Birthday Miracles from a Box

Laura and I went to dinner on my birthday and when we returned to my house, there was a bag of true lemon goodness waiting. Janice (whom I think is the bomb-diggity), had whipped up a batch of the best lemon cookies via a cakemix I've ever had. I adore all things lemon anyway, but these were delightful.

Here's her recipe. I hope she doesn't mind me sharing. Afterall, shouldn't we share miracles with all those who will listen?

Mix 1 lemon cake mix, 1/2 cup butter & 2 eggs. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Cool and stick two cookies together with lemon frosting.

Yep, that's it. Another modern day birthday baking miracle brought to you by ME and my friend, Janice.

Patsy's Day

Yep, it's St. Patty's Day and you know what that means. It's Aunt Patsy's birthday! I have great memories of Patsy and her pale blue VW. I blame her for my addiction to Sixlets (which she always gave us when we went to visit her at Valley Bank). She is the aunt with the great laugh who always wanted us to play with her hair. Love you, Patsy!

St. Cupcake

One of the sweetest (quite literally) gifts I received on my birthday was a box of cupcakes, 6 types of frostings and 6 sprinkle samples from Portland's St. Cupcake. Can I just say heaven in a box? I ADORED the mint buttercream frosting and nearly cried at the goodness that was the carrot cupcake. Kenley's sisters, Emery and Sidney, are so thoughtful. . . it must run in the family. Thank you, girls!

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, COUSIN AUBRI. LOVE YOu!!!

How My Feet Celebrated

It has been a good week for my feet. Kenley made sure a pair of Miz Mooz (my favorite brand of shoes) was in my birthday dreams. This little pair of red pumps are now a new favorite. Thanks, babe!This little number (in black) was a gift to myself. They are SO cute. I can't wait for the sun to come out so I can wear them.And these riding boots are beautiful, but are still in the "I'm not sure my calves can handle them" stage. Don't get me wrong, I can zip them up--but it ain't pretty. Does anyone know how to diet specifically smaller calves? Let me know. I have 60 days before a final decision needs to be made. For now, I'm just walking around my house with them on--accompanied by my black capris (I look like a nut job).

If you're wondering. . . .

It's that time of year again when I start thinking about my birthday. I know--it comes around quickly, doesn't it?

Well, for those of you wondering about this year's birthday list, here are a few ideas.
These little beauties can be found HERE. Aren't they adorable?

Or, for the more practical gift-givers--I need some kind of folding laundry rack that I can dry my clothes on and then hide in the closet. This one might be too big, but you get the idea. Yes, one of those things I just refuse to buy for myself.
I'm also looking for some boots. Don't worry. I have now reviewed 29 of the 104 pages of boots on Endless.com--without finding anything I love. I'm quite confident that if I make it to page 104, I'll never want to see another boot again.

Lindsay Jane inspired this birthday treasure--the PILL EATER.And, finally, for those of you who think I smell good, I'm running low on this. Seriously, people stop me on the street to ask me about my fragrance. That's a good sign.The truth is that I just need a little bit of TLC. That would mean more to me than all the drying racks in the world.

Happy Birthday, Kimmy!

The happiest birthday wishes to Kimmy--who I miss so much.

Besides a sister package in the mail, here are my other birthday gifts--

1. I'm eating a big fat cupcake today in her honor.
2. I will not cry today when I think about missing her. Instead, I'll smile and know she's mine forever.
3. Today I am going to try to look as cute as she is--it won't be easy.
4. I think there will be at least one old episode of Grey's playing on my DVD player tonight--maybe the one where Derek and Meredith are sitting on the floor of the supply room.
5. I'm sleeping in her old room tonight. I might even spread some clothes on the floor and pretend she's just out partying.
6. Today I will be grateful for all of our memories.
7. ON Kimmy's birthday, I am going to CELEBRATE that we've been together for 31 years--and that's a blessing.

LOVE YOU, Sister--really a lot!

Let's Celebrate

Alice is one of my favorite people. Since moving into the grown-up ward, she has been a kind face in a sea of seemingly unrecognizable faces. I noted last week that her birthday was forthcoming. I carefully wrapped a small token of my esteem and found myself at her doorstep yesterday eve. When she opened the door, I greeted her with my most hearty "HAPPY BIRTHDAY." You must know by now that I love me a good birthday. She gave me an unexpected quizzical look. Apparently, Alice does not formally celebrate her birthday until the 25th of October. Go figure . . .

Happy Birthday, Malachi & Annette

Special birthday wishes to Malachi and Annette (they share their birthdays) deep in the heart of TEXAS. We LOVE YOU both and hope you are enjoying your time together.

Don't Hate me Because You're Beautiful

Happy birthday wishes to one of my favorite people on the planet! Krista could look good in a paper bag . . . and I still love her.

Happy Birthday, Papa

The day wouldn't be complete without sending bounteous birthday wishes to the best dad (and grandpa) ever.We love him--I love him. . .I really do.

And 2o08 Ends

Happy Birthday wishes to B.I.L #1--who makes our lives better, one ridiculous laugh at a time!

We love you, Eric!

Lady LuVera

So a few years ago, Laura got me a new brother-in-law. The best part of the gift was that he came with a LuVera bonus. Happy Birthday wishes to Eric's mom and my friend, LuVera--who makes being the mother of 4 boys look easy (even though we ALL know it's no day at the beach)!

Please note that I stole this picture of LuVera & Sarah from Alicia's blog. Sarah and Alicia were two other bonus Vawdrey gifts!!!

Happy, Happy Birthday, Kimmy Dear

You'd never guess it but Kimmy is celebrating a BIG birthday today. She's perfectly 30 and completely wonderful. I'm not sure how I got so lucky, but I'm grateful to have had her near me for all of those 30 years. Love you, Kimmy!

Born on the 24th of July

Tonight we went to Pocatello to celebrate grandma's birthday. It was a lovely evening for a lovely lady.Ann, grandma & dad.
Laura & grandma strike a pose.
Mom & Laura strutting there stuff.

Happy Birthday, Daddyo

The Mayor is celebrating a birthday today. Please--a moment of silence in his honor. . . .

Hugs, dad. Sure do love ya!

Celebrate

Happy Birthday AMERICA!

Happy Birthday Kirsti!

Mom Celebrates!

To celebrate mom's birthday on Sunday, Kimmy and I decided to go home for a surprise visit. Let's face it--we're not all that great at surprises--usually because we can't wait to spill the beans. Ryan is traditionally bad--with his big mouth and all. Fortunately, with the assistance of our two red-headed helpers, we were able to have a real Virtue surprise. Here's how it went down. Dad suddenly had a craving for a cone from the drive-in. While they (dad, mom & Ry) were getting ready to order, Kimmy and I pulled into the spot right next to them. Mom looked over & her face was priceless. She never even suspected--Oh, we are so smooth! We were so glad to be home for her BIG day & even though it's sad to leave, we have lots of exciting summertime fun to look forward to.

A big thank you to everyone for attending the birthday bash! . . .Oh, and for facing the bugs--SORRY about that.

Happy Birthday!

Great big birthday wishes to mom. Today she's &*()&%^* years old & completely wonderful.

LOVE YOU!

Big Day for Zachie

Happy Birthday wishes to Cousin Zachie (pictured in center). . . .Love ya!