Nin and Foster's Road to ...

It is that amazing month of OUR BIRTHDAYS! No matter how old we get—and Melina is older, FYI—we both love to make a big deal about our days. And if you think money determines how great the day is, then think again! These are a few simple things you need to make a birthday special.

A TIARA - I don't know what the male equivalent of this would be, but I know that every girl needs a tiara on her birthday. And it isn't a princess thing for me. I prefer to think of it as a Queen for the day thing. I wore mine at work all day and was told that everything I said was okay because ... TIARA! Melina wore hers on her birthday as well. It's amazing how few people in our neighbourhood even notice a grown woman in a tiara. I guess it it by far not the craziest thing you see in the course of a day.

A WAND - Our wands had long, sparkly, rhythmic gymnastic-like ribbons on them. I ran up to people at work, flicked my ribbon around and proclaimed "I have a tiarrrrra and a waaaaaand!". The cats were fascinated with Melina's wand on her birthday. All four in the room at the same time for something other than food! It was a Birthday miracle.

A SPECIAL MEAL - Not necessarily anything special. I went with comfort food and had cheesy noodly yummies. Melina had our family favourite of taco salad. Just enough to make it special.

MAYBE A LITTLE TREAT -  I am trying to stay away from the mention of anything money related, but as this wasn't even 10.00 I think it's okay. Melina picked out a new nail polish, because that is her thing. I couldn't really afford a gift but I did make her a bracelet. There is always something you can do to make things fun, right?

AMAZING FAMILY - We are blessed with an amazing group of people, blood relatives and friends that were chosen, who are now family. Hearing from them is a huge blessing. Getting to spend time with them, even doing nothing, is the best thing I can imagine. 

So there you have it—a great birthday time! Of course, Melina and I could have an awesome time if you locked us in a closet. lol! Oh yeah, that's the last important ingredient:

AN AWESOME BESTIE!

Donna and Jean

Honestly, their story is a bit redonkulous. They have been friends since high school and after many years of close friendship, Donna being married and having two beautiful daughters, they found their way to each other. And to quote Donna directly, "I married the man who makes my heart smile".

It was a small ceremony at a beautiful restaurant here in Halifax. Very posh. AND they made us yummy vegan food, which was a plus. Melina and I sat next to a wonderful couple who lived in the UK at one point, so we talked British TV all night. Delightful.

And living a few hours away from home and not owning a car, it is rare that all five sisters and my parents can get together. It was such a wonderful blessing to be able to spend time with all of them. Diane was so thoughtful and bought Donna a bouquet which she didn't know she wanted. Darlene wore this blue dress and looked SLAMMIN'. Seriously, she looked awesome. We may all be slightly jelly, and I speak for myself here. 

We got to spend a little extra time with my sister, Debbie and her husband David. Growing up they were a little like my second parents. They took me on amazing camping trips every summer and these are some of my very best memories. Melina has grown to love them as much as I do. Any time spent with them is extra special.

It was especially wonderful to see my parents. The look on my dad's face brought tears to my eyes as he was thrilled to see Donna blissful. My mother was glowing with joy at seeing her daughter so happy. Beautiful.

The other night we drank the wine that was the wedding favour. It was a particular vintage put out in homage of my people, the Acadians. Or as Melina put it, "It is the wine of pain and suffering?". lol Well, it was yummy! And it was so nice to remember such a beautiful day.

~ Denise