Birthday fun

My favorite yoga teacher always ends class by saying "Remember that every day you have something to be grateful for." For those readers who know me, you know that the past few years have been difficult for me, not just because of dealing with Langdon Place and my aging parents, but because my immediate family members have had lots of issues with each other for which I have been smack in the middle.

This summer marks a turning point in family relationships, and I just want to go on record that we have now had two family birthday celebrations which have not caused me to be in high anxiety or wishing I could be somewhere else (like in witness protection).

Last night Todd hosted a small family birthday party for Emily who turns 9 on Saturday. Sarah was able to come, but sadly Ben had to work late. There were just the five of us, and Todd grilled portobello mushrooms with mozzarella and tomato slices (Emily's request) and he made potato salad and I provided green beans out of my garden. The piece de resistance was the birthday cake made by Todd. It was delicious, and he had taken pains to frost it, put colored sprinkles all over it, along with pastel colored m & m's and most impressively, pink "roses" made out of frosting which he had created with a cake decorating tube. Nine candles and a birthday wish later, we all launched into cake and ice cream, followed by presents.

Emily, who has inherited the Twombly talker gene (that's my side of the family), talked non-stop through the meal, expressing her opinion on a variety of issues, no matter what they were. Hmmmm, I wonder where she inherited that trait??? She thanked each of us as she opened our presents, saying several times how much she loved something. Today she willingly wrote a thank you note to Great Grammie, since she couldn't share in the celebration yesterday.

Todd has really stepped up to the plate this summer and has had a great time finally being the dad that he's been capable of all along, but for a variety of reasons hasn't really been able to demonstrate. He has had the kids this week for the 3rd week of "Daddy Camp," and they have gone swimming, hiking, on a duck tour, played with Leggos, light sabers, the slip and slide and one day, the kids had 3 friends over for a play date. He is firm but reasonable with them, and genuinely has enjoyed spending so much time with them.

All in all, I am so grateful for my children and my grandchildren and for the family glue that finally has returned to hold us all together!!