Sunday, October 14, 2012

Happy Birthday Birdie!

It's BIRTHDAY time at our house! My Birdie is 24 years old today! 

Birdie has always, and I'm talking FROM BIRTH, been my easiest, most laid back, go-with-the-flow kid. She's my all American girl.  If she could live out of doors 24/7 and be surrounded by dogs and books, she would be happy.

She likes to think of herself as a regular Joe. Ordinary. But I know, and not just because I’m her mother, there’s nothing ordinary about Birdie. 

Birdie is our athlete. She played soccer for 8 years and loved every minute of it. Until high school when she disagreed with and refused to participate in the politics that are a part of soccer in our area and quit playing altogether. It was at this time that she discovered athletic training and became a student trainer all through high school, majored in it in college and then left us to get a master's degree in athletic training in TEXAS. But that’s ok. She’s back now. Besides, the fact that she refuses to participate in the crap that goes on behind the scenes to play the behind the scenes game is one of the things I admire most about Birdie. This kid is always on the up-and-up.

Birdie has a contagious laugh. She has what you might call a wry sense of humor. She loves old black and white movies and music that spans decades from the 1940s to the present day. She loves traveling and sports (especially soccer and football). She went to Ecuador after her senior year in high school and we thought she was going to just stay there. It might have been related to the fact that the World Cup was going on at that time.

She is loyal beyond belief to her sisters and has had the same best friend since the age of three. Birdie is independent and has better financial savvy than her dad and I ever had.  She loves decorating for holidays and celebrations and is the best gift giver of us all. Her gifts are thoughtful and perfect for each receiver. And, if you’re really lucky, it’s something she made.  

Halloween is her favorite holiday and orange is her favorite color. She was a pumpkin for Halloween 4 years in a row. And wouldn't let Mimi make her a bigger costume. THAT was interesting. As she got older, all of her birthday party themes were Halloween related.

Birdie has the patience of a saint (which she gets from her dad...stop laughing) and is creative in multiple ways. When she was little, Birdie loved to sit on my mother’s lap (Mimi) while she was sewing. Mother always puts her pins in her mouth and, one day, she noticed that Birdie was doing it too! Mimi never put pins in her mouth again whenever Birdie was around. Birdie pays attention to detail. While she was in Texas, Birdie taught herself to quilt.

She is strong willed and independent. She is my quiet child. The one who NEVER rocks the boat. She lives and loves purely and simply. She gets her feelings hurt but only a couple of us know because she doesn’t put herself out there when it comes to feelings. You really have to know her to know this side of her.  When she was little and rode roller coasters (which she has always loved- they are never  too twisty/fast/high for Birdie), her expression was the same as if she was just sitting there reading a book.

Birdie is a lot like my granddaddy especially in her practical jokes and that 'gotcha' giggle that is just like his. And the fact that they were both people of few spoken words. She also hangs up the phone when she's finished talking, often without a goodbye. Just like he did. They never knew each other, but he lives on in this one. 

She is never jealous or possessive. She never ceases to amaze us. Everyday with Birdie is a blessed day. 

Oh, and Birdie? Somebody loves you, it's ME! Happy Birthday my sweet Bird!

Since Birdie's love of music is so vast, I decided not to try and go through a ton of choices but, instead, chose her favorite Beatles song for her slideshow. Enjoy!



14 comments:

  1. Such a sweet post! Hope she has a terrific birthday :)

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  2. Plum- She started the day by reading this post and watching her slideshow. It brought a tear to her eye and I got the biggest hug and thank you! Now she's off doing her favorite thing- athletic training at a soccer tourny! Later, I'll have her fave dinner and cake for her! Thanks!

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  3. What a beautiful sweet daughter! Happy Birthday from me!...:)JP

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  4. What a sweet slideshow! Nice Beatles background!

    ♫ Happy Birdie to You!!!♪♪

    Hope she has a wonderful day!

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  5. Happy Birthday to Birdie!! A beautiful young woman! What a loving tribute to her too! May her day be a great one!

    betty

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  6. JP- Thank you! I'll tell her!

    Judy- Thanks! She loves the Beatles! Happy Birdie....love that- I'll pass it on to her.

    betty- Thank you! I'll pass it on to her!

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  7. What a lovely post and video. I hope she has a great day :)

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  8. She is going to love this post. No doubt how much you love her and admire her. Sounds like you raised an amazing girl. Loved the video, very sweet.
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIRDIE....HAVE A GREAT DAY!

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  9. Hi Pam. I love it how you do these wonderful posts for your daughter's birthday. They are always so personal and special, and this one is no different. I'm sure she was truly touched when she saw the post earlier today. Happy Birthday Birdie. You certainly sound like a very lovely girl, and mum is obviously so proud of you!

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  10. Very sweet and I swear I won't cry and I sit and cry my eyes out. Gosh, they have to grow up so fast don't they?
    Just lovely pictures of a lovely life. You know it is your birthday too, you gave birth on this day 24 years ago so it makes your day special too. That is what I always think about. I think about the first time I held them and smelled the lovely baby head. Sorry so sappy today.
    Have a wonderful day.

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  11. Lucy- Thanks! She's been at a soccer tourny all day so she's enjoying it so far. LOL

    Debby- Thank you so much! She did love the post! It even brought a tear to her eye. She's a sweet heart for sure!

    Diane- She was and that made me get all teary. :) I have such a good time making these things. But it takes forever. Because I can't see through all the tears...LOL

    Kim- Sappy is fine with me. I get that way all the time. The time truly did fly by and I miss those times of having little ones running around the place. Now all I have is an old man who is grumpy and grouchy and talks to himself. And my little Tucker. :)

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  12. It's strange how we look back on the children they were and can appreciate so much of them. My boys both had birthdays this summer and are now 28, and 25. It seems like yesterday they were entering elementary school.

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  13. What a loving post... so nice to take a few minutes to think about what makes your kid unique and special. I'm sure this post will mean a lot to Birdie. You're a great mom, it's just so crystal clear how much you love your lovelies. :) Happy Birthday to Birdie!

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! It makes me feel connected to everyone even though we may live far apart! Have a wonderful day!

 
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