be happy for this moment.

Our birthdays are feathers in the broad wing of time.  

Jean Paul Richter

For my first birthday away from the family and friends, it really was lovely. I sat in my PJs for a nice amount of time and opened my thoughtful cards and gifts from my mom, friends, Nick's mom and grandma.  My mom got me some great books (St. Louis travel guide book and Audubon bird guide for my new porch bird feeder), beautiful silver ball earrings (I literally wore my old ones in half!) and a Pedi Egg.  Have you tried it yet?  Really, it works so well!

I met my friend Sarah (Christmas dinner host) for lunch at my favorite Panera and then headed to the mall with a little birthday spending money.  I picked up a great pair of trouser jeans at Express and cardigan at Ann Taylor Loft both on sale and perfect for our upcoming New Year's Eve party. I had a manicure courtesy of Nick and then we had a yummy dinner at Brio. Then we came home and watched Burn After Reading (I love the Cohen brothers!).

A special dinner out 

I also received glorious flowers from my mom and Nick.  So pretty on my kitchen window sill!

Daises from my mom and Hydrangea from Nick

So nothing extravagant but really a great birthday!  We're headed to Iowa for a few days to celebrate New Year's Eve and enjoy some time with Nick's family and old friends.  Have a happy start to 2009!