Em N Ru: 39 and feeling fine

My birthday was lovely. I woke up leisurely and took a long bath while Freddie cooked me banana pancakes and eggs. I packed leftover lentil soup and salad for lunch, kissed Ru and Fred goodbye and went to work.

The classroom was empty when I arrived, but on my desk was a beautiful bouquet of pink dahlias and 2 balloons! There was also a big tray of rice crispy treats and three bags of candy corns (my favorite candy). Mr. Finicle and Mrs. Schaub came in and sang me Happy Birthday. They both lead music at their churches and it was the most in tune Happy Birthday I've heard that wasn't from my family.

Some kids had made me cards that were just adorable. I had the writing prompt for our quickwrite be "How should Mrs. Pearson celebrate her birthday?" I got some creative answers, my favorite was to fly to Italy and have gelato at a sidewalk cafe. I may be guilty of leading them to that one. I also should have cake, go to Disneyland, and get a foot rub...

During 5th period we made pinwheels for the pinwheels for peace program. The kids got a little silly and had me laughing so hard I nearly fell out of my chair. I had to put on the news to get the room calmed down. Nothing is more sobering than news. Mr. Finicle and Mrs. Schaub came back in and they led the class in the obligatory singing, and we had rice crispy treats, candy corn, and some more laughs. Mr. Finicle had recorded a video birthday message from each of my students and they were so sweet of course I cried. He also made some awesome guacamole and chips for me and Mrs. Schaub to munch on. I'm a big fan of avocados. I'm so blessed to be around such great people all day.

When I got home the house was empty, Fred had a dentist appointment and was picking up Ru on his way home. I was just tying my running shoes when Fred and Ru came in the door. We chatted for a while, ate some sweets, and I went out for a run. I came back and was doing some weights in the living room when the neighbor kids became very interested in working out with me. So we had a situp contest, and then I helped Grace with adding mixed number fractions with unlike denominators. Fred cooked delicious spaghetti for dinner, and then we had presents.

Ru and Fred had taken the bus across town and bought me some delightful smelly candles, some art with lovebirds, big (fake) diamond earrings, and a target gift card. They also both got me totally sappy cards. Yesterday I had cooked a spice cake with zucchini so we all had a piece, and I played the guitar while Mary, Grace, Ru and Fred sang the birthday song. Just now I'm relaxing in bed munching on some popcorn while Ru reads to me from a choose your own adventure book. Fred is drawing me a bath. I don't think days get much better than this one.

A student gave me the "special" sticker today. She said she got it on her hamburger last night because she ordered it without onions, and she saved the sticker especially for me. I wore it with pride.