Today started quietly, as I saw him sneak past our bed and heard the squeak of that first step down the stairs which gives everyone away. I pulled myself out of the bed after a busy night with Matthew of mostly no sleep again. I peaked my head over the banister and whispered to him…. Happy Birthday, try to come home early! I will, he said and with that he slipped out the front door.
We spent the rest of the day organizing the loft area to house all of the kids folded clothing, hats, scarves, sweaters etc. This is one of our biggest challenges in a family of our size. Too much clothing and not enough places to keep it which means there is always a mess of clothing somewhere and it really makes Poppa unhappy. The perfectionist that he is has to live with the mess that I am and I know it is hard for him. What better gift could we give him than to clean up or act, I hope to share the final redo tomorrow, Friday.
As early afternoon approached, I left Nick in charge and went to the market to get some fresh salmon to make Poppa his favorite meal. Raviolis topped with a parmesan cream sauce accompanied the buttery, melt in your mouth salmon in a lemon butter sauce.
Then I pulled the angel food cake out of the oven and we filled it with fresh whipped cream and raspberries. The kids laughed and said that I should have called it a raspberry tallcake instead of shortcake. I put it together atop my favorite cake plate, one that Poppa and I bought in the early years at an Estate sale and still my favorite though I now have many.
As soon as he blew out the candles, we gave him the gifts we have been hiding from him and then the kids all hugged him at the same time which turned into a free for all of kids trying to get into the inner circle of hugs with Poppa trying to kiss and hug each one.
He hates pictures and I warned him that if her made silly faces, I would post them here so here you go! Happy birthday my love. Thank you for the man you are and the father you have become over the years. We pray that Our Lord will bless us with a very long life to enjoy your company.
