I have some confessions to make. I have failed again in the birthday department. My sweet dear sister's birthday is today (technically last night due to Asian time difference) and I didn't send her a card or anything. No cute email. No note or card or gift. Nothing. I knew it was coming (this has been a yearly occurrence for 30 + years) and I let it slide.
Ever since we had our home for sale last year (different home, not this one) our life has been bear minimum. I have spent a year packing, showing a house, unpacking, remodeling and now packing again. It has consumed me and things have slipped through the cracks.
I have heard myself say we don't have the time or energy or money to make a big deal about birthdays and holidays. I hate this. This is NOT the person I want to be. I love my family so much and want them to know how special they are to me. Not just my kids, but my spouse, parents, in-laws, sister and nephews. I desire to demonstrate what they mean to me.
Little example of my chaotic life...in my unpacking, I found a sympathy card I had for my brother in law for the death of his dad last summer. I had every intention of getting it to him to express my concern and it got lost in the shuffle.
Lost in the shuffle. I fear of really knowing what else slipped through the cracks. What other balls have I let drop? I guess it shows how human I am and that though I try, super Mom I am not.
All this to say, Happy Birthday Sis...so glad we could at least talk on the phone and I owe you for one years worth of birthday wishes.
Friday, April 25, 2008
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Thanks sis. I know you love...and that is all that matters. Sorry life has been so crazy. Thanks for your thoughts and care across the miles. I am going to quote you, "This is so who I do not want to be." Very fitting for each one of us in oh so many areas. You are not alone. Thanks for some great laughs on the phone and sharing your bizarre stories. It made my day. Love you tons!!
I am not a birthday card sending person either. I felt guilty about it for years, but I resigned to the fact that I do other things, like write books about my friends and family and do thoughtful things throughout the year when it comes up.
Cris, (Confession time) I always have a rotating stack of late and unmailed cards on my kitchen counter. I have missed lots of birthdays, well intended condolances, thank you's and new baby congrats. Once in a while I even come across the one that I intended to give to my parents on my wedding day 14+ yrs ago. Just in case I don't get your card out again, an early "Happy Birthday" my friend. And a belated "Happy Birthday" to Susan.
If Susan's BD is "technically last night" because she lives on the other side of the world, I think that means we untechnically have the same birthday...only mine has been going on long enough to, uh, round up to 50. Happy birthday plus a day, Susan!
A week before our sort-of shared birthday, I attempted to shop for a card for my Daddy at Walmart and another store, and found I could not really shop for a card with my 7-year-old along - there were too many suggestve and/or crude cards. This was aggravating, since Christian bookstores and Hobby Lobby were not on my errand route. Next time I am in HL I plan to stock up. They have sweet, funny, and clean cards.
I know, I know, get out the cardstock and goodies and make a card, get on the computer and create one - save $$, too.
That was my New Years resolution this year: to send the handwritten cards to my close friends and family. I was embarrassed to even admit that I needed to make that resolution. Even more embarrassed to admit, I haven't done a great job of keeping it so far! I'll keep trying though...
Keep your priorities: God, husband, family. There are seasons of business in all of our lives...this too shall pass. Your family and friends understand and know your heart. Don't fret so much.
Sweet thoughts, Cris! We all mean well, don't we! I don't like it that my life is consumed with too much of "my world." How wonderful of God to give us families - who love and understand in spite of all our faults!
"Happy birthday" back to ya Cris' blogger friend (and name sake) K-Sue. I love having hand-stamped cards on hand to give...but rarely happens. I got the best gift from a friend at Christmas, it was a box of adorable hand-made cards. It was great and I've loved pulling them out for special occasions when I am too busy. Talk about a gift of love.
I am SO bad with this stuff, too. I'll make my big confession: I always make my children write lovely thank-you notes. Then months later I'll find them under something on my desk. :( THEY write them, but I don't bother to mail them. How bad is that?
I am this way too! I used to be much better, but now that I have children I miss so many things. I did print out a birthday/anniversary list and put it on my fridge. That is helping a little.
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