Unexpected

This past weekend Prince Charming gifted to me my 8th anniversary gift

A celebration ring from Tiffany.

I was speechless.

Oh, and I absolutely love it.

To bloom, or not to bloom

The Flowering Pear tree at B's school

The Flowering Pear in my backyard

humph!

A reason to party!

On February 13th, B turns 5. So, last weekend we had a little celebration at the Railroad Park.

There were train rides

and bouncing

even more bouncing

of course there was cake

B enjoyed the company of some friends

friend, Riley, got some cuddle time with Amee

and we opened presents

About the presents: I have been to many a birthday party where the child being celebrated didn't open the gifts in front of the guests. What the heck? I guess the parent's reasoning is that they don't want the other children (that actually brought the gifts) to feel left out while their child is opening all of the loot. Get over yourselves, people! Part of gift giving is the joy you feel when someone opens the gift that you brought. I want B to be able to thank someone in person for his birthday present. I also want B to enjoy watching his friends receive something that he put thought into. So, if you ever attend one of our birthday parties, we will be opening presents. 'Nuff said.

I think it is fair to say that everyone had a lovely time at the party. I really enjoyed watching B bounce around with his friends. His excitement at his party was palpable and I am so happy that we were able to give him such a fun experience. The weather was perfect and the company even more so. I don't know how we will top this next year!

Square peg, round hole.

When it comes to gift giving/receiving, my husband and I don't quite line up. Prince Charming does not like to receive gifts. Granted, he is very appreciative of any gifts that come his way, but he has never been a fan of the spotlight. Now, because he is not a good gift receiver, he is not a good gift giver.

I, on the other hand, LOVE presents. I love birthdays and Christmas and any other holiday that produces wrapped lovlies. I love receiving random gifts from friends and family simply because they saw something and thought of me. Nothing grand, of course. A book, an US weekly or People magazine, a pad of paper with my name on it. Simple things that brighten my day. I do have this fantasy in which friends leave baked goods on my doorstep with a friendly note. I do love baked goods, cookies especially! Of course, this hasn't happened. But, I can keep fantasizing.
Since I am a good gift receiver, I am an excellent gift giver! I really love birthdays. I really like sending friends of mine birthday gifts. Something simple. Something that says, I'm thinking of you today and wanted to brighten your day with a present. Most of the time it is a food goodie. Other times it is something I made. Birthdays are such special days and all of the people I love deserve to receive something from me, simply because I like giving.

After eight years of marriage, I have learned that Prince Charming would be happy with just a kiss and a card on his birthday, anniversary, and even Christmas. But, I can't just do a card. I pay attention to what he says about things he wants. Since he rarely mentions that he actually wants something, I immediately take note because he is so hard to buy for. I like getting him presents. It makes me feel good. So, that is why I do it.

I don't need an anniversary gift, per se. A card? Yes, that would be nice. Flowers? Even better! Any present to unwrap would be icing on the cake (a cake too, would be awesome!). But, my husband isn't a good gift giver. Having this knowledge, I am satisfied with small gestures like cards and flowers.

Special days deserve special things and traditions. What did I receive on our happy day? Goose eggs.

Given this whole "square peg, round hole" theory when it comes to gift giving, fortunately we are compatible in every other way!

Side note: Prince Charming received 2 raglan baseball tees from me. I only note this for prosperity. I have no idea what I gave to Prince Charming or what he gave me on our 5th wedding anniversary, or any other for that matter! I am writing it down because it will be fun to look back on over the years.

Post Script: "Goose eggs" means "nothing. zip. zero. zilch." A few people have asked. :)

Anniversary design

On a day like today, when the anniversary falls on a weekday and my wonderful hubby has to work, an ideal anniversary celebration would go something like this:

Upon waking, find a sweet card left by dear husband noting his sweet sentiments about our life together. Of course, I would leave one for him to find as well.

Midmorning rolls around and beautiful flowers are delivered to my door (from husband of course).

Enjoy a peaceful day with my boys complete with playing outside and watching our wedding video highlights.

Prepare a scrumptious dinner for my boys and get them all bathed and tucked into bed.

Husband returns home from work, bringing with him Baskin Robbins (or some other delicious treat), a sweet gift for me (because I love presents), and a delicious hug and kiss! After he enjoys the dinner I prepared, we plop on the couch, exchange gifts, enjoy our treat and snuggle on the couch as we watch shows on our DVR.

Just perfect. Now, when our anniversary falls on a weekend, different rules apply.

eight.

8 years. 4 states. 4 homes. 4 cars. 2 children. 1 dog and cat.

Today is the day I married my prince.

Happy anniversary my love.

Happy Anniversary?

Last night Prince Charming asks me this, "What would offend you more: the gift that says 'cook for me' or the gift that says 'you could lose some weight'?"

I wonder what he is getting me!