MY 3 YEAR OLD GRANDSON SKUNKED ME IN UNO MOO

When I taught accounting, I told my students at the beginning of the semester that if they wanted to bribe the teacher, the best way is to bake me a German Chocolate Cake with the rich creamy coconut icing.  By the end of the term and before finals, I received seven cakes.  It became a joke every term, but one term ended near my birthday so the students gave me a party and guess what they made for the birthday cake?  The most luscious, tempting cake set in the middle of the table.  You will never guess what type?  It looked like this one....boy was it ever so good.  It was a great birthday party filled with many cards and of course the Happy Birthday Song.  What a wonderful birthday!

BIRTHDAY PARTY IN 2011:  GALLOP CAFE in DENVER

Cake Maker, Best Friend and Co Owner Glen

My friends David and Glen, owners of the Gallop Cafe in Denver, Co (Best place to eat ever) hosted the largest birthday party I have ever had at the Gallop in 2011.  About 40 friends came.  We ate, we laughed, we talked, and we had birthday cake baked by good friend Glen.  It was absolutely the largest German Chocolate Cake I have ever seen but oh was it ever so good.  Glen told me he used 3 dozen eggs just to make it.  It tasted so good because it was made by a dear friend and shared with all of my friends.

BIRTHDAY PARTY 2012:  CELEBRATED WITH FAMILY

 

My Daughter Regina

For the first time in many years, I lived close enough to family  

Me, Elise, Nick, my daughter Kylene, and Trevor

to go out with them on my birthday.  We went to Cheddars.  It was cold (as usual) this time of year.  Some of the family was home sick with the flu.  We enjoyed the family time.  I loved celebrating with my family.

BIRTHDAY 2013:  FRIED CHICKEN AND UNO MOO

As a natural born citizen of the South, I was born with a craving for fried chicken (actually anything fried).  We raised chickens on the farm but there were seven in the family so when we had fried chicken, I was the last one to get a piece.  Somehow, I always wound up with the back.  I did not know the taste of white meat or dark meat or the pully bone until all of siblings left home.  I love fried chicken, mustard potato salad, and German Chocolate cake.  

But food can never replace the joy of having friends and family.  This year so many of my friends sent me greetings on facebook and in emails.  My family who lives far away also sent me greetings.  I didn't want any presents.  I did have the best birthday ever though for there was no big party or no going out to eat.  The ground is covered in snow and the temperatures are below freezing.  This year, my daughter Regina hosted a family celebration.  Guess what we had?  I will give you a hint.

You guessed it.  We had Popeye's Mild Fried Chicken.  Boy, was it delicious.  Jason, Regina, Elise, Jonah and I gobbled it down like we had not had any in a month (it is a family tradition we have a monthly meal of fried chicken).  After we were so full, we waddled away from the table.  We watched some Charlie Brown Christmas shorts.  It was game time so we dug out Uno Moo.  It was a new game to me but I quickly learned that you don't want the one who plays before you to skunk you for you lose your turn and have to draw two more farm residents.  

The game went quickly.  Regina was the first to get rid of all the critters in her barnyard, then Elise.  It was down to Jonah (my 3 grandson who was assisted by his Dad, Jason) and me.  Jonah skunked me three times and beat me.  Each time, he played the skunk, he would just smile with that killer smile.  When he won, he jumped up and down with joy.  

Now, I know how grandma felt when she was run over by the reindeer or how the village felt when the Grinch stole Christmas.  Jonah did it on his own without help from anyone.  He beat me!  I felt like the kid in Christmas story who stuck his tongue on the icy pole.  I wouldn't trade this for all the tea in China or all the rubies of India.  Seeing Jonah jump for joy made my day.  Having Jonah and Elise (who is 6) choose my cake and having Regina and Jason there made this birthday so very special.  Getting the hugs only children can give is worth more than a thousand German Chocolate Cakes or boxes of fried chicken.

This is the best birthday ever!  Thanks to all for your love, support, and many greetings.  Now, I am ready to celebrate Christmas!  No, I haven't decorated.  No, I haven't done a lot of shopping.  I am ready to give and receive the greatest gift of all.....unconditional love.  Unconditional love is a daily gift to be shared with others and to be received from others.  May you all have the joy of receiving and giving the greatest gift of all.