Tall, Dark, Handsome, and 36

Swen celebrated his 36th birthday yesterday. We kept joking that we can no longer round down to 30. We can't avoid the fact that he is fast approaching 40. I had never thought about it before, but when he made some reference to the golden age of 25, I said, "I am SO glad you're not 25 anymore." We started thinking about all of the positive things that come with age. Hopefully we've grown wiser from our mistakes, more temperate from needlessly exerting intense energy over small issues, and less contentious from a lot of practice compromising. Swen and I have come to the point in our relationship where we can practically jump to the end of potential arguments. (Hallelujah!) I hope we're better parents, neighbors, money managers, and disciples than we were 10 years ago.

Of course, growing older does bring some bad news, too. Our bodies are slowly falling apart. I feel that now, especially as I approach the end of my 5th pregnancy. I wondered aloud yesterday, "What do you think I'd look like if I hadn't chosen the family life?" Swen and I came to the conclusion that I would likely have less gray hair, no varicose veins, no stretch marks, and probably fewer wrinkles. I'd also have more clothes, and they might actually be in style. BUT, I'd likely have fewer smile lines and more sad lines on my face, and I would definitely be less fulfilled than I am now. Who knows? (and who cares, really?) ANYWAY, that was a meandering train of thought. What I really wanted to post about is my hubby's birthday.



One of the joys of living close to extended family is that we get 3 parties for each birthday. On Sunday, we celebrated with my side of the family. All of our kids helped decorate this crazy cake. It was quite the project.



Yesterday the 2 younger kids and I kidnapped Swen from work and took him out for lunch.



We were really glad he was generous with his chocolate cake.



In the evening, we had some friends over for homemade pizza and lemon cake. (Yes, that's 3 cakes so far!).



The kids made this candy bar poster for him. I thought it was pretty clever. It says:
Dear Dad, You are EXTRA KISSABLE and worth more than 100 GRAND. We (the Howard RUNTS) think U R as sweet as a STARBURST and a M&M (magnificent and marvelous) person, too! You are a STAR/BURST ing with love, so you have HIGH ENDURANCE to SOUR people. Thanks for playing w/ us and making us SNICKER. Love, Joe-Dog, Ike man, Alyssa girl, Maxwell, and Lincoln-boy.

We had been hoping for a double birthday for the length of my pregnancy, so we were a little disappointed when Maxwell didn't make his appearance. But, other than that it was a fabulous day! Next up: the 4th cake, which will be enjoyed with Swen's side of the family sometime very soon.