My kids are so thoughtful!

So, my birthday bash in Estes was actually the weekend before my official birthday.  When my birthday did come, my sweet kids at school remembered me.  Amanda got a cake and decorated it for me.  The sad part was, I was so sick that day, I could barely get out of my chair.  I felt miserable and probably should have just stayed home anyway.  But, I tried to perk up when this precious girl brought out the cake.  Her classmate, Julianna, also brought me a lovely candle.  And Alex gave me the necklace I am wearing.  I am so lucky!

Marta's Concert

After the birthday bash ended, Lou had to get back and Marta had a concert to get ready for; I meandered down to Denver to play with Josephine while my sister and Jeff performed with a group of friends at the library.  Someone took this shot.

I loved the music and the energy that night.  It was so fun to see an audience engage with my sister and all those musicians on stage.  Great night.  I'm lucky to have been there.

Birthday...so it was six months ago. I've been busy.

My sweet little niece Josephine Marie greeted me at the cabin in Estes Park where I met my sister Marta and my oldest brother Lou.  We were having a siblings only celebration for my 40th birthday.  Sadly, my brother Matt couldn't make it, but Josephine was a pretty cute substitute.  Tre left work and didn't even stop at home to change from his uniform.  My sweet friend Janet made an amazing dinner for us so we wouldn't have to think about anything but time together. 

Josephine liked Uncle Lou a lot but wasn't too sure about the chili....

Or maybe it was Uncle Lou she wasn't too sure about!

Although I took the 80s edition of Trivial Pursuit, we just had fun talking and talking.  Saturday morning, we took a family picture; several pictures.  That whole thing about the timer is just as fun as it looks in movies!

This is the one we framed to take home with us.

Just needin' a break....

Well, after looking longingly at my friend's blogs, I am taking the big step and creating one for our family. Oh, the pressure of being an English teacher and knowing that someday a former student will read this and write, "Take time to proofread very carefully." Yikes!

I am starting tonight because I am sick and tired of grading papers. I know it is my fault for choosing a career in English instead of PE, but I still get tired of grading. My vow is to not fall behind this spring. I will be greatly helped by the pre-service teacher who is working with me until May! Hurrah.

So, this is my little break to myself before I dive into the next class. Besides, sleep is for suckas!