Better with Age?

You might have noticed things have been quiet on the blog for the last week or so. That's because this roadblock of a post is sitting in my pending folder taunting me.  Last month I turned 50. Yeah, that's right.  Woohoo.  The big-five-oh.  Blah, blah, blah.  I feel I should write about it, commemorate it in some way.  It's kind of a big deal, I guess. But I really have no idea what to say about it. 

Happy Birthday, Sugar Bear!!!

This adorable little princess turns 25 today!  I can't even believe it.

She was the most beautiful, alert and happy baby. She was so easy. 

She did have her little tantrums, but they were few and far between.

She still has her tantrums but only when she is tired, hungry or stressed.

Just like when she was a baby. 

She is the dearest thing in the world to me.

I always struggle to find the words to express how it feels to be her mother.

She is the absolute joy of my life.

 

So today, even though I can't be with her,

I have to let her know that I'm thinking of her always.  

This is a little game we've played since she was just a little girl,

but I never tire of it and I hope she doesn't either.  

Jessica, if they lined up all the 25 year old young women in the world and

told me to pick one for my daughter, do you know which one I would pick?

 

I'd pick one just a little taller than me with brown/blonde hair (it varies)

One who smiles with her whole face and can light up a room with that smile. 

One with the most gorgeous blue eyes imaginable. 

I'd pick one with a heart for animals. 

I'd pick one that only recognizes only two food groups... carbs and grapes. 

I'd pick a girl who always has time for her friends and who is deeply loyal. 

One who was so strong, who fights to move forward even when circumstances suck.

A girl who doesn't like sweets much.

I'd pick a girly-girl who loves a good pedicure, new haircut and a tiara on the right occasion. 

A young woman who almost finds it impossible to lie.  

Who never took a sneak peak at the Christmas presents no matter how tempting. 

I pick the one with an absolutely sharp and wicked sense of humor.  

A young girl with such a positive outlook on life,

who always has hope for a better day tomorrow.  

A young girl who is so clumsy, she can fall just walking across a room.  

A young lady who still loves to be tucked into a snuggly bed like a burrito. 

A girl I could depend on to set the clock on the microwave. 

A young lady who is so forgiving of a mother who can sometimes be a hot mess

and has taken off to the other side of the world. 

I'd pick a girl who is just as lovely on the inside as she is on the outside.

I would pick out the one girl how stole my heart 25 years ago today

and who shall forever be the center of my existence no matter how far apart we are.

I would pick you.  Every time. 

I love you, Child of Mine.  

Happy Birthday!!!!

xoxo

Mom

Cologne Christmas Markets and a Milestone

Happy Birthday!!!  Today my blog is one year old. 

I can't believe it's been a year already, and what an amazing year.  

I look back over the 150 post and I can't believe everything that I've experienced.

From those first posts about saying goodbye, the posts about waiting,

and now feeling so much more settled.  

We moved here in January 2012 which means it's almost time for my

One Year Well-Expat Check up.

I have quite a bit of reflecting to do about this year.

I don't say it enough, but thank you so much for those of you who take the time

to read and comment on my little corner of the internet.

You've made me laugh, cry, and let me know I'm not alone in this journey. 

I'm so thankful for the connections I've made and maintained through this blog.  

Thanks for the warm fuzzies!!

My brother also celebrated a birthday this week!  Happy Birthday, Bubba!!
I miss you like crazy and can't for you to come visit.
Soon, please!!!

xoxo 

Selena 

P.S.  Here are the photos from the Cologne Christmas Markets.  Such a fantastic weekend.  Christmas Markets will now be an annual tradition.  My new goal in life is to make sure that I get to experience them with Sugar Bear.  She is gonna LOVE it!!!

 

 

Check out that chocolate camera!!

 I think we should all go in costume next year.

 Artwork on the ceiling of the restaurant where we had dinner in cologne.

Where is your favorite Christmas Market??



Warning... Shameless plea ahead.

If you want to wish my blog a Happy Birthday, 
visit Expat Blogs, scroll to the bottom and leave a comment. 
They will be announcing the Expat Blog awards for England in a few days.
Can you believe I've sent TE this link a half a dozen times and he still hasn't left a comment?

Birthday Celebration in Folkestone

 Sunday was my 46th birthday!

The four of us headed South to Folkestone to celebrate with TE's parents. 

I've written about Folkestone before, here and here.

 But, first we stopped at the Battle of Britain Memorial to take in the views.

 TE showing the in-laws the view of Folkestone, where he grew up.

Momma & Mr. B

 This lab was so sweet.  When he saw the dog statue he ran up to it wagging his tail, 

eager to make a new friend.

They touched noses and he looked so deflated when he realized it wasn't real. 

Then on to Folkestone.

We stopped at TE's childhood home for tea and cake.  Love my glam cake!

But, I make cutting it look so perplexing.  What's that about?

 These gorgeous, massive sunflowers are in his parent's garden.

This one is well over 7 feet tall.  They're so pretty.

We took Mom & Mr. B down to the Folkestone harbor area for a quick tour.

One of the few sand beaches in England.

Then we had dinner at Rock Salt before heading back to London.

I've been picking up a few gifts for myself over the past few weeks.

 A carry bag for my Kindle made from a suit sleeve.

And my new friend, Jerry the wellie wearing duck.

Mom & Mr. B gave me a warm, cozy scarf which will be perfect for this winter.

TE surprised me with a new camera lens and a shutter remote...woohoo!

But, the best was spending the day surrounded by loved ones

and receiving so many birthday wishes from family and friends. 

 Thanks for making my special day so very special!

xoxo

Selena