Gifts bearing gifts

Children are gifts. And then they keep giving you gifts.
It's pretty cool how that works. A self-fulfilling prophecy, as it were.
My four kids are very thoughtful of me. And I am grateful for them. Nothing new here.
But since Audrey was not with me on my actual birthday a few weeks ago, in addition to some nice things she and her sibs arranged for me to enjoy on the day, she had a gift to give me on her birthday.
Well, to be exact, on the day before her birthday. And it was more than one gift.
There was a box of peppermint tea together with keepy-glass jars of sour cherry jam and Vietnamese cinnamon. I like simple pleasures and Audrey knows it.
In addition there was a charming purple journal -- I love and collect journals -- with fleurs-de-lis on every page.
The adorable teapot was a birthday gift to me from my mother. I think it's time for a spot of tea and toast with sour cherry cooked-in-cauldron jam on top.
Maybe I'll write a poem in my journal while I sip and munch.
Audrey presented her gifts to me last Thursday when I arrived in Knoxville and had settled in at Andrew's apartment.
That was after she'd worked hard most of the week, had a less-than-awesome Thursday at the office, then rushed home, made spaghetti for all of us and brought the meal to Andrew's crib piping hot, ready for the table.
It took a lot of effort. And it was so delicious. A gift.
We were there to celebrate her and she served us. That's how she is.
I bought this wee gift for myself -- a creation of Primitives by Kathy in Lancaster, Pennsylvania -- at a shop in Market Square appropriately named bliss:
Meanwhile what did Andrew do? He gave up his bed for me on Thursday and slept on his couch. He even gave up Rambo, who lay beside me all through the night.
In addition to taking Audrey and me out to a luscious dinner on Friday evening when his own birthday was only a week away, my son filled my car with gas before I left to come back home yesterday.
Naturally he would not let me reimburse him. That's how he is.
Her father and I treated Audrey to two nights at the Hilton in downtown Knoxville, so that we girls could walk around and see the sights and eat a lot and relax a little and do some shopping and take some pictures, including the Official Birthday Portrait:
Our room had a stunning view of the Tennessee River and all of our comforts were seen to.
I love staying in hotels so maybe it was a selfish treat but Audrey had a great time too. I promise.
For example she enjoyed breakfasts and snacks in the concierge lounge, and knocking around Knoxville which is having a chilly start to spring.
As always she posed patiently and proved once more that she embodies the concept of photogenic.
I think she's got such an interesting face.
Later she was obliged to spend some time on the phone as various friends and relatives began calling to wish her a happy birthday.
Let me be clear: I do not take credit either for the two marvelous children featured in this post or for their two sisters, who are equally wonderful.
They are gifts from the Lord.
And although their father is responsible for the majority of their good qualities, in my saner moments I like to believe each of them got something worthwhile from me too.
If you have children, tell me how great they are. Brag on them shamelessly like I do. I want to read about it.
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Happy Monday ~ Happy Week
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Reader Comments (5)
I bragged on Alaina in my post for today.
Your kids are amazing! They are all soooo good looking, are good citizens and know how to treat their Mama! I think they were raised right. :)
I love hearing about your family, and I'm so glad you girls had a great time. She's gorgeous. And you are right children are a gift. Enjoy your tea and cherry preserves on toast.
Funny, I have a happy birthday post for Charlie sitting in my archives, waiting to post till it's closer to the day. He must not be as nice as your Andrew though, 'cause he never fills my car with gas or takes me out to dinner.
So, I didn't copy, promise!
Great snack! I'm jeal! Naturally. Thanks for taking these pictures and for making my birthday so fun and memorable. : )
Oh Jenny!! She is BEAUTIFUL! And your photography is gorgeous!
You have raised some Great children...
Now....Is that a Key Lime Cheesecake I see??Hahaaaaa
Love it!
hughugs