Ellen's 34th Birthday Weekend

Even though today is her birthday, we just passed through Ellen's birthday weekend. (Please refer to my previous thoughts on appropriate times to celebrate one's birth date, here.) The weekend itself was a real doozie. Lee's brother, Dayton, got married, so there was lots of hubbub throughout the family to prepare for the big day. I got to make the rehearsal dinner flowers which were so happy and bright and celebratory. Working with colorful blooms is thrilling. 
So that was Friday; I made flower arrangements and Ellen and Lee went to the rehearsal dinner while Mom and Dad watched Nick and Liv. 

Saturday, Brett and I had a garage sale. The collection of tools and wedding decor that we can't take with us made for what we thought would be a tantalizing display for the community. I'm squeamish about asking for money in exchange for crap, so Mom came over to help move along the inventory. I found the whole thing terribly awkward while Brett made assorted man-friends throughout the morning. I've never seen him so chatty. He marked all of his wares too high (no one would bite) while Mom was practically giving away my vases and decorative bee-bobs. "50 cents!' she told one lady holding a $9 candle still in the plastic. In the end we made beans... but we got rid of lots of crap, so I suppose it was a success. 

From the garage sale, Mom darted back home to change into her wedding duds. Ellen was one of the bridesmaids and Liv was the flower girl. So Ellen left early that morning to get ready with the bridesmaids and Lee went to be with the groomsmen. Dad was home watching Nick and Liv by himself which went well except that Nick tinkled all over Dad's lap and then barfed on him. Dad told us last night that he's gotten to an age whereupon feeling that warm sensation take over his legs, it occurred to him that maybe he was the one that tinkled. He had to check.

At 3:00, Nick's babysitter arrived and then Mom, Dad and Liv headed out to the wedding. Meanwhile, Brett and I got our Covid booster shots and then went tile shopping for our new bathroom. We got into a decor fight so calm and understated that I couldn't decide if we were actually mad or just hungry. We brought a Lowes employee into our discrepancy and he patched it all up for us before we went over to Home Depot and gave them our business. 

Back at the wedding, on Ellen's birthday Saturday, she escorted her little blonde princess down the aisle. 

Proper, non-blurry photos to come.

She didn't throw any petals but she sure looked cute. So did Livvy.

Mom and Dad brought Liv home shortly after the ceremony so that Ellen and Lee could stay out and celebrate. 

Back at our place, Brett and I began to wither. 

"Does your head hurt?"

"Yeah. Yours?"

"Uh huh. Is your neck stiff?"

"Yeah. My legs are aching."

I was required to get a Covid booster for an upcoming adventure. Brett chose to go ahead and get the new bivalent booster because both Clint and Susan have Covid right now and Susan is unconcerned about spreading it to others. That night we tumbled into flu-like symptoms and watched Peaky Blinders to remind us that things aren't so bad. 

We got up the next morning (I intentionally didn't say "woke up" because I'm not sure we ever fell asleep) and tried to start packing up the house for our move-out day this coming Saturday. Little progress was made.

By the afternoon we were back on our feet and ready for Ellen's Birthday Sunday Dinner. Dad prepared a meal curated by the birthday girl and then we had cake. Lee's grandma made "the pink cake" for them and you wouldn't believe the amount of frosting Mom consumed. Then we gave Ellen her presents. 

"Brett and I have a little gift for you," I told her at the crowded dinner table. I pulled out the little envelope and passed it over to Ellen. 

"Ooh!" she squealed. Ellen opened the glossy white seal to reveal gift card to a favorite store on King Street. "Oh thank you!" she said. 

"Well," I interrupted, "There's a problem." The table waited for my explanation. "I went by the other day and well, the store has closed."

"What?" Dad said, "What do you mean?

"Well I walked by and it's gone. They're renovating it. Some swanky brand is moving in." The table began to snicker.

"What a horrible gift," Dad said, and then he laughed maniacally.

"Why did they sell you gift card if they were closing?" Brett asked.

"Maybe the employee didn't know." I suggested. Dad's unbridled laughter had the whole table grinning. "But there's an upside!" I added. "I checked, and they have a website with all the same goodies for sale."

"Oh!" Relief washed over the dinner table. Ellen smiled with satisfaction.

"...but you can't use gift cards online," I added.

"This is the worst gift ever!" Dad jeered and then he cackled; gut-busting, sinister laughs.

"I'm going to email them," I said, "Maybe they'll take pity on us!" The family had lots to say about my crappy gift, even though it was purchased with good intentions. 

"Well, thank you," Ellen finally mustered, with a touch of confusion.

Dad then recounted the whole exchange again just for his amusement. "Hey Ellen, here's a gift card to a store that's closed but don't worry, they have a website. You can't use the gift card online but I'll email them tomorrow!" "Hahhahaahaha!"

When the scoffing and laughter died down, Mom slid her birthday card across the table. Inside was a monetary donation, and words of love of course, and Ellen thanked Mom and Dad for their more viable gift. Then it occurred to Ellen that she owed me the exact amount of money that was tucked into her birthday card. "Oh no!" Dad yelled and then broke into another round of self-satisfying laughter. Ellen sheepishly pulled out the cash and slid it down the table to me. I snatched it up and tucked it into my bra. 

"Happy Birthday!" Brett cheered.

Ellen hung her head. "Thanks everyone."