Buddy Seats & Birthday Parties

Thankfully, I was able to go home on Thursday night and spend 3 days at home.  I didn't get home until about 9 on Thursday, so I was only able to unload my car and catch up with Momma before burrowing under the covers of my own bed!  :)

Friday was all about me.  I was the only one home and it was DELIGHTFUL!  I attempted to try a new cookie recipe, but I FAIL at chocolate chip cookies.  Thankfully though, my grammy has a hard time with them to, so I don't feel shame.  I was also going to try to make ear warmers, but didn't want to make a pattern.  In short, I got a little bit of everything and a whole lot of nothing done at the same time.

Saturday I got the Daddy Wake-Up Call at 7 am.  We were headed to the Hunter's Breakfast at the Fire Station!  :)  This is one thing that I look forward to on my birthday weekend.  I love pancakes and I love seeing a lot of people that I don't usually get to see.  I ran into my high school math teacher, and lots of other familiar faces.  Of course, I got many questions about school and gave repeated answers with joy because I know these people care about me.  The rest of the morning was spent with Dad.  We rode back to move the cows and it was a beautiful sight!  The frost was still covering everything and the sun was still climbing.  Simply stunning!  Ruby was having a hay day until I had to hold her so she wouldn't chase the cows.  Honestly, it felt like I had a noisy baby in a church.  She needed to be quiet, but wouldn't be.  We also got into the last field of corn.  What a beautiful day it turned out to be and to be in the field, no less.  After lunch and a quick run to Ottumwa, I rode out to the field with Grammy riding on the buddy seat.  That thing is not made for extended rides!  Then I climbed up in the combine with Gramps.  Seriously, I swear that cab has gotten smaller!  We used to squeeze Gramps and at least 3 grandkids in there.  Now, it barely seems to fit both of us!  I love these rides.  Gramps shares so many stories and we have lots of good conversation as we travel down the neatly planted rows.  When I got back to the house, Momma had my favorite meal on the table.  I seriously love meatloaf!  Yes, I might be the only one you know who feels that way, but it is true!  :) I love nights that end with a big bowl of popcorn too!

Sunday I woke up to the smell of Jiffy muffins wafting through the house!  Since it was my birthday, I also got to drink out of the famed Happy Birthday mug!  Milk of course, this girl doesn't do coffee!  I got a couple of wonderful calls from close friends and I do appreciate all the wonderful wishes on Facebook that I received!  God has blessed me an awful lot!  :)  We headed to Tasos' for lunch with everyone.  Such a wonderful time with some of my favorite people!  :)

All too soon, though, it was time to leave and head back to Cedar Falls.  On the plus side, I did come back to 2 wonderful birthday cards in the mail!  :)  I can't wait to see what all is awaiting me on the 22 side of the fence!  :)