or even a little selfish. But it was just what I needed. FREEDOM! Let the long weekend adventure begin.
I started by treating myself to breakfast at my favorite little cafe, Atlas Eats. It was a bright sunny after-the-winter-windstorm of 2017 morning and I savored hot coffee and ate an entire stack of pancakes. I'd like to start every morning like this, thank you very much.
I headed out of town to Mirbeau Spa, in Skaneatlas, New York, for the afternoon, to use my long awaited gift card. A HUGE thank you, to the gift givers, you know who you are! I lounged in the quiet room, got a massage, took a dip in the outdoor whirlpool (surrounded by snow and icicles, it was kinda surreal), sat in the sauna and picked up some bath salts from the gift shop on my way out. It was absolutely as amazing as it sounds! I grabbed a late lunch at Dougs Fish Fry, and stopped to take a view of the lake on my way home. It was cold but beautiful!
The next morning, after sleeping in my VERY quiet house, I headed to a favorite spot that never gets old. Simply Crepes (to use my birthday freebie!) and The Village Bakery for French Macarons. The walk around the canal was gorgeous, even when frozen. I felt like I was on vacation!
I got to meet a friend for dinner, dessert and some much needed laughs. Always making fun memories with this one!
The next day (yes, there's more) I met another sweet friend for lunch and we talked and talked. It was good for my heart. That evening, there happened to be a mom's night out scheduled for my MOPS group, so I went to that, too! Just call me a party animal.
On Sunday, my boys returned - I really did miss them! And we celebrated my birthday a day early with my family. It's not easy coordinating all of our schedules, but it meant so much to me that we could spend time together. And capture the best group photo we've ever taken!
You guys. Can we take a minute to talk about this CAKE?!? I had been wishing for a special cake and "happened" to meet Rebekah, who works at Something Delicious Bake Shop, literally the week before. I talked with her about the type of cake I was hoping for, and she truly made me the most beautiful and delicious birthday cake! Chocolate fudge with buttercream flowers. It was soooo good. I want more. Like right now. I had to take photos of it, it was almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
On my actual birthday, Marshall and I went to a St. Patrick's Day play date party, which was a lot of fun. Let the partying continue! That night, I got to celebrate with my D-group (Bible study) ladies over dinner and more cake! Yes, I shared.
I enjoyed the very last slice on a certain special plate that I received, years ago, when I was about 10 years old, from very dear friends. It's tradition! The expression on this cat's face is pretty much how I feel when my birthday is over.
I definitely felt spoiled, loved and surrounded by friends and family throughout the week. And I soaked up every minute of my solo-vacation! I got to rest and recharge, see friends, visit favorite places, and celebrate with the ones I love most. It was more than a girl could ask for. My husband is far too good to me! So far, 35 has been good!
