Hey everyone! Thanks so much for all the birthday wishes! You'll never know how much you brightened my day! All things considered, this has been a great birthday. It started actually yesterday, with my kids throwing me a surprise party!

They blindfolded me and took me to the living room where they had made a poster saying "Happy Birthday, Mommy! We love you! Then they all signed (or scribbled) something for me. Then I got my "presents." Each child had taken a toy out of their toybox and wrapped them up for me. Picture, if you will, a small stuffed Blue wrapped in about half a roll of wrapping paper. That's what all 4 gifts looked like. I was trying so hard not to laugh as I could tell they had worked their little hearts out on this "party." After presents, DS brought me a bag of baby carrots, since I can't have cake, and DD #1 threw handfuls of confetti on me. This was homemade confetti, made by ripping pieces of paper into miniscule bits. Then for the showstopping finale, they brought out a pinata they had made. It looked like a blob of more wrapping paper, tied tightly shut with yarn, and then tied to my broom. DH held it up while each child tried to hit it with a small plastic bat. It made very suspicious noises as they hit it, and imagine our surprise when it finally burst and some very crushed pretzel sticks fell to the floor. The kids were so excited to have done this very grown up thing, and truth be told, I was extremely touched.
Then DH took me out for dinner. Nothing fancy, just a steak. I ate 3 bites of steak, 2 small shrimp, and 3 broccoli florets, and was full. It's funny, I used to hate going out to eat, because I imagined that the wait staff was judging me on what I ordered. Now I hate to go out to eat, because the wait staff always looks at me in disbelief as I ask for a to go box. Last night, the waiter, looked at my plate, then at me and said, "Was there something wrong with the food?" I had to explain about my new tummy, and then he got it! I just can't win!
Today at church, I was bombarded by people wishing me happy birthday. I even got complimented when someone asked how it felt to finally turn 31. What a great feeling!
After church, the kids decided they needed birthday cake. So, I ended up making myself a birthday cake that I couldn't eat, and then cleaning up after it! At least they enjoyed the cake. DH bought a new freezer, and a new refrigerator/freezer a couple of weeks ago, so that is what I claim as my real presents. Then he tells me that he wants to get me a gift certificate to a day spa, but he wants me to pick out the treatments that I want. I've never done anything like that, so I don't know what I want. Suggestions, anyone?
Well, that's it from birthday land. Again, thanks for all the birthday wishes. You guys sure know how to make someone feel special.