{Yummy} Indulgence

The day started with the family around the table for cereal.

Mama wasn't cookin' today.

I try to avoid the kitchen,

if at all possible, on my birthday.

It was cold and rainy outside,

but we mustered up the motivation to go out for lunch.

Pei Wei.  Mmmmmm...

My fortune said that many doors will be opening for me.

Gracie pointed out that she was the first to fulfill that good fortune.
As we left, she held the door open for all of us.

Nator's fortune said something about looking to the old for wisdom.

I don't know why DK told her to look at me.

I mean, DK is 3 1/2 yrs older wiser than this birthday girl.

After lunch, we vegged.

The girls played dolls online {yes, you read that right},
while DK and I watched mindless T.V.

We couldn't help but laugh at the dialogue being played out upstairs.

While fading in and out of consciousness, 
DK and I channel surfed between...

people's lives that were changed after winning the lottery,

Men in Black {DK had the remote},

and historical facts about many of our Christmas traditions,

of which we found most fascinating.

It really made me think about how so many people,
who do not claim to believe in Jesus,
simply celebrate the commercialism of it all.

However, I could have gone my entire life without knowing that

 my birthday is shared with the date of St. Nicholas' death.  {Gasp!}

Well, after all that excitement,
we sure did work up quite the appetite.
Macaroni Grill, it is!

{photo tip: it's always best to have your picture taken from higher up!
this was taken by our girls.  siting. down.}

I can't indulge in this treat often.
Matter-o-fact, the last time I ate a spread like this was
on my birthday last year.
I could eat a loaf of their bread
{dipped in oil and freshly cracked pepper}
every. day.
But, alas, I would like to fit into my jeans.

Nator's favorite part is telling the server that it's someone's birthday.
Thankfully There were no singers available, but that didn't stop us from eating cake!

Here's part of a text conversation I had with my brother on the way there.
I left out the gushy I love you's.
{His birthday is the day before mine.
Our mother's birthday is the day after mine.  How's that for timing?!}

Brother:  Eat something good for your bday.  No grass and twigs.
Me:  You read my mind.  My hips will be wearing cake!
Brother:  Awesome!  Send me a pic.
Honestly we have been making an effort to eat healthier,
thanks to you guys.  It's so important for the kids.
Me:  That's great!  I'll have "DK" send you one via iphone. ;)
Brother:  Have fun!

Fun {and food} was had!

Just in case my brother is wondering if I really ate some...
Here's proof.
They might have some of the yummiest chocolate cake I've ever tasted.
DK may have even left with a few fork wounds as he was trying to taste,
send the pic to my brother, and post on facebook.

This mama worked out at lil' harder at the gym this morning.
It was worth it.

Now, back to the regularly scheduled program.
Protein shakes,
Shredded Wheat sweetened with Stevia,
leaves and twigs.
I have to.
My body responds to junk food like a bad allergic reaction.
Major "swelling".
{Sigh}